Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Pope Needs 'Good People' to Work With Eastern Churches, Says Chaldean Patriarch The Chaldean Patriarch of Babylon Cardinal Sako met Pope Leo XIV during his audience with Eastern Catholics on 14 May. Pope Leo XIV must "find good people" to guide his engagement with Eastern Churches, according to the head of the Chaldean Catholic Church. The Pope addressed Catholics from the 23 sui iuris Eastern Churches in communion with Rome gathered at the Vatican for their Jubilee celebration on Wednesday, affirming the need for the universal Church to "cherish" their traditions. The Chaldean Patriarch of Babylon, Cardinal Louis Raphael I Sako, told The Tablet he hoped Pope Leo would engage regularly with Eastern Catholics, visiting them in their historic homelands and meeting their Churches' patriarchs to discuss "our difficult situation and our future". He said the Churches "also need political help" from the Pope, particularly in the Middle East where their numbers have dramatically declined over the past 20 years but where they still have "a vocation". "He can ask countries to respect human rights, to respect the dignity of persons and their freedom," Sako said. The patriarch said he hoped Pope Leo would regularly meet the Eastern Catholic patriarchs -- echoing other cardinals' calls for more collaboration with the papacy -- and work with the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches. "We can explain the realities of our countries," he said. The patriarch also reported speaking to the dicastery's prefect Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, who promised "to take care of our Churches", emphasising the importance of prioritising the "unity and integrity of the faith". In his address to members of the Eastern Churches on Wednesday, Pope Leo said he would direct the dicastery to establish norms for Latin bishops to support the diaspora of Eastern Catholics living in their dioceses to help them preserve their traditions. "The contribution that the Christian East can offer us today is immense," the Pope said. "Who better than you can sing a song of hope even amid the abyss of violence?" Sako said he would be "wise to wait for a while" for a response to a report he submitted to Pope Francis in September after five bishops failed to attend the Chaldean synod that July, in what the patriarch said was a violation of their duties to him and to the synod. Pope Francis did not take public action on the report before his death, but Sako said he was confident that Pope Leo would respond in time and "respect the synodality of our Church", because the 17 Chaldean bishops who did attend the synod had supported his actions. Under Canon 43 of the Code of Eastern Canons which governs the sui iuris Churches, the Pope has "supreme, full, immediate and universal ordinary power in the Church". "We should be patient and give him the chance to look at things closely," Sako said. "We are hopeful." Commentators noted that despite his wide experience as a missionary and prior general of the Augustinians, Pope Leo had relatively little interaction with Eastern Churches. Sako nevertheless welcomed his election, saying he was "always speaking to him" during the congregations and the conclave and that the then-Cardinal Robert Prevost had complimented the simplicity of his Chaldean habit. "He is very balanced, simple, humble, listening," Sako said, adding that his experience of dialogue with Islam through the Augustinians' historic presence in Algeria (particularly at the modern site of Hippo, where St Augustine was bishop) would be important for Chaldeans and other Catholics living in Muslim-majority countries. The patriarch did not disclose further details of the conclave to The Tablet, but has faced criticism in Iraq after disputed claims that he reported a void ballot in a telephone interview with an Arabic-language television channel. In the interview broadcast on 9 May on Charity Radio TV, a Lebanese outlet run by Maronite missionaries, Sako apparently revealed that one ballot during the conclave was declared void after a cardinal submitted two voting slips by mistake -- a story which has circulated widely from several sources since the end of the conclave on 8 May, though the cardinals are sworn to secrecy regarding the proceedings. After criticism in Iraq of the purported indiscretion, the Chaldean patriarchate published a statement on 11 May denying that Sako had made any statements about the conclave except a written account for its website. It said that "for years there has been a certain group spreading lies" about the patriarch, referring to the nominally-Christian Babylon Brigades militia which he has publicly opposed. In a personal statement the next day, Sako said he was the victim of "organised campaigns of provocation on social media" by "people who sell their honour and dignity for money or position". Xiaomi is now heading towards a significant change to its smartphone production as the company unveiled its plans to create its own silicon chips moving forward. Its first chipset will be called "XRING 01," and the company revealed that it has been working on this self-made processor for a long time now. Many companies have opted to leave behind their chip partners and end reliance on other companies to power their devices, a move that was popular amongst the likes of Apple, Google, and more. Xiaomi Is Creating Its Own Silicon Chip Called the 'XRING 01' Xiaomi has spilled the beans on its latest development for its renowned smartphone technology as the company has now confirmed that it is set on making its own silicon chips. The company unveiled this new processor as the "XRING 01," and it was revealed by the Chinese tech giant that it has worked on this chip for over 10 years now. It remains unknown how powerful the chip would be from Xiaomi as details remain scarce as of writing, and the company is still keeping the intricate information behind it under wraps. That being said, 9to5Google reported that it will feature a 1+3+4 layout that puts it behind the Snapdragon 8 Elite from Qualcomm and the Dimensity 9400 from MediaTek, both known to be flagship processors. It was also revealed that the XRING 01 will debut with the Xiaomi 15s, with its Weibo post claiming that the chip would arrive this late May. Self-Made Chip For Smartphones Using TSMC's Process Xiaomi is the latest company to develop its self-made chipsets and let go of its reliance on third-party manufacturers like Qualcomm and MediaTek, similar to what Google did with the Pixel 6's Tensor. In Xiaomi's case, it is relying on TSMC's 4nm process for the XRING 01. Other Android smartphone makers have also opted to create their own chipsets like Huawei because of the US restrictions, as well as Samsung, which has developed the Exynos for select devices. The Chip Industry's Self-Made Titans For the longest time, Apple is known for creating its own chips to power their devices, and this has been observed by the company for their portable devices, especially for the iPhones and iPads with the A-series processors. However, Apple took it up a notch in 2020 when it introduced the M-series chip to the Macs, with the company famously leaving behind Intel. It was not long after when other tech companies have joined as its Big Tech rival, Google, also opted to leave behind Qualcomm's Snapdragon in favor of its self-made processors. The Tensor was born in 2021, and it focused on giving the Pixel a dedicated silicon chipset that started with the Pixel 6 series and never looked back. Many other companies are also known for developing their chipsets for their devices, with Samsung known for its development of the Exynos, while simultaneously using the Snapdragon for specific devices and regions. Netanyahu calls off Vatican trip over fears of ICC arrest Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 May 2025 7:05 AM Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly scrapped his plans to attend Pope Leo XIV's inauguration at the Vatican, fueled by fears over a potential arrest related to a warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC). According to Ynet, Netanyahu's decision came after behind-the-scenes negotiations between the occupying entity and Italian and Vatican officials to assess whether Netanyahu could enter the country without facing detention. However, Italian and Vatican officials' responses have been ambiguous, and it remained unclear whether they would comply with the ICC's warrant should Netanyahu set foot on their soil. Faced with this uncertainty, Netanyahu's office has canceled the trip to avoid arrest or diplomatic embarrassment. The ICC arrest warrant, though not confirmed publicly by the court, is related to the war crimes the Israeli regime, led by Netanyahu, has committed over the past 19 months since the genocidal war on Gaza began. This is another legal setback for Netanyahu on the international stage, as global outrage over the ongoing war in Gaza grows. Pope Leo XIV's inauguration ceremony is expected to draw world leaders and dignitaries from across the globe. Netanyahu's absence, under such circumstances, underscores the Israeli regime's diplomatic isolation in the wake of its genocidal actions in Gaza, where over 53,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed. On November 21, 2024, following an investigation of war crimes and crimes against humanity, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, the former minister of military affairs. Israel, which rejects the jurisdiction of the Hague-based court and denies war crimes in Gaza, is contesting the warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant. Documents published on the ICC website earlier this month revealed that Israel has asked judges at the ICC to withdraw arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant. They also show Israel has asked the court to order the prosecution to suspend its investigation into atrocity crimes in the Palestinian Territories. There are no specific deadlines set for decisions on Israel's request to withdraw the warrants and halt the investigation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Vice Minister Funakoshi's Travel to the United States Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan May 17, 2025 From May 15th to 16th, Mr. FUNAKOSHI Takehiro, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, traveling to Washington, D.C., the United States, held meetings with the Honorable Christopher Thomas Landau, Deputy Secretary of State of the United States of America, and others. The overview is as follows: On May 16th, Vice Minister Funakoshi held a meeting with Deputy Secretary Landau: They exchanged views broadly on Japan-U.S. cooperation in areas including security and the economy, and concurred to continue working closely together to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance, building upon the outcomes of the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting in February. They also concurred to convene a Security Consultative Committee (SCC: "2+2") meeting at an early date. They concurred to conduct consultations between Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and Department of State of the United States regarding concrete measures to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific. Furthermore, they reaffirmed the importance of further strengthening the coordination among like-minded countries in the region such as Japan-U.S.-ROK, Japan-U.S-Philippines and Japan-Australia-India-U.S. (Quad). They exchanged views on regional situations, such as issues related to China, and their policies toward North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue. Vice-Minister Funakoshi expressed his appreciation for the consistent support from the U.S. government regarding the abductions issue as confirmed by Deputy Secretary Landau. The two sides concurred to regularly hold Japan-U.S. vice-minister's meetings. They also concurred to promote Japan-U.S.-ROK Trilateral Vice Foreign Ministerial Meetings. During his stay in the United States, Vice-Minister Funakoshi also held meetings with Mr. Alex Wong, Deputy National Security Advisor to the President of the United States, and Dr. Andrew Baker, National Security advisor to Vice President of the United Staes, and exchanged views broadly on common challenges that Japan and the United States are facing. Furthermore, Vice-Minister Funakoshi exchanged views with Senator Steve Daines and Senator William Hagerty, and both sides reaffirmed the importance of collaboration with the U.S. Congress for further strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Telephone conversation with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev May 17, 2025 12:15 In a telephone conversation, Vladimir Putin wished Kassym-Jomart Tokayev a happy birthday. The President of Kazakhstan said the events held in Moscow to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War he attended were solemn, successful, and substantive, and were met with a positive response in many countries around the world. The two leaders discussed a number of pressing bilateral matters, expressing their satisfaction with the high level achieved by the strategic partnership and allied relationship between Russia and Kazakhstan. n addition, there was an exchange of views on the direct talks between Russia and Ukraine held in Istanbul. A message of greetings was sent to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Protest erupts in Libya's Tripoli, senior officials resign People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 13:44, May 17, 2025 TRIPOLI, May 16 (Xinhua) -- A massive protest against the Government of National Unity (GNU) erupted in the Libyan capital Tripoli on Friday demanding the GNU to step down, as a number of senior government officials resigned. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Exclusive | Pakistani military spokesperson: Islamabad appreciates Iran's peaceful diplomacy IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 17, 2025 Islamabad, IRNA -- The spokesman for the Pakistani armed forces, known as the Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), speaks in an exclusive interview with an IRNA reporter about the latest developments in South Asia and the importance of regional and international diplomacy to help de-escalate tensions, focusing on the recent visit of the Iranian foreign minister to Islamabad. In this exclusive interview, which is the first interview by a spokesman for the Pakistani armed forces with any official media of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Lt. General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry appreciated Tehran's efforts and support to help de-escalate tensions in the region. He said, "We are pleased with all the efforts of the international community and brotherly countries, especially Iran, which played a role in reducing tensions." Ahmed emphasized, "Pakistan is fully grateful to the international community and we are especially grateful to brotherly countries, including the Islamic Republic of Iran." He continued, "We should be aware that there are forces in the region who, with the help of external factors, are seeking to create misunderstanding and confusion among brotherly countries in the region and want to create a rift between friends and brothers." The Pakistani army spokesman emphasized that Iran and Pakistan have very historical and brotherly relations and have always stood by each other in all challenges and trials. Tehran and Islamabad; important players in the region General Ahmed said Iran and Pakistan are two neighboring and friendly countries that are in contact with each other on many issues and fields. Pakistan is eager and pursues that the borders of the two countries are the borders of peace and friendship and we look forward to it. Referring to the important position of the two countries in the region, the spokesman for the Pakistani armed forces emphasized that Tehran and Islamabad are cooperating together for lasting peace and stability in the region. 9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan PM appreciates Iran's efforts to de-escalate tensions with India Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 May 2025 6:06 PM Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has hailed Iran's efforts in helping reduce tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi following a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir last month, emphasizing the need for resolving differences through dialogue and political solutions. Sharif made the remarks in a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday, as he appreciated the "benevolent, compassionate, and fraternal efforts" of Iran in resolving misunderstandings and paving the way for a ceasefire between Pakistan and India. He also praised the recent visit of the Iranian Foreign Minister to Islamabad and the Islamic Republic's initiative in proposing a ceasefire, assessing the action as an "effective and constructive" step towards reducing tensions. Sharif further noted that over the past decades, three wars have taken place between Pakistan and India, but none of these conflicts have been able to resolve the main issues between the two nuclear-armed nations. The Pakistani premier said that his country believes that crises such as the Kashmir conflict, the phenomenon of terrorism, and other disputes between Pakistan and India can only be resolved through dialogue and political solutions. Sharif, while welcoming the reduction of tensions, the continuation of the ceasefire, and the establishment of lasting peace between Pakistan and India, once again appreciated the efforts and active role of Pezeshkian in facilitating this positive diplomatic process. He also expressed hope that he could travel to Tehran in the near future to have a cordial meeting with the Iranian president to discuss and exchange views on issues of common interest and other regional issues. Pezeshkian, for his part, expressed satisfaction at the cessation of hostilities and welcomed the ceasefire between Pakistan and India after days of deadly clashes between the two nations. He also stressed that Iran has always believed that war and violence not only do not solve problems, but also increase the pain and suffering of nations, and that the sustainable solution to differences is dialogue and interaction, not conflict and bloodshed. Referring to the principled policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in supporting the establishment of peace, stability, and security in the region, Pezeshkian announced Tehran's readiness for any cooperation in order to strengthen dialogue and interactions between Pakistan and India, as well as between Tehran and Islamabad. Emphasizing that the phenomenon of terrorism is one of the fundamental challenges of the region, Pezeshkian stated that fighting this common threat requires synergy, coordination, and brotherhood among regional countries. The Iranian president further welcomed the upcoming visit of the Pakistani prime minister to Tehran, expressing hope that this visit would deepen bilateral relations and increase cooperation in areas of common interest. On May 10, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister, Ishaq Dar, announced a ceasefire after several days of military strikes and counterstrikes triggered by the deadly Pahalgam attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. Both sides had hinted that the ongoing tensions could escalate into a military confrontation. The United Nations urged both sides to exercise restraint. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio 17 May 2025 15:38 818-17-05-2025 On May 17, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the initiative of the US side. The heads of foreign policy offices shared opinions on the outcomes of the Russian-Ukrainian talks held the previous day in Istanbul. Marco Rubio welcomed the agreements reached on the exchange of prisoners of war and the intention of each side to prepare its own proposals outlining the conditions necessary for a ceasefire. He reaffirmed Washington's readiness to continue supporting efforts towards a negotiated settlement. Sergey Lavrov acknowledged the constructive role played by the United States in encouraging Kiev to finally accept President Vladimir Putin's proposal to resume negotiations in Istanbul. He reiterated Moscow's willingness to continue working with US colleagues in this context. The conversation also touched on a number of other international and regional issues. The sides exchanged views on the continuation of Russian-American contacts. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Phone Call with Russia Foreign Minister Lavrov US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson May 17, 2025 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce: Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today. Secretary Rubio welcomed the prisoner exchange agreement reached during the May 16 Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul and delivered President Trump's strong message: the United States is committed to achieving a lasting end to the Russia-Ukraine war. The comprehensive peace plan proposed by the United States outlines the best way forward. The Secretary emphasized President Trump's call for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the violence. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Lai rejects opposition parties' China policy ROC Central News Agency 05/17/2025 10:27 PM Taipei, May 17 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te () nixed the idea that cross-Taiwan Strait dialogue could be based on cooperation with Taiwan's opposition parties, as the different parties pursue fundamentally different approaches to China. In an interview with podcast host Mindy Huang () on her Youtube channel Mindi World News, Lai reiterated his Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) long-held belief that opposition parties generally support the "One China principle," either through the "1992 Consensus" or concepts like "both sides of the Strait are one family." The "One China principle" is Beijing's view that the People's Republic of China (PRC) is the sole legitimate government of China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The consensus has been described by the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) as a tacit understanding reached in 1992 between the then KMT government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Chinese government. It has been consistently interpreted by the KMT as an acknowledgment by both sides that there is only "one China," with each side free to interpret what "China" means. The "one family" concept, used by the Chinese leadership to promote unification, was echoed by then Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je () in 2015 to support cross-strait exchanges. Ko later founded the opposition Taiwan People's Party but was forced to resign as chairman in Dec. 2024 because of corruption allegations. On the other hand, Lai said, the DPP holds that the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, and that Taiwan's future must be decided by its 23 million people. Lai also criticized what he called China's increased military activity and psychological warfare, saying that such aggression was aimed at forcing unification and challenging the rules-based international order. To deal with that threat, he reiterated his administration's "Four Pillars of Peace" strategy, which focuses on national defense, economic resilience, global partnerships with democracies, and stable cross-strait leadership based on principles. He reaffirmed that Taiwan remains open to dialogue with China, but only on the basis of equality and mutual respect, a position shared with his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen () that has never drawn a positive response from Beijing. Taiwan, he said, prefers engagement over confrontation and exchange over containment, aiming for peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity. Lai also warned that China's current strategy toward Taiwan and the world has failed to deliver results and may be backfiring. Citing what he saw as U.S. policy shifts, such as its increased focus on the Indo-Pacific, Lai urged Beijing to reconsider its approach, asking, "Is this really what China wants?" On the issue of the U.S.' "reciprocal" tariffs, Lai said current negotiations are aimed at preventing the tariffs imposed on Taiwan from exceeding 10 percent. (By Wen Kuei-hsiang, Lai Yu-chen and Lee Hsin-Yin) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tsai urges democracies to unite amid rising authoritarian aggression ROC Central News Agency 05/17/2025 07:15 PM Cambridge, May 16 (CNA) Former President Tsai Ing-wen () has urged democracies around the world to be "even more united" against growing authoritarian threats, while highlighting U.S. President Donald Trump's push for allies to be more responsible for their security. "Every generation has its challenges. Our generation is now facing the greatest challenge of our time," Tsai said Friday afternoon (local time) at an event in England hosted by the University of Cambridge's Center for Geopolitics, on the eighth day of her trip to Europe. In a speech titled "Defending Democracy in the New World Order," Tsai described 2024 as a "Super Year of Elections," with more than 70 countries holding national votes. The results brought "dramatic changes" in leadership and legislative dynamics across the democratic world, she said, hit by uncertainty stemming from a shifting world order, as "all the assumptions about alliances and the role of major powers are now being called into question." In the meantime, however, the authoritarian threat around the world "looms larger than ever," Tsai said. Authoritarian regimes are able to maintain consistency and power due to their undemocratic nature and have become "stronger and more confident," Tsai said. "Their leaders are now convinced that they are more adaptive to change," she said. "They have also been colluding in the pursuit of their self-interested and expansionist agendas while influencing domestic politics in democracies." With the "rules of engagement" changing, Tsai said the collective strategies of democracies must evolve during what she called a "consequential time" for outreach and adaptation. As authoritarian regimes cooperate to "further their expansionist agendas," democracies need to be "even more united," Tsai said. "Defending democracy has a price, and it won't be a free ride for anyone," she said, noting that Taiwan stands ready to be a partner and contribute to making the democratic world more resilient in the midst of such challenges. "In Taiwan, we know what resilience looks like, because we understand all too well the danger posed by those who seek to exploit democracy's imperfections," she said, citing the country's past experience under authoritarian rule and the ongoing "much-intensified threats and intimidation" from China. Tsai pointed to several measures taken during her eight-year presidency from 2016 to 2024 to strengthen Taiwan's defenses and democratic resilience, including an over 80 percent increase in the defense budget and improved combat training and equipment for troops. Taiwan has also fortified its digital infrastructure to withstand cyber threats, Tsai said, citing cooperation with the United Kingdom on strategic communication, which she described as "a very important part" of countering Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference. While discussing the rise of authoritarianism, Tsai addressed the U.S.' shifting foreign policy under Trump but did not criticize his own authoritarian tendencies, as noted by his critics, or support of authoritarian leaders such as Vladimir Putin of Russia or Victor Orban of Hungary. Instead, she said Washington's calls for allies to take on greater security responsibilities should be seen as "reminders for democracies around the world to work even harder together" to safeguard their own security. "In other words, the democratic alliance now means more than before," she said. "The collective security in the Indo-Pacific and Europe, while still relevant to U.S. interests, also became even more critical to global peace and security." Having delivered a speech in Parliament on Thursday, Tsai is currently visiting the U.K. at the invitation of British politicians, as part of her second European tour since leaving office last May. Over the past week, she also visited Lithuania and Denmark. (By Chen Yun-yu and Sunny Lai) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address On Friday, just ahead of Computex, PC maker Acer let loose with a slew of announcements about new and upcoming AI-powered laptops, desktops, earbuds, and smart rings. Acer showed off a slim Predator Triton 14 AI gaming laptop with an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU. It's got what Acer called the industry's first laptop with graphene thermal interface materials (TIM) in the CPU to help keep it cool. A similarly appointed laptop, the Predator Helios Neo 14 AI is also available, along with a Predator Orion 3000 gaming desktop that houses a INtel Core Ultra 7 processor and the same GPU as the two laptops. The Triton 14 AI will arrive in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) in July and start at WUR 2,999. The Heloos will start at EUR 1,699, while the Orion 3000 will come in at EUR1,099 and end up in Australia in Q3 at AUD 4,499. The more affordable Swift lineup includes the Swift X AAI and Swift X 14 AI Creator laptops, both powered with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU for solid AI and graphic performance. The Swift 14 AI is a Copilot PC running the AMD Ryzen AI 300 series processor, while the Swift X 14 includes Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2). Both have 3K OLED displays and haptic touchpads. Both Swift AI laptops will be available in EMEA in July, starting at EUR 1,799. On the thin, light side, Acer showed off the Swift Edge and Swift Go AI Copilot+ laptops, with the latter boasting a magnesium-aluminum chassis that comes in at .99 kilograms and promises 21 hours of battery life. The latter comes in two sizes, a 14-inch and a 16-inch laptop, and gets 16 hours of working battery. All three Swift laptops run an Intel Core Ultra 200V series processor and are "eligible to receive updates to Copilot+ PO experiences." The Edge will arrive in EMEA in June, starting at EUR 1,599 and in Australia in Q2 for AUD 3,999. The Swift Go 16 AI will start at EUR 1,200 (AUD 1,999 in Q3), while the 14-inch version will start at EUR 1,199/AUD 1,799. Aspire AI Copilot+ laptops are also on display here, with the Aspire 14 AI and Aspire 16 AI promising either Intel Core Ultra or AMD Ryzen processors and Intel Arc graphics. The company also announced Predator and Nitro Gaming and Smart Monitors, including the Predator X27U F5, with an ultra-fast 500 Hz refresh rate and the Predator X27 X, with 4K resolution. Both support AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology. In addition, the company revealed an Acer Nitro GA321QK P and Nitro GA341CUR W0 Google TV smart monitors and a 4K portable monitor with a kickstand, the Acer Nitro PG271K. AI-Powered Wearables, E-Scooters, and E-Bikes Acer is also taking a plunge into the smart wearables market with the Acer FreeSense ring that promises 24/7 biometric tracking and "AI-driven wellness insights." In addition, they've announced the Acer AI Transbuds, which the company says can do real-time, two-way voice translation for 15 major languages, even if only one person is wearing them. Acer is also showcasing its latest e-scooters and e-bikes, built for both urban commuting and outdoor use. The lineup includes the Acer eScooter Series 4 Select, Series 5 Select, Predator ES Storm, and Predator ES Thundereach featuring 400W to 500W motors, as well as adaptive braking and suspension systems. Riders can track performance and manage security settings through the Acer eMobility App. Also on display is the Predator eRanger, a fat-tire e-bike first unveiled at the 2025 Taipei Cycle Show, highlighting Acer's push into smarter, more versatile mobility solutions. No pricing for wearables or e-mobility devices has been announced by Acer at this time. US lawmakers push bill to codify 'Six Assurances' to Taiwan, 'political stunt to deceive DPP' Global Times By Chen Qingqing and Shen Sheng Published: May 17, 2025 12:15 AM In another provocative move aimed at undermining China's sovereignty and regional stability, US House of Representatives members on Thursday local time proposed a bipartisan bill to codify the so-called "Six Assurances" to Taiwan. Experts reached by the Global Times slammed the move as a deliberate attempt by some US politicians to revive the long-debunked notion that "Taiwan's status is undetermined" as well as a political stunt to deceive secessionist DPP authorities. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi and five co-sponsors introduced the so-called "Six Assurances to Taiwan Act," a bill that would formally enshrine the pledges as official US policy, the Taiwan News hyped on Friday. The legislation also establishes a congressional review mechanism to ensure that no future administration can alter these principles without congressional approval, the report claimed. The so-called "Six Assurances," which were given by former US president Ronald Reagan to Taiwan in 1982, include pledges not to set a date for ending arms sales to Taiwan, not to hold prior consultations with the Chinese mainland regarding arms sales to Taiwan, and not to play a mediation role between the mainland and the island, according to local media report. The US House of Representatives and the Senate passed a joint resolution in 2016 stating that the so-called "Six Assurances" and the so-called "Taiwan Relations Act" are the cornerstones of US-Taiwan relations. However, these so-called assurances have never been formally written into US law. Shortly following China-US high-level meeting on economic and trade affairs in Geneva that achieved substantial progress by significantly reducing bilateral tariff levels, some anti-China forces of the US Congress took actions to stir up trouble and disrupt the progress of bilateral relations by hollowing out the one-China principle. This sent a wrong signal to the separatist forces for "Taiwan independence," Zheng Jian, a professor at the Taiwan Research Institute of Xiamen University, told the Global Times on Thursday. "With Lai Ching-te approaching the one-year anniversary of taking office, some US lawmakers -- who have benefited from the secessionist DPP's flatter -- are now repaying by pushing such provocative move," Zheng said, explaining the motivation behind this bill. The Global Times noticed that the news about the bill was widely covered and hyped by local media in Taiwan. However, apart from the US Congress official website where the bill can be seen, the Global Times did not find any mainstream American media outlets covering it as of press time. Zheng noted that the recent remarks from the US President Donald Trump following the trade agreement -- particularly his mention of "unification" -- sparked significant anxiety among secessionist forces in Taiwan and deeply unsettled Lai. The island is highly sensitive to the implications of such statements, which could explain the intensive hypes of Taiwan media. The introduction of the bill is essentially a political stunt aimed at fueling the "Taiwan status is undetermined" narrative and deceiving secessionist DPP authorities. This claim represents a blatant interference in China's sovereignty and internal affairs, Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times. Wang Jianmin, a research fellow at the Institute of Taiwan Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, noted that the bill is a political manipulation of some anti-China American politicians, who are attempting to use Taiwan to contain China. However, this tactic will not work. In a press briefing in April 2024, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, pointed out that the US "Taiwan Relations Act" and "Six Assurances" seriously violate the one-China principle, the provisions of the three China-US joint communiques, and the basic norms of international relations, and grossly interfere in China's internal affairs. The spokesperson also called them "entirely wrong, illegal, and invalid," saying that the Chinese government has consistently and resolutely opposed them from the outset. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025/05/17 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date 6 a.m. May. 16 (Fri.) to 6 a.m. May. 17 (Sat.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities 12 sorties of PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN ships, and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 10 out of 12 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. 1140517_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan.jpg [Open a new window] 1140517_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan.jpg [Open a new window] NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK Armed Forces to benefit from ground breaking underwater glue developed with industry Defence scientists develop glue that enables rapid repairs to equipment in extreme environments. From: Ministry of Defence, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory and The Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP 17 May 2025 An underwater glue could soon be saving lives and providing UK Armed Forces with an operational edge following successful trials in Portsmouth. The glue, which mimics the way a mussel sticks to a rock in nature, will enable military personnel to repair wetsuits, damaged dinghies and other equipment rapidly in extreme environments, potentially saving lives. It will also make it easier to repair bridges under the water line and could save the public money by enabling repairs during deployment. The glue was developed by the Ministry of Defence's Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), working with biotech firm Zentraxa. Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle said: This unique approach, inspired by nature, demonstrates how the UK is becoming a hotbed for pioneering defence technology. Our scientists are working with industry to unlock emerging technologies, finding new ways to protect the military personnel who keep our nation safe, at home and abroad. That's why we're establishing a new innovation organisation, UK Defence Innovation, with a ring-fenced budget of 400 million, to help deliver even more cutting-edge tools like this to the Armed Forces. The adhesive was successfully demonstrated by British Army divers at Horsea Island, who tested it by gluing various items to an underwater steel wall. It was also tested in simulated sea water in the laboratory and performed well on wet out-of-water surfaces. The glue could have multiple other applications, beyond defence. Principal Scientist Claire, of Dstl's Engineering Biology project, said: Taking something that nature does well and applying it to modern problems is what is engineering biology is all about. The glue - inspired by nature - will give our Armed Forces a capability that they simply don't have at the moment. This will bring a new and unique capability to underwater work. It could help divers, it could mean a punctured dinghy doesn't sink. It could ultimately save lives. Dstl has supported the project with approximately 300,000 of funding and will collaborate with other parts of Defence in the further development of the glue technology. This will support specialist jobs and demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships in unlocking innovation - a core pillar of the Government's plan for change. Zentraxa Chief Technology Officer Martin Challand said: We have taken inspiration from natural organisms that can stick underwater like the marine mussel and then tried to exploit that bio-chemistry into a real world setting. This is a major milestone for our product - this what we have dreamed of. It is extremely rewarding to see it being used and knowing that in the future it could save lives and it is fantastic to be working together across sectors like this. If you were in a dingy and you suffered some damage you wouldn't have to get back to shore to fix that. A quick fix in field could enable you to stay deployed or get back safely. This could have a life-saving impact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sentencing of Oscar Jenkins Minister for Foreign Affairs Statement 17 May 2025 The Australian Government is appalled at the sham trial and 13-year sentence given to Australian man Oscar Jenkins. As a full serving member of the regular Armed Forces of Ukraine, Mr Jenkins is a prisoner of war. The Australian Government has made clear to Russia that Mr Jenkins must be given the protections afforded to him as a prisoner of war. Russia is obligated to treat him in accordance with international humanitarian law, including humane treatment. We continue to hold serious concerns for Mr Jenkins. We are working with Ukraine and other partners, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, to advocate for his welfare and release. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to provide consular support to Mr Jenkins' family. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Carney meets with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney May 17, 2025 Rome, Italy Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, ahead of their attendance at the inaugural Mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. Prime Minister Carney reaffirmed Canada's support for a just and lasting peace for the people of Ukraine, including through the provision of military, financial, and other assistance. The leaders agreed that a durable peace can only be achieved with Ukraine at the table, and the Prime Minister commended the President's steadfast efforts in support of this goal. Prime Minister Carney and President Zelenskyy agreed to remain in close contact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump: Billions of US taxpayers' money 'pissed away' in Ukraine by Zelensky Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 May 2025 8:09 AM US President Donald Trump has said that he is annoyed by US taxpayers' money being "pissed away" by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. "The money is the money. What bothered me - I hated to see the way it was, you know - excuse me - pissed away" by Zelensky, Trump said in an interview aired on Friday by Fox News. "Congress is very upset about it. You know, they're saying, where is all this money going?" Trump added. The US, which under the Biden administration provided some $128 billion to Ukraine since 2022 including $66.5 billion in military assistance, is preparing for its first arms sales to Ukraine under Trump. Asked by Fox News host Bret Baier whether he thinks Russian President Vladimir Putin is an "obstacle to peace" between Moscow and Kiev, the American leader instead directed criticism at Zelensky. "I had a real rough session with Zelensky because I didn't like what he said. He was not making it easy. And I always said he doesn't have the cards," the US president said. Trump went on to say, however, that Zelensky is "the greatest salesman in the world." In a heated exchange between them in the Oval Office in February, Trump berated Zelensky over his ingratitude for all the US support and claimed the Ukrainian leader was "gambling with World War III." Trump has since softened his rhetoric toward Ukraine and even threatened to slap fresh sanctions on Moscow if no peace deal is reached between them. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine held their first direct talks in three years on Friday in Turkey. The head of Russia's negotiating team, Vladimir Medinsky, said the two sides had agreed upon a major prisoner swap involving 1,000 POWs from each side, as well as continuing the peace talks once each side has prepared a detailed ceasefire proposal for the other to consider. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukrainian Artillery Crew Sees No Prospect Of Cease-Fire By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service May 17, 2025 To the Ukrainian soldiers facing off with advancing Russian troops in the Kharkiv region, the recent flurry of reports on possible cease-fire talksdoesn't hold much sway, they say. Well into the fourth year of Russia's war on Ukraine, with strikes and counterstrikes escalating in scale and technological sophistication, says one soldier, any real prospect for peace seems remote. When asked what he would personally do if a cease-fire was declared, the frontline artillery crew member said, "There won't be one. Everything indicates that the fight will go on to the end. At a minimum, they plan to capture the whole Donetsk region." He cites the rise in frequency of both Russian air strikes on Ukrainian cities -- which have ramped up 30 percent in recent weeks, according to Ukrainian officials -- and the continued pushes by ground troops to take more Ukrainian territory. This combat unit, which operates Zuzana 2 Howitzers, focus on groups of Russian troops and equipment, occasionally targeting command centers, often spotted by aerial drones. The team was interviewed by RFE/RL Ukrainian Service correspondent Maryan Kushnir, who observed their daily routines firing from camouflaged positions, using advanced computerized targeting equipment. As Kushnir described their role, "This is long-range artillery. It targets concentrated areas of Russian Army personnel and equipment or a command post. That's its job in the Kharkiv region. The goal is to prevent Russia from concentrating forces and developing their offensive." One soldier in the unit, named Petro, said, he'd be happy to see a cease-fire take effect but doesn't believe Russia is seriously interested in negotiations. "I want this to end sooner," he said, "but they only speak in ultimatums, so it's going to continue for a while." When asked whether he noticed the so-called three-day cease-fire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin over the anniversary of the end of World War II, the soldier answered, "Yes, there was a mass Shahed drone attack." More recently, US President Donald Trump called for a 30-day unconditional cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine and threatened to impose more sanctions on Russia if attacks do not pause. That proposal was advanced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but Russia has shown no interest in an unconditional cease-fire, underscored by Putin's no-show at talks Zelenskyy had proposed in Istanbul on May 16 The following day, nine civilians were killed in Ukrainian border city Sumy by a Russian air strike. Speaking to RFE/RL, a Ukrainian soldier named Oleksandr acknowledged that Russian forces have not managed any significant breakthroughs in Ukrainian defenses despite the escalating attacks. But, he added, "They failed because their army is corrupt and because our guys sacrificed their lives to stop them." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukrainian-artillery-crew- cease-fire-kharkiv/33416842.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Spain condemns the Russian attack on a bus in Ukraine Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs PRESS STATEMENT 049 Saturday, May 17, 2025 We strongly condemn the Russian drone attack on a bus in Bilopillia, Sumi province, which has killed at least 9 people and injured 7 others. This attack, and others carried out in recent hours, are Russia's macabre response to Ukraine's offer of a full ceasefire, and make it clear that Rusia does not want peace. The Government and people of Ukraine deserve our full support and solidarity. -NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Forces Take Control of Aleksandropol Village in Donetsk Region - MoD Sputnik News 20250517 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr has taken control of the village of Aleksandropol in the region of Donetsk, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday. "The village of Aleksandropol in the Donetsk People's Republic has been liberated by decisive actions of Battlegroup Tsentr," the ministry said. Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr has eliminated over 490 Ukrainian military personnel over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said. "The enemy's losses amounted to over 490 servicepeople, one tank, two armored fighting vehicles, including a Turkish-made Kirpi armored vehicle, 14 motor vehicles, an artillery gun and an ammunition depot," the ministry said in a statement. Russia's Battlegroup Yug has eliminated up to 265 Ukrainian soldiers, while Russia's Battlegroup Zapad has eliminated over 225 Ukrainian troops, along with 13 motor vehicles, a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier, two electronic warfare stations and four ammunition depots, the ministry added. Kiev lost over 160 military personnel in clashes with Russia's Battlegroup Vostok, while Russia's Battlegroup Sever eliminated up to 140 Ukrainian soldiers, the ministry also said. Meanwhile, Russia's Battlegroup Dnepr has eliminated up to 65 Ukrainian soldiers, an armored fighting vehicle, three motor vehicles, two artillery guns and two electronic warfare stations, the ministry added. The Russian air defense forces shot down 80 Ukrainian drones, and destroyed three Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) bombs and a US-made HIMARS projectile, the ministry also said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kremlin Names Condition for Putin-Zelensky Meeting Sputnik News 20250517 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - A meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky is possible if delegations of both countries reach certain agreements, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Saturday. "There have been a lot of questions on the topic of a possible meeting between the presidents of the two countries, Ukraine and Russia, Zelensky and Putin," Peskov told reporters. "Such a meeting as a result of the work of the delegations of the two sides is possible when certain agreements of these delegations are reached," he added. "We consider it possible. But it is precisely as a result of work and upon reaching certain results in the form of agreements between the two sides," the Kremlin spokesman said. Russia and Ukraine have agreed to exchange the lists of ceasefire conditions and the Russian side is working on it, he explained. "[Russia and Ukraine] really agreed to exchange the lists of ceasefire conditions. The work is continuing, it is being carried out. The Russian side has prepared such a list and will hand it over, with exchange with the Ukrainian side," Peskov said. At the same time, the work on the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine has just started and it will be continued, Peskov added. Moscow considers the candidacy of Kiev's signatory as the main and fundamental thing when signing documents between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations during the negotiations, Peskov said. "When signing the documents to be agreed upon by the delegations, the main and principal thing for us is who exactly will sign these documents from the Ukrainian side," Peskov said. A change in the composition of the Russian delegation to the negotiations with Ukraine is not being discussed, he said, adding that the talks will continue. "At the moment, there is no discussion of this. In fact, the work has just begun and will continue," Peskov said. He also said that it is important to implement the agreements reached during the recent talks. "For now, we must follow through on what the delegations agreed upon yesterday. This primarily involves fulfilling the exchange of 1,000 for 1,000 war prisoners, and exchanging the lists of the main conditions discussed yesterday, as my colleague Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky said," Peskov added. The negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are held behind the closed doors, and this practice should continue in the future, the Kremlin spokesman said. There have not been any contacts between Moscow and Washington after the talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, Peskov said. "No, there have not been any contacts," he said. At the same time, if Putin and US President Donald Trump find it necessary to have a telephone call, the Kremlin will inform about that, Peskov added. Following Friday's meeting of the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul, Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, who led the Russian delegation, said that the sides agreed to prepare detailed lists of conditions for a ceasefire. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President of Ukraine Discusses Next Diplomatic Steps toward Peace with President of Switzerland President of Ukraine 17 May 2025 - 21:45 In Rome, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Switzerland Karin KellerSutter. The Ukrainian leader expressed his gratitude for the support of Ukraine and its peace efforts. "We are also grateful for the humanitarian support provided by your Government, especially for what matters most to us: shelters for our schools, for our children. Thank you for this assistance," Volodymyr Zelenskyy added. During the meeting, the leaders spoke about securing a ceasefire, sustaining support for Ukraine, the need to increase pressure on Russia, humanitarian demining, implementing school meals programs, and food security measures. Volodymyr Zelenskyy provided an update on the negotiations in Istanbul. The President of Ukraine emphasized the importance of coordinating efforts with the United States, maintaining unity, and jointly pressuring Russia to achieve at least the first step toward ending the war - a full and unconditional ceasefire. Special focus was placed on continued assistance to Ukraine, including funding Swiss companies' participation in the country's reconstruction. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ceasefire, Pressure on Russia, Canada's G7 Presidency, and Bilateral Cooperation: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Meets with Mark Carney President of Ukraine 17 May 2025 - 21:15 While in Rome, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held his first meeting with Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney, during which they discussed the full and unconditional ceasefire, pressure on Russia, continued support for Ukraine, and Canada's Presidency of the G7. "We admire what you are doing. We admire your commitment to peace, which you have demonstrated again this week. And let me underscore that there can be no peace without the full support and participation of Ukraine - and that you have our absolute support," said the Prime Minister of Canada. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to Canada and the Canadian people for their unwavering support of Ukraine since the very beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion. The President emphasized that this week there was a real opportunity to take an important step toward ending the war - a ceasefire could have been reached if the meeting between Ukraine and Russia in Turkiye had taken place at the highest level. "We were truly expecting Putin, but he didn't come. We believe he is afraid of direct bilateral talks. Anyway, I think the decision on the exchange of prisoners of war is very important. One thousand people - it's a lot. And I hope we will get this result," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted. The Head of State gave a brief update on the talks in Istanbul and stressed the importance of coordinating joint efforts with partners. "We must increase the pressure on Russia, on Putin, to truly achieve peace as soon as possible. And, of course, an unconditional ceasefire is essential. That's why pressure is needed - more pressure, more sanctions. We are grateful to you for your sanctions packages, as well as to the European leaders and, of course, to the United States of America," the President stated. The Head of State informed Prime Minister Carney about Russian missile and drone strikes on civilians and noted that Ukraine urgently needs enhanced air defense to protect lives. Particular attention was given to Canada's priorities as G7 President. Ukraine is counting on robust additional sanctions - especially secondary sanctions - targeting the banking and energy sectors, as well as Russia's shadow tanker fleet. It is also critical that continued support for Ukraine, the achievement of a just peace, and the guarantee of security remain on the G7's agenda. The two leaders also discussed defense, energy, and economic cooperation, potential joint production projects, and Canada's participation in Ukraine's reconstruction. Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited Mark Carney to visit Ukraine, while Mark Carney confirmed the invitation for the Head of State to take part in the G7 Summit in June. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In Helsinki, Joint European Efforts to Return Children Deported by Russia Discussed as Part of the President of Ukraine's Bring Kids Back UA Initiative President of Ukraine 17 May 2025 - 13:33 An international conference "Deported Ukrainian Children: Europe's Actions" was held in Helsinki. It was organized by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in cooperation with the Parliament of Finland under the auspices of the country's First Lady, Suzanne Innes-Stubb. The Bring Kids Back UA initiative, launched by the President of Ukraine, was represented at the event by its Chief Operating Officer, Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President, Dariia Zarivna. The conference brought together representatives from European parliamentary assemblies and institutions, international organizations, the human rights community, and Ukrainian government bodies. In her speech, Dariia Zarivna highlighted the scale of the crimes the Russian Federation has committed against Ukrainian children and outlined the main directions for international cooperation necessary to ensure their return and reintegration. "The Bring Kids Back UA initiative unites the efforts of all those concerned about the fate of Ukrainian children: state officials, civil society, international partners, human rights defenders, diplomats, and prominent public figures. Launched by the President in 2023, the initiative has now become a global movement for bringing children home," Dariia Zarivna said. She also reported that, to date, the Bring Kids Back UA initiative has successfully returned 1,307 children who were illegally deported or forcibly transferred by Russia. The panel discussion "Return of Children: What Can Be Done?" featured speakers including: Ewa Kopacz, Vice-President of the European Parliament; Nathaniel Raymond, Executive Director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale University; Maria Stockhaus, Vice-President of the Nordic Council; Lady Helena Kennedy LT KC, Director of the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and Co-Chair of the Bring Kids Back UA Task Force; and Iryna Tuliakova, Head of Coordination Centre for Family Upbringing and Child Care Development in Ukraine. "Ukrainian children illegally deported to Russia have an inalienable right to their identity. This right cannot be taken away and must be restored as quickly as possible. Our Task Force is working on developing and implementing legal mechanisms to ensure their return to Ukraine," said Lady Helena Kennedy LT KC. This event marked an important step toward the return of Ukrainian children illegally taken by Russia. Ukraine consistently emphasizes that no peace will be just without the return of all deported and forcibly transferred children. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Civilians killed in drone strike in eastern Ukraine: UN rights monitors 17 May 2025 - A drone strike in eastern Ukraine on Saturday could possibly be the deadliest in recent weeks, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in the country, HRMMU, has said. At least nine people were killed and seven injured when a Russian drone struck a minibus near the town of Bilopillia in the Sumy region, according to local authorities. HRMMU monitors are in the process of gathering additional information on the circumstances of the attack and its victims. Preliminary reports suggest that the minibus was carrying civilian evacuees from an area close to the frontline, the majority of whom were women. 'A stark reminder' "With nine civilians reported killed, this would be the deadliest attack in weeks," said Danielle Bell, Head of HRMMU. "This is a stark reminder that civilians continue to be killed and injured on a daily basis across Ukraine." If confirmed, the strike would represent the deadliest attack since 24 April, when at least 11 civilians were killed and 81 injured in the capital, Kyiv. HRMMU said that while the number of civilian casualties in May has been somewhat lower than in April, it continues to document daily civilian casualties, particularly along the frontline. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Silent Deportation: Russia's Crackdown On Crimean Tatars Echoes Soviet-Era Expulsions By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, Dmytro Dzhulay, Anzhelika Rudenko, Mykyta Isayko and Stuart Greer May 18, 2025 As Ukraine marks the anniversary of Stalin-era deportations of Crimean Tatars more than eight decades ago, members of the ethnic minority group living on the Russian-occupied Black Sea peninsula are enduring a renewed campaign of repression. May 18 is known in Ukraine as the Day of Commemoration of the Victims of the Genocide of the Crimean Tatars. They are members of the Turkic-speaking, predominantly Muslim ethnic group that is indigenous to Crimea. Eighty-one years ago, over three days from May 18 to May 20, 1944, Soviet security forces rounded up at least 200,000 Crimean Tatars and sent them into exile in Soviet Uzbekistan and other remote places in the Soviet Union. Tens of thousands died during the deportation and under the harsh conditions of their first years in exile. The Tatar minority has again found itself being targeted since Russian forces seized control of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014, according to human rights activist Mumine Salieva. "There are already dozens of criminal cases, hundreds of administrative penalties; more than 100 children have been deprived of their fathers," said Salieva in RFE/RL Ukrainian Service's award-winning 2024 documentary, Silent Deportation. "All this shows that we're not witnessing isolated cases of discrimination. It is nothing else than the repression of the entire Crimean Tatar people," she said. Salieva's husband, Seyran, was among several Crimean Tatars convicted of terrorism in 2020 after documenting human rights abuses following Russia's illegal occupation of Crimea. "Basically, [he was arrested] because of his journalism, his coverage of the trials that took place in Crimea, and his participation in public campaigns to protect political prisoners," she said. Salieva's husband had been looking into reports of arrests, disappearances, and killings of Tatar activists. In May 2016, the crackdown intensified, with raids in Bakhchysaray, the couple's hometown. "The Bakhchysaray community got its first shocks when a massive wave of searches took place in the houses of a businessman, a builder, a well-known chef, and a dentist," said Salieva. As her husband serves a 15-year sentence, Salieva continues his work documenting human rights abuses and supporting people whose loved ones have been arrested. She is also raising four children. Her youngest is 7-year-old Safiya, who was a baby when her father was arrested. The girl only knew him from photographs until she met her father during an emotional prison visit. "She came up to him and hugged his legs. She looked up at him and said, 'So this is you, my daddy.' And he picked her up, started squeezing her, hugging her," recalled Salieva. "She was playing with his beard. He was crying. She kissed him and wiped away his tears." After generations of Crimean Tatars grew up far from their ancestral homeland, they were finally allowed to return to the peninsula in 1989 during the waning days of the Soviet Union. A new struggle for recognition and acceptance began two years later in the newly independent Ukraine as Crimean Tatars worked with the government establishing schools, mosques, and newspapers. But all that came to an abrupt halt in 2014, and many Tatars decided to leave Crimea rather than face persecution from the Russian-controlled authorities. A New Crimean Tatar Diaspora Rinat Paralamov is among a new Crimean Tatar diaspora scattered across Europe. He fled to Germany in 2022 after he said he was tortured by Russia's Federal Security Force (FSB). Paralamov was arrested in 2017 and was pressured to become an informant. He said he endured beatings and electrocution. "They tied my hands behind my back with tape. They laid me face down on the floor, pulled down my trousers, and connected two wires," he recalled. "They were twisting [a dial], and I was getting electrocuted. One [person] was pressing my head, the other my body. It was impossible to move. I was thinking, 'This is it. I'm done for.'" The torture only ended once Paralamov agreed to work as an informant. But he quickly decided to get out Crimea rather than collaborate with Russian authorities. Ernest Suleymanov is another Crimean Tatar who decided to flee. He owns a restaurant in the Polish capital, Warsaw, located across the street from the Russian Embassy. "This is our way of fighting back, so that they know it and see it every day. It is like a slap in the face," said Suleymanov. "Crimea is not theirs. Crimea is the land of Crimean Tatars, and Crimea is Ukraine." Suleymanov says he sees himself as an ambassador promoting Crimean Tatar culture around the world. But he's unsure if he'd ever want to return to his homeland. "I wonder if I could be able to live with those people who betrayed Ukraine, who contributed to the occupation," he mused. "Would I be able to live in such an environment? Would I be able to live alongside them? Do I have the right to expel them?" Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-crimean-tatars- russia-soviet-expulsions/33411583.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ROME, May 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In an economy where memecoins often rise and fall within the same week, POPEcoin ($POPE) has managed to carve out a real footholdraising $1.5 million in just ten days, without venture capital, early access allocations, or flashy partnerships. The entire presale has been structured for fairness and simplicity, with equal terms for every participant and a clean 0% tax on all buys and sells. That approach seems to be resonating. The project has already drawn over 25,000 organic followers across Twitter and Telegram, with round after round of the presale filling up faster than anticipated. But beyond the numbers, POPEcoin is tapping into something rare: a memecoin with a narrative arc. Inspired by the 1809 imprisonment of Pope Pius VII under Napoleon, the token weaves historical symbolism with meme culture, bringing together two worlds that rarely meet. Its slogan, History Never Dies, is more than a taglineits the core of the projects identity. Every aspect of the launch, from the 1809% staking APR to the relic-themed NFT series in development, is a nod to a forgotten moment of defiance being preserved through blockchain. From Meme to Mechanism: Building Infrastructure on Bitcoin The team behind POPEcoin isnt stopping at memestheyre setting the foundation for a narrative-fueled Layer 2. As the presale continues through its 23 planned rounds, with each tier incrementally increasing in price, the next stage of development is already underway. POPEcoin has announced plans for POPEchaina Bitcoin Layer 2 infrastructure dedicated to supporting on-chain storytelling, decentralized culture, and community-driven engagement. The alpha testnet is scheduled for release post-presale, with early backers given priority access. Token buyers receive their $POPE instantly upon purchase, with tokens automatically staked to start earning rewards immediately. A dedicated staking dApp will launch following the presale, offering users an intuitive way to claim both their tokens and their earned yield. Parallel to this, the development team is building a native bridge to enable seamless asset movement across Ethereum, BNB Smart Chain, Solana, and Base. Further anchoring its cultural mission, POPEcoin is also preparing the launch of NFT Relicsa series of digital artifacts that fuse historical lore with on-chain identity. Plans for a gamified experience dubbed VaticanVerse are also in motion, offering an immersive metaverse-like extension of the tokens historical themes. A Cultural Token with Momentum to Match The rise of POPEcoin signals that the memecoin space may finally be ready for substancewithout sacrificing speed. Theres no shortage of tokens with hype, nor of projects with grand ambitions but little traction. What separates POPEcoin is that its executing fast, communicating clearly, and drawing real interest without relying on artificial volume or preloaded influencers. The combination of community-driven funding, historical narrative, and infrastructure ambition is proving potentespecially in a market hungry for novelty that actually delivers. Presale contributions remain open, though rounds are filling quickly. As the project transitions from fundraising to infrastructure rollout, the early days of POPEcoin already read like a memecoin that didnt follow the scriptand thats exactly why its working. Presale: https://popecoin.meme/#presale Telegram: https://t.me/popecoin_meme Twitter/X: https://x.com/POPECOIN_MEME Whitepaper: https://popecoin.meme/Whitepaper.pdf Contact: press@popecoin.meme Contact: Giovanni Sierra - CEO POPEcoin Email: contact@popecoin.meme Website: https://popecoin.meme Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the POPEcoin. 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We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f3e9d6ea-c7f1-4dfe-a148-88f98099f756 The Origin of Term Limits The Questionable Effectiveness of Term Limits Transitioning In the New Lawmakers Partisanship, Institutional Memory and Legislative Exchanges Wrapping Up a Legislative Term Theres an expansive view from the 10th floor corner office of state Sen. Dennis Olshove. From his suite in Lansing, Mich., you can see the main entrance of the states Capitol, the impressive courtyard that leads up to it and the off-white Capitol dome that reaches into a canvas of clouds.On a recent early winter afternoon, the view inside that corner office, however, is bleak: Boxes and folders clutter the floor. Files, mementos and thank-you letters litter a wooden desk. In the adjacent room, a paper shredder groans.Come back in three weeks, Olshove says, and this room will be completely empty. The walls will be painted, and the history will be gone.For the past eight years, Olshove walked from this legislative office building to the Capitol, where he pushed pieces of legislation on various matters like fire safety and renewable energy, medical issues and emergency unemployment benefits. Some bills passed, others never saw the light of day. But Olshoves days in the Michigan Legislature now are finished forever.Its not by choice, however.Olshove was elected to the state House of Representatives in 1991, took a break and then migrated to the Senate in 2002. Now hes been kicked out due to the states term limits, which put a cap of three two-year terms for the state House and two four-year terms for the state Senate. Never again can Olshove run for the Legislature, and he and his fellow Michigan legislators arent the only ones prohibited from being state legislators again.Across the country, term limits are throwing lawmakers out of office and forcing extreme makeovers in several state legislatures. In the United States, 378 legislators in 14 states were term-limited this past year, according to an analysis by the National Conference of State Legislatures. But the facelift in the Michigan Legislature has been the most extreme: Due to term limits, 29 of the 38 senators will be replaced along with 34 of 110 House members. In addition, the state will have a new governor, attorney general and secretary of state.All of this is taking place at a difficult time in state governance: Financial turbulence clouds the future and raises questions about the need for experienced legislators -- ones who know the ins and outs of passing laws in a timely manner and finding solutions to problems through the legislative process. A steep learning curve may be a luxury in times such as these. Thats why, whatever state leaders believe about the merits of term limits, they are in agreement on one point: If term limits are in place, action should be taken to counteract the negative effects of high turnover and an inexperienced legislative body. That is, new legislators must be equipped quickly and effectively with the tools and tactics to handle the tasks they face. Nobody wins if lawmakers are forced to sit idly through their terms because they never learned the ropes.Formal limits for state officials date back to Colonial days, but it wasnt until the early 1990s that legislative term limits became a target of government reformers. Spurred by voter mandates, 15 states put legal restrictions on the number of terms a member may serve in a particular office. The underlying idea was that term limits could bring new faces to the legislature -- thus a constant flow of fresh ideas to state government. Moreover, term limits, its proponents suggested, would keep legislators from hogging valuable seats as career politicians.When Michigan voters enacted term limits in 1992, it wasnt just the fresh ideas and new faces that voters were concerned with. They hoped term restrictions would sever ties between legislators and lobbyists, and open the door to a new world of policymaking possibilities.Some hopes have been realized. Term limits have reportedly pumped life into the Michigan Legislature by improving diversity and helping local residents connect to a government that has a more everyday-citizen look to it. I hear stories of the old days and the legislators were treated literally like royalty, says state Rep. Tom McMillin, a certified public accountant who just finished his first term. Everybody bowed to these people. Term limits guarantee that we get away from the whole idea of kings and princes. We gain much more in having a citizen legislature.The legislative ticking clock, supporters say, also keeps the governing body from falling into a stale political routine, and it forces legislators to focus on the task at hand. There isnt time for new legislators to buy into conventional wisdom and inside-the-box thinking, suggests Jack McHugh, senior legislative analyst for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a free-market think tank based in Midland, Mich. Thats a good thing, he says. If you dont have term limits, youre guaranteed to get a whole bunch of guys and gals whose thinking never veers outside the box, and they remain there for decades.But there has also been an outcry over the counterproductivity of term limits. Term-limit opponents say experience matters, and when veterans term out, rookie lawmakers lose the vets institutional knowledge. That, in turn, promotes short-term thinking. In rocky times, seasoned legislators may be best suited to pushing through the difficult solutions that lie ahead.There are questions about how effective term limits have been in states that have a long track record with them. A 2004 study by the Public Policy Institute of California, for instance, found that instead of revolutionizing the state Legislature with innovation, new members often emulated their precursors, and the policymaking process suffered. Legislative committees screen out fewer bills, the legislative process does not encourage fiscal discipline nor link requests to spending limits, the report noted, and committee membership and leadership continuity impacts experience and expertise crucial to effective policymaking.In Michigan, a 12-year study by Wayne State University found that term limits have dissolved important checks and balances, and increased lobbyists influence. Marjorie Sarbaugh-Thompson, a political science professor at the university and the studys lead author, says there is no question that the problem stems from the limited time new legislators have to understand their jobs and a lack of veteran leadership to guide them. Its very difficult to bring new legislators up to speed, she says. Theyre just barely getting a grasp of what the job consists of when theyre on their way out the door.As disenchantment with term limits echoed through several state legislative chambers, some states decided to backtrack. In 2002, the Idaho Legislature became the first state to repeal its own term limits. Whereas many other efforts to repeal have fallen short at the polls, legislatures or the courts in five other states -- Massachusetts, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming -- followed in Idahos footsteps.For states that are keeping term limits in place, the trend is toward working against the negative factors by providing new legislators with better support, communication and advanced planning. The more time that the clerk and secretary can spend with incoming legislators, says Craig Ruff, a senior policy fellow at PublicSector Consultants, a Lansing-based policy research firm, the faster and easier it will be for legislators to adapt to new roles. Not surprisingly, that is why Olshove, whose seat was won by state Rep. Steve Bieda, met several times with his successor to tell him what to expect.Perhaps a perfect model of an effective orientation is the boot camp for new lawmakers based in Sacramento, Calif. For the past 12 years, the Robert M. Hertzberg Capitol Institute has provided training to new members and their employees on topics ranging from state ethics rules and computer systems to committees. Open year-round in a legislative office building, lawmakers go through an in-depth overview of processes, dissect statutes to digestible levels and receive large binders loaded with information and resources.The program was initiated by Hertzberg, who as a freshman legislator went to a half-day of training that, he says, didnt teach me anything about becoming a legislator. Years later, the former speaker of the Assembly decided to do something about it. He spent some time thinking about the issue and asking himself, What do legislators need, and how do legislators learn?The comprehensive, intensive program that Hertzberg and former Republican Assembly Leader Bill Leonard designed helps new members understand the need-to-know details of the job. At the superficial level, its about term limits, but its more about a cultural shift, Hertzberg says. All institutions have to modernize to deal with rapid change. Were trying to create a long-term resource.This past November, Hertzberg headed up an initial tour for the newest class of legislators -- something he tries to do every year. He herded 25 of the 28 new members who showed up to the chamber floors, the travel office, the nurses office and other need-to-know spots. He talked about his days in state government and shared details of the Capitols past to impart history and context.In other states, mentor programs match freshmen with senior members, and chamber seat assignments are arranged to prevent cliques. Some states even select key legislative leaders in advance so theyll have a jump-start on critical issues. A few states now choose the speaker designate a year ahead, and theyre brought in on the budget meetings, says Thomas Little, director of curriculum development and research for the State Legislative Leaders Foundation. They know they only have two years, so they cant afford to spend the first year trying to find out whats going on.With the timer running, veteran lawmakers might feel inclined to keep the governing group as small as possible to maximize efficiency. But legislators can learn faster through participation, says Eric Herzik, chair of the political science department at the University of Nevada, Reno. New members, he suggests, should be identified and mentored more directly than in the pre-term limit days when they could observe from the sidelines. The idea of a good-old boy group is harder to maintain in a time-shortened career, Herzik says. The way around it is to bring other members into the decision-making process earlier.Theres also a movement toward providing training throughout the term. Last year, for instance, Michigans McMillin took freshmen legislators to meet with the clerk to discuss amendments, strategies and parliamentary procedures, and he plans to hold ongoing orientations in the future. A freshman coming in under our leadership will feel like theyre part of the process and wont be overwhelmed, he says. I want to make sure they understand the nuances.There are other problems spawned by term limits. One is partisanship. Term-limited lawmakers have less interest in bridging the divide between parties than pushing a partisan agenda, which hampers political progress, says Sarbaugh-Thompson. The friendships are missing, she says. People dont know each other. The country at large has very little respect for political experience. I think they think of it as campaigning instead of governing.There are also issues revolving around a lack of institutional memory, which some say boosts power for lobbyists: Their knowledge on certain issues gives them leverage. But in many ways, term limits also force lobbyists to start from scratch and reintroduce themselves whenever a new member enters the political arena. In that sense, veteran staffers may have more of an inside track when it comes to legislative influence. But in the chamber, who lawmakers know matters as much as -- if not more than -- what lawmakers know. And many will admit that they have a hard time keeping track of whos who.I was here before term limits, so I got to see the transition, Olshove says. Now if Im in a room for any event, some people may be legislators, but I dont know who they are.In the late 1990s, a group of Michigan lawmakers set out to forge relationships through field trips called legislative exchanges. On nonformal session days, they caravanned to various districts for excursions. Sometimes they stayed overnight in a hotel or motel, and they would meet for dinner.We went to each others districts to better understand the whole state so we could work together across the aisle, says Sen. Patty Birkholz, who just termed out of the state Legislature. When youre traveling together, it helps force relationship-building.Since then, the legislative exchanges have been all but forgotten. In the past few years, hopes of making solid connections cracked under the weight of party pressure -- and the fact that legislators come and go in a flash.During one of his final days in the Legislature, Olshove looks at a picture in his office of Senate members circa 2004. Gone, gone, gone, gone, gone, he says, moving his finger from member to member in the picture. This is ridiculous. All these folks are gone. Thats term limits for you.One of his staff members notifies him that a class is waiting for him in the Capitol. Students from Siersma Elementary School, located in his district, visit the Capitol every November as part of the curriculum. For the past five years, Olshove has volunteered to give a tour of the Senate Chamber to the kids, his constituents, he calls them.Once in the building, Olshove leads a few dozen fifth-graders into the south wing of the second floor, his stomping grounds. There he breaks down the lawmaking process, using a pretend proposal: No school on Fridays. The kids cheer, and then groan when he admits that the governor probably wouldnt sign off on that bill.Then he opens the floor for questions. The students fire away with random questions about his favorite color (he doesnt have one), what he does for fun (spends time with his children), and whether hell ever run for governor (no). Olshove then points to one student raising her hand in the middle of the crowd.Do you like your job? she asks.The kids havent learned about term limits in class. They have no idea that next November, a brand new senator will be here giving the tour of the Senate Chamber. But they wait with wide eyes to hear his answer.I do, he says. You get to meet all sorts of people every day, and you never know what to expect. And remember, any one of you can get elected one day.With that, the kids gather around him for a group picture. Olshove smiles for the camera and for the kids, his constituents for only a few more weeks. 24-hour economy not feasible without stable power Prof Bokpin Mohammed Ali Business News May - 18 - 2025 , 09:14 Economist and Professor of Finance, Godfred Bokpin has expressed doubts about the feasibility of the governments proposed 24-hour economy policy, citing persistent inefficiencies in the countrys electric power sector. Speaking on Joy FMs Newsfile programme on Saturday, [May 17, 2025], Professor Bokpin said the current state of power supply makes it difficult to sustain basic operations, raising concerns about the viability of extending economic activity around the clock. We are not even getting power for our eight-hour economy, he said in reference to ongoing power outages affecting various parts of the country. So I suppose they [the government] will regret that particular promise because it doesnt look like they can fulfil it. Professor Bokpin described losses in electricity distribution as a major challenge, noting that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) records losses of about 40 per cent, well above international averages. According to him, such levels of loss make it difficult to charge realistic tariffs that reflect the cost of supply. Even 15 per cent is high, but 40 per cent is criminal, he stated. He added that revenue collection remains a concern, with nearly 15 per cent of billed electricity going unpaid. He said this situation is compounded by non-payment from some ministries, departments and agencies, as well as installations that operate without meters. Professor Bokpin questioned how a 24-hour economy could be supported under such conditions, adding that power supply disruptions affect all sectors regardless of political or social affiliation. When your power goes off, it doesnt discriminate, he said. He suggested the inclusion of private sector participation in electricity distribution and revenue collection to help address operational inefficiencies. He clarified that this approach would not require privatising ECG entirely, as the government could still retain ownership while allowing private operators to handle specific functions. Government can still be the sole shareholder, but we need private sector efficiency, he said. There are procurement issues, revenue shortfalls and internal system weaknesses that need to be addressed. Professor Bokpin also called for clarity on the governments position regarding ECG under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reform programme. He said the Cabinet is expected to take a decision on the role of private participation, and that any such decision should be communicated clearly to the public to avoid confusion. Ghana needs help. We cannot continue with this model, he said. There must be reforms if the energy sector is to support economic transformation. African news : breaking news, features, analysis Next article: Gunmen kill at least 56 people in central Nigeria Militants kill at least 23 in Nigeria attack, security sources say Reuters Africa May - 18 - 2025 , 10:02 1 minute read At least 23 farmers and fishermen were killed and others abducted by suspected Islamist militants in northeastern Nigeria's Borno state this week, security sources and local residents told Reuters. Nigeria has been grappling with a long-running insurgency in its northeast, primarily driven by the Islamist armed group Boko Haram and its offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province. The latest attack happened in the village of Malam Karanti on Thursday morning, the security sources and residents said. A spokesman for Nigeria's army did not respond to phone calls and text messages seeking comment. Local resident Sani Auwal said by phone that militants had gathered farmers and fishermen near the village and killed 23 people, many of them bean farmers. They spared an elderly man who later alerted the community, he said. Another local resident Usman Ali said the community had tried to recover the bodies of those killed but had been chased back by the militants. Last month Borno's governor acknowledged that Boko Haram had renewed attacks and kidnappings in the state, reversing previous gains by security forces. Previous article: This is why Gary Lineker is leaving BBC after social media 'error' Pope Leo XIV offers to host Ukraine-Russia peace talks at the Vatican Euronews International News May - 18 - 2025 , 10:13 3 minutes read The Vatican did not release a statement after the meeting, but Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly voiced support for Ukraine, calling for just and lasting peace. The newly elected Pope Leo XIV has suggested that the Vatican could host high-level negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, as Istanbul talks were watered down following Russian President Vladimir Putin's refusal to come face to face with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin's statement on Friday, the supreme pontiff plans to "if necessary, provide the Vatican, the Holy See, as a direct meeting (place) between the two sides." Parolin has also expressed his disappointment with the talks in Turkey, which took place on Friday. "It's all tragic because we hoped that a process would begin, perhaps slowly, but with a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Instead, we are back to square one." "Now we will see what to do, but the situation is very difficult, dramatic," Parolin added. Will Pope Leo XIV visit Ukraine? On Thursday, Pope Leo XIV received the head of Ukraines Greek Catholic Church at the Vatican, who thanked the supreme pontiff for his call for a peaceful, negotiated resolution to Russias war in Ukraine during one of his first audiences as pontiff. His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk, Major Archbishop of Kyiv-Galicia, said he invited the pope to visit Ukraine and handed him a list of Ukrainian prisoners currently held by Russia. Under Pope Francis, the Vatican had actively supported prisoner exchanges and advocated for the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russian-occupied regions. The Vatican did not issue a formal statement following the meeting, which marked one of the earliest such engagements for the new pope since his election on 8 May. Since his appointment, Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly voiced his solidarity with Ukraine. During his first Sunday Angelus blessing and again this week while addressing pilgrims from Eastern Rite churches, he renewed his appeal for an end to the conflict. I carry in my heart the sufferings of the beloved Ukrainian people, the pontiff said on Sunday. Let everything possible be done to achieve genuine, just and lasting peace as soon as possible. May all the prisoners be freed, and may the children return to their families. Parolin said on Thursday that it remained premature to consider a papal visit to Kyiv, despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy raising the possibility in his first phone call with the pope earlier this week. While the Vatican traditionally maintains diplomatic neutrality, Pope Leo XIV has pledged to make every effort to foster dialogue to end wars. The Holy See is always ready to help bring enemies together, face to face, to talk to one another, so that peoples everywhere may once more find hope and recover the dignity they deserve, the dignity of peace, he said on Wednesday. Pope Leo XIV is set to be officially appointed during a Mass at the Vatican on Sunday, with Zelenskyy and US Vice President JD Vance expected to attend. Next article: Notorious Accra robbery suspect extradited from Togo after months on the run Ghana confirms two new Mpox cases; total rises to four Graphic Online May - 18 - 2025 , 17:53 2 minutes read The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced two additional confirmed cases of Mpox, bringing the total number of infections in the country to four. The new cases were detected in the Greater Accra and Western Regions, according to a press release issued on Sunday, May 18, 2025. In the statement signed by Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Ag. Director General of the GHS, health authorities confirmed that the latest cases have no epidemiological link to the previous two infections reported earlier this month. The respective Regional Health Directorates have activated contact tracing and other public health measures to curb further transmission. The GHS reminded the public that Mpox, a viral disease, spreads through close contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated materials. "Common symptoms include rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes," the statement noted. Health officials urged citizens to practise regular hand hygiene, avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, and report suspected cases to the nearest health facility immediately. The Ministry of Health and GHS also called on media houses to support public education efforts by disseminating accurate information on Mpox prevention. "The Government of Ghana remains committed to safeguarding public health. Drawing on our experience in managing similar outbreaks, we will continue to implement appropriate measures to protect the health and well-being of all residents," the statement affirmed. The latest update follows an earlier press release on May 15, which reported Ghanas first two Mpox cases. Health authorities have assured the public of their readiness to contain the outbreak, leveraging lessons from past infectious disease responses. Next article: Ghana joins Burkina Faso at inauguration of memorial park and giant statue in honour of Thomas Sankara Previous article: Ghana confirms two new Mpox cases; total rises to four Notorious Accra robbery suspect extradited from Togo after months on the run Mohammed Ali May - 18 - 2025 , 10:49 2 minutes read A man accused of masterminding a string of violent robberies in parts of Accra has been extradited from Togo to face charges in Ghana. Adinda Abdu Mujibu, also known as Adinda Akpo Abdo, was handed over to Ghanaian authorities in Lome on May 14, 2025, after months of cooperation between the police in Ghana and Togo. The operation was carried out under the 2003 West African Police Chiefs Committee agreement, with support from Interpol. A five-member team led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Lydia Yaako Donkor, who is the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), travelled to the Togolese capital aboard a military aircraft to complete the transfer. The suspect was handed over by Togolese officials led by Commissaire Principal de Police Asi Elu-Ani, in the presence of staff from the Ghana Embassy. The suspect, Mujibu is believed to have led a group responsible for a series of robberies in East Legon, Cantonments, Ridge, Tesano, Airport Residential Area and Adjiriganor between 2022 and 2024. CCTV footage showing a man believed to be him in action was widely circulated online, triggering public alarm and an intensified search for his arrest. He is said to have operated under several aliases, including Rashid Bawa, Maxwell, Papa Rich and Dawa. Police say he fled Ghana in 2023 after narrowly escaping arrest during an operation, and was later found to be holding both Ghanaian and Togolese identification documents. An arrest warrant was issued by the Adabraka District Court on September 5, 2024, followed by an Interpol Red Notice. He was eventually arrested in Lome on January 10, 2025. At a press briefing in Accra on May 17, 2025, DCOP Donkor confirmed that Mujibu is being held in a secure facility. He is in a location where there is no way hes going to escape under any circumstances, she told journalists. DCOP Donkor also revealed that another suspect, Alidu Marzouk, believed to be an accomplice, was arrested on September 4, 2024, and remains in custody. While withholding further details due to ongoing investigations, she said victims are being contacted to assist with evidence collection. She urged members of the public to report any suspicious activity and warned other suspects still at large. We know where you are, and we are coming for you, she said. She acknowledged the role played by the Togo National Police, Interpol Lome, and the Ghana Embassy in Togo in facilitating the extradition. Next article: AMA boss engages street traders ahead of decongestion exercise in Accra on May 20 Smuggling: Police impound fuel tanker filled with cocoa beans Alberto Mario Noretti May - 18 - 2025 , 08:18 1 minute read The police in the Volta Region last Tuesday (May 13) intercepted a petrol tanker travelling from Madina in Accra to Jasikan, which was loaded with cocoa beans and not fuel. It was believed the cocoa beans were meant for smuggling into neighbouring Togo. The vehicle with registration number, GN 3801-13, has been impounded, while the driver [name withheld] has been granted bail and is assisting the police in the investigations. A police spokesman disclosed this to Graphic Online in Ho on Saturday (May 17). The spokesman said the interception of the vehicle in the Peki enclave, followed a tip-off. Meanwhile, the massive quantity of the cocoa beans had been handed over to the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), the spokesman added. The spokesman said a serious manhunt was underway for the owner of the tanker. Guam has a new concept coffee shop to check out. C-41 Film & Coffee in Upper Tumon offers Guam a unique fusion of caffeine and creativity. The locally owned specialty coffee shop and film digitizing hub, which will have its grand opening at 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20. The name pays homage to the iconic C-41 film development process, while the shop itself offers film scanning services, curated photo gear, and a cozy environment for all things creative. Located at 1270 N. Marine Corps Drive, Unit 105, C-41 Film & Coffee invites the community to sip, savor, and develop their day in a space where handcrafted coffee meets analog aesthetics. Whether ones a photography enthusiast looking to digitize film or simply searching for a new favorite brew spot, C-41 Film & Coffee offers a nostalgic and modern experience all in one. We wanted to create a place where art and coffee lovers could come together, said the owners of C-41 in a release. Its about taking a moment to slow down, appreciate a good cup of coffee, and rediscover the magic of film. Guests at the grand opening can expect: Freshly brewed handcrafted coffee and espresso drinks On-site film digitizing and drop-off services Vintage cameras and analog vibes A welcoming space for creatives, students, and coffee aficionados alike The owners invite the community to celebrate with us and enjoy a taste of Guams newest cultural blendwhere film develops and conversations brew. The Bureau of Womens Affairs announced seven I Ninametgot Famalaoan or Making Women Stronger scholarship recipients who earned their Adult High School Diploma at the Guam Community College commencement on May 16 at the University of Guam Calvo Field House. The seven women are each being awarded a $500 BWA scholarship for having completed high school. We started this scholarship program to give women who dropped out an incentive to complete high school, BWA Director Jayne Flores said in a release. When I worked at GCC, I saw how life got in the way for a lot of the women in the Adult High School program. The $500 upon completion no strings attached has been a great incentive. So far, weve awarded 28 scholarships. Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said these women exemplify strength, resilience, and determination. Each of them made the courageous decision to return to high school and earn their diplomanot just for themselves, but for their families and their future. Life may have pulled them away from the classroomwhether it was becoming a young mother, caring for an ailing parent, or stepping in to help provide for their householdbut they never gave up, the governor said in a statement. They understand what it means to work hard, to persevere, and to overcome. Today, they stand as powerful role models, not just as graduates, but as women who are reclaiming their dreams and inspiring others to do the same. BWA said it has offered the scholarship every semester since spring semester 2022. The program was first funded with American Recovery Program Act money but now Flores said it has been included in BWAs local budget. I want to thank GCC President Dr. Mary Okada and Associate Dean Mariesha San Nicolas for their assistance with this program, Flores said. Its a great partnership. The BWA I Ninametgot Famalaoan High School Completion Scholarship is open to any woman over 18 who is currently enrolled in an accredited adult high school program, whether on Guam or online, and who will complete it within a given fiscal year. BWA said it has up to 10 scholarships available each fiscal year, depending on funding availability. To inquire about the program or to apply, email info.bwa@guam.gov. Deeply disappointing. Thats how emergency management and public safety chairman Sen. Shawn Gumataotao described the arrest of Guam Office of Civil Defense Administrator Charles Esteves for allegedly assaulting a woman in a Washington, D.C. hotel room in March. Esteves, a member of the Leon Guerrero administration and a classified employee, was the subject of an arrest warrant. He appeared in the District Court of Guam on Saturday and was released on his own recognizance and ordered to comply with any restraining orders in the case. Prosecutors want to bring Esteves back to Washington, D.C. to answer the charge. The judicial process is underway between the U.S. District Court of Guam and the U.S. Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the alleged crimes committed by Charles Esteves. Mr. Esteves is facing serious criminal charges and is presumed innocent until proven guilty, Gumataotao said in a statement. When contacted by the Pacific Daily News on Saturday, Esteves declined comment on the advice of counsel. He is set to appeal in federal court at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday for a status hearing to address whether the District Court has jurisdiction on the request to send him to Washington, D.C. Esteves on leave Esteves is also a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army National Guard. Prior to Esteves appearance on Saturday in federal court, hes on an annual military training from May 5 to 9, May 12 to 16, and May 19 to 23, based on documents showing an official acting designation that the Guam Office of Civil Defense filed with the Legislature. Jon Junior Calvo, the governors chief of staff, is the acting Civil Defense administrator from May 5 to 25, in Esteves absence to ensure operational continuity, the same documents show. As of Sunday, Gov. Lou Leon Guerreros office has yet to issue a statement about the charges against Esteves. Charging documents from the District of Columbia stated that Esteves became angry and started yelling at a woman, a Guam resident whose name has been redacted from court filings, around 3 a.m. in a room on March 23 at the Washington Hilton. Court documents stated Esteves straddled her as she was lying on the bed and reportedly pulled her hair, placed both hands around her neck, began to choke her, threatened to kill her family, and urinated on the bed and the womans clothing. Indicted Esteves is one of six employees at the Office of Civil Defense indicted in April in a case involving overtime payments at the agency. On May 1, he pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of certifying officer malfeasance and two counts of official misconduct, all with a special allegation of commission of a crime against the community. Plans for a 360-degree missile system for Guam will cost approximately $8 billion, and the Department of Defense will continue improving on the systems capability forever, according to the Army officer overseeing the project. That $8 billion price tag was provided by Lt. Gen. Robert Rasch, executive director of the Guam Defense System Joint Program Office, during a U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee hearing this past week. Its the first publicly disclosed estimate of the total cost of the missile defense system for Guam. The Pacific Daily News in February reported at least $1.3 billion worth of contracts awarded in relation to the project, based on an analysis of publicly available data from the federal government. To put the $8 billion cost of the system in perspective, the total relocation of U.S. Marines from Okinawa, Japan to Guam as part of the military buildup was estimated at $8.7 billion by the Congressional Research Service in 2023. According to Rasch, the cost is not a new investment. Rasch told members of the Senate committee that the price tag is really the cost of the systems that the services were building already that will now be located at Guam, approximately $8 billion across all the services. The largest among missile defense system contracts compiled by the PDN in February are a pair of deals for aerospace and defense giant Lockheed Martin to deliver a Guam Aegis System and Homeland Defense Radar-Guam. The contracts total $988 million, with an option to expand the radar for a total cost up to $1.24 billion. This past week, Rasch touted the success of the Aegis Guam capability during a December missile flight testing on the island. The system is a land-based version of the Navys ship-based Aegis ballistic missile defense system, according to publications from the Missile Defense Agency. That work was really the starting point, Rasch told members of the Senate. According to the lieutenant general, the Aegis system remains on Guam as of May, and remains a credible deterrence against potential adversaries while the Army plans to bring on trench one of missile defense capability in 2027. At one point during the hearing, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, asked Rasch how long until the system will be operational. Senator, I believe we will be improving this capability forever. And defense never rests, because offensive threat never never rests. So we will continually evolve, Rasch responded. He said the effort on Guam was to get as much capability as soon as possible. Capability isnt just a thing. Its not just, you know, a launcher, its not just a radar. Its not even just a command and control, he said. Its soldiers, you know, airmen, you know, all the folks actually man this equipment, ensuring theyre properly trained. Its ensuring that we have the proper sustainment tail on island to support it, that we can sustain them, not just for a day, but for years. Rasch added that well be at this for a while. Miniature Golden Dome At several points during the hearing, the officials referred to the Guam-based missile defense system as a learning opportunity while the DoD considers plans for a Golden Dome system. Guams integrated air and missile defense system is in effect a miniature Golden Dome. President Donald Trump has floated the Golden Dome as a concept akin to the Iron Dome missile defense system protecting Israel, but for the entire continental U.S. Sen. Angus King, R-Maine, at one point during the discussion said the $8 billion cost for the Guam Defense System concerned him. Guam is half the size of San Antonio. So if were talking about providing the level of defense that we have on Guam for our citizens in our country, were talking about an awful lot of money, King said. Rasch told members of the Senate that Guam being part of the homeland presented many of the challenges the DoD would see with the Golden Dome stateside. Its not just a DoD venture, its bringing in the whole of government, as far as site locations, environmental, everything that we have to do there, he said. The other challenge is getting different systems from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Missile Defense Agency to work together as one. Once the Guam Defense System is launched, it will be manned by personnel from each service, with operations coordinated by the Air Force, Rasch said. He added that the Guam Army National Guard may be involved with the system as well, noting that they already provide security at missile defense sites on the island. Within the Army, theres talk about potentially expanding that mission set for the Guard members on Guam, Rasch said. He said the matter is still under discussion. A man is on life support with serious injuries after a hit-and-run early Sunday morning in Dededo, according to the Guam Police Department, which is seeking out the mans family and the publics help for any information about the incident. The victim has not been positively identified, GPD said. GPD is seeking the communitys help identifying the adult male victim of an auto-pedestrian collision that occurred around 2:34 a.m. on Route 3 in Dededo. It is also urging anyone who may have information about the incident to contact the police. Vehicle fled the scene Preliminary information from GPD stated that at around 2:34 a.m., a pedestrian was walking on the southbound outer lane of Route 3 in Dededo when a vehicle traveling in the same outer southbound lane struck the pedestrian and fled the scene. Medics transported the victim to the Guam Regional Medical City for further medical treatment. Units from GPDs Guam Highway Patrol Division arrived on the scene to conduct their investigation. As of 5:35 a.m. Sunday, the still unidentified victim remained on life support with serious injuries, GPD said. Contact police: If you have a family member who is overdue from returning home, contact GHPD through GDP Dispatch at (671) 475-8615-7. If you feel you may have hit an object while traveling in the area, or you notice substantial damage to your vehicle, contact GHPD through GPD Dispatch at (671) 475-8615-7. If you have any information about this incident, contact GHPD through GPD Dispatch at (671) 475-8615-7. One can also leave an anonymous tip on the Guam Crime Stoppers website at www.guamcrimestoppersweb.com. One doesnt have to leave a name. The case remains open and pending further investigation. GDP does not have further releasable information at this time. GPD remains committed to ensuring the safety of our community and will provide updates as more information becomes available, GPD added. The rhythm of sledgehammers and a chorus of power tools make the Guam Guards 1224th Engineer Support Company easy to find. They are out in town on a recent morning, removing subfloors, rerouting electrical circuits, and sealing windows at Safe Haven, a resource center for new and expecting mothers in need. The engineers are on annual training, a two-week period for guardsmen to practice their mission essential collective tasks. Often, units from Guam travel off-island for training, where they can avail of larger maneuver areas and machine gun ranges. This year, the engineers have chosen to train on Guam and use their skills to give back to the community. Two of the soldiers on the team, however, are not from Guam. Privates 1st Class Jay Rideb of Susupe Lake, and Willie Aguilar of Tuturam Road in San Vincente are from Saipan. Part of the Guam Guards recent initiative to expand recruiting to the CNMI, Rideb and Aguilar are two of nearly 100 guardsmen who travel to Guam for weekend drills and annual training. Although they face the additional challenges of airfare, living in barracks, and limited transportation during their travel to Guam, the Saipan soldiers have shown extraordinary resiliency. In fact, recruits from Saipan have been earning a disproportionate number of honor graduate awards during Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training. More than one in 10 recruits from Saipan has earned the title of honor graduate a number normally not seen, especially in such an underrepresented group. Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio is encouraging Guam educators to apply for the Department of Defenses STEM Ambassador Program, an opportunity that offers a sizable $12,000 stipend, travel opportunities, and participation in a nationally-recognized initiative. The initiative brings science, technology, engineering and math teachers together to share their knowledge while developing materials and curriculums that will help drive the STEM program into the future. Tenorio said developing and diversifying how Guam educates its students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics will be crucial to seeing Guam through rapidly changing global, financial, and environmental affairs. Weve got to deliver our children an education that prepares them to use science and agriculture to address community issues like housing and hunger while giving them the tools and education needed to invent and implement solutions that will help us adapt to geopolitical issues like climate change and the evolving technological advancements taking place every day, Tenorio said in a statement. In a release, Adelup said the DOD STEM Ambassador Program offers a $12,000 stipend and is part of the Defense STEM Education Consortium, DSEC. It is a partnership among academic scholars, multiple industries, not-for-profit organizations, and government. Ambassadors will participate in national conferences and join other educators nationwide in sharing ideas to help develop STEM curricula and educator content. The deadline to submit applications is June 27. Interested educators are encouraged to visit https://dodstem.us/meet/ambassadors/. The online application can be found at https://tgrfoundation.tfaforms.net/f/DoDSTEMAmbassador_2025-2026_Application. Tenprio said educating children is the most important duty each generation must fulfill, and that requires encouraging teachers to step out of the box and into national opportunities that will finance and strengthen the STEM curriculum. Guam is home to some of the best, most dedicated educators and I urge each and every one of them to apply to the DOD STEM ambassador program, not just to advance their careers, but to show our students that with dedication and commitment, Guam can compete on the world stage and win, Tenorio added. For more information on the DoDs STEM Ambassador Program, visit https://www.dodstem.us/. Congressman James Moylan continues to prove that he has no idea what he is doing, and this is clear in his latest zany idea where he sent a letter to ask the secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs to move their regional office in the Philippines to Guam. If he or his staff did their homework, they will realize that this is not possible, because there are specific and important reasons that Veterans Affairs has a regional office in Manila. Before I explain, lets make one thing clear, and please Google this to confirm what I am about to say. Unlike his media release where he sounds like Veterans Affairs wants to close the Manila office and move, well guess what, they are not closing that office, nor do they have any intentions to close it down for any reason. They also have zero plans on relocating it to Guam like his release claims. So why is the congressman wasting everyones time with pie in the sky letters that actually embarrass Guam instead of assisting? Sad how he even duped our governor into giving him a letter supporting his zany idea. The Manila office was established more than 100 years ago and is there to cater to thousands of U.S. veterans who reside in the country. They handle outpatient services and extend out nearly $100 million in disability claim payments. They also have more veterans enrolled under the veterans health care coverage versus in Guam, not per capita, but overall. What makes them unique is that they also service eligible Filipino World War II veterans or their survivors, which in 2024 was estimated at nearly 20,000. Why is the congressman trying to take this service and funding away from them? Also contrary to the congressmans media release, a move will not save operational funds, because if he or his trusted advisors did their homework, they would learn that in 2024, that office in Manila employed 176 total staff, with 168 relocating from the U.S., earning dollars and not pesos. The results from this office also helps stimulate the economy of the Philippines, which is an ally of the United States. Why would their government allow this office to shut down? Why is Congressman Moylan trying to hurt their economy, or even suggest that the U.S. Veterans Affairs alienate veterans, including Filipino veterans and their survivors who live in the Philippines? It makes no sense, and he even drags our governor into this. I am sure it was a slow news day, and the congressmans office needed to send out some release to let Guams veterans think they are working on veterans issues, so they came up with this. But even if thats the case, at least try something more realistic. Maybe just ask for a regional office or take the notes from Sen. Tina Muna Barnes, the last legislature, or even HMI, as they understand more than the congressman and his staff as to what Guams veterans need. Moylan may also want to rethink who is giving him advice and relocate them to another office, because they really dropped the ball and embarrassed Guam on this issue. Maybe he can take a class on Google as well. Almost daily, I drive the back road to Andersen Air Force Base, Route 15, and inevitably notice a trekking company van parked at the trailhead for Pagat, a truly unique trail to our ancient CHamoru village site with latte, the underground swimming pool, and the dramatic cliffs at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. In relation to tourism, has there been any study of the economic contributions of trekking and other adventure venues to our tourism? Calculations would include the number of visitors participating, fees paid, meals purchased, and additional nights in one of our hotels. We just might gain a broader perspective of the benefits and opportunities that exploring Guam contributes to us available when tourists leave Tumon that is currently largely ignored and opportunities lost. A series of adventures to our ancient village sites will yield an appreciation for our islands heritage that is worthy for us and our visitors. Journeys to Hilaan, Ritidian, Sella, and Mepo are further great examples for education and enrichment which certainly should restart efforts for historic preservation of these and many more CHamoru village sites for our own benefit and for our visitors to appreciate. Before entering an ancient CHamoru village, please request permission to enter with this request: Guello yan Guella, Manmatto ham n ikon rispetu, Kan sina ham manmaloffan gi sagan-miyu? Dispensa ham pot fabot sinkasso guaha bidan-mami. Hilaan is on the western side of our island north of Puntan dos Amantes and is reached with a trek along the tranquil sandy shoreline north of Tanguisson Beach, passing by the mushroom rocks of Guam Fahou. Several latte sets are located at Hilaan and just a bit north is a magnificent view north to Ritidian Point with the green cliffs and blues of the ocean. A hidden trail heads inland to the Lost Pond, while offshore is Sharks Cove. At Ritidian, within the Guam National Wildlife Refuge, is a marked trail for public use that leads to caves and latte. Take some time to explore this legacy of our island while also enjoying the tranquility of the nearby Ritidian Beach. In southern Guam is a destination gem of Sella Bay reached by the trail from Route 2. At beautiful and tranquil Sella Bay is the old Spanish Bridge and remnants of a Spanish oven. Then a short distance to the north are latte from the ancient village of Sella. In central Guam, just a bit south of Tarzan Falls, are a series of latte nestled amongst the beautiful green covered hills and valleys at Mepo. These remnants are marvelous to explore and contribute to our understanding of ancient life on our island. A closer look at the latte of the different ancient CHamoru villages will reveal that each village latte has a distinctive design and shape. The Guam Visitors Bureau should be promoting adventure tourism to these and many more unique destinations and get our visitors out of Tumon. Decades ago, we would be in grandmas yard playing. In the kitty corner was the Diaz family backyard Joe, Lydia, Doris, Bernice, Raymond, Di, Ron and Kathy doing the same. We would wave and smile. Decades later, at a Project Tinituhon meeting, Lydia and her CPS team were in attendance. Youre here now? This is good, she said to me. Lydia Diaz Tenorio was an invaluable, welcomed asset at all tables. She was right it was good. Our partnership in developing the Guam Early Childhood System of Care, curriculum and program development for mental health, child welfare, and juvenile justice proceeded. As a 78 JFK Islander, she brought cultural competence essential to relevance and meaning. As a 82 USF graduate in social work, she brought the foundational knowledge needed to realize data points, milestones and intended outcomes. As a social worker, Lydias natural inclination to lead with respect and regard made the difference. Pale Mike believes Lydia is loyal and trustworthy. In my reflection about leadership, I believe that loyalty is essential. Not loyalty to a singular person but loyalty to the mission and vision. Lydias 31 years of service portrays loyalty to helping families be safe, healthy and happy. Her skill set helped us progress in many ways. Lt Gov. Josh Tenorio shares that Lydia is dedicated and an incredible mentor to many. She was a key figure in establishing our child welfare system which operated so well under her leadership. Lydias walking leadership had her rescuing siblings from horror scenes to include one kept in a drawer, accompanying children to funerals, capturing baby ads on the internet. Lydia engaged in think tanks, work sessions, conferences, public hearings, Rigalu House, Ericas House, foster care, Sexual Assault Response Team, Healing Hearts, Military Family Advocacy, Karinu, I Famafuon-ta, and more. The professional relationship we treasured came second, though, to our friendship. We shared concerns, interests, perspectives. When my radio silence screamed, she checked in. Those calls anchored me. When Lydia and Brother Joe, another incredible social worker, framed Erics puzzles and shared them on the CPS walls, my heart smiled. When they helped set up the Christmas Friary for Eric, we were grateful beyond words. Regularly, Nieves, Evelyn, Lydia and I would huddle. It was our safe space for love and laughter. Nieves describes Lydia as compassionate and service- oriented. Evelyn cites Lydias patience and understanding. Today, Lydia and Joe10 are relocating to Texas. They will join 144,000 CHamorus who have moved for opportunities, health care and military service. Joe10 is a retired Air Force reserve and a retired Judiciary probation officer. Thank you, sir, for your service. They will continue family life with daughter Steph, Air Force Reserve and dental assistant, husband Jord, civil servant supply specialist, son Joe, a jet mechanic. Awesome accomplishments! In 2012, then DPHSS Director James Gillan presented Lydia the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Children, Youth and Families Commissioner Bryan Samuels Award for exceptional contributions to the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. She will be missed, he said. Indeed. Sigh. But what will keep me smiling through tears is this memory. Years ago, I stopped by their home to share mango. Lydia was holding baby Hailey Brooke. In the yard enjoying nature, Lydia gently asked if she saw the butterfly and heard the birds. The love was palpable. That heartfelt sentiment motivates me always. Love. Joy. Peace. Hailey is a younger sister to Evey and soon to be an older sister to a new baby. Life with Lydia is a godsend. We will miss her and her family but now, Texas has more Guam ambassadors. Lucky them. Time to share. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code Haiti - Politic : Prime Minister pays vibrant tribute to teachers As part of Flag and University Day, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime participated in a ceremony organized by the Public University of the North in Cap-Haitien (UPNCH), in the presence of his government team and several local stakeholders. During his speech, the Head of Government paid a glowing tribute to teachers, whom he described as "keepers of knowledge and architects of our future." He also appealed to Haitian youth, inviting them to actively engage in building a more united, just, and secure country. "Haiti needs its youth, its energy, its ideas, and its courage. We stand with you to build a stable and hopeful future together," declared the Prime Minister, reaffirming his Government's commitment to supporting all development actors, particularly young people and women. Symbolic financial support was presented to the UPNCH, along with the announcement of a major investment of 3 billion gourdes in the Far North. In recognition of his commitment to education, youth, and development, the UPNCH Dean's Office awarded the Prime Minister a Certificate of Honor and Merit. The visit continued with a guided tour of the university's facilities, during which the Prime Minister and his delegation interacted directly with academic leaders to assess needs on the ground. Furthermore, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, Dieuseul Predelus, the new Rector of the State University of Haiti, was inaugurated. (UEH), at the Henri Christophe de Limonade Campus (CHCL), addressed professors and the general public on the occasion of National Teachers' Day. Speech by the Rector of UEH : "[...] On this May 17, 2025, Teachers' Day, the State University of Haiti invites society in general, and political stakeholders and decision-makers in particular, to pull together and take all necessary steps to ensure that the right of professors to a decent life, continuing education, and professional development is recognized. For you are the builders of the future, the artisans of knowledge, and your daily work contributes to training enlightened and responsible citizens. Thanks to your expertise, patience, and perseverance, our university continues to shine and achieve its goals of academic excellence. Dear fellow citizens, the right to education and compulsory public instruction is not guaranteed if teachers, considered a crucial link in all forms of knowledge transmission and the linchpin of any educational system, are not taken into account. Dear fellow teachers, the UEH is well aware that the future of our citizens is in your hands. Your role is not limited to the transmission of knowledge, but also includes supporting and training future generations, in a spirit of ethics, integrity, and solidarity. As for the UEH, it is at your disposal and wishes to be a stakeholder in all measures likely to guarantee the right to education for all, and to ensure that quality education and compulsory public instruction once again become a reality in Haiti. Dear UEH teachers, this year again we are celebrating Teachers' Day in a difficult context for the UEH in particular, and for the country in general. This is evidenced by the fact that the premises of our faculties in the West are being vandalized by armed groups. Worse still, some facilities, such as the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy and the Faculty of Science, have been looted; others, such as the Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine and the Ecole Normale Superieure, have been set on fire. Added to this are the low salaries and insufficient funds for research and other academic activities. Dear UEH professors, despite the limited financial resources available to UEH, the current Executive Council is committed to doing everything possible to give special consideration to professors working at UEH. It is in this sense that a program will be implemented during the term of the Executive Council, the main objective of which is the continuing education and development of our professors, the increase in the number of research laboratories, as well as any other academic action likely to improve higher education at UEH. In this regard, there is already a Master's program in University Teaching housed at the Ecole Normale Superieure and here at CHCL. We intend to strengthen it and open it up, especially to professors working in provincial cities, including you at the Henri Christophe de Limonade Campus. A career plan designed to better address the status and progression needs of our professors is also under consideration by the Vice-Rectorate for Academic Affairs. Efforts will be made to streamline the loan process at the Banque Nationale de Credit (BNC), and you will no longer need to go to Port-au-Prince to obtain a loan. On this special day, I invite you to take a moment to recharge your batteries and appreciate the richness of your mission. Rest assured that your work will not go unnoticed, and that the entire university community supports and honors you. Finally, allow me to thank each of you for your continued commitment. Our university could not thrive without your passion and dedication. May this Teachers' Day be a source of renewed motivation and well-deserved recognition for you. I wish you all a wonderful day. Long live the Henri Christophe de Limonade Campus; Long live the State University of Haiti; Long live Haiti. Thank you. Furthermore, as part of National Teachers' Day, Fritz Alphonse Jean, the President pro tempore of the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT), took part the day before in the official ceremony held on the occasion of Haiti's National Teachers' Day at the Karibe Hotel in Petion-ville. He paid tribute to the courage, resilience, and professionalism of the educators who, despite the many difficulties facing the country, continue to spread knowledge and educate future generations with passion and commitment. On this highly symbolic day, the President of the Council expressed his gratitude to the teachers from the country's ten departments, who gathered on this occasion to celebrate their essential mission. He paid a heartfelt tribute to these dedicated women and men, pillars of national development, and reiterated the CPT's commitment to supporting all initiatives aimed at improving the working conditions of teachers, strengthening the national education system, and guaranteeing every Haitian child a quality education. HL/ SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Cap-Haitien : PM meets mayors and Mgr Launay Saturne On Friday, May 17, 2025, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime continued his official tour of the North department https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44921-haiti-politic-prime-minister-on-tour-in-cap-haitien.html . He was accompanied by Joseph Andre Gracien Jean, Minister Delegate for Electoral and Constitutional Affairs, J.E. Kathia Verdier, Minister for Haitians Living Abroad, his Chief of Staff, Axene Joseph, and close associates. He held an important working meeting with the mayors of the department's various communes. At the heart of the discussions were the crucial issue of security, as well as the organization of the constitutional referendum and general elections, essential conditions for restoring institutional stability and democracy to the nation. The Prime Minister reiterated that only governance based on the ballot box, driven by popular legitimacy, can guarantee a sustainable future for Haiti. He emphasized the urgency of ending the transition process and called on all stakeholders, at all levels, to engage in this national recovery process. Mayors were called upon to play an active role in raising citizen awareness, collaborating with the central government to strengthen the climate of trust, encouraging voter turnout, and supporting initiatives aimed at restoring peace in their respective communities. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the security, technical, and logistical conditions necessary for the holding of free, inclusive, and transparent elections, in accordance with republican principles. He called on all citizens to believe in the future and to actively participate in the work of national reconstruction. He then met with Msgr. Launay Saturne, Metropolitan Archbishop of Cap-Haitien. This meeting, marked by seriousness, attentiveness, and mutual respect, provided an opportunity to address the socio-political, economic, and security situation in Haiti. Discussions focused on major national priorities, such as combating insecurity and organizing the constitutional referendum and general elections in a spirit of peace, justice, and democratic legitimacy. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to working for the country's recovery through dialogue, consultation, and collective responsibility. He expressed his deep conviction that religious leaders, as guardians of the national conscience, have an essential role to play in the unity of the Haitian people, civic education, and restoring trust between citizens and institutions. Msgr. Saturne shared his concerns and hopes. He reiterated the need to protect human dignity, combat social injustice, and work toward a future of peace, stability, and solidarity. The leader of the Catholic Church in the North welcomed the government's open approach and reaffirmed the Church's willingness to support any sincere process oriented toward the common good. Through this meeting, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that the rebuilding of Haiti cannot be achieved without listening to the country's spiritual voices, and that the Transition is only meaningful if it results in a return to constitutional order, with transparency, inclusion, and truth. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44921-haiti-politic-prime-minister-on-tour-in-cap-haitien.html HL/ HaitiLibre The World Press Photo Foundation is suspending the attribution of photographer Nick Ut as the author of one of the most famous and iconic war photos in history for now. According to the organization (PDF), new investigations have cast considerable doubt on whether Ut actually took the famous "Napalm Girl" photo from the Vietnam War. Anzeige According to World Press Photo, this decision was triggered by the documentary "The Stringer", which was shown at the Sundance Film Festival in early 2025. The film suggests that Vietnamese freelance photographer Nguyen Thanh Nghe took the photo. The Associated Press (AP) news agency, for whom Nick Ut was working at the time, subsequently conducted an extensive investigation (PDF). The AP's technical analysis revealed that the photo was probably taken with a Pentax camera and not, as previously assumed, with a Leica. This result supports the version of Nghe, who claims to have used a Pentax. However, previously unknown footage from the US broadcaster NBC reveals another possible author: the Vietnamese military photographer Huynh Cong Phuc. He can be seen in the footage very close to the position from which the famous photo was taken. Contradictions in the film The AP investigation also uncovers contradictions in the portrayal of the film "The Stringer". The film claims, for example, that only Nghe was in the correct position at the time the photo was taken. The NBC footage disproves this account. According to AP analysis, the distance between the photo position and a person shown later in the film, who is potentially Nick Ut, is also significantly less than stated in the film. Namely, about 30 to 50 meters instead of the claimed 60 meters. Anzeige Nick Ut confirmed to AP that, in addition to his well-known Leica and Nikon cameras, he also carried a Pentax , an heirloom from his brother who died in the war. This statement was confirmed by his sister-in-law in an AP interview. The authenticity of the photo itself is not in question. The significance of the picture for war reporting also remains undisputed. The photo shows the nine-year-old girl Phan Thi Kim Phuc running naked and screaming along a street after a napalm attack. "As no clear conclusions can be drawn, we are suspending the attribution of the author until conclusive proof of authorship is available," World Press Photo explains in its investigation report. Kim Phuc herself rejects the new allegations. In a statement to AP, she describes the allegations as "false" and refers to eyewitness reports that confirm Nick Ut as the photographer. (tho) 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 study , part of the CO-CARBON research project, modelled various development scenarios for Helsinki to examine how urban greening affects biodiversity and carbon sinks. The EUs new urban restoration regulation alone will not prevent biodiversity loss in cities, according to researchers from Aalto University and the University of Helsinki. Their findings suggest that focusing solely on the quantity of green areas, as the regulation currently does, will not lead to meaningful improvements unless the ecological quality of those spaces is also addressed. While meeting the minimum targets of the EUs nature restoration regulation resulted in slightly less biodiversity loss than conventional urban growth scenarios, overall biodiversity continued to decline in all but the most ambitious case. That most ambitious scenario, aiming to prevent any further biodiversity loss, required extensive urban densification. Researchers noted this could reduce access to local green space and intensify urban heat effects, thereby complicating climate adaptation. The implementation of the restoration regulation must involve integrated urban planning and strategic decision-making that considers both the amount and the quality of green infrastructure, said Antti Kinnunen, lead author and postdoctoral researcher at Aalto University. The research highlighted a fundamental flaw in the regulation: it treats all green areas equally, regardless of ecological value. A hectare of lawn and a hectare of forest are measured the same under current targets, despite vastly different benefits for biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Similarly, the study found that not all types of green space deliver the same value across different urban environments. While increasing tree canopy and vegetation is vital for climate mitigation, converting open habitats into forest may actually harm biodiversity in those specific ecosystems. Researchers are calling for ecological quality criteria to be formally included in Finlands national restoration plan, which is currently being drafted. They also emphasise that while EU monitoring and implementation occur at national and regional levels, the actual biodiversity benefits and policy impacts are realised locally. The benefits of nature and the actions required to achieve them happen on the ground, said Kinnunen. Cities must integrate biodiversity and nature-based benefits into everything from master plans to parks, street plantings, and yard design. The study represents the first in Finland and among the first internationally to assess the implications of the EU restoration law on urban areas. It urges a shift away from headline figures and area targets toward a more nuanced understanding of how green space functions ecologically. The researchers conclude that aligning urban development with biodiversity and climate goals requires difficult trade-offs. But without a focus on quality, expanding green coverage alone will not reverse nature loss. HT The poll, conducted by the corporate responsibility network Fibs, gathered responses from 180 Finnish companies of various sizes. Ninety-five percent said they intend to continue investing in DEI initiatives. A new survey shows that Finnish businesses remain committed to workplace diversity, even as major firms and government agencies in the United States scale back their DEI (diversity, equality and inclusion) programmes under renewed political pressure. The findings come in contrast to developments in the United States, where Donald Trump, after returning to the presidency earlier this year, banned DEI initiatives in federal agencies, public education, and other institutions. Several large US-based firms, including Amazon, Google, and Disney, have since revised or cancelled their DEI programmes. According to Euronews, citing Financial Times, the US government has also extended pressure overseas. American embassies reportedly sent letters to companies in the European Union, including in Finland, requesting declarations of alignment with the new federal stance on diversity. The recipients include service providers in sectors such as property maintenance, security, and telecommunications that supply US diplomatic missions. In Finland, however, such developments appear to have had limited effect. Greta Andersson, a corporate responsibility expert at Fibs, told Svenska Yle that European companies are increasingly moving in the opposite direction. Investments in DEI programmes, and recognition of their need, are increasing in Finland, she said. If theyre not doing it, we will. Were building a good society for everyone. Andersson noted that while diversity in the United States reflects long-standing demographic realities, efforts to formalise DEI policies there are facing political rollback. In contrast, she said, Finnish companies are in earlier stages but generally moving forward. Asked whether Finnish firms are adjusting their policies in response to US developments, Andersson said there are no major signs of change. At most, some of the language may have shifted slightly, but I havent seen anything that would suggest companies are letting this influence their operations, she said. She added that some of the strongest advocates for workplace diversity in Finland view it as a competitive advantage. The rise in Finlands foreign-born population has expanded the labour pool, and companies that embrace inclusion are better positioned to attract talent. The companies leading the way here understand that diversity and inclusion are competitiveness issues. You get a significantly bigger selection of skilled workers when you open up the workplace, she said. Still, Andersson acknowledged a gap between stated intentions and actual staffing outcomes. Although there are positive attitudes about diversity, the work to achieve it remains at a fairly early stage at most companies, she said. HT Austria last won Eurovision in 2014 with Conchita Wurst . This years victory came through a combination of strong jury support and moderate public votes. JJ, whose real name is Johannes Pietsch , performed as a countertenor. Austria won the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Basel with Wasted Love by JJ , securing 436 points. Israels Yuval Raphael came second, and Estonias Tommy Cash placed third. Finlands Erika Vikman finished 11th. He trained in Vienna and has previously sung at the Vienna State Opera. Despite his classical background, JJ won the contest with a visually elaborate and emotionally charged performance. The performance had substantial Finnish involvement. Finnish professionals were behind JJs staging, costume, and production. The visual director was Ari Levela, known for his work on Finlands national selection UMK. The costume was designed by Teemu Muurimaki and sewn in Helsinki by Elviira Medel. JJ received 258 jury points and 178 public points. Israel, the publics favourite, earned 297 televote points but only 60 from the juries, finishing with 357. Estonia received 356, narrowly behind Israel. Finlands Erika Vikman performed Ich Komme and earned 196 points in total: 108 from the public and 88 from juries. She received her only 12-point jury score from Austria. Public votes came mainly from Nordic countries and Australia, with 10 points each from Sweden, Estonia, and Australia. Sixteen countries gave Finland zero public points. President Alexander Stubb congratulated Vikman on social media, stating that Finns should be proud. UMK, Finlands Eurovision selection, will return to Tampere in February 2026. Swedens KAJ, a Finnish-Swedish comedy group, placed fourth with Bara Bada Bastu, a song themed around sauna culture. It was Swedens highest public vote getter, receiving 195 points, compared to Austrias 178. However, it earned only 126 jury points, totalling 321. KAJs humour resonated most in Nordic countries, gaining 12 public points from Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Estonia. Juries were more reserved, with only Iceland awarding top marks. The groups strong streaming presence in the spring, including charting in the UK, had raised expectations that were ultimately unmet. Estonias Tommy Cash delivered an unorthodox entry, Espresso Macchiato, which proved unexpectedly popular. It received 258 televote points and 98 from juries. Italy awarded it seven public points despite reported offence taken at its lyrics. Public 12-point scores came from Armenia, Croatia, Latvia, Malta, and Serbia. This years final saw dramatic shifts between jury and public votes. Austria dominated among juries, while Israel surged in the public tally. Twelve countries gave Israel full 12-point public scores, including the UK, Germany, and Spain. Finland contributed 10 public points. Israels strong performance came despite protests against its participation due to the Gaza conflict. Only Azerbaijans jury gave it 12 points. Israels public vote support spanned 26 countries, each awarding at least seven points. Estonian media highlighted Finlands and Swedens results, as well as the third-place success of Tommy Cash. Austrias victory was widely seen as a result of a polished performance, supported by a multinational creative team. The final featured 26 countries. At the bottom, San Marino scored 27 points, while Iceland placed last with 37. Switzerland, the host country, placed 10th. The full results for the top 12: Austria (JJ) Wasted Love: 436 Israel (Yuval Raphael) New Day Will Rise: 357 Estonia (Tommy Cash) Espresso Macchiato: 356 Sweden (KAJ) Bara Bada Bastu: 321 Italy (Lucio Corsi) Volevo Essere Un Duro: 256 Greece (Klavdia) Asteromata: 231 France (Louane) Maman: 230 Albania (Zjerm) Shkodra Elektronike: 218 Ukraine (Ziferblat) Bird of Pray: 218 Switzerland (Zoe Me) Voyage: 214 Finland (Erika Vikman) Ich Komme: 196 Netherlands (Claude) Cest La Vie: 175 HT The ceremony took place on the Commemoration Day of Fallen Soldiers, a national remembrance occasion. The men were reinterred at the citys war cemetery, which holds the remains of hundreds of unidentified combatants. The remains of 26 unidentified Finnish soldiers who died during the Winter War and Continuation War were buried with military honours in Lappeenranta on Sunday. The remains were recovered from Russian territory between 2011 and 2022 by Russian authorities and handed over to Finland. The discovery sites included former battlegrounds on the Karelian Isthmus and in the Ladoga Karelia region. The Finnish authorities were unable to identify the soldiers. We are not only saying farewell, we are welcoming them and saying: Welcome home. They are part of the miracle that allowed our nation to preserve its independence, Parliamentary Speaker Jussi Halla-aho said during the ceremony. The 26 soldiers were buried in white caskets. Wreaths from the state and relatives of other fallen soldiers were placed at the site. According to the Finnish Defence Forces, a total of 897 unknown soldiers have now been buried in Lappeenranta. The citys cemetery holds a special section dedicated to the memory of unidentified service members. Finland lost approximately 13,000 soldiers who were either killed or went missing during the Winter War (19391940) and Continuation War (19411944). An estimated 10,000 remain unaccounted for. Over the past three decades, search teams have recovered the remains of about 1,600 Finnish soldiers from former battlefields in Russia. Of those, 440 have been identified and reburied in local war cemeteries across Finland. HT The average viewership throughout Saturday night was 1.7 million. Online streams on Yle Areena, Yle.fi and the Yle app totalled over 500,000. The spike in interest followed the qualification of both Finnish acts: Erika Vikman and KAJ, to the final in Basel, Switzerland. Finlands Eurovision contestants drew millions to their screens over the weekend, with the Grand Final broadcast reaching approximately 2.6 million viewers on Yle TV1, according to data from Finnpanel. Vikman finished 11th with her entry Ich Komme, while KAJ, a Finland-based Swedish-speaking group representing Sweden, placed fourth. Both acts had previously advanced from their respective semi-finals earlier in the week. Finland has clearly become one of the most exciting countries in the Eurovision arena. Weve found our own voice through bold choices in the New Music Competition, said Anssi Autio, Yles head Eurovision producer. UMK26 is already well underway, and its going to be a great show. The first semi-final, featuring KAJ, aired Tuesday and reached 1.5 million people, with an average audience of 808,000. It was streamed 390,000 times online. The second semi-final on Thursday, which saw Vikman qualify, reached 1.6 million viewers with a 930,000 average and 470,000 online streams. The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest was held in Basel, Switzerland. Both Finnish entries gained attention internationally and domestically, with public enthusiasm contributing to record online and television figures. Next years Finnish national selection, UMK26, is expected to build on this momentum with continued emphasis on artist identity and creative risk. HT Two of the full matches were submitted online, one by a player in Oulu and the other in Siilinjarvi, a municipality already well known for high-profile gambling wins in Finland . The winning numbers for draw 20/2025 were 6, 8, 17, 19, 22, 29, and 33, with 20 as the bonus number and 10 as the Plus number. Three Finnish gamblers have won the top prize in Finlands latest Lotto draw, sharing an 11.5 million jackpot. Each winner will receive just over 3.8 million, Veikkaus confirmed the massive jackpot payout on Saturday evening. The third top prize was claimed by a syndicate of eight shares, created by a player in Pirkkala. Each share in the syndicate will receive approximately 479,000. Shared joy is the best kind, and we warmly congratulate all our new Lotto millionaires, said Minna Sundholm, spokesperson for Veikkaus. Its great to see multiple winners in such a large prize draw. Special congratulations to Siilinjarvi, which already has a legendary reputation for big wins and high-roller gamblers. The 11.5 million prize pool was one of the largest so far this year. All Finnish lottery winners are invited to visit Veikkaus headquarters for the traditional coffee ceremony for big prize recipients. In addition to the top prizes, there were two 6+1 wins worth 85,350 each. One of these was played online in Espoo and the other at M-Market Yliharma. Saturday's Joker draw yielded one six-digit match, with a player in Liperi winning 20,000. The winning sequence was 9 7 6 6 1 4 5. In the separate Lomatonni draw, the winning line was Rooma 54, with five players each winning 1,000. Veikkaus reminded the public that Lotto remains a game enjoyed across Finland, with players from all regions regularly among the winners. This weeks results highlighted the continued popularity of group play and digital entries, as well as jackpot-variant of casino games. HT The demonstration was part of a coordinated action, with similar protests taking place in Oulu and Kuopio. Participants included teachers, students, cultural sector workers and healthcare professionals. Thousands of demonstrators gathered in central Helsinki on Sunday to protest the Finnish governments social welfare cuts and fiscal priorities. The protest, organised under the name Vote of No Confidence, saw an estimated 4,000 people gather at Senate Square before marching to the Parliament House. Organisers said the protest was a response to budget cuts affecting basic social security, perceived benefits for high-income earners, and policies seen as discriminatory. A temporary video booth was erected at Senate Square, where individuals recorded their personal votes of no confidence addressed to the government. Sarianna Pylkkanen, one of the protests organisers and a musician, said the government was not providing the conditions necessary for people to live safe and healthy lives. "I believe everyone should have the opportunity to live securely, healthily and to develop their potential," she said. "The current government is not making that possible." She addressed Prime Minister Petteri Orpo directly. "Petteri I want to say from the bottom of my heart that I do this out of love for people and the planet. I hope you can find the empathy and courage to admit that we must change direction. We can't live like this. We don't have the resources for it." Outi Aaltonen, a social counsellor by profession and the protests coordinator, said she sees the real-life consequences of the governments decisions in her daily work. The government needs to re-evaluate its priorities. These decisions shape the kind of society we are becoming. Marchers carried homemade placards and chanted slogans as they moved through the city centre. At Parliament House, the protest concluded with speeches and music. Among the demonstrators was Kari Rautio, a pensioner who said he is deeply worried about the future for his and his wifes children and grandchildren. "I'm a retiree. I hope they [the government] dont raid our pension funds too. Its looking bleak, Rautio said. He drew a contrast with the previous government led by Sanna Marin, which he said offered hope despite the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. People had jobs and believed in the future then. Now, everyones paralysed. Rautio said he has cut his personal spending drastically in protest. I wear old tracksuits and dont buy anything as long as this government is in power. Asked what message he would send directly to Prime Minister Orpo, his answer was blunt. Resign. Thats the only way to save Finland. And call new elections. HT The call with Trump took place on Saturday, followed by a conversation with Zelensky on Sunday morning. Stubb said the talks were part of Finlands continuing diplomatic engagement on the war in Ukraine. Finnish President Alexander Stubb has revealed he held phone conversations over the weekend with both former US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky , describing the discussions as significant and increasingly optimistic for Ukraine. Zelensky is patient, but Trump is starting to grow impatient towards [Vladimir] Putin, Stubb told Finnish news agency STT. He did not elaborate on whether Trumps shift in tone signals a change in policy but noted that the atmosphere had changed in the last fortnight. The Finnish president last spoke with both leaders a week earlier. He suggested that recent developments have given Kyiv a reason for cautious optimism. "Things have been looking better for Ukraine over the past two weeks," Stubb said. The comment comes as Ukraine seeks broader international backing ahead of key diplomatic events this summer. Stubb confirmed Finland supports Zelenskys attendance at the upcoming NATO summit scheduled for 2425 June in The Hague. Questions have emerged over whether the Ukrainian leader will be invited, amid reports that NATO members may attempt to avoid offending Trump, who has criticised alliance spending and military aid to Ukraine. Trump, now campaigning for a return to the White House, has been sceptical of continued Western involvement in Ukraines defence, raising concerns among NATO governments. He has previously questioned the value of the alliance and suggested that US support would be conditional under his leadership. Finland, which joined NATO in 2023, has advocated for stronger transatlantic unity and increased support for Ukraine. Stubb has repeatedly framed Finland's security as closely tied to Ukraines sovereignty and stability. Stubbs mention of Trumps changing stance on Putin follows recent comments from US and European officials suggesting that Moscows strategy may be under increased pressure. Ukraine has received new pledges of military assistance from multiple NATO countries in recent weeks, including long-range missiles and air defence systems. There was no immediate response from Trumps campaign or Zelenskys office on the content of the calls. HT The tanker Green Admire, operated by Greek company Aegean Shipping and sailing under a Liberian flag, was en route to Rotterdam with a shale oil cargo when it was stopped by Russian border authorities. The incident took place within Russian territorial waters, but on a route jointly agreed by Estonia, Russia, and Finland for safety reasons. This unexpected detention underscores the unpredictable nature of geopolitical tensions, where even established agreements can be disrupted, much like the volatile dynamics in gambling games , where outcomes can shift rapidly despite calculated strategies. Russian authorities have intercepted an oil tanker departing from Estonia's Sillamae port, marking the first known instance of such an action under a long-standing maritime routing agreement. Estonias transport officials confirmed to ERR, the national broadcaster, that the vessel had been following the designated corridor, typically used to avoid the shallow and more complex navigation conditions of Estonias coastal waters. Estonia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna said the event marked an "unprecedented" disruption. This incident demonstrates that Russia continues its unpredictable conduct, Tsahkna told ERR. I have informed our allies of the situation. Estonia has now instructed all tankers heading to or from Sillamae to remain strictly within Estonian territorial waters. The measure is described as temporary but reflects heightened alert following a separate confrontation earlier in the week. On Tuesday, Estonia attempted to halt a vessel believed to be part of Russias so-called shadow fleet, used to circumvent oil sanctions. In response, Russia dispatched a fighter jet which entered Estonian airspace for nearly one minute. NATO aircraft were scrambled in reaction to the breach. While the exact motive behind the Green Admires interception remains unclear, Estonian officials interpret it as a continuation of recent Russian tactics aimed at asserting pressure in the Baltic Sea region. The agreement covering the shared navigation corridor was designed to facilitate safer commercial transit and had functioned without disruption until now. The Green Admire incident has raised concerns among maritime operators in the region. The vessel, built for the transport of refined oil products, was reportedly not in violation of any known international regulations at the time of the stop. There was no immediate comment from Russian authorities. The development follows increased monitoring of Russian maritime activity by NATO member states around the Gulf of Finland, particularly since Finland and Sweden joined the alliance. HT There are many perks of carrying a Medicare card in eligible countries, but there are some restrictions Aussies need to be mindful of. Aussie travellers are being urged to take their Medicare card with them when heading overseas as the "powerful little" item extends medical benefits accessible at home to some international destinations. There are 11 countries that have reciprocal healthcare agreements in place with the Australian government, meaning tourists can flash their medicare card in public hospitals and receive some treatment for free. Dean Long, the CEO of the Australian Travel Industry Association, told Yahoo News it's often "not a well-known fact" among medical practitioners overseas, however it's something that Aussies themselves should explore when they're in eligible countries. "Ultimately how it'll work is exactly the same way as when you go to a public hospital system or a public hospital here. If you've got a Medicare card and you're a citizen, you have rights to that emergency department and how that all works," Long said. ADVERTISEMENT However, he explained that it can be a "complicated process" and there are different requirements and exemptions for using a Medicare card overseas, so doing your research is vital. Simply having a Medicare card doesn't mean it's always plain sailing for Aussies in need of help. Eligible countries where Aussies can use their Medicare card: Belgium Finland Italy Malta Netherlands New Zealand Norway Republic of Ireland Slovenia Sweden United Kingdom Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen confirmed to Yahoo News it's a "good idea" for Aussie travellers to take their Medicare card with them when visiting these countries. "There are agreements with some countries where Australians can get publicly funded medically necessary care," Jongen explained. "Reciprocal agreements with 11 countries can cover emergency care and care for an illness or injury that cant wait till you get home." ADVERTISEMENT It is recommended people pack their physical Medicare card rather than rely on the digital version in the Medicare app. Presenting your passport is also a vital step when seeking medical treatment in an eligible country. It is recommended Aussies bring their physical Medicare card rather than rely on the digital version. Source: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images Solely relying on a Medicare card for medical treatment is unwise While Dean Long is full of praise for the "power" of the Medicare card, he urged Aussies not to solely rely on it for medical treatment while overseas in these eligible countries due to the many "restrictions that sit underneath it". There is no "blanket process" for Aussies, he said. ADVERTISEMENT "That's why travel insurance is still absolutely key when travelling and having both in some of those countries really will give you the best care possible," Long said. This was echoed by Services Australia who told Yahoo travel insurance is always recommended. "You should still get your own travel health insurance anytime you head overseas," Jongen warned. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. While most Australians are familiar with the country's iconic red dirt, some may never have heard of this 'slippery' soil. When reflecting on Australias iconic landscape, its hard not to picture the distinct dusty, red dirt that stretches across the centre of the lucky country. However, that might not be the case for everyone, with a lesser-known sketchy soil creating big problems at caravan parks and campsites, leaving some travellers bogged for days. When Aaron Schubert, 35, his wife and their two young sons hit the road to embark on a two-year lap of Australia, the dad told Yahoo he was pretty familiar with the clay mud often seen in his home state of WA. But as the family trekked further north and along the coast to Queensland, they were shocked by the stark difference in the dirt beneath their feet. Weve done a ridiculous amount of 4WDing and black soil was fairly new to us, but it blew me away with how sketchy things can get, Schubert, who has shared tips about caravanning and camping on his website for 15 years. The 35-year-old said he was 'quite taken aback as to how slippery' the clay soil is. Source: Aaron Schubert/Supplied Black soil, otherwise referred to as a vertosol, is Australias most fertile soil and can be found largely across Queensland and NSW, especially in agricultural areas. While it is prime for produce, the cracking clay soil can get really sticky and soft when wet, former president of Soil Science Australia Dr Vanessa Wong told Yahoo. ADVERTISEMENT Unsurprisingly, this has landed numerous campers in quite a pickle, with Schubert saying its very easy for people to get caught out. I was quite taken aback as to how slippery it was on a number of occasions in Cape York, he added. Caravanners 'bogged for days' at Queensland campsites One morning, while staying at a caravan park in Karumba, a coastal town in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Schubert told Yahoo he awoke to find some cars stuck at the bottom and wandered down to see what was going on. I nearly stacked it in my thongs. You dont even have to sink into [black soil]. Theres just zero traction, he said. We went to another campsite not long after and there were cars that were bogged for five or six days. They just had to wait for it all to dry out. In nearby Normanton, Schubert popped into the visitors centre and learned multiple campers had gotten stuck near a river after ignoring a warning to move before the rain set in. Schubert said he came across several travellers who were stranded for days after getting bogged in black soil. Source: Aaron Schubert/Supplied Theyd rung up asking for recoveries, with some people saying their van started sliding towards the river at night when the rain hit. If you imagine the slipperiest stuff you can stand on, black soil is pretty similar! ADVERTISEMENT If theres black soil on the surface and it rains, that's it youre in big trouble. Schubert, who returned home to Perth late last year, said his family avoided getting bogged by being pretty cautious and consistently keeping an eye on the weather. I think that applies in general to 4WDing. You dont want to be at the top or bottom of a mountain if its gonna rain because you it doesnt have to be black soil for you to end up in a world of pain. Australia has the largest variety of shrink/swell soils. Source: TERN Australian Soil Classification Map What is black soil? In Australia, there are several kinds of vertosols black soil is just one of them, Dr Wong said. It shrinks and swells depending on whether its wet or dry, with some farmers reporting losing entire fence posts in the soils large cracks. ADVERTISEMENT Clay soils can be found all over the world but Australia has the largest variety of these shrink/swell soils its one of the really neat things about the Aussie landscape. They also make up a large area relative to our land mass which is probably why people keep coming across them, Dr Wong told Yahoo. These soils can be quite deep so once you get stuck in them they get really, really sticky because of the clay contents. Theres nothing underneath to stop you from sinking. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. The Mount Kaputar pink slug appears to be thriving after almost all of its population was wiped out years ago. Ruth Cunningham and her husband were eager to catch a glimpse of the extremely rare Mount Kaputar pink slug after travelling to the area this week. Source: Supplied/Ruth Cunningham While strolling along a walking track in an Aussie national park this week, Ruth Cunningham made sure to keep her eyes peeled. Eager to catch a glimpse of an extremely rare creature unique to the area, the woman and her husband scanned the lush bushland on Mount Kaputar, in northern NSW, for over an hour. The pair travelled to the area on Thursday with one goal in mind to finally see a neon-pink slug. We drove to Mount Kaputar to look for the slugs because they only come out in cooler weather after rain, Cunningham told Yahoo News. When we first started walking I was getting a little disappointed that we could not find any, so when I saw the first one I was excited. Then the further we looked they seemed to be everywhere. Overall, the pair discovered around 30 giant pink slugs, which are found nowhere else in the world. They all looked very happy out feeding, Cunningham said. Almost all of the slug's population was wiped out during the Black Summer bushfires five years ago. Source: Supplied/Ruth Cunningham 90 per cent of rare slug's population wiped out during bushfires The lucky encounter is a very good sign, especially after 90 per cent of the distinct slugs population was wiped out during the Black Summer bushfires five years ago. Despite initial fears the threatened creature would never recover, experts revealed earlier this year that the almost extinct species appears to be thriving. ADVERTISEMENT Adam Fawcett, a senior project officer at the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, told the ABC he had seen around 400 of the slugs while surveying the area in December. Another 850 sightings have been recorded by locals and tourists on the Slug Sleuth app, which has helped authorities track the species post-fire recovery. A large percentage of those are coming from visitors to the park, which is helping us out a lot with understanding when and where theyre being seen and what sort of micro-habitat theyre using, he said. This year, park visitors have recorded 27 slug sightings, with a large number observed last month, a spokesperson for NSWs Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water told Yahoo on Sunday. Numbers of the pink slugs remain high with several large breeding events over the last couple of years, they said. Pink slugs can grow up to 20cm-long During his time in the field, Fawcett told The Narrabri Courier he was fascinated by how deep into the ground the slugs go to protect themselves. I was measuring the depth of the cracks trying to find a slug and it got to about a meter and a half. The layer of soil is what protects them, it creates a bit of a warm, safety blanket, he said. ADVERTISEMENT Now, authorities are working on shielding the species from predators such as feral pics and goats. Pigs are a big one because they directly impact the slugs and are very aggressive, he told the publication. The fluorescent critters can grow up to 20cm-long roughly the size of an average human hand. They are known to feed at night on biofilm of lichen, fungi and micro-algae found on the surface of trees and rocks, according to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. The slugs are often observed during and after rainfall. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. The striking campaign aims to de-stigmatise the conversation around suicide, which is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15 to 49. In the ACT, the Blue Tree Project is backed by the territory government. Source: ACT Government Australias mental health crisis is one many have experienced firsthand, and now a striking campaign is aiming to help spark important conversations in a visible and unexpected way. The Blue Tree Project is a national initiative that encourages communities to paint dead trees blue as a visual reminder to reduce stigma around mental health and suicide. Launched in Western Australia in 2019, the grassroots movement has since grown into a global symbol of support and awareness. In the ACT, the project is backed by the territory government, which recently called on locals to "start important discussions that could make a real difference". Last Thursday, the Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing hosted a tree-painting event in Acton to launch Canberras Tree Week. "Openly talking about mental health can reduce stigma, shift outdated attitudes, and create safer spaces where people can seek help without judgment," said Gabrielle from the Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing. "Its great to see so many people come together to create a more open, supportive community where mental health is recognised and talked about." Scenes like this are popping up all over Australia. Source: Supplied The ACT Government said the initiative is successfully sparking the kinds of mental health conversations it set out to promote. "When someone asks Why is that tree blue? it can lead to meaningful discussions that help reduce stigma," a spokesperson told Yahoo News, adding that the aim is to create "safer spaces where people can seek help without fear of judgment." ADVERTISEMENT They said the community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with feedback coming from a diverse range of Canberrans including students, tradespeople, public servants, and retail workers. "Many have said the trees offer a sense of connection, visibility, and hope, reminding people they are not alone in their mental health journey." There are currently several Blue Trees across the ACT, including three painted by the government in Lyons, Holt and Acton, with more planned. The government said it continues "to identify suitable locations for future trees", and encourages the public to view the full list online. Only non-living trees are painted, following environmental and cultural assessments. Trees are chosen for their visibility, and non-toxic paint is used to "ensure environmental safety." The blue trees are meant as a symbol of the largely hidden problem that continues to plague Australia. Source: Blue Tree Project/Facebook Important truth behind unique campaign The Blue Tree Project was founded by CEO Kendall Whyte, who started the organisation a year after losing her brother to suicide in 2018. ADVERTISEMENT "Like many initiatives, there will always be people who don't connect with our cause and mission," she previously told Yahoo. "However, the support over the last six years has been overwhelmingly positive." With suicide the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15 to 49, according to ABS data, the group now runs workshops and collaborates with corporate partners to better equip people to have difficult but vital conversations. "Outdated attitudes are still deeply ingrained across Australia, which is preventing many from seeking support," Kendall said. "Education is crucial, not only in shifting old attitudes, but also in upskilling ourselves to have the harder and more confronting conversations in life." The idea of painting trees began with a joke her late brother once played by painting a tree on the familys Western Australian property to surprise their dad. Today, more than 1,300 registered blue trees all dead trees known as stags have become symbols of hope around the world. ADVERTISEMENT "There is now a blue tree on every continent of the world making us a global movement," Kendall said. Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. The Queensland man's relaxing night at home was interrupted by an enormous snake's surprise entrance. A Queensland man got quite the surprise when a huge coastal carpet python suddenly appeared in his shed. Source: Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7 Like many other nights, snake catcher Summer Woolston packed up her car on Thursday and headed to a Queensland home to retrieve an unexpected intruder. However, the standard call-out quickly took a turn when the owner of the property in Brisbanes north regaled her with quite the story and shocking footage to back it up. The video presented to Summer shows an enormous coastal carpet python suddenly push through the insulation in the residents shed and dangle from the roof for several seconds before falling to the ground unharmed. The clip was captured about a year ago, but it appears the snake liked what he saw in the converted man cave. I went to his property to catch the exact same snake! It had been living in his shed this whole time, Summer told Yahoo News. The three-metre python first greeted the homeowner one night as he was relaxing and watching some TV in his makeshift sanctuary. ADVERTISEMENT The homeowner was pretty relaxed about the whole situation and was comfortable keeping his distance and getting that cool video, Summer, who works for Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7, said. He mentioned that he did get a [different] snake catcher out but the snake didnt end up being caught. Despite its best efforts, the python was finally evicted this week, with Summer relocating the gentle giant to nearby wetlands. The coastal carpet python was finally evicted this week and relocated to nearby wetlands. Source: Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7 The footage of the snake bursting through the mans roof has left hundreds of thousands of Aussies in awe. Some declared they wouldve locked the shed door and never entered again, or even moved house. Others related to the clip. One man who claimed to have had the exact same encounter shared a video of a huge carpet python trying to balance on a ceiling ledge in his shed. ADVERTISEMENT Snake sightings continue after season comes to an end Snake season which typically runs from September to April is officially over, but Aussies are continuing to spot the occasional reptile out and about. On Wednesday a venomous red-belly black snake was seen crossing a busy road to get to Bondi Beach. Urban Reptile Removal founder Chris Williams, who secured the wild animal, told Yahoo finding a red-belly in the area is extremely rare. It would be a translocation. Red-bellies are known for being a species thats quite good at hitching a ride on the bottom of cars, so Id say thats how he ended up there, he said. Its been a hectic season for snake catchers. Rolly Burrell, who has been relocating reptiles in Adelaide for 50 years, recently told Yahoo it was his busiest year yet. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Feral cats and red foxes have had a devastating impact on our unique ecosystems, contributing to Australia having the worst mammal extinction rate in the world. WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT: An Australian man working on the front lines of the country's invasive species crisis has urged governments to consider subsidising the efforts of hunters, in a bid to increase appetite among those willing to help fight back against predators like feral cats and foxes. South Australian man Tate, from Mount Gambier in the state's southeast, is a volunteer hunter. Speaking to Yahoo News, he said Australia's battle against introduced pests needs much more attention, with livestock farmers in particular copping the brunt of the destruction. Tate, who has been hunting foxes and feral cats for years, said the situation is "getting well out of hand". He warned that cats in particular are "a massive danger to our native wildlife", with there being "more feral cats than we've ever seen in the past." This week, he shared images online of a ginger cat he recently intercepted. Tate said the example is merely the tip of the iceberg. "I believe feral cats are a little bit worse than foxes, but they're both a huge problem," he said. "And it's without a doubt getting worse." Tate said foxes are equally as cunning as cats, wreaking havoc on the Aussie landscape. Source: South East Vermin Control Invasive species crisis is 'without a doubt getting worse' The South Australian said the foxes where he lives have become so emboldened they even search for food on the streets in town. "They're just all over, and they can be very cruel," he said. "I had a lady recently who had seven chickens, and one came in, took a chicken and killed the rest for no reason. ADVERTISEMENT "Another farmer, he's got a feral cat problem, and he's got an aviary of budgies and parrots and stuff, and the cat actually chewed its way through the aviary wire to get to these birds. It's pretty gruesome, to be honest with you." Tate, who runs the South East Vermin Control page, said these local examples provide just a glimpse into the broader issue around the country, with native wildlife, and small mammals in particular, in many cases being forced to the brink of extinction. "Some states like Victoria have bounties on foxes, and we need them for cats too," he said. "That would entice people to get out there and make a dent in these populations. Even if it's $5 to $8 a scalp or something like that that's still going to cover your ammo for the night." "The farmers are looking after their own properties, but all the other recreational hunters are like, well, why the hell would I waste my fuel and my ammo to go look after someone else's property if I'm not going to get anything out of it?" Images like this are a necessary evil as farmers and hunters try to limit the damage foxes cause to the environment. Source: WA Feral Animal Service/Facebook Why are feral cats and foxes so devastating in Australia? Feral cats and red foxes have had a devastating impact on Australias unique ecosystems, contributing significantly to the country's status as having the worst mammal extinction rate in the world. ADVERTISEMENT Together, theyve helped drive over 25 native species to extinction, and continue to threaten more than 100 others including small marsupials, ground-nesting birds, and reptiles many of which occur nowhere else on Earth. Feral cats are considered one of the most damaging invasive species in Australia. Estimates suggest they kill more than 1.5 billion native animals every year, with even low-density populations capable of wiping out vulnerable species in a region. Their economic impact is also staggering. According to research, feral cats cost the Australian economy around $1 billion a year, including expenses for control efforts, ecological damage, and biodiversity loss. Foxes, introduced in the 19th century for recreational hunting, similarly prey on native wildlife, but also affect agriculture by attacking livestock and poultry. While theyre often less numerous than cats, foxes can be just as ecologically destructive in areas where native species havent evolved defences against such efficient predators. Together, these invasive carnivores have reshaped the Australian landscape by decimating populations of native animals, destabilising ecosystems, and creating costly challenges for conservation and agriculture. Their presence is a key reason why efforts to recover threatened species often require large-scale predator control or the creation of fenced sanctuaries to give native wildlife a fighting chance. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Angel Reese (center) goes after Caitlin Clark following a flagrant foul. (Grace Smith/The Indianapolis Star, via Imagn Images.) The fallout from the Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese clash Saturday continues to grow. That game, part of the WNBAs season-opening weekend, wound up as an easy 93-58 win for Clarks Indiana Fever over Reeses Chicago Sky. But it came with controversy, especially around a Clark flagrant foul on Reese and corresponding technical fouls on Reese and Indianas Aliyah Boston afterwards. And the WNBA put out a statement Sunday saying theyre looking into hateful fan comments at that game: Updated statement from the WNBA: pic.twitter.com/SJ0uRrEX3J Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) May 18, 2025 Doug Feinberg of The Associated Press reported Sunday, citing a source, that this investigation is specifically about racial comments directed at Reese: The WNBA is investigating racial comments directed toward Angel Reese by fans during the Chicago Skys loss to Caitlin Clark and the Fever at Indiana on Saturday, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on Sunday on condition of anonymity because the league had not publicly identified who the taunts were directed toward or who made the allegations. The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms they have no place in our league or in society, the league said in a statement. We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter. Whats interesting, though, is that the WNBAs initial statement (as quoted there) left it absolutely wide open what allegations they were investigating. That even sparked some discussion this was around something on-court, such as Clarks foul on Reese. And that prompted notes from reporters such as Feinberg and Front Office Sports Annie Costabile citing sources to clarify what was going on: Sources with knowledge of the situation say this statement is in response to allegations of racial comments directed at Angel Reese by fan(s) in the crowd. It is not in response to the take foul that was upgraded to a flagrant 1. https://t.co/Zft4hfVUAC Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) May 18, 2025 Also adding to this, the players union, the WNBPA, put out a statement after that initial WNBA statement referencing a league investigation into hateful comments: The WNBPA has issued its own statement which says the WNBA is investigating reports of hateful comments at yesterdays Sky vs Fever game. pic.twitter.com/0XEJn2u4PM Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) May 18, 2025 Racial comments from fans towards players are certainly a matter worth investigating. Thats been done by many teams and leagues, sometimes with long-ranging consequences for the fans involved. And it makes sense for the league to do that after reports alleging those kinds of comments, and for the union to support that to defend their players. But when leagues launch an investigation, they should be very clear just what the scope of that probe is. They werent in this case, and that led to misinterpretations before reporter intervention and the later updated statement. And that fits into quite a line of WNBA messaging, especially around racial discussions, (and hateful racial comments, well-established around Reese and the Sky in particular) that could have been better. The property at 877 Simonds Road in Williamstown is seen with a large roadside sign advertising a property auction in June. North Williamstown Commercial/Residential Site Slated for Auction WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. A large commercial property near the Vermont border is set to be auctioned off next month. Last weekend, JJ Manning Auctioneers posted signs at 877 Simonds Road (U.S. Route 7) announcing a June 17 auction at the property, which was home to the former Chenail farm stand and currently houses other businesses, including a martial arts studio. The online advertisement for the property says it encompasses about 7.1 acres of mixed-use land with eight structures, including a two-family home and two greenhouses. At the south end of the property, it is bisected by Broad Brook; about 1.5 acres of the lot (21 percent) is on the south side of the waterway or includes the brook itself. Richard and Donna Chenail are currently listed as owners on the town tax roll, and the property has an assessed value of $632,900. JJ Mannings website says that pre-auction offers will be entertained. The auction is scheduled for noon on Tuesday, June 17. There are plans to transform the Berkshire Mall property into more than 400 units of senior housing, ranging from active independents to assisting living and memory care. With Taxes Paid, Berkshire Mall Owners Plan for Senior Housing The majority of the mall will have to be demolished as the 40-year-old big box stores are not suitable because of space and condition. LANESBOROUGH, Mass. The Berkshire Mall owners have paid their town taxes and plan to transform the property into more than 400 units of housing. JMJ Holdings is entering into the design process for a nine-figure overhaul of the shuttered mall property into 420 to 450 units of senior housing. Town Administrator Gina Dario confirmed that the full fiscal year 2025 tax balance, totaling $293,380, has been paid. "It's basically an apartment building that's catered towards older populations, people generally in their mid-60s, and the amenities on site really cater to that lifestyle. It's kind of all comprising," Timothy Grogan of the Housing Development Corp. explained, adding that there will also be assisted living, memory care, independent living, and senior affordable housing. Grogan was hired as a consultant to guide a feasibility study for the property. He said there haven't been recent conversations with the town "because we're really hashing it out, we want to come to them with a fully thought-out proposal in terms of the amount of supportable units." "I think it would be a huge boon to Berkshire County, generally, in a way that the mall used to be," he said. "We're really excited about it. We're moving forward with full steam ahead." The feasibility study determined that there could be up to 600 units, but the project team imagines a more conservative amount between 420 and 450 units. It is being scoped as a Low Income Housing Tax Credit project, which means that at least 20 percent of the units would need to be reserved for people at/or below 50 percent of the area median income or at least 40 percent of the units would need to made affordable for persons with incomes at/or below 60 percent of the area median income. Grogan said conversations have been scheduled with the offices of Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and state Secretary of Housing Ed Augustus. "Given the political importance of this property and Governor Healey's emphasis on gateway cities, we don't expect that to be such a long lead item. That being said, this is envisioned to be a phased project where we have the assisted living, active adult and independent living kind of in one bucket with affordable housing in another one," he said. "And in terms of design, square footage and the like, those have to correspond with the design guidelines published by MassHousing and MassDevelopment, so the square footages for those units are actually bigger than what you see in the typical market apartment in the Berkshires for what we're envisioning for that active, adult and independent living. Assisted living is different because they're more like rooms and dormitories than independent apartments." But, he said, "we're not there yet," adding the team is now entering into the design process. When asked about the price, he did not have a budget but disclosed, "This is a nine-figure project." (Target owns and operates its own building though it was connected to the mall's food court.) While housing is the primary concern, the intention is to bring in ancillary retail at a later stage that would cater to the tenancy and benefit the wider community. It is far too early to be negotiating with specific retailers about that, Grogan noted. The project has the potential to bring hundreds of new residents to Lanesborough without putting pressure on the school system, and he said it's garnering "a lot of interest." "You don't see projects like this out in this neck of the woods, but there are also not many properties such as the Berkshire Mall out there, so that's why we think this is uniquely poised to really become a benefit for the town," he said. "Because when you're thinking about senior housing, the tenants are certainly good consumers, particularly for the Target, but they're not going to really provide that much weight onto the school district or the roads or many of the other services that the town already has. So it's really a net benefit to all parties being able to create a project of this magnitude in terms of bringing consumers to town, we're talking family and friends visiting frequently, but also being able to have bring a substantial amount of traditional tax income to the town through a normal tax rate system." Grogan said the property is not subject to a normal tax rate system because of the Baker Hill Road District, which he said charges the property six times more taxes than other Lanesborough businesses are subject to. He said a lawsuit was filed against the district. The road district filed suit against JMJ Holdings in December, for nonpayment of tax bills; JMJ has demanded a jury trial, saying it has no contract with road district and that Baker Hill is acting outside its legal authority. The road district is an independent municipal district within the town with a governing body that oversees the maintenance of the Route 7 to Route 8 Connector road as a public way. It is charged with ensuring the timely payment of the Berkshire Mall's bond and that the mall meets obligations to the community regardless of ownership. domenica 18 maggio 2025, 23:58 - Last updated: 19 maggio, 09:46 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This article is automatically translated It was at the moment when he received from Cardinal Tagle the Ring of the Fisherman, the seal of papal authority, that Leo XIV struggled to contain his strong emotion, likely overwhelmed by the immense weight that was coming upon him. He was seen taking a deep breath, raising his eyes as if to seek help from Heaven, glancing in a split second at that symbol so laden with expectations that he will have to wear forever on his ring finger from now on. "I have been chosen without any merit and with fear and trembling I come to you as a brother who wants to become a servant of your faith and your joy." EXPECTATIONS In St. Peter's Square as well as in the Church, the new Pope knew that many had placed their hopes in him. Not only the brother cardinals who elected him and now hope that he can swiftly mend a torn fabric between right and left, between liberal and conservative, but also the great multitude of faithful scattered across the globe who are eager to find a steady point again. And then the last, the migrants, the poor so loved by Francis and all the peoples at war and even those seeking meaning in life. At that moment, Leo XIV, under the gaze of the world, gathered his strength and entrusted himself. The cameras - relentless with their powerful lenses - thoroughly scanned the delivery of the papal symbols, the pallium, the book of the Gospels, and especially the Annulus Piscatorius. Prevost swallowed, closed his eyes, and with hands joined as children usually do, with the index finger almost touching the nose, remained motionless in that suspended prayer. His Petrine ministry began like this in front of two hundred thousand people, over one hundred and fifty foreign delegations, dozens of presidents, premiers, ministers, kings, princes, queens all dressed in white for an ancient privilege, and of course, many ordinary people of various origins. The anticipation for Leo was very high. The solemn mass of the beginning of the pontificate began with an incredible crowd bath on the popemobile. For the debut, the vehicle donated last year to Francis by Mercedes was chosen, naturally electric, super-equipped, even equipped with heating in the handrails (which will be useful when winter days arrive). Prevost stood and seemed to have done nothing else in life but greet the crowd, kiss some children, perfectly immersed in the role while waves of enthusiasm, photos to post, videos to put on Tiktok were unleashed at his passage, others pulled out some flags. American, Lebanese, Israeli, French, German, Cuban, Ecuadorian, Brazilian. Hundreds and hundreds, a mirror of a truly global Church. Every now and then rows of signs were seen being raised synchronously on Via della Conciliazione, showing an immediately understandable universal symbol, a large red heart. Or the banner with the words: "Pope Leo, Haiti needs your support", reminding of the immense humanitarian tragedy into which Port Au Prince has plunged. LONELY LEADER Leo XIV solemnly promised that he will not be a "lonely leader" or "a head placed above others, becoming the master of the people entrusted to him". Rather, he announced himself as the glue of a new ecclesial season, a father capable of uniting various souls, the "leaven of communion" - inside and outside the Church - an example for a world torn and on the brink of the abyss, marked by the immense gap between north and south and too many bloody conflicts. "In the one Christ, they may be one". This phrase of Saint Augustine, in addition to being the motto chosen by Leo XIV, seems to be the essential structure of the architecture of his pontificate, the basic principle destined to inspire future actions of peace, humanitarian, prophetic gestures, ecumenical programs. The homily he delivers at St. Peter's reflects Prevost's style. Essential, without frills and misleading words. As an Augustinian friar, he has cultivated over the years a strongly spiritual soul to which he has combined respect for justice (thanks to his doctorate in canon law), and the propensity for logic typical of a mathematician. From the steps of St. Peter's, he repeated that in his Church, Christians must not feel superior, nor be self-referential, closing themselves off in a separate world. Instead, a lot of openness is needed, the ability to trust and listen. In the manifesto homily, everything revolved around four key words: faith, unity, humility, and joy. As had happened for Pope Francis's funeral, even on this occasion, there was a significant concentration of political leaders on the steps. Ukrainian Zelensky arrived among the first with his wife and immediately shook hands with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who led the U.S. delegation. He was in the front row along with the Italian and Peruvian delegations, the three nationalities to which Prevost belongs. Under the photographers' eyes, there was the first handshake between Vance and Zelensky after the ugly quarrel that took place at the White House last March, when the U.S. vice president called the Ukrainian leader ungrateful ("you never thanked us") even mocking him for his military clothing. This time things went differently, and in the shadow of the Dome, the theme of peace could only become one of the noblest intentions, a dream in the background. Meanwhile, Pope Prevost's diplomacy has already started the engine. First, he had a conversation with Zelensky while today he will see Vance. When he was still a bishop, asked about the Russian aggression against Ukraine, he said it was a typical imperialist conflict carried out for Putin's expansionist aims. As Pope, it is not yet known how he wants to proceed on this difficult terrain, however, it is significant that yesterday in St. Peter's the Russian minister was precisely missing. She had been announced but then canceled with a curious explanation: that the flight plans had not been agreed upon. At the end of the solemn mass, Leo XIV again loudly called for negotiations for Ukraine, which awaits a just and lasting peace. At the same time, he made an appeal for the surviving children of Gaza "who are reduced to hunger". In the square, in the authorities' sector, were also the Israeli president Herzog and a very large delegation of rabbis, led by Riccardo Di Segni, head of the oldest Jewish community in the world. In the front row were then President Mattarella and Prime Minister Meloni, warmly greeted in the exchange with the delegations. A special audience, instead, was granted in the morning to the president of Peru (Prevost's second homeland). In a video that went viral, the president, upon hearing that the former bishop of Chiclayo had been elected in the conclave, could not contain her overwhelming enthusiasm by shouting: "The cardinals in Rome have elected a Peruvian". American, Peruvian, and now even Italian, but it doesn't matter. The Pope is the Pope. And the cardinal of Como, Oscar Cantoni, leaving St. Peter's, happily commented on the choice made "by the Holy Spirit at the conclave. At first, it was not known who it would be. We came from all over the world and did not know each other, but then the Spirit united us, even with different motivations. The world can learn a lot from this, from the unity we expressed, in a climate of brotherhood". THE RITE The mass began with the procession of the Pope along with the Patriarchs of the Eastern Churches, to the tomb of St. Peter under the Vatican basilica. Leo XIV paused there, incensing the Apostolic Trophy. Climbing back up, he joined the procession of concelebrating cardinals, to the chant of the Laudes Regiae that provided the background. On the steps, at the altar, the specific rites of the beginning of the pontificate then took place. The imposition of the Pallium should have been performed by Cardinal Mamberti but at the last minute, he was replaced by Zenari, the nuncio in Syria, because he felt unwell in the morning. Another cardinal, Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, handed over the Gospel to the Pope, and the Ring of the Fisherman was given by the Filipino Tagle. Finally, the symbolic obedience was pledged by three cardinals on behalf of the entire College of Cardinals: Leo (for North America), Spengler (for South America), and Ribat of Tonga (for Oceania). However, some representatives of the people also swore, another of the many symbolic passages. The group also included the nun who heads the UISG, the order of major superiors, and a Peruvian family residing in Rome but originating from Chiclayo, the diocese where Prevost served as bishop for a long time. A place so dear to him that it was mentioned as soon as he was elected, from the Loggia delle Benedizioni, greeting in Spanish the inhabitants of that town that borders Ecuador. Yesterday the journey of a Pope belonging to three worlds began: the America of Chicago, the Peru of Chiclayo, and now the Rome of the Apostle Peter, the headquarters of the Church, with a universal and peaceful vocation. Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A professor at a leading private university in northern India has been arrested over his social media posts related to the countrys military operation in Pakistan. Ali Khan Mahmudabad, the head of the department of political science at Ashoka University, was arrested by Haryana state police in Delhi on Sunday, following a complaint by the Haryana State Commission for Women. The arrest of Mr Mahmudabad has sparked condemnation from across the academic community, calling it harassment and attempted censorship. At the centre of the controversy are Mr Mahmudabads, a Cambridge-educated scholars, social media posts on 8 and 11 May, days after India launched "Operation Sindoor", a military strike targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in retaliation for the 22 April Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. In the post, he questioned the optics of using female Muslim defence officers for briefings on Operation Sindoor, and raised questions over issues of incidents of mob lynching of Muslim men. While he acknowledged the significance of women officers Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh leading the military briefing, he said such optics would be hypocrisy if not accompanied by genuine structural reforms to improve the status of women across the Armed Forces and other public institutions. In another post, Mr Mahmudabad praised Indias military strategy but criticised war rhetoric. In a statement before his arrest, the professor said his posts were misread and misunderstood, calling action against him a new form of censorship and harassment, which invents issues where there are none. He said he had exercised his fundamental right to freedom of thought and speech in order to promote peace and harmony and applaud the Indian armed forces for their resolute action. ( profakmahmudabad/Instagram ) If anything, my entire comments were about safeguarding the lives of both citizens and soldiers, read his statement, adding that there is nothing remotely misogynistic about my comments. His statement was released after he was issued a summon by the Haryana State Commission for Women. The commission interpreted Mr Mahmudabads remarks as undermining the dignity of women officers and vilifying national military actions. They cited concerns including disparagement of women in uniform, misuse of terms like genocide and dehumanisation, and risking communal unrest. An open letter signed by 1,200 people, including academics, professors, universities and civil servants, expressed support for the professor and demanded an apology from the commission for deliberately and maliciously slandering him. From a bare reading of his original posts, it is clear that Prof Khan praised the strategic restraint of the armed forces, analysed how any distinction between the terrorists or non-state actors and the Pakistani military has now collapsed.., the letter said. He even applauded the Indian right wing for their support for Colonel Sofia Qureshi and invited them to also equally loudly oppose mob lynching and the bulldozing that Indian Muslims and others are frequently subjected to, it added. In an internal email circulated on Sunday afternoon, the Committee for Academic Freedom (CAF) at Ashoka University described the arrest as a disproportionate punishment based on flimsy grounds and condemned it as a fundamental attack on academic freedom, according to an The Indian Express report. Mr Mahmudabad, a faculty member at Ashoka University since 2016, is known for his work on religious identity, political culture, and democracy in South Asia and the Middle East. A Cambridge-educated scholar, he holds a PhD on Muslim identity in North India. The incident marks the latest incident in ongoing tensions between Ashoka University, a private liberal arts institution in Haryana, and the Narendra Modi-led Indian government, primarily over issues of academic freedom and perceived political dissent. In 2021, it was rocked by back-to-back resignations of top faculty members after prominent scholars Pratap Bhanu Mehta and Arvind Subramanian resigned, citing a lack of academic freedom. Mr Mehtas exit, after being deemed a political liability by the founders, triggered student protests and global condemnation. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Excluding prisoners trapped under abolished indefinite jail terms from new measures to free up hundreds of desperately needed prison cells has been branded morally wrong and a missed opportunity. Shabana Mahmood, the justice secretary, this week announced emergency measures to automatically release criminals recalled for breaching their licence conditions after 28 days in a bid to prevent prisons reaching zero capacity in a matter of months. But those serving inhumane Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) jail terms which have left thousands trapped in prison for years longer than their original term or caught in a recall merry-go-round will not be eligible for the recall release scheme. open image in gallery Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood unveils fresh measures to ease overcrowding last week ( PA ) A Labour peer has blasted the exclusion as a scandal on top of a scandal as campaigners warn the move could lead to more suicides and self-harm among IPP prisoners, after 94 have already taken their lives in custody. The controversial open-ended jail terms were introduced in a bid to be tough on crime in 2005. They were scrapped in 2012 due to human rights concerns, but not retrospectively, leaving those already jailed trapped until they can prove they are safe for release. They are then subject to strict licence conditions which can see them hauled back to prison indefinitely for minor breaches, such as missing a curfew. More than 1,500 of the 2,544 prisoners languishing on the jail term are inside on recall. Seven in 10 of those more than 1,000 prisoners have committed no further crime but will be held indefinitely until the Parole Board agrees to their re-release, which takes an average of 26 months. This is not only inhumane and unjust, it's morally wrong and a waste of taxpayers money, a spokesperson for United Group for Reform of IPP told The Independent. The government could help fix the prison crisis by fixing the issue with IPP altogether or at the very least, release those who have committed no further crime, which would empty one of the largest prisons entirely. This lack of action is a deliberate choice by the current government ministers. open image in gallery Among those languishing under IPP jail terms are (clockwise, from top left) Thomas White, James Lawrence, Yusuf Ali and Abdullahi Suleman ( Handout ) Experts have said it is fundamentally wrong that the government is continuing to spend up to 145m each year locking up prisoners on a sentence branded inhumane by the UN , while resisting calls to resentence them from the justice committee. The latest blow comes after the jail terms were also excluded from the governments early release scheme, which has freed more than 16,000 inmates after just 40 per cent of their jail term, and Labours upcoming sentencing review to ease overcrowding, led by David Gauke, the former justice secretary. Reformed IPP prisoner Marc Conway, one of the heroes of the Fishmongers Hall terror attack, fears it will spark a fresh wave of self-harm and shows the government has no appetite to address the scandal. He said: It is very disappointing that IPP prisoners have been left out of any kind of sentencing review especially the current changes to recall. It feels like if you are IPP you are being punished again and again and again. He said hundreds of recalled prisoners on IPP dont deserve to be there. Its not only wrong and a waste of taxpayers money but its also inhumane, he added. I think the government should be embarrassed by this. They need to understand that every missed opportunity to deal with the IPP scandal is going to cause more deaths and more self-harm. open image in gallery The governments flagship sentencing review is led by David Gauke ( PA ) Shocking examples of the IPP sentence highlighted by The Independent include Leroy Douglas, who has served almost 20 years for stealing a mobile phone; Thomas White, 42, who set himself alight in his cell and has served 13 years for stealing a phone; and Abdullahi Suleman, 41, who is still inside 19 years after he was jailed for a laptop robbery. Mandy Lawrence, whose son James has served more than 25 times his eight-month minimum tariff for threatening someone with a starting pistol, is still stuck in prison 19 years after he was handed an IPP sentence. He is currently in HMP Highpoint with no release date on his fifth recall. The mother said it was disgusting that IPPs have once again been overlooked, adding: They dont care about IPPs in any shape or form. Campaigner Shirley Debono, whose son Shaun Lloyd is currently in prison indefinitely on his fourth recall, said it was yet another slap in the face for IPP prisoners. Labour peer Lord Woodley has tabled a private members bill to end what he describes as an industrial scale miscarriage of justice by resentencing all remaining IPP prisoners, but the government has refused to support it. He told The Independent: Given the desperate need for prison spaces, its a scandal on top of a scandal for them to be excluded like this, and I urge the government to take bold action including resentencing to wipe this stain off our justice system for good or at the very least resentencing those living on licence in the community, having been deemed safe for release by the Parole Board. Richard Garside, the director of the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, described the changes to recall, which will affect those serving determinate sentences of between one and four years, as the wrong answer to the right question of overflowing prisons. Its the recall of those on IPP and other open-ended sentences that has the most impact on prison population pressures, he said. "Prison staff and prisoners deserve better than this constant tinkering around the edges of the problem. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: It is right that IPP sentences were abolished. IPP prisoners are considered for release by the independent Parole Board every two years and those who are deemed safe will be released. The government is supporting IPP prisoners earn their release but this must be done in a way that does not put the public at risk. All offenders serving prison terms of four years or more are excluded from this measure. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A new home guard will be established to protect key British infrastructure from attacks by hostile states and terrorists, under plans reportedly put forward in a major defence review. The Sunday Times reports that thousands would be recruited to a force echoing the Local Defence Volunteers militia created in 1940 as Britains last line of defence during the Second World War, nicknamed Dads Army. The new force drawn from the civilian population would be sent to guard sites such as airports, power plants and coastal hubs where undersea internet cables join the shoreline, according to outlet. The plans are reportedly included in the forthcoming Strategic Defence Review, commissioned last July, that is being overseen by defence secretary John Healey and led by former Nato chief Lord Robertson and retired general Sir Richard Barrons. Both of the latter two figures are reported to believe that the strategy, referred to internally as hedgehog Britain, is vital in order to bolster defences at sites they fear to be vulnerable to attack at a time of increasing uncertainty although military chiefs say the country is not at risk of an imminent invasion. Last year, Mr Healey confirmed that the size of the British army had fallen below 70,000 for the first time since 1793. The Independent revealed in March that Labour planned to invest 1.3bn into recruitment to bolster the armed forces. In its report, The Sunday Times cited senior sources as pointing to the recent fire at an electrical substation which shut down Heathrow airport in March as evidence that greater security is required. The root and branch review will reportedly warn that the UKs armed forces lack sufficient personnel and resources to meet the scale of threat, and will also recommend that Sir Keir Starmers government invest in a shield system to protect the UK against missile attacks. open image in gallery The home guard would reportedly be deployed to guard sites such as power plants and airports ( AP Photo/Kin Cheung ) Asked about the report, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: We will not be drawn into commenting on claims regarding the Strategic Defence Review ahead of publication. The UKs Strategic Defence Review sets out a path for the next decade to transform the armed forces to ensure were prepared for emerging threats making Britain secure at home and strong abroad while transforming defence to drive innovation and economic growth as part of our Plan for Change. We have also announced the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, boosting funding to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027, an increase of 13.4bn in cash terms, with an ambition to reach 3 per cent in the next parliament. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Home Office failed to act on grave warnings from the British Red Cross about an unfolding crisis at two immigration centres, despite employing them to support migrants at the sites and report back, newly released documents reveal. The documents that the Home Office took more than two years to release raise questions about officials' handling of Western Jet Foil migrant processing centre in Dover and Manston centre in Kent in the autumn of 2022. Emails, performance reports and letters sent by the Red Cross to senior Home Office officials between September and November 2022 disclosed to The Independent under freedom of information laws show how the charity raised deeply troubling observations at the two sites and tried to get the Home Office to act. Among the issues raised were the confiscation of crucial medication, concerns about migrants access to urgent medical care, and people being housed in leaking tents without adequate sleeping provisions. Red Cross staff were on site at both centres in the autumn of 2022, when a humanitarian crisis began. Manston became severely overcrowded, with migrants unable to access healthcare and forced to sleep on damp and mouldy wooden flooring. As conditions spiralled out of control, the Home Office came under increasing pressure from MPs, unions and the media to act. The Kent site, which was designed to hold up to 1,600 people, was housing 4,000 at the end of October 2022. On 19th November, a detainee died. After weeks of delay, on 22nd November, the government announced that Manston had been emptied. open image in gallery A young girl runs towards the fence carrying a message in a bottle describing conditions inside the Manston immigration short-term holding facility ( PA ) This period coincided with the tumultuous 49-day Liz Truss premiership. The home secretary at the time, Suella Braverman, was forced to resign on 19 October for using her personal email, resulting in Grant Shapps taking up the position for six days, until Ms Braverman returned on 25 October when Rishi Sunak became prime minister. Documents show that the security situation became so concerning that the Red Cross decided to withdraw completely from Western Jet Foil, a smaller processing site that can house up to 250 migrants. Just two weeks after this, far-right extremist Andrew Leak firebombed the facility and later killed himself at a nearby petrol station. Red Cross staff also attempted to contact the Home Offices whistleblowing email address in late October but received a response saying the service would not accept correspondence from an external source. An inquiry into the crisis at Manston processing centre is underway to establish what went wrong and why, though it is not clear whether this probe will cover Western Jet Foil. The Red Cross programme, named the Channel Crossing pilot, was launched on 8 August 2022, with teams aiming to be at either Western Jet Foil or Manston sites for a few days each week. They would provide humanitarian support to the migrants on site, escalate problems to the contractors and Home Office, and regularly give feedback to civil servants about what was happening. open image in gallery A small demonstration outside Manston in early November 2022 ( Getty ) Both sites were being used as temporary holding facilities for small boat migrants who had just arrived in the UK. At the time, migrants should only have been held at these sites for no more than 24 hours. By early September, the Red Cross teams were identifying concerns about Manston and Western Jet Foil and relaying these back to the Home Office, documents show. They pressed for the Home Office to provide better translation services at the sites, and to screen migrants for medical issues and vulnerabilities such as signs of modern slavery. They told officials that clarity was needed to determine how migrants could get urgent medical care, and explained that some asylum seekers had had crucial medication confiscated. They reported that staff at the site were making regular jokes about guessing the ages of young migrants, and there was widespread use of glance age assessments, the charity reported. Later that month, the charity asked that the Home Office provide people with things to do, such as colouring books, magazines or toys to help dispel tensions and boredom at Manston, and they asked for more bed rolls and blankets so that people could sleep. open image in gallery Migrants picked up in the Channel are led to a bus in Dover to take them to Western Jet Foil in August 2023 ( AFP/Getty ) Conditions were getting worse and in late September the charity continued to press for action, concerned that people were being held far beyond the 24-hour limit at Manston. Numbers had now started to exceed capacity as more migrants arrived and werent moved out. In a brief sent on 30 September, the Red Cross noted that the medical unit at Manston was being overwhelmed, with skin rashes and respiratory issues affecting more and more people. Conditions were generally poor with no dedicated accommodation; limited access to medical care; sanitary provisions, fresh air or good quality food. Staff we spoke to were well aware of the poor conditions with many expressing frustration that more wasnt being done to make immediate improvements, the report said. The team had particular worries about block 10, a unit holding 50 or so families in two medium-sized halls. The buildings were mouldy, damp and poorly ventilated, the charity reported, and had no heating. Clean clothes, underwear and sanitary products were running low, people were complaining of respiratory problems and headaches, and were sleeping on the floor without blankets, the brief warned. By early October, news about what was happening at Manston started filtering out, with the Prison Officers Association raising the alarm on the 6th. Their statement likened the situation to a pressure cooker coming to the boil with a jammed release valve. Emails reveal that the day before this statement was issued, Red Cross staff were pushing for an urgent meeting with Home Office directors to address their concerns and to seek assurances that action was being taken to deal with the situation. open image in gallery Migrants who arrive in the UK via small boat are received at Western Jet Foil and then processed at Manston centre in Kent ( Getty Images ) On 10 October, Red Cross teams at Western Jet Foil were reporting significant numbers of new arrivals, with staff tired and shouting at people. Tents had been put up overnight to increase capacity, some were leaking, and not all had sleeping mats. A report about a visit to Western Jet Foil on 12 October reveals that Red Cross staff were told by the Border Force commander that up to 1,000 people were expected to attempt the Channel crossing that day as the weather was looking good. This was on top of the 325 people already being processed at Western Jet Foil. Red Cross staff found that around 100 adult men were being held in the main holding area on benches or sitting on the floor, with some exhibiting a state of agitation. At 1pm that day, immigration officers asked the Red Cross to vacate their on-site office so that they could undertake age assessments of the migrants. The report of the day continued: The only option offered was an internal office within the holding area where 50 male detainees were shouting, acting aggressively towards security staff and jumping up and down on wooden benches. This was totally unsuitable. open image in gallery A letter thrown by a young girl over the fence at Manston ( PA ) Describing the conditions, the Red Cross brief said: Many of the detainees were in poor health with obvious lung infections and previously some BRC staff have reported flea/ insect bites. The presence of such numbers of confused, frustrated and in some cases, aggressive male detainees was very intimidating. There was a palpable air of unease among Border Force and Interforce security staff as more detainees arrived for processing and tempers were obviously short. At 1.30pm, the team decided to leave due to the inherent potential dangers of the site - and suspended their in-person work at the site two days later. A day after the Western Jet Foil visit, the Red Crosss director of refugee support sent a formal letter to three senior Home Office officials demanding urgent action at the Kent and Dover sites, in light of the departments failure to act on the charitys fortnightly reports. The letter was sent as a follow-up to a meeting between the Red Cross and senior Home Office officials on the 11th. The letter listed the teams deeply troubling observations from their time at Manston and Western Jet Foil, warned that the government was at risk of breaching the Human Rights Act, and said they were probably detaining people unlawfully. open image in gallery An aerial view of Manston in November 2022 ( Getty Images ) It was also accompanied by a letter sent by the Red Crosss legal department to the Home Offices legal department. Despite an acknowledgment from the Clandestine Threats commander Dan OMahoney and attempts to arrange a further meeting, the Red Cross would not receive a formal response to their concerns for two weeks two days after Manston was cleared of asylum seekers and the crisis had abated. Among other concerns, the letter reported that staff were refusing to let people sleep when there were high arrival numbers, were removing individuals to isolation buses as a form of punishment, and acting rudely or insensitively towards migrants. A week after the Red Cross sent the ultimatum letter, it emerged publicly that some migrants at Manston had been diagnosed with diphtheria, a contagious infection that affects the skin, nose and throat. On receiving no substantial response to their 13th October letter, the Red Cross tried to whistleblow about their concerns and contacted the internal Home Office whistleblowing email address on 27th October. A response from the whistleblowing email address on 9th November said that it would not accept correspondence from an external source. As officials rushed to ease the overcrowding, a group of 11 asylum seekers were left at a central London station without accommodation after being taken out of Manston. The Home Office said at the time that they believed the migrants had accommodation with friends or family available to them. Now battling accusations that she had ignored legal advice and blocked plans to use hotels to ease the overcrowding at Manston, Ms Braverman arrived at the immigration centre in a Chinook helicopter on 3rd November. open image in gallery Home secretary Suella Braverman arrives by helicopter at Manston airfield on 3 November 2022 ( Getty ) She also visited Western Jet Foil, which was by this point was reeling from a firebomb attack. Having exhausted all avenues for escalation, on 11th November, chief executive of the Red Cross Mike Adamson wrote to senior Home Office officials, requesting urgent action once more. The Red Cross finally got a formal response from Mr OMahoney on 24 November where he admitted that the situation at Western Jet Foil and Manston has been really challenging over the last four months. He explained: We have been in a situation where the inflow of arrivals has outstripped the capability to move people into onward accommodation. This has presented us with real logistical issues. Alex Fraser, British Red Cross UK director for refugee support, said: In 2022, the British Red Cross was asked by the Home Office to run a local pilot to provide humanitarian support to some of the men, women and children who had made the dangerous journey to cross the Channel in a small boat. We were extremely concerned about the humanitarian situation at Western Jet Foil and Manston and we made this clear at the time. No one should experience overcrowded accommodation that puts them at risk of disease and potentially being detained unlawfully. We know from our work supporting people in similar temporary accommodation what a damaging impact it can have on them. The serious problems at these two sites are indicative of the wider issues facing the asylum system. We need a more efficient, compassionate asylum system one that treats people with humanity, dignity and processes their claims fairly. A Home Office spokesperson said: The home secretary acted on the advice she was given to establish an independent inquiry into events at the Manston Short-Term Holding Facility between June and November 2022, in line with the commitments made by her predecessors, and on the terms agreed through the subsequent legal process. "That inquiry will now proceed, and we are supporting it fully. It would be inappropriate to comment further whilst it is ongoing. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Thousands of people voiced their anger at the spilling of sewage into UK waters at dozens of paddle out protests held across the country. At more than 40 beaches, rivers and lakes across the UK, people armed with boards and placards took to the water to demand urgent reform of the water industry in events organised by the campaign group Surfers Against Sewage. It comes as new Opinium polling suggested that fewer than one in five people believe they will be able to swim safely at their local bathing spot by 2030 without risking their health as a result of sewage pollution. And the survey of 2,000 people found just 21 per cent of respondents trusted the government to ensure water suppliers reduce sewage spills, with more than half a million discharges into our seas, lakes and rivers in 2024. Data released by the Environment Agency in March showed water companies released a record amount of raw sewage into Englands rivers and seas last year. The Independent Water Commission is currently reviewing its evidence before making recommendations to government on reforming the water industry. Stuart Davies, an organiser of the Brighton protest, said: We are paddling out because we seem to be in the same place each year. We see record levels of sewage pollution in our blue spaces, especially here on the south coast. open image in gallery Kate Jones, centre, has become unwell twice from swimming in the sea and now campaigns for Surfers Against Sewage ( Supplied ) Many a time, I have been personally affected. I cant go sea swimming. I cant go surfing. I also volunteer for the Wave Project which provides surf therapy for young people. Thats been cancelled a few times, and we couldnt go in the water. It makes me extremely angry. We are paddling out in protest of the scandal and to call for total reform of the water industry. The Independent recently donated 20,000 to Surfers Against Sewage to help support the groups work, as new figures revealed the number of beauty spots deemed unfit for swimming because of sewage had doubled in a year. Of Englands 451 protected bathing spots, 37 are now rated as poor the lowest category because they contain unsafe levels of potentially deadly bacteria, including E coli and intestinal enterococci, due to sewage spills. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Keir Starmer has formally signed an agreement to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after a scramble to prevent a further legal challenge following a last-minute injunction to halt the move failed on Thursday morning. The deal will see the UK give up sovereignty of the island territory to Mauritius with Sir Keir claiming the UK will pay 101m per year for 99 years to lease the US-UK military base on Diego Garcia back from the government, amounting to a total of 10bn over the course of a century. However, confusion remains over how much the deal will really cost. While the government has insisted the net value of the deal will be 3.4bn, because of the impact of inflation, in cash terms, some estimates have put it at as much as 30bn over 99 years, assuming two per cent inflation. The cash is set to come from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Foreign Office (FCDO) budgets, although the government has not yet decided how much each department will pay. But, it will swallow up some of the extra cash allocated to the MoD in the recent decision to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP. open image in gallery Keir Starmer said the UK had to hand the islands to Mauritius ( Sky News ) There were also questions over the crucial electromagnetic spectrum that allows satellite communications, which Sir Keir claimed to have negotiated control of. The announcement said that the two nations would share management. There was also alarm at a provision which means the UK must inform Mauritius ahead of any armed attack on a third state directly emanating from Diego Garcia. This was despite the prime ministers official spokesperson claiming the UK has full control over what happens on the base. Defending the deal, the prime minister said the UK had to act now because the Mauritians would likely win future legal disputes against Britain. Government security sources suggested legal challenges against the UK were expected to be brought within weeks. Sir Keir said the UKs base in the Chagos Islands is one of the most significant contributions that we make to our security relationship with the United States. Speaking from the UKs military headquarters after signing away the islands, the prime minister stressed the importance of maintaining control of a UK base. He said: Almost everything we do from the base is in partnership with the US. President Trump has welcomed the deal along with other allies, because they see the strategic importance of this base and that we cannot cede the ground to others who would seek to do us harm. If Mauritius took us to court again, which they certainly would have, the UKs longstanding legal view is that we would not have a realistic prospect of success and would likely face provisional measures orders within a matter of weeks, he added. The US welcomed the move with secretary of state Marco Rubio calling it a historic agreement between the UK and Mauritius on the future of the Chagos Archipelago. This agreement secures the long-term, stable, and effective operation of the joint US-UK military facility at Diego Garcia, which is critical to regional and global security. We value both parties dedication. The US looks forward to our continued joint work to ensure the success of our shared operations, he wrote in a post on X. After revealing the true cost of the deal for the first time, Sir Keir insisted it was cheaper than the running cost of running an aircraft carrier. Meanwhile, defence secretary John Healey said: As the world becomes more dangerous, our military base on Diego Garcia becomes more important. Without this base, our ability to deter terrorists, defend our interests and protect our troops around the world would be at risk. open image in gallery Bertice Pompe (left) and Bernadette Dugasse outside the High Court in central London ( PA ) And foreign secretary David Lammy highlighted that the US, Australia, Canada and India all back this deal because they understand its importance for global security. Overnight, judge Sir Julian Goose kicked off 24 hours of drama by putting a last-minute pause on the treaty being signed at 3am on Thursday following hours of legal wrangling. The legal challenge focused on the grievances of the Chagossians who were expelled from Diego Garcia and prevented a 7am signing ceremony from taking place. After an urgent hearing just hours later, Mr Justice Chamberlain dismissed the injunction. Campaigners scrambled to appeal against the ruling but it is understood ministers moved at speed to prevent further challenges. Admitting defeat, a member of the team behind the legal challenge told The Independent: Its a total apostasy toward the rule of law. They have cheated to avoid justice. Bertrice Pompe, one of two British women born on the Chagos Islands who brought the injunction, said it was a very, very sad day but we are not giving up. Ms Pompe, is a Chagossian, who was born on Diego Garcia and expelled at six months old. A British national now living in London, Ms Pompe had argued that the deal would cause irreparable harm and violate fundamental legal and human rights principles. The prime minister said failing to sign the treaty would have left the UK unable to prevent China or any other nation from setting up their own bases on the Chagos Islands or carrying out joint exercises near the Diego Garcia base. No responsible government could let that happen. So, theres no alternative but to act in Britains national interest, he added. open image in gallery Chagossians protest over the islands on Thursday ( PA ) As well as questions over the costs of the deal, despite the PM slashing welfare spending and taking winter fuel payments from millions of pensioners, serious questions were also being asked about it being signed before MPs could see the details. Tory shadow armed forces minister Mark Francois said: This is absolute madness! At a time when this government of human rights lawyers is taking money away from millions of pensioners over winter fuel payments and restricting financial support to the disabled, they are now proposing to pay billions of pounds to Mauritius to rent back a key base we already own in the first place. Moreover, if this deal is front loaded and largely comes out of the MoD budget, what will that do to the Strategic Defence Review? The Tories put out figures from the agreement suggesting that the cost over the term of the deal would be 30.3bn. This was based on handing over 165m a year for the first three years, 120m a year for years 4 to 13, then 120m plus inflation for years 14 to 99. The calculations were based on the Bank of Englands 2 per cent inflation target. On top of that, there will be 45m a year for 25 years for development and a 40m one-off payment for a Chagossian fund. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Keir Starmers post-Brexit reset is going down to the wire just hours before the prime minister is to host Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa in London. British and European negotiators were working overnight to hash out a deal before the prime minister appears at a press conference alongside Ms Von der Leyen, the European Commission president, and Mr Costa, president of the European Council, on Monday. Downing Street sources said there are outstanding issues on both sides. Negotiations are going down to the wire and a deal is not yet done conversations will continue overnight, an official said. EU ambassadors were reportedly meeting in Brussels on Sunday to agree to any further compromises on either side. open image in gallery Keir Starmer will unveil the results of his post-Brexit reset on Monday ( PA Wire ) It came after an apparent breakthrough in the talks emerged over the weekend, with British travellers to Europe set to be allowed to use EU passport queues and e-gates to cut down on time spent queueing. When the leaders meet on Monday, the PM is also expected to set out how young people will be able to live and work across the continent as he unveils the results of the post-Brexit reset. But contentious issues such as European access to British fishing waters and the flexibility of the UKs youth mobility scheme have held up talks throughout. On Sunday night, the EU was said to be pushing for access to fisheries as part of an agreement to ease checks on UK food exports to Europe, The Times reported. Sir Keir has reportedly offered a four-year extension to the EU for access to British waters through existing fishing quotas - but Brussels is wanting a longer-term deal. After months of talks with EU counterparts, the prime minister will host Ms Von Der Leyen and Mr Costa in London. At an afternoon press conference, he will set out a range of areas the UK and Brussels have agreed to work more closely on such as food standards and the linking of Britain and the EUs carbon trading schemes. The summit is the culmination of a charm offensive launched by Sir Keir shortly after he entered Downing Street, which he has vowed will boost the economy, create jobs and strengthen Britains borders. Major breakthroughs from the talks include the agreement of a youth mobility deal with the EU, similar to arrangements already in place with countries including Canada and South Korea. It will allow young people to live and work freely between the UK and EU member states for a number of years. Another element of the deal that emerged over the weekend is the agreement for British travellers to be allowed to wait in EU passport queues and use e-gates when arriving on the continent. Europe minister Nick Thomas-Symonds on Sunday promised the move would cut the amount of time travellers spend queuing when landing in Europe. I am sure we can all agree that would be sensible, he told the BBCs Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme. Sir Keir is also expected to have succeeded in allowing the UK access to a major European defence fund, under which EU countries will spend 150bn buying air defence systems, drones and other military equipment. He has been warned by Brexiteers and the Conservatives against betraying Brexit, with the Tories likening the planned youth mobility scheme to a return to freedom of movement. But the PM has stuck rigidly to his stance, that Britain will not return to free movement, the single market or the customs union. Mr Thomas-Symonds on Sunday stressed that any deal on a youth mobility scheme with Europe will have to be "smart and controlled" and will be "absolutely consistent" with the government's immigration policy. open image in gallery Critics warn Keir Starmer is trying to unpick Brexit ( AFP/Getty ) He told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: "It's about a smart and controlled scheme. "As of today we have already 13 youth mobility schemes with other countries, nobody is remotely suggesting that is freedom of movement with those countries, it absolutely isn't." The Liberal Democrats have called for Labour to take a more ambitious approach to relations with Europe, returning to the customs union. And, on the eve of the summit, former armed forces minister Sir Nick Harvey said Brexit had left Britain with billions less to the treasury, to our public services, and to our flatlining economy. Sir Nick, chief executive of the European Movement UK, added: We are five years in do we want another 10 years of economic havoc, or do we want to take a sensible, responsible path towards undoing the damage that Brexit has done." Mr Thomas-Symonds also said Britain will be willing to align itself with EU rules in some areas as part of the reset. He told the BBC the UK would align with the EU where it is in our national interest to align on common standards to make sure we get far easier trade. That's what we did in the US deal where we wouldn't compromise on our food standards and it's exactly that same pragmatic approach for jobs and growth here in this country we are taking in these negotiations, he added. The EU-UK summit comes in the wake of Sir Keir striking significant trade deals with India and the US. Following the implementation of the Joint Statement on China-US Economic and Trade Meeting in Geneva, both countries enacted tariff adjustments on May 14. Since then, the China-US shipping market has seen a surge in demand, leading to a "hard-to-book-a-ship" scenario. Chinese exporters have been overwhelmed with calls from American clients, anxiety around importing goods from the US has alleviated, Shenzhen's Yantian Port is operating at full capacity, and bookings for containers and cargo space to the US have skyrocketed. In fact, "almost all routes to the US are nearly fully booked through the end of May." This reflects the strong and persistent demand between China and the US. Behind the "hard-to-book-a-ship" phenomenon is that Chinese and US companies are meeting each other halfway. After decades of integration and development, the economies of China and the US are deeply intertwined, with their trade structures highly complementary, forming a supply-and-demand bond that is indivisible and indispensable. In 2024, the volume of trade in goods between China and the US reached $688.28 billion, with two-way trade in services expanding significantly to $66.86 billion. US goods exports to China hit $143.55 billion, an increase of 648.4 percent from 2001, far exceeding the growth rate of US exports globally over the same period. Currently, the US is China's largest goods export destination and the second-largest source of imports, while China is the US' third-largest export destination and second-largest source of imports. These achievements have come despite the turbulence in bilateral trade relations in recent years, demonstrating the resilience of trade ties between the two countries. China's exports to the US, including electromechanical products, electronics, construction machinery, chemical products, and various consumer goods, meet American market demands and generate profits for Chinese businesses. Meanwhile, China's vast market potential offers significant export opportunities for US goods such as agricultural products, semiconductors, aerospace equipment, and automobiles and parts. While American manufacturers benefit, related industries in China also achieve development and technological advancement. High tariff barriers cannot sever this two-way demand; they merely act as a temporary "dammed lake" between the two economies. Even if these barriers are only partially lifted, demand flows again like an unstoppable tide. The essence of China-US economic and trade relations is mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. Any attempts to undermine this relationship through tariff wars or trade wars will ultimately prove counterproductive. Before progress was made in the China-US economic and trade talks in Geneva, a rare phenomenon occurred at the once-busy Port of Los Angeles, where more than half of the container ship berths were vacant. Meanwhile, cargo volume at the Port of Long Beach, another container port in California, decreased by approximately 30 percent. From the "sailing suspension" crisis a few months ago to the current "rush to ship," this round of tariff turmoil highlights the critical significance of policy stability for global supply chains and adds a new footnote to the conclusion that "China and the US both stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation." Cargo ships departing from China and crossing the Pacific carry the precise fulfillment of the demands of American consumers and businesses by Chinese manufacturers. From the transoceanic phone calls between Chinese and US companies, to the bustling factories and logistics, and even to the "hard-to-book-a-ship" phenomenon on China-US routes, the entire industrial supply chain presents a vivid picture of high interdependence. The deep integration of the economies of China and the US is reflected not only in the fluctuations of trade volume but also in the well-being of the people of both countries. This proves that significantly reducing bilateral tariffs allows goods from both countries to circulate more smoothly, meeting consumers' diverse needs while also bringing tangible benefits to the peoples and businesses in both nations. However, for businesses in both countries, their concern is that US policies may still fluctuate after 90 days. They hope that through subsequent consultations, the US and China can further reduce tariffs, as the 30 percent tariffs imposed on Chinese goods by the US are still considered "very high." We hope that the US side will thoroughly correct the mistake of unilateral tariff increases and transform the "tariff truce" into a lasting normalization of trade cooperation between China and the US. This aligns with the common interests of both countries and their peoples, and it is also an inevitable requirement of economic laws. The "hard-to-book-a-ship" phenomenon reflects the market's strong appreciation for the 90-day "window of opportunity." More importantly, it should be seen as a call for deeper cooperation between China and the US. The two countries are development opportunities for each other, and the window for mutually beneficial cooperation should extend far beyond a period of a mere 90-day period. The trans-Pacific routes should not be merely for urgent shipments and temporary stockpiling, but should instead become steady channels of trade, linking the prosperity and future of both nations. Hopefully, the US side will build on the outcomes of the recent talks and continue to meet China halfway, transforming the current surge in shipping demand into concrete actions of sustainable cooperation and mutual benefit between the two countries, and jointly contributing to greater certainty and stability in the global economy. (Source: Global Times) Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Keir Starmer is facing one of the biggest days of his premiership with just hours to go until he is expected to unveil his plans for Britains post-Brexit reset deal towards closer ties with the EU. Although officials were still locked in negotiations on Sunday night - in a last ditch attempt to get a deal over the line - the prime minister is said to have agreed a deal to rebuild ties with the bloc after years of tension and mistrust under the Conservatives. Sir Keir - who has made the Brexit reset a centrepiece of his administration - will stand side-by-side with EU leaders at midday today and unveil the key details of what has been agreed. Facing questions from the media, the prime minister will be judged on how successful his mission to reset relations with the EU has really been. open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer is resetting Britains relationship with the EU ( PA ) While todays summit is being seen more as a jumping off point for further negotiations, with both sides agreeing in principle where they would like closer ties, the prime minister will be keen to show that progress has been made. Some issues have proven thornier than others, with the issue of fishing rights understood to have been a key stumbling bloc for negotiators that was only solved in the early hours of the morning. Meanwhile, talks surrounding the use of e-gates at airports, a possible youth mobility scheme and closer trade ties on agricultural products are thought to have continued into the morning on Monday. With just hours to go until the full details are revealed,The Independent looks at what issues are on the table. Youth mobility scheme The biggest thing on the agenda is likely to be the announcement of a planned youth visa scheme - which would let under-30s study, live and work between Britain and the continent for a number of years. Exactly how many years, and what number the scheme is capped at, will prove controversial, with the Home Office pushing back on measures that will boost spiralling migration figures the government is desperately trying to cut. open image in gallery Sir Sadiq Khan has called for a youth mobility scheme with the EU ( EPA ) But the scheme has been a key ask of European countries, who believe it will benefit both sides, and is being seen as a test of how serious Sir Keir is about resetting ties after years of acrimony under the Conservatives. Defence and security Both Britain and Brussels have expressed an interest in strengthening cooperation on defence and security. open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer is hoping for stronger ties with Europe on defence ( PA ) A pact would allow British firms to access a major European defence fund - under which EU countries will spend 150bn euros buying air defence systems, drones and other military equipment - set up in response to US President Donald Trumps apparent reluctance to guarantee the continents security. It would build on a bilateral pact struck between the UK and Germany, under which the Luftwaffe is operating from a base. Fishing There are reports that some EU countries, including France, want to link wider talks - including around a defence pact - to fishing in a bid to pressure Britain into agreeing a deal. France and other European countries are seeking continued access to British fishing waters after June 2026, rather than having to renegotiate quotas every year. The fishing industry is relatively small in the context of the post-Brexit reset, but has taken on outsized influence in talks. open image in gallery European fishermen want ongoing access to British waters ( Getty ) Europe minister Nick Thomas-Symonds hinted Britain was prepared to move towards the EUs position and allow ongoing access. Downing Street pointed out that European fishers will already have access to British waters under the current deal beyond 2026, hinting that the terms of access are up for renegotiation in the reset. But the PMs official spokesman has stressed British fishermen would be protected. Food standards One of Labours manifesto pledges was to strike a veterinary agreement to cut unnecessary border checks and bring down the cost of food for British consumers. The promised agreement on food and agricultural standards, or sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, would see Britain agree to European food rules in order to reduce red tape for exporters and cut checks on food between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. European trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic has said an SPS agreement would require Britain accepting dynamic alignment with EU rules - likely to spark uproar among Brexiteers. Easing some trade barriers Removing trade barriers on goods, including food and drink and electrical items, could result in a 2.2 per cent uplift in gross domestic product in the long run, boosting the economic growth the prime minister so desperately wants to deliver by nearly 25bn a year, according to analysis shared exclusively with The Independent. From the 24.8bn export boost for the UK estimated by Frontier Economics, in a report commissioned by pro-EU group Best for Britain, farm food exports alone could see a 3.2bn increase. The EU, meanwhile, would also benefit, with a 22.4bn boost to exports in goods and services from a closer agreement, selling 5bn more in agricultural products. And a separate assessment by the National Institute for Economic and Social Research (NIESR) warns that a failure to land a deal for easier trading could lead to a 2.7 per cent drop in exports by 2027, costing the UK economy almost 30bn. Migration The UK-EU summit will also see both sides discuss migration, with Britain hoping Europe will help Sir Keirs ambition of tackling the people smuggling gangs transporting migrants across the English Channel. One way the EU could help would be agreeing a returns deal with Britain, whereby migrants who arrive in the UK could be returned to France or the continent, with the UK resettling migrants from the EU in return. Labour also hopes to gain access to European crime and illegal migration data to go after the gangs, though suffered a blow when this was reportedly rejected by the EU. Touring artists Labour also promised at the election to help touring artists, whose lives have been blighted by Brexit, access the continent more easily. They can currently only work for 90 out of every 180 days on the continent, making longer tours more difficult, while prohibitive amounts of paperwork and transport issues has made it more time-consuming and less profitable. open image in gallery Musicians have consistently campaigned against Brexit ( AFP/Getty ) But EU experts have said a deal to ease restrictions on touring artists could be thornier as it would require a state-by-state rewrite of customs rules around how artists travel between countries. Passport queues British tourists arriving in Europe could be able to use EU passport gates at airports once again under Sir Keirs reset deal. The UKs lead negotiator and EU minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said the government was pushing for measures to speed up the process, saying it would give people more time to spend on holiday or work trips doing what you want, not being stuck in queues. Mutual recognition Campaigners have consistently called for the mutual recognition of qualifications between the UK and EU, and Labours manifesto promised to deliver it. It would allow professionals qualified in the UK to practice in the EU and vice versa, without having to requalify and with minimal additional bureaucracy. It is not known which jobs could benefit but the Law Society has already hailed the opportunity for UK lawyers to learn and practice in the EU, while others that could be covered could include accountants and architects. The existing Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), which underpins Britains post-Brexit trading relationship with the EU, allows for mutual recognition deals to be negotiated sector by sector, so negotiators could settle on this as an initial approach, in what would be a boost for firms in Britains key services sector. Energy cooperation The government is also looking at linking Britain and the EUs emissions trading systems, under which companies can buy and sell permits for their level of carbon emissions. Economists have said that linking the two schemes would expand the liquidity of permits being traded in both and boost the net zero transmission. It could also avoid fresh border friction if the EU imposed a tax on carbon-intensive imports such as steel, cement and fertiliser, which MPs had raised concerns about. What is not in Sir Keirs plans? Labour has repeatedly stressed its red lines throughout talks with Britains European counterparts. There will be no return to the European single market, under which goods can be traded freely between countries in the bloc, the customs union, which standardises tariffs for non-member countries, or freedom of movement, under which people were allowed to travel and live across member states. The red lines are Labours bid to head off allegations that the party is seeking to betray Brexit. What will critics say? Regardless of the red lines, the Brexit reset is likely to spark a fresh round of criticism for the PM, with Reform UK and the Conservatives already accusing him of unpicking Brexit. open image in gallery Nigel Farage is likely to seize on any perceived betrayal of Brexit ( EPA ) It comes after the PM stressed the need to slash net migration - even taking on his own party over the issue. And the final shape of any youth mobility scheme will be a prime target for political attacks on Labour and Sir Keir. Any acceptance of dynamic alignment with EU rules will also see Sir Keir facing allegations he has allowed Britain to again become a rule taker not a rule maker, a key argument for Brexit in the referendum. Sign up to our free Brexit newsletter for our analysis of the continuing impact of Brexit on the UK Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The UK looks increasingly likely to agree to a post-Brexit youth mobility scheme with the European Union at a major UK-EU summit on Monday. Such an agreement would be a major step towards resetting Boris Johnsons damaging Brexit deal, and has been pushed by European officials for months. The move, which is being demanded by European countries and commissioners in Brussels, would help to create much closer ties with the bloc and begin to repair the shattered relationship left by the previous Tory government. Here, The Independent looks at how such a scheme would work in practice, who would be eligible to take part and whether or not there is support for it in Britain. What would be the key features of a youth mobility scheme? An agreement of this nature would allow young people in the UK and the EU to move and work freely between countries for a limited period of time. It is likely to include 18- to 30-year-olds, potentially extending to those under 35 as well. It is thought that they would be able to live and work abroad for up to two years. However, there is some suggestion that figures in the government are pushing for this period to be reduced to just one year instead. Do similar schemes exist already? Britain already has similar agreements with 13 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Iceland, Uruguay, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The scheme is currently available for those aged 18 to 30 or 18 to 35, depending on where they are from, and allows them to live and work in the UK for up to two years. In order to qualify for the scheme, individuals must have 2,530 in savings to show they are able to support themselves while living in Britain. Would the British public back the scheme? There is widespread support for such an agreement, with a YouGov survey of almost 15,000 people indicating that two-thirds (66 per cent) backed the scheme, compared to just one in five (18 per cent) who are opposed. In Nigel Farages Clacton-on-Sea constituency, which voted overwhelmingly in favour of leaving the EU in 2016, more than twice as many people were in favour (57 per cent) than against (25 per cent) the idea of a mobility scheme. Would it drive up net migration? Supporters of the agreement insist it wouldnt drive up net migration, arguing that young people in the UK would be keen to move abroad, in the same way that young people in the EU would be keen to come here. Meanwhile, the time-limited nature of the scheme means they wouldnt be able to permanently settle abroad. There is also speculation that there would be a cap on numbers or a one-in-one-out policy to ensure that those coming to the UK remain balanced with the number of people leaving. However, without that cap, critics argue Britain would end up taking more young people than it loses. Meanwhile, others argue that a youth mobility scheme would be a return to freedom of movement enjoyed by travellers when the UK was part of the EU by the back door. Sir Keirs red lines for the negotiations with Brussels include no return to freedom of movement between countries. But it is understood that the government considers a limited youth mobility scheme would not break that promise because of the time limit. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Mexican navy training ship hit the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City Saturday, killing two people and injuring 19. The sailing ship Cuauhtemoc was supposed to leave the city and sail out to sea when it struck the bridge Saturday evening. Its three masts snapped when it smashed into the world-famous bridge, with witnesses describing the sudden chaotic scene. There were 277 people on board the vessel when it collided with the bridge. In videos of the incident, crew members were seen standing atop the rung of the mast could be seen clinging to the mast. Others were left dangling from ropes waiting for help, while some were left hanging from harnesses high in the air. The 142-year-old bridge suffered no significant structural damage, the National Transport Safety Board confirmed at a Monday press briefing. Heres everything we know so far: open image in gallery A Mexican naval ship collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, killing two people and injuring 19 others ( Getty Images ) What happened? The incident unfolded shortly before 8:30 p.m. Saturday on New Yorks East River. The Cuauhtemoc training vessel was on a goodwill tour and supposed to head out to sea after stopping in New York City to refuel. But instead of sailing south, the ship headed in the wrong direction toward the Brooklyn Bridge, city officials said. Bystanders on the Brooklyn waterfront caught the moment of impact on camera, with footage showing crowds fleeing from the waters edge as the ships towering masts collided with the bridge. The ship appeared to strike what appeared to be scaffolding or gantry on the underside of the bridge, which was seen swinging. Debris fell toward the deck of the ship, including portions of the masts, lights and rigging. Crew members, standing on the masts, clung to it as it braced for impact. Some were lurched forward but none fell into the water, contrary to earlier reports. The New York Coast Guard said the Cuauhtemoc lost all three masts. The historic bridge did not suffer any major damage and was reopened after a preliminary inspection. open image in gallery The moment the masts snapped was caught on video. Crew members were seen standing atop the rung of the mast could be seen clinging to the mast. ( Getty Images ) What do we know about the victims? The two people killed in the crash were both crew members. At a press conference, New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed their deaths and that 19 others were injured, five critically. America Yamilet Sanchez, 20, of Veracruz, Mexico, was identified as one of the deceased cadets by the governor of Veracruz. I deeply regret the passing of Veracruz cadet America Yamilet Sanchez, Rocio Nahle wrote on X. My love, support, and solidarity go out to her family. The second victim has been named as Adal Jair Marcos of Oaxaca. Marco was known as Tyson to his friends and had been living on the boat for the last nine months of his life, reports El Universal. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum mourned the loss of the two crew members. "Our solidarity and support go out to their families," Sheinbaum said on X. open image in gallery The National Transport Safety Board said at Mondays briefing that it would release a preliminary report within 30 days, adding that it was too early to speculate or determine the cause. ( Nick Corso ) What caused the crash? Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing. The National Transport Safety Board said at Mondays briefing that it would release a preliminary report within 30 days, adding that it was too early to speculate or determine the cause. Adams said the boat had a mechanical mishap that caused it to veer into the bridge, after it set off from nearby Pier 17. The Cuauhtemoc was seen on Saturday moving rapidly in reverse toward the Brooklyn side of the East River, heading straight for the bridge. Brian Young, the boards lead investigator, said that the ship requested assistance for tugboats at 8:24 p.m. Saturday and hit the bridge soon after. The NYPD was on the scene by 8:30 p.m. The captain of the ship told authorities he lost power of the ship, forcing it to head for the bridge abutment on the Brooklyn side. The safety board said it had not interviewed the ships captain or the crew as of Monday. The Cuauhtemoc's mast height was 158 feet but the bridge has a 135-foot clearance at its center. open image in gallery The Cuauhtemoc was due to complete a 200-day trip, visiting 22 ports in 15 countries, including Jamaica, Cuba, Scotland, Spain, Barbados, Iceland and the U.K. The trip was unexpectedly cut short in New York. ( AFP via Getty Images ) What do we know about the ships journey? Each year, the Cuauhtemoc, a Mexican naval training ship for the Mexicos Heroic Naval Military School, sets out at the end of naval military school to finish cadets training. It planned to spend more than 200 days away visiting 22 ports in 15 countries including Jamaica, Cuba, Scotland, Spain, Barbados, Iceland and the U.K. but the trip was unexpectedly cut short in New York. This year, it left the Mexican port of Acapulco, on the Pacific coast, on April 6, the navy said. The Mexican consulate said it arrived at Pier 17 on May 13 and invited people to visit through May 17. The ship, which measures approximately 297 feet long and 40 feet wide, was about to leave New York City for a goodwill tour to Iceland when the incident happened. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Two people have died after a three-masted Mexican Navy sailing ship, the Cuauhtemoc, reportedly carrying around 200 people, crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge on New Yorks East River. New York Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the two deaths hours after a news conference. The Mexican navy later added that at least 22 others had been injured, including 11 who were in critical condition and nine in stable condition. Mr Adams said all those hurt had suffered injuries on the ship and that no one had gone into the river, as had been previously reported. The collision occurred just before 9 p.m., with all three of the ships 147-feet-tall masts striking the bridge and snapping as the vessel appeared to be moving backward. Pictures emerged online, appearing to show multiple sailors clinging to rigging high up on the masts in the aftermath. X user @orenjinoir was standing on the waterfront in Brooklyn when the collision occurred and caught the moment on video. The ship appears to strike some type of scaffolding or gantry on the underside of the bridge, which can be seen swinging in the aftermath. In other footage from bystanders, people on the waterfront are seen fleeing as the ship veers toward them after the collision. Debris can be seen falling toward the deck of the ship, including portions of the masts, lights, and rigging. The sails were not up at the time. open image in gallery The Cuauhtemoc sits stranded after colliding with the Brooklyn Bridge ( AP ) The Post reports that some of the injured were transported to local hospitals and the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The Mexican navy said in a post on the social platform X that the vessel was damaged in an accident with the Brooklyn Bridge that prevented it from continuing its voyage. It added that the status of personnel and material was under review by naval and local authorities, which were providing assistance. The Secretary of the Navy renews its commitment to the safety of personnel, transparency in its operations and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Armada, it said in Spanish. The Cuauhtemoc, a training vessel in the Mexican Navy, sailed into New York Harbor on Tuesday as part of a goodwill visit to the U.S., with dozens of naval cadets seen standing on the masts as others dressed in cultural Mexican attire awaited nearby. A large Mexican flag was flying at the stern of the vessel when the collision occurred. open image in gallery A woman waves at the Cuauhtemoc at Havana Harbor on April 28, 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Built in Bilbao, Spain, in 1982, the ARM Cuauhtemoc is considered an ambassador vessel for her country, along with three sister ships. The tall ship is believed to have traveled 400,000 nautical miles and has visited 228 ports across 73 countries over 43 years. On its current voyage, the ship left Acapulco on April 6, and was scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 nations, including Kingston, Jamaica; Havana, Cuba; Cozumel, Mexico; and New York. It had also planned to go to Reykjavik, Iceland; Bordeaux, Saint Malo, and Dunkirk, France; and Aberdeen, Scotland, among others, for a total of 254 days 170 at sea and 84 in port. New York Citys Emergency Management Department is responding to the emergency and has warned New Yorkers to avoid the area. New York Attorney General Letitia James said she was praying for those involved and urged New Yorkers to follow local guidance while our first responders do their jobs. At about 10.30 p.m. est the New York emergency notification system said that Brooklyn Bridge had reopened, although it warned of delays. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The impact of staffing cuts to the National Weather Service was tested on Friday when an eastern Kentucky office had to use surge staffing and nearby offices to ensure the public received timely information about incoming deadly storms. Bracing for thunderstorms, damaging winds, flooding, hail, and tornadoes, the National Weather Service office in Jackson, Kentucky, had to pre-plan staffing schedules to ensure round-the-clock coverage. The office recently lost its overnight forecaster, one of several in the country to face staffing shortages due to the Department of Government Efficiencys cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. However, with the impending severe weather, the office had to rely on nearby offices in Louisville and Paducah to provide overnight coverage. It also staggered its staffs schedules on Friday. open image in gallery The National Weather Service office in Jackson, Kentucky, had to seek staffing assistance before a string of deadly storms hit the state ( Getty Images ) We saw the risk many days ago, Christian Cassell, one of the offices meteorologists, told the Washington Post. We were already planning how we would staff days in advance. A spokesperson for NOAA told The Independent that neighboring offices provided staffing support to Jackson, allowing it to remain fully staffed through the duration of the event. The National Weather Service offices in Louisville, Jackson, and Paducah provided forecast information, timely warnings, and decision support in the days and hours leading up to the severe weather on May 16, the spokesperson said. Residents of the area still received timely reports on the weather through their usual means. Even with warnings, the severe weather tore apart neighborhoods and left at least 18 people dead in Kentucky. Reports said the town of London, which the Jackson weather service office serves, was hit especially hard. open image in gallery The town of London, Kentucky was hit particularly hard by tornadoes on Friday ( AP ) This time, the Jackson office had advanced notice about the storms, which allowed it to prepare. Had it not, the Jackson office would not have had an overnight forecaster. Nearly 600 people have left the National Weather Service in recent months through layoffs or retirements. In March, the Trump administration told NOAA to eliminate 1,000 workers, in addition to the nearly 1,300 workers who had already left. Those cuts have trickled down to the National Weather Service. Now, at least eight of the 122 offices around the U.S. that typically provide 24/7 weather coverage cannot do that. open image in gallery Cuts to NOAAs staffing has trickled down to the National Weather Service, leaving some offices with fewer meteorologists ( Getty Images ) The office in Jackson would typically have 13 meteorologists, but is currently operating with nine. Tom Fahy, the legislative director for the National Weather Service Employees Organization, told the Washington Post that it's also missing two management positions and three technical specialists. The Independent has asked the White House and the National Weather Service Employees Organization for comment. Nee Jackson, the director of emergency management for Pike County, told the Lexington Herald Leader that nearby offices are covering for Jackson during overnight hours, but it may not be sustainable. Its working for now. It is concerning. I dont know how long they can keep this up, Jackson said. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Former president Joe Bidens diagnosis of what his office calls an aggressive form of prostate cancer is the latest in a long line of health woes and scares that have followed the 82-year-old throughout his political career. As president, Biden had regular physical examinations at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, that were conducted by Dr. Kevin OConnor, a former U.S. Army physician who began treating Biden during his time as vice president in the Obama administration. Though he was the oldest person to serve as commander-in-chief, OConnors reports from those annual exams downplayed his age and invariably pronounced him fit to serve. One February 2024 memorandum from OConnor, following Bidens final annual physical as president, described him as a healthy, active, robust 81-year-old male, who remains fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency, to include those as Chief Executive, Head of State and Commander in Chief. open image in gallery US President Joe Biden addresses a press conference at the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow on November 2, 2021. ( AFP/Getty ) Yet subsequent events have called into question whether OConnor and other top Biden administration aides were forthcoming about the then-presidents health and fitness. Four months after his final physical, Bidens performance at a June 2024 debate with Donald Trump was so dismal that he was forced to exit the race just five weeks later. During the 90-minute televised session, he appeared frail and was unable to form coherent sentences at times, leading to questions over whether he was suffering from any sort of degenerative condition. Last July, then-White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre denied that he was suffering from Alzheimers, a form of dementia, or another degenerative illness that would explain his rambling, meandering performance. And no evidence has emerged that Biden has been diagnosed with any condition that would have had such an effect on his mental acuity other than the normal aging process. Yet this is not the first time he has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. In March 2023, the White House announced that Biden had undergone a procedure to remove a common type of skin cancer from his chest. A memorandum from OConnor released to the press at the time said a biopsy confirmed that the small lesion removed from the then-president was basal cell carcinoma. open image in gallery U.S. President Joe Biden (R) and Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump participate in the CNN Presidential Debate at the CNN Studios on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. President Biden and former President Trump are facing off in the first presidential debate of the 2024 campaign. ( Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images ) All cancerous tissue was successfully removed. The area around the biopsy site was treated presumptively with electrodessication and curettage at the time of biopsy. No further treatment is required, OConnor added. The former president also battled Covid-19 at two different points during his term, once in 2022 and a second time in July 2024, days before he decided to stand down from his re-election bid after his disastrous debate with Trump. Before his first bout with Covid, the most serious health problem he had faced since winning the 2020 election had been a broken foot, endured while playing with one of his German Shepherd dogs. But his health was not always so robust. Twice in the 1980s, Biden had near-death experiences that required him to undergo brain surgery two times within five months. He described them in a speech delivered at a Jerusalem hospital during a February 2023 visit to Israel. I was making a speech and I had a terrible headache this was years ago and I did a very stupid thing: I got on an aircraft and I flew home. It turned out I had two cranial aneurysms, and I got rushed to a hospital in the middle of a snowstorm for a nine-and-a-half-hour operation that saved my life, he recalled, describing the February 1988 trip to Walter Reed Army Medical Centre, then in Northwest Washington DC. The plane ride Biden spoke of came after hed passed out in a hotel following a speech at the University of Rochester. In his 2007 memoir, Promises to Keep, Biden wrote that he recalled having "lightning flashing inside my head, a powerful electrical surge and then a rip of pain like I'd never felt before. At Walter Reed, he was told he needed surgery, with only a 50-50 chance hed live through the procedure. "Maybe I should have been frightened at this point, but I felt calm," he wrote. "In fact, I felt becalmed, like I was floating gently in the wide-open sea. It surprised me, but I had no real fear of dying. I'd long since accepted the fact that life's guarantees don't include a fair shake." But he did survive, and three months later he underwent a similar procedure to fix another, smaller aneurysm on the opposite side from the first. According to The Daily Beast, the then-senator made a last-minute request of the surgeon, Dr Neal Kassell, as he was being wheeled in for the procedure. He looked me in the eye and said: Doc, do a good job, because someday Im going to be president, Dr Kassell said in November 2020, just days after Bidens prediction finally became reality with his victory over Trump. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Tributes poured in from both sides of the aisle for former President Joe Biden on Sunday after his office announced that he has prostate cancer. Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Bidens recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery, said President Donald Trump on Truth Social. Bidens former Vice President Kamala Harris took to X to praise her former boss. Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Bidens prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time, she said. Joe is a fighter and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery. The former Second Gentleman, Doug Emhoff, added: Sending love and strength to my friend @JoeBiden. Cancer is the absolute worst, said Meghan McCain, whose father, the late Republican Sen. John McCain, died of brain cancer. It is hell. It is incredibly difficult for any family, anywhere that has to deal with it. Wishing nothing but healing, prayers, light and strength to President Biden and his family. I dont believe times like these are appropriate for politics. Democratic California Rep. Ro Khanna said on X: Praying for @JoeBiden and his family to defeat the cancer hes recently been diagnosed with. He and Jill have always been fighters and I am confident they will meet this challenge with grit and grace. Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said she was sorry to see this news. Cancer is truly awful. My Dad passed away in 2021 with cancer. Prays for Joe Biden and his family. A spokesperson for the ex-commander-in-chief said on Sunday that the diagnosis was made on Friday after doctors found a small nodule on Bidens prostate, which needed further evaluation. Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone, the statement said. While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management, the spokesperson added. The president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians. Joe Biden received tributes from across the political spectrum following his cancer diagnosis ( Getty Images ) Democratic strategist and political commentator Symone Sanders-Townsend said, Joe Biden is a fine man, a dedicated public servant, a loving father, husband and grandfather. If youre a praying person like I am, offer one up. Gun control advocate Fred Guttenberg also took to X to praise the former president. If you have followed my story, you know how much I love @JoeBiden and how much he means to me, he said. He is a testament to decency and civility and all that is good about America. Sending President Biden and his family much love as they now pursue medical options. Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins said she was saddened to hear of President Bidens cancer diagnosis and am wishing him and his family well as he begins treatment. North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis said he was praying for his full recovery. Utah Republican Senator Mike Lee lamented the sad news. Virginia Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, the 2016 vice presidential nominee, said he was praying for President Biden and his family as they take on this challenge. Americans will be with them every step of the way. British journalist and broadcaster Piers Morgan took aim at social media users appearing to celebrate the news. Im going to block anyone I see - and theres already a lot of this vile crap flying around - mocking, celebrating, or playing partisan politics with Joe Bidens health news, he said. The man has served his country for 50yrs and is fighting for his life. Show some bloody respect. Former Biden spokesperson TJ Ducklo wrote on the social media platform that No one in America is stronger than Joe Biden. Mine metastasized to the bones too. Cancer has no f****** idea who its dealing with. Betting against Biden has never been and still remains a bad f****** bet. Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom said, Our hearts are with President Biden and his entire family right now. A man of dignity, strength, and compassion like his deserves to live a long and beautiful life. Sending strength, healing and prayers his way. Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman said Biden has been a fighter his whole life. He will prevail. Sending Dr. Jill Biden and their family my absolute support. Democratic Maryland Governor Wes Moore, seen by some observers as a possible 2028 presidential contender, said, Dawn and I carry @JoeBiden and his family in our hearts today. He stood with me during some of the toughest times in our state, and we stand with him today. We pray for his strength and a swift recovery. The chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Ken Martin, said, Like so many of us, Joe Biden is a man of faith. In times like these, our faith carries us through hardship and powers us to persevere. Jen and I are keeping the President and his family in our prayers. Illinois Democratic Governor JB Pritzker joined in with the tributes, saying, President Biden knows that when you get knocked down, you get back up and fight. I join the nation in sending strength to President Biden and his family and hope for a full recovery. Were with you in this fight, Joe. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, Jeanette and I are united in prayer for the Biden Family during this difficult time. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, his office has announced. A spokesperson for the ex-commander-in-chief said on Sunday that the diagnosis was made on Friday after doctors found a small nodule on Bidens prostate, which needed further evaluation. Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone, the statement said. While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management, the spokesperson added. The president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians. President Donald Trump said on Truth Social: Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Bidens recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery. Bidens Vice President Kamala Harris praised her former boss as a fighter. Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Bidens prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time, she said. Joe is a fighter and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery. President Joe Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive type of prostate cancer on Friday ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) This comes as Bidens fellow Democrats attempted on Sunday ahead of the announcement of the cancer diagnosis to defend the former president after the reveal of newly published audio of a 2023 interview with Biden and special counsel Robert Hur in which the then-president struggled to answer questions and remember key dates from his personal and public life. Hosts on the Sunday shows pushed Democratic lawmakers for reactions to the new audio and asked if the party should have acted earlier to convince Biden to drop out of his re-election attempt last year. Biden allies and Democrats who acted as surrogates during the campaign, including Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy and California Rep. Ro Khanna, have stepped back from their support for the former presidents re-election effort and now say that, in hindsight, the party should have called for Biden to step aside earlier. However, they didnt argue that Bidens closest aides were guilty of a cover-up. Following Sundays announcement of Bidens cancer diagnosis, Khanna said on X: Praying for @JoeBiden and his family to defeat the cancer hes recently been diagnosed with. He and Jill have always been fighters and I am confident they will meet this challenge with grit and grace. Cancer is the absolute worst, said Meghan McCain, whose father, the late Republican Sen. John McCain, died of brain cancer. It is hell. It is incredibly difficult for any family, anywhere that has to deal with it. Wishing nothing but healing, prayers, light and strength to President Biden and his family. I dont believe times like these are appropriate for politics. Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said she was sorry to see this news. Cancer is truly awful. My Dad passed away in 2021 with cancer. Prays for Joe Biden and his family. The 82-year-old Biden, the oldest-serving president in U.S. history, left office in January. Biden was questioned about his health and age during his entire presidency, which prompted the end of his re-election effort after a disastrous debate against Trump last June. In the later part of his public life, Biden focused on cancer research following the death of his son Beau in 2015 from brain cancer. Biden led the Cancer Moonshot as president, which was an effort aimed at pushing for progress against the disease. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer for men, especially older men. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Former president Joe Biden and former first lady Jill Biden have shared a message of thanks to the public after revealing his prostate cancer diagnosis a day earlier. The couple thanked well-wishers for lifting us up with love. Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places, Biden posted on his social media accounts Monday. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support. Biden, 82, is smiling in the photograph as the former first lady sits beside him, holding the familys cat, Willow. Former president Joe Biden and former frst lady Jill Biden shared a message of gratitude to supporters after his cancer diagnosis was revealed over the weekend. ( @JoeBiden/X ) Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, his spokesperson announced Sunday. He received the diagnosis Friday after doctors discovered a small nodule on his prostate that required additional evaluation. Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone, the statement said. While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management, the spokesperson added. The president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians. Messages of support flooded in for the former president, including from President Donald Trump. Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Bidens recent medical diagnosis, Trump said on Truth Social. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery. Former vice president Kamala Harris praised her former boss as a fighter in a message of support Sunday. Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Bidens prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time, she said. Joe is a fighter and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery. Cancer is the absolute worst, said Meghan McCain, whose father, the late Republican Sen. John McCain, died of brain cancer. It is hell. It is incredibly difficult for any family, anywhere that has to deal with it. Wishing nothing but healing, prayers, light and strength to President Biden and his family. I dont believe times like these are appropriate for politics. Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among men in the U.S., affecting approximately one in eight men during their lifetime. While the condition is more likely to affect men over the age of 65, it can be diagnosed at a younger age. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice What does winning look like for a post-Biden Democratic Party? Their party is re-litigating the 2024 election, day by day, over the course of successive news cycles centered around new revelations about the 46th president and the unprecedented effort to hide his decline from the public. The Tuesday release of Original Sin, a book from Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, promises more startling details about the Joe Biden that aides were insisting was plagued merely by a busy schedule and not, as has been reported, more severe memory lapses and moments of halted speech. Those concerns were underscored on Sunday as the former president announced a diagnosis of an aggressive form of prostate cancer with metastasis to the bone. Bidens party is truly in the wilderness after the 2024 election cycle. High-profile Democrats tied to the Obama administration and Harris campaign both have unleashed hell on the Biden family for insisting that the president would run for re-election and not, as many thought hed indicated, serve one term before endorsing a successor. Many are also worried that the coalition patched together by Barack Obama and his then-running mate, Joe Biden, in 2008, is on the brink of shattering in the wake of his disastrous 2024 campaign. Experts point to declines in turnout among Black voters and inroads made by Republicans among Hispanic communities as a sign that the Democratic base is splintering. Party officials could look to western Pennsylvania as a way to make sure it doesnt, elected Democrats from the region argue. The state was one of seven battlegrounds lost by Kamala Harris in November. Worse, Democrats lost a key Senate seat with Bob Caseys defeat and two members of the state delegation in the House of Representatives lost to Republicans as well. The vice president bet big on the Philadelphia metro area, only to lose three wards to Donald Trump, which Biden had won in 2020 her campaign then traded insults with Bob Brady, a longtime Philly Democratic power broker. Democrats held their own out west, gaining ground in the suburbs surrounding Pittsburgh and the city itself. Rep. Summer Lee, the states first Black congresswoman, won a second term with ease and ever-so-slightly drove up her margin over two years prior. Chris Deluzio won a second term in the 17th district, one of the states most important battleground districts. So what do those Democrats say about where the party goes from here? If the people want to fight, they're going to want leaders that want to fight, says Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey. The first Black mayor of the largest city in the region, Gainey spoke to The Independent on Saturday ahead of a tight Democratic primary fights conclusion on Tuesday. The mayor laid out a vision for what he described as a multi-racial, multi-generational coalition that mirrored the demographics that propelled Democrats to victory in three presidential elections since the 2000s. open image in gallery Ed Gainey and Summer Lee are respectively the first Black Pennsylvanians to hold their offices ( Getty Images ) Gainey said his goal was to unite the people behind a common message of making sure that we're speaking up for the working-class families, families that have been attacked. Facing the son of a former mayor, Corey OConnor, Gainey is betting that the voters who turned out for Harris to keep her afloat across the city, including Black voters, younger Democrats and progressives, will see him to victory. His campaign has focused on issues including affordable housing, while hes pledged to continue rejecting any cooperation with Donald Trumps deportation authorities. That type of coalition led to, you know, Congresswoman Summer Lee being the first African-American congresswoman elected throughout the state, Gainey told The Independent. Then from there, we were able to step up and make Sarah Innamorato the first woman to be county exec. I think that momentum running, you know, going into Kamala Harris's campaign, just kept up, and we were able to make sure that that coalition delivered for her, he said. A lot of the metro areas, they didn't see the same thing. Alex Wallach Hanson, the executive director of the left-leaning group Pennsylvania United, said that such a coalition doesn't exist by accident. His group focuses on organizing voters around progressive causes across the state, including calling for investigations into the tax-exempt status of the states largest employer, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). People around the country are looking at what happened, what's happening here in Allegheny County, said Hanson. Why is it that this is one of the few cities in the country where Kamala Harris did nearly as well as Biden did in the 2024 election? Local leaders, including Lee and Gainey, have run rooted in the identities and the stories of this multiracial, multi-generational working class coalition, he said, and then have brought those people into government, to help shape how government delivers for people in a really material way. Gainey spoke passionately in his interview about why seeing leaders from every community in government was important for younger Americans, explaining how politics seemed an impossible future when he was a child. Growing up, I never met a politician, said the mayor. Now that hes older, he says: I get it. I get the fact that at the end of the day, the fact that Id never seen a politician until I got to college, how that impacted me. I get why I got into this business. Because I wanted to see something that I didn't see as a child, a city where we can useour political instruments as a way of lifting people up. open image in gallery Gainey hit the stump for Kamala Harris in 2024 and saw the vice president nearly maintain Joe Biden's numbers in the city while she dropped in support elsewhere ( Getty Images ) Pittsburgh is the fastest-growing city in the state, and is home to a growing tech industry. Under Gainey, it dealt with a bridge collapse while the mayor fought to address a number of familiar urban issues, including rising homelessness and a lack of affordable housing. The city has also struggled to address police staffing issues, though it has recovered from a Covid-era violent crime spike that hit many metropolitan areas. With their party in the minority in the House and Senate, a number of Pennsylvania Democrats have taken to pressing the offensive against Trump and the GOP in town hall meetings and other events, while Republicans struggle to push the presidents first legislative priority, a budget bill, over the finish line. Gainey, Lee and Deluzio are among them hosting events and town halls together aimed at drawing attention to Republican threats of cutting Medicaid benefits and rolling back rights for visa holders and immigrants. Deluzio appeared recently at an event headlined by Sen. Bernie Sanders as part of the latters massively popular Fighting Oligarchy speaking tour. Gainey and Lee also held an event with Conor Lamb, a former congressman rumored to be plotting another bid for office. John Fetterman, the states senior senator, remains plagued by reports of his erratic behavior and hasnt held a public event in months. We need unprecedented unity right now, Gainey, standing beside Lee, said at one town hall event in April. This is the time where if you don't know other communities, get to know them. Don't judge them, know them. For his party, the mayor also offered a simple prescription: do not back away from the communities responsible for your past wins. Cutting things back and being conservative is not going to empower anybody. We need to be about the business of empowering people, he said. That's the message we should be pushing: We are here to protect your civil rights. He added: And again, I'm gonna bring it back to the local. That's why in these metro areas that we're talking about, it is so important for mayors to stand up and speak out and talk about exactly what we're doing. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump threatened to sue ABC News yet again after the news station critiqued the $400 million jumbo jet gifted to him by Qatars royal family. Why doesnt Chairman Bob Iger do something about ABC Fake News, especially since I just won $16,000,000 based on the Fake and Defamatory reporting of Liddle George Slopadopolus, the president complained on his Truth Social platform. Trump claimed he had previously given the SleazeBags at the news station warnings and would continue to do so. The wonderful country of Qatar, after agreeing to invest more than 1.4 Trillion Dollars in the United States of America, deserves much better than Misleading (Fake!) News, he wrote. Everyone, including their lawyers, has been told that ABC must not say that Qatar is giving ME a FREE Boeing 747 Airplane, because they are not. open image in gallery President Donald Trump threatened to sue ABC News again over their coverage of his $400 million jet gift from Qatar. ( AFP via Getty Images ) Trump continued: Instead, and as Fake News ABC fully knows and understands, this highly respected country is donating the plane to the United States Air Force/ Defense Department, AND NOT TO ME. By so doing, they are saving our country, and the American Taxpayer, hundreds of millions of dollars. ABC Fake News is one of the WORST, he wrote. Trumps decision to accept the Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet as a gift from Qatars royal family has drawn swift backlash. Reports have revealed that it would require expensive upgrades that will take several years to complete. Even still, Trump has claimed only a stupid person would decline a proposed upgrade on Air Force One, even though the cost of retrofitting the plane to make it an appropriate substitute for the existing presidential transport could make it cost as much as $1bn. open image in gallery The cost of retrofitting the plane to make it an appropriate substitute for the existing presidential transport could make it cost as much as $1bn. ( Getty ) Trump and the Disney-owned news station have also previously sparred. In December, ABC News agreed to pay Trump $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit over comments made by star anchor Stephanopoulos that Trump was found liable for rape in the E. Jean Carroll case. A jury found Trump was liable for sexual abuse of Carroll, but his actions didnt meet New Yorks stringent legal definition of rape. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Pope Leo XIV delivered his inaugural mass in the Vaticans St. Peter's Square on Sunday, 18 May, in front of world leaders and thousands of well-wishers. Catholic convert JD Vance, who clashed with Francis over the Trump administration's hard-line immigration policies, led a US delegation alongside secretary of state Marco Rubio, who is also Catholic. Volodymyr Zelensky, his wife, Olena Zelenska, his chief adviser Andriy Yermak and foreign minister Andriy Sybiha were also in attendance. Ahead of the formal ceremony, the pontiff greeted enthusiastic crowds, estimated to reach around 150,000 people today, during his first ride in the open-top popemobile. Faithful held flags and cheered Viva il Papa! as Leo, the first American pope, waved back to them as he looped slowly through the square. Leo replaces Pope Francis, from Argentina, who died on 21 April after leading the Church for 12 years. During the inauguration mass, the pontiff received two signs of his pontificate the "pallium" and the fisherman's ring, marking his role as successor of Peter. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Pope Leo XIV has taken aim at autocrats causing war and unrest across the globe, in his first speech after his inauguration as the head of the Catholic Church. Addressing hundreds of thousands of well-wishers, including dozens of world leaders and European royalty, during a mass in St Peters Square, Leo said he believed his role as the new pontiff was to shield the flock without ever yielding to the temptation to be an autocrat, lording it over those entrusted to him. He said he wanted to be a servant to the faithful through the two dimensions of the papacy: love and unity. open image in gallery Pope Leo XIV's holds mass during the formal inauguration of his pontificate in St Peters Square ( AP ) open image in gallery Faithful attend as Leo holds his inaugural mass ( Reuters ) I would like our first great desire to be for a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world, he said. The Vatican underlined this line in the English translation given to the media ahead of the speech, suggesting its centrality to the new pontiffs address. He added that the world must not close itself off into small groups. We are called to offer Gods love to everyone in order to achieve that unity which does not cancel our differences but values the personal history of each person and the social and religious culture of every people, he said. Brothers and sisters, this is the hour for love. The heart of the gospel is the love of God that makes us brothers and sisters. With my predecessor Leo XIII, we can ask ourselves today, if this criterion were to prevail in the world, would not every conflict cease and peace return? Let us build a church founded on Gods love, a sign of unity for a missionary church that opens its arms to the world. open image in gallery The new Pope spoke of the need for unity ( EPA ) open image in gallery The pontiff greets the crowd from the popemobile before the mass ( AFP via Getty Images ) Father Ed Tomlinson, the chief priest running St Anselms Penubury in Tunbridge Wells, said the speech showed that Pope Leo wanted to govern daily from the centre of the authentic church. This is a man who wants to heal the church and world but who knows, crucially, this cannot happen without the fruit and proof of an authentic Christian witness, he said. Thus, any message delivered by the church today must come from a place of authentic lived holiness and genuine love. This will be the key message of his papacy: be authentic and loving in your faith. Professor Rocco DAmbrosio, a lecturer at Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, who wrote a book about Pope Francis, described the homily as very touching. In a few words, it covered love, humility, unity and brotherhood respecting all the differences, he said. open image in gallery Tens of thousands of people attended the service ( REUTERS ) The pontiff took his first popemobile ride through St Peter's Square this morning, greeting the crowds who joined presidents, patriarchs and princes for the formal installation ceremony of historys first American pope. An estimated 250,000 people are expected to have turned out for the event. The bells of St Peters Basilica tolled as Leo waved from the back of the open-topped truck that looped slowly through the square and then up and down the boulevard. The crowd cheered Viva il Papa and waved plenty of Peruvian, American and Holy See flags representing Leos nationalities mixed in with flags of other nations, banners and umbrellas to shield pilgrims from the springtime sun. Security was tight as civil protection crews in neon uniforms funnelled pilgrims into quadrants in the piazza while priests hurried into St Peters Basilica to get ready for the mass. open image in gallery Pope Leo holds hands after receiving the fishermans ring, a symbol of the papacy, from Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, one of the papabile during the conclave ( AP ) Born in Chicago, the 69-year-old pontiff spent many years as a missionary in Peru and also has Peruvian citizenship. As well as becoming the first American pope, he is the first to have Peruvian citizenship. Robert Prevost, a relative unknown on the world stage who only became a cardinal two years ago, was elected pope on 8 May after a short conclave of cardinals that lasted just 24 hours. He replaces Pope Francis, from Argentina, who died on 21 April after leading the church for 12 often turbulent years during which he battled with traditionalists and championed the poor and marginalised. open image in gallery The first American pope succeeded the late Pope Francis ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) open image in gallery US vice-president JD Vance shakes hands with Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky as they arrive to attend a holy mass for the beginning of the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images ) US vice-president JD Vance, a Catholic convert who clashed with Francis over the Trump administrations hard-line immigration policies, led a US delegation alongside secretary of state Marco Rubio, who is also Catholic, at the mass. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky is also in attendance, alongside his wife, Olena Zelenska, his chief adviser Andriy Yermak and foreign minister Andriy Sybiha. Mr Zelenskys spokesperson suggested they were open to further peace talks in Rome after the ceremony, following the success of the Ukrainian presidents impromptu meeting with Donald Trump at Pope Franciss funeral. Mr Zelensky and Mr Vance were seen greeting one another in the run-up to the ceremony. The pair smiled as they shook hands just a few months after they were locked in a fiery exchange in the White House, when Mr Vance accused Mr Zelensky of being ungrateful for American support for Ukraine. open image in gallery The clergy pray during the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV ( Getty Images ) open image in gallery Women read books during Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass at the Vatican, in Rome, Italy ( Reuters ) The inauguration mass is a ritual filled with symbolism that connects back to Peter, Jesuss apostle, and his special mission as head of the Catholic Church. No new role is conferred but Leo will receive two crucial signs of his pontificate, the pallium and the fisherman's ring, marking his role as successor of Peter. The pallium is a narrow stole-like vestment with two pendants to be worn across the shoulders, decorated with crosses representing Jesuss wounds. It is made of white wool in an elaborate procedure where the lambs traditionally were blessed before being sheared, just like for the similar vestments given to archbishops on their ordination. The fishermans ring recalls the Gospel passage where Jesus appeared to the apostles after his resurrection, as they had spent a night fishing with no catch. He told Peter to cast in a specific spot, and the nets strained with lots of large fish, some of which the apostles then shared with Jesus in a lakeside breakfast. An image of Peter with the net, standing for the churchs evangelisation mission and its unity, is engraved on the ring alongside the popes name. When a pope dies, the ring is crossed over so it can no longer be used as a seal for papal documents. Cardinal Luis Tagle of the Philippines, who was widely regarded as a papal contender, will present Leo with the ring. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky and US vice president JD Vance were seen shaking hands at the inauguration of new Pope Leo XIV on Sunday. It was the first meeting of the pair following the infamous White House clash earlier this year, which saw President Zelensky leaving after a shouting match with Donald Trump and Mr Vance. The pair smiled as they shook hands in the brief exchange. Mr Zelensky later met with Mr Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the mass, a source in the Ukrainian delegation told Reuters. Both Mr Vance and Mr Rubio are Catholics, though the former clashed with the late Pope Francis over the Trump administration's hard-line immigration policies. open image in gallery APTOPIX Vatican Pope ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The meeting between Ukraines leader and the two American officials came the day before Mr Trump is due to speak to both Mr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin, in separate phone calls on Monday. Mr Trump said he wants a ceasefire to be agreed to bring an end to the bloodbath in Ukraine. The calls follow peace talks in Turkey on Friday that appear to achieve little beyond a mass prisoner exchange. Mr Trump, who was on a Middle East tour at the time, did not attend. Just a few months ago, Trump and Vance were involved in a fiery public exchange with Ukraines leader, when Mr Vance accused Mr Zelensky of being ungrateful for American support. During the explosive February meeting, Mr Vance went after Mr Zelensky for contradicting Trump in front of reporters, telling the Ukrainian leader that it was disrespectful to come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media and echoed Russian propaganda talking points about Ukraines use of a military draft. open image in gallery US Vice President JD Vance (C) shakes hands with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky as they arrive to attend a Holy Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images ) He also accused Mr Zelensky of having campaigned on behalf of Democrats during the 2024 presidential election. The Ukrainian leader visited a munitions factory in the critical swing state of Pennsylvania last September and met Mr Trump's rival, Kamala Harris, at the White House. But the mood appeared more positive, outwardly at least, as they gathered to witness Pope Leo XIV delivered his inaugural mass in the Vaticans St. Peter's Square. Ahead of the formal ceremony, the pontiff greeted enthusiastic crowds, estimated to reach around 250,000 people, during his first ride in the open-top popemobile. Faithful supporters held flags and cheered Viva il Papa! as Leo, the first American pope, waved back to them as he looped slowly through the square. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Israel has announced it will allow a limited amount of humanitarian aid into Gaza following a near three-month blockade just hours after the country launched an extensive ground operation in the north and south of the territory. Facing mounting pressure over an aid blockade it imposed in March and the risk of famine, Israel has stepped up its campaign in Gaza, where Palestinian health officials said hundreds have been killed in attacks in the past week. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a basic amount of food would be supplied to ensure a famine crisis does not develop after the military announced the latest offensive, part of Operation Gideons Chariots, on Sunday after a lack of progress in indirect talks with Hamas in Qatar. "At the recommendation of the IDF (Israel Defence Forces), and out of the operational need to enable the expansion of intense fighting to defeat Hamas, Israel will allow a basic amount of food for the population to ensure that a hunger crisis does not develop in the Gaza Strip," Mr Netanyahu's office said. Ahead of the ground operation, overnight airstrikes reportedly killed at least 130 Palestinians across the enclave, where global experts have warned of famine after Israel imposed a blockade on aid on 2 March. It is not yet clear when the aid will enter Gaza, or how, but Mr Netanyahu said distribution would not be controlled by Hamas. Confirming the development, Eri Kaneko, a spokesperson for UN aid chief Tom Fletcher said his agency has been approached by Israeli authorities to allow limited aid delivery, adding that discussions are ongoing about the logistics "given the conditions on the ground. Israel made its announcement after sources on both sides said there had been no progress in a new round of indirect talks between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Qatar. Mr Netanyahu said the talks included discussions on a truce and hostage deal as well as a proposal to end the war in return for the exile of Hamas militants and the demilitarisation of the enclave terms Hamas has previously rejected. The Israeli military suggested in a later statement that it could still scale down operations to help reach a deal in Doha. Military chief Eyal Zamir told troops in Gaza that the army would provide the country's leaders with the flexibility they need to reach a hostage deal, according to the statement. The IDF has continued to escalate its attacks on Gaza in recent days, with at least 464 Palestinians killed between 11-17 May, according to Gazas Health Ministry. One report over the weekend suggested Israel is looking to divide Gaza into three tightly controlled strips of land if no ceasefire is agreed, while another claimed the US is developing a plan to relocate a million Palestinians to war-torn Libya. open image in gallery Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, on Sunday ( Reuters ) Israel had warned an expanded assault would go ahead if no hostage deal was agreed with Hamas by the conclusion of US president Donald Trumps trip to the Middle East, which ended on Friday. One of Israels overnight strikes hit a tent encampment housing displaced families in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, killing women and children, wounding dozens and setting several tents ablaze. Medical officials said a family in northern Gaza lost at least 20 of its members, and three journalists and their families are also among the dead. Hamas described the strike as a new brutal crime and blamed the US administration for the escalation. We have at least 100 martyrs since overnight, Gaza health ministry spokesperson Khalil Al-Deqran said, later updating that number to more than 130. Complete families were wiped off the civil registration record by Israeli bombardment. open image in gallery The latest airstrikes killed more than 130 people, Hamas says ( Reuters ) Israels military said it had conducted a preliminary wave of strikes on more than 670 Hamas targets in Gaza over the past week, killing dozens of Hamas fighters. Troops have begun extensive ground operations throughout northern and southern Gaza as part of Operation Gideons Chariots, the military wrote in a statement on Sunday. Local media also reported that tanks were heading towards Khan Younis and eastern Jabalia. Israel had blocked the entry of medical, food and fuel supplies into Gaza since the start of March in an attempt to pressure Hamas into freeing Israeli hostages. Hamas, for its part, says it will only free the hostages in return for an Israeli ceasefire. "Israel's position remains unchanged, they want to release the prisoners (hostages) without a commitment to end the war, a Hamas official told Reuters, when asked about Qatar talks. A senior Israeli official said there had been no progress in the talks so far. Egyptian and Qatari mediators, backed by the United States, began a new round of indirect ceasefire talks between the two sides on Saturday, but there has been no breakthrough. open image in gallery Israeli soldiers move tanks around a staging area near the border with the Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on Sunday ( AP ) A Palestinian official close to the talks, which are taking place in the Qatari capital of Doha, said: Hamas is flexible about the number of hostages it can free, but the problem has always been over Israels commitment to end the war. Israels declared goal in Gaza is the elimination of the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas, which attacked Israeli communities on 7 October 2023, killing around 1,200 people and seizing about 250 hostages. The Israeli military campaign has devastated the enclave, pushing nearly all residents from their homes and killing more than 53,000 people, according to Gaza health authorities. open image in gallery There has been extensive damage to parts of Khan Younis ( AP ) Conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate as the war continues. The healthcare system is barely operational because of repeated Israeli bombardment and raids on hospitals. The blockade on aid supplies has compounded their difficulties while adding to widespread hunger, for which Israel blames Hamas. Hospitals are overwhelmed with the growing number of casualties, many are children, several cases of amputations and the hospitals, which have been hit repeatedly by the occupation, are struggling with shortages of medical supplies, Gaza Health Ministry spokesman Khalil al-Deqran said. The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said 75 per cent of its ambulances could not run because of fuel shortages. It warned that within 72 hours, all vehicles may stop. open image in gallery Palestinians make their way with belongings as they flee their homes, after Saturdays Israeli air strikes, in the northern Gaza Strip ( Reuters ) The latest offensive comes after NBC reported the Trump administration was in talks with Libya about relocating large numbers of Palestinians. White House sources told NBC News that the idea had been discussed with Libyas leadership and is under serious consideration. In exchange, the Trump administration would release to Libya billions of dollars of funds the US froze more than a decade ago. A map leaked by diplomats to The Times also reportedly shows Israeli plans for three tightly controlled strips of civilian land in southern, central and northern Gaza, separated by four exclusively military zones. Under the plans, titled Stage Three: the complete takeover of Gaza, Palestinians would be forbidden to move between the strips without permission, potentially separating people from their land and homes, foreign firms briefed on the plans and tasked with distributing humanitarian aid told the outlet. According to The Times, roads and infrastructure are already being built on the remains of peoples homes, with the clearing of land needed for the new and expanded military zones expected to take at least three weeks. open image in gallery Thousands of people attended a protest in The Hague against the Israeli governments actions ( ANP/AFP/Getty ) In Israel, Mr Netanyahu continues to face criticism for his approach to the conflict. Einav Zangauker, the mother of Hamas hostage Matan Zangauker, said the Israeli prime minister was refusing to end the war in exchange for the hostages because of his political interests. The Israeli government still insists on only partial deals. They are deliberately tormenting us. Bring our children back already! All 58 of them, Ms Zangauker wrote in a social media post. And tens of thousands of protesters marched through The Hague on Sunday, demanding a tougher stance from the Dutch government against Israels war in Gaza. The demonstration, organised by Oxfam Novib, followed a march in London on Saturday that was attended by tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters marking the anniversary of the 1948 Nakba. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Lufthansa flight to Spain flew with no one at the wheel for 10 minutes after the co-pilot lost consciousness while alone in the cockpit, according to a report from German news agency dpa. The incident occurred on a flight from Frankfurt to Seville on February 17, 2024. While the 43-year-old captain was using the restroom, the 38-year-old co-pilot of the Airbus A321 fainted. That left the aircraft, which carried 199 passengers and six crew members, without anyone at the controls for approximately 10 minutes, dpa said. The news agency cited a report from the Spanish accident investigation authority CIAIAC as the source of the information. The pilot said his co-pilot seemed able and alert when he left the cockpit with about 30 minutes remaining in the flight. The autopilot was switched on at the time ( AFP via Getty Images ) Lufthansa confirmed its awareness of both the incident and the subsequent investigations, stating that its internal flight safety department had also conducted a separate inquiry. However, the airline declined to disclose the findings of its investigation. Although the unconscious co-pilot apparently operated the controls unintentionally, the aircraft was able to continue flying in a stable manner thanks to the active autopilot. During this time period, the voice recorder recorded strange noises in the cockpit that were consistent with an acute health emergency, dpa reported. The captain initially tried entering the cockpit the regular door opening code, which triggers a buzzer in the cockpit so that the co-pilot can open the door. He did so five times without being able to enter the cockpit. A stewardess also tried to contact the co-pilot using the onboard telephone, dpa reported. Finally, the captain typed in an emergency code that would have allowed him to open the door on his own. However, shortly before the door would have opened automatically, the co-pilot opened it from the inside despite being ill, dpa reported. The pilot then decided to make an unplanned landing in Madrid, where his colleague was taken to a hospital. A pro-Palestine protester was restrained after an attempt to disrupt Israel's Eurovision performance at the grand final in Switzerland on Saturday, 17 May. Youth Demand, which is calling for a trade embargo on Israel, said its supporters David Curry, 22, from Manchester, and Meaghan Leon, 27, from London, had been arrested. Footage released by the group showed a protester's hair being pulled. Basel police said: The organiser handed the two people over to the police. The police checked the two people and then released them. It is now up to the organiser to decide whether to press charges. In the aftermath of Labours landslide at last years general election, the joy and optimism among the partys band of 412 MPs was infectious. The newbie Labour MPs I met for the first time seemed an impressive bunch. With Keir Starmer enjoying a majority of 174, they had every reason to think his hopes for a decade of renewal could be realised. Only 10 months later, the mood inside the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) is transformed. Some of the excited MPs I met last summer are now gloomy and pessimistic. They have small majorities, and think the rise of Nigel Farages Reform UK means they are likely to lose their seats after only one five-year term. Some of the brightest stars have been fast-tracked into government posts to ensure their loyalty. But there are not enough jobs to go round, and backbenchers spooked by Reforms advance in this months local elections in England have started to air in public their private doubts about Starmers strategy or apparent lack of one. They have openly challenged the prime minister over two controversial decisions which cost Labour dearly on 1 May means-testing the pensioners winter fuel allowance, and 5bn of cuts to disability and sickness benefits. A third wound was added on Monday when Starmer was accused of aping Enoch Powell by warning the UK risks becoming an island of strangers as he unveiled a white paper on immigration. As one Labour insider told me: MPs who previously accepted Keir had a difficult hand to play and gave him the benefit of the doubt are now saying: We didnt sign up for this. They feel they have nothing to lose by speaking out. The gear change was illustrated when the 45-strong red wall group, representing seats in the North and Midlands, issued a strongly worded statement urging the government to act now before its too late, and warning that losing the red wall again would mean a future of opposition and an existential crisis. A separate letter, signed by more than 100 Labour backbenchers, was sent to the partys whips this week, urging a change of course over the welfare cuts on paper, enough to defeat the government in next months vote on the measure. Some Labour figures think it would have been lost if it had been held immediately after the council elections. Ministers might have to offer some concessions to persuade enough rebels to abstain rather than vote against so the government survives the revolt. Starmer has a huge party management problem on his hands. He faces a difficult appearance before the Parliamentary Labour Party on Monday (though loyalists usually stage-manage a show of support on such occasions). When Pat McFadden, the Cabinet Office minister, addressed the PLP after the elections, the mood was described as mutinous. Several Labour factions have emerged surprisingly soon after the partys general election triumph a symptom of what some MPs regard as a vacuum at the top and the absence of a coherent government narrative. Ominously for Starmer and his whips, the backbench groups are talking about working together. Starmers critics stretch way beyond the usual suspects in the Socialist Campaign Group allied to Jeremy Corbyn, now an independent MP. Three of the groups 26 MPs remain suspended from the PLP. Other backbench groups have joined the red wallers in flexing their muscles. The 90-plus Labour Growth Group is instinctively loyal and wants the government to go further and faster to use Starmers own mantra to secure economic growth. But it, too, is now getting impatient, accusing the government of behaving like caretakers of decline. Blue Labour, which enjoyed some influence during Ed Milibands time as party leader, seems to be back in fashion with Morgan McSweeney, Starmers influential chief of staff. Although not a significant PLP faction, Maurice Glasman, the Labour peer who founded it, is good at grabbing headlines. Its social conservatism and desire to replace Treasury orthodoxy and globalisation with pro-worker policies and more welfare cuts created common ground with Donald Trumps Maga movement. But critics say its influence is overblown. The soft left, once seen as Starmers natural home and probably the largest faction in the PLP, is also on manoeuvres. This month, Louise Haigh made her first intervention since resigning as transport secretary last November, calling for an economic reset. Some soft-left MPs hope Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, will champion such a rethink. They note that she has not yet defended Starmers language on immigration and that, when Starmer accused Liz Saville-Roberts, Plaid Cymrus Westminster leader, of talking rubbish at Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday, Rayner looked unimpressed and didnt join Rachel Reeves in laughing. Rayner makes no secret of her desire to succeed Starmer one day, but that doesnt mean she is plotting against him now and MPs say she doesnt have an organised tribe among them. Rayner and Starmer are chalk and cheese and are never going to be soulmates. But relations between them have improved since the nadir of Starmers 2021 shadow cabinet reshuffle, when he tried to demote her and ended up handing her more titles. It later emerged she was ready to mount a coup against Starmer. Could Rayner head a Momentum-style, grassroots-led rebellion against Starmer? Easier said than done. Labour MPs dont do regicide like the Tories, and Starmer allies have a firm grip on the Labour machine. They will not repeat the Corbynistas mistake by letting it slip so a rival tribe can take over. Rayners loyalty to Starmer could soon be tested. Some cabinet ministers, facing a big squeeze to their departmental budgets ahead of next months government-wide spending review, hope the deputy prime minister will stand up for them as well as her own housing ministry by opposing what they view as Austerity 2.0. Reeves is not for turning; her allies insist that changing her fiscal rules would mean a rise in government borrowing costs, wiping out any extra money for public services. The backbench revolt over disability cuts will make it harder for the Treasury to achieve the further welfare savings it wants in the autumn Budget, making tax rises even more likely. Whenever Labour MPs gossip about the succession in other words, every day of the week they usually foresee a battle between Rayner and Wes Streeting, the health secretary. Shares in Reeves were sold after her mistakes as chancellor. Morgan McSweeney, Starmers chief of staff, has enjoyed significant influence on Labours internal politics ( LNP/Shutterstock ) Its Anges to lose, one MP said. But others doubt her credentials for the top job. The energetic Streeting is seen as Team Starmers favoured successor, but there are doubts that, with a Blairite label, he could win the ballot of Labour members that elects the leader. Starmers successor might be someone else due to an underpriced factor: the presence of Reform and pro-Palestinian independents means Streeting and Rayner could be among the cabinet ministers who lose their seats at the next election. The prime ministers allies acknowledge there is now an open debate about Labours direction, but insist the rebellious mood could be much worse given the multiple problems facing the government. They insist that Starmers strong performance on the world stage has reduced the pressure on him from his party. Yet impatient Labour MPs want him to show the same grip on domestic matters and, rightly, judge there are few votes in foreign affairs. It is dawning on Labour MPs that Starmer, under McSweeneys influence, intends to turn the next election into a presidential contest between himself and Farage. Although Labour is losing more votes to the Liberal Democrats and Green Party combined than to Reform, McSweeney is said to believe left-of-centre voters and even some Conservatives hate Farage so much they can be squeezed into backing Labour as the less bad of two options. Starmer nodded to this approach in the Commons when he said the Tories are becoming a dead party walking and sliding into brain-dead oblivion. It might suit Labour to knock the Tories out of the race so it has a straight fight with Farage. It's a strategy many inside Labour regard as cynical and coercive, fearing Starmer will continue his shift to the right to fight on Farages turf rather than standing up for Labour values. Neal Lawson, director of the progressive think tank Compass, told me: Labours strategy is to say We need to be like Reform, but dont vote for Reform. A national populist agenda is being legitimised and embedded. We are creating the monster and saying dont vote for the monster but for the monsters creator. Some Labour backbenchers worry that voters will opt for Reform rather than Reform-lite. But others grudgingly accept that such a strategy might just save enough of their seats for Labour to win a second term. Despite the tariff-shaped clouds, the future is still bright for Irish jobs While the erratic nature of Trumps tariffs leaves open the possibility of a trade war, Ireland is coming into the fray from a position of strength US president Donald Trump. Photo: Getty Sean Pollock Sun 18 May 2025 at 03:29 The precarious position of Irelands jobs market became abundantly clear in early April, when Taoiseach Micheal Martin called for calm not even 24 hours after Donald Trump announced tariffs on EU goods entering the US. White Hag aims to beat Trump tariffs by shifting some of its production to brewery in US I think we will settle back in a place not far from where we were six months ago. said co-founder Bob Coggins In the meantime, it does us no harm to be brewed within the borders Irelands alcohol industry is particularly exposed to tariffs in the US Sean Pollock Sun 18 May 2025 at 03:30 An Irish craft brewery has shifted some production to the US in a bid to sidestep transatlantic tariffs and tap directly into one of the worlds largest beer markets. My money: I felt very poor when working as a stylist in Dublin in the 1980s and living over a joke shop in town Helen Cody, fashion designer, whose creations grace red carpets at the Oscars and at Cannes Helen Cody and her dog Joe. Photo: Frank McGrath Sun 18 May 2025 at 03:30 Helen Cody is one of Irelands foremost fashion designers. After studying fashion and textiles at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, she went to work for French Vogue in Paris, where she styled supermodels such as Naomi Campbell. Air miles, smart meters, and pre-paid electricity Q I recently moved to Ireland from the United States, where I regularly got free flights through air miles on my credit card. As Ill be travelling back to the States a few times a year to see family, Im looking for a credit card provider in Ireland that will offer me the most air miles. Can you help? He made his call and then it was up to me to make my call and I did Joey OBrien on decision to take over from Damien Duff and nervy win over Cork 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 U2 legend speaks out as he prepares to release new documentary Stories of Surrender Cannes is a short trip from Bonos seaside villa in Eze-sur-Mer. He bought it with The Edge in 1993 and considers himself grateful to a coastline that, he says, gave him a delayed adolescence. I can tell you Ive slept on beaches close to here, Bono says with a grin. Ive woken up in the sun. But that doesnt mean the Cannes Film Festival is a particularly familiar experience for the U2 frontman. Hes here to premiere the Apple TV+ documentary Bono: Stories of Surrender, which captures his one-man stage show. Before coming, Bonos daughter, the actor Eve Hewson, gave him some advice. She said: Just get over yourself and bring it, Bono said. What do I have to bring? Bring yourself and your gratitude that youre a musician and theyre allowing you into a festival that celebrates actors and storytellers of a different kind. I said: OK, Ill try to bring it. Shifts in geopolitical tectonics were much on Bonos mind. He has spent much of his activist life fighting for aid to Africa and combating HIV-Aids. US president Donald Trumps dismantling of USAid has reversed much of that. Whats irrational is taking pleasure in the defacement of these institutions of mercy, Bono said. Globalisation did very well for the worlds poor, he said. That and increased aid levels brought a billion people out of extreme poverty and halved childhood mortality remarkable jumps for quality of life for human beings. But its also fair to say certain communities really paid the price for that here in Europe, in the United States. And Im not sure those communities were credited enough for weathering storms that globalisation brought. He added: Nationalism is not what we need. We grew up in a very charged atmosphere in Ireland. It makes you suspicious of nationalism and those animal spirits that can be drummed up. This is me speaking about surrender, stories of surrender, at a time when the world has never been closer to a world war in my lifetime. The former punk also has views on Pope Leo XIV. The new pope, he does look like a pope, he said. Thats a good start. I just saw the other day his first piece and he was talking about stopping shouting, God might prefer whispers. I thought: Oh, this could be interesting. Im more of a shouter myself. I come from punk rock. But Im learning to turn that shout into a whisper in this film to get to an intimacy. He added : Theres a minister from Albania who said something that really stuck with me. She said: If you have a chance to hope, its a moral duty because most people dont. So, yes, I feel well figure our way out of this. This is a scary moment. I think acknowledging that we can lose all weve gained is sobering but it may be course-changing. I just believe in people enough. I believe in Americans enough. Im an Irish person, I cant tell people how to vote. I can tell you that a million children dying because their life support systems were pulled out of the wall, with glee, thats not the America that I recognise or understand. Youre on the front lines of Europe here. America came in and saved the day. Ironically, so did Russia. More people died from Russia fighting the Nazis than everybody else. Now they tread on their own sacred memories by treading on the Ukrainians who also died on the front lines. I think part of that is that history didnt acknowledge it. I believe there is integrity in the Russian people. They need to change their leader, in my view. I believe there is integrity in the Americans. They will figure it out. Who was it who said: If you give Americans the facts, they will eventually make the right choice. Right now, theyre not getting the facts. Think of it: a 70pc decline in HIV-Aids, Republican-led, Democratically followed though. The greatest health intervention in the history of medicine to fight HIV-Aids has been thrown away. Santa Comes Early This Year! Turbine Delivering 'Bumblebee' 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts' & 'Sing 2' to 3D Blu-ray on December 19th A young boy who died after getting into difficulty in the sea at a beach in Co Sligo yesterday afternoon has been named locally as Alan Singh from Ballisodare. Gardai and emergency services attended the scene of the incident when the alarm was raised at Lissadell Beach. Volunteers from Sligo RNLI also responded to a call-out. The boy (7) was given emergency medical treatment on the shore after being taken from the water. The Irish Coast Guards search and rescue helicopter Rescue 118 airlifted the boy to Sligo University Hospital, but he later died. An Garda Siochana has said investigations into the tragedy are ongoing and a file will be prepared for the Coroners Court. In a death notice, his parents, Iqbaljeet and Andrea, said Alan was dearly loved and will be sadly missed. His death is deeply regretted by his sister, Aisha, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends and classmates at St John's National School, Ballisodare. Alan will repose in Collooney, Co Sligo, on Wednesday afternoon before a Committal Service at Lakelands Crematorium in Cavan on Thursday morning. Alan was a pupil at St Johns National School in Ballisodare and it is understood his father runs a popular take away restaurant in the town. In a statement issued last night, school principal, Mary Curley described Alan as a much-loved pupil. It is with deep sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of one of our pupils, Alan Singh, a treasured member of our Second Class, who died in a tragic drowning accident at Lissadell Beach yesterday evening, the statement read. Alan was a much-loved pupilalways smiling, warm, and full of kindness. He was friendly, hardworking, and a talented young artist who brought joy and creativity to our classrooms. His gentle nature and positive spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. While school will remain open as normal, we recognise that the coming days will be particularly difficult for pupils, staff, and families. Our Critical Incident Management Policy is in place, and psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) will be on site from tomorrow morning to support our school community. Resources will also be provided to parents to help support their children through this time of grief. We respectfully ask for privacy for Alans family and for our school community as we all come to terms with this tragic loss. On behalf of everyone at St. Johns, we extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences. Local Councillor, Thomas Walsh, said the local community is devastated by the news and said his thoughts and sympathies are with the boys family, friends and classmates. Lissadell is known to be a safe and quiet beach and we are all saddened by what has happened, he said. A Critical Incident Management Policy is set to be put in place at St Johns National School as the new school week begins tomorrow and will involve the National Educational Psychological Service of the Department of Education, who provide counselling and advice for pupils, parents and staff. Last weekend there was a double tragedy in Co Donegal when schoolboys, Emmanuel Familola (16) and Matt Sibanda (18), died after getting into difficulty in the water at Neds Point, Buncrana, last Saturday afternoon. The young boys were playing football on the shoreline and had entered the water to retrieve the ball when the tragedy unfolded. A third youth managed to swim to safety. The funeral of Emmanuel Familola took place at St Marys Oratory in Buncrana on Saturday. The funeral of Matt Sibanda is due to take place in the coming week. Alan Singh died tragically on Saturday in Co Sligo. Photo: RIP.ie. Today's News in 90 Seconds - May 18th Last week the RNLI urged people to follow water safety advice as the current hot weather spell continues. We want people to be aware of the dangers, to know their limits and to not take risks. Go with others and look out for each other. Make sure your phone is charged so you can call for help if you come across anyone who needs it, said Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead. If you find yourself unexpectedly in the water and in difficulty, know how to Float to Live. The best way to do this is to tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Try to relax and breathe normally. You can gently move your hands to help you stay afloat if you need to. Spread your arms and legs out to improve stability and it's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety, she added. Rip currents, which are channels of fast-flowing water running out to sea, can be difficult to spot and can catch out even the most confident and prepared swimmers. If you find yourself being swept out to sea in a rip, stay calm dont panic. If you can stand, wade. Dont try to swim. Raise your hand and shout for help loudly. Dont swim directly against the rip or youll get exhausted. Swim parallel to the beach until free of the rip, then make for shore. Check the weather and tide times before you go tides can go in and out very rapidly in some areas, causing people to become cut off, or quickly out of their depth so find out the times of high and low tides before you set off, she explained. This article was amended at 12.25pm on May 18 to correct the boys age. I just lived with it and didnt say nothing to anybody One boys journey from magic to misery as Mountbatten loomed large at Kincora childrens home A new book by journalist Chris Moore details allegations of sex abuse at Kincora Boys Home in Belfast, involving Louis Mountbatten, a father figure and mentor to King Charles and the late Queens second cousin. In this exclusive extract, Moore travelled to Australia to hear Arthur Smyths story Mountbatten Chris Moore Sun 18 May 2025 at 03:30 Arthur Smyth has a clear memory of the last dilapidated home the family occupied. It was a large dwelling situated on a piece of derelict land between the Shankill Road and the Falls Road in Belfast, a building that had once been a hostel. Four Irish voices share experiences of supporting Palestine amid ongoing Gaza crisis As Irish celebrities like Kneecap make headlines around the world for speaking up for the people of Palestine, four Irish activists reveal why they are speaking out against Israels actions IPSC rally for Gaza in Limerick Edana Flynn Sun 18 May 2025 at 12:00 In the last few weeks Irish musicians Kneecap and the Murder Capital have made headlines for expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine, as Israeli airstrikes continue and Palestinians starve due to aid being blocked from entering the Gaza Strip. Hes not inspiring the same confidence as Jim OCallaghan Coalition unease over Minister James Brownes ability to tackle housing crisis Fianna Fail TD criticised for failing to communicate his plan on key issue Housing Minister James Brownes performance has been questioned. Photo: Steve Humphreys Gabija Gataveckaite and Mary Regan Sun 18 May 2025 at 03:30 Unease is growing within the Coalition over the performance of the Housing Minister James Browne, as an analysis by industry experts suggests that housing commencements, the strongest indicator of future supply, have dropped to a four-year low. Irish lawyer-turned-peace campaigner calls for public to lobby TDs after chilling West Bank visit Maria Butler, executive director of the Nobel Womens Initiative, visited the West Bank last month with Nobel Peace Prize Laureates and witnessed a childs funeral after he was reportedly shot by the Israeli forces Charitable organisations distribute hot meals to Palestinians in Al-Mawasi area of Khan Yunis, Gaza. Photo: Getty Images Laura Lynott Sat 17 May 2025 at 03:30 An Irish lawyer-turned-peace campaigner has described witnessing the funeral of a child in the war-torn West Bank as chilling. Leo Varadkars gap year: I dont have to care what the media or voters think. I can just be myself a bit more Former taoiseach is living the life he missed out on in his 20s as he ponders what the future holds for him Leo Varadkar and Lyra in TV show 'Uncharted' Mary Regan Sun 18 May 2025 at 03:30 Leo Varadkar was just a wet day in the Dail to use Bertie Aherns phrase when he got stuck into the taoiseach of the day, Brian Cowen, suggesting that like another former taoiseach, Garret FitzGerald, he would enjoy writing boring columns for the Irish Times in his retirement. Cards paying tribute to Mr Gaine have been left near his property. Gardai investigating the disappearance of Kerry farmer Michael Gaine have arrested a man in his 50s on suspicion of his murder. He was arrested this Sunday afternoon. As gardai announced the arrest, a hearse arrived at Mr Gaines farmyard. It departed soon after, and a crowd had gathered outside his property to pay their respects as it left. A hearse leaves the farmyard of Mike Gaine. Mr Gaine was reported missing from his home near Kenmare on Friday, March 21, and despite significant searches, no trace of him had been found. Cards paying tribute to Mr Gaine have been left near his property. The last official sighting of Mr Gaine was when he bought phone credit in his local Centra shop on March 20. Mike Gaine Today's News in 90 Seconds - May 18th He left the shop in his bronze-coloured Toyota RAV 4, with the registration 152KY366. The car was found in his farmyard just off the N71 at Carrig East, Kenmare, along with his phone and wallet. "This afternoon, Sunday, May 18, 2025, a male (aged in his 50s) has been arrested on suspicion of murder. The homicide investigation, led by a Senior Investigating Officer and the Serious Crime Unit Kerry Garda Division is ongoing, supported by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI). The male is being detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda Station in the Kerry Division. An Garda Siochana continue to carry out searches and technical examinations at lands at Carrig East, Kenmare, Co. Kerry. The family of Michael Gaine have been informed of this arrest and An Garda Siochana continue to support Michaels family through a Family Liaison Officer. The family have requested privacy at this time. Gardai continue to appeal to the public assistance in this investigation. The Garda investigation team can be contacted at Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or speak with any member of An Garda Siochana, a garda spokesperson said. Gardai working at the scene on Mike Gaine's farmyard. Following extensive searches over the last eight weeks, gardai confirmed on Saturday that human remains had been discovered. State Pathologist, Dr Sally Anne Collis, and forensic anthropologist, Laureen Buckley, assisted by the Garda Technical Bureau, carried out preliminary examinations in the area that gardai described as a crime scene on Saturday. Work continued at the site on Sunday in a bid to recover further human remains. A Garda spokesperson said DNA analysis will be required to carry out formal identification of the recovered human remains. There have been extensive inquiries by gardai investigating Mr Gaines disappearance over the last eight weeks, as well as a public plea for information issued by his wife, Janice Gaine and sister, Noreen ORegan. On April 29, the investigation was reclassified as a homicide. On Sunday, Independent TD for Kerry, Michael Healy-Rae, said the local community in Kenmare wants answers. All we want is answers, he told RTEs This Week programme. We want to know, and the family want to know. Mike was a very respectable, hardworking, genuine man, a great community person and a person that everybody liked. To think that somebody would have this type of event happen to them were all horrified. Were upset. It is not something that were used to in any part of Ireland. But in this locality, we never had a situation like this before. He added: This is a horrific time for the family, for the whole community, the extended friends, relatives and relations. But at the end of the day, at least now the team can work on the evidence that they have found. And we hope and earnestly pray that more answers can be found to all questions that the family and all of us have. Elizabeth Wincott Heckett, who has died at the age of 90, was an archaeologist and author who specialised in the study of archaeological textiles of Ireland for over 30 years. Her lifes work is reflected in the comprehensive collection of her papers, Textiles of Ireland: Archaeology, Craft, Art, which was edited by Mary Ann Williams and published last year by Cork University Press. Better known as Libby, she was born to Harold and Joyce Wincott in north London in 1934. Her mother had worked in a bank, while her father was a financial journalist for The Financial Times. It seemed she might follow in her fathers footsteps after she left school as she applied to study at the London School of Economics but didnt register. She met Eric Heckett in London, and the couple married. They lived in Greece before settling in Cobh, Co Cork, and rearing four children. The couple were divorced while their children were in their teens. Although times were challenging, she applied to study archaeology at University College Cork (UCC) and registered as an undergraduate student at the age of 48. As Mary Ann Williams recalls, it was a radical decision as mature students were few and far between. She earned her bachelors degree in two years and then chose textiles as the research topic for her masters thesis at the suggestion of Dr Elizabeth Shee Twohig. Having sewn all her life, viewing textiles through the prism of archaeology was a revelation, Williams writes. Her daughter Jo Heckett observed: My mother used to say that every archaeologist is convinced that their specialty is what enabled human beings to evolve into who we are today. However, just one technology made it possible for people to live all over the world and thrive in every environment, and that is the ability to make textiles. For her thesis, she focused on the Dublin cap a type of head covering of wool or silk discovered during excavations of 10th to 12th century Hiberno-Norse dwellings at Wood Quay in Dublin. Her much-praised work was published as Viking Age Headcoverings from Dublin (the National Museum of Ireland, 2003). Wincott Heckett volunteered in the UCC archaeology department, and then became a part-time instructor and lecturer. Her daughter Sophie Heckett has described her mother as a natural teacher, who wanted her students to develop the same passion for archaeology that she had. She developed an international standing and was a natural storyteller at conferences. For the next 30 years she was instrumental in analysing many new archaeological textiles finds. After the remains of a bog body from Cloonshannagh, Co Roscommon, were brought to the National Museum of Ireland in 2005, she was able to confirm there were twill weaves of exceptional quality, indicating that the young woman who died in the bog in the 7th century was of nobility. She shared an interest in textiles with the former National Museum of Ireland director Raghnall O Floinn, and reconstructions of costumes used in its exhibitions on Medieval Ireland and Kingship and Sacrifice were based on her deep knowledge. Other discoveries included the earliest knitted silk stocking found in Ireland which she identified from scraps of textiles unearthed during excavation for a car park in Cork. She published three books in all and many articles in the Journal of the Cork Historical and Archaeological Society and with the Northern European Symposium on Archaeological Textiles. She sometimes described herself as a time detective, according to her daughter Jo. Twohig says she often remarked that fabrics told a lifes history, being so precious that they were recycled many times, from clothing to packing fabrics in the timbers of boats. When the actor Jeremy Irons discovered a bundle of clothing in what had been the dungeon of his castle in Skibbereen, Co Cork, Wincott Heckett identified a hat that probably had belonged to one of the employees of the wealthy MacCarthy Reagh clan, Williams said. And before filming of the Vikings series began in 2013, the productions costume department sent a researcher down to Wincott Heckett for a cup of tea. She retired in 2018, but lived to attend the publication of her most recent work which was widely praised as invaluable reading for generations to come. Elizabeth Wincott Heckett is survived by her children Nic, Jo, Sophie and Louisa, sister Virginia, 13 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family. It is an admirable thing to be a tour guide. You need a welcoming spirit, an ability to remember essential facts and a pleasant, friendly attitude. A good guide needs to be articulate and nimble with a sense of humor. I dont think Im capable of it. Im too impatient, particularly when I dont think people are listening to me or understanding what they hear. But I do think the scenic and historic riches of Western New York deserve a large fleet of these selfless beings. And there is such a fleet: Explore Buffalo has been showing off Buffalos highlights as well as its lesser-known nooks and crannies for more than 10 years. In Niagara Falls, amid a host of tour vendors, a newer company, The Daily Trips, is finding fresh ways to approach a scenic wonder. Indoor tours brighten even the dreariest of Buffalo days Indoor walking tours such as those offered by Explore Buffalo offer detailed looks at historic buildings including City Hall and Kleinhans Music Hall. Explore Buffalo has its roots in efforts to make sure tourists would still have a built environment to admire. The nonprofits beginnings go back to the Preservation Coalition of Erie County, which was founded in 1981 with the mission of saving threatened landmarks but soon added walking tours and community gatherings to its advocacy efforts. These events raised funds as well as much-needed awareness. There was a startling list of structures in danger back then, with a disproportionately small number of people interested in saving them because most residents had no idea of what Buffalo had in terms of architectural landmarks. Tours helped with that. A 1986 article in The News offered these blunt words from then-Preservation Coalition President Susan McCartney: Buffalonians should become more aware of their architectural heritage. Too often (they) are intimidated by out-of-town snobs who have no idea that Buffalo has one of the greatest collections of architecture to be found anywhere in the country. The Preservation Coalition merged with the Landmark Society in 2008 and became Preservation Buffalo Niagara. In 2014, when it became clear that PBN was lessening its focus on tours which had grown into a major offering Chuck LaChiusa, longtime tour guide and founder of the Buffalo Architecture and History website and Brad Hahn, PBNs interim tour director, decided that they would found Explore Buffalo, an organization devoted entirely to tours. Hahn remains Explore Buffalos executive director, but over the years the organization has expanded its offerings well beyond the city. We were inspired by tour-focused organizations like the Chicago Architecture Center much bigger than Explore Buffalo, and Boston by Foot. Explore Buffalo is now bigger than they are, Hahn says. Explore Buffalo is big. It now offers nearly 1,500 tours on foot, by bike and by bus that take in every possible aspect of Western New York life, with historic architecture just the beginning. Explore Buffalo sends its clients as far north as Lockport and as far south as Hamburg, as part of its Historic Village Tours. Crime is now one of its specialties, with Allentown, West Side and downtown mob tours. It should be noted that the mob tours survey Buffalos 1920s-70s mob history, not current activity, stopping with the 1979 murder of Peter Piccolo allegedly a mob hit in Allentown. Hahn says that the mob tours are popular, but a downtown basic is still the top seller: We did 253 noon tours of City Hall in 2024 and had 3,305 people, an average of about 13 people per tour. The City Hall tours are held every weekday at noon and have included at least one celebrity attendee: David Koechner (of The Office and Anchorman), who enthusiastically posted about his experience. Tours are very rarely discontinued, even if they have low attendance. Thats the case with recently added American Sign Language tours that have had few takers, but Hahn thinks its important to offer them. Explore Buffalo did have to spike tours that took participants to the top of the silos at Silo City because the buildings simply arent safe enough for so much interior climbing. Storytelling at the brink Niagara Falls sightseeing tours have been around since at least the early 1800s, but over those years the experience of looking at the falls has changed dramatically. As a relatively new Niagara Falls tour company, The Daily Trips shares a similar affinity to history and preservation with Explore Buffalo. The companys founder, Muhammad Notarangelo, explains, The story of the state park and how it began and became what it is today is a good one. I always start my tour with that. Notarangelo refers to mid-19th century Niagara Falls, a time when mills, foundries and factories lined the river and every conceivable vantage point was fenced in, with admission fees required before exhausted tourists, pursued by hucksters, could get a glimpse. Most Western New Yorkers know the history of Frederick Law Olmsteds struggle with others to create the state park that opened to the public in 1885, but few visitors from elsewhere realize how disfigured the surroundings of the waterfalls had been. It took a massive effort before reluctant New York politicians could be convinced to buy back the land and allow the mess to be cleared away. That narrative has become part of Notarangelos three basic tenets of tour guiding: first, tell a story; second, respond to individual interests; and third, get to know the visitors. Elizabeth Licata: Hidden in plain sight: the glories of Niagara Falls that tourists never see If Niagara Falls, U.S., ever gets its act together, it has a stunning example of what not to do just across the river. And it has plenty of examples of what it should do within its own city limits. Notarangelo, whos 29, came to the United States in 2016 from Jordan. His mother is Egyptian and his father is Italian American. While living in Niagara Falls and attending Niagara County Community College now SUNY Niagara Notarangelo worked for Canadian tour company See Sight Tours, a job he was drawn to because of its connection to hospitality. He says of his family, No matter where we lived, we were involved in serving the community and volunteering at every event. He founded The Daily Trips about three years ago, taking a leap of faith buttressed by a philosophy of minimal overhead. Theres a website, but the tours are largely promoted and sold through such partners as Trip Advisor, Viatour, Airbnb and Get Your Guide. One of his tours was recently chosen as a winning product on the Viatour platform. Notarangelo depends on high online ratings for his success, which has been substantial enough to justify expanding to other cities. Notarangelo also relies on the passion and enthusiasm of his guides. I do not give my guides scripts, he says. I give them the packet that New York State provides, but the stories we tell are not in the packet. Hospitality and tourism is not just about standing in front of a guest and reading off facts. At the end of the very first tour Notarangelo ever gave, a participant complained that the guide didnt seem interested in his visitors, saying, Why didnt you ask me what I do for a living? That lesson became embedded in the mission of Notarangelos company. A basic Daily Trips tour includes a ride on the Maid of the Mist and then proceeds to the Observation Tower, Luna Island, Terrapin Point and Cave of the Winds. Night tours include dinner and the fireworks. It sounds simple enough, and Notarangelo is the first to admit the special sauce of giving successful tours is hard to explain. But he knows it, and so do the guides of Explore Buffalo. Explore Buffalo docent Tina Marie Kumiega comes close when she says, Why do I love leading tours? Because its a two-way street. Former government minister Paddy OToole, who has died at the age of 87, held three different cabinet positions in the course of his political career. He was a Fine Gael TD in the constituency of Mayo East for 10 years from 1977 to 1987, followed by three months as a senator where he had previously served a four-year term. He was born on January 15, 1938, a native of Doolough, Geesala, on the coast of the barony of Erris and part of the Mayo Gaeltacht. OToole came from the same locality as two other politicians who were near-neighbours: War of Independence veteran Henry Coyle who later served briefly as a Cumann na nGaedheal TD and Patrick Lindsay of Fine Gael who was appointed minister for the Gaeltacht and later, having lost his Dail seat, became master of the High Court. Prior to becoming a full-time politician, Paddy OToole worked as a primary school teacher at Knockanillo National School, near Ballina. He was an active member of the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) and secretary of its Mayo and Sligo committee. In the February 1973 general election he stood as a Fine Gael candidate in Mayo East. When taoiseach of the day Jack Lynch said, during a visit to the constituency, that Ballina was the epitome of what could be achieved under a Fianna Fail government, OToole pointed out that the towns population had declined by 5,000 since 1966 and he asked: How can any man, even Mr Lynch, claim that that is progress? OToole secured a respectable 1,850 first preferences, but didnt win a seat on that occasion. However, Fianna Fail was ousted from government in the national contest and replaced by a Fine Gael-Labour coalition under Liam Cosgrave who included OToole on his list of taoiseachs nominees to Seanad Eireann. In 1974 OToole became a member of Ballina Urban District Council and Mayo County Council. He ran again for the Dail in the June 1977 general election and won the Fine Gael seat in Mayo East by 63 votes on the fifth count over sitting TD and party colleague, the late Martin Finn. It was a very poor election overall for Fine Gael who lost 12 TDs in what proved to be a landslide for Fianna Fail who won 84 out of a total 148 seats. OToole held on to the Fine Gael seat in the next three general elections and received the highest vote on the first count in February 1982, the first of two contests held that year. When the second general election was called for the following November, a leaked Fine Gael document listed Mayo East as one of the most internally competitive contests, with three candidates running on the FG ticket, although the party had only one out of three seats. But when the votes were counted, Paddy OToole remained as the partys sole TD. It was seen as a major surprise when he lost his Dail seat in February 1987 to party colleague senator Jim Higgins from Ballyhaunis. OToole was nominated to the upper house of the Oireachtas by then taoiseach Garret FitzGerald but surprisingly lost out later in the Seanad election in April, following which he retired from national politics. He served in two Fine Gael-Labour coalitions headed by Dr FitzGerald. He became minister for the Gaeltacht in succession to Tom ODonnell from June 1981 until March 1982 when Fianna Fail under Charles Haughey took over the reins of government. Fine Gael and Labour were back in power the following December and remained in office until March 1987 with OToole as Gaeltacht minister for the second time, a job he combined with minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry and then minister for Defence before returning to the Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry position. Unlike many other politicians he was a soft-spoken individual who kept a lower profile than some of his more vociferous colleagues but could still be quite effective. As minister for Fisheries, for example, he played a significant role in bringing about an agreed approach in that sphere with the rest of the European community, an issue that had been a source of controversy for several years. In a tribute at St Muredachs Cathedral, Ballina, his son John said: Paddy was many things he was a school teacher, a politician, a business consultant. He used to like to say that he did 20 years in each profession: a portfolio career, as its known, thus making him a very modern man indeed. If ever there was someone deserving of the moniker a decent man, then Paddy was surely such a man. He was caring, he was selfless and he was humble. He had time for everyone and was a real believer in public service, but in a completely unshowy and unobtrusive manner. Unassuming, he got things done quietly: efficient and effective, no fuss, no drama. He was also great craic, with a very keen sense of humour, telling us many funny stories from his youth and his time in politics: he was great company. We are all very proud to be able to call a man like Paddy our Dad and especially fortunate to have had him in our lives for as long as we did. A tribute issued by Mayo TD Dara Calleary said: Paddy OToole was an exemplary public representative who served at the highest level of government during very difficult times. He brought insight, wisdom, and understanding to every role he held. Patrick OToole died last Sunday, May 11. Predeceased by his brothers Des and Joe, and son-in-law Christy McLoughlin, he is survived by his beloved wife Jacqueline; children Jackie, John, Padraig and Helen, daughter-in-law Ingrid, son-in-law Tom, and Padraigs partner Marie, his sister Maureen, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, wider family circle and friends. Repose at McGowans Funeral Home, Ballina last Wednesday was followed by requiem mass at St Muredachs Cathedral on Thursday morning and burial in Leigue Cemetery. President Michael D Higgins and Sabina were represented at the funeral by Commandant Brian Walsh and the Tanaiste Simon Harris was represented by Commandant Joe Glennon. An endangered sea turtle thought to have survived a shark attack and a 5,000km Atlantic drift will be flown home next week by Aer Lingus to a newly discovered nesting beach for her species off west Africa. The tiny tropical turtle, discovered shivering on a Clare beach during the Christmas holidays, is now thriving after being nursed back to health in Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium for the past six months. Diagnosed with a respiratory condition and meningitis, the turtle christened Solstice was near death when found on Quilty beach, covered in seaweed and barely able to lift her head. Marine biologist Kevin Flannery says it has been a privilege to help the stricken turtle to recuperate, given her extreme rarity on this side of the Atlantic. There have only been 12 reports of green turtles in European waters, and only one ever survived previously. Now we have this female called Solstice, who weve nursed back to health, said Mr Flannery, the director of Dingle Oceanworld. In the coming weeks, she will be released at a newly discovered nesting beach where the critically endangered green-backed turtles are known to live. Shes maybe three years old, but could live to her 70s or 80s, all going well Scientists in the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the US marine research institution, have discovered this beach where these green turtles come ashore and lay their eggs, and have been doing so for millions of years. Aer Lingus kindly agreed to fly her down free of charge, along with two of the aquarium staff. Theyve been absolutely brilliant. Shell be traveling in a special box in the cabin with the aquarium staff, he added. She will go to the turtle hospital first in the hospital in the Canaries, where theyll put a satellite tag on her, and then go to the nesting site, on one of the islands south of Cape Verde. Mr Flannery has been rescuing sea turtles for more than three decades, but it has mainly been loggerhead turtles until he got the call last Christmas. She was only a kilo and covered in seaweed when we got her, she had hypothermia, meningitis, and respiratory infection. She is three kilos now. Id say shes only three or four years old at most, but she could live to her 70s or 80s, all going well. It is extremely rare to find a green turtle, and almost unheard of for them to survive. We have spent the last six months minding her and medicating her, its been a great privilege down through the years to rescue these turtles and put them safely back to their natural habitat. Most people never get to see them. Even before the aquarium was built 30 years ago, I used to keep them in the bath. Ive rescued dozens of loggerheads, but this is the first green turtle we have alive, and shes thriving. Puncture marks on the shell of the turtle, christened Solstice due to the time of year, are thought to have been due to a brush with a shark. While loggerhead turtles occasionally get swept thousands of miles off course across the Atlantic, the arrival of the grass-eating turtle astonished experts. She came about 5,000km either from the US or up from Cape Verde or the Canary Islands." He believes the turtle may have come up towards Irish seas due to a marine heatwave in 2023, which attracted large numbers of turtles to northern Europe. Vapes laced with synthetic cannabis at epidemic levels in Irish schools, say experts New documentary highlights accounts of teenagers suffering psychiatric incidents and being hospitalised after using HHC A recent study reported 10pc of teenagers vape on a daily basis. Stock Photo: Getty Lynne Kelleher Sun 18 May 2025 at 03:30 Leading clinicians in child addiction have voiced alarm that vapes containing a cannabis-like substance are still on sale in Ireland, more than a year after doctors first raised their concerns. Vogue Williams: I dont like the idea of throwing someone under a bus, but everything is there in the book. You can read between the lines Podcaster and influencer Vogue Williams reveals why now was the right time to write her memoir. Delving into everything from her parents divorce to her late fathers drinking habits, her first marriage, her struggle with anxiety, family and friendships, here the 39-year-old shares what she learned in the process Vogue Williams talks about her new memoir Big Mouth. Dress, 135, Bardot, Arnotts. Earrings, 88, One Dame Lane, onedamelane.com. Photo: Evan Doherty Liadan Hynes Sun 18 May 2025 at 03:30 Vogue Williams memoir Big Mouth begins, after a glossary of Irish terms explained (gas, sh**e and gee amongst them) with a preface that sets out the books stall. Titled Lets Go, it explains why she wanted to write a book, and what the reader can expect. Stephen Milton: With a move Down Under, our certificate was worthless. Naively, we assumed same-sex marriage would be legalised when we got there One fight for equality followed another for Stephen and Ben Stephen Milton and his husband Ben on their wedding day Stephen Milton Sun 18 May 2025 at 03:30 We landed in Sydney in August 2017 where my Australian husband Ben had secured a job. My visa had been approved and a new chapter unfurled ahead of us. But our marriage of more than 18 months was refused entry on arrival, left on the tarmac at Dublin Airport, because same-sex marriage wasnt legal in Australia. Brendan OConnor It was like high-end childcare. For the rest of the world, it was like if you were really struggling and someone surprised you by offering to take your toddler off your hands for a few days, to give you a break. Thousands gathered under blue skies at Dublin Castle that day to celebrate the victory as Ireland became the first country in the world to back by popular vote the right of LGBTQ+ people to marry. May 2015 was an extraordinary time in other ways too. Crowds gather at the Central Count Centre in Dublin Castle. Photo: Brian Lawless Today's News in 90 Seconds - May 18th The referendum came just days before Prince Charles, as he then was, visited Mullaghmore in Co Sligo where his great-uncle Lord Mountbatten was killed by the IRA in 1979. He spoke warmly of his reception. Following on from the historic state visit of the late queen in 2011, also in May, it seemed that Irish-British relations were headed towards a new golden era. Then came Brexit. The reasons behind the UKs decision to leave the EU the following year were multi-layered, and there is little benefit in raking over the coals again. Everyone knows what happened next. It was, however, undoubtedly a sign of things to come. Within months, a certain Donald J Trump would be elected US president for the first time. Nothing has felt quite the same since. It would be easy to blame Brexit and Trump for the fact people have never been more divided, but they are better understood as symptoms of an underlying malaise rather than the cause. When Irish voters got the chance to go to the ballot box in 2016, they also delivered a stinging blow to the ruling Fine Gael-Labour coalition, just five years after the parties won a historic landslide in the aftermath of the financial crash. It was a warning Ireland was not immune from rising discontent. Since then, the fracturing of Irish politics has gathered pace. The post-Civil War disposition has broken down and there is still no obvious indication what will replace it. Tensions around mass migration have only added to those divisions. The culture wars have reached Irish shores and it is difficult now to think of an issue that would bring Irish people together in the same way as same-sex marriage. Last years referendum on emending contentious clauses in the Constitution referring to women in the home became a battleground on which these new grievances were fought out. Across Europe, meanwhile, populist anti-establishment leaders continue to make sweeping gains, while a majority of voters in England now describe themselves as angry or fearful. Irish voters are not there yet, but it is by no means certain that what has happened in other countries will not come about here too. Turnout in Novembers election was pitifully low in working-class areas where disaffection runs highest. Things can still be turned around. People simply need to believe that working hard will pay off for their families. Fixing the housing crisis is key. A decade on from that happy day when the vote for same-sex marriage was passed, it might be naive to yearn for a rekindling of such an optimistic, forward-looking mood. The world today is an angrier, nastier place. We have gone from Yes We Can to whats the point? The horizon is also dark with war the ultimate expression of our growing estrangement from one another. It remains a worthy desire all the same. Emily Bronte called May the month of expectation, the month of wishes, the month of hope. That spirit has never been more needed than in May 2025. Padraig Rice: Same-sex couples like us can say I do, but its not quite happily ever after in the fight for equality This month marks the 10th anniversary of the marriage equality referendum, but we still have a way to go to achieve LGBTQ+ acceptance, writes the Social Democrats TD Aaron and Padraig on their wedding day surrounded by family and friends. Photo: Bart Swierczynski Padraig Rice Sun 18 May 2025 at 03:00 This month marks the 10th anniversary of the momentous marriage equality referendum a landmark day in Irish social and political history. It not only changed how the world saw Ireland, but how Ireland saw itself. It also changed my life profoundly. Former Rose of Tralee contestant Clare Ann Irwin left teaching to be a funeral director and embalmer, fighting gender norms and taboos If you think of funeral directors as old emotionless men, this young woman and former Galway Rose will make you change your mind, as with her work as a funeral director and embalmer, she is fighting all the taboos and gender norms associated with her profession. Just days after handing over her sash, former Kerry Rose Emer Dineen shows no signs of slowing down as she prepares to hike the final stretch of the Camino de Santiago in aid of the Limerick-based charity, Clionas Foundation. Four-and-a-half years after the fact, Erie County prosecutors have dropped a felony charge against a man accused of assaulting his parole officer. The reason county prosecutors withdrew the charge last month, they said, was because they didnt have enough evidence to prove the officers injury in the 2020 incident. Its not clear what, if anything, changed in the case or why the Erie County District Attorneys Office chose to make the move now. Chase Walkers defense attorneys have questioned the injury claims in court filings since at least 2021. Walker, who maintained his innocence from the start and represented himself, at times, during the case, spent almost two years behind bars after the incident. Once they sunk their teeth in, they werent letting go, Walker said. It doesnt appear that the parole officer, Sean McPartland, sought medical attention in the immediate aftermath of the incident. For about an hour after the reported assault, McPartland sat at his desk filling out paperwork to violate Walkers parole, according to video from inside the parole office. To get Walker indicted, prosecutors used McPartlands chiropractic records, which showed a pre-existing injury, said Kelly Kapperman, a defense attorney who represented Walker when the charges were dismissed. There wasnt a physical injury from Day 1, she said. A spokesperson for the District Attorneys Office declined to comment when asked about the timing of the dismissal. Our office moved to dismiss the indictment as we believed the elements of physical injury could no longer be sustained at trial, the spokesperson said in an email. As the case was sealed by operation of law following the dismissal, we cannot comment further. A spokesperson for the Division of Corrections and Community Supervision referred questions about the matter to the District Attorneys Office. A spokesperson for the Public Employees Federation, the union that represents parole officers, said the organization did not have additional information about the circumstances. McPartland could not be reached for comment. Walker, 38, of Buffalo, was initially accused of striking the parole officer in the chest inside the state parole offices on Main Street on Oct. 5, 2020. In a subsequent conference with prosecutors, McPartland added that he had been hit in the face, an assertion not included in the original paperwork on the case. The case against Walker finally petered out last month. In court, prosecutors told the judge that McPartland recently indicated his injuries were a sore jaw and a sore chest. We have concerns that that would not be enough to meet the threshold for physical injury to satisfy the element of injury in this case, Assistant District Attorney Briana Kalman told the judge, according to a court transcript of the April 15 proceeding. Walker, who at the time of the incident had been on post-release supervision since October 2016, was locked up again until August 2022. He was released from custody when his term of supervised release expired. Walker has contended he was the one who was assaulted in the incident after a heated verbal exchange, five other parole officers entered the room and forcibly detained him. Kapperman, the defense attorney, said McPartland had no reason to take Walker into custody. She called it a show of force by parole officers. Evidence presented to an Erie County grand jury of McPartlands injury came from chiropractic records. Those records showed that McPartland suffered a back injury in a fall at work six months before the incident with Walker, Kapperman said. McPartlands chiropractor told prosecutors that McPartlands condition didnt worsen after the incident, according to a court transcript. When State Supreme Court Justice Paul Wojtaszek dismissed the second-degree assault charge against Walker, it was the second time he had done so. Wojtaszek previously dismissed the charge in June 2023 after the state Division of Corrections and Community Supervision incorrectly claimed the parole officer had no disciplinary history. The state office only provided a copy of the parole officers disciplinary records in January 2023, after a second subpoena was issued for the records and the judge ordered someone from DOCCS to appear in court. Over a 2-year period, county prosecutors emailed DOCCS staff requesting the record, but each time were told the parole officer had no disciplinary record. Wojtaszek ruled that Walkers right to a speedy trial was violated. Appeals court overturns dismissal of charges against man accused of assaulting parole officer The courts Fourth Judicial Department overturned a 2023 ruling from Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek that dismissed charges against Chase Walker, who was accused of assaulting his parole officer, Sean McPartland, in the state Division of Parole offices in downtown Buffalo in October 2020. In November, the Appellate Division, 4th Department, disagreed and overturned Wojtaszeks dismissal of the case. The Division of Corrections and Community Supervisions failure to turn over materials did not amount to a denial of Walkers right to a speedy trial, the court found, because the disciplinary records were not considered to have been the type of material prosecutors had a duty to automatically provide Walkers defense. Walker said he believes hes received partial justice. I feel its the beginning of justice, Walker said in a recent interview, because law enforcement are often the purveyor of violence, but claim victimhood. Former St Marys CBS student Mohammed Mohiuddin Hossain was recently honoured at the JPS sponsored All Ireland Scholarships Award ceremony that took place in the University of Limerick recently. Established by JP McManus in 2008, the programme provides support to excelling students who are pursuing third-level education. Each year, 125 scholarships are awarded across the country, with a minimum of two awards per county, with the award set to cover their fees for the duration of their undergraduate studies. The value of each All Ireland Scholarship is set at 6,750 per annum in Ireland and 5,500 per annum in Northern Ireland, and the scholarships apply for the duration of the undergraduate programmes chosen by the scholarship winners. In excess of 42.7m has been disbursed to scholarship recipients to date, 1,799 scholarships have been awarded and over 1,400 All Ireland Scholarships winners have already graduated from university, showing the effectiveness of the much-needed support. Mohammed is currently studying his first choice of Computer Science in Trinity College Dublin, having always wanting to work in his chosen field after falling in love with the subject during his studies in secondary school. Not only did he achieve a staggering 625 points in his Leaving Cert, but he also returned to his former secondary school earlier this year to receive an award for getting the top marks in the country in his Technology paper. Reports that Toei Animation, the well-known studio behind One Piece, Dragon Ball, and other classic series, intends to integrate artificial intelligence into various phases of its animation production have sent anime enthusiasts on the internet into a panic. Following its investment in Preferred Networks (PFN), which is said to have "top-level AI technology competence in Japan," further information about Toei Animation's AI ambitions has surfaced. "We will seek to co-develop new business opportunities and improve the efficiency and quality of our production, capitalizing on synergies between AI and animation production technologies," Toei Animation stated in the FY2026 forecast section of its FY2025 financial report. Anime fans upset as One Piece animation studio plans to adopt AI in production The news was shared with fans on Reddit by a social media user and while some people expected it, others felt that the animation studio will have its downfall. One wrote, It's pretty hard not to feel like this is coming for the entire industry piece by piece. Will be interesting to see how much human hand there still is in anime 10 years from now. Another added It's funny. I remember Miyazaki during the time of Princess Mononoke was pretty disappointed that computers couldn't handle things like in-betweens (he found it boring and tedious). A third went on to add, Get ready, this is what the future of anime looks like. Posts from the anime community on Reddit Anime made by Toei animation studio Toei Animation stands as one of Japans most historic and influential animation studios, with a legacy of producing many legendary anime titles. Among its flagship creations are Dragon Ball (1986), Dragon Ball Z (1989), and Dragon Ball Super (2015), which together make up one of the most iconic franchises in anime history. The studio also produces One Piece (1999present), a record-breaking and widely cherished series. Other timeless titles from Toeis extensive catalog include Sailor Moon (1992), Saint Seiya (1986), Digimon Adventure (1999), Fist of the North Star (Hokuto no Ken, 1984), GeGeGe no Kitaro (first aired in 1968 with several remakes), and Dr. Slump (1981). For those who dont know, Toei Animation has already experimented with producing anime with AI support. In 2021, it collaborated with PFN to convert photo backgrounds into anime backgrounds for an experimental short film using PFN's Scenify technology. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Netflixs American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden has taken the streaming world by storm, with viewers hailing it as the best docu-series ever. Following a long-awaited release on the OTT platform, this gripping series offers an in-depth look into the decade-long hunt for the one of the worlds most wanted terrorists. Since its release, audiences have been binge-watching the show, recommending it as a must-watch for the weekend. Many are calling it wild, with viewers sharing that it sent chills down their spines. Viewers call Netflixs American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden best docu-series ever Taking to X, viewers who watched the episodes called it an absolute must-watch, praising the series for its detailed storytelling and gripping narrative. Many also highlighted how the topic itself is both fascinating and horrifying, as it delves into the events surrounding 9/11 with powerful insight. One wrote, Just watched American Manhunt Osama bin Laden, one of the best documentaries Ive watched in a while. Just watched American Manhunt Osama bin Laden, one of the best documentaries Ive watched in a while, shows you how hard the CIA really worked to kill this piece of shit! What a documentary man!! Karim Nour (@Karimnour77) May 16, 2025 American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden on Netflix was a really good watch. Youll never guess the person who was against the final mission to eliminate bin Laden not because of the danger and lives of the seals, but because of foreign relations CJ Vol (@tophgrace84) May 15, 2025 A second went on to add, American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden on Netflix is an absolute must watch. Top tier content. That new doc american manhunt about 9/11 n osama bin laden on netflix is craaazy I had to pause it so many times to gather my thoughts Lindz (@lindz_k) May 16, 2025 This American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden series is WILD!!!! #americanmanhunt pic.twitter.com/Ghhchkh1B0 Ioneeyau (eye-oh-nee-yuh) (@ioneeyau) May 14, 2025 Literally 20 min into American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden, I feel this is going to be the most watched documentary on Netflix. Top stuff Felina (@_heisenbergg__) May 14, 2025 A third went on to add, That new doc american manhunt about 9/11 n osama bin laden on netflix is craaazy. I had to pause it so many times to gather my thoughts Who appears in American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden? The series presents interviews with key intelligence agents and Special Forces members involved in the global pursuit of the al-Qaida leader. It features firsthand accounts from former CIA, Department of Defense, and FBI officials, including Leon Panetta and Henry A. Crumpton. Journalists like former ABC reporter John Miller and Nayyera Haq, a former State Department spokesperson, also share their perspectives. The documentary further includes insights from White House officials such as Ben Rhodes, who served as deputy national security advisor during President Barack Obamas tenure. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Black Butler season 5 episode 8 release date and time: Black Butler Season 5 has captivated fans with its intense storyline, mysterious setup, and unexpected twists. As the new arc unfolds, each episode leaves viewers wanting more. With seven episodes already released, anticipation is building for Episode 8. Heres everything you need to know about its release date, time, and what to expect next. Black Butler season 5 episode 8 release date and time According to the anime's official website, several Japanese networks will air Black Butler season 5 episode 8 on May 24, 2025, at 11:30 p.m. JST. Black Butler season 5 episode 8 release date and time according to time zones Pacific Standard Time (PST): Saturday, May 24, 2025 9:00 AM Central Standard Time (CST): Saturday, May 24, 2025 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST): Saturday, May 24, 2025 12:00 PM Brazil Standard Time (BRT): Saturday, May 24, 2025 1:00 PM Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): Saturday, May 24, 2025 4:00 PM Central European Time (CET): Saturday, May 24, 2025 5:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST): Saturday, May 24, 2025 9:30 PM Philippines Standard Time (PHT): Sunday, May 25, 2025 12:00 AM Australian Central Standard Time (ACST): Sunday, May 25, 2025 1:30 AM Where to watch Black Butler season 5 episode 8? In Japan, networks such as Tokyo MX, BS11, Gunma Television, Tochigi Television, and eventually AT-X and MBS provide the anime. Additionally, the episode is available for viewing on streaming services such as DMM TV, d Anime Store, and U-NEXT. Crunchyroll offers the episode for streaming in other countries. What to expect from Black Butler season 5 episode 8? As per Plex, The butler of the wealthy and aristocratic Phantomhive family, Sebastian Michaelis, and his 13-year-old master, Ciel Phantomhive, the Queen's Watchdog, work in the underground in the 19th century. Sebastian and Ciel travel to Germany at the Queen's request to look into a string of unexplained deaths. A terrible curse is placed upon them as they look for the truth about the Werewolves' Forest, where anybody who enters is doomed to die. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. The Diplomat true story: John Abrahams film The Diplomat recently arrived on Netflix, just days after its theatrical release, and has quickly captured widespread attention. Based on a true story, the film centers around Uzma Ahmed, an Indian woman whose dramatic escape from a forced marriage in Pakistan drew national headlines back in 2017. So, who exactly is Uzma Ahmed, and where is she today? Heres all you need to know about the true story of The Diplomat. The Diplomat true story The Diplomat draws from the true events of Uzma Ahmed, an Indian woman who was lured by a Pakistani man she encountered in Malaysia and subsequently forced into marriage under threat of violence. The film highlights the diplomatic strategy and expertise of Indian Foreign Service officer JP Singh, who played a crucial role in bringing Uzma back to India. Uzma, a Delhi resident and a mother to a daughter from a previous marriage, had traveled to Malaysia to pursue business management studies. It was there that she met Tahir Ali, a Pakistani national. Eventually, Tahir lured her saying that he will help her get his daughters thalassemia treated in Pakistan. All the claims made Uzma fall in love with him and agree to go to Pakistan with him. Once there, Uzma discovered that Tahir was already married and had children. She was then held captive, subjected to daily physical abuse and sexual assault. How did Uzma Ahmed escape? While in Buner, she managed to borrow a mobile phone from another woman who was also being held against her will. Uzma contacted her cousin in Malaysia, who urged her to reach the Indian High Commission in Islamabad at any cost. Determined to escape, Uzma cleverly outwitted her so-called husband and successfully made her way to the Indian High Commission where she was questioned and eventually sent back to India safely after many efforts. Where is Uzma Ahmed now? According to a story published in The Week in 2019, Uzma runs a beauty salon in Brahmpuri, north east Delhi called Falak. Does Uzma Ahmed have a family? Uzmas parents had been living overseas for many years, but following the events in Pakistan, they cut off all contact with her and ceased all communication. She told TOI, Its been 14 years now that I have been living away from my family. My father is an NRI and lives abroad and ever since Ive moved away, there has been no communication between us. I have always fought all battles by myself but the loneliness eats me up. You can stream The Diplomat on Netflix. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Seven years after his conviction and over two decades since the original incident, Bollywood superstar Salman Khans long-standing legal entanglement in the Blackbuck poaching case is back in the judicial spotlight. The Rajasthan High Court will, on July 28, 2025, begin hearing clubbed appeals filed by Khan and the Rajasthan state government, marking a significant legal development in one of India's most high-profile wildlife protection cases. Timeline: Two decades of legal tussle October 1-2, 1998: Salman Khan, along with Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Neelam, Tabu, and local resident Dushyant Singh, was accused of hunting two blackbucks, a protected species under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, near Kankani village in Jodhpur during the filming of Hum Saath Saath Hain. Salman Khan, along with Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Neelam, Tabu, and local resident Dushyant Singh, was accused of hunting two blackbucks, a protected species under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, near Kankani village in Jodhpur during the filming of 1999-2006: Multiple complaints were filed by members of the Bishnoi community, known for its fierce environmental activism. The case led to four separate trials concerning: - The killing of two blackbucks in Kankani (this case), - The killing of a chinkara (another protected antelope), - Possession of illegal arms, - A third poaching incident involving another chinkara. April 5, 2018: A Jodhpur trial court (Chief Judicial Magistrate Dev Kumar Khatri) convicted Salman Khan under Sections 9 and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, sentencing him to five years of rigorous imprisonment and imposing a fine of 10,000. The court acquitted all other accused, citing a lack of conclusive evidence against them. A Jodhpur trial court (Chief Judicial Magistrate Dev Kumar Khatri) convicted Salman Khan under Sections 9 and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, sentencing him to five years of rigorous imprisonment and imposing a fine of 10,000. The court acquitted all other accused, citing a lack of conclusive evidence against them. April 7, 2018: Khan was granted bail by the Jodhpur Sessions Court and continued to remain out of custody while pursuing appellate remedies. Khan was granted bail by the Jodhpur Sessions Court and continued to remain out of custody while pursuing appellate remedies. 20192022: Khan moved the Rajasthan High Court, seeking transfer of the appeal from the sessions court to the HC on the grounds of judicial economy and procedural consistency. The state, meanwhile, also filed an appeal challenging the acquittal of the five other accused. Khan moved the Rajasthan High Court, seeking transfer of the appeal from the sessions court to the HC on the grounds of judicial economy and procedural consistency. The state, meanwhile, also filed an appeal challenging the acquittal of the five other accused. May 2025: After years of dormancy, Justice Manoj Kumar Garg of the Rajasthan High Court ordered that both appeals be clubbed and listed for substantive hearing on July 28, 2025, following a prayer from the complainant's legal counsel. What is Salman Khan challenging his conviction? Salman Khan's appeal seeks to overturn his conviction, arguing that: The evidence presented during the trial was largely circumstantial and lacked direct corroboration. The postmortem report and ballistic findings were contradictory and unreliable, raising questions about the precise cause of death of the blackbucks. The conviction was based on inconsistent witness testimonies, some of which were retracted or materially altered over the 20-year span. Khans defence has also long maintained that there was no poaching, and that the blackbucks may have died due to natural causes or accidents unrelated to any firearm. His legal team is expected to invoke procedural irregularities, inconsistencies in forensic documentation, and the principle of "benefit of the doubt", citing precedents from the Supreme Court related to wildlife crimes and actor-related trials, including the State of Maharashtra vs. Salman Khan (2015, in a separate hit-and-run case where his conviction was overturned). Why has the State appealed the acquittals? The Rajasthan government, via its appeal, contests the 2018 acquittal of Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre, Neelam, and Dushyant Singh, arguing that: The co-accused were active participants during the alleged hunt, and eyewitness accounts and circumstantial evidence implicated them collectively. The trial court erred in assigning a higher evidentiary threshold for the co-accused while applying a lower standard to Salman Khan. The concept of common intention under Section 34 IPC should have been invoked more robustly to attribute collective liability. The state also aims to re-examine the role of the vehicle, the firearm used, and the nature of the hunt to argue for shared culpability under the Wildlife Act. What legal questions are likely to be examined? The standard of proof in wildlife crimes and the role of circumstantial evidence. Interpretation of hunting under the Wildlife Protection Act, especially in relation to a celebrity accused and public influence. Equitable application of the law vis-a-vis co-accused, particularly the doctrine of common intent and constructive liability. The use of delay and procedural lapses as grounds for dismissal or mitigation. Will the High Court uphold or quash the convictions or order a retrial? Drop your thoughts @indiatimes. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, as well as celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Shraddha Kapoor seems to have passed on what could have been her most creatively challenging project yet, and the internet is not having it. Buzz around her collaboration with Tumbbad director Rahi Anil Barve and producer Ektaa Kapoor had been building for weeks. Touted as a high-concept psychological thriller with a massive scale, the film was being positioned as a potential game-changer in the women-led genre. But just when fans were getting excited, a latest PeepingMoon report has revealed that Shraddha is no longer attached to the project. And this is not because of scheduling conflicts or creative differences, but allegedly due to her sky-high financial and ownership demands. Why did Shraddha Kapoor exit Ektaa Kapoors film? The same report reveals that Shraddha asked for an upfront fee of Rs 17 crore, a share in the films profits, and most surprisingly, full Intellectual Property (IP) rights over the film. This wouldve given her veto power over everything - remakes, sequels, even use of the title, essentially treating the project like her own production, without actually being a producer on paper. While Shraddha has neither confirmed nor denied these reports, insiders close to the production reveal the deal became financially unviable, forcing Ektaa to walk away from the negotiations, considering todays volatile theatrical market. The twist? Shraddha has no confirmed film in hand right now. While she's reportedly in talks with producers like Dinesh Vijan, Boney Kapoor, and Bhushan Kumar, nothing has been signed yet. This has left many fans and industry watchers scratching their heads over her decision to walk out of a role that couldve redefined her image as an actor. Reddit is having a field day over Shraddha Kapoors decision One user said, Shraddha wanting IP rights for a role is a little ludicrous. Produce it yourself if you want it that bad. Another added, She's extremely stupid if she did it. This movie could actually make her an actor from an influencer. The third added, 17 cr fee + share in the profit.. Babudi really thinks she was the sole reason why Stree 2 collected so much money... She and her FP's, along with her PR actually think she is the lady superstar... In this case, delulu is the only sololu. Internet reacts to Shraddha Kapoor's exit | Credits: Reddit Some even questioned whether Shraddha Kapoor overestimated her market pull. Stree 2 may be a hit, but many believe its success is more about the franchise and ensemble, rather than any one performer. In an era where actresses are fighting tooth and nail for author-backed roles, Shraddha's decision is being widely seen as a missed opportunity. One that couldve finally shifted her image from a safe commercial face to a serious performer. For now, it looks like the film will move ahead without her, and Shraddha will need to pick her next move wisely. Because sometimes, saying no to the right film, especially when your slate is empty, speaks louder than a yes. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, as well as celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Delhi University (DU) has officially started the registration process for PG and B.Tech admission for the academic session 2025. Students interested in Delhi University PG admission or DU B.Tech admission can now apply online through the official portals admission.uod.ac.in and engineering.uod.ac.in. The application window is open from May 17 to June 6, 2025. Lets take a closer look at the courses available, eligibility, and the steps to apply. DU PG Admission 2025: Courses Offered and Eligibility Delhi University PG admission includes a wide variety of postgraduate programmes across multiple disciplines, as reported in NDTV. These include: M.A. in Arabic, Bengali, Buddhist Studies, Comparative Indian Literature, English, French, German, Hindi, and Hispanic studies MSc in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Electronics, and Mathematics Education M.Tech in Microwave Electronics Master's in Respiratory Therapy Master's in Public Health MCA (Master of Computer Applications) To apply for DU PG admission, candidates must ensure they have appeared for the CUET (PG) 2025 exam in the respective subjects. According to the official DU bulletin, only those PG programmes will be considered for seat allocation that have been selected by the candidate during registration. Till 5.40 pm on Saturday, over 9,226 students have already registered for PG admissions at Delhi University, as per the statement by Haneet Gandhi, Dean of Admissions at DU, reported in HT. DU B.Tech Admission 2025: Courses, Eligibility and Entrance Exam The Faculty of Technology at Delhi University is offering B.Tech admission for the year 2025 in three key specialisations: B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering B.Tech in Electrical Engineering Admission to all these DU B.Tech programmes will be based on JEE (Main) 2025 Paper-I scores. Specifically, the Common Rank List (CRL) obtained by candidates will be used for seat allotment. Students will be offered admission to B.Tech programmes at Delhi University based on their CRL ranks, course preferences, and availability of seats in their selected branches. The registration for DU B.Tech admission is available on the engineering-specific portal engineering.uod.ac.in and will remain open till June 6, 2025. DU PG and B.Tech Admission 2025: Registration Fees General and unreserved category candidates: Rs 250 per programme Rs 250 per programme SC/ST category candidates: Rs 100 per programme Source - HT Make sure to verify the eligibility criteria for each Delhi University PG programme before applying. How to Apply for Delhi University PG, B.Tech Admission 2025 Follow these simple steps to register for DU PG admission or DU B.Tech admission: Step-by-Step Application Process: Step 1: Visit admission.uod.ac.in for PG or engineering.uod.ac.in for B.Tech Step 2: Click on the respective link for "PG Admissions 2025" or "B.Tech Admissions 2025" Step 3: Log in using your application number and date of birth Step 4: Complete the online application form and pay the registration fee Step 5: Upload the necessary documents as per the guidelines Step 6: Apply and download the confirmation page for future use Important Notes for Applicants Applicants must only apply for programmes they are eligible for and have appeared in during CUET (PG) 2025. For DU B.Tech admission, only the JEE (Main) 2025 Paper-I CRL will be considered for selection. The last date to register for both PG and B.Tech admission at DU is June 6, 2025. Stay updated with the latest Delhi University admission 2025 news by visiting the official website regularly. Whether you're aiming for PG courses at DU or looking to secure a spot in the DU B.Tech programme, make sure to complete your application before the deadline. The arrest of travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, also known as Jyoti Rani, on espionage charges has sent shockwaves through Indias online travel community. Accused of leaking sensitive military information to Pakistan, the 33-year-olds case has not only raised national security concerns but also sparked a flurry of online speculation about other Indian travel influencers who were seen alongside her or had previously visited Pakistan. Allegations against Jyoti Malhotra Jyoti Malhotra, a travel influencer from Haryana, was arrested on Saturday for allegedly spying for Pakistan and passing on sensitive information about the Indian military. She is one of six individuals booked under espionage charges. According to a report by NDTV, Malhotra first travelled to Pakistan in 2023 using a visa arranged by commission agents. During that visit, she is said to have met Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish, an official at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. Investigators claim she later established close ties with Rahim, who introduced her to Pakistani intelligence operatives. Even after returning to India, she reportedly stayed in touch with them. She has been accused of leaking sensitive details about Indian Army movements, especially in the Haryana and Punjab regions. Her repeated visits to Pakistan, a later trip to Kashmir, and even travelling to Bali with a suspected Pakistani handler have all become key points in the investigation, as authorities suspect her involvement in a larger espionage network. More travel influencers on the radar While authorities have not named or launched official investigations into other influencers, internet users have begun scrutinising Jyoti Malhotra's known associates, highlighting their past collaborations, social media posts, and travel history. One of them is Navankur Chaudhary, a Haryanvi travel influencer with over 651,000 followers on Instagram who goes by the name Yatri Doctor. A picture shared by Malhotra in March from the Pakistan High Commission featured Chaudhary, with a caption mentioning how both were Haryanvi and chatted in their usual desi style. Users on X claimed that Chaudhary had spent several days in Pakistan, praised the Pakistan Army in his content, and even used an incorrect map of Kashmir, refusing to change it despite repeated requests. Yatri Doctor (Navankur Chaudhary) was also with Jyoti Malhotra in Pakistan HC. He also spent many days in Pakistan. He was even praising the Pakistan Army. He also used the wrong map of Kashmir in his videos. Many people asked him to change it, but he refused. pic.twitter.com/TmxoVl90oY Yanika_Lit (@LogicLitLatte) May 17, 2025 Another name in the spotlight is Deepanshu Sangwan, known as nomadic. Indian, who has 143,000 followers. He publicly defended Chaudhary, and a viral post on X alleged that while his peers focused on softening Pakistans image, Sangwans content was more focused on China. This guy Nomadic Indian came in support of Navankur Chaudhary aka Doctor Yatri who is a friend of Pakistani spy Jyoti Malhotra. So, I went to his YouTube channel and found out that he is also a travel vlogger. While his friends were focused on whitewashing Pakistan, his focus pic.twitter.com/isv2tf3Qb0 Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) May 17, 2025 Priyankaa Senapati, another travel vlogger originally from Odisha, has also been flagged by the netizens. X users dug up her old content and claimed that she made multiple visits to Pakistan and allegedly posted anti-India commentary. Hello @NIA_India She is Priyanka Senapati from Odisha, She went Pakistan many times and spread hate against Indians, she is also friend of #JyotiMalhotra, Her love for Pakistan can clearly shown in the pictures. I hope you know what to do! pic.twitter.com/E0LCtWdB23 Voice of Hindus (@Warlock_Shubh) May 17, 2025 Following Malhotra's arrest, Priyankaa, along with another influencer, Travel Soumit Bhattacharya (travel_with_soumit), shared identical Instagram stories trying to distance themselves from her. Their statements read: "Since many people are asking, let me clear it first. Jyoti was just a friend of mine, and I came in contact with her through YouTube. I was unaware of anything of which she has been accused. I would not have been in touch with her if I knew she was spying for an enemy country. I knew her professionally through content creation and was personally shocked to hear this. If any investigative agencies wish to cross-question me, I would provide full cooperation. The nation is above all. Jai Hind." Status of her two blogger friends pic.twitter.com/DmmQLr9zQO Anuj (@Anuj_utkala) May 18, 2025 While no charges have been filed against these influencers, Jyoti Malhotras arrest has brought attention to India's travel vlogging community. It has also made people question how much of the content we see online could be misleading, and how little we truly know about what happens behind it. On June 24, Buffalo Democrats will do something they havent done in a generation: nominate someone for mayor without having Byron Brown as one of the options. The former mayors resignation last year to lead the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. led several high-profile Democrats to throw their hats into the ring for the party line that is key to securing the job following voting in November. Appearing on the ballot will be Chris Scanlon, who became acting mayor upon Browns departure; State Sen. Sean Ryan; former Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield Jr.; University Council Member Rasheed Wyatt; and Anthony Tyson-Thompson, former aide to Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes. Attorney James Gardner is the only Republican to qualify for the ballot and will likely be the Democratic primary winners main competition in November. Political newcomer Michael Gainer was knocked off the ballot for the Democratic primary following a lawsuit that found some of Gainers nominating petitions contained fraud. Gainer said he plans to run on an independent line called the Restore Buffalo Party. In the lead-up to the Democratic primary, The Buffalo News will be publishing responses from candidates to questions about issues important to Buffalo voters. This is the first in the series. Gardner declined to submit answers, saying he is waiting to see who remains in the race after the Democratic primary before publicly stating his positions. In recent years, policing has become a focus for many Buffalonians and Americans, with high-profile incidents and questions about police accountability entering the national spotlight. In Buffalo, the former police commissioner and mayor both opposed civilian oversight of the police. Additionally, the existing oversight mechanisms for police outside of the departments internal affairs division have been ineffective or largely defunct for years. What do you see as the priorities for the department if you were to become mayor and how do you think oversight and accountability for the department should change? Wyatt: Various police incidents, both nationally and locally, have highlighted the need for greater accountability in law enforcement. In response, I introduced a resolution in June 2020 to establish a Civilian Review Board. As State Attorney General Letitia James pointed out, The police should not be policing themselves, period. Unfortunately, the current practice of self-policing persists, despite numerous studies indicating that internal affairs departments often favor officers. The recent incident involving Sheriff Granville and the Buffalo Police Department serves as a reminder of the challenges we face regarding bias within law enforcement, which undermines public trust. As your mayor, I am committed to advocating for the creation of a Civilian Review Board, similar to those implemented in other cities across the state. Together, we can work towards a more transparent and accountable system that fosters confidence in our law enforcement. Gainer: Power can be a corrupting force in American culture. For this reason, Im supportive of both term limits for public officials and citizen oversight for law enforcement. One of my highest priorities for public safety is to create a culture in the city where we can build trust between law enforcement and the communities in which we empower them to serve. Civilian oversight creates more transparency and accountability and is one tool to bring more voices and perspectives to the table. A proactive approach for improving the capacity and training of our police force is preferable to reacting to vulnerabilities and/or deficiencies if and when incidents occur between the police and the public. Specifically, we support a community responder model to improve the effectiveness of responding to nonviolent calls that involve the homeless, youth, the mentally ill and drug abusers. We also need to expand training for police that targets implicit bias and discrimination; that focuses on de-escalation, improved communication and community engagement skills; and that supports police in engaging communities with heightened thoughtfulness and care. Civilian oversight and a residency requirement for all future BPD hiring are two immediate actions Ill take as mayor to ensure were being proactive about meeting our future goals. Tyson Thompson: Policing is one of the most powerful functions a local government controls. Officers carry the distinctive responsibility and authority to enforce laws, make split-second decisions and protect public safety. With that authority comes accountability, not because we assume misconduct, but because the fair and just exercise of power in a democracy depends on strong, transparent systems of oversight that earn public trust. Growing up in one of the most challenging neighborhoods in Buffalo, I saw firsthand how critical that trust can be. For families like mine, the balance between safety and fairness wasnt an abstract theory, it was a lived reality. I remember neighbors who respected the police and others who feared them, often depending not on what they had done, but on where they lived or how they were perceived. I have loved ones who have been on both sides of the law. Some who carry the responsibility to enforce the law and others who have been subjected to their authority. As mayor, my priority will be to strengthen Buffalos public safety system in a way that empowers law enforcement to serve effectively while ensuring their actions are consistently fair and community-centered. I will invest in community-based policing strategies, expanded training in de-escalation, mental health and trauma response, and prioritize recruitment that reflects the communities our officers serve. To further build stronger communities and relationships between residents and law enforcement, I will invest in community mediators who can serve as trusted facilitators of conflict resolution, helping to de-escalate tensions, foster mutual understanding and promote long-term cooperation. Scanlon: I am opposed to civilian oversight of the police and I believe we must be cautious not to implement any governing structure that raises certain expectations for particular outcomes, but ultimately lacks the authority or stability to meet them. From my perspective, the ruling by the State Court of Appeals outlining legal limitations related to similar efforts made in Rochester would apply here as well. The decision in this case underscores the legal limitations faced by the civilian oversight bodies when their authority intersects with established collective bargaining agreements. Ultimately, I believe that civilian oversight has been rendered ineffective in multiple municipalities, and that such a mechanism would result in public frustration and a growing perception that another board just adds bureaucracy without delivering meaningful accountability, while decreasing the morale of the Police Department. Community policing is critical to public safety and a primary focus of both my administration and my campaign. A visible police presence based on developing real relationships with residents in our neighborhood, walking the beat, deterring potential crime and making residents feel safe in their communities is a top priority. By addressing neighborhood safety and quality of life, we make it easier to tackle larger, more complex public safety issues. My focus is on establishing a safe city by improving public safety through community policing initiatives, mandating safe working conditions and working collaboratively with our partners to better prepare for emergency situations. Whitfield: As a career first responder, I know firsthand that the vast majority of our police ocers have the true heart of a public servant. They know that the community they serve is owed a high standard of accountability, but it is also important to them that the community sees the hard work and sacrifices they make to protect and serve each of us. Unfortunately, the problem is that their voices and work are not prioritized by their Union, but rather politicized in a way that serves their narrow, political interests instead of the best interests of all. Transparency, civilian oversight, and community co-governance are at the very heart of my vision for the City of Bualo and all of its Departments. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and this is especially true on the topic of police accountability. My philosophy of transparency and oversight is in stark contrast with the traditional career politicians obsession with limiting how much the public can see, so they can keep tighter control over narrativesand better protect their own jobs. I oer Bualonians a commitment that they can trust, to breathe real life and power into civilian oversight bodies across government, including and especially the Bualo Police Department. As the former Emergency Manager and Commissioner of Fire for the City of Bualo, I am best qualified to lead in this area and have a record of service to the first response community and the residents of Bualo that is unmatched. I have not been endorsed by the Unions because they know that I am well-versed, will not yield to partisan and unreasonable demands, and that they will be held accountable. Ryan: My approach to public safety starts with ensuring every resident in every corner of our city feels safe in their community. We need to give our first responders the support they need to do their jobs effectively, and we need our citizens to be able to trust the police. We need our police officers to be visible, present and engaged in our communities using a data-driven approach to prevent crime. We need to adequately equip our first responders with the best tools to meet the unique challenges they face on a daily basis. This includes: best practice training for both officers and internal affairs investigators to ensure a fair and transparent process is followed; investing in technology to create efficiencies; and ensuring that mental health crises are responded to appropriately in an effort to protect both officers and civilians and provide better outcomes. Many people are skeptical about local law enforcements willingness and ability to hold themselves accountable. We need to make sure the community trusts the police to keep them safe, and that starts with transparency. I will ensure that the public is kept informed of every shooting in the City of Buffalo, not just high-profile cases, and I will work with New York State to support intelligence sharing and expand the Buffalo Police Intelligence Unit. I want the police in Buffalo to focus on keeping our community safe and building trust through relationships with residents. I know that we need to focus on crime prevention, and that means making sure community policing and community-based interventions are felt where they are needed most. We can achieve this by using data-driven strategies, investing in training, embracing transparency, expanding information sharing and ensuring a fair and consistent approach to accountability so that everyone in Buffalo feels safe regardless of where they live. After the backlash surrounding Weak Hero Class 2, Netflix is now facing fresh criticism over another manga adaptation, this time, Kakegurui. The streaming giants latest teen drama, Bet, inspired by the popular Japanese manga and anime Kakegurui, dropped on May 15. But instead of praise, its drawing outrage from longtime fans who accuse Netflix of not only delivering a poorly written show but also whitewashing Asian representation. What's the story of Bet? Credit: Netflix Geeked Bet is a Western adaptation of Kakegurui, a manga set in a high-stakes high school where gambling determines social rank. The original is chaotic, stylised, and full of psychological thrills, with Yumeko Jabami, the risk-loving protagonist, at its centre. The Netflix version, created by Warrior Nuns Simon Barry, attempts to recreate that energy in a Western high school setting, but fans argue it strips away everything that made Kakegurui unique. Kakegurui fans say the show completely misses the point Despite Bet trending on the platform, viewers havent held back in their criticism. On the Reddit subreddit dedicated to the manga, Kakegurui fans voiced frustration over the live-action's creative choices, calling it an insult to the original creation. Another said, "They butchered the whole concept of kakegurui. Even if you take the plot and characters, at least try to retain their traits. Yumeko doesn't give an F about her parents or sister in the anime; she literally is a horny sex addict to gambling. The motivation to bring down the council was not even a subplot equivalent. All the members of the student council suck. This show is just garbage." "The black boy is a pet ... Seriously, no one at Netflix sees this as a problem??? The action is bad, just plain bad, even the main character," a third user said. Accusations of Asian erasure add fuel to the fire Beyond the storytelling, fans are especially upset about what they see as a lack of Asian representation in a show based on an Asian property. While Bet stars Miku Martineau as Yumeko, shes one of the only Asian actors in a cast that many feel should have prominently featured Asian talent. One user on Reddit vented, Hollywood really cast one Asian actor and called it a day. This happens in every Western remake One Piece, Death Note, and now Kakegurui. Its always the same pattern. People love our culture but dont want to see us on screen. Another commenter echoed the sentiment, writing, The 'Westernization' of this show is insulting and infuriating. Bet feels like it was made for people who think Kakegurui is too Japanese. Fans across communities chimed in with their personal perspectives. One Black anime fan shared, As a Black person, I know how it feels when people love your culture but ignore your people. Anime has always been a way for underrepresented folks to find community. So when a manga like Kakegurui gets adapted, its an opportunity to spotlight overlooked Asian talent. And they just didnt. Another added, Its not about needing all the characters to be Asian, but at least acknowledge where the story comes from. If its based on Japanese content, why is it so hard to cast Asian Americans or Canadians in leading roles? However, not everyone agreed with the outrage, as some fans argued that when a show is relocated to a Western setting, diverse casting makes sense. Posts from the kakegurui community on Reddit All eight episodes of Bet are now streaming on Netflix, with the show currently trending globally on the streamer. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, as well as celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. After the massive success of Alchemy of Souls, South Korean heartthrob Lee Jae Wook returns to the sageuk scene with Dear Hongrang, a moody historical melodrama based on Jang Da Hyes novel Tangeum: Swallowing Gold. The series, also starring Jo Bo Ah, dropped on Netflix on May 16 with a compelling premise that pulled fans in until the subtitles started distracting more than the story itself. Netflix's long history of messing up K-drama subtitles Despite its shaky start in original productions, Netflix has seen a solid rise in viewership thanks to breakout hits like Squid Game, When Life Gives You Tangerines, Mr. Plankton, Karma, The Trunk, and Melo Movie. While its built a loyal audience for modern K-dramas, sageuk fans feel Netflix just hasnt been able to get historical dramas right. For the uninitiated, sageuk refers to Korean historical dramas, often set during the Goryeo or Joseon periods, sometimes mixing in fantasy or fictional twists. But whats turning heads this time isn't just Dear Hongrangs storyit's the English subtitles. Netflix has long faced criticism for its awkward or overly simplified translations, even in high-profile shows. But with Dear Hongrang, many viewers say it hit a new low. Fans across platforms pointed out that the subtitles felt clunky, emotionless, and, in some cases, like they were AI-generated. Fans slam Netflix for poor subtitles of Dear Hongrang Dear Hongrang has received mixed reactions from viewers so far, and Netflixs awkward English subtitles have only made things worse. One user on X wrote, "Ive started watching Dear Hongrang, but the English subtitles are so incorrect." ive started watching dear hongrang but the english subtitles are so incorrect :/ trisha (@forthevibes__) May 17, 2025 Another wrote, "Dear Hongrangs subtitles on Netflix are a MESS." Dear Hongrangs subtitles on Netflix are a MESS su WAIT ON ME (@9up_s) May 18, 2025 A third fan noted, "It's always a mess, but this time it must be worse since it's a sageuk." it's always a mess but this time it must be worse since it's a sageuk ray next door (@drama0bsessed) May 18, 2025 "Who tf did the subtitles in this last ep, because they're lowkey a mess?" mentioned another user. who tf did the subtitles in this last ep, cause they're lowkey a mess. kalina (@fokanaplazy) May 16, 2025 The criticism wasn't limited to Xusers on Reddit also pointed out the same. On the K-drama subreddit, one fan wrote, "Stacked cast and stellar acting so far but the subtitles are exceptionally poor. this is a recurring issue i encounter with historical dramas, as the distinct way of speaking is more difficult to translate accurately. netflix translations have always been bad, but this instance feels particularly inadequate. It's frustrating because I can understand parts of the dialogueI can tell when the translations are incorrectyet I still have to rely on the poor subtitles because I don't fully understand everything." Another wrote, "Yes! same issue. It's not so awful that I feel like I'm being trolled by AI and should wait till they fix them, because they probably won't. But a lot of the subs for their new shows are rough. I watched the first couple of episodes of Tastefully Yours to see what it was like, and the subs are also horrible." A third Redditor wrote, "I do agree about Netflixs subtitles. I think Viki definitely has better subtitles and usually provides notes for context that are helpful for international viewers." Check out more comments in the Reddit thread below: All 11 episodes of Dear Hongrang are now streaming on Netflix. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here. BTS Jin hasnt had a moment to breathe since his military discharge. From charming fans on Run Jin to causing chaos on Kian's Bizarre B&B and Screwballs, hes been popping up on every variety show worth mentioning. He has also released two albumsHappy and Echosince his discharge, and the promotional campaigns have been nothing short of a dreamy experience for fans. Just when we thought wed seen it all, Jins next guest might be his most unexpected yet: Hollywoods action hero, Tom Cruise. As part of the Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning promo tour in South Korea, Cruise is set to appear on Run Jin. A recently released teaser shows Jin tackling a high-stakes mission, ending with a warm hug that fans suspect is with Cruise himself. While the team-up is definitely one for the history books, not all ARMYs are thrilled about the collaboration. Run Jin gets Tom Cruise as its first Hollywood guest RUN JIN WITH TOM CRUISE NEXT TUESDAY pic.twitter.com/t6I9kacjyN jin files (@seokjinfile) May 13, 2025 Run Jin follows the same unpredictable and often hilarious formula of BTS' pre-military variety show, Run BTS. Only this time, its focused entirely on Jin. The series, which kicked off after Jins return from military service, invites surprise celebrity guests to take on weird and wild missions with the BTS vocalist. Hollywoods new favourite promo stop? K-pop Tom Cruise's team-up with Jin is just the latest example of Hollywood finally recognising the potential of the Korean market. From Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman doing promotions for Deadpool & Wolverine in Korea, to Robert Pattinsons surprise stint on a Korean variety show while promoting Mickey 17, South Korea has become the global hotspot for promotional tours. And, given Korean stars' huge global fan following, it's understandable to see why. Tom Cruise's Scientology connection resurfaces Amid the news of Cruise's participation in Run Jin, his long-standing, high-profile ties to the Church of Scientology are once again under scrutiny. The Hollywood star has been one of the churchs most prominent members for decades, and his affiliation has often sparked controversy. His divorce from Katie Holmes in 2012 was widely speculated to be influenced by Scientology, especially after Holmes sought sole custody of their daughter Suri. More recently, Suri dropped Cruises last name altogether and now goes by Suri Noelle, a move many see as another quiet break from her fathers world. ARMYs raise concerns about the collab While many ARMYs are excited to see Jin back in action with a global star, not everyone is celebrating the collab. Fans have voiced discomfort over Cruises involvement, pointing to his religious affiliations and the problematic allegations tied to Scientology. One user pointed out, "Everyone knows that Tom Cruise is into Scientology and tbh maybe they should stop collabing with weirdos." Everyone knows that tom cruise is into scientology and tbh maybe they should stop collabing with weirdos https://t.co/taJhFWiYGT Liki (@dibidisdwaekki) May 13, 2025 Another concerned fan wrote, "There's no need to celebrate Tom Cruise is a literal scientologist cult member... begging hybe to do SOME kind of research before letting him go on Jin's show." there's no need to celebrate tom cruise is a literal scientologist cult member... begging hybe to do SOME kind of research before letting a literal lunatic go on jin's show https://t.co/NwxeuDpFiU webs (@websxii) May 12, 2025 "I am deeply uncomfortable about Tom Cruise being on Run Jin bc this is almost definitely a bid to try and introduce Scientology to armys, like that man did not ask to be on the show for any other reason," wrote a third user. i am deeply uncomfortable about tom cruise being on run jin bc this is almost definitely a bid to try and introduce scientology to armys like that man did not ask to be on the show for any other reason Ruu aegiyaz (@soobbinnitus) May 17, 2025 "Tom Cruise is a very bad man involved with very bad people and its actually a bit upsetting that he is going to be involved with them like this. The Run Jin team probably doesn't even know all this but... yeah idk i'm so disturbed by this," wrote a fourth fan. tom cruise is a very bad man involved with very bad people and its actually a bit upsetting that he is going to be involved with them like this. the run jin team probably doesn't even know all this but... yeah idk i'm so disturbed by this. Ruu aegiyaz (@soobbinnitus) May 17, 2025 Check out more reactions below: Chat is the Tom Cruise on Rn Jin real?? Please get that Scientology piece of shit away from Jin fuck you @HYBEOFFICIALtwt you Zionist pieces of shit god I hope your company falls and turns to ash along with your pedo Zionist CEOs Louder Than Bombs (@astroboy_LTB) May 13, 2025 TC supports the human trafficking cult of Scientology and fully endorses their policies of disconnection, forced labor and abortionsI will not watch, sorry Jin https://t.co/OgIkBloeAf Melissa Loves 7 beefcakes from Korea - (@winkle1983) May 12, 2025 tom cruise better not try to indoctrinate jin into scientology aj saw her sunshine (@hopewrldaj) May 12, 2025 People celebrating Tom Cruise like he's not one of the biggest supporters of Scientology a cult who has people in slave contracts. Tom hasn't even spoken to his own daughter bc he considers her a suppressive person KoyaKookECHObyJIN (@KoyaKook97) May 12, 2025 The Run Jin episode featuring Tom Cruise will premiere on May 18 on BTS' official YouTube channel, BANGTAN TV. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here. Developed by the Ministry of the Interior in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Governance, the platform axiologisi.ypes.gov.gr was launched in early May with the promise of bringing transparency and citizen feedback into the heart of public administration. A newly launched digital platform in Greece has offered citizens the unprecedented opportunity to rate the services of their local municipalities and central government agencies. The results, so far, paint a bleak pictureat least on paper. Seven of the countrys largest municipalities, including Athens and Thessaloniki, have been branded underperformers by thousands of participating citizens. Yet, while headlines may declare a failing grade for Greeces urban centers, the true value of the surveyand its methodologyraises as many questions as it answers. Developed by the Ministry of the Interior in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Governance, the platform axiologisi.ypes.gov.gr was launched in early May with the promise of bringing transparency and citizen feedback into the heart of public administration. Users were asked to rate a series of servicesboth local and nationalon a scale from 1 to 10. More than 9,000 people have participated so far, scoring municipalities across five key areas: cleanliness, public lighting, school infrastructure, green spaces, and parking. The preliminary results are striking, if not damning. Only one municipality, Peristeri, scored above the symbolic passing grade of 5, with the rest falling shortsome significantly so. The overall average across the seven cities hovers around 3.9. Heraklion (Crete) performed worst across nearly all categories, while Athens and Thessalonikicities with far more complex administrative challengesfared poorly in everything from cleanliness to school facilities. Parking, predictably, is a nightmare everywhere. But how much weight should be given to this digital report card? The simplicity of the platform may be its greatest flaw. A few clicks can produce a numerical rating, but context, nuance, and service complexity are easily lost in such a reductive approach. There is no indication of whether users had recent interactions with the services they rated, whether they evaluated based on firsthand experience, or simply vented long-standing frustrations. Nor does the survey account for socio-economic, geographic, or operational differences between the municipalities being judged. Still, the results tell a storyor at least part of one. Peristeri, a working-class suburb of Athens, was consistently the highest-rated municipality. It scored 5.9 in cleanliness, 6.6 in lighting, and 5.8 for green spaces. Heraklion, on the other hand, recorded the lowest scores nearly across the board, with a mere 2.1 in cleanliness and 2.0 in parking. Even Athens, the countrys capital and administrative hub, scored just 3.3 in cleanliness and 3.4 in green space, indicating citizen dissatisfaction even in the heart of the government. Education infrastructurea sensitive areawas also rated poorly across the board. Not a single municipality reached the average passing mark. Larissa led with a modest 4.6, followed closely by Peristeri and Patras. Heraklion, again, trailed at the bottom. The near-universal failure in this area may reflect deeper structural issues that a crowd-sourced score cannot meaningfully unpack. The picture becomes more favorable when it comes to the central governments digital services. Here, citizens expressed notably higher satisfaction. The gov.gr platform, which hosts a wide array of digital public services including ID requests, tax certificates, and health documentation, received an impressive score of 8. Other digital platforms such as myHealth, the online land registry, and e-prescription systems also performed well, with an average score of 7.3. Yet even this contrast raises questions. If citizens are so pleased with the states digital services, but so deeply unhappy with in-person municipal interactions, are we seeing a genuine reflection of service qualityor a reflection of where its easiest to register dissatisfaction? Digital platforms are designed for convenience, and often perform consistently because they remove human friction. Evaluating a city's waste collection or school maintenance, however, involves physical infrastructure, long-term investments, and bureaucratic layers that a five-minute online survey can hardly hope to measure accurately. Adding to the complexity is the demographic breakdown of respondents. Most participants fall within the 4554 age range, followed by those aged 5564. Citizens under 35 made up just 14.5% of the votes. This raises the question of whose voices are truly being heard, and whether the results reflect the views of an engaged cross-section of societyor simply those most comfortable or motivated to engage with the platform. Furthermore, the process lacks transparency in how data is weighted or validated. Are repeat submissions allowed? Are responses linked to actual municipal residency? Is there any control for bias or manipulation? The survey appears to operate on the principle of self-selection, meaning the most dissatisfiedor the most vocalare likely overrepresented. The government, for its part, has praised the platform as a pioneering step toward participatory democracy. Officials say that when the full results are published next week, citizens will be able to see exactly which services are performing well and which are failing. In theory, this could foster accountability and spur improvement. In practice, it risks becoming a shallow exercise if not paired with deeper institutional reforms, funding commitments, and mechanisms to act on the feedback received. #GREECE #GOVGR #City Originally launched in 2019 in Jerusalem, the 3+1 format brought together Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the United States to coordinate on energy and security matters. In a joint letter addressed to U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, the foreign ministers of Greece, Cyprus , and Israel have proposed reviving the dormant 3+1 cooperation framework with the United States, tying the request to the ambitious India -Middle East- Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). While framed as a gesture of regional alignment with U.S. strategic priorities, the move raises questions about underlying motives, timing, and long -term viabilityparticularly given the mechanisms lackluster record and the complex geopolitics of the Eastern Mediterranean. Originally launched in 2019 in Jerusalem, the 3+1 format brought together Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the United States to coordinate on energy and security matters. It was heralded at the time as a promising new architecture in the region, especially with then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeos participation in the trilateral summit alongside leaders Benjamin Netanyahu, Alexis Tsipras, and Nicos Anastasiades. Yet despite initial enthusiasm, the mechanism quickly lost momentum. Beyond a few working-level teleconferences and modest security discussions, tangible outcomes have been minimal, and the format has remained largely inactive for years. The recent appeal for its reactivation appears closely tied to the IMEC initiativean infrastructure and trade corridor designed to connect India with Europe via the Middle East, bypassing traditional routes through Turkey. The project, strongly supported by Washington, has been presented as a strategic alternative to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative. Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, by aligning themselves with IMEC, are effectively positioning as regional partners in a venture that, while ambitious on paper, is still in early conceptual stages and faces numerous geopolitical and logistical hurdles. Framing this renewed cooperation as a support mechanism for IMEC invites skepticism. While the project indeed aligns with U.S. interest in curbing Chinese influence and strengthening ties with India, it also offers an opportunity for the three Eastern Mediterranean countries to promote their own agendaschief among them, further sidelining Turkey. Ankara has long viewed the trilateral cooperation among Greece, Cyprus, and Israel with suspicion, and the absence of Turkey from the proposed corridor appears, to some, more intentional than incidental. Moreover, this diplomatic maneuver comes at a time of renewed regional jockeying. The U.S. continues to encourage normalization between Israel and Arab states through the Abraham Accords, first signed in 2020. Former President Donald Trump, still influential in regional circles, has reportedly urged Syrias transitional leadership to consider joining the accords, with Saudi Arabia quietly guiding this effort. Riyadhs uneasy relationship with Ankara adds another layer of complexity, as Gulf states seek to assert their influence in regional diplomacy without ceding ground to Turkey. While Israel has taken the lead in pushing for the revival of the 3+1 format, support in the U.S. is still tentative. A recent proposal in Congressthe Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Actcalls for enhanced cooperation with countries involved in the IMEC project, including Egypt, whose infrastructure assets are seen as critical. Yet it remains unclear how deep or sustained this congressional interest will be, especially in an election year and in the absence of concrete deliverables from past regional partnerships. For all its strategic language, the renewed push to revive the 3+1 mechanism seems to serve multiple, and at times competing, interests. It may reflect a pragmatic desire to realign with U.S. prioritiesbut also a calculated effort to reassert regional influence and navigate around difficult neighbors. Whether Washington sees lasting value in this revived format, or views it as yet another diplomatic overture without clear outcomes, remains to be seen. #GREECE #CYPRUS #ISRAEL #USA Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will win convincingly in the 2027 general elections. Speaking during the APC Northwest Zonal meeting held in Kaduna on Sundayand convened by Governor Uba Sani, Barau praised the administrations performance, particularly in security and economic recovery. He emphasised the need for party unity as Nigeria moves closer to another election cycle. It is clear that in 2027, we are going to have a landslide victory, InshaAllah, Barau said. Let us keep cooperating with one another, support the President, and remain united so we can achieve our goals. Advertisement Barau also attributed recent defections from opposition parties to the APC to President Tinubus growing influence. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/05/rivers-my-fight-is-not-against-fubara-but-those-exploiting-rivers-wike.html According to him, many political actors are joining APC because of the presidents efforts to improve security, particularly in the North. The influx of opposition figures into our party is not by accident. Its the result of President Tinubus leadership and the visible progress hes making, he stated. Security in the Northwest has significantly improved. Places that were once no-go areas, like Birnin Gwari and parts of the Abuja-Kaduna corridor, are now accessible. He acknowledged that challenges remain but stressed that ongoing reforms reflect the administrations dedication. Barau also applauded the performance of APC governors and praised the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, for steering the party in the right direction. With our growing strength and the momentum weve gained, it feels like theres no other political party in the country especially in the Northwest, he concluded. An unspecified number of people are trapped under the debris following the collapse of a storey building in Idi-Araba, Mushin area of Lagos State. According to PUNCH Online, the incident happened on Sunday. Shakiru Amodu, spokesperson for the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, confirmed the incident, saying that one individual has been saved while rescue operations continue to locate others still trapped. Advertisement READ MORE: Suspected Kidnapper Rescued By Police From Mob In Kwara He said, A male adult has been rescued while efforts are ongoing to rescue other victims trapped under the rubble. Amodu also noted that the building was still under construction and had reached only one storey when the incident took place. What do snowstorms and algal blooms have in common? Plenty. Both phenomena have complex interactions with Lake Erie, the nearly 10,000-square-mile body of fresh water whose drainage basin covers Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Ontario, as well as New York. And both dont care who the president is. Regardless of partisan politics, lake-effect storms must be predicted and prepared for and harmful algal blooms must be treated in order to ensure the safety of our drinking water. Unfortunately, federal politics are endangering those essential acts of public safety. NOAA cuts put WNY at deficit for lake algae bloom forecasts, snowstorms Western New York relies on NOAA science, research and data gathering for information about harmful algal bloom forecasts which the agency no longer has the capacity to deliver as well as improved weather modeling for lake-effect snowstorms. Current and proposed budget cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are putting Western New Yorkers and other residents along this heavily populated basin at risk. It began with staff firings at NOAA in March, as part of President Trumps and Elon Musks broad reductions to the federal workforce. These sweeping terminations were ostensibly to get rid of waste and fraud, but it doesnt seem as though there was any targeted effort to find actual waste. Most firings were done en masse through group calls or form letters and seemed motivated by the fastest and easiest way to get people out the door without consideration of whether the loss of their services could cause real harm. Indeed, many workers had to be reinstated when it was found they provided key services. In any case, the idea that mass layoffs will somehow provide efficiency is a strange one. If only it were that easy. As it is, hundreds of NOAA employees, whose jobs included monitoring marine pollution, overseeing fisheries and forecasting tornadoes, tsunamis, hurricanes and blizzards, remain fired. There is no weather forecast thats produced in this country that isnt dependent on NOAA, none. Thats according to Mary Glackin, a former deputy undersecretary at the agency and former employee at the National Weather Service. NOAAs vast weather observation network of robust data, computer models, forecasters and developers has been developed over decades and its free. Its highly unlikely a private company could duplicate either the knowledge base or the no-cost service. Trustworthy, accessible weather information, developed with the goal to protect public safety and property for everyone, should not be a benefit for those who can afford it. As of now, 30 National Weather Services offices are without a chief meteorologist. If further budget cuts go forward, on top of whats already been slashed, Buffalos hard-fought alert system, put into place after the tragic deaths of December 2022, could easily be another casualty. Fewer watchdogs for Great Lakes NOAA also monitors harmful algal blooms, providing information to local purveyors like the Erie County Water Authority so that they can add additional treatments to systems that provide drinking water to hundreds of thousands of people. As The News Mackenzie Shuman reported, if that doesnt happen in time, residents wont be able to drink or even touch their water, as was the case in Toledo, Ohio, in 2014. That it hasnt happened since then is partly due to this essential monitoring. With roughly half the NOAA employees who work on Great Lakes research either laid off or threatened to be, those reports are already undermined. NOAA was not overstaffed prior to this administration. Now, as hurricane season approaches, many go so far as to say it is in tatters. While its possible to attribute the cuts to an indiscriminate federal slash-and-burn policy, the Los Angeles Times is among other media citing the Heritage Foundations infamous Project 2025 agenda, which calls for NOAA to be broken up and downsized so that it stops contributing to the climate change alarm industry. Whatever the motivation, this is about much more than scientists losing their jobs. It is senseless and reckless destruction of a nationwide organization that helps keep people safe. Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand have spoken out and vowed to fight these cuts. Other New York representatives at least those who care about the safety of their constituencies must do the same. 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. Operatives of Delta State Police Command have arrested an auxiliary nurse, Mrs. Odiase Ibhade Stella over the death of one Miss Elizabeth Oyibode. The arrest which was made over the weekend, also led to total shutdown of Stellas chemist shop located at New Era School, Off Jakpa road. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that Oyibode died on Friday at the Central Hospital, Warri, after the nurse allegedly administered medications on her, leaving her paralyzed. Advertisement Meanwhile, the National Coordinator of Initiative For Social Rights Concerns And Advancement, AKA No Justice, No Peace, Comrade Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, on Saturday, said that it will ensure that incident serves as a deterrence to others involved in the illegal practice. He said: We intercepted an unregistered nurse who had administered medications with drips in her chemist shop which led to the death of late Miss Elizabeth Oyibode. The medication resulted in paralysis of her brain, body, affecting her ability to speak or interact with anyone. All thanks to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Ekpan Divisional Headquarters; CSP Shaba Aliyu for responding swiftly to our petition. We were reliably briefed by her fiancee, Mr. Jonathan Okuma, on how the nurse had suggested to him that he had bacterial infection after Mr. Jonathan presented his unusual bodily symptoms to her. READ MORE: Delta Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Recover N900,000 Ransom The said suspected nurse in disguise as auxiliary nurse also directed that Mr. Jonathan should include his fiancee in the treatment process since they were living together and cohabiting as they are blessed with a child. During the period they started the treatment, the suspected nurse also claimed that late Miss. Elizabeth was having typhoid and malaria symptoms and she also insisted on prescribing medications and treatment at the same time. Mr. Jonathan had stopped her, insisting that they should be done with the infection treatment before administering other medication. The suspected nurse who had again called Mr. Jonathan to send her money to run a diagnostic test on late Miss Elizabeth, converted the money to administering drips and the same medication he initially cautioned her against and when he returned from work, he met his fiancee lying down and receiving drips in her chemist shop. This sad ordeal led to series of complications on Miss Elizabeth, as the medicines administered by the suspected nurse resulted in paralysis of the brain and body. Sadly, Miss Elizabeth Oyibode met her untimely death three days ago at the Warri Central Hospital at age of 21 as a result of the carelessness of Mrs Odiase Ibhade Stella. The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested Chibuike Solomon, identified as a member of a three-man car-snatching syndicate operating within the state. The Commands spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, revealed this in a statement released on Saturday in Abakaliki. Ukandu stated that the suspect was caught by police officers while trying to sell the stolen vehicle. Advertisement READ MORE: Police Neutralise Two Armed Hoodlums In Anambra Checkpoint Ambush On May 15, 2025, operatives of the Ebonyi State Command arrested Chibuike Solomon, a member of a three-man car snatching syndicate. Solomon was apprehended while attempting to sell a vehicle by officers of the command. The vehicle, which was stolen in March 2025 from a private school in Abuja and used as a school bus, had already been re-registered in the suspects name. During the operation, military camouflage uniforms were also recovered at the location in Idembia community in Ezza South Local Government area of Ebonyi, he explained. The PPRO added that the command has stepped up efforts to track down and arrest the remaining members of the gang. The State Police Commissioner, CP Adaku Uche-Anya, is urging the public to take advantage of the Nigeria Police Force Digitised Central Motor Registry (E-CMR) by registering their vehicles at https://cmris.npf.gov.ng. The registration will facilitate the tracking and flagging of stolen vehicles, Ukandu added. NAN Chairman of All Progressives Congress in Ward 5, Ose Local Government Area, Ondo State, Mr. Nelson Adepoyigi who was recently kidnapped has been killed by his abductors. Recall that INFORMATION NIGERIA had reported that the APCs chieftain was kidnapped by some unknown gunmen men at his residence along Ifon-Owo road , in Ifon, the headquarters of the local government, on Monday. The criminal elements were said to have contacted the family, demanding a sum of N100 million ransom for his release, but the family reportedly raised N5 million. Advertisement The matter took another twist when the abductors, who were not pleased with the amount offered, detained the two men who took the money to them . They were said to have contacted the family again and demanded a sum of N30 million to release the three victims. It was gathered that the hoodlums shot the APC chieftain dead and freed the two other victims on Friday. The chairman of Ose Local Government Mr Clement Ojo confirmed the unfortunate incident in a statement on Sunday. READ MORE: Abductors Of Ondo APC Chairman Reduce Ransom From N100m To N5m With Food Items He said: While we are grateful that the two volunteers have now regained their freedom, it is deeply saddening and utterly painful that the life of Mr. Nelson Adepoyigi was brutally cut short by his captors. The entire leadership and people of Ose Local Government mourn this tragic loss. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and political associates of the deceased. We are now at a critical juncture where security challenges have become a serious threat to the safety and freedom of our people. Only a few days before this incident, another resident narrowly escaped being kidnapped while parking his motorcycle. This pattern of brazen abductions, even at the very gates of peoples homes, confirms that insecurity has taken a dangerous and intolerable dimension. The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has officially apologized to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over recent remarks made by its former presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. In a statement signed by the partys National Secretary, Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday, the NNPP distanced itself from Kwankwasos comments, describing them as reckless, unprovoked, and entirely personal. Oginni clarified that Kwankwaso no longer holds any position in the party and is not authorized to speak on its behalf. Advertisement Senator Kwankwaso is no longer a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, he stated. His recent comments are those of the Kwankwasia movement, which is not affiliated with our political structure. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/05/29-year-old-british-nigerian-woman-elected-as-uks-youngest-mayor.html The party stressed that it was originally established in 2002 by Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam, who remains its founding father and current Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Oginni also referenced a ruling from the FCT High Court in Abuja on April 3, which reaffirmed Dr. Aniebonam and Dr. Agbo Gilbert Major as the legitimate leaders of the party. Oginni condemned the use of the partys name for what he termed political rascality, urging the media and the public to stop identifying Kwankwaso as a NNPP leader. We offer an unreserved apology to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC leadership, especially Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, he added. He further disclosed that many former NNPP members under Kwankwasos faction had begun questioning his legitimacy. The original certificate of registration remains with our founder, Dr. Aniebonam, Oginni said, reaffirming the NNPPs dedication to constructive opposition and national development. Operatives of Kwara State Police Command have apprehended a yet to be identified suspected child kidnapper in Ilorin. In a statement by Spokesperson for the states police command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed that the suspect was arrested on Saturday. He added that the arrested person is currently in police custody as investigations continue to ascertain the facts surrounding the allegations and to identify other individuals who may be connected to him. Advertisement Adetoun said: On Friday, 16th May 2025, at about 1900hrs, operatives of the Kwara State Police Command apprehended an adult male (name unknown) alleged to be involved in child kidnapping in Ilorin. The suspect, who claimed he was from Osun State, was apprehended by a joint patrol team of police operatives and community vigilante members during a routine operation. He was rescued from a violent mob that had accused him of attempting to kidnap a child and were on the verge of executing jungle justice. READ MORE: Kwara Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper Terrorizing Kogi, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway The complainant(s) involved are yet to report at the command headquarters to provide more information to aid police detectives in unraveling this incident. Further updates will be provided as investigations unfold. The Kwara Police Command uses this medium to reiterate its stance against mob action and jungle justice. Such acts are not only unlawful but can also result in miscarriage of justice. Members of the public are strongly advised to report all suspicious activities to the nearest police station rather than resort to self-help or violence. The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, remains committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring justice is served within the bounds of the law. The Kwara State Police Command rescued an unidentified adult male accused of child kidnapping from a lynch mob in Ilorin, the state capital, on Friday. This was confirmed in a statement on Saturday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi. The statement read, The Kwara State Police Command is aware of a video circulating in the media space of a young man who was accused and apprehended for child kidnapping in Ilorin. Advertisement READ MORE: Police Neutralise Two Armed Hoodlums In Anambra Checkpoint Ambush The command wishes to inform members of the public that on Friday, 16th May, 2025, at about 1900hrs, operatives of the Kwara State Police Command apprehended an adult male (name unknown) accused of child kidnapping in Ilorin. The suspect, who claimed he is from Osun State, was apprehended by a joint patrol team of police operatives and community vigilante members during a routine operation. He was rescued from a violent mob who had accused him of attempted kidnap of a child and were on the verge of executing jungle justice. The suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue to ascertain the facts surrounding the allegations and identify other individuals who may be connected to this incident. The complainant(s) involved are yet to report at command headquarters to provide more information to aid police detectives in unraveling this incident. The command reaffirmed its position against mob attacks and acts of jungle justice. Such acts are not only unlawful but can also result in the miscarriage of justice. Members of the public are strongly advised to report all suspicious activities to the nearest police station rather than resort to self-help or violence, it said. President Bola Tinubu on Sunday met with Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City in Rome, Italy. The meeting comes shortly after Leo (formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost) was installed as the Bishop of Rome and the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church. In a picture going viral on internet, President Tinubu was spotted shaking hands with the Pope and had a brief conversation with him before moving away. Advertisement The US pontiff also shook hands with several world leaders in St Peters Square after the inauguration mass on Sunday. READ MORE: Pope Leo XIV Begins Papacy With Grand Inauguration Mass In Rome Other world leaders who exchanged pleasantry with the Pope included US Vice President J.D Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, among others. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that Tinubu had joined other world leaders in Rome, Italy on Sunday for the installation mass marking the beginning of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. In meetings with journalists, clergy and diplomats, he repeatedly called for peace in a world full of conflicts and defended social justice. Renowned political economist and former ADC presidential candidate, Pat Utomi, has said he is not intimidated by the Department of State Services (DSS) lawsuit against him over the formation of a shadow government. In a recent interview on Saturday, Utomi insisted that citizens have the right to organise and offer alternatives to governance without fear or restriction. He dismissed claims that his coalition was unconstitutional, asserting that freedom of association is a core democratic right. Advertisement According to him, the term shadow government has been misinterpreted, noting that the initiative merely seeks to present better policy alternatives to Nigerias leadership. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/05/apc-has-crippled-opposition-in-cross-river-peter-odey.html We are not planning any coup or rebellion, Utomi clarified. We are simply saying that Nigerians deserve better leadership, and we are showing what that could look like with clear policy direction. Utomi explained that each sector, from power to defence, has a designated expert in his coalition who will publicly outline implementable solutions to Nigerias challenges. He emphasised that the coalitions purpose is not to overthrow the government, but to demonstrate how governance can be improved through people-driven ideas. Criticising Nigerias political culture, Utomi lamented that many politicians are more focused on power and personal gain than actual governance. He warned that if current trends continue, the country could spiral into deeper instability. Revealing plans for a mass citizen mobilisation tagged the Freedom Converge, expected to hold in December, Utomi said the movement was inspired by global icons of nonviolent resistance. Like Gandhis salt march and Martin Luther King Jr.s rally in Washington, we want Nigerians to rise in defence of their dignity, he said. He called on citizens, religious bodies, and civil society to demand accountability from leaders, saying, Real change begins when the people stop being afraid. Philadelphias Italian Market Festival returned this weekend, drawing crowds from across the region to the annual block party. Its one of the citys longest-running festivals, and between the more than 120 vendors, live music, and of course, greased pole competition, there was no shortage of things to see and do. Meek Mill, Governor Josh Shapiro and Michael Rubin following the singing of the ceremonial bill celebrating landmark probation reform and clean slate legislation at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 Read more Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro wont be caught sitting in the Lincoln Tunnel on visits to New York City. Or, really, in any traffic on I-95. If hes not flying on the state plane or state police helicopter around Pennsylvania, hes on a campaign-funded private jet or flying on Fanatics billionaire CEO Michael Rubins luxury helicopter, campaign finance records show. Advertisement Shapiro, a first-term Democrat, used Rubins helicopter last year for at least nine round-trip flights, including several to New York City, worth nearly $68,000, according to campaign finance reports, raising questions from lawmakers and good-government experts. It appears Shapiro traveled on the helicopter for trips to New York for a number of campaign appearances, including those on The View, The Daily Show, a Clinton Foundation conference, and more. Shapiro has faced criticism from some Pennsylvania Republicans for a perceived high-flying lifestyle, including his frequent usage of the state plane and his use of a state police helicopter, which went unreported in government records until this year, to get around the commonwealth for public appearances. Shapiros office maintains that frequent air travel is necessary to be able to get around the vast state and do the job as governor for all of Pennsylvania. The 51-year-old from Abington Township has used the state plane more than any other Pennsylvania governor since at least 2012, when a state law went into effect requiring the publication of monthly flight logs for usage of the state plane. Whats more: He spent more than $557,000 on private jets for campaign trips last year, including to Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia, and North Carolina in the heat of the 2024 presidential race, as he became a national Democratic surrogate with rumored future presidential ambitions of his own. But its Shapiros acceptance of in-kind contributions from Rubin in the form of luxury helicopter rides that has raised questions from good-government advocates about the access the uber-wealthy have to Pennsylvanias top executive. Rubins in-kind contributions to Shapiro through the use of his luxury helicopter a 2013 AgustaWestland Philadelphia AW139 that seats 15 passengers is legal and permitted under Pennsylvanias campaign finance law. But to Rabbi Michael Pollack, who runs the anti-corruption group March on Harrisburg, the contributions can give the appearance of favoritism for Rubin or other billionaires. Our governor should not be accepting free rides in a billionaires helicopter because then he is more responsive to the concerns of that billionaire over the needs of the people of Pennsylvania, Pollack added. Pollack and March on Harrisburg have been advocating for years for the legislature to implement a gift ban and to include campaign contribution limits. The absence of both, he argues, leads to Pennsylvanias lawmakers caring less about the issues facing regular Pennsylvanians, such as the cost of living, healthcare, and more. State Reps. Jared Solomon (D., Philadelphia) and Jim Rigby (R., Cambria) introduced a bill this legislative session to ban gifts to any Pennsylvania public official for more than $50, but it carves out reasonable exceptions for transportation and lodging expenses, according to a news release. Gifts are usually considered to be direct monetary donations, which differ from in-kind contributions like Rubins, where a service is given to a political candidate and the value is later estimated and reported on campaign finance filings. A spokesperson for Shapiro declined to explain why the governor has used Rubins helicopter, but said criticism about who Shapiro is working for is completely out of touch with reality when it comes to how Governor Shapiro leads this commonwealth. The governor has been clear that for too long, our system has left too many people and communities behind; that is why he has spent his career taking on powerful interests and fighting for the people of Pennsylvania and why he will continue doing so every day as governor, said Manuel Bonder, Shapiros government press secretary, who also works on Shapiros political campaign outside the hours of his state job. Every day, Governor Shapiro and his administration are focused on delivering for working families, Bonder added. Trips to The View, The Daily Show, and a political dinner Shapiros campaign provided passenger manifests for three of the helicopter trips he accepted from Rubin, but declined to provide them for six other trips. Campaign finance laws do not require campaigns to provide this information. Shapiro appears to have used Rubins helicopter, at least in part, to travel from Philadelphia to New York City for a number of events: on Sept. 6 to appear on The View, on Sept. 23 to appear at a Clinton Foundation conference, on Oct. 28 to appear on The Daily Show, and on Dec. 7 to speak at the annual Pennsylvania Society dinner. There are several trips including one where he reportedly flew to New York with Rubin in early January 2024 where Shapiro had no public appearances listed on his official schedule and it is unclear whom he was meeting with while in NYC. Of the trips for which Shapiros campaign provided passenger manifests, the governor took at least one helicopter trip with Rubin and Rubins chief of staff, Saj Cherian, as well as with top members of the Shapiro administration and members of his protective detail. A Fanatics spokesperson noted that Pennsylvania allows for in-kind campaign contributions of goods or services, such as travel. When Michael donates the use of his helicopter to Governor Shapiro for travel, the value of that travel is reported in accordance with Pennsylvania campaign finance law, the spokesperson added. Rarely, if ever, is Michael present with Governor Shapiro on the helicopter, he added, noting that Rubin and Shapiro are longtime friends. Rubin has dipped his toes into Pennsylvania politics on several occasions, including his financial support for Shapiros 2022 run for governor, his work on criminal justice reform legislation, and his advocacy for a school voucher program, which Shapiro also supports but has yet to achieve. Rubin did not contribute financially to Shapiros political action committee last year, except for the approximately $68,000 in in-kind contributions for helicopter rides, listed as travel on campaign finance reports. Shapiro is not the first or last politician to accept a gift, Pollack said, noting President Donald Trumps recent plans to accept a luxury jet from Qatar to serve as the new Air Force One, as Trump continues to disregard or challenge federal laws and precedent. Any gift or contribution has the possibility to make politicians beholden to powerful interests instead of the public, Pollack said. Our public officials should not be accepting rides from the ultrarich, they should not be accepting airplanes from foreign governments, and they should be fully dependent on the public so they are truly public servants, he added. News / National by Staff reporter A police officer entrusted with maintaining law and order is now behind bars after being caught stealing cellphones in a brazen crime spree that shocked residents of the resort city.Thulani Sibanda (24), a constable stationed at the Gweru Police Protection Unit (PPU), was remanded in custody after pleading guilty to two counts of theft before Victoria Falls magistrate Gift Manyika on Friday. He is set to return to court on Monday for sentencing.According to State prosecutor Portia Moyo, Sibanda's descent into criminality began on 12 May 2025 when he visited a friend's home in Chinotimba. While they relaxed outside and listened to music on an Itel A70 smartphone, the friend stepped into the house briefly only to return and find both the phone and the police officer missing.When contacted, Sibanda initially claimed he would return the device, but soon after, he switched off his phone and disappeared. Investigations led to the recovery of the smartphone from one Nyasha Samsun, who told police he had bought the phone from Sibanda for an undisclosed amount. The phone, valued at US$270, was successfully recovered.Just two days later, on 14 May, Sibanda allegedly targeted another victim at Moringa Shopping Centre. This time, he posed as a customer before seizing the opportunity to snatch a Samsung Galaxy smartphone from a shop counter while the shopkeeper's back was turned. He fled the scene undetected.However, his luck ran out on 15 May when he was arrested on a separate theft allegation. During a search, officers discovered the stolen Samsung device in his possession. The phone, worth US$200, was also recovered, and the owner later confirmed ownership.The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with many expressing disbelief that a law enforcement officer would engage in petty theft. As Sibanda awaits sentencing, he now finds himself on the receiving end of the justice system he once served.From protector to perpetrator, Sibanda's case has raised concerns about discipline and accountability within the police force. A SEPTA bus collision in North Philadelphia early Sunday left three people injured, according to the transportation authority. Read more A SEPTA bus collision in North Philadelphia left three people injured, including two passengers and the bus operator, early Sunday morning, according to the transportation authority. At 4:50 a.m., a car made an illegal U-turn at the intersection of Broad Street and Susquehanna Avenue and struck a Northbound B1 Owl Bus en route to Fern Rock Transportation Center before fleeing the scene, said SEPTA spokesperson John Golden. There were approximately 25 to 30 passengers onboard. The three people sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to Temple University Hospital, Golden said. Philadelphia police are investigating the incident, and no arrests have been made, according to SEPTA. PPD said there was no information at this time. You gotta hand it to the University of Austin, the experimental and high-profile start-up college with a small campus in a former Texas department store but big ambitions for disrupting higher education in America. Backed by right-wing thought leaders like Bari Weiss and Niall Ferguson, and with a $200 million wad of cash from billionaires like Jeff Yass, the richest man in Pennsylvania, the tiny school known to boosters as UATX has never wavered from its core founding principle. Utter hypocrisy. Advertisement This proved a painful lesson for Ellie Avishai, a Harvard-trained educator who believed there was too much left-leaning groupthink around an Ivy League education these days. In cofounding the Mill Institute in 2022, Avishai said its goal was to promote free thought and open dialogue in classrooms. The institute partnered with UATX, and Avishai became an evangelist for the start-up school whose mission is declared on its website as the fearless pursuit of truth and freedom of inquiry. But then she learned that freedom of inquiry hits a brick wall when it even gently bumps against the rigid agenda of UATXs billionaire backers. Avishais heresy, as she revealed in a viral essay published this weekend? Shed written in an anodyne post sharing someone elses article on LinkedIn: We can have criticisms of DEI without wanting to tear down the whole concept of diversity and inclusion. But not at UATX, it seems. The school quickly ended its affiliation with the Mill Institute and deleted Avishai from its website. Avishai and a handful of colleagues who also bought into the schools opening blather about academic freedom are getting crushed by what she acknowledges in her piece is a dominant political agenda of attacking so-called woke doctrine, including diversity, and belittling elite traditional universities in its social media feed. The absurd contradiction of UATX peaked in a glowing tribute on TVs conservative Fox & Friends, which quoted its anti-woke founding professor, Michael Shellenberger, as praising the university as a sanctuary of truth-seeking and truth-telling, right before host Brian Kilmeade gushed, Protests are essentially not allowed. Indeed, the seeming naivete of Avishais essay prompted a lot of online mocking and references to the popular joke that President Donald Trumps backers voted for the Face-Eating Leopards Party, never expecting their own face would be eaten. But the story behind UATX, the billionaires and pseudo-intellectuals who back it, and its real, destructive mission highlights a crisis in todays America that is no laughing matter. UATXs Big Lie around free speech is essentially a propaganda op for a much bigger and even more insidious project: the destruction of the American university as a bastion of free speech, an educator of critically thinking citizens, and, when called for, a center of First Amendment-backed political dissent. The reality that this project is now backed by the president of the United States, his education secretary, the worlds richest people, and the far-right ideologues currently implementing the extremist Project 2025 is only the second-most alarming thing about it. No, the most alarming thing about the murder of college free speech is that theyre getting away with it. On campuses from bloodred Florida to ocean-blue California, this unpopular front of a hostile federal government, repressive state laws, politically charged donors and trustees, and cowardly administrators has terrified many students and professors away from truth-seeking and truth-telling, as controversial classes and seminars and sometimes people are canceled. Its happening at the public University of Florida, where a top religion professor recently wrote that administrators and faculty members alike practice anticipatory obedience to avoid even the appearance of wokeness, stifling the sort of open and civil discussions that lead students to develop their own views. But its also happening at the private New York University, where cowed administrators are withholding a diploma from a top student over his commencement address. His offense? Voicing support for the Palestinian cause and decrying the ongoing slaughter of civilians in Gaza. These statements drew thunderous applause from those in attendance, for which the school said it was deeply sorry that the audience was subjected to these remarks. Four professors at the University of California, Los Angeles wrote in an essay for the Nation that UCLA is now nearly unrecognizable as a university because of the massive police presence after last springs pro-Gaza encampment, which was attacked by vigilante Israel supporters and then city cops on successive nights. It has become a fortress, and in so doing, it has profoundly changed what it means to be faculty here, they wrote. Since January, its been hard to keep track of the all-out assault on the American university: The massive and often legally dubious funding cuts from the Trump regime to elite private campuses like Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and Brown delivered with suspect claims these schools had done too little against antisemitism or too much for transgender rights on top of the across-the-board slashing of scientific research. Red-state laws against teaching about race or LGBTQ topics. Craven school leaders passing strict rules limiting protests, so terrified of offending either regime officials or their own billionaire donors. And this was before federal U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents snatched and detained several students for leading protests or even writing innocuous op-eds about the carnage in Gaza. Youll be shocked (not really) to learn that this series of unfortunate events for U.S. academic freedom is no accident. In a major investigation, the New York Times detailed how the ultraconservative Heritage Foundation whose Project 2025 was a blueprint for the current gutting of the federal government is also behind a scheme called Project Esther that seeks to use a broad definition of antisemitism not only to crush protests but to cripple the might of U.S. universities. Project Esthers one weird trick is the outlandish suggestion that anyone voicing objections to the bombs that have killed more than 50,000 people, many of them women and children, in Gaza is thus a supporter of Hamas and aiding a banned terrorist group. Stefanie Fox, the executive director of Jewish Voice for Peace, told the Times that the Esther strategy is ripped from the authoritarian playbook and that its sharpening those tools for use against anyone and everyone who challenges his fascist agenda. Look, no one is disputing that protests have included isolated and ugly moments of actual antisemitism on campuses like Cornell and Columbia, where the individual perpetrators were IDd and rightfully punished. What Trump and the MAGA movement are doing is not only forging an overhyped case to shut down all dissent against human rights outrages in Gaza, where the populace is currently being starved to death, but to eliminate any hope that colleges might teach a generation of freethinkers to oppose dictatorship in America. READ MORE: 60 years after the day college students won free speech, their rights are vanishing | Will Bunch You dont need to be Sherlock Holmes to solve the mystery of who murdered free speech on college campuses, although you should invoke his famous dictum about the dog that didnt bark that being the mostly lack of any campus protests throughout 2024-25 despite a wave of repression and anti-academic retribution surpassing anything from the tumultuous 1960s. To steal a meme that was popular on social media earlier this year, the mass shooters mowing down Americas college classrooms are Trump, anti-learning governors like Floridas Ron DeSantis and Texas Greg Abbott, the Heritage Foundation and their fellow travelers like Weiss, and the billionaires backing their meme coin of a university down in Austin. But feckless college presidents, weak Democrats like New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, and false public intellectuals of a decadent center-left are the Uvalde, Texas, cops in this analogy, running away from the bloodshed they all swore to defend. David Klion published a story this weekend in the Nation that looked at the fifth anniversary of the so-called Harpers letter, in which a number of leading intellectuals, many of them seen as liberal, essentially charged that left-wing orthodoxy was the biggest threat to academic freedom. He noted that more than three-fourths of the signers have said nothing about the Trump regimes imprisonment of Columbia protest leader Mahmoud Khalil and other foreign-born student activists for their protected speech. Thats a level of hypocrisy that might earn you an A at UATX. This is whats been so infuriating about the discourse over academic freedom for the last several decades. Again, there have been excesses from the left shouting down speakers or stealing school newspapers that deserve condemnation, but the real threat to free speech has always been from a too powerful government and a hostile right-wing that has come to oppose the very idea of higher education. So now any effort to revive free speech at the academy is starting from a hole, six feet under. It can be saved, but it requires a lot of planning, much time and effort, and one thing in particular: courage. Just over 60 years ago, coming out of the similarly repressive McCarthy era, a formerly stuttering University of California, Berkeley undergrad named Mario Savio and his comrades in that schools Free Speech Movement showed such a level of bravery in winning the rights that students would later take for granted. But the green shoots of fearlessness reappeared this weekend, in a commencement ceremony at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. There, a heroic grad named Cecilia Culver not only called out atrocities in Gaza but harshly criticized the GWU administration for not disclosing its investments or negotiating with students, and misusing their skyrocketing tuition payments. Her closing words, that none of us are free until Palestine is free, were almost drowned out with cheers and applause. Its going to take hundreds and probably thousands of Culvers on campuses from coast to coast to channel the ghost of Savio and throw their bodies upon the gears of a repressive regime, knowing that the sanction might be not just a suspension or a canceled job interview thats bad enough but possibly a prison cell. Those of us in the outside world must support them. Because, to echo her address, if Americas young people are not free to speak their minds, then none of us are free. READ MORE: SIGN UP: The Will Bunch Newsletter Neighbors] survey the damage in Cinnaminson in 2023, where the weather service confirmed a tornado. At least one was verified in South Jersey Friday, and the weather service is looking at another site in Gloucester County. Read more The National Weather Service said Saturday it was investigating the possibility that a second tornado touched down in South Jersey during Fridays severe-storm outbreak. A survey team was examining storm damage at a site in the Franklintown, Gloucester County area, said Sarah Johnson, warning coordination meteorologist at the weather service office in Mount Holly. Advertisement A tornado did land in Collings Lakes in Atlantic County at 12:52 p.m. on Friday, a weather service team confirmed. The agency also verified a twister in Sussex County, Delaware, but no details were immediately available. The Atlantic County tornado was rated a minimal EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, derived from research by the late Theodore Fujita based on damage analyses. The weather service said its peak winds were 65 to 75 mph. It survived for only a minute, taking down large branches and tearing sheeting off a roof along its 25-yard path. No injuries were reported as a result of the tornado or the other storms, some of which generated flooding downpours. Who cares if winds blow straight or in circles? Determining whether winds spin or howl in a straight line is more than an exercise in satisfying curiosity, said Johnson. Tornado warnings usually are based on radar evidence, and its important to match that with ground truth. The weather service has to maintain a tornado database that is used by researchers and by insurers investigating claims. Verifications also are important for in-house scorekeeping, matching forecasts against what actually happened, she said. We have to reach certain goals. WASHINGTON Spencer Goidel, a 33-year-old federal worker in Boca Raton, Fla., 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. Advertisement His job, he said, was accommodating and enriching, and he wonders if hell ever get another one like that in the private sector. 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 said. 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. 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. 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? 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 masters 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. 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 its 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. Austria has won the Eurovision song contest after JJ triumphed in Basel with their song Wasted Love, an operatic ballad with soaring vocals that mutates into a club anthem for the finale. It is the third time the country has won, with JJ following in the footsteps of Udo Jurgens in 1965 and Conchita Wurst in 2014. Switzerland, which hosted the first ever Eurovision song contest in 1956, was the venue this year after Nemo won in Malmo last year with their song The Code. Austria will be expected to host in 2026, with Vienna having twice held the competition before. Viennese-born JJ has a range from counter tenor to soprano, and studies classical music. He co-wrote the winning song with Teodora Spiric and Thomas Turner. JJ has previously appeared under his given name Johannes Pietsch on The Voice UK. Israel finished second, with Estonia third and the pre-contest favourites from Sweden fourth. Yuval Raphael from Israel. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) It was another difficult night for the UK. In recent years, Sam Ryders Space Man has been the only song that has bucked the trend for poor results, finishing second in 2022. No other UK entry since 2012 has finished higher than 15th, and this years effort by Remember Monday continued that record. The girl bands song about the aftermath of a wild night out What The Hell Just Happened? was granted automatic entry to the final, as the UK is one of the largest net contributors to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) which organises the show. They finished 19th, having scored zero with the public vote. Remember Monday from the United Kingdom perform the song "What The Hell Just Happened" during the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel, Switzerland, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Over the course of the two semi-finals and final, guests on the show had included three-time Eurovision host Petra Mede and returning contestants, as well as a special video message from Celine Dion, who won the contest on behalf of Switzerland in 1988. Thirty-seven countries entered the contest, and 26 made it to the final. The semi-finals, held on Tuesday and Thursday, threw up some surprises. Australia, which has competed in Eurovision since 2015, surprisingly failed to qualify with Go-Jos innuendo-laden Milkshake Man. Celine Dion speaks during a pre-recorded video message during the dress rehearsal for the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel, Switzerland, Friday, May 16 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) There were still plenty of risque songs on offer, including Miriana Conte, who had to change the lyrics of her song Serving to remove a reference to the Maltese word for singing Kant due to the phrase Serving kant having an obvious resemblance to an English swear word. In Finlands entry, Ich Komme by Erika Vikman, her song repeatedly announced that she was coming, and she ended her performance hoisted up on a giant gold microphone spraying out fireworks. Erika Vikman from Finland performs the song "ICH KOMME" during the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel, Switzerland, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Other outlandish props including Italys Lucio Corsi with an outsized piano, Frances Louane gradually being doused with falling sand, and Estonias Tommy Cash wearing a post-it note with I love Eurovision on it on his suit pocket, while dancing outside a set called the Winners Cafe. He did not win. Israels continued participation in the contest again sparked protest, as it did last year, with about 200 people, many draped in Palestinian flags, joining a gathering in central Basel on Wednesday evening, and more protests on Saturday night. A Palestinian flag is held up in the audience as Yuval Raphael from Israel performs the song "New Day Will Rise" during the dress rehearsal for the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel, Switzerland, Friday, May 16 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Before the event, RTE had asked the EBU for talks after 72 former contestants called for a ban on Israel. Raphael, who is a survivor of attack on the Nova music festival by Hamas on 7 October 2023, had her dress rehearsal disrupted by protesters on Thursday. The EBU stopped Russia competing in Eurovision in 2022 after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which went on to win the competition that year. - The Guardian Cork City has secured a special EU designation that will help unlock vast European and State funding and private investment, for projects to accelerate its journey to climate neutral. Taoiseach Micheal Martin marked the formal awarding of the prestigious EU Mission Label to Cork by the European Commission at a special discussion event in SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Saturday, with input from the city council, the third-level sector, businesses, Irish Rail and Bus Eireann. David Joyce, the city councils director of services for emergency management and climate action, said the designation now provides the city with exciting opportunities to access funding through various EU and European Investment Bank funding streams. It is an endorsement of the approach we have taken, and we look forward to working with local, national, and international stakeholders and partners to deliver projects that would make a meaningful difference on our path towards making Cork City climate neutral, he said. Cork produces nearly one million tonnes of greenhouse gases annually, with UCC research for the city council, published in 2023, showing home energy usage and road transport emissions are responsible for two-thirds of the emissions. Households alone account for 34% of the total emissions, with road transport, especially cars, accounting for another 29%. The balance of emissions come from commercial and industrial buildings (22%), public services (7%), agriculture and fisheries (6%), and waste (2%). Climate neutral city by 2030 Around the same time, Cork was selected to take part in the EUs 100 Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission, with the participating cities striving to become climate neutral by 2030. Each had to bring stakeholders together and demonstrate a whole-of-city approach to tackling emissions. In Cork, the group includes representatives from the city council, Comhairle na nOg, MTU, UCC, Cork Business Association, Cork Chamber of Commerce, the HSE, the Construction Industry Federation, business group Ibec, Iarnrod Eireann, Bus Eireann, ESB Networks, An Garda Siochana, the Cork Public Participation Network, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, and the Cork ETB. The city also had to prepare a climate contract which went through a rigorous assessment before the Mission Label status could be formally awarded earlier this month. The European Commission said the designation for Cork is in recognition of the citys strong leadership and very ambitious climate action plans, which includes plans to try and achieve climate neutrality by 2030, with a target of at least 80% greenhouse gas emissions reduction over 2018 levels. Several major projects are already under way across the city in a bid to reach those targets, including: The retrofitting by the city council of more than 1,000 social homes; The construction of more than 70km of safe cycle routes and greenways around the city; Advancing plans for BusConnects Cork, which is set to increase bus services by 53% and electrify the bus fleet; Consultation of the emerging preferred route for the 17km Cork Luas; Expansion of the commuter rail network, and preparation for the electrification of the service; And the creation of a 860,000 fund to help Cork community organisations deliver climate action projects. Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Dan Boyle described the Mission Label as a powerful lever for change. This award is European recognition of our ambition to have a city with top-class public transport, a vibrant, greener city, with safe, new and attractive amenities, more energy-efficient buildings, and a city that is easier to get around on foot or by bike, he said. We have developed our approach to climate action in a holistic way to encourage innovation, new ways of working, new partnerships and new social and economic opportunities. A classic car is seen driving past Havana's Riviera Hotel last month. Data from Cuba's national statistical agency reveals double-digit, year-over-year declines in visits to Cuba by Canadians, across multiple months this year, including in January, February and March. (Adalberto Roque/AFP/Getty Images - image credit) Cuba saw a double-digit drop in the number of Canadians visiting the island nation this past winter, raising questions about what's behind the slide. Data from Cuba's national statistical agency reveals that the number of Canadians travelling there was at least 30 per cent below last year's numbers in January, February and March. Yet the downward shift goes beyond visitors from Canada, with Cuba also reporting a decreasing number of tourist visits from Russia, Spain and Italy, among other countries. The director of the Cuban Tourism Board in Toronto was out of the country this week and not available for comment. But the country's national tourism minister has recently hinted at the "complex" challenges Cuba is facing. ADVERTISEMENT Several domestic airlines and travel operators confirm they are seeing less travel to the Caribbean country that drew more than one million Canadian visitors annually in the years before the pandemic. "The reported decline in Canadian travel to Cuba aligns with feedback we're hearing from both customers and our travel experts," Amra Durakovic, head of communications for Flight Centre Canada, told CBC News via email. A hat seller pushes a cart full of merchandise in downtown Havana last December. Travel experts note that vacationers are paying attention to the very public problems Cuba has had with power outages and limited availability of essential goods and services. (Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters) Cuba watchers say the country's accumulating economic and social challenges on full display for tourists who venture away from resorts, and also in media reports may be contributing to the decline in tourism. "The reality is that the country has changed significantly for the worse since the early 1990s, when Canadians began visiting the island in large numbers," said Ricardo Torres Perez, a Cuban economist who pays close attention to the tourism statistics published by the state. ADVERTISEMENT Problems on display A prominent and recurring problem for Cuba has been its unreliable power grid and the effect that's having on the country and the lives of its people. A glimpse of a coffee being made by candlelight during a power outage in Havana in March. The disruptions are often blamed on Cuba's aging power generation system, which has been stressed by fuel shortages, natural disasters and economic crisis. (Norlys Perez/Reuters) For months, Cuba has seen repeated widespread power failures, including on back-to-back occasions last fall when the island was hit by successive hurricanes. There was also a major outage in December, and yet another in March. Andres Pertierra, a Cuba analyst who previously lived and studied in Havana, was in Cuba for two of those major outages last year. He recalls the pictures shown on the news of darkened streets, juxtaposed against images of the lights working at hotels. "How do you provide an image of a carefree lifestyle, a quick, fun trip, when you have that?" Pertierra asked. The Habana Libre Hotel with electricity is seen during a nationwide blackout caused by a grid failure in Havana last October. (Yamil Lage/AFP/Getty Images) Flight Centre's Durakovic says travellers are paying attention to the very public problems Cuba's been having, including the periodic power outages and limited availability of some essential goods and services, which he says "can understandably play a role in travel decisions." ADVERTISEMENT Since July 2023, Ottawa has warned Canadians to "exercise a high degree of caution" if travelling to Cuba. The full travel advisory points to shortages of food, medicine and fuel, as well as ongoing challenges with the power grid. LISTEN | Cuba, power outages and challenges for Havana: Torres Perez said these problems are tied to Cuba's ongoing economic crisis. "The crisis has affected the quality of services, the state of infrastructure and has led to frequent blackouts," he said, noting there are also issues around keeping cities clean with "solid waste accumulating in the streets." Both Torres Perez and Pertierra also say that amid these struggles, Cuba is seeing more problems with crime than it used to. ADVERTISEMENT "While one could argue that the island remains relatively safe compared to other Latin American countries, crime is on the rise including incidents of pickpocketing," said Torres Perez. 'I love the place' But the lure of Cuba's sunny weather and sandy beaches is strong, and for some Canadians, it's a place they'll continue to visit. A man lounges on a beach in Playa Larga, Cuba, in February 2023. Despite the problems faced by the island, many Canadian vacationers return again and again. (Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters) Quebec resident Michel Dubois last visited Cuba in December and says he'll be returning there twice this year. "I love the place, that's it," said Dubois, a retired TV cameraman and editor, who worked for both CBC and Radio-Canada during his career. "I love the people." Dubois says he's made friends after making repeat trips to Cuba, and helps supply them with hard-to-come by necessities, like flashlights, when he visits. Sharon Pedley, of Brampton, Ont., intends to do the same, when she returns to Cuba later this year. She and her husband will pack an extra suitcase full of necessities like over-the-counter medication to bring for Cuban friends they've met through their prior visits. "You'll find a lot of the tourists that I know of, they'll do the same," said Pedley. The support that Pedley, Dubois and other like-minded tourists provide in this manner may benefit individual Cubans, but these visitors also provide the country with a critical source of foreign currency. Pertierra, the Cuba analyst, notes that as tourism wanes, "that will mean less foreign currency," which is critical for the country to have in order to import needed goods and supplies. A turn to China? This past week, Reuters reported that Cuba is looking to China as a possible source of new tourists. Tourists walk past classic cars in downtown Havana, on Wednesday. With lower numbers of Canadians coming to Cuba, Reuters reports the country is turning to China to find new visitors. (Norlys Perez/Reuters) In March, the official Cuban Granma newspaper lauded the growing number of Chinese tourists heading to Cuba in recent years from more than 8,000 visitors in 2022, to a reported 26,760 in 2024. But those numbers are far lower than the more than 500,000 Canadians who travelled to Cuba in the first three months of 2025 and that's at a level 30 per cent below last year. Canadian travel providers point to continued interest from consumers, despite what the Cuban statistics suggest. "Although there has been a slight softening in bookings for the early part of 2025 compared to the previous year, we are also seeing signs of stabilization in the last month," Marie-Christine Pouliot, manager of public relations for Air Transat, said via email. Air Canada, meanwhile, told CBC News that "Cuba has been performing very steadily for us." Torres Perez says Canada has long been Cuba's single-largest tourism market. Asked how it could potentially act to drive up those numbers, he suggested efforts could be made to improve the quality of service and ensure the hospitality sector has the supplies it needs to serve visitors. Police and firefighters are investigating an explosion that damaged a fertility clinic in the tiny California city of Palm Springs. The incident is being investigated as a possible car explosion and at least one person is believed to be dead. Authorities have not disclosed a motive. The city of Palm Springs said on Saturday in a social media post that the explosion happened at 11am local time and that residents were being asked to avoid the area around North Indian Canyon Drive near East Tachevah Drive. Investigators from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on their way to the scene to help assess what happened. Firefighters attended the scene (Nima Tabrizi via AP) Dr Maher Abdallah, who runs the American Reproductive Centres fertility clinic, confirmed that his clinic was damaged. He told The Associated Press in a phone interview that all of his staff were safe and accounted for. The explosion damaged the practices office space, where it conducts consultations with patients, but left the IVF lab and all of the stored embryos there unharmed. I really have no clue what happened, Dr Abdallah said. Thank God today happened to be a day that we have no patients. Nima Tabrizi, 37, of Santa Monica, said he was inside a cannabis dispensary nearby when he felt a massive explosion. The building just shook, and we go outside and theres massive cloud smoke, Mr Tabrizi said. Crazy explosion. It felt like a bomb went off. We went up to the scene, and we saw human remains. Aerial footage showed a burned-out car in a car park behind the building that housed the fertility clinics office space. Rhino Williams, 47, was chatting with customers at a restaurant he helps manage inside the Skylark Hotel just over a block away from the scene when he heard a huge boom. He said everything rattled and he sprinted to the scene to see if anyone was in need of help, thinking a helicopter might have crashed. He saw a large dark grey plume of smoke and covered his nose with his shirt as he smelled burning plastic and rubber. He said he saw a building had blown out into the street, with bricks and debris scattered everywhere, and spotted a cars front axle on fire in the buildings car park. Palm Springs is a tiny community in the desert about a two-hour drive east of Los Angeles. It is known for upscale resorts and a history of celebrity residents. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, vowed on Sunday to work for unity so that the Catholic Church becomes a sign of peace in the world. He offered a message of love and communion during an inaugural Mass in St Peters Square before tens of thousands of people, presidents, patriarchs and princes. Leo officially opened his pontificate by taking his first popemobile tour through the piazza, a rite of passage that has become synonymous with the papacys global reach and mediatic draw. The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary smiled and waved from the back of the vehicle, but did not appear to stop to kiss babies and the crowd. Pope Leo XIV celebrates a Mass for the formal inauguration of his pontificate (Stefano Costantino/AP) During the Mass, Leo appeared to choke up when the two potent symbols of the papacy were placed on him the pallium wool stole over his shoulders and the fishermans ring on his finger as if the weight of responsibility of leading the 1.4-billion strong church had just sunk in. He turned his hand to look at the ring and seal and then clasped his hands in front of him in prayer. Security was tight as civil protection crews in neon uniforms funnelled pilgrims into quadrants in the piazza and up and down the boulevard that leads to it for the ceremony blending ancient ritual, evocative symbols and a dose of modern-day celebrity. US vice president JD Vance, one of the last foreign officials to see Pope Francis before he died, led the US delegation honouring the Chicago-born Leo after paying his respects at the Argentine popes tomb when he arrived in Rome late on Saturday. In his homily, Leo said he wanted to be a servant to the faithful through the two dimensions of the papacy, love and unity, so that the church could be a force for peace in the world. I would like that our first great desire be for a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world, he said. Pope Leo XIV toured St Peters Square (Jacquelyn Martin, Pool/AP) In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earths resources and marginalises the poorest. His call for unity was significant, given the polarisation in the Catholic Church in the United States and beyond. Francis radical 12-year pontificate, which emphasised care for the poor and marginalised and disdain for the capitalist economic system, often alienated conservatives and traditionalists. Leos May 8 election, after a remarkably quick 24-hour conclave, has appeared at the outset to have pleased conservative Catholics who seem to appreciate his more disciplined, traditional style and Augustinian background, emphasizing core truths of Catholic doctrine. Strict diplomatic protocol dictated the seating arrangements at his inaugural Mass, with both the United States and Peru getting front-row seats thanks to Leos dual citizenship. Mr Vance, a Catholic convert who tangled with Francis over the Trump administrations mass migrant deportation plans, was being joined by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who arrived in Rome ahead of time to try to advance Russia-Ukraine peace talks. Thousands flocked to St Peters Square (Jacquelyn Martin, Pool/AP) Peruvian President Dina Boluarte is one of about a dozen heads of state attending, as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Russia is being represented by the culture minister, Olga Liubimova. Diplomatic protocol also dictated the dress code. While most wore black, the handful of Catholic queens and princesses Charlene of Monaco and Letizia of Spain among others wore white in a special privilege allowed them. Three dozen of the worlds other Christian churches sent their own delegations, the Jewish community had a 13-member delegation, half of them rabbis. Other representatives headed Buddhist, Muslim, Zoroastrian, Hindu, Sikh and Jain delegations. US seminarian Ethan Menning, 21, from Omaha, Nebraska, wrapped himself in an American flag to celebrate. Rome always felt like home for a Catholic, but now coming here and seeing one of our own on the throne of Peter,.. it almost makes Jesus himself more accessible, he said. Ethan Menning, 21, from Nebraska in the US, wrapped in a US flag (Andrew Medichini/AP) Kalen Hill, a pilgrim from the US, got to St. Peters soon after the gates opened at dawn on Sunday and said he never expected an American would lead the 1.4-billion strong church. I would say all the Americans are emotional about it, he said. It is really powerful for American Catholics who sometimes feel separated from the world church to be brought in and included in this community through Pope Leo. The two symbols of the papacy handed to Leo were the pallium, and the fishermans ring. The pallium, draped across his shoulders, symbolises the pastor carrying his flock as the pope carries the faithful. The ring, which becomes Leos official seal, harks back to Jesus call to the apostle Peter to cast his fishing nets. The other symbolically important moment of the Mass was the representational rite of obedience to Leo. Pope Leo XIV blesses a child as he tours St Peters Square (Andrew Medichini/AP) Whereas in the past all cardinals would vow obedience to the new pope, more recent papal installations involve representatives of cardinals, bishops, priests, deacons, nuns, married couples and young people participating in the rite. In the days since his historic election, Leo has already sketched out some of his key priorities as pope. In his first foreign policy address, he said the Holy Sees three pillars of diplomacy were peace, justice and truth. In his first major economics address, he emphasised the Catholic Churchs social doctrine and the search for truth. After the homily and at the end of the Mass, Leo offers a final blessing and then goes into the basilica to greet the heads of the more than 150 official delegations attending. Security was tight, as it was for Francis funeral on April 26, which drew an estimated 250,000 people. Perus President Dina Boluarte and US vice president JD Vance and his wife Usha attended the inauguration (Alessandra Tarantino/AP) Rome authorities are planning for another 250,000 on Sunday. The piazza and main boulevard leading to it, and two nearby piazzas were set up with giant television screens, and dozens of portable toilets have been erected in a nearby park. Gregory and Susan Hudak, who lived for 40 years in the Chicago area, found themselves in Rome after booking a trip in February, with just a faint hope of perhaps glimpsing the pope. Seeing the popemobile pass by in front of them was even better than watching Michael Jordan play, said Gary Hudak, a former altar boy wearing a Chicago Bears hat. Originally, the only hope I had coming here was to see the inside of the Sistine Chapel, he said. I was glad the conclave was over, because I could get to see the inside of the Sistine Chapel. Seeing the pope was not scheduled, it was a long shot hope. And this was a treasure, simple as that. US transportation officials have launched an investigation into why a Mexican navy tall ship hit the Brooklyn Bridge in a collision that snapped the vessels three masts, killed two crew members and left some sailors dangling from harnesses high in the air. The ship, called the Cuauhtemoc, was visiting New York on a global goodwill tour when the accident occurred on Saturday evening. The vessel could be seen in multiple videos travelling swiftly in reverse toward the bridge near the Brooklyn side of the East River. Then its three masts struck the bridge and snapped, one by one, as the ship kept moving. The Cuauhtemoc sits docked on Sunday after the deadly collision (Yuki Iwamura/AP) It was unclear what caused the ship to veer off course. The National Transportation Safety Board announced that it was sending a team to investigate. Investigators were expected to arrive Sunday afternoon. New York City mayor Eric Adams said the 142-year-old bridge escaped major damage, but at least 19 people aboard the ship needed medical treatment. Two of the four people who suffered serious injuries later died, Mr Adams announced on social media. Videos showed heavy traffic on the span at the time of the 8.20pm collision. No one on the bridge was hurt. The vessel, which was flying a giant Mexican flag and had 277 people aboard, then drifted into a pier on the riverbank as onlookers scrambled away. Sailors could be seen aloft in the rigging on the damaged masts but, remarkably, no one fell into the water, officials said. The Mexican navy said in a post on the social platform X that the Cuauhtemoc was a training vessel. It said a total of 22 people were injured. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum lamented the loss of the two crew members. Our solidarity and support go out to their families, Ms Sheinbaum said on X. Traffic was halted on the bridge after the collision but was allowed to resume after an inspection, city officials said. As 4,655 soon-to-be graduates sat on the University of Virginia Lawn Saturday thinking of their futures, they were asked to consider the past. UVa English professor Michael Suarez delivered an impassioned keynote address Saturday hearkening to the universitys founding 206 years ago and its place in the future of an American republic on the precipice of its 250th birthday next year. UVa was founded on the aspiration that its mission of scholarship and teaching could powerfully support and sustain our American experiment, said Suarez, who is also director of the UVa Rare Book School and a Jesuit priest. Freedom is the great purpose of the liberal education. He echoed an oft-quoted excerpt from an 1820 letter from university founder Thomas Jefferson to English historian William Roscoe. Describing his still-under-construction Academical Village in Charlottesville, Jefferson wrote, For here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to combat it. The words were later chiseled over a doorway in the universitys New Cabell Hall. Our ability to pursue the truth and communicate it freely is a national asset, said Suarez. The American university must compromise neither its moral provision nor its vision. Suarezs words come at a time when many in American academia feel as though they have been asked to compromise their values. On Jan. 20, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled, Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing, directing colleges across the country to eliminate their diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, practices and programs or risk federal funding. The lions share, including UVa, have said they are complying. But others have not. Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, saying the White House was attempting to exert unprecedented and improper control over the University, including its governance, hiring and admissions. In response, the White House has frozen more than $2 billion in federal funding earmarked for Harvard. UVa says it is working to comply with the Trump directive, but the U.S. Department of Justice says that work isnt being done swiftly enough. The DOJ told the university in a letter last month that it has until the end of May to provide evidence that DEI has been eradicated from Grounds. Compliance does not guaranteed a univeristys financial security, however. The Trump administration has already pulled more than $60 million in researching funding and terminated nearly 40 grants at UVa. While UVa is working to comply with the executive order that Harvard is fighting, the leaders of both universities have signed a statement circulated by the American Association of Colleges and Universities calling the federal governments actions an unprecedented government overreach and political interference. We are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight, the statement reads. However, we must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses. Suarez highlighted the pressure university administrators are under today, while also poking a little fun at UVa President Jim Ryan. Ryan, he said, must not have been paying attention when former MLB Commissioner and Yale University President Bart Giamatti said that being a college president is no way for an adult to make a living. Yale, which Suarez referred to as a school in Connecticut, was Ryans alma mater and he attended while Giamatti was president. Ryan, who has served as UVa president since 2018, has come under fire in recent years, not only for his handling of Trumps DEI directive but also an on-Grounds shooting in 2022, which left three students dead; a series of pro-Palestine protests in May of 2024, which ended in state troopers arresting student demonstrators; an uptick in reported antisemitic attacks at the university, which has prompted a lawsuit and criminal investigation; and allegations of criminal and unethical behavior within the university health system, which led to the resignation of UVa Health CEO Dr. Craig Kent in March. On Thursday, the Jefferson Council, a conservative alumni group with close ties to university and state officials, launched a website, resetuva.com, calling on UVas governing Board of Visitors to replace Ryan as president. The damage to UVAs values and traditions is not theoretical it is palpable and measurable, and is the result of leadership that has failed the entire University community, Jefferson Council President Joel Gardner said in a statement announcing the launch of the campaign. Suarezs message to students Saturday was one of community, not contention. He urged students to remember all those who helped them along their way to Final Exercises: the high school teacher who made a subject come alive for the first time; the mentor who believed in you; the mom or dad who sacrificed more than you might even know. Please never fail to remember how you came to this day, he exhorted. No one walks the Lawn alone. Keeping the atmosphere light, Suarez added, I think it was Voltaire who said that no student was ever sufficiently grateful to his teachers. If you happened to be in my class, now is the time for you to know that I wear a 16/34 shirt and I drink single malt whiskey. Clarification This story has been corrected to say 4,655 students received baccalaureate degrees during Saturday's Final Exercises ceremony. Ceasefire Negotiations in Gaza Reignite Amidst Israeli Strikes That Claim Hundreds of Lives in Just 72 Hours Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have resumed in Qatar, both parties reported, amid an escalation of Israeli bombing campaigns that have resulted in hundreds of fatalities over the past 72 hours, in preparation for a significant ground offensive. Palestinian health officials stated that at least 146 individuals have been confirmed dead on the third day of Israels ongoing bombing campaign, marking one of the deadliest series of attacks since a ceasefire broke down in March. Many more wounded individuals are being treated in hospitals, with numerous others still trapped beneath debris. Israel has indicated its intention to expand its ground presence in Gaza through a new initiative referred to as Operation Gideons Chariots, which follows US President Donald Trumps recent visit to the region. Taher Al-Nono, a media advisor for Hamas leadership, informed Reuters that a new round of indirect discussions with the Israeli delegation in Doha commenced on Saturday, covering all topics without pre-conditions. Israel claims it is preparing to capture more territory in Gaza. The Hamas delegation presented the groups stance and emphasized the urgency to end the conflict, exchange prisoners, withdraw Israeli forces from Gaza, and allow humanitarian assistance and necessities for the people of Gaza to enter the region, he added. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also expressed in a statement that negotiations regarding a deal to release Israeli hostages held by Hamas have resumed in Doha, without Israel agreeing to a ceasefire or lifting its blockade beforehand. The Israeli military stated that it is conducting extensive airstrikes and mobilizing troops to achieve operational control over certain areas of Gaza. Health authorities in Gaza reported that most casualties today were found in towns located at the northern edge of the enclave, including Beit Lahiya and the Jabalia refugee camp, as well as in the southern city of Khan Younis. They noted that 459 individuals had been injured. Israeli forces had previously advised residents to evacuate northern regions. Northern Gaza is undergoing a systematic extermination campaign, Hamas stated, urging Arab leaders at a summit in Baghdad to take decisive action to halt the aggression and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid. Read more: Pro-Palestinian protesters demand immediate ceasefire; Palestinians in Gaza face forced starvation, says President Since March, discussions have failed to reinstate a truce under which Hamas would release the remaining hostages taken during the October 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the current war. Hamas has maintained that it will not release the hostages unless Israel ends its military operations, while Israel insists it will continue its campaign until Hamas is dismantled. At the Arab League summit, Egypts President Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi, whose country mediates peace talks alongside Qatar, remarked that Israels actions aimed to obliterate and annihilate Palestinians and terminate their existence in the Gaza Strip. United Nations experts have warned that famine is imminent in Gaza, more than two months after Israel suspended all supply deliveries. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher recently called on the Security Council to intervene to prevent genocide. Israel attributes civilian suffering to Hamas for operating among civilians and diverting aid, a claim Hamas denies. Israel asserts that there was sufficient food provided to Gaza during the six-week ceasefire earlier this year to stave off immediate hunger. Thick smoke rises over devastated buildings in Gaza following Israeli airstrikes. Yesterday, Mr. Trump acknowledged the worsening hunger crisis in Gaza and the pressing need for aid deliveries. A US-backed initiative plans to begin distributing aid to Gazans by the end of May using private US security and logistics firms. The UN has announced it will not collaborate with this group due to concerns about impartiality, neutrality, and independence. The health infrastructure in Gaza is barely functional, with hospitals repeatedly targeted by the Israeli military throughout the 19-month conflict, leading to critical shortages of medical supplies. The head of the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, Marwan Al-Sultan, reported an influx of severely injured patients from the latest bombardment. He stated, Since midnight, we have received 58 martyrs, while many victims remain trapped under the rubble. The situation inside the hospital is dire, he conveyed on X. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on 5 May that Israel is gearing up for an intensified offensive against Hamas, with plans from his security cabinet that could involve seizing control of all of Gaza and aid distribution. French President Emmanuel Macron remarked last night that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is unacceptable, expressing hope to discuss the matter soon with both Mr. Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump. His comments coincided with Taoiseach Micheal Martin joining six other European leaders in denouncing what they termed as the man-made humanitarian catastrophe unfolding before our eyes in Gaza. Voters in Poland are participating in a closely contested presidential election that could significantly impact the future of the centrist government, as well as abortion and LGBTQ rights. Pro-EU Warsaw mayor Rafal Trzaskowski is projected to receive 30% of the vote, while nationalist historian Karol Nawrocki is expected to garner 25%, based on recent opinion polls. This result would lead both candidates to a runoff on June 1, amid heightened tensions in Europe due to Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the rise of far-right populism, and strained relations with Washington. Out of a total of 13 candidates, final results are anticipated tomorrow. The electoral campaign in this EU and NATO member has primarily centered on foreign policy, revealing a conflict of ideologies regarding Polands ties with the EU and the United States. However, social issues have also been a significant focus. The expectation is for Mr. Trzaskowski to secure 30% of the vote, according to opinion polls. Mr. Trzaskowski, age 53, has committed to championing abortion and LGBTQ rights. On the other hand, the Law and Justice party (PiS), which supports Mr. Nawrocki, has often clashed with Polands Western allies and EU institutions in Brussels over rule-of-law issues. The party lost power in 2023. Mr. Nawrocki, 42, is a supporter of Donald Trump and mentioned that the US president told him, You will win, during their recent meeting at the White House. A crucial factor in the election may be whether supporters of Slawomir Mentzen, a far-right candidate currently polling third with around 12%, choose to vote for Mr. Nawrocki in the second round. Mr. Mentzen holds a Eurosceptic libertarian stance and is vehemently opposed to abortion and immigration. He has accused Polands one million Ukrainian refugees of exploiting the country. The ruling coalition is optimistic that a win for Mr. Trzaskowski would allow it to fulfill previously unfulfilled campaign promises. Karol Nawrocki has expressed admiration for US President Donald Trump. Mr. Tusks administration has faced hurdles in relaxing Polands restrictive abortion laws and implementing other reforms, largely due to the presidents veto powers, much to the dismay of some voters. The president of Poland serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, guides foreign policy, and has the authority to introduce and veto laws. According to political scientist Anna Materska-Sosnowska, With Nawrocki as president, the government would be paralyzed, possibly leading to the collapse of the ruling coalition. She also noted that his victory could signal the resurgence of populists with renewed strength in the next general election. The stakes are considerable for Europe. Under Mr. Tusk, Poland has gained increased significance on the continent, solidifying its role as a critical voice on NATOs eastern front against Russian aggression. Ms. Materska-Sosnowska emphasized that this election is vital for efforts to halt the anti-democratic, populist trends sweeping across Europe. Juan Cole Interviewed by Francesca Fiorentini: The Bitchuation Room (with Francesca Fiorentini): How To Lose a Country In 100 Days with Josh Gondelman & Juan Cole (Ep 278) Please enable JavaScript play-sharp-fill Embed Copy and paste this HTML code into your webpage to embed. How To Lose a Country In 100 Days with Josh Gondelman & Juan Cole (Ep 278) Follow Francescas YouTube channel at the link above and sign up for her Patreon here . I fed the computer-generated transcript through ChatGPT to clean it up. AI isnt perfect, so caveat emptor: Host (Francesca Fiorentini): Weve got another amazing guest for you the editor-in-chief of Informed Comment, which publishes deep geopolitical analysis thats also accessible to a general audience. I can attest to that as a general audience member. Hes also a professor of history at the University of Michigan and the author of several books. Please welcome Juan Cole. Juan Cole: Hi Francesca. Francesca: Hey, welcome Juan. You know, I wasnt going to ask you this question, but Im going to now, given that youre at the University of Michigan I had forgotten. The kinds of aggression weve seen toward students speaking out for Palestine Palestinian students, and others having their doors broken down, targeted for participating in encampments and demonstrations From your vantage point as faculty, just tell me what the vibe has been like on campus and how this has impacted your students? Juan Cole: Its not entirely clear to me exactly who was targeted. They dont and rightly so give out the names. So nobody in my immediate circles has been affected, to my knowledge. Not all of the demonstrators responsible for occupying the administrative building, for instance, in the fall after the war began, were necessarily students or still are. But obviously, breaking down peoples doors and terrorizing or brutalizing them in this way is deeply upsetting. The big issue is that we have an internal way of handling things at the University of Michigan. There were 11 students who occupied the administrative building. That building has been occupied over and over through the decades. I myself was at Northwestern during the Vietnam War and could easily be given a life sentence for what I did back then, protesting that war. So, these 11 students were given an internal disciplinary hearing, and the universitys disciplinary body decided there was no case against them. They were let go. Then the regents took the case to the county prosecutor, who also refused to prosecute. After that, the regents reached out to the state attorney general and had the state bring charges. In Michigan, there are no misdemeanor trespassing charges. Its a felony. So these 11 young people could end up being tried and convicted of a felony which would ruin their lives for protesting a genocide. Its really quite shameful. The attorney general has made remarks showing shes not objective about this case. In fact, theres now a move to try to have her removed from the case. Even her own lawyers admitted in a different case that shes not objective on this issue. The entire situation reflects very badly on the University of Michigan, on the regents, and on the state government and mostly, the bad actors have been Democrats. [Update: The state attorney general has now by mid-May 2025 dropped the charges against the students, partially on the grounds that she was not seen as impartial.] Francesca: Thats really important to underscore. Youre right that we havent confirmed if any of those 11 students were involved in the door-breaking incidents. But, as you said, occupying buildings has been done generation after generation. In my case, it was the Iraq War. In your case, the Vietnam War. The idea that now these cases are being elevated to the state level that theyd press felony charges is wild. And terrifying. Imagine being 17 or 18 years old. And the fact that its being done by so-called liberal institutions and Democrats its really ominous, Juan. It says a lot about the trust young people will have in the Democratic Party going forward, and in the institutions we should be supporting, especially now that theyre under attack by authoritarians. Instead, these institutions are focused on prosecuting their own. We cant pull together. Juan Cole: Amen. Francesca: Let me pivot now. I want to get your thoughts on everything else happening in the world. Before we talk about Gaza and Israel, give me your take on the new neocolonial efforts from the Trump camp like randomly trying to annex territory: Canada as the 51st state, taking over the Panama Canal again, Greenland for fresh water, or whatever even inventing a new colony called PRAIS, or whatever it is. Whats your read on how this shapes U.S. global influence and how other countries are responding? Juan Cole: Its alarming everyone. Theres a big debate in political science about whether countries can really be friends. At what level does that mean anything? Arent they always acting in their own national interest? Friendly relations mean you have a common objective for a time. Harry Truman once said, If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog. Realists might argue that Trump isnt acting differently from any other U.S. president. Bush woke up one day and decided he wanted Iraq and he took it. I thought it was a bad idea. But the rest of the world largely said welcome to it. There were polite objections from Beijing, Moscow, and Paris. In many ways, Trumps behavior isnt so different from Bushs or from U.S. support for Israel in occupying 5 million Palestinians and keeping them stateless. Regardless of the State Departments mythical two-state solution talking points, the U.S. is all-in on the occupation. Now its openly U.S. policy articulated by Trump to expel Palestinians from their homeland. Ethnic cleansing. Saying it out loud is new, but the policy was already there under Biden. Yes, Trumps open talk of taking Greenland and Canada is unusual. But the U.S. has long been an imperial power. It grabbed the Philippines, Iraq, tried to take Vietnam. And it always had a cover story international communism, terrorism, etc. Remember, Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11, but the Bush administration kept implying Saddam and bin Laden were somehow linked. Its not new. Francesca: Yeah, absolutely. But what is new is that these are supposed to be allies. Canada, for example, is part of the coalition of the willing when we want to invade brown countries. JD Vance hates Europe. We dont have to dissect NATO now, but this changes the global balance for better and worse. Trump is hastening the demise of the American empire by undermining the alliances that once propped it up. Ironically, hes obsessed with American exceptionalism but his actions are accelerating decline. George W. Bush arguably did the same with Iraq and Afghanistan. Lets shift to Yemen. Reports now say that the U.S., according to the Houthis, bombed a prison and killed 68 people mostly African migrants and wounded 47. On April 18, another 74 people were killed at a fuel port, with 171 wounded. This was the deadliest attack of the campaign so far. Also, Hegseth leaked war plans on Signal which is terrifying. But the bigger issue is the civilians being killed. Whats your read on whats happening in Yemen? Juan Cole: Francesca, anytime one country is bombing another without committing ground troops, its all for show. Not a serious military effort. I remember the U.S. carpet bombing Vietnam. It didnt help win the war. Yemen has been bombed since 2015, when the Houthis Helpers of God came to power in the north. Saudi Arabia and the UAE formed a coalition to push them out. They succeeded in the south, in Aden, but never in the north, where the Zaydi Shia (to which the Houthis belong) are strong. Not all Zaydis are Houthis. The Houthis are a movement within them, and they have Sunni tribal allies. They likely rule 80% of the population. The Saudis never wanted to put boots on the ground. Yemen is rugged Ive been there not a place for tanks. So they just bombed for seven years, then made a truce when it didnt work. Now Trump wants to rerun the movie. Unless someones willing to fight on the ground, bombing wont change much except that it constitutes war crimes against civilians. Francesca: The idea that they didnt know they were bombing a prison is just ridiculous. Its either incompetence or indifference. These people mostly migrants were helpless. And the Houthis are targeting Red Sea shipping in protest of the U.S.-backed genocide in Gaza. They havent been dropping bombs from the sky. Their focus has been on disrupting commerce, not mass killing. Juan Cole: Actually, we should acknowledge that Houthi actions in the Red Sea have endangered sailors merchant and military. Theyve also bombed Israel. The drones and missiles they use are inaccurate. I believe its always a war crime to launch such unguided munitions. Israeli civilians have been injured. The Houthis are militant. From their point of view, theyre standing against genocide in Gaza. But most ships they hit arent Israeli. They claim they are, but its propaganda. Theyve targeted Eilat, but not military infrastructure. In my view, theyve acted irresponsibly. Declaring them terrorists as Trump did created big problems. Biden initially reversed that, but they remain under terrorism-related sanctions. If I were an aid group trying to bring food to Sanaa, Id have to deal with the Houthis. But if theyre labeled terrorists, Im guilty of material support. So aid groups wont operate there. That designation, plus bombings of fuel infrastructure, has devastated civilians. In Yemens terrain, people need fuel to get to markets. Without it, they rely only on subsistence farming. And the country was already impoverished. [ Update: Trump abruptly announced in early May that he would cease bombing Yemen. The campaign was revealed to have cost $1 billion, with nothing to show for it.] Francesca: We saw mass starvation under U.S.-Saudi attacks. Bernie Sanders and Rand Paul tried to block arms sales to the Saudis during that time. Also, Biden bombed the Houthis this isnt just a Trump issue. And now we have that Israeli Channel 13 documentary, translated by Drop Site News, where Biden officials admitted they never pressured Netanyahu for a ceasefire. People like Jake Sullivan and Tom Nides defended unwavering support. One aide even described it as killing for the sake of killing. Whats your reaction to that? Juan Cole: It was obvious. Anyone with eyes could see they werent pushing for a ceasefire. The U.S. is still a superpower. Biden just needed to pick up the phone and tell Netanyahu to stop. Early on, Israel ran out of ammunition. The U.S. resupplied them in real time daily to continue the assault on Gaza. and the UN has looked into some of those one-ton bombs that were dropped on apartment complexes where people were living. And the UN said it couldnt find any evidence of there being a military installation or facility anywhere in that neighborhood. They just dropped bombs on civilian apartment buildings. And maybe, you know, there was a Hamas guy in there someplace, but they seem willing to kill 20 people to get one. That is a war crime. This is one of the worst atrocities weve seen in the 21st century - by the metric of civilians killed per combatant. You know, the Israelis put out these figures: Oh well, 13,000 of the people killed were actually militants. And so they argue the ratio of militants to civilians is only 1:2, which they claim is common in military affairs. You hear this all the time from supporters of Israel - that this is not out of the ordinary. Well, first of all, the Israelis dont actually know how many militants theyve killed. Francesca: Theyve said as much. Theyve been asked point blank and admitted they dont know. Juan Cole: So you cant make a ratio out of that. And then theres the issue of how you count militants. Hamas was a political party - a civilian party with a paramilitary wing. The civilian party ran Gaza, a territory of 2.2 million people. So obviously, there were many Hamas members. But the number of people in the Qassam Brigades, the paramilitary wing? Thats maybe 30,000. Is it a legitimate military goal to kill every single one of them? The October 7th atrocity that Hamas carried out - we have to condemn it. It was a horrific act. But it appears to have been planned by just a few top commanders. Its not even clear the civilian wing of the party knew it was coming. The CIA has even said they dont believe Hamas told the Iranians about it in advance. So among those 30,000 fighters, how many even knew it was coming? And even if theyre in the Qassam Brigades, which functioned partly as Gazas self-defense force, is it justified to kill them all? And the way the Israelis are killing them is to follow them home with drones at night - and kill them, along with their families, their children, their neighbors, anyone visiting. And they justify it with a ratio: Its okay to kill 15 to 20 civilians for every Hamas member killed. Francesca: If its a high-ranking official, that number goes up - 60 to 100 civilians is considered acceptable. And this is the thing about all of this, Juan. The reason I find the Hasbara line so hard to take seriously is because we see the IDF not distinguishing at all between militants and civiliansor between Hamass political and military wings. Whether its their ministers, their propagandists online, their tweets - they lump everyone together. It doesnt matter if youre a four-month-old baby or Mr. Hamas himselfthey make no distinction. So how is the rest of the world even supposed to react? We hear how their extremists speak. We know that, as Trump put it, they want to create a Riviera of the Middle East. Ethnic cleansing is the goal, and they havent been shy about it. Its devastating to know now that no ceasefire was ever being seriously pursued. And to bring it back to the earlier point, this is devastating for the Democratic Party. It says so much about who gets elevated in these mattersespecially considering how much influence the Israeli lobby has through money. Theyve infiltrated our primary and general elections, mostly funneling money to Republicans, but also thwarting progressive Democratsregardless of whether those candidates even have positions on Palestine. So its just like, yeah - we knew it. We saw the smoke. Now the hood is lifted and its all confirmed. Everything we suspected was true. Youve got Ilhan Omar out here saying, We all knew this was a lie. And I love it. Meanwhile, people are reaming AOC because she once said at the DNC that Kamala Harris was working tirelessly for a ceasefire. But I think the truth is Kamala Harris was kept as far away from all this as possible. Juan Cole: The vice president doesnt actually have any power. Its not like she could just volunteer to take over Gaza policy. She was kept away from it - by Biden, Blinken, and others. I suspect, given her background, that she wasnt happy about the Gaza situation. But she didnt have a say - and wouldnt have been allowed to anyway. What I want to emphasize is that people have every right to support Israel. Its a UN-recognized country. Its a sovereign state. The problem is, Israel doesnt like to adhere to international law - even though its a UN member. Now, this is the U.S.- weve got ethnic lobbies here. The Armenians, for instance, want recognition and reparations for the Armenian genocideand thats fair. So having ethnic lobbies is part of American politics. Whats wrong is that Netanyahu, who had been ousted and was under corruption charges, got back into power by aligning with the Israeli equivalent of neo-Nazis. These people were a red line. They had been convicted of racial incitement and violence. They openly believe in ethnic cleansing. And the Religious Zionism and Jewish Power parties - theyre one of the main reasons the war is still going. They want all Gazans either dead or expelled. Theyve told Netanyahu theyll collapse the government if he doesnt deliver. That any Jewish American organization - AIPAC or otherwise -could support that is whats truly dismaying. Its not just that theyre pro-Israel or support Jewish sovereignty. Its that theyre backing the most despicable criminals - people whose values echo those that led to the Holocaust. And then they have the nerve to tell us we cant criticize them? Francesca: One hundred percent. Youre absolutely right. Theres so much more we could say. But I want to end by pivoting quickly to Iran. For those who dont know: Iran and the U.S. are reportedly talking again. Oman is helping coordinate. Theres even talk of possibly re-entering the Iran deal - the one from Obamas time that essentially neutralized Irans nuclear weapons program. It was a crowning achievement - no thanks to Hillary Clinton, by the way. I still resent her tenure at State. But I want your sense of this, Juan. Im worried. I dont trust the U.S. to negotiate in good faith. I think their allegiance to Netanyahu is too deep. Hell never allow another deal with Iran. They freaked out last time. So whats your read? Is there a chance to prevent a hot war or Yemen-style attacks on Iran? Juan Cole: Well, Francesca, maybe Im a bit outside the mainstream on this, but I dont believe Iran has, or ever had, a nuclear weapons program. Thats the view of most major U.S. intelligence agencies too. Theyve never made the decision to weaponize their nuclear program. What they do have is a civilian enrichment program. You need uranium enriched to about 3.5% to run a reactor - and the Russians built one for them at Bushehr. Whats suspicious is that theyve enriched more uranium than they need and at higher levels than a civilian reactor requires. If you enrich to 95% or more, then yes - youre close to having weapons-grade material. But its unclear if theyre there technologically. Its worrying that theyve recently enriched to 60%. Thats why Obamas deal was so crucial. It limited centrifuges, capped enrichment, and removed excess uraniumsome of which was shipped to Russia or rendered unusable. Trump ripped up the deal - not because it failed to address nuclear issues, but because it didnt address Irans regional influence in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. The Trump camp wanted Iran to not just scale back enrichment, but to withdraw from those geopolitical arenas entirely. Now, though, there might be an opportunity. Irans influence in Syria is diminished. Iraq is a mixed bag. Yemen isnt as pivotal. And honestly, if Trump could put his name on a new dealIve always thought that if Iran just said, Yes Mr. President, well call it the Trump Peace of 2025, he might go for it. Hes such a narcissist. That might work. But who knows? Hes erratic. We could just as easily end up with war. Francesca: I love it. And if you go to Informed Commentwhich you all shouldyou repost such valuable reporting from around the web about the Middle East and the U.S.s role in it. Just recently you shared a piece from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty: Iran accuses Netanyahu of trying to derail nuclear talks. So - kind of as we suspected. Weve covered a lot - many countries, many issues - and still theres so much more. Thank you so much for being here. Juan Cole: Thanks so much for having me, Francesca. If you just Google Juan Cole, my Informed Comment blog will come right upjuancole.com. Thats the best way to keep up with my work. Francesca: Ive been reading your work since the so-called War on Terror. Its always been solid. Im so glad youre still teaching, still writing, and creating space for deep analysis. Thank you again. Juan Cole: Thank you. Im a real fan. The American left needs your voice. Im so glad youre doing what youre doing. Francesca: I appreciate that. I can only do it because of folks like you. Everyone - juancole.com if youre not already in the know. Decades of good, digestible analysis. Dont miss it. On 6 May, 55 iNGOs sounded the alarm by releasing a letter calling for urgent action from the international community against Israels new registration rules for humanitarian organisations. These measures, introduced in March 2025 and set to take effect within six months, require all currently registered NGOs in the occupied Palestinian territories to either reapply or be expelled. Recent developments have made it clear that traditional responses to subversion of international law, consisting of diplomatic pressure, donor conditionality and advocacy campaigns, have repeatedly failed to halt the systematic erosion of humanitarian and civic space in occupied Palestine. Oversight of this new iNGO regulation process has been entrusted to a new committee staffed by security and intelligence officials who lack basic understanding of international humanitarian law critical for such a position, eroding the neutrality and independence required of humanitarian action. Minister Amichai Chikli, leader of the Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, justified the new measures as essential to prevent foreign entities from conducting what it describes as delegitimisation of Israel under the guise of humanitarian aid. However, the effect of such a procedure is unmistakably to criminalise core humanitarian principles and institutionalise a system of aid that is conditional on political alignment. This is a comply or die scenario that cannot be disguised despite the efforts to clothe it in legal rhetoric. The new guidelines allow Israel to reject NGO registration if the organisation or any of its employees have supported or indirectly endorsed anti-Israel propaganda, ranging from supporting BDS, questioning Israels definition as a Jewish and democratic state, or backing international legal action against Israeli military or security personnel. If not clear enough, the guidelines also require the submission of complete personal identification data of staff, particularly Palestinian employees. In a context where over 300 Palestinian aid workers have been killed, this exposes staff to potential targeting, harassment, or worse. It also puts their families at risk. In sum, these new registration procedures impose impossible compliance measures based on a political litmus test of loyalty to Israel that is contrary to the very thread of neutrality that humanitarian aid organisations operate on. Its vague and unclear criteria of what constitutes anti-Israel propaganda present an ever-moving target that can shapeshift with changing circumstances. Back in March, SARI Global released a list of anticipatory actions and triggers to look out for to prepare for likely and worst case scenarios in the coming months. We are now at a time where these need to be highlighted, and collective action needs to be taken to ensure that impartiality of aid remains sanctified under international humanitarian law. If not addressed, these tactics risk setting a global precedent for the politicisation of aid under the ever-elusive categorisation of national security. For SARI Globals most-likely case scenario of heightened operational constraints with partial NGO compliance, which is happening currently, the organisation provides a list of anticipatory actions needed to protect the sanctity of humanitarian aid organisations. The list proves basic and is a redundant parroting of the efforts that are already being coordinated globally. It is time to confront the limits of conventional solutions. The persistent calls for international condemnation, conditional aid and legal appeals have not prevented the steady advance of these restrictions. Under the worst-case scenario of mass deregistration and collapse of international humanitarian operations, of which Israel has meticulously laid the ground work for, SARI Global recommends that community-based organisations and local NGOs be supported with adequate resources and capacity-building responses for solutions to deliver aid on the ground. A meaningful response requires acknowledging that the crisis is not just simply humanitarian, but fundamentally political. Any attempt to paint the situation as a matter of aid delivery alone, without addressing the underlying realities of occupation, blockade, and dispossession, signals political bankruptcy. In this new era, solidarity, not charity, must be the organising principle. The challenge is not only to demand access and protection for aid, but to reimagine resistance and support for Palestinian civil society as a form of global civic action. Our collective responsibility as a community is to mobilise emergency funding streams to support these alternative aid channels to fill in the gaps left behind by the aid vacuum. The financial efforts matter now more than ever. We are facing a time where the civic space worldwide is shrinking and is being replaced with the criminalisation of solidarity and advocacy. Not only individuals, but entire humanitarian organisations whose job it is to remain impartial, are presented with the choice of either complying with illegal and unethical demands or risk losing their ability to deliver life-saving food, water, and medical care to prevent genocide and extermination of Palestinians. In this dystopian time when international law means no more than a warning label on a weapon of war, it falls on ordinary people to become the last line of defence for humanity. The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor or Informed Comment. Shelling by Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces group (RSF) killed at least 14 people Sunday in a famine-hit displacement camp in the war-torn country's western Darfur region, volunteer rescuers said. The artillery attack targeted the Abu Shouk camp, according to the local Emergency Response Room, one of hundreds across the country delivering frontline aid since the war between the army and RSF began in April 2023. It said "the market and other parts inside the camp including mosques and homes close to public facilities" were hit, adding that safety concerns prevented first responders from tallying all casualties. Abu Shouk shelters tens of thousands of people displaced by violence both from previous conflicts in Darfur and the current war. Since losing control of the capital Khartoum in March, the RSF has intensified its attacks on El-Fasher -- the last state capital in Darfur still under army control -- and its nearby displacement camps of Zamzam and Abu Shouk. Last month, the RSF seized Zamzam after a bloody offensive that forced 400,000 people to flee the camp, once home to up to a million displaced people. The conflict, now in its third year, has carved up the northeast African country, with the army holding the centre, east and north while the RSF dominates nearly all of Darfur and, with its allies, parts of the south. Both the army and RSF have launched attacks across the country in recent days, trying to claim territory and cut off rival supply lines. The Emergency Lawyers, a monitoring group which has documented atrocities on both sides, on Sunday accused the army of killing 18 civilians, including four children, in an attack on Al-Hamadi village in South Kordofan state last week. - Blackout in Khartoum - They said the attack by the army and allied militias was accompanied by "widespread looting of citizens' homes and the market, arbitrary detention of activists, and dozens being forced to flee on foot to neighbouring towns and villages". Both sides have been accused of war crimes including targeting civilians, torture and looting or obstructing aid. In the capital Khartoum, a days-long electricity blackout caused by drone strikes on power stations has disrupted healthcare at the city's major hospitals, medical charity Doctors without Borders (MSF) said on Sunday. On Wednesday, drone strikes blamed on the RSF targeted three power stations in Khartoum's twin city of Omdurman, causing a major blackout across the state, according to the Khartoum governor's media office. The RSF has in recent weeks launched a campaign of drone strikes on key infrastructure in the army-controlled northeast, including its seat of government in Port Sudan. "The blackout has affected almost all of Omdurman, including the MSF-supported Ministry of Health hospitals, Al Nao and Al Buluk," MSF said in a statement. Both hospitals now "lack electricity, oxygen and water", the charity said, adding that "healthcare at every level is being disrupted". MSF also said the local water network "is not working", risking the spread of cholera in the city as residents "will turn to different water sources". Sudan's already fragile healthcare system has been pushed to "breaking point" by the war, according to the World Health Organization. Up to 90 percent of the country's hospitals have at some point been forced to close because of the fighting, according to the doctors' union, with health facilities stormed, bombed and looted. Tens of thousands of people turned out Sunday in The Hague to protest the Dutch government's policy on Israel's war on Gaza. Many protesters dressed in red at the request of the organisers, Oxfam Novib, who wanted to symbolically trace a red line for Gaza. Rally participants pressed the Dutch government to take action against Israel, arguing that it is commiting "genocide" in Gaza. Organisers said more than 100,000 people took part, describing it as the largest demonstration in the country in 20 years. Police did not give an estimate. One demonstrator, 25-year-old Rick Timmermans accused the government of supplying parts for the F-35 warplanes Israel was using for strikes on Gaza. "Sometimes I'm ashamed of the government because it doesn't want to set any limits," said 59-year-old schoolteacher Jolanda Nio. Israel's army announced "extensive ground operations" Sunday as part of its newly expanded campaign in the Gaza Strip, where rescuers reported dozens killed in a wave of Israeli strikes. Hamas's October 2023 attack that triggered the war resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Hamas also took 251 hostages during the attack, 57 of whom remain in Gaza, including 34 the military says are dead. Gaza's health ministry said Sunday at least 3,193 people have been killed since Israel resumed strikes on March 18, taking the war's overall toll to 53,339. The International Court of Justice in The Hague is hearing a case brought by South Africa arguing that the Gaza war breached the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention, an accusation Israel has strongly denied. Sunday, May 18, 2025 - Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna stole the show at a Nurses Week celebration in Migori County with a touching and humorous story about his first love - a nurse named Cynthia. Sifuna painted a nostalgic picture of their youthful romance, recalling a time when he lived in a modest single room in South B and struggling to make ends meet. My first meaningful relationship was with a nurse who truly loved me, he said, prompting laughter from the crowd. Ive just texted her, and she warned me not to go overboard! Sifuna disclosed that he met Cynthia while she was a nurse trainee at Nairobi Hospital. Despite long, exhausting shifts, she would come home with tired, red eyes - yet still cared for him before resting. Shed take a shower and look after me before sleeping, he said, using the story to celebrate the selfless spirit of nurses. However, his remarks have revived public scrutiny on his love life. This is after Sifuna recently claimed he was single during the funeral of late Kasipul Kabondo MP, Ongondo Were. But during an interview in a podcast last year, Sifuna revealed that he married his wife, from Matungu, in 2015 and is a proud father. I had to officially marry in 2015 and pay dowry, he said. Im a one-woman man, and I love my wife dearly, he added. Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears admiration for her father is evident. Speaking with the News Virginian after delivering the commencement speech to the Fishburne Military School class of 2025 on Saturday, the Republican candidate for governor reflected on her fathers journey from Jamaica to America and his journey, once stateside, to see his children educated. It lifted me out of poverty, Earle-Sears said of education, a familiar refrain for anyone who has been following her campaign. Earle-Sears said she wants to offer Virginia parents as many options as possible when it comes to their own childrens education. That includes more charter schools. Looking across the Potomac River, Earle-Sears said she sees more than 100 charter schools in Washington, D.C. There are only seven public charter schools operating in Virginia. Under Virginia law, charter schools are created at the discretion of local school boards. There have been legislative efforts, including some from Shenandoah Valley lawmakers, to give the authority for creating charter schools to the state Board of Education, but those bills have failed in the General Assembly. Charter schools have faced pushback in Virginia and elsewhere because opponents believe they lack the accountability required of traditional public schools and pull resources away from those same schools. Earle-Sears said charter schools are but one option. Others include virtual schools and home-schooling both of which have faced similar pushback from proponents of traditional public schooling. Parents should be able to make the decision, Earle-Sears said. They know their children. The American dream is about options. Her words echoed those of her boss, Gov. Glenn Youngkin, whose narrow victory in 2021 over former Gov. Terry McAuliffe was propelled by his defense of parental rights in Virginia classrooms. Former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, Earle-Sears Democratic rival, has said her opponents push for alternative schools will only hurt traditional public schools, which Republicans have targeted for indoctrinating students in matters cultural and academic. At a time when Virginia ranks last in the country in student math recovery and 41st in reading recovery, the reality is clear: we need to focus on strengthening our schools and expanding opportunities for all students, not defunding public schools, Spanberger is quoted saying in the Virginia Scope political newsletter in direct response to Earle-Sears education policies. Education is not the only crossroads where Earle-Sears and Spanberger diverge. After plainclothes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents one masking his identity behind a balaclava raided a courthouse in downtown Charlottesville and detained two men last month, Spanberger took ICE to task for not following the protocol she was taught as a CIA officer and U.S. Postal Service inspector. The ICE agents refused to provide identification or warrants to bystanders in the courthouse. Without any information, many members of the public said they were worried they had witnessed abductions, not arrests. ICE has since said at least one of the men detained was in the country illegally. It has provided few details about the other man. Both remain in custody at a detention center in Farmville. Im a former federal agent, and I used to work narcotics cases and money laundering cases, Spanberger said at a fundraiser in Albemarle County in late April. I have been on so many arrest warrants and search warrants at the crack of dawn and at all hours of the day, and identifying yourself, demonstrating who you are, making clear to a community member even someone you are about to put handcuffs on, even when you enter a home, in a stack, lined up, guns drawn, yelling, Police! you show your badge, you show your credentials, you show your warrant. Earle-Sears was in Charlottesville on the day of the courthouse raid, speaking at the University of Virginia, but made no comment on the incident and left without taking questions from the press. Asked about the matter at Fishburne on Saturday, Earle-Sears said she was once again reminded of her father. My father came to America legally at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, she said. When you enter the country illegally, you subject yourself to the laws. In purple Virginia, statewide candidates for office must fashion a coalition that includes more than just party-line voters. Earle-Sears said her gubernatorial candidacy, like her service as lieutenant governor, is about appealing to all Virginians. Im trying to win all people, she said. During her address to the 22 Fishburne graduates Saturday, Earle-Sears asked them to lead a life of purpose, service and leadership. Hold your head high. You must make the darkness tremble. You are the light, she told the class of 2025. Fishburne graduates should be refusing to settle for anything less than greatness, Earle-Sears said. A LAOIS man was sent forward to the present sittings of the Central Criminal Court in Dublin on charges of rape, threatening to kill and to assaults causing serious harm. The 38-year-old, who cannot be named due to the nature of the case and to protect the identity the victim, was served with a book of evidence when he came before Judge Andrew Cody at Portlaoise District Court. The man is charged with two counts of threatening to kill or cause serious harm on dates between 1 and 9 June 2024; with rape on 9 June and on 2 November; assault causing harm on dates between 1 and 2 November and assault causing harm on 9 January this year. All of the offences are alleged to have taken place at an address in Laois. Sending the man forward to the Central Criminal Court, Judge Cody issued him with an alibi warning informing him that he must notify gardai in writing within 14 days if he wished to rely on an alibi in his defence. Virginia would face big bills and tough choices if Congress adopts the federal spending cuts GOP committees proposed last week which would shift the cost of food assistance to states, make it harder for people to get health care through Medicaid and cost them more to buy health insurance. A pair of Republican-controlled committees in the House of Representatives released proposed budget cuts that could cost Virginia hundreds of millions of dollars each year and force the state to increase its share of spending or reduce services to people who need help the most. The proposed cuts would partly offset a separate package of proposed tax cuts totaling $3.7 trillion, with the biggest share going to the wealthiest Americans. One of the biggest blows would land on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, otherwise known as food stamps. The House Agriculture Committee in Congress proposed to increase the states share of costs for running the $1.8 billion state program, which serves almost 900,000 Virginians, by at least $353 million a year. Its terrifying, frankly, said Rebecca Morgan, director of social services in Middlesex County and president of the Virginia League of Social Services Executives. Virginia state House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, who appointed an emergency committee this year to examine the potential fallout from federal job and spending cuts in Virginia, said May 14, What theyre proposing should scare the bejesus out of every Virginian. Virginia policymakers had focused most of their attention on potential cuts to Medicaid that would reduce the federal share of costs. That could have triggered the rollback of an expansion of eligibility in 2019 that has added more than 641,000 residents to a program with a total of nearly 2 million recipients. Virginia hospitals also have been concerned about proposals to block provider taxes that states use to draw down federal Medicaid dollars that they use to raise provider reimbursement rates. The House Energy & Commerce Committee in Congress pulled back from those proposals because of mounting concern among Republican incumbents in battleground districts. The committee would grandfather existing provider taxes, including the 6% levied in Virginia, while prohibiting their expansion or new ones. Sean Connaughton, president and CEO of the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, credited U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-9th, for intervening to protect reimbursements that he called essential for sustaining high-quality and affordable care for Medicaid recipients across the commonwealth, but especially hospitals in rural areas. Proposed work requirement However, the committee advanced options for imposing a work requirement and requiring more frequent review of eligibility, with both assuming that millions of Americans will fall out of the program. Maryland estimates those proposals would cost the state $1 billion, according to a report by the Baltimore Banner, but Virginia has not calculated the potential hit to its budget. The Congressional Budget Office last week estimated that the package of proposed cuts would reduce spending for Medicaid by $715 billion through 2034, while increasing the number of uninsured people in the U.S. by 7.7 million. The Republican plan to let insurance premium tax credits expire after this year would cause 4.2 million Americans to lose their health insurance by 2034, and an additional 1.8 million would lose their coverage under other proposed rule changes, the CBO estimated. U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-4th, a member of the Energy & Commerce Committee in Congress, said the proposed budget bill effectively cuts the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, kicks 13.7 million people off their health insurance and shifts the burden to states already facing potential revenue shortfalls in their budgets. At the same time, the House Agriculture Committee advanced a package of spending cuts in Congress that would for the first time require states to pay a portion of SNAP benefits to help low-income Americans buy food, while increasing the state share of the cost to administer the program. Its really bad, said Cassie Edner, a lawyer at the Virginia Poverty Law Center in Richmond. Food banks The proposal would shift as much as 25% of the benefit cost to the state, depending on its error rate in eligible payments. Currently, Virginias error rate of 9.86% is below the national rate, but the proposal would require the state to pay 20% of the cost of SNAP benefits, or $353 million a year. That amount would rise to $441 million a year if the error rate rises above 10% under proposed new rules for calculating the rate. The proposed change would take effect in 2028, but Edner said, No matter when it goes into effect, its still devastating. The potential damage would be felt beyond state government, hitting food banks, grocers and farmers working to provide healthy food to underserved communities. We are deeply concerned about the size of the cuts that they are proposing, said Eddie Oliver, president of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, which includes seven regional food banks and about 1,100 food providers. Its really important that SNAP as an anti-hunger program stays strong, so we can serve the hundreds of thousands of people who arent eligible for SNAP, Oliver said May 14. Virginia food banks served more than 700,000 people last year and distributed 170 million pounds of food, but Oliver said the network already is stretched thin and faced with a potential increase in unemployment as the threat of recession looms. Were really operating at full capacity now, he said. Fresh Match program The Market @ 25th, a 6-year-old grocery store in Church Hill, gets about 20% of its business each month from people using their SNAP electric benefit transfer, or EBT, cards to pay for food that includes healthy, fresh options. The market participates in the Virginia Fresh Match program that deducts half of the cost of purchases for people using EBT cards to pay. In effect, it doubles their money in buying fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, said Derek Houston, the markets CEO. The way they do their shopping has changed because thats available, and the way they eat. The store, which employs 65 people, does about $100,000 in business through EBT purchases under SNAP. We need all the business we can get, Houston said. With so many people using EBT cards, anything that reduces that hurts our financial sustainability. President Donald Trump already has rescinded a $7 million grant for the Local Food Purchasing Assistance program his predecessor, President Joe Biden, created to help connect farmers with underserved markets to provide them fresh, locally produced food. It pulls the rug right out from under your plans, said Eugene Triplett, a fourth-generation farmer in Culpeper County who sells produce and beef to 4P Foods, a Warrenton-based public benefit corporation that distributes it. The food assistance program is not part of SNAP, but U.S. Rep. Eugene Vindman, D-7th, who represents Triplett, is trying to persuade the House of Representatives to restore the program and include funding for it. Many of the individuals who benefit from this program also rely on SNAP, so eliminating it while simultaneously making deep cuts to SNAP will have serious consequences for low-income families and, ultimately, for the farmers who grow the food these programs help distribute, Vindman spokeswoman Claire Hutto said. SNAP and Medicaid recipients also would be affected by proposed work requirements that congressional Republicans expect to reduce enrollment in both programs in order to reduce federal spending and offset tax cuts that Trump has proposed. The SNAP program already includes a work requirement, but the committee proposals would broaden its scope by raising the maximum age to 64 from 54, while lowering the age for exceptions to the rule for families with children under 7 years old, instead of 18. The proposals also would raise the unemployment rate required for a waiver that residents of Petersburg, Hopewell and Emporia currently use. Medicaid currently does not have a national work requirement. The committee proposal in the House of Representatives would require able bodied adults without dependents to complete 80 hours of work, education or community service each month. It would provide $100 million to the states in the next fiscal year, beginning Oct. 1, to establish systems to carry out the mandate. More than 92% of Medicaid recipients already work, and others need help to find a job. Former Virginia state Sen. Emmett Hanger, R-Augusta, who helped lead the states adoption of Medicaid expansion in 2018, has long favored a work requirement, but as a hand-up approach that includes support services necessary for people to be able to work. It depends on how they structure it, Hanger said last week. I can support having a work requirement, but not in a punitive way. Attrition by bureaucracy Advocates say the proposed cuts to Medicaid are aimed at saving money by making it harder for people to stay enrolled in the program. They say the same thing is true for a congressional committee proposal to require states to review and renew eligibility for benefits twice a year instead of once. Its going to be attrition by bureaucracy, said Emily Hardy, an attorney at the Virginia Poverty Law Center and deputy director of the Center for Healthy Communities. Hanger, who retired from the state Senate last year, is waiting for the details of the committee proposals, but said he is wary. The way it looks now, it could be a step backward for health care, he said. Matt Goodwin writes: Theres a national election. The mainstream parties do badly. They are challenged by an insurgent party that seems more in touch with the country. The mainstream parties then form a coalition, with no plan other than to keep themselves in power and the insurgent party out of power. Then, the intelligence services in that country put out a report. It says the insurgent party is unconstitutional, which gives intelligence services the right to tap the insurgent partys phones and recruit informants within the party. Nobody is allowed to read the full report though. Oh, and the mainstream parties are already talking openly about banning the insurgent party altogether. Which banana republic does this story take place in? Is it some tinpot dictatorship in Africa? An authoritarian regime in the Middle East? A fragile democracy in Latin America that is now sliding into the totalitarian abyss? No. Its taking place in Germany. Its taking place in the very heart of Europe. COLUMBIA Emergency medical responders from across the country gathered at Columbia College this weekend for the inaugural All-Star EMS Conference, hosted by the Bryant Gladney Foundation. The two-day event is named in honor of Boone County Assistant Fire Chief Bryant Gladney, who was killed in the line of duty in 2021. Gladney, a passionate advocate for emergency medical training, is remembered for his service and commitment to preparing others to serve their communities. Saturday's conference featured national speakers and training sessions on topics such as trauma care, airway management and pre-hospital emergency techniques. Attendees also rotated through four hands-on skills stations, practicing advanced EMS procedures to save lives in critical moments. "When we first dreamed of starting this foundation, it's been really cool to watch and see how many people are truly passionate about EMS and pre-hospital care," said Elizabeth Gladney, the BGF communication director. "It's really important to us to get them out there, get them learning, continuously be learning and growing, and be a really good provider for their community, wherever that community is." This marks the foundation's first major conference since its establishment in 2022. This foundation has been preparing EMS responders, and has also awarded scholarships to provide opportunities to grow. "We have scholarship recipients working in big cities, and we also have recipients working in tiny towns who have to transport patients hours away just to get to the hospital," Gladney said. "So, their care is very important for their community and their patients, and it's our passion to give them the tools they need and empower them to be exceptional EMS providers." She said the All-Star EMS Conference is part of the foundation's broader mission to support emergency responders and honor Gladney's legacy through continued professional development. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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. A SPECIAL ceremony in Laois this weekend will honour children and adults buried in unmarked graves near a former workhouse. A memorial headstone and limestone seat have just been installed in time for the poignant prayer service, which will start at 7pm on Sunday 18 May in the grounds of Abbeyleix Community Nursing Unit (CNU), formerly the district hospital. Parish priest Fr Paddy Byrne and Canon Patrick Harvey will officiate at the service in memory of Laois famine victims, who died in the Abbeyleix workhouse and were subsequently interred in a burial plot at the rear of the CNU. The event will mark Irish Famine Commemoration Day (IFCD), which is held annually nationwide on the third Sunday in May. The Tonduff Cillin Committee, which organised the Abbeyleix project, received permission from the HSE to create a memorial site beneath a beautiful native oak tree, which is protected by a lifelong preservation order. The peaceful new memorial includes a paved area with a limestone reflection seat, together with a headstone for a six-year-old boy who was interred in the burial plot almost 140 years ago. Local historian and committee member Noel Burke said there is an open invitation to the public to attend the ceremony, which will finally honour all those buried behind the former workhouse. He said: We hope that as many people as possible will attend and participate in this commemoration. At the prayer service, renowned Portlaoise writer and poet Denise Curtin will recite one of the poems she wrote about the resting place in Abbeyleix. The Abbeyleix choir will perform at the service while Michael Creagh, who recently retired from his role at Donaghmore Workhouse, will give a short introduction to the famine period from 1845. The Tonduff Cillin Committee thanked the HSE management team, which not only offered the location but also organised a construction team to lay beautiful patio slabs with brick surround, while ensuring that the site is wheelchair accessible. Noel said: The person in charge of Abbeyleix CNU, Deirdre Phelan, was also very helpful to us throughout this period of organising, planning and agreeing the final site location, as well as collectively with management settling on the final wording that appears on the memorial stone. Local man Michael Martin translated the English text into Irish, for which we were grateful. The committee also liaised with Laois Heritage Officer Thomas Carolan and an archaeologist, who supervised the digging of a foundation for the memorial stone and seat. Car parking around the hospital site will be restricted on Sunday evening, so people are advised to park along the Ballinakill road. The project follows a generous response to a fundraiser set up by the committee on 15 March with a target of 500. Nearly 650 was donated within days. The excess will be used to plant wildflower seeds and maintain the burial ground into the future. The memorial headstone bears the name of John Fitzgerald (6), who died from hunger at the workhouse in May 1886 and who will now symbolise and honour all those buried at the site, most of whose names are unknown. The site continued to be used as an unofficial burial ground for decades afterwards. Johns body was disposed of in the graveyard pit or shank yard at the rear of the present day Abbeyleix CNU, where up to 2,000 babies, children and adults are believed to be have been buried between 1842 and 1962. Noel said: Unfortunately, 183 years have passed without any official recognition of the site ever having been used as a burial ground for the poor and destitute people who died in the Abbeyleix workhouse. Thankfully, this is all about to change this year. THERE has been huge focus on the Catholic Church over the past number of weeks. Following the death of Pope Francis, media commentary intensified with the subsequent conclave which elected Pope Leo X1V. I believe that such focus has been largely positive. World leaders acknowledged that Pope Francis gave tremendous moral leadership to billions of people. His message of kindness and compassion deeply resonated with a generation often divided and starved of spiritual hope. His final visit on Easter Sunday, to embrace the people of God physically, gave witness to the tremendous value of human life, from the cradle to the grave, from the womb to the tomb. The Church never fails to surprise. Before his election as pope, I never heard the name Robert Prevost. Yet the College of Cardinals selected this man in record time because of his wisdom, compassion and gifted sense of leadership. There is something about Leo! He comes across as calm, capable at peace with himself. I sense his interior life is rich, and that manifests with warmth and serenity. The fundamental task of the new pope is to preach the Risen Christ. Our world longs for hope. These beautiful May days fill us with deep joy. Christ risen from the dead tells us not to be afraid but to trust that all will be well. There is a palpable sense of goodwill towards Pope Leo X1V. Following Pope Francis, whose words and example reached out to a global audience rooted in the compassion and love of Jesus Christ, I have no doubt that Pope Leo is fuelled by a similar deep spirit, of conviction in the Risen Christ. In selecting a new Peter, the Church has discerned the voice of the spirit and in doing so, I pray that Pope Leo will have many years of health and peace. Robert Francis Prevost, born on 14 September 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, is the 267th pope of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City State. He is the first US-born pope, the first from the Order of Saint Augustine and a dual citizen of the USA and Peru, where he served extensively as a missionary. Raised in a devout Catholic family of French, Italian and Spanish descent, Prevost joined the Augustinians in 1977, was ordained a priest in 1982 and spent significant periods in Peru, including as Bishop of Chiclayo (2015-23). He became a cardinal in 2023 and was prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops before his election. His episcopal motto is: In Illo uno unum words pronounced by St Augustine in a sermon on Psalm 127 to explain that although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one. Choosing the name Leo XIV, inspired by Pope Leo XIII, who championed social justice, he signals a focus on Catholic social teaching, unity and addressing modern challenges such as artificial intelligence. His first address emphasised peace, inclusivity and continuing Franciss legacy of advocating for a church that builds bridges. Known for his calm demeanour, multilingual skills (English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese) and pastoral experience, Leo XIV is seen as a centrist with progressive leanings on issues like poverty and migration, but more moderate on doctrinal matters. His inauguration Mass was celebrated in St Peters Square on Sunday. God bless Pope Leo XIV and give him the wisdom and courage he needs for his new mission as Vicar of Christ. The fact that the election was completed as quickly as it was tells me that there was significant unity among the cardinals about what the Church needs. Quoting St Augustine, Pope Leo said: With you I am a Christian and for you I am a bishop. In that way he seems to signal his commitment to a synodal Church in which we walk together, listen to one another and listen to the Word of God, but also a Church which recognises the particular pastoral and teaching mission of the Bishop of Rome. Pope Leos focus on peace and on dialogue gives me great hope. His choice of the name Leo is significant, because the previous Pope Leo (Leo XIII) is the pontiff who, in troubled times, initiated the Social Teaching of the Church, which focuses on the dignity of human work, on rights and responsibilities associated with property, justice and peace, integral development and care of the earth. Habemus papam! I pray that Pope Leo XIV will be strengthened in his ministry. May he continue building bridges that connect us to one another. May he be an example of faith, hope and love. I pray that the Risen Christ fills him with joy in his work and renewed in the Gospel message. AS part of the 2025 National Famine Commemoration a one day history seminar will be held in Mountmellick Museum. The event is free to attend and will take place on Saturday 24 May from 10am to 4pm. A week long programme of events is underway across the country to mark this years National Famine Commemoration, which looks back on the catastrophic events of the famine and how it affected every part of Ireland in the generations that followed. The event in Mountmellick Museum will focus on the more than 400 famine orphan girls who were taken from Irish workhouses and shipped to Australia as part of the Earl Grey Scheme between 1848-1850. The free event is hosted by Mountmellick Development Association with support from Laois Heritage Office and the National Federation of Local History Societies. Speakers on the day include Dr. Patrick Fitzgerald from the Mellon Centre for Migration Studies. Paddys PhD research was on poverty and vagrancy in Early-Modern Ireland (1550-1770). He will talk about the orphan girls who originated in Ulster. Irish novelist and short story writer Evelyn Conlon 2013 novel Not the Same Sky tells the story of four orphan girls. It observes them on their voyage and follows them from Sydney as they become women of Australia. Kerry based genealogist and author of The Kerry Girls: Emigration and the Earl Grey Scheme Kay Caball will also discuss her work Cathy Fleming from the Celbridge Historical Society was part of a project to produce a short film on Celbridge orphan girl Bridget Dwyer. The film will be screened as part of the event. The former Governor of Arbour Hill Prison Liam Dowling will speak on the prison project to produce replica Famine Boxes to commemorate the Earl Grey Scheme orphan girls. Paddy Buggy from the Mountmellick Embroidery and Heritage Museum will discuss the Earl Grey Scheme orphan girls. Famine boxes were wooden boxes given to each girl containing 6 shifts, a shawl, 2 pairs of shoes, 2 gowns, 2 wraps, 2 petticoats, 1 cloak, 2 neck scarves, 2 pocket handkerchiefs, 2 linen collars, 2 aprons, 1 pair of stays, 1 pair of mitts, 1 pair of sheets, I bonnet, day and night caps, 2 towels, 2 bars of soap, combs, brushes, needles & thread, a few yards of cotton or calico material, a bible, prayer book and rosary beads. Between 1848 and 1850 over four thousand orphan girls aged between 14 and 18 years were shipped to Australia from workhouses throughout Ireland as part of the Earl Grey Scheme. Thirty-seven girls from the Mountmellick Workhouse and twenty-eight girls from the Abbeyleix Workhouse are listed as travelling under this scheme. Places are free but booking is essential as places are limited. To book your place email annemcneill@yahoo.com Photographed beside the Mountmellick Famine Orphan Box in Mountmellick Museum were (l-r): Ann Dowling and Anne Sands (Mountmellick Museum), Lou Walsh (great-great granddaughter of Mary Millar), Ger Lynch and Dolores Dempsey (Mountmellick Museum) and Kev Walsh. *The Earl Grey Scheme While the name Earl Grey is synonymous with a popular blend of tea enjoyed across the globe, the man behind the name, the 19th-century UK Secretary of State for the Colonies, also played a significant role in Ireland's history. During the Great Famine of the 1840s, Earl Grey devised a scheme to transport thousands of young British and Irish orphan girls to Australia. The British Governments response to the Great Famine was to do very little. Workhouses were built to house the desperately poor and starving. Conditions were brutal with disease and death rampant. Some ruthless landlords took advantage of the situation and cleared their lands of the poor with over one million emigrating to North America and Canada on what became known as the coffin ships. These poor people financed their own passage by whatever means they could. In contrast the Earl Grey scheme differed in that the British Government funded the cost of the passage to Australia for a specific segment of the population, namely girls aged between fourteen and eighteen. One would like to think that their motives were pure but in fact their motives were to rebalance a gender imbalance which had occurred in Australia with the majority of those travelling down under being men. The scheme was open to girls from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. It was destitute girls from Ireland who made up the vast majority of those transported. Over four thousand one hundred girls set sail under this scheme from Ireland on a journey into the unknown which took up to one hundred and thirty days to complete. Interestingly out of this vast number of girls who travelled only one girl died during the trip. This was due to the British Government only paying the transport companies based on the number of girls who arrived alive. A stark contrast to those who travelled to North America on the coffin ships. Girls from both the Abbeyleix and Mountmellick Workhouses travelled under this scheme to Australia and twenty percent of the current Australian population can trace their roots back to these four thousand Irish girls. These girls had been forgotten here in Ireland as many were orphans and had no one to tell their story but in recent years their story has come to light and it is only fitting that these girls are remembered and their role in building the modern day Australia is acknowledged. Editors Note: Lehighvalleylive.com is offering a benefit to subscribers: Click the photo gallery to see if we photographed your favorite prom-goer, and get free, print-quality downloads - as well as the option to purchase keepsakes at half the price. Easton Area High School students celebrated their prom at the SteelStacks complex on Saturday. Freelancer Matt Smith was there to capture a few of the students as they arrived for the prom. Lehighvalleylive.com will be sending photographers to proms throughout the Lehigh Valley and Warren County this season. Our full coverage of proms across the region can be found at lehighvalleylive.com/prom. Check out the gallery above to see everyone dressed up for a night to celebrate. SHARE YOUR PROM PHOTOS Dont forget to tag @lehighvalleylive in your Instagram photos and @lehighvalley on Twitter - we just might highlight the best pics! Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Editors Note: Lehighvalleylive.com is offering a benefit to subscribers: Click the photo gallery to see if we photographed your favorite prom-goer, and get free, print-quality downloads - as well as the option to purchase keepsakes at half the price. Liberty High School students celebrated their prom aboard the Cornucopia Majesty in New York City on Saturday. Freelancer Donna Fisher was at the high school to capture a few of the students as before they departed to celebrate their prom. Lehighvalleylive.com will be sending photographers to proms throughout the Lehigh Valley and Warren County this season. Our full coverage of proms across the region can be found at lehighvalleylive.com/prom. Check out the gallery above to see everyone dressed up for a night to celebrate. SHARE YOUR PROM PHOTOS Dont forget to tag @lehighvalleylive in your Instagram photos and @lehighvalley on Twitter - we just might highlight the best pics! Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Nurses in Laois celebrated International Nurses Day 2025 to highlight the contribution of nurses to the healthcare sector, and according to the HSE, 'shine a light' on the profession and its future. To read more continue below this photo or to see more photos, tap next or the arrow. The HSE said Dublin and Midlands staff celebrated the international event on Monday, May 12, a day which it said "aims to highlight the contribution of nurses to the healthcare sector and shine a light on nurses and on a brighter future". The theme for International Nurses Day 2025 is "Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care." This theme highlights the significant economic contribution of nurses to healthcare and the importance of investing in their wellbeing. The HSE said years theme highlights how a healthy nursing workforce strengthens economies, improves health systems and leads to better patient outcomes. Staff at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise held a full day of activities including. held a full day of activities including. Poster presentation displaying Quality Improvement Initiatives throughout the services; Pop-up information stands; Pilates classes Special delivery of an ice cream! Kate Killeen White, Regional Executive Officer for HSE Dublin and Midlands said: Nurses are at the forefront of healthcare delivery and we have a huge opportunity to work with you to really transform our health services for our patients and service users. HSE Dublin and Midlands wants to support you every step of the way and we take this opportunity to say thank you to each and every one of you for all of the hard work and dedication you display every day. Eileen Whelan, Regional Director of Nursing & Midwifery for HSE Dublin and Midlands said: I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the nurses who are delivering excellent standards of care to our patients and service users. I would like to acknowledge the ongoing commitment, dedication and clinical expertise of our nurses and the contributions they have to healthcare," she said. Ms Whelan said the implementation of the HSE Health Regions reform will improve the ability of the health services to deliver timely, integrated care. "Nurse leaders play a key role in maximising staff retention and influencing healthcare organisations' productivity and effectiveness. The hard work and dedication of our staff is very much appreciated, and I wish you all an extremely happy International Nurses Day 2025, she said. As well as events taking place across the region all week, HSE Dublin and Midlands compiled a collection of video stories of nurses from across the region to celebrate and highlight the work of our nursing professionals. Catriona Murray, Midlands CNS Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurse www.youtube.com/shorts/WgplpW9PkEQ Sheila McShane, Staff Nurse in Sheaf Mental Health Services in Tallaght www.youtube.com/watch/-FaRjO_sr78 Josy Abraham, CNM1 in Naas General Hospital www.youtube.com/shorts/VXFqmRb95aQ Jincy Kurian, Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Community Specialist Team, ICPOP in Laois/Offaly www.youtube.com/shorts/D5Kat0PQj9k The HSE says you can register on the HSE Career Hub and receive custom weekly job alerts for healthcare roles in HSE Dublin and Midlands on https://careerhub.hse.ie/ Partial human remains have been found in the search for missing Co Kerry farmer Michael Gaine. Irish police said searches are ongoing to recover any further human remains. A Garda spokesperson said DNA analysis will be required to carry out formal identification of the recovered human remains. Earlier on Saturday State Pathologist Dr SallyAnne Collis and members of the Garda Technical Bureau arrived at Mr Gaines farmyard close to Kenmare. Dr Collis and forensic anthropologist Laureen Buckley assisted by the Garda Technical Bureau carried out preliminary examinations in the area which gardai described as a crime scene. On Saturday evening a Garda spokesperson confirmed that partial human remains had been found. Mr Gaine, 56, was reported missing from his home near Kenmare on Friday March 21. He was last seen the previous day in Kenmare town buying phone credit in the Centra shop at 9.48am. There have been extensive inquiries by gardai investigating Mr Gaines disappearance over the last eight weeks, as well as a public plea for information issued by his wife Janice Gaine and sister Noreen ORegan. On April 29 the investigation was reclassified as a homicide. Garda operations have been under way at the land in Carrig East, Kenmare, since Friday evening. Gardai previously said they had gathered around 2,200 hours of CCTV and dashcam footage, taken nearly 130 witness statements and carried out more than 320 formal jobs/inquiries. Irish troops and the Garda Water Unit were also involved in search efforts in recent weeks, and checkpoints were held a week after Mr Gaines disappearance to help gather information that would aid the investigation. Gardai have arrested three women following an incident of criminal damage at Shannon Airport on Saturday afternoon, which left one Garda hospitalised. The incident occurred shortly after 4pm when three women, aged between 20 and 50, breached the airport's perimeter fence and caused criminal damage. All three were arrested at the scene and are currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at Garda stations in County Clare. During the course of the arrests, a female Garda was injured and later taken to University Hospital Limerick for assessment. Her injuries are described as non-life threatening. In a statement, gardai said: "Gardai responded to an incident of criminal damage at Shannon Airport, Co. Clare that occurred shortly after 4pm this afternoon Saturday 17th May, 2025. "Three females, aged between 20 and 50 years breached the perimeter fence and caused criminal damage. The three women were arrested at scene and are currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at Garda stations in Co. Clare. "During the course of the arrests one member of An Garda Siochana was injured and has since been taken to University Hospital Limerick for assessment. Her injuries are non-life threatening. "Investigations ongoing," the statement concluded. This is the second security incident at the airport this month, following a separate incident on May 1 which saw three individuals arrested after a van crashed through a security fence. READ MORE | Gardai issue urgent appeal for man (48) missing from home since early hours of Friday The introduction of two new cutting-edge medicines are hoped to transform the treatment of a rare incurable skin condition, a charity has said. Debra, which supports 300 people living with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) in Ireland, said the entry of Filsuvez into the Irish market will ease the extreme pain endured by those with Butterfly Skin. The disease is caused by the absence of proteins between the skin layers, making the skin ultra fragile and easy to wound. The charity insists that the expected introduction of the prescription medical gel before the end of the year could pave the way for gene therapy treatments, such as Vyjuvek. Sinead Hickey, head of research at Debra, said: Where Filsuvez is a promising start, as it can offer temporary pain relief, we hope it will mark the beginning for the treatment of rare disease in Ireland. Vyjuvek has the potential to provide life-changing wound healing for people living with Dystrophic EB, it has already proven to be very effective in the US. The topical gel delivers new COL7A1 genes directly to skin wounds to promote wound healing. Ms Hickey said it does not have to be applied by a medical practitioner but can be done by a trained individual or family member. Unfortunately, Ireland is one of the slowest countries in Europe to move from recommendation to market and it could still be between seven and 12 years before we see Vyjuvek available to people here, she said. Filsuvez, meanwhile, is applied to a sterile non-adhesive wound dressing or directly to the skin to ease the extreme pain of wounds caused by EB. Debra made submissions to the NCPE (National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics), which has recommended the HSE provides the gel once agreement is reached on pricing. A timeline has yet to be announced but Debra is optimistic a resolution will be found by the end of summer. The charitys chief executive, Jimmy Fearon, said its entry into the Irish market is a step in the right direction. The treatment for EB hasnt advanced much over time, so new treatments always bring hope, he said. This is not a cure but it may reduce the equivalent of a bandage change every two weeks, providing some pain alleviation. What this primarily represents is hope, breaking through the glass ceiling would hopefully mean that others will follow. Debra and other EB charities around the world support and invest in important research but, ultimately, its the pharmaceutical companies and venture capitalists that run the breakthrough. Ireland is in the lowest quartile in Europe for introducing new drugs to the market, the chief executive said. Its an arduous process to bring a drug to market and this is a positive step, added Mr Fearon. What we really need is faster progression from recommendation to market time is of the essence for the 300 people in Ireland living in pain due to this condition. Prime Minister Carney concludes his visit to Italy and Vatican City ROME, May 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, concluded his visit to Rome, Italy, and Vatican City, where he attended the inaugural Mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter's Square, alongside counterparts and delegations from around the world. Prime Minister Carney met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV following his inaugural Mass. The Prime Minister thanked him for his message of unity, compassion, and peace. During his visit to Italy, the Prime Minister met with the Italian Prime Minister and President to underscore the strength of the Canada-Italy relationship and efforts to further enhance it. While in Rome, he also met with over a dozen other leaders. Their discussions focused on expanding trade and commercial partnerships, deepening bilateral investment, and addressing immediate global pressures, including around energy security, supply chains, Canada's support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and the imperative of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Looking ahead to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, next month, the Prime Minister emphasized Canada's role as a stable, reliable, and innovative partner with a wealth of natural resources and expertise. In a more dangerous and divided world, Canada will work with its Allies and partners to grow our economies, defend Canadians' interests, and address the most pressing global challenges. Associated Links This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca SOURCE Prime Minister's Office 18 may 2025 at 18:20 News published onand distributed by: A JUDGE, barrister, and solicitors paid tribute to journalist Cathy Halloran after her retirement from the national broadcaster, RTE. The former Mid-West correspondent was thanked for her 38 years of service and wished well on her life post-RTE, on her last day of covering Limerick Circuit Court. John OSullivan BL said it is a constitutional imperative that justice is administered in public and part of that involves reporting on matters by journalists. Only a small minority of the public attend court proceedings, hence it is important that court proceedings be reported on by various organisations. Cathy Hallroan has been employed by RTE for many years in this region. "On behalf of the South Western Circuit, and of all colleagues, I wish her a long and happy retirement, said Mr OSullivan. READ MORE: 'Penny boy' in Limerick caught with high-end phone 'often used by organised crime gangs' State solicitor Padraig Mawe, speaking on behalf of himself and fellow State solicitor Brendan Gill, congratulated Ms Halloran on her long-standing professional career and spoke of how she shone a light on many issues in Limerick. Julianne Kiely, of the Limerick Bar Association, thanked Ms Halloran for her years of work and wished her well in retirement, on behalf of solicitors in the city and county. Judge Colin Daly, on behalf of the judiciary, said the job Ms Halloran has done is quite exceptional and she brought the highest standards to her journalism career. There is enormous public interest in what goes on in both civil and criminal courts. The Fourth Estate serve a very important function in any democracy in bringing that to light and reporting it to members of the public On behalf of the judiciary, I'd like to thank you and I wish you very well in the next exciting chapter of your life, said Judge Daly. Ms Halloran said she was taken aback with the honour and thanked one and all for their kind words. She said she had covered cases presided over by Judge Tom ODonnell and Judge Carrol Moran for many, many years. The coverage of court is a particular skill for a journalist because a lot of the evidence is very difficult, very complex. Our job is to simplify that, in as much as we can, to bring these important matters and work of the courts to the public. Im very surprised. I want, from the bottom of my heart, to thank you all so much for the tribute, said Ms Halloran. A GARDA patrol of Ballybunion beach in County Kerry on a blisteringly hot Saturday didn't go swimmingly for one officer as his van got stuck in soft sand. Thousands of Limerick people headed to the coast this weekend to enjoy the sensation of sand between your toes but sand stuck in the treads of tyres is another story. A video of the incident has been shared on social media with beachgoers attempting to help pull the garda van back to terra firme. READ MORE: Limerick firefighters rescue stricken man from river in early hours of the morning It occurred on the "Men's Beach" in Ballybunion - at the end of the narrow road that leads down to the sand - early on Saturday evening. Limerick Live asked gardai if the officer was responding to an incident on the beach at the time. "Weve no reports of any incidents currently listed for this location within the timeframe," said a garda spokesperson. Thankfully, the garda van got stuck well behind the tide mark so there was no risk of it being washed out to sea. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 18. From May 19 to 22, the Days of Azerbaijani Culture will be held in Tajikistan under the organization of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Trend reports. These events will make a new contribution to the further rapprochement of our countries - strategic partners, as well as the development of cultural exchange. There are deep historical ties between Azerbaijan and Tajikistan. Sincere friendly relations and mutual visits of the heads of state play an exceptional role in the comprehensive development of relations between the two countries. On May 23, 2024, President Ilham Aliyev and President Emomali Rahmon signed the "Declaration on Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Tajikistan" in Baku. Cultural cooperation between our countries is also developing successfully. In 2007, the Days of Tajikistan Culture were held in Azerbaijan for the first time, and a year later, the Days of Azerbaijani Culture were organized in the friendly state. High levels of confidence in Irelands electoral system have been indicated in new research. Some 94% of respondents agreed that elections are conducted in accordance with the law, and 88% said that elections are well managed and that election officials are fair while 96% of voters claimed that they are confident that their ballot papers were secret once they put then in the ballot box. The General Election 2024, National Election And Democracy Study was conducted by An Coimisiun Toghchain, Irelands independent electoral commission, and the National Election and Democracy Study (NEDS) Management Board. The study also suggested that Irish voters are knowledgeable about aspects of the voting and democratic process, but there is also further work to be done. It found that 90% of respondents understood that every one of their preferences has the potential to count, 76% knew that they did not need to express a preference for each candidate on the ballot paper, 36% agreed that information about voting procedures is not widely available and 51% mistakenly thought they needed their polling card to vote. Other findings of this face-to-face study of just under 1,500 randomly selected respondents are that for first time voters, the influence of their friends, family, school or work was key to encouraging them to get on the electoral register with 27% citing this as important. Meanwhile, 24% were prompted by social media, newspaper, TV or radio ads which were a focus for An Coimisiun Toghchain during the election campaign. The highest reasons given by registered people for not voting on November 29 were being away on the day (30%), work commitments (27%), with 12% pointing to disinterest in politics, indecision at 11% and 6% who said their vote did not matter. Thirty-seven % of those who did not vote were not on the register. This data is to be used to benchmark An Coimisiuns performance and guide its future initiatives. A key priority for An Coimisiun is to understand the reasons why people do not vote so the sample includes 324 non-voters. Welcoming the data, Art OLeary, chief executive of An Coimisiun Toghchain said it highlights the value of An Coimisiun Toghchains National Election and Democracy Study to learn more about the experience and perspectives of current and potential voters as well as contributing to academic scholarship about democracy and elections. We simply have to understand more about who non-voters are and why they are staying away from the polls, and so this data will feed into other research projects we are advancing through our broader Research Programme and our public campaigns and engagement, he said. THE NATIONAL Citizens Parliament on media and democracy has held its final sitting in Limerick. Like its previous meetings, Mary Immaculate College played host to the event on Saturday. May 10. It saw 20 people swap the blazing sunshine for a hot debate on ways to support and use the media to protect democracy. The parliamentary members have formed a number of resolutions, which will be presented at the European Commission next February. READ MORE: Preview of rapid-build modular housing set for Limerick Two of its members, Con Cronin and Niall Mahon will fly the Irish flag in a meeting with MEPs and members of the European Commission in Brussels. The groups resolutions include a call to enforce large online platforms to reinstate fact checking and to provide simple, effective routes for citizens to report factual errors and have corrections made in a timely fashion. They also include resolutions for national and local politicians and these will be presented to Limerick City and County Council and to the Oireachtas Committee chaired by former Labour leader, Alan Kelly in the autumn. The citizens are calling for democracy to be strengthened by establishing town hall types of engagement and more opportunities for journalists to quiz politicians under the full gaze of the public. Irelands media regulator, Coimisiun na Mean has been asked to establish regional committees with accessible representatives so that citizens can easily avail of the services they provide to the public. The National Citizens Parliament of Ireland was funded by the EU through its Horizon scheme and it is part of a three year research project conducted across ten countries in Europe under the name MeDeMap mapping media for democracy. Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant Foxconn's unit near Bengaluru is almost ready for launch and will start the delivery of iPhones by early June, Karnataka Minister for Commerce & Industries M B Patil has said. In an X post on Saturday, Patil said that iPhone maker Foxconn's unit at the Information Technology Investment Region (ITIR) of Devanahalli is ready for inauguration. "Foxconn's Devanahalli unit is ready for inauguration! The Foxconn facility at Devanahalli ITIR is all set to be inaugurated. Commercial iPhone shipments are expected to begin in early June,' he said. Foxconn has a contract with Apple to manufacture iPhones. The company has acquired 300 acres of land in the ITIR Industrial Area, located in Doddaballapura and Devanahalli Taluk of Bengaluru Rural District. Patil said that the launch of the new facility will mark a strategic shift as India becomes Apple's preferred country despite the current tariff situation. This is not just another manufacturing milestone it signals a strategic shift. India is emerging as Apple's preferred manufacturing hub, despite mounting geopolitical and tariff pressures, he said. This development will further strengthen Karnataka's position in global manufacturing and open the door to greater foreign investment without compromising the interests of stakeholders. The minister further said Apple CEO Tim Cook has confirmed that for the June quarter, a majority of iPhones sold in the US will be made in India. Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed in the June quarter that most iPhones sold in the US are made in India. As a Kannadiga, this is a proud moment. From Mysore to Cupertino Karnataka continues to be exposed to global news, he said. Also Read | Fortnite pulled from iOS and App Store as Apple-Epic dispute reignites In his 2025-26 Budget speech, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had said that Foxconn company has started a mobile phone manufacturing plant in Devanahalli Industrial Area with a capital investment of 21,911 crore. Donald Trump's India warning to Apple US President Donald Trump has recently asked Apple CEO Tim Cook not to manufacture in India even though New Delhi has offered the United States a no-tariff deal. I had a little problem with Tim Cook yesterday, Trump said of his conversation with the Apple chief executive officer in Qatar, where hes on a state visit. Ola Electric Mobility Ltd was betting on its gigafactory to shun dependence on Chinese cells for its batteries. But the companys capacity expansion is already behind schedule, exposing it to risks of higher costs, loss of government incentives and even technology going obsolete. Ola Cell Technologies Private Ltd (OCT), a wholly owned subsidiary of Ola Electric Ltd, began constructing its gigafactory in May 2023 in four phases to produce lithium-ion cells for electric vehicle batteries. Of the 5,500 crore the company raised by issuing fresh shares in August 2024, it had set aside 1,227 crore to expand the capacity of its facility to 6.4 GWh in the second phase by April 2025. However, it has not utilised any money from these funds, said Icra Ltd, the monitoring agency of its public issue, in its 15 May report that Ola Electric shared with exchanges. That suggests OCT is far behind the previously disclosed timeline to investors. Icra also downgraded Ola Cell Technologies' BBB- (Negative) in May. The battery cell manufacturing segment is highly technologically complex and has significant dependence on imports for sourcing raw materials, which exposes the project to geopolitical and region-specific risks for raw materials," the agency said in its downgrade note. OCT, thus, remains exposed to risks of timely execution, demand/offtake, supply chain and technology obsolescence." Original road map The companys founder Bhavish Aggarwal had on 15 August 2024 laid down the vision to achieve 20GWh capacity by 2026 as lithium-ion cells are largely imported from China. A cluster of cells makes a battery, and the capacity of a gigafactory is the total energy that can be produced from cells produced in a year. In phase 1a, the company built 1.4 GWh capacity at 1,226 crore, which was completed before Ola Electric filed its red herring prospectus (RHP) for listing in August 2024. This capacity was expected to go up to 5 GWh by February 2025 under phase 1b and to 6.4 GWh in phase 2 by April 2025, according to a project cost vetting report submitted with the RHP. Ola targeted to raise the total capacity to 20GWh by 2026. However, Aggarwal said during an earnings call on 7 February that capital expenditure to increase the capacity to 5 GWh under phase 1b will happen in the current financial year FY26. That indicates even phase 1b has been delayed, pushing under phase to further behind the schedule that was conveyed to investors. Ola Electric had previously said it would begin commercial production of cells in April-June 2025. However, it is unclear if that has started. The testing process post completion of a phase can take time as cells are a complex and sensitive technology," said a person aware of the developments, highlighting at a potential reason for the delay in production. A ramp-up post each phase depends on the completion of all testing and other processes of the previous phase." Amit Tandon, founder and managing director at IiAS, said, Ideally, when there is a substantial delay in a project, the delay should be flagged. If the project has an impact on profitability, it becomes even more important to reveal the reasons behind the delay." In response to Mints emailed queries, Ola Electric said, We have announced the commercial production of our cells beginning Q1 FY26, and are on track to meet the set timelines. Ola Electric will be the first to commercially manufacture lithium-ion cells in India under the governments ACC (advanced chemistry cell) PLI scheme. We continue to have regular discussions with MHI (the ministry of heavy industries) regarding updates on our progress and timelines for each of our set milestones." Incentives at stake In 2022, Ola Electric became the first company to be selected under the 18,100 crore production-linked incentive plan to indigenise the cell manufacturing ecosystem in India. Under the scheme, Ola had to invest 225 crore per GWh of the committed 20GwH capacity, along with 25% value-addition, within two years. The disbursal of the incentives is contingent upon achieving this milestone. Also Read: Hyundai Motor India profit may take a hit in Q4 as sales remain in slow lane However, IFCI Ltd, the project management agency of PLI for cells, wrote a letter to the company in March stating that it had missed the deadline to complete the first milestone. While the company acknowledged the letter to the exchanges, it did not offer any clarity on the timeline. The Company is actively engaged with the relevant authorities in this regard and in the process of filing an appropriate response," Ola Electric said in an exchange filing on 4 March. Under the PLI scheme, the company has to build 20GWh of capacity by 2027 to complete the second milestone and achieve 60% value-addition. Any risk to the incentives can spell problems for the firm, according to analysts. One of the reasons for setting up its own gigafactory was to take advantage of the PLI for advanced chemistry cells, which would have resulted in a 50% reduction in capital employed for setting up 20 GWhr," Rishi Vora of Kotak Institutional Equities wrote in an 18 March note. The company may have to outsource the construction to a third party or else it would find it difficult to install 20GWh capacity in the next two to three years, Vora said. The delay in timelines will have a bearing on the financial health of the firm. Bumpy road to profit The company earlier anticipated that the integration of cell capacity will be crucial for its margins, which will aid the profitability of the company. At a consolidated level, when our battery cell comes in, we will actually have an expansion of margin," Aggarwal had said in Q3 FY25 earnings call on 7 February. However, in the October-December quarter of FY25, the companys loss widened to 564 crore from 364 crore a year earlier. Also Read: Rich south India struggles to buy cars while northern and western states surge ahead To be sure, in addition to expanding the cell factory, the company had also raised funds for investing in research and development, general corporate purposes, inorganic growth initiatives, and debt repayment. Of the total 5,500 crore, 2,829 crore remains unutilised. These funds, parked by the company in several fixed deposit accounts, have earned 54 crore so far in interest income, according to Icra's monitoring report. Ola Electrics shares have tumbled nearly 40% in 2025 against a 3.48% rise in Nifty Auto. The slower-than-expected ramp-up of its gigafactory or lower-than-expected yield will result in higher cash outflow for the company in the coming quarters, which needs to be monitored," Vora said. New Delhi: Indias decision to impose port restrictions on Bangladeshi goods may hurt Dhakas dollar-earning trade, especially in garments and processed goods, at a time when the country is already navigating a tricky economic and geopolitical shift. New Delhis tightening of the screws may restrict Bangladeshi exports worth $770 million to Indianearly 42% of the neighbouring countrys global export earningsby barring several goods from land routes and limiting them to a few seaports. Indias move, which affects major goods like readymade garments, processed food and plastics, comes against the backdrop of a dip in ties with Dhaka, and its series of recent trade restrictions targeting Indian exports. The biggest blow would be to Bangladeshs main export, garments, which earned $618 million from India between April 2024 to February 2025, the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), a trade think tank, said on Sunday. India will now allow such shipments only through the seaports of Nhava Sheva and Kolkata, cutting off the overland trade route that had long supported Bangladesh, according to a notification issued on 17 May by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The Indian step will mean Bangladeshi exporters having to send their goods by sea, which will add to their costs. Several other goods, including flavoured drinks, plastic items, cotton waste and wooden furnitureworth about $153 millionhave also been blocked from entering India via land routes, especially through West Bengal and the north-eastern states. However, India will continue to allow Bangldeshi fish, edible oils, liquefied petroleum gas and crushed stone to enter from the land route. In addition, exports of Bangladeshi goods to Nepal and Bhutan, which transit through India, will also remain unaffected. Also read | Bangladesh calls for integrated economic plan including Indias northeast states in talks with Nepal A retaliation? The Indian move follows Bangladeshs restrictions on Indian exports. These include a ban on yarn through five land ports, curbs on rice, and limits on items like paper, tobacco and milk powder, said Ajay Srivastava, co-founder of GTRI. Dhaka has also introduced a transit fee on Indian cargo passing through its territory, ending years of zero-fee movement under regional cooperation frameworks. For Indian exporters already facing delays, inspections and market barriers, the port restrictions appear to be a calculated response, Srivastava said. Indian textile manufacturers have long raised concerns about unfair competition. While Indian firms pay a 5% goods and sales tax on locally sourced fabric, Bangladeshi exporters benefit from duty-free Chinese fabric and export incentives, allowing them to undercut Indian prices by 10-15%, according to the GTRI report. With top global retailers such as H&M, Zara, Primark, Uniqlo and Walmart sourcing from Bangladesh, some of that stock finds its way into the Indian market, hurting domestic manufacturers. Also read | Bangladesh set to receive $1.3 billion from IMF next month after exchange rate agreement Chinese influence Ties have nosedived since the fall of Sheikh Hasinas pro-India government amid violent disturbances in mid-2024, prompting her to flee to India. Dhaka has moved closer to China, with interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus signing deals worth $2.1 billion during a visit to Beijing in March. China has since taken up sensitive projects like Teesta river development, an area of longstanding India-Bangladesh cooperation, raising concerns in New Delhi over Chinas role in the region. While Bangladesh has not openly supported Pakistan during the recent India-Pakistan escalation, its silence and growing tilt towards China are being watched closely in Indian policy circles, said Abhash Kumar, trade expert and assistant professor of economics at Delhi University. The latest trade curbs are not being seen in isolation but as part of a broader strategic recalibration, where India is using economic levers to signal its discontent, Kumar added. Hope for reconciliation Despite the current tensions between India and Bangladesh, experts believe the relationship is not beyond repair. Bangladesh remains Indias largest trading partner in South Asia, and both countries have gained from years of connectivity and cooperat Commerce ministry data shows that bilateral trade between the two nations stood at $14.24 billion in 2022-23, with $12.22 billion in exports and $2.02 billion in imports. In FY24, total trade fell to $12.91 billion, with exports at $11.07 billion and imports at $1.85 billion. In FY25, up to February, India exported goods worth $10.40 billion to Bangladesh and imported $1.83 billion, bringing total trade during the period to $12.23 billion. United States Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent has expressed cautious optimism regarding the proposals submitted by various countries for new tariff rates, stating that, with few exceptions, the offers have been very favourable. Speaking on the ongoing trade negotiations, Bessent emphasised that the success and timing of trade deals will largely depend on whether the involved countries engage in good faith during discussions. The US Secretary of Treasury's comments come against the backdrop of a complex global trade environment, where heightened tariffs and protectionist measures have strained international relations and disrupted supply chains. Bessents remarks highlight the delicate nature of the current trade climate, where governments are attempting to balance protecting domestic industries with maintaining healthy international partnerships. He noted that while many countries are presenting constructive proposals, the ultimate outcome will depend on sustained goodwill and genuine commitment to resolving differences. Negotiations are not merely about numbers but about trust and transparency, Bessent remarked, underscoring the importance of diplomatic engagement in reaching mutually beneficial agreements. Also Read | US allies are still waiting for tariff relief even after speedy China truce Walmart Ready to Cushion Impact In a related development, following a recent call with Walmarts CEO, Bessent revealed that the retail giant is prepared to absorb some of the tariff costs rather than passing them entirely onto consumers. Walmart had previously warned that escalating tariffs could force price increases on a wide range of products, potentially burdening shoppers and dampening consumer spending. Despite operating on thin profit margins, Walmarts decision to cushion the impact of tariffs reflects its commitment to customer affordability and market stability. On Saturday, US President Donald Trump said that Walmart should "eat the tariffs" instead of blaming duties imposed by his administration on imported goods for the retailer's increased prices. Trump's comments were in response to the world's largest retailer, Walmart, saying it would have to start raising prices later this month due to high tariffs. This move by Walmart aligns with Bessents broader economic strategy, which seeks to balance trade policy objectives with the realities of consumer demand and corporate sustainability. By absorbing some tariff expenses, Walmart aims to mitigate inflationary pressures and maintain competitive pricing, even as governments negotiate complex trade agreements. BASEL, Switzerland (AP) Classically trained countertenor JJ of Austria won the 69th Eurovision Song Contest Saturday with the operatic song Wasted Love. Israels Yuval Raphael came second at a competition overshadowed by the Gaza war. The worlds largest live music event reached its glitter-drenched conclusion with a grand final in Basel, Switzerland that offered pounding electropop, quirky rock and outrageous divas, at a celebration of music and unity ruffled by discord over Israels participation. JJ beat 25 other competitors during Saturdays grand final. Estonias Tommy Cash came third with Espresso Macchiato, and Swedish entry KAJ, who had been favorite to win with jaunty sauna ode Bara Bada Bastu, came fourth. Acts from 26 countries trimmed from 37 entrants through two elimination semifinals performed to some 160 million viewers for the continents pop crown. No smoke machine, jet of flame or dizzying light display was spared by musicians who had 3 minutes to win over millions of viewers who, along with national juries of music professionals, pick the winner. The show offered a celebration of Europes eclectic, and sometimes baffling, musical tastes. Lithuanian band Katarsis delivered grunge rock, while Ukraines Ziferblat channeled prog rock and the U.K.s Remember Monday offered country pop. Italys Lucio Corsi evoked 1970s glam rock, while Icelandic duo VAEB rapped about rowing and Latvias six-woman Tautumeitas offered gorgeous, intertwined harmonies. There were divas aplenty, including Spains Melody, Polands Justyna Steczkowska, participating in Eurovision for a second time after a 30-year gap, with GAJA, and Maltas outrageous Miriana Conte, who performed Serving a song whose previous suggestive title and lyrics were changed on the orders of contest organizers on a set including a glitter ball and giant lips. Dean Vuletic, an expert on the history of Eurovision, said the competition has become more diverse over the years, both musically and linguistically. There are songs in 20 languages this year, including Ukrainian, Icelandic, Albanian, Latvian and Maltese. In the past it was about having a catchy, innocuous pop song, usually in English, he said. But in recent years the formulaic approach to a Eurovision entry hasnt succeeded. An entry needs to be memorable and it needs to be authentic in order to succeed these days. This years contest was roiled for a second year by disputes over Israels participation. Dozens of former participants, including Switzerlands Nemo, have called for Israel to be excluded, and several of the broadcasters that fund Eurovision sought a review of the countrys participation. Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protests both took place in Basel, though on a much smaller scale than at last years event in Sweden, where tensions spilled over backstage and Dutch competitor Joost Klein was expelled over an alleged altercation with a crew member. Hundreds of people marched through Basel just before the competition, waving Palestinian flags and chanting Boycott Israel. Earlier, a group of Israel supporters gathered in Basels cathedral square to root for Raphael and to show that Jews belong in public spaces in Switzerland, Zurich resident Rebecca Laes-Kushner said. She said that it would be such a strong statement against antisemitism, if Raphael won. This is supposed to be about music, not about hate, she said. The European Broadcasting Union, or EBU, which runs Eurovision, tightened the contests code of conduct this year, calling on participants to respect Eurovisions values of universality, diversity, equality and inclusivity and its political neutrality. After a controversial ban in 2024 on flags, apart from national ones, being waved in the arena, this year audience members can bring Palestinian flags or any others, as long as they are legal under Swiss law. Performers, though, can only wave their own countrys flag. Eurovision director Martin Green told reporters that the organizers goal was to re-establish a sense of unity, calm and togetherness this year in a difficult world. All 37 delegations, in difficult times, have behaved impeccably, he said. ___ In the first years of Russias invasion, Ukraine relied heavily on a host of Western weapons to equip its forces. Now, out of the crucible of war, Kyivs own defense industry is producing more arms than ever. Ukraine had only a single prototype of its domestically produced Bohdana howitzer when Russia invaded. Last year, Kyiv said it produced more artillery guns than all the North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries combined. While Western allies have been slow to increase arms production, the value of weapons Ukraines defense industry can make has ballooned from $1 billion in 2022 to $35 billion over three years of war, even as Russia fires missiles at its factories. With support from the U.S. drying up, Ukraines defense industry is increasingly key to the countrys ability to sustain the fight against Russiaor underwrite its sovereignty in the event of a peace deal. The more of its own weapons Ukraine can produce, the less vulnerable it will be to the vagaries of international politics or kinks in cross-border supply chains. The country also sees its defense industry as a postwar revenue stream for its battered economy and a way to further integrate itself into the West by becoming one of its suppliers. Ukraine will always need its own strong weapons so that we can have our own strong Ukrainian state," President Volodymyr Zelensky has said. More than 40% of the weapons used on the front line with Russia are now made in Ukraine, Zelensky said. In some areas, such as drones, unmanned ground systems, and electronic warfare, the figure is close to 100%. Ukrainian manufacturers are also churning out growing quantities of traditional armaments such as artillery systems, armored vehicles, mines and ammunition of all calibers. Vitaliy Zagudaiev says his company is producing more than 20 Bohdanas a month. In Western countries theres more competition for the best computer science grads or IT people," said Rob Lee, senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, a foreign-policy think tank. In Ukraine, much of the best talent has gone into defense." But even the robust transformation of its homegrown arsenal wont be enough for Ukraine to hold back Moscows forces alone. Ukraine needs the U.S. and other Western allies to square up to Russias war machine. It cant produce anywhere near enough ammunition to keep its guns firing, or any of the air-defense interceptors it needs to shield against Russian missiles. And while arms production has boomed, Kyivs budget is strained. This year, the government will only be able to purchase less than half of what defense manufacturers can produce, said Oleksandr Kamyshin, an adviser to Zelensky and former minister of strategic industries. Its painful when you cant produce and youve got nothing to fight with," he said. Its twice as painful when you can produce, but you cant fund the procurement." To harness the spare capacity, some Western governments are funding weapons purchases from Ukrainian defense companies under the so-called Danish model in which instead of supplying Kyiv with Western weapons, they provide funds to purchase arms from Ukrainian defense manufacturers. Investing directly in these companies might be the best use of available funds in terms of achieving an impact on the battlefield," said Lee. The war has served as a testing ground for a range of weapons that hadnt previously seen active service, providing NATO countries with valuable lessons on how they perform in battle. Ukraine inherited a swath of the Soviet defense industry when it gained independence, but those manufacturing capabilities quickly went into decline. A private company developed the Bohdana in 2016, but received no orders before Russia invaded, said Vitaliy Zagudaiev, director general of the Kramatorsk Heavy Duty Machine Tool Building Plant. After Russia invaded in 2022, fears that the system would be captured were so great that Zagudaiev received instructions to dismantle the only prototype. Until then, it had only been used as part of an Independence Day parade. Soon, however, Zagudaiev received instructions to put the gun back together, to use on the front line. Deployed alongside a French-built Caesar self-propelled howitzer, the Bohdana pounded Russian positions on Snake Island in the Black Sea, forcing Moscow to relinquish the rocky outcrop in the first summer of the war. Orders for the Bohdana began to roll in, but the plant in eastern Ukraine was in Russias crosshairs. Under fire, workers began relocating production to new facilities in the west of the country, but not before more than half the equipment was destroyed. Lead times for replacement orders were too long, so the company made its own equipment. Production was dispersed to minimize the impact of any Russian attack. If a missile successfully struck one facility, the others could still keep producing. Working round the clock, production of the gun soon outstripped the supply of wheeled chassis on which the Bohdana is mounted. The company is now producing more than 20 Bohdanas a month, said Zagudaiev. Russia can make about 40 artillery guns over the same period, according to a study by the Kiel Institute. The final Bohdana is only assembled at the last moment to minimize the chances of being targeted before reaching the front line. One of the lessons of this war is that the demand for quantity is very high," said Lee. Its not just about having exquisite systemsits do you have enough to sustain a high-intensity war for a year or more without significantly degrading your military?" While the Swedish-built Archer or Germanys Panzer 200 howitzers have more sophisticated electronics, they take longer to produce and are much costlier. The self-propelled Bohdana costs 2.8 million euros apiece, equivalent to $3.1 million, compared with 8.76 million for the Archer, or about 4 million for the Caesar. And the Bohdana is easier to repair and maintain. Any part is available within 24 hours," said Zagudaiev. We have mobile brigades working on the entire front line." About 85% of the Bohdanas components are now produced domestically, including the barrel, which wears out over time. The company is developing its own chassis to further reduce dependence on imports, Zagudaiev said. Last year, it began producing a towed gun, which is cheaper than the self-propelled version and useful in defense. Feedback from operators on the front line is continually incorporated during design tweaks. Each of the Bohdanas electrical or hydraulic systems has a corresponding mechanical system. That makes the gun heavier but means it can keep working in the event of an electrical or hydraulic failure, Zagudaiev said. The Danish government is funding the purchase 18 Bohdana howitzers for Ukraines armed forces. The Bohdana shows how far Ukraines defense industry has come. But efforts to produce NATO-standard 155mm ammunition, central to the war effort, illustrate the obstacles. Vladyslav Belbas says a lack of financing has held up a project to produce NATO-standard ammunition. Private company Ukrainian Armor set up a facility to produce 155mm ammunition with the license and drawings transferred by the Czechoslovak Group, which is also supplying propellant, fuses and primers that cant be produced in Ukraine. The company, which also makes armored vehicles, had planned to produce 100,000 rounds of 155mm ammunition this year and 300,000 next yeara fraction of the three to four million rounds Ukraine is estimated to go through a year. The project, however, is on hold because the company hasnt received funds from the government, said chief executive Vladyslav Belbas. We should move faster," he said. Its more than just business for us." Write to Isabel Coles at isabel.coles@wsj.com New Delhi: Farmers should soon be able to abandon laborious methods of soil testing, which involve collecting samples from different parts of a field and having each of those tested at government laboratories. The Union government is preparing to upgrade the soil testing process by empowering farmers with a handheld digital tool that can deliver results in real time using satellite technology, a senior government official said. With this device, farmers will be able to quickly assess soil properties such as texture, organic matter, pH, and nutrient levels in a matter of seconds with the help of a handheld device, allowing for precision-farming, said M.L. Jat, secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education. With such information handy, farmers can apply the right amount of fertilizer, nutrients, and irrigation based on specific soil needs, thereby reducing input costs and improving crop yields, said Jat, who is also director general at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). In addition to this, unlike soil health cards that offer static and often technical reports, new National Soil Survey Laboratories will provide real-time and easy-to-understand soil data to farmers, who will receive personalized advice via mobile apps or handheld devices, Jat said. These soil-related reforms are expected to overhaul agricultural practices in India, significantly improving yields for farmers. While traditional soil testing methods take several days and require substantial resources, conventional chemical analysis done at soil testing laboratories is expensive, labour-intensive, and time-consuming. Agriculture contributes around 18% to Indias GDP and accounts for 42% of the countrys workforce. In the Union Budget for 2025-26, the agriculture and allied activities department received an allocation of 1.71 trillion, up from revised estimates of 1.40 trillion for FY25, a more than 20% increase signalling the Union government's focus on improving agricultural practices in India. Also read | India to revamp rice cultivation technique to save water, cut labour costs, reduce methane emissions When agriculture reforms go digital Powering the handheld devices will be the development of a large set of soil spectral libraries, which will allow for developing sensor-based soil fertility assessment, agriculture scientists said. This will allow farmers to treat different parts of their fields based on specific soil conditions. Also, a national depository of standard soil spectral data collected from across the country will make soil data more accessible and interpretable even to farmers without technical backgrounds through user-friendly apps, Jat said. The national depository currently contains more than 40,000 spectra of different soil types collected from across India... Once it is fully developed, soil properties will be known in a fraction of a second," said a senior scientist associated with ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning. Also read | India wants Brazils farm mojo to grow more from less land Another ICAR scientist said 5,000-10,000 samples would be added every year. Once we have a sufficient number of soil samples covering the majority of variations in soils, relations between the soil properties and the spectra can be developed using various modelling algorithms including machine learning and deep learning techniques," this scientist said. These models can be used to predict properties of new soil samples, reducing dependency on physical laboratories for analysing soil properties. This will make it possible to generate soil health cards for every farmer, the scientist added. As per government data, a total of 247.4 million soil health cards have been generated since February 2015 as part of a scheme to provide farmers with detailed information about the nutrient status of their soil. The government has established 8,272 soil testing laboratories and released 1,706.18 crore to states and union territories to support the soil health card scheme. In 2024-25, about 9.2 million soil samples were sent for testing under the scheme, up from about 6.5 million samples in the year before. Also read | India eyes bumper basmati crop as short-duration variety acreage set to rise 10% Bank holidays this week, May 18-25: While there are no state or religious holidays in the upcoming week, customers will have to take note of the weekly offs. Next week has the central bank mandated fourth Saturday holiday besides the usual Sundays off. On May 18 (today), banks in all states across India are closed for Sunday weekly off. Further, during the next week, banks will also be closed on May 24 and 25, on account of fourth Saturday and Sunday holidays. The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) official holidays list has six designated holidays in May 2025, besides which all public and private banks, including the State Bank of India (SBI), will be closed on Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays. Take a look at the full bank holiday schedule for the upcoming week and the month of May 2025 below: Bank Holidays in This Week Schedule for May 18-25 May 18 (Sunday) Weekly Off May 24 (Saturday) Weekly off for fourth Saturday May 25 (Sunday) Weekly Off Upcoming Bank Holidays in May 2025 May 26 (Monday) Birthday of Kazi Nazrul Islam Banks in Tripura will be closed to observe the birthday of Kazi Nazrul Islam. May 29 (Thursday) Maharana Pratap Jayanti Banks will be closed in Himachal Pradesh to observe Maharana Pratap Jayanti. Also Read | Bank holidays in May 2025: Banks to remain closed on THESE days across India What can you do when banks are closed? On days when the banks are shut, you can access your money through banking apps, net banking and ATMs. All these facilities remain available regardless of public holidays, unless banks notify technical issues or maintenance closures. You will however, not be able to conduct transations on cheque and promissory notes, as these come under the Negotiable Instruments Act, and are unavailable during the holidays. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 18. To participate in the "Araz-2025" joint exercise taking place in Azerbaijan, the head of the delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran and other participants involved in the exercise arrived in our country, Trend reports. A meeting was held between the exercise leaders and other high-level representatives of both countries. During the meeting, a briefing was given on the objectives of the exercise, its scenario and location, the preparation process, safety regulations, as well as the tasks to be carried out at various stages. It should be noted that the "Araz-2025" joint exercise held in the liberated territories will last until May 21. New Delhi: Norfund-backed clean energy firm SAEL Ltd plans to establish a solar cell manufacturing plant in Uttar Pradesh at a projected investment of 5,000 crore. The Delhi-headquartered IPO-bound company is looking to set up an integrated solar cell and module manufacturing facility with a capacity to produce 5 gigawatt (GW) of solar cells annually, chief executive Laxit Awla told Mint in an interview. We are about to begin implementation of the cell manufacturing project in the next few months. It (solar cell manufacturing capacity) will be 5 GW approximately. We have module manufacturing in Rajasthan. This will be in UP, Greater Noida. So approximate investment should be around 5,000 crore," Awla said. The Union government has included solar cells under the ambit of the renewable energy ministrys approved list of models and manufacturers with effect from June 2026, effectively allowing only those suppliers featured in the list to supply solar cells for government-backed projects. SAEL currently has a 3 GW capacity plant in Rajasthan to manufacture solar modulespanels of connected solar cellsand another 0.3 GW capacity in Punjab, employing around 1,500 people. It has so far incurred a capital expenditure of 600 crore for module manufacturing, Awla said. SAEL will also look at manufacturing other components used in manufacturing solar modules, such as wafers and ingots, depending on government policy and domestic market requirements, he added. SAELs IPO plans On SAELs fundraising plans, Awla confirmed media reports that the company was planning an initial public offering of its shares in 12 months and that it had appointed merchant bankers for the IPO. IPO today is one of the most conducive ways of raising funds, which is why in the past two years the market has picked up. Now obviously, we have other options available as well, private placement, private equity. So all these are probable fundraising scenarios," Awla said. Having said that, we are focusing on IPO majorly right now because the market is good and I think we intend to achieve this milestone at this point of time." In January last year, the company raised $1 billion from investors including Norway investment fund Norfund, DFC, ADB, and Tata Cleantech. View Full Image Laxit Awla, CEO and director at SAEL Indian solar equipment makers were hoping to gain acompetitive global advantage after US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal trade tariffs on almost all countries last month. The current tariff rate on Indian solar exports to the US stands at 14%, which is lower than the tariffs imposed on products from China, the worlds largest manufacturer of solar panels and other related equipment. India is targeting 500GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030. Last month, Union minister for new and renewable energy, Pralhad Joshi, said India added about 25 GW of renewable energy capacity in 2024-25, the highest ever green power capacity addition in a year, registering a nearly 35% growth from the previous fiscal year. Of the 25 GW of renewable energy capacity added in FY25,solar power capacity comprised 21 GW. Tight competition Apart from manufacturing solar modules and cells, SAEL plans to add at least 8 GW of battery integrated solar capacity over the next four years, taking the companys cumulative solar-based power-generation capacity to about 15 GW. Its currently over 6.5 gigawatt. We are looking at a committed capacity of 15 GW in the next 3-4 years," Awla said, adding that going ahead SAELs solar projects would be integrated with battery energy storage systems. SAEL is also present in the waste-to-energy space with 11 biomass plants in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, with cumulative paddy-to-energy generation capacity of 165 MW. In the overall renewable energy space, SAEL faces competition from private sector giants such as Tata Power Ltd, Reliance Power Ltd,ReNew Energy Global Plc., andSembcorp Industries. Last week, Tata Power reported a nearly40% year-on-year increase in fourth-quarter operational earnings driven in part by higher margins from its newly commissioned solar cell manufacturing facility. Also last week, Reliance NU Energy, a subsidiary of Reliance Power, announced that it had secured a350 MW solar power project integrated with a 175 MW/700 MWh battery energy storage system through a competitive bidding process conducted by state-run SJVN Ltd. Earlier in May, Reliance NU Suntech, another Reliance Power subsidiary, signed a 25-year power purchase agreement with state-run Solar Energy Corporation of India to developAsias largest single-location integrated solar and battery energy storage system project. Bengaluru: By 10 each morning, Neel Virwani, the youngest son of Embassy Group chairman Jitu Virwani, is at their office in Embassy ONE, a premium mixed-use property, in Bengaluru. During his 10-hour days, Neel, 25, attends high-level meetings and discussions on projects at different stagesfrom land to launch. In April, Neel, whose official designation is promoter, Embassy Developments Ltd, completed a year in the family business, which he joined after graduating from Hult International Business School in London. Like his elder siblings Karan (33) and Aditya (31), Neel trained under his father for the first ten months. He is currently shadowing elder brother Aditya, the managing director of Embassy Developments, to learn the ropes. In between, he also worked with Karan, managing director and CEO of managed workspace operator WeWork India, promoted by Embassy Group. In India, business is done through relationships and trust. The key thing I learnt from my father was people skills, analysing deals, how he looks at a piece of land, handling business partners, as well as how to do business with friends," said the youngest Virwani. If the pandemic hadnt happened, Shivam Agarwal, who was working at a digital political marketing company in Washington, may have joined Sattva Group, also based in Bengaluru, a year later. But the world was going to shut down, prompting him to return to India in 2020 and join the family business. I worked on a few land and financing deals in the beginning. The two years I shadowed my father, I learnt more than I achieved," said Shivam, 28, vice president, strategic growth. Neel and Shivam are being groomed for the future. Real estate companies in India are mostly run by families or are promoter-held, and it is a given that the next generation will take over one day. While the second generation is brought into the business fairly early on, they are empowered in a staggered manner. Neel, for instance, will train for another year, before it is decided what role he will specifically have in the company. Anuj Puri, chairman at property advisory Anarock Group says the earlier generation does not hand over the reins at the beginning. They are asked to handle softer business matters first, then involved in finance and liaisoning, then land, and so on," Puri explained. Real estate companies in India are mostly run by families or are promoter-held, and it is a given that the next generation will take over one day. They are empowered in a staggered manner. The next generation has stepped in at a time when businesses have grown multi-fold in recent years, compared to earlier. Indias real estate sector is expected to become a $4.8 trillion-plus market by 2047, contributing 18% to the countrys projected $26 trillion GDP, according to a joint report released last November by EY and the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (Credai). The current contribution of the real estate sector to Indias GDP is 7%. Many real estate firms are today at crucial junctures, ready to take the next big leap as the market grows. But is their nextgen ready? Selling an idea Real estate is essentially about selling the future, an idea or a concept of a product that will come up years later. It is the ability to see the future way ahead, and take calculated risks, said Jitu Virwani. To identify land and locations to build the business is key for a developer. The next generation needs to have a vision." To this end, while promoter-led real estate firms are bringing in more professionals as vertical heads or CEOs, they are simultaneously training the next generation to take on more responsibility. View Full Image Left to right: Aditya Virwani, MD, Embassy Developments Ltd; Jitu Virwani, chairman of Embassy Group; Karan Virwani, MD and CEO of WeWork India, and Neel Virwani, promoter, Embassy Developments Ltd. Last May, after its CEO resigned, Prestige Estates Projects Ltd rejigged its senior management and laid out a roadmap, naming key people who would manage the business. Besides a list of professionals in important positions, Prestige said the next generation of the promoters family would play a crucial role in shaping the companys future. Faiz Rezwan, executive director, would oversee construction and execution of projects, while Zayd Noaman was tasked with business development, corporate finance and strategic investments. Faiz and Zayd are, respectively, the sons of Rezwan Razack and Noaman Razack, brothers of Prestige chairman and managing director Irfan Razack. Even before it was formalized, Faiz and Zayd were part of the business. I was mentored by Irfan Razack, and learnt on the job. Mr Razacks decision is final on all matters, but he always sounds everyone out," said Zayd, 34, executive director, CMDs office. Every Tuesday-Wednesday, we travel to other cities. We hit up every project site once a month. It could be a 6am or 10 pm site walk, with the chairman, regional heads and the respective CEOs for project reviews," said Zayd. View Full Image Zayd Noaman, executive director, CMD's office, Prestige Group. The next big step When Brigade Enterprises Ltd went for a public listing in 2007, Nirupa Shankar had not yet joined the company, but she witnessed the angst that goes into a public listing". Years later, the Bengaluru real estate firms subsidiary, Brigade Hotel Ventures Ltd, is headed for an initial public offering (IPO). This time, Shankar, as managing director of Brigade Hotel Ventures and the younger daughter of chairman M.R. Jaishankar, attended all the pre-IPO roadshows and met nearly 70 investors. The company recently got Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) approval for a 900 crore IPO, and is waiting for the right time to launch. In the beginning, Shankar, 42, had the choice to either assist her father, a first-generation real estate entrepreneur, or do something she chose. She chose to build the hospitality business, which was a small part of Brigades portfolio then. It has nine operating hotels now, and 10 more in the pipeline. There have been quite a few milestones as we built the business. An IPO is a once-in-a-lifetime thing for a company, but it is not the be all and end all. If it happens, it will happen at the right time and at the right valuation," she said. View Full Image Left to right: Nirupa Shankar, managing director, Brigade Hotel Ventures Ltd; M.R Jaishankar, chairman, and Pavitra Shankar, managing director of Brigade Group. Several real estate firms are set to take the next big leap, having diversified their portfolios and scaling up individual business verticals. WeWork India, for instance, has submitted draft papers for an IPO. The company opened a door for the flexible workspace industry in India when it launched its first centre in Bengaluru in 2017. Though Karan Virwani started by assisting his father, he wanted to do something entrepreneurial. Before signing the agreement with WeWork, the father-son duo visited the US to get a sense of the co-working business, and walked into WeWorks Chelsea, Manhattan centre. That was a life-changing moment, Karan said. From an operational standpoint, my father gave me the freedom to do things on my own as much as possible. In other aspects of the businessstrategic, fund-raising, being part of the WeWork India board, and large negotiations we have had to dohe has been quite involved," said Karan. WeWork globally has faced its share of challenges. WeWork Inc. emerged from bankruptcy last year, after a months-long restructuring process involving a strategy revamp and exits from many locations. Globally, WeWork was growing so much in the early years and there were so many stories, my father told me to stay grounded, focus on the business, not lose sight no matter what was happening externally," Karan said. Many companies that had a modest beginning have become big enough to move to the next level. This March, a real estate investment trust (Reit), sponsored by Blackstone Group and Sattva, filed its draft papers for an IPO to raise around 7,000 crore. It will be the second largest Reit in Asia by leasable area, and the countrys largest by net operating income and gross asset value. Along with his father, Sattva managing director Bijay Agarwal, Shivam has been closely involved in the preparation for the Reit, which will be a major milestone for the Bengaluru firm. Compared to even a decade ago, the appetite of the market, and the companys potential, have both grown. Its a bigger volume game now. My daughter Adrija understands numbers very well, and marketing is my sons forte. All the credit for Sattvas branding goes to him," said Bijay Agarwal. Only woman in the room The real estate sector has always lacked women in leadership roles, perhaps because of the unorganized nature of the business. There has been the occasional woman CEO in corporate-backed firms, such as Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd (Anita Arjundas and Sangeeta Prasad), but it was not the norm. Sisters Pavitra and Nirupa Shankar, to a great extent, are the exception. View Full Image A file photo of Sangeeta Prasad, former chief executive of Mahindra Lifespace. Pavitra, 44, managing director of Brigade Enterprises Ltd, spent several years in the US, first studying and then working, before she returned to India and joined the company in October 2016. She founded and ran Legion Real Estate in Menlo Park, California, which provided business development and real estate marketing consultancy to Indian developers targeting the NRI market in North America. My father gave my sister and I a lot of room to operate. Initially I would deal with marketing and launch campaigns, while he was involved in business development. Over time, my role has evolved, from a hands-on role to strategy and looking at the big picture. I believe a company requires different kinds of leadership at different stages," Pavitra said. In real estate, one doesnt see women at all on the land or liasoning side. So, people are often shocked to see the sisters do site visits, feasibility studies, market strategies and so on. Some people will always say she is here only because of her father. I think Pavitra and I have both earned respect. We rolled up our sleeves and worked really hard, which many men and women may not be willing to do," Nirupa added. In the first two years after joining Sattva, Adrija Agarwal travelled with her father everywhere, for land deals and meetings. There are not enough women in real estate. Initially, that was both a challenge and also an opportunity. On many occasions, I would be the only woman in the room," recalled Adrija, vice president, business development, Sattva, who graduated in bio-engineering from Cornell University and then earned an MBA from Kellogg business school. She worked at Bain & Co. for a year in London before joining the family business. Real estate is a tough business, where you are dealing with men all the time. They dont always take you seriously. Building credibility is harder," she said. Real estate is a tough business, where you are dealing with men all the time. They dont always take you seriously. Adrija Agarwal The first big project Adrija was involved in was a Taj hotel property Sattva is building at Doddaballapur, near Bengaluru. Along with brother Shivam, she co-founded Sattva Ventures, the family office that oversees around $150 million worth of investments across public and private markets, and has invested in 47 consumer brands to date. Charting your own path Come September, Aditya Virwani will complete nine years at Embassy Group. After being chief operating officer since 2018, he was promoted to managing director of Embassy Developments, which was formed upon the completion of a merger this year between an Embassy Group firm and Indiabulls Real Estate Ltd, a process that took almost four years. The merger was a long-drawn process that underwent several legal hoops. It was an insane learning process for Karan and me specifically. The idea of the merger was dads and the credit goes to him. But for me, the work starts now, as we start execution and take things forward. With the experience I have gathered so far, I am ready for it," said Aditya. As the new generation takes on greater responsibilities, they are also looking to do things their way. My father has some golden rules in the business. Nine years in, I now choose what I want to take from him and then formulate my own rules," Aditya said. Delhi-based Omaxe Ltds chairman, Rohtas Goel, was closely involved in the business till 2023, after which he handed over the reins to his sons Mohit and Jatin. Mohit Goel, managing director of Omaxe, said his fathers wish is for the company to be debt free. He has also given me a target for market capitalization. But I am cautiously aggressive. In real estate, you can do 10 great projects, but two wrong projects can set you back," he said. View Full Image A file photo of Mohit Goel, managing director, Omaxe. With greater corporate governance, better processes in places, and institutional investors prompting more accountability, the successors to property firms may find it easier to do business. But they will also need to find their own paths, say property analysts. The next gen needs to shepherd the organization to a different level, help it to grow in a manner that decision-making is distributed, and take people along," Pavitra Shankar said. They should know that its okay to not be carbon copies of the first generation." Mumbai: Remember when you casually shared the perfectly synced choreography of dance influencer Parveen Kumar Sharma on the viral hip-hop track Vartman? While it feels like harmless fun, sharing such content can unknowingly step on copyright infringement. Indias meme marketing boom, where pages earn lakhs monthly promoting brands through witty, viral content, is built on a fragile foundation of widespread copyright violations, misinformation, and regulatory grey areas. What started as a fun, low-cost way for brands to tap millions of young social media users has ballooned into a 3,000 crore industry by 2025, according to equity firm Equentis. When I started this page for fun in 12th standard in 2014, I never anticipated that it would become a lucrative business due to paid promotions," said Archit Madaan, founder of The Indian Sarcasm, a meme page turned marketing agency managing hundreds of pages. Yet as meme pages replicate content, lift clips from popular shows without permission, and skirt advertising disclosure rules, they risk legal crackdowns, reputational damage, and spreading fake news. Regulators and content owners, including makers of iconic shows like Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, are fighting back through copyright enforcement and legal action, signalling that the meme economys wild west days may be numbered. Meme marketing: The business model Meme pages, which began as casual, humorous posts, have now evolved into mini marketing agencies, offering brands a low-cost, high-impact way to reach millions of young social media users. "Meme pages have become a convenient source of promotions for brands, offering a high return on investment due to lower cost with charges starting with 1,000 per story and typically ranging between 3, 000 6,000 per post," said Madaan. For brands, meme marketing is an affordable alternative to traditional advertising. For context, 5 lakh can deliver 10 million organic views, a reach that would typically cost far more on mainstream platforms, according to Madaan. "Niche pages with over a million followers are able to earn up to 20 lakh per month in this industry. Leading meme pages get 3-4 brand promotions per day if they regularly post 20-25 content pieces daily," Madaan added. Meme pages primarily generate revenue through advertising, including sponsored content and brand partnerships, as well as ad revenue from monetized videos. But as competition intensifies, content copying has become rampant. "When we work with brands, they usually whitelist those posts so they appear on both the brand's and our page. However, due to overcrowding and high competition, other pages often repost the same content across different social media platforms, inviting copyright strikes from the brands," he added. Copyright infringement: A growing legal flashpoint Meme pages routinely use clips from popular shows, infringing on copyright and intellectual property (IP) laws, and sometimes even the personality rights of actors. In August 2024, the Delhi High Court restrained unauthorized use of characters and content from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah following a suit by Neela Film Productions, holders of the shows trademarks and copyrights. As makers of a brand spanning animation, games, merchandise, and gamified learning, we take copyright infringement seriously," said Asit Modi, managing director of Neela Film Productions. While fan-made content is welcomed, monetizing clips or characters like Jethalal or Daya Ben without permission is not tolerated. Mint reported earlier this week that user-generated content using copyrighted material does not attract legal action if it is not monetized. However, with copyright infringement rampant on social media, enforcement remains challenging. As a result, copyright holders often refrain from taking action unless significant financial losses are involved. Read this | Music labels crack the whip as influencers flout copyright rules on social media In addition to copyright violations, meme pages also risk infringing on personality rights, an individuals exclusive rights to control the commercial use of their unique traits such as name, likeness, image, and persona. Indian celebrities like Anil Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, and Jackie Shroff have secured these rights to prevent unauthorized use of their personalities in advertising, merchandise, and digital content. A representative for a Bollywood actor who has secured a personality trademark told Mint that they frequently request the removal of digital content profiting from the actors videos on social media platforms. "With AI-generated content on the rise, protecting the integrity of our brand is crucial, especially when inappropriate or vulgar depictions compromise our family-friendly values. We actively enforce our rights through copyright strikes and legal notices to safeguard our brand and ensure that our content remains respectful and enjoyable for audiences across all platforms," Modi added. Similarly, India TV keeps track of memes borrowing from its Aap ki Adalat show of featuring its host Rajat Sharma. Aap ki Adalat is India TVs flagship show and we have a zero tolerance approach towards any violation of our intellectual property in this show," said Ritika Talwar, legal head at India TV. When we observe memes around the show floating on social media, we vigorously enforce copyright laws, issuing strikes on YouTube, reporting infringing content on Instagram, and pursuing legal action, including notices and lawsuits, when necessary." According to Neela Films anti-piracy partner, approximately 10 million infringing links are taken down annually, 700,000 monthly, covering videos, games, and merchandise. The misinformation risk Meme pages are a favoured news source for many young Indians, but their influence carries the risk of misinformation and fake news. Read this | Rise of legal influencers raises concerns over consequences of misleading advice, say partners of top law firms "The meme industry is a powerful tool for disseminating information, leveraging its cultural relevance in the social media era. It predominantly appeals to younger audiences, often serving as their primary source for vital news and information," said Aditya Gurwara, cofounder of influencer marketing agency Qoruz. However, this influence comes with a downside. Over the years, we have observed the rise of misinformation and fake news on these platforms as well. Given their extensive reach, it is imperative to recognize the power memes pose in shaping public perception," Gurwara said. Lawyers point out that meme pages, while breaching Indian laws over other malpractices, also promote illegal products and services. "Under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, social media platforms are required to make reasonable efforts by themselves and ensure that its users do not publish or share misinformation or information which is patently false, untrue or misleading in nature," said Ishan Johri, partner at law firm Khaitan and Co. "Further, the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 also penalises persons that make hate speech and circulate false information and rumours with the intent to cause fear or alarm to the public. Apart from copyright infringement and fake news, problematic practices include advertising of unlawful products or services embedded within meme content," Johri added. Brands walking a legal tightrope Brands have embraced memes for their viral potential and cultural relevance despite the risks. Read this | Brand-influencer court battles set the boundaries for creators Brands are certainly aware of the reputational and legal risks associated with meme pages, particularly when it comes to copyright infringement. However, many still choose to engage, albeit carefully, because of the unique cultural relevance and viral potential these platforms offer. The key is rigorous vetting and clearly defined content guidelines," said Amiya Swarup, partner and marketing advisory leader at consulting firm EY. The Advertisement Standards Council of India (ASCI) prescribes caution for brands working with meme pages, as they often dont declare paid partnerships. Also read | Influencer marketing presents brands with its challenges, ROI biggest concern Major brands have successfully integrated memes into their marketing strategies, often generating millions of engagements. Such brand-owned or authorised communications qualify as advertisements under ASCIs framework and must comply with disclosure requirements," said Manisha Kapoor, secretary general of ASCI. This ensures transparency and helps consumers distinguish between organic content and paid promotions." Small-cap IT stock: Blue Cloud Softech Solutions Ltd announced that the company's board of directors will meet on Friday, 23 May 2025, at 4 p.m. to discuss many aspects, including the approval of a fundraiser, according to the exchange filing. According to the filing data, the company will finalise an acquisition move outside India either through cash or swap of equity shares or a combination of both. Along with the acquisition move, the company's board will also approve a fundraiser involving the issuance of foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCBs). The board may also discuss any other topic of business after the chairman's permission. Raising of funds by way of issuance of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCBs) subject to regulatory and other approvals, as may be required, said the company in the BSE filing. Blue Cloud Softech Solutions Share Price Blue Cloud Softech Solutions shares closed 1.98 per cent higher at 19.01 after Friday's market close, compared to 18.64 at the previous stock market session. The company announced the fundraising development after the market operating hours on 16 May 2025. Blue Cloud Softech shares have given stock market investors more than 233 per cent returns on their investments in the last five years. However, the shares have lost a little over 48 per cent in the last one-year period. On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, the stock has lost 61.23 per cent in 2025, but is trading 23.12 per cent higher in the last one-month period. The shares hit their 52-week high levels at 130.50 on July 29, 2024, while the 52-week low levels were at 14.95 on April 17, 2025, according to data collected from the BSE website. The shares are currently trading marginally above their year-low levels. The software products firm's market capitalisation (M-Cap) was at 829.37 crore as of the stock market close on Friday, 16 May 2025. One of the first things we notice in The Emperors Naked Army Marches On is a slogan painted on a car belonging to anarchist Kenzo Okuzaki: To kill ex-prime minister Kakuei Tanaka". A few minutes later, Okuzaki, 62, officiating as the go-between at a wedding, tells the guests how he killed a broker, shot a sling at Emperor Hirohito and went to jail. Nation is a wall between men," he says. I also consider family a wall its against the divine law. So I intend to continue attacking it." As character introductions go, this one is perfect. Every behaviour Okuzaki exhibits in Kazuo Haras 1987 documentary is hinted at here: the directness, the dissident mentality, the complete disregard of propriety and occasion, the ever-present threat of violence. I cant think of another character in cinema quite like him, this gaunt old man promising violence while trying to right historic wrongs. In the end days of World War II, Okuzaki served in the emperors army, stationed on an island in New Guinea. He was one of the few in his unit who made it out alive, a guilt he carried with him all his life. After the war, he started looking into the events leading up to the deaths of Nomura and Yoshizawa, members of his unit who faced the firing squad for desertion. Even this official explanation arrives in fragments, as Okuzaki confronts one survivor after another, probing for the slightest incriminating detail. Under his unflagging barrage of questions, further disturbing possibilities emerge: that the order to execute was given after the war had endedwhich made it a crimeand that it may have been a cover up for cannibalism. Had Okuzaki been a likeable, principled man fighting Japans militaristic institutions, Haras film might have taken the more recognisable shape of an underdog story. But Okuzaki is exceptionally hard to root for. The first man he confronts, ex-sergeant Yamada, is in a hospital bed, with little time left to live. Okuzaki nevertheless tells him his medical woes are divine retribution. People like youshall not be allowed to live in peace like nothing happened," he says. Later in the film, he visits the same man at his home and reiterates this pitiless statement. He then attacks him, punching and kicking until even the director has to intervene. Were used to Okuzakis rages by thenhes already attacked another interviewee earlier in the film. That didnt go well for him; the mans family gang up on Okuzaki, who yells from the floor, Stop filming, Im being beat up." But this doesnt stop him from using the threat of violence in other interviews. He enlists the brother and sister of one of the victims on a few of his expeditions. One rattled man agrees to tell the whole truth, but off-camera, to the siblings. Okuzaki immediately protests, shooting down the offer. Its clear that Okuzakis pursuit of the truth has come at some personal cost, but moments like these point to his need to be the central player in the denouement. Eventually, the relatives drop out of Okuzakis crusade. They are not committed enough to see this through," is his assessment, before enlisting his clearly uncomfortable wife and a friend to pose as the brother and sister. Okuzaki thus becomes casting director; in an earlier scene, he handles the blocking, briefly assuming the part of on set director. These are fascinating wrinkles in a film that pushes the viewer to think about the responsibility of artists recording real life. You film this and do nothing," Yamadas wife accuses the director as Okuzaki attacks him. The Emperors Naked Army Marches On might not be a widely known film outside Japan, but its highly regarded in documentary circles (it was voted the 23rd greatest documentary of all time by critics in Sight & Sounds August 2014 issue). You can draw a direct line from Haras film to later landmarks in non-fiction cinema. Michael Moores investigative films like Bowling for Columbine (2002) and Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004) channel the films brash energy, though with one difference: Moore is both filmmaker and star, doing the hectoring himself instead of through someone else. Even more closely aligned is Joshua Oppenheimers The Act of Killing (2012), in which retired Indonesian militia members revisit their reign of terror in the 1960s through surreal reenactments of their crimes. Theres even a hint in Nathan Fielders artful provocations of Okuzaki getting his wife to play a role, and her getting injured while trying to defend the sergeant from her husband. Theres a small moment untouched by uglinessthough this too is a sad one. Okuzaki visits the mother of a former member of his unit who died in New Guinea. He breaks down as he tells her, I came to console his soul in my way." They visit his grave, where the old woman sings an elegy that begins with, Your mother has come to the pier." She gets the words wrong and stops in embarrassment, but Okuzaki gently encourages her to begin again. Throughout the film, Okuzaki reiterates how hes trying to bring peace to the souls of his departed comrades. Theres a lot going on within this strange man, but his quest is a necessary one: to dispel the fog of war, even if its decades later. The public has to know the truth to prevent wars," he tells Yamada. As the information wars that accompanied the fighting on our borders last week showed, truth is often the first casualty in armed conflict. Cold clarity can be demoralising or even seem unpatriotic. But in the darkest times, it becomes all the more important to shine a light. A significant tax development is on the horizon for non-resident Indians in the US. The US governments House Ways and Means Committee has advanced a sweeping bill titled the One Big Beautiful" Tax Act, aimed at extending several provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and introducing new tax measures. Among these proposals is the introduction of a 5% tax on remittances sent abroad, a measure that could directly impact thousands of NRIs who regularly transfer funds to their families in India. While the bill is subject to a Senate review and further debate, a majority of US Republican Party leaders aim to finalize it by 4 July. If passed in its current form, the remittance transfer tax will take effect on transfers made after 31 December 2025. Lets break down what this proposed tax means, especially for NRIs on H1B, L1, or F1 visas and Green Card holders. What is remittance transfer tax? Under the proposed Chapter 36C, Section 4475 of the USs Internal Revenue Code, a 5% tax will be levied on remittance transfersthat is, money sent by individuals from the US to recipients in other countries, including India. This tax is not based on income but on the amount being transferred abroad. For example, if you send $10,000 to India, you could be required to pay an additional $500 in tax. When will this tax apply? If enacted, the remittance transfer tax would apply to all qualifying transfers made on or after 1 January 2026. The accompanying refund and reporting provisions will apply to tax years ending after that date. Also read | How the India-UK Double Contribution Convention benefits employers and employees Who will be affected? This tax primarily affects non-citizen residents in the US, including NRIs on H1B, L1, or F1 visas, Green Card holders, and any individual who is not a verified US citizen or national. If you fall into any of these categories and send money to India, you could soon be required to pay this new tax. The proposed legislation provides a narrow exemption for verified US citizens and nationals and transfers made through qualified remittance providers" who have agreements with the USs Internal Revenue Service department to verify a senders citizenship status. If a US citizen ends up paying the tax, they can claim a refundable tax credit, but only if they provide a valid social security number and supporting documentation. How will the tax be collected? The tax is collected at the point of transfer by the remittance provider, such as as bank or a money transfer service. The service provider will collect the 5% tax from the sender and deposit the tax with the US treasury department on a quarterly basis. If a provider fails to collect the tax at the time of transfer, they will become liable for the payment instead. Also read | ITR filing: Why you shouldnt rush to file taxes as soon as the portal opens Anti-abuse provisions To prevent circumvention of the remittance transfer tax, the proposal includes anti-conduit and anti-abuse rules. This means any indirect or creative structure used to avoid paying the remittance taxsuch as funnelling money through third parties or shell accountscould trigger enforcement actions and penalties. Lets say you are an H1B visa holder in the US and you send $20,000 to your parents in India in February 2026. Under the proposed law: A 5% tax = $1,000 This amount will be added to your remittance cost and collected by your bank or service provider at the time of transfer This is over and above any other fees or charges that may already apply to international remittances. Also read | BluSmart lessons: Investors must look beyond high-growth stories What should NRIs start preparing for? Here are a few practical steps NRIs can consider: Track your remittances: Begin maintaining clear records of all foreign transfers for future tax reference. Review your US residency and citizenship status: If you are on the path to US citizenship it may impact your tax position. Stay informed: Follow the progress of this bill in the US Congress as amendments and final provisions could vary. Consult a tax advisor: Each individuals tax situation is unique. A qualified tax advisor can help you assess the impact of this new law and plan accordingly. Final thoughts While this tax is not yet law, it represents a significant shift in US tax policy on foreign remittances. If passed, it will increase the cost of sending money abroad for a large segment of the NRI community, particularly those who are not US citizens. NRIs in the US should closely monitor legislative developments and consider speaking with a cross-border tax specialist to understand the full implications. What begins as a small percentage today can lead to a meaningful cumulative impact over time, especially for those with ongoing financial obligations in India. Ajay R. Vaswani is the founder of ARAS and Company, Chartered Accountants. This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Please consult a licenced professional. A horrific tale of events surfaced some time ago, involving a married elementary school and her 11-year-old child student. The female teacher from Russia, described as dream teacher of many was caught red handed for sexually abusing a minor in Toksovo town, located in the northern outskirts of St Petersburg. Dark side of dream teacher decoded via WhatsApp The teacher in discussion was identified as Anna Plaksyuk, who was 25-year-old at the time of the abuse, RuNews24 reported. The inappropriate conduct of this mentor went on for four months before being finally caught by the victim's mother. The abuse came to light after the victims mother discovered a string of explicit messages and photos exchanged between her son and the teacher on WhatsApp. The mother of the victim accused the teacher of systematic flirting, stroking and kissing, and reported the matter to the school authorities. It was found that Anna Plaksyuk asked the boy to stay back after classes and locked the door, what followed was violent acts of a sexual nature, a court in the Leningrad region of Russia observed. She not only made the 11-year-old kiss her on the lips but also forced the boy to touch her chest while she touched him inappropriately. Also Read | Teacher's heartwarming message for children after Pahalgam attack goes viral The harassment was not limited to the classroom, the teacher allegedly sent nude pictures to the boy and in return demanded that her pupil send her explicit photographs. According to RuNews24 report, the teacher was awarded a jail term of nine years and has been serving the sentence in pre-trial detention since her arrest in February last year. She has also been banned from teaching for a further year after her release. As per local media reports, the victim did not show up in school for some time after the teacher's arrested. However, the educator blamed the boy for initiating the abuse in November 2023. In her statement, Anna Plaksyuk claimed that the boy had shown signs of attention in the months preceding the abuse and made compliments to her. A video of a girl student being molested by a boy at a college in Uttar Pradesh has gone viral on social media. In the video, it can be seen that a boy is beating a girl student on a Muzaffarnagar college campus . The incident occurred at SD Degree College on Bhopa Road in Muzaffarnagar. It began with an argument between two female students enrolled at the same college. The situation escalated when one of the students contacted her boyfriend, Amarjeet, who studies at a different college. Amarjeet then took the other student behind the college auditorium and proceeded to assault her. He slapped her in the face eleven times. The entire incident was captured on camera. It is reported that all three individuals have known each other for a long time. The Uttar Pradesh police had first registered a Non-Cognizable Report (NCR) after the complaint by the college and the victim. After the video of the incident went viral on social media, Uttar Pradesh police filed molestation charges against Amarjeet. The accused Amarjeet has been arrested by the Uttar Pradesh police for molesting the girl and the matter is being further investigated. Neighbour hacks woman to death with spade in Muzaffarnagar A 60-year-old woman was hacked to death with a spade by her neighbour in Kadipur village of Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district, police said on Saturday. The accused, Sushil Kumar, has been arrested and a case has been registered against him. The woman and the accused had a confrontation over an unspecified issue. During this, Kumar attacked her with a spade, resulting in her death on the spot, the police said. "The body has been sent for postmortem examination, and further investigation is ongoing," Circle Officer Ravishankar said. A 26-year-old man was arrested in Haryana's Nuh district on Saturday for allegedly spying for Pakistan, PTI reported citing police officials. As reported by PTI, the accused, identified as Armaan, is accused of passing on sensitive information about the Indian Army and other military activities to Pakistan through a staff member at the Pakistani High Commission in Delhi, Nuh police said. The police said Armaan was nabbed after they received a tip-off from central probe agencies. He was allegedly sharing the information for a long time through WhatsApp and social media platforms. When his mobile phone was searched, conversations and photos and videos shared with Pakistani numbers were discovered, police said. Also Read: Rajasthan Police arrests Army uniform seller for spying for Pakistan A senior police officer said a case has been registered against the accused under various sections of the BNS and the Official Secrets Act, 1923, PTI reported. (This is a developing story) A day after Hisar-based YouTuber, Jyoti Malhotra, was arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan by the Indian authorities, her father stated that his daughter had visited the neighbouring country to shoot videos, reported ANI. Haris Malhotra, Jyoti's father, asked why she could not contact her friends living in the country if she wished to. She made YouTube videos. She used to visit Pakistan and other places. If she has some friends there, can't she call them? I have no demands, but give us our phones. A case has been registered against us," ANI news agency quoted Malhotra. Adding more, Haris claimed that his daughter had taken all necessary permissions before travelling to Pakistan. Why was Jyoti Malhotra arrested? Earlier on Saturday, the Indian authorities arrested six Indian nationals including a Haryana-based travel blogger Jyoti Malhotra for allegedly passing sensitive information to Pakistani operatives. According to the officials, all the accused allegedly acted as agents, financial conduits, and informants and had networks in Haryana and Punjab. The officials revealed that the accused Jyoti, who ran the YouTube channel "Travel with Jo", had visited Pakistan in 2023 after acquiring a visa through commission agents. She even developed close ties with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a staff member at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi during her trip. The Indian authorities suspect that Danish, declared persona non grata by the government and expelled on 13 May 2025, allegedly introduced Jyoti to multiple Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs). Jyoti allegedly remained in touch with operatives, including Shakir alias Rana Shahbaz, whose number she saved as Jatt Randhawa through encrypted platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat, alleged the officials. Officials also claim that Jyoti allegedly shared sensitive information which concerned Indian locations. She even actively used to project a positive image of Pakistan on social media. Among other details, Jyoti also entered into an intimate relationship with a PIO and even travelled to Bali, Indonesia with him. Speaking to media, DSP Kamaljeet said, as quoted by ANI, Yesterday, based on inputs that we had, we arrested Jyoti, daughter of Haris Kumar, under the Official Secret Act and BNS 152. We have received some suspicious things after we recovered her mobile and laptop. We have taken her on a 5-day remand, and further investigation is on. She was in continuous contact with a Pakistani citizen. She has been charged under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923. Apart from this, a written confession has been obtained from her, and the case has been handed over to the Hisar's Economic Offences Wing. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 18. The ceremony of enthronement of the Pope Leo XIV took place in the St Peter Square in the Vatican on 18 May, Trend reports, citing the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis (parliament). Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova represented our country at the ceremony that went with the attendance of Heads of State and Government, clerics and prominent public figures from the world over. At the meeting held on the sidelines of the enthronement, the Speaker of the Milli Majlis conveyed to the Pope Leo XIV the congratulations of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Alyev on his election as the Head of the Holy See, and wished him success in his forthcoming endeavours. After India announced that it would send seven all-party delegations to "key partner countries" to "carry forth" India's strong message against terrorism, Pakistan also called for a delegation to present its case for 'peace' at the international stage. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has tasked Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to lead a high-level delegation to key global capitals to present Pakistans stance and push for peace. Also Read | Full list of delegations to share India's message against terrorism Bilawal accepted the responsibility. The Pakistani politician wrote in a Facebook post, I was contacted earlier today by Prime Minister [Shehbaz Sharif], who requested that I lead a delegation to present Pakistans case for peace on the international stage. I am honoured to accept this responsibility and remain committed to serving Pakistan in these challenging times. Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's Facebook post. Who will be part of Pakistan's delegation Apart from Bilawal, Pakistan's delegation is expected to include federal ministers Energy Minister Musadik Malik, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Khurram Dastgir Khan, Senator Sherry Rehman, former foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar, Muttahida Qaumi Movement lawmaker Faisal Subzwari, former foreign secretaries Tehmina Janjua and Jalil Abbas Jilani, PTI reported. The official statement further noted that Senator Faisal Sabzwari, former foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua, and former ambassador to the US and EU Jalil Abbas Jilani will also be part of the delegation. Where will Pakistan's team go? Pakistan's delegation is scheduled to visit key capitals including London, Washington, Paris, and Brussels, Geo TV reported. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also confirmed the development, saying that a parliamentary delegation would soon visit the United States, the United Kingdom, Brussels, France, and Russia to highlight Pakistans stance on the recent conflict. India's delegation The Indian government had announced on Saturday that all-party delegations will visit key partner countries to "project India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations." The delegation "would carry forth to the world the country's strong message of zero-tolerance against terrorism," the statement from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs read. The full list of MPs and delegation was released by Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday. Rijiju said on X, "One mission. One message. One Bharat Seven All-Party Delegations will soon engage key nations under Operation Sindoor, reflecting our collective resolve against terrorism." Who are part of Indian delegations The delegations will be led by seven MPs -- Shashi Tharoor, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Sanjay Kumar Jha, Baijayant Panda, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Supriya Sule, and Shrikant Eknath Shinde. The list includes MPs from multi-parties which have been divided into seven groups consisting of 8-9 members. A leader has been assigned for each group who will lead the delegation on global level. As per the list, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor will lead a nine-member delegation that will visit the USA, Panama, Guyana, Brazil and Colombia. The Congress hit out at the government on Saturday after the latter allegedly selected only one out of four nominees suggested by the party to be part of diplomatic delegations. It's reported that 51 political leaders, parliamentarians, and former ministers from across party lines will be part of the seven delegations travelling to world capitals to promote India's resolve to tackle terrorism against the backdrop of Operation Sindoor. Also Read | Full list of delegations to share India's message against terrorism What did the Congress say Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said in a post X on Saturday that on the morning of May 16, "the Modi govt asked for four names of Congress MPs/leaders to represent the INC in the delegations being sent abroad to explain India' stance on terrorism from Pakistan." "These four names were conveyed in writing by the LoP Lok Sabha to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs by 12 noon on May 16th itself," Ramesh said. Also Read | Viral video: Pak admits losing AWACS aircraft at Bholari airbase He added, Very late tonight (May 17th) the full list of members of all delegations has been officially released. Most regrettably only 1 of the 4 names suggested by the INC leadership has been included. Shashi Tharoor not nominated by Congress Ramesh said the four leaders nominated by the Congress were Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Syed Naseer Hussain, and Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. Of the four, only Sharma was included in the seven delegations that will be visiting various countries. Four Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari, Amar Singh and Salman Khurshid who were not part of the list forwarded by the Congress, were included in the delegations by the government, news agency ANI reported. The Congress leader said this proves the "complete insincerity" of the Narendra Modi government and shows the "cheap political games" it plays on serious national issues. The opposition party, however, said the four eminent Congress MPs/leaders who have been included at the instance of the Modi government will go with the delegations and make their contributions. "The four eminent Congress MPs/leaders who have been included at the instance of the Modi government will, of course, go with the delegations and make their contributions," he said. 'Congress will not stoop' Ramesh said, "The Congress will not stoop to the pathetic level of the PM and the BJP. It will always uphold the finest traditions of Parliamentary democracy and not play partisan politics on national security issues, like the BJP does." The Congress wishes the delegations all the very best, he added. Ramesh said these delegations should not, however, divert attention from the Congress' demands to have all-party meetings chaired by Modi and for a special session of Parliament to reiterate the resolution adopted on February 22, 1994, while also taking note of developments thereafter. Seven delegations The seven delegations, led by Baijayant Panda, Ravi Shankar Prasad (both BJP), Sanjay Kumar Jha (JDU), Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena), Shashi Tharoor (Congress), Kanimozhi (DMK), and Supriya Sule (NCP-SP), will visit 32 countries and the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. Each delegation comprises seven or eight political leaders and is assisted by former diplomats. Of the 51 political leaders, 31 are part of the ruling NDA, while the remaining 20 are from the non-NDA parties. Also Read | Tharoor's name in global outreach delegation sparks BJP vs Congress slugfest The delegations include former Union Ministers Ghulam Nabi Azad, M J Akbar, Anand Sharma, V Muraleedharan, Salman Khurshid, S S Ahluwalia, who are not members of parliament at present. A Turkish NGO-backed Islamist group in Dhaka allegedly displayed maps of Greater Bangladesh that comprised several Indian states of Eastern and Northeast regions. According to an Economic Times report, a group Saltanat-e-Bangla allegedly put out the controversial map of the so-called "Greater Bangladesh". The map marked Myanmar's Arakan State, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and the entire Northeast region of India as part of Greater Bangladesh. The map reportedly appeared in university halls across Dhaka, areas frequented by youth and students. Mint could not independently verify these reports. In March this year, Md Yunus' goverment urged China to extend its economic influence to Bangladesh, controversially mentioning that Indias northeastern states being landlocked could prove to be an opportunity. Yunus, who met President Xi Jinping and signed nine agreements with Beijing during the trip, was quoted by PTI as saying, The seven states of India, the eastern part of India, are called the seven sisters. They are a landlocked region of India. They have no way to reach out to the ocean. Calling Bangladesh as the only guardian of the ocean in the region, he said this could be a huge opportunity and could be an extension of the Chinese economy. Also Read | Five Indian universities suspend academic ties with Turkey over Pak support Turkey-Bangladesh ties According to ET, Turkey is increasing its influence in Bangladesh, mirroring its relationship with Pakistan. Turkey has reportedly stepped up its engagement through proposed military supplies to the Bangladesh armed forces. Also Read | Boycott Turkey calls: A look at actions taken in India over its support to Pak Turkish NGOs aligned with the country's ruling AKP have also grown increasingly active in Bangladesh, with Pakistan allegedly playing a role in bringing the two countries closer since August last year. Experts on Turkish affairs told ET that the extent of Muslim Brotherhood influence on Bangladesh's Islamists, as well as the role of Turkish NGOs, must be closely monitored. India-Bangladesh ties The development came as India-Bangladesh relations nosedived dramatically after Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus failed to contain attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in that country. Bangladesh is a big competitor of India in the textile sector. The India-Bangladesh trade stood at $12.9 billion in 2023-24, news agency PTI reported. On May 17, India restricted imports worth $770 million from Bangladesh, covering nearly 42 per cent of bilateral imports. Key goods like garments, processed foods, and plastic items are now limited to select sea ports or barred from land routes entirely. Turkey's Celebi Case: The Turkish firm, Celebi Aviation, which used to operate the airport ground operations in nine airports across India, has now been removed from ground handling and cargo operations amid the rising calls to boycott Turkish goods and tourism. In the last few days, Indians have been calling each other to boycott Turkish goods and tourism after the nation supported Pakistan over India after the Pahalgam terror attack and the Operation Sindoor, which gave rise to the India-Pakistan conflict. Also Read | Delhi airport ends ties with Turkish firm Celebi, assures smooth operations Indothai replaces Celebi at Mumbai Airport Mumbai's airport operator, the Mumbai International Airport (MIAL), said that it has appointed IndoThai as its new ground handling operator to replace the Turkish firm on Saturday, reported multiple news portals. IndoThai has been appointed as the interim ground handling provider at CSMIA for the next three months, effective immediately, said MIAL, according to an Economic Times report. IndoThai currently operates nine airports across India. This comes after the Union government, on 15 May 2025, revoked the security clearance of Celebi Aviation. In the exercise of power conferred upon DG, BCAS, the security clearance in r/o Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Limited is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of national security, according to the official notice. Also Read | India revokes security clearance of Turkish firm Celebi Aviation Celebi's HC Plea The Delhi High Court on Monday, 19 May, will hear two pleas by the Turkish firm Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd and another firm against the decision of the aviation regulator, reported the news agency PTI. The aviation regulator cited the reason of in the interest of national security for barring the company by revoking its security clearance. Justice Sachin Datta of the Delhi High Court will hear the plea, which was filed on Friday, 16 May 2025. According to the official Civil Aviation data, the Turkish company was given permission and security clearance on 21 November 2022 to operate at Indian airports. Also Read | Bengaluru airport ends contract with Celebi amid boycott Turkey call Full Cooperation The Turkish firm Celebi Aviation on Saturday, 17 May 2025, said that its fully cooperating with the Indian authorities and adhering to the regulations after its ground handling and cargo warehouse operations were suspended over national security reasons. We are closely monitoring the situation and cooperating fully with the relevant authorities, said the Turkish firm in an official statement cited in a Bloomberg report. We are following the process diligently and within the legal framework, in close cooperation with the relevant local authorities. To date, all our operations have been carried out in full compliance with regulations, said Celebi. Delhi airport on Thursday formally ended ties with the Turkish firm for its ground handling and cargo operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) on the grounds of national security. According to Mint's earlier report, Celebi Airport Services used to offer its services at nine Indian airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Ahmedabad, Cochin, Kannur, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Delhi airport is currently working with its other service providers, namely AISATS and the Bird Group, for all of its ground handling services after it severed its ties with Celebi. Apart from Delhi, the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru also announced that it has terminated its ground handling concession agreement with Celebi. Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who teaches Political Science at Haryana-based Ashoka University, was on 18 May arrested for his remarks regarding press briefings on Operation Sindoor. The arrest was based on a complaint filed by Yogesh Jatheri, the general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Yuva Morcha in Haryana, reports said quoting his lawyers. Jatheri, the village sarpanch from Sonipat, filed the complaint on 17 May. Also Read | Ashoka University professor arrested over remarks on Operation Sindoor Ali, 42, was arrested under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) that deal with desition and insulting religious beliefs, family sources said. One of the charges against him is Section 152 of the BNS, which replaced the sedition law in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and criminalises acts that endanger the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India. The section prohibits inciting or attempting to incite secession, armed rebellion, or subversive activities, or encouraging separatist feelings Ali Khan Mahmudabad, associate professor at private university in Haryana, arrested for his remarks on Operation Sindoor, a police official told news agency PTI. No more details were available about the arrest. Haryana police has illegally arrested Dr Ali Khan. Taken to Haryana from Delhi without transit remand. FIR at 8 PM. Police reached his home the next morning at 7 AM, Delhi University professor Apoorvanand said in a post on X. The Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court must intervene. Please see the Pravir Purkayastha judgment of the Supreme Court, he said. The academician was picked up from his South Delhi at around 6.30 am in the morning and taken to Haryana was produced at a local police station in the national capital, said family sources. He was later sent to a two-day remand by the court. Who is Ali Khan Mahmudabad? Ali Khan Mahmudabad a historian, political scientist, writer, poet and a faculty at Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana. Born in Lucknow on December, 2, 1982, Ali is the son of Mohammad Amir Mohammad Khan, popularly known as Raja Sahab Mahmudabad, who spent about forty in a legal battle to reclaim his ancestral property seized by the government under the Enemy Properties Act. Raja Saheb passed away in October 2023. Ali's father was the only son of Mohammad Amir Ahmad Khan, the last ruling Raja of Mahmudabad and long-time treasurer and major financier of the Muslim League before partition of India. Ali's mother, Rani Vijay is the daughter of Padma Bhushan Jagat Singh Mehta, who served as Indias Foreign Secretary from 1976-79, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the External Affairs Minister. Ali did his his early schooling from La Martiniere school, Lucknow. Later, he went to England to study at King's College School till 1996. He graduated Winchester College in 2001. Ali obtained his MPhil and PhD in Historical Studies from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. PhD from Cambridge, Arabic from Damascus Before his PhD from Cambridge, Ali studied Arabic at the University of Damascus in Syria. He regularly wrote about Syria for various print and online newspapers based in his travels in the region. He has also spent substantial time in Iran and Iraq amongst other places. His works based on his travel have appeared in reputed publications includint the the National Geographic magazine. Ali teaches political science and history at Ashoka University. He is currently Head of the Department of Political Science, where he is employed as Associate Professor. Will continue to cooperate: Ashoka Ashoka University confirmed Ali's arrest and said it will continue to cooperate with Police. We have been made aware that Prof Ali Khan Mahmudabad has been taken into police custody earlier today. We are in the process of ascertaining details of the case. The University will continue to cooperate with the Police and local authorities in the investigation, fully," the university said in a statement. Ali'S spouse is niece of Haseeb Drabu, former minister in Jammu and Kashmir. Ali had joined the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh in 2017. What did Ali Khan say? Ali has been arrested days after Haryana women's commission summoned him for his alleged remarks on Facebook that the Commission said "disparaged women officers in the Indian Armed Forces and promoted communal disharmony. The Commisison took suo motu cognisance of his social media posts following Operation Sindoor on May 7. In one of the two social media posts on May 8, Ali had highlighted the irony of 'right wing' commentators praising Colonel Sofia Qureshi, who had represented the Army during media briefings about Indian military operations against terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In the post, Ali had called out the 'blind bloodlust for war' and raised concerns over the human cost of armed conflict while stressing that the optics of two women soldiers presenting their findings after Indias military action was important but optics must translate to reality on the ground otherwise its just hypocrisy. After the summons, Ali said in a public statement mentioning that his posts were misunderstood' . Slamming the summons that he had received, the Ashoka University professor commented, This is a new form of censorship and harassment, which invents issues where there are none. This is a new form of censorship and harassment, which invents issues where there are none. On May 7 morning, India conducted strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan, two weeks after the brutal killing of 26 civilians in Pahalgam. The strikes by India since 7 May were coined Operation Sindoor. While India Inc has largely termed the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a landmark treaty that has strengthened economic ties between the two countries, the Indian alcoholic beverage industry has raised concerns fearing that reduced import duties on foreign liquor could hurt domestic producers. According to the deal, tariffs on UK-made whisky and gin may be slashed from 150% to 75% initially, eventually dropping to 40% over a ten-year period. This phased reduction is expected to significantly benefit British brands. The government has also not included the MIP (minimum import price) in the agreement which would have prevented possible dumping (the practice of selling goods in a foreign market at a price lower than the price quoted in the exporters home market) and also the removal of non-tariff barriers to ensure better international market access for to Indian alcoholic beverages. In this interview, Paul P John, chairman and managing director of John Distilleries Pvt Ltd and the man behind the Paul John Single Malt Whisky, talks about the impact that the FTA can have on the Indian alcohol industry. The India-UK Free Trade Agreement has raised some concerns within the Indian alcohol industry, especially among the single malt manufacturers. The agreement will no doubt help UKs whisky and other alcohol exporters. The European Union is also pushing for reduced tariffs on key exports such as whiskey, wine, and automobiles as part of its ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India. What kind of impact will it have on Indian liquor manufacturers? There could be some pressure on Indian alcohol companies due to the FTA. However, India is now building a tradition of producing high-quality spirits, and the growing global interest in Indian single malts is proof of the categorys increasing recognition. A reduction in tariffs for Indian liquors into Europe could indeed help Indian brands compete on a more level playing field. However, while tariffs might reduce, there are still several non-tariff barriers in Europe, such as stringent aging and maturity eligibility regulations, which can restrict the accessibility of Indian brands in these markets. The phenomenon of Tropical Ageing is gaining ground and we have a lot of educative work to do in this regard, hence a collective effort from the more genuine players is required. For Indian brands to compete effectively, there is a need for a level playing field where local laws, such as the GI tag for Indian Single Malts, would help boost the credibility of our products. The EU should be encouraged to standardize such measures across both local and imported products to create fair competition. Moreover, our industry would benefit from further policy reforms that can ease market access and promote a broader recognition of Indian spirits in the global market. Also Read | Tequila sees a sunrise as Indians move on from gin However, there are concerns around dumping. Globally, the status of Indian whiskies has gone up significantly over the last one decade. What do you think has contributed to it? The rise in the global status of Indian whiskies can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, the quality of Indian Single Malt whiskies has significantly improved over the years. As a category, Indian single malts have benefited from tropical maturation, which accelerates aging, resulting in a rich, complex flavour profile that resonates well with consumers worldwide. Brands like Paul John have gained international recognition, winning multiple awards at prestigious global competitions, which has helped build credibility and trust in the quality of Indian whiskies. Additionally, the increasing demand for unique and craft spirits has allowed Indian brands to stand out. As global consumers are becoming more adventurous in their whisky choices, Indian whiskies, with their rich heritage and distinct characteristics, have captured their attention. This is the reason why we are not overtly worried about the FTA with the UK. We can rise to the challenge. According to the Ministry of Commerce, India imported $354 million, while exported only $157 million worth of whiskies in FY24. Whats the status for FY25? While the import-export gap is a concern, there is a growing demand for Indian whiskies in key international markets, and this gap is gradually narrowing. The significant strides made by brands like Paul John in international competitions and our expanding presence in global markets reflect the increasing appeal of Indian whisky abroad. In FY25, we know that our exports have continued to grow as we strengthen our distribution networks and invest in market education, ensuring that Indian whisky has a stronger presence globally. How has been your relationship with Sazerac, the US-based firm, that has taken a significant stake in the company? How has the partnership helped you? Our relationship with Sazerac has been extremely positive and strategic. They have brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, especially in global distribution and brand building. Their experience in the international spirits market has allowed us to expand our presence in key global markets like US, UK and Australia with direct distribution, enabling us to reach a broader audience and enhance brand visibility. Their deep understanding of global whiskey dynamics has helped refine our strategies, and weve benefited from their insights into product development and marketing. Sazeracs partnership has provided us with invaluable resources to scale up production, reach new markets, and consistently maintain the quality that defines Paul John Indian Single Malts. Together, we are focused on growing the Indian whisky category, further elevating our position in the premium spirits segment worldwide. In India, we are building the American Whiskey category which at present has few players. Sazerac also plans to launch and develop the bourbon category whisky from Buffalo Trace Distillery, in top Indian metros. Do you think theres a sufficient market for bourbon in India? The rise of premium spirits in India, especially in urban markets, has opened up newopportunities for categories like Bourbon & Rye. While Scotch whisky has traditionally been dominant in the Indian market, the growing curiosity and evolving preferences of the Indian consumer present an opening for Bourbon. With its distinctive flavour profile and the increasing number of young, affluent consumers looking for new experiences, Bourbon can carve out a niche in India. However, it will take time for bourbon to gain the same level of recognition as Scotch, especially with the stronghold that Scotch has established. What are the challenges faced by Indian whiskies in the domestic market? How can they be overcome? The primary challenge in the domestic market is the uneven playing field created by differential taxation and state excise duties. Most states in India do not view Made in India products as luxury items, which results in higher taxes for Indian brands compared to imported whiskies. Additionally, there are bureaucratic hurdles that make it difficult for Indian brands to establish themselves in the same way international brands have done. To overcome these challenges, there needs to be a concerted effort from the government to standardize excise policies, reduce entry barriers for domestic products, and ensure that Indian whiskies are recognized as premium products. Advocacy from industry bodies, like the one we have newly created, is crucial in influencing policy changes that will foster a more competitive environment for Indian spirits. John Distilleries Limited (JDL) is considering a new 30-acre plant in Karnataka with an investment of about 600 crore, following the expansion of its Goa facility. You had earlier announced a capacity expansion at your Goa facility. The company has invested about 500 crore to fund the expansion that will see capacity tripling to nearly 3 million litres annually. Is that investment on track? We are looking at an investment of Rs.500 crore in Karnataka, covering IMFL production, malt production and barrel storage. Yes, the Goa investment is on track. Do you see further surge in demand for whiskies in India? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that Israel is open to a deal with Hamas that would involve ending the fighting in Gaza, while setting out clear conditions for such an agreement. His office stated that the Israeli delegation in Qatar is exploring various options, including US special envoy Steve Witkoffs proposal for a short-term ceasefire coupled with a partial prisoner exchange, as well as the possibility of concluding the conflict through a comprehensive agreement. Even at this very moment, the negotiation team in Doha is working to exhaust every possibility for a deal whether according to the Witkoff framework or as part of ending the fighting, which would include the release of all the hostages, the exile of Hamas terrorists, and the disarmament of the Gaza Strip, the statement said. It further emphasised that any ceasefire arrangement must include the exile of Hamas from Gaza and the complete disarmament of the enclave. Meanwhile Reuters reported, quoting senior official that there has been little progress in the talks so far. North Gaza hospitals in a catastrophic situation While, Netanyahu detailed end of war, reports stated that all north Gaza hospitals were out of service as fresh Israeli strikes kill at least 103. Dozens of injured patients are flooding into hospitals across northern Gaza, but the situation is dire as all public hospitals in the region have now been declared out of service. Sakher Hamad, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, told Al Jazeera, There is no coordination for evacuating the [Kamal Adwan] hospital, and what is happening is a risk. The Health Ministry of Gaza announced that the Indonesian Hospital-the last remaining functional medical facility in the area-was recently raided by Israeli forces, rendering it non-operational. Gaza War The impounding of Gaza by Israel, erupted following Hamass cross-border attack in October 2023. A ceasefire that came into effect on 19 January this year was short-lived, ending in mid-March, although a separate ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon has remained in place since late November. Israel economy grows 3.4% in Q1 Israels economy experienced moderate growth in the first quarter of 2025, despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza with the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas continuing to weigh heavily on economic activity. According to a preliminary estimate released by the Central Bureau of Statistics on Sunday, gross domestic product (GDP) expanded at an annualised rate of 3.4% between January and March, closely matching the 3.5% forecast from a Reuters poll. On a per capita basis, GDP rose by 2.2% during the same period. Despite the challenges, the economy showed resilience, supported by an 8.7% increase in investment, particularly a 28% surge in residential construction. However, private consumption fell by 5%, exports declined by 1.8%, and government spending edged down slightly by 0.2%. Excluding the public sector, GDP growth was even stronger, at an annualised 4.4% In a spine-chilling incident, a Lufthansa flight to Spain flew without a pilot for ten minutes last year after the co-pilot - who was alone in the cockpitfainted, the Associated Press reported. The Airbus A321, which was carrying 200 passengers, was en route from Frankfurt to Seville, Spain, on 17 February 2024, when the captain was in the restroom and the co-pilot fainted. The aircraft, carrying passengers and six crew members, flew for around ten minutes without a pilot in command of the plane, the report further added. According to a report by the Spanish Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Commission (CIAIAC), the captain tried unlocking the cockpit door using standard and emergency codes but failed. During this period, the aircrafts autopilot system kept the flight steady, averting a possible catastrophe. The cockpit voice recorder picked up strange sounds indicative of a medical emergency, while the co-pilots involuntary movements were documented as he remained incapacitated. Eventually, when the co-pilot regained partial consciousness and managed to unlock the cockpit door, the captain was able to re-enter and assume control. The aircraft was then diverted to Madrid, where it landed safely. The co-pilot was immediately hospitalised. Subsequent investigations revealed that the co-pilot had experienced a seizure caused by an undiagnosed neurological condition. The CIAIAC highlighted that such conditions are difficult to identify during routine medical examinations unless there have been previous symptoms reported. We ask for your understanding that we will not comment beyond the investigation report," Lufthansa told SCMP. Why Every Commercial Flight Needs Two Pilots Ever wondered why there are always two pilots in the cockpit of a passenger plane? It's not just for backup it's a key safety rule and a smart way to manage the many tasks involved in flying. The captain and the co-pilot work together to fly the plane, talk to air traffic control, keep an eye on instruments, and handle anything unexpected. Flying a modern aircraft isn't a one-person job it takes teamwork, focus, and quick decisions. If one pilot becomes sick or unable to fly, the other can take control right away. Thats why aviation rules all over the world require two trained pilots in the cockpit at all times. Its an important safety layer for those rare but serious situations. Also, during long flights or tough moments like turbulence or emergency landings, having two pilots helps share the workload. It keeps both pilots alert and reduces mistakes. When hundreds of lives are at stake, two heads really are better than one. MJ Akbar, a veteran journalist who resigned as junior foreign minister in 2018, has been appointed to one of the seven multi-party delegations announced by the Narendra Modi government, aimed at strengthening Indias international efforts to combat terrorism originating from Pakistan. An editor and author-turned-politician, MJ Akbar was the most high-profile figure to be named in India's #MeToo movement. He resigned as junior foreign minister after the scandal in October 2018. MJ Akbar is set to join the delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad. Other dignitaries in the delegation include, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, Ghulam Ali Khatana, Congress MP Amar Singh, BJP MP Samik Bhattacharya, Pankaj Saran, and Dr Daggubbati Purandeswari. The delegation will visit United Kingdom, France, Germany, European Union, Italy and Denmark. MeToo Allegations against MJ Akbar MJ Akbar, a former senior journalist and Union Minister of State for External Affairs, faced multiple sexual harassment allegations during Indias #MeToo movement in 2018. The first public accusation came from journalist Priya Ramani, who recounted an incident from 1993 in a Vogue India article and later named Akbar explicitly. Following this, over a dozen women, many of whom had worked with Akbar in various media organisations, came forward with similar allegations of inappropriate behaviour and harassment spanning decades. As soon as the delegations were announced, social media users were quick to notice the incongruity in the fact that Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi would be travelling in the same troupe as MJ Akbar. The Shiv Sena (UBT) MP thanked PM Narendra Modi upon being selected for the outreach delegations, Truly humbled and honoured to be part of Mission Sindoor and be part of the all party delegation being led by Hon. Ravi Shankar ji to Western Europe. This is our united effort to expose Pakistan globally for aiding and abetting terrorism. This is our fight back. However, netizens sarcastically remarked, Interesting that MJ Akbar and Priyanka Chaturvedi travelling together to defend India's position, sigh!. Netizens shared her previous tweets against MJ Akbar. What Did MJ Akbar Say About MeToo Allegations? MJ Akbar denied all accusations, calling them false, fabricated and deeply distressing, and filed a criminal defamation suit against Ramani. In Court, MJ Akbar had accused Priya Ramani of using "language that was deeply offensive... and a web of fabrication, spun out of lies" and said her tweets became "the basis of articles in Indian and international press". "This has adversely affected my public reputation as well as my standing within family and friends," he had said, and that he had filed the case "to protect my reputation". However, mounting pressure and public outcry led to his resignation as junior foreign minister in October 2018. In February 2021, a Delhi court acquitted Priya Ramani, ruling that a woman has the right to speak about her experience of sexual harassment even after many years. The verdict was widely seen as a landmark moment for Indias #MeToo movement, affirming survivors voices and encouraging greater accountability. Modi Governments Multi-Party Delegations Narendra Modi government has launched a significant diplomatic initiative by dispatching seven multi-party delegations to 32 countries and the European Union, aiming to present a united Indian stance against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. These delegations, comprising Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum-including the BJP, Congress, and regional parties-are tasked with engaging foreign governments and international organisations to highlight Indias zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. Supported by retired diplomats and briefed extensively on Operation Sindoor, these teams will emphasise Indias right to respond to cross-border attacks and seek to build a global coalition against terror networks operating from Pakistan. Razaullah Nizamani Khalid alias Abu Saifullah, a key terrorist associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has been killed in Pakistan's Sindh province, a new report said on Sunday. According to a report by news agency PTI, Razaullah Nizamani Khalid, who was a top mind behind orchestrating several high-profile terror attacks in India, was attacked by unknown assilants. Khalid, who had been provided security by the Pakistani government, had left his residence at Matli in Sindh this afternoon and he was gunned down by assailants near a crossing, officials said. Razaullah Nizamani Khalid responsible for killing many Indians Over a span of five years between 2001 and 2006, Razaullah Nizamani Khalid orchestrated three major attacks in India. These include the CRPF camp assault in Rampur in 2001, the Indian Science Congress (ISC) attack in Bengaluru in 2005, and the 2006 attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur. The attacks claimed numerous Indian lives and saw a skyrocketing escalation in LeT's operation on the country's soil. Using the alias Vinode Kumar, Khalid spent several years living in Nepal. There, he lived under a flase identity and married a woman named Nagma Banu, India Today reported. Razaullah Nizamani is believed to have coordinated activities for the terror outfit LeT from Nepal. As per the report, he maintained a low profile and apparently played a key role in logistics as well as recruitment of members. The LeT terrorist had more recently shifted his base to Matli in the Badin district of Sindh province in Pakistan. Following that, he continued to work for Lashkar-e-Taiba as well as its front organisation Jamaat-ud-Dawa. His focus in Sindh was on recruitment and fund collections for orchestrating terror attacks, as per India Today The Lashkar-e-Taiba (also known as Jama'at-ud-Da'awa) is based in Muridke near Lahore in Pakistan and is headed by Hafiz Muhammad Saeed. Azerbaijani segment of North-West transport corridor sees decline in freight traffic In the first quarter of 2025, the cargo transportation through the Azerbaijani stretch of the North-West Transport Corridor hit the ground running, reaching a hefty 1.4 million tons. As per the State Statistical Committee, this shows a drop in the bucket of 16.5 percent compared to the same time last year. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka posted an old photograph on social media platform X, capturing a moment from a trip to Baku, Azerbaijan - a journey he described as having taken place in better times. The image features three prominent Indian business leaders walking together, viewed from behind. Two Identities Confirmed, Third Remains a Mystery While several social media users quickly identified two of the individuals in the photo, the identity of the third remains undisclosed. Goenka challenged followers to guess who the trio were, asking, How many can you identify? The first person was confirmed as Vikram Mehta, the former CEO of Shell India, who holds a bachelors degree from St. Stephen's College, Delhi, and a postgraduate degree from Oxford University. The second was identified as Indias richest man, Mukesh Ambani, who in the photograph was notably seen walking without visible security and holding an old iPhone. Speculation regarding the third figure ran rife, but Goenka dismissed all guesses. He clarified that the person on the right is neither Harsh Mariwala nor Sanjeev Bikhchandani. Indian Travellers Boycott Azerbaijan Amid Political Backlash Political tensions have sparked a boycott of Azerbaijan as a tourist destination among Indian travellers, following the countrys support for Pakistan in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. Both Turkey and Azerbaijan expressed solidarity with Pakistan, leading to widespread disapproval in India. As a demonstration of national pride, the Bengaluru Wholesale Cloth Merchants Association has announced an immediate halt on all textile imports and exports to and from Turkey and Azerbaijan, citing their recent "support" for Pakistan. Meanwhile, 800 members of a Jain group cancelled their planned trips to Turkey. Despite multiple sources confirming discussions, according to NBC News, that the Trump administration is reportedly considering a plan to permanently relocate up to 1 million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Libya, the US Embassy in Libya issued a statement denying the reports. The report of alleged plans to relocate Gazans to Libya is untrue, the embassy said on the X platform on Sunday. Similarly, the State Department and National Security Council spokespersons said that these reports are untrue, adding, The situation on the ground is untenable for such a plan. Such a plan was not discussed and makes no sense, according to NBC News. As per the news outlet, the plan involves complex negotiations with Libyas leadership and potentially releasing billions of dollars in frozen funds in exchange for hosting Palestinians. High-level discussions and financial incentives Sources revealed, according to the news report, that the administration has seriously considered the plan, engaging directly with Libyan officials. In exchange for resettling Palestinians, the US might release billions in funds frozen for over a decade. Israel has been kept informed about these talks, according to three people with knowledge of the discussions, the news report stated. Hamas and Palestinian response Basem Naim, a senior Hamas official, dismissed any knowledge of the relocation plan. Palestinians are very rooted in their homeland, very strongly committed to the homeland and they are ready to fight up to the end and to sacrifice anything to defend their land, their homeland, their families, and the future of their children, Naim told NBC News. He stressed, [Palestinians] are exclusively the only party who have the right to decide for the Palestinians, including Gaza and Gazans, what to do and what not to do. Also Read | Who is Muhammad Sinwar? Hamas leader found dead in Gaza tunnel Trumps vision for Gazas future The proposed relocation plan fits within President Donald Trumps broader vision for Gaza. Trump has stated a goal of owning and rebuilding Gaza as the Riviera of the Middle East, a plan that would require Palestinians to be permanently resettled elsewhere. You cant live in Gaza right now, and I think we need another location. I think it should be a location thats going to make people happy, Trump said in February during a White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He added, You cant be shot, not be killed, not be knifed to death like whats happening in Gaza. I dont think people should be going back to Gaza. Nusraat Faria, the popular Bangladeshi actor who gained fame after portraying the role of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's biopic Mujib: The Making of a Nation, was arrested on Sunday at Dhaka airport, reported Prothom Aalo. According to the details, Faria was arrested on murder charges by immigration police at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka while travelling to Thailand. The report added that an arrest warrant was issued against Nusrat Faria in a case filed at the capital's Vatara police station, where she was accused of attempted murder during the July uprising. Prothom Aalo, citing Badda Police Assistant Commissioner Shafiqul Islam, confirmed that Nusrat Faria has been arrested and brought to the police station after arrest. She was later sent to the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch office instead of being kept there. About Nusraat Faria: Faria, who started her career as a radio jockey and presenter, made her acting debut in films in 2015. Later, she acted in multiple projects in Bangladesh and India. Apart from acting, she is also active in modeling and hosting. She played the role of Hasina in the 2023 film, 'Mujib: The Making of a Nation', which was directed by late director Shyam Benegal. This movie was a joint production of Bangladesh and India. India imposes port restrictions on Bangladeshi goods: the Central government on Saturday imposed port restrictions on the import of a range of consumer items through land transit posts in the northeast. It has also decided to allow entry of ready-made garments from Bangladesh only through Kolkata and Nhava Sheva seaports. In a statement, Ministry of Commerce & Industry said, Import of all kinds of readymade garments from Bangladesh shall not be allowed from any land port, however, it is allowed only through Nhava Sheva and Kolkata seaports. It said, Import of Fruit/ Fruit flavoured and Carbonated Drinks; Processed food items; Cotton and Cotton Yarn Waste; Plastic and PVC finished goods, except pigments, dyes, plasticisers and granules that form input for own industries; and Wooden Furniture, shall not be allowed through any Land Customs Stations (LCSs)/ Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram; and LCS Changrabandha and Fulbari, in West Bengal. The port restrictions do not apply to the import of Fish, LPG, Edible Oil, and Crushed stone from Bangladesh, the statement further said. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday that his goal is to eliminate the causes that triggered the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia carried out one of its most intense drone assaults on Ukraine since the start of its full-scale invasion in 2022, launching hundreds of drones overnight into Sunday, as reported by AFP. Moscow's goal is to eliminate the causes that triggered this crisis, create the conditions for a lasting peace and guarantee Russia's security, Putin told Russian state television, two days after the first peace talks with Ukraine since 2022 failed to produce a ceasefire agreement, AFP reported. Russia launches drone attacks Meanwhile, Russia has launched a total of 273 explosive drones and decoys overnight, according to Ukraines air force. Of these, 88 were shot down and another 128 were likely neutralized through electronic jamming. The strikes targeted the Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk regions, AP reported. Ukraines air force indicated this may be the largest drone assault by Russia since the war began. However, Ukrainian officials have yet to officially confirm that assessment, the Associated Press reported. The drone strike surpassed Russias previous largest known single drone attack during the war, which involved 267 drones launched on the eve of the conflicts third anniversary. This latest assault followed Friday's direct talks between Moscow and Kyivtheir first in yearswhich ended without a ceasefire agreement. Despite having proposed direct negotiations, though not at the presidential level, Putin rejected Zelenskys offer for a face-to-face meeting in Turkiye. The offer was made as part of Ukraines push, backed by Western allies including the United States, for a 30-day ceasefire. Moscow's goal is to 'eliminate the causes that triggered this crisis, create the conditions for a lasting peace and guarantee Russia's security.' Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he plans to speak by phone Monday with Putin, followed by Zelensky and leaders of various NATO countries, about ending the war in Ukraine, according to the report. In retrospect, you can put a date on the moment globalization peaked: 24 January 2018. In the rarefied winter air of Davos, Switzerland, Carlos Ghosnthen boss of the sprawling alliance of Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishiwas asked what he thought of a tentative initial round of tariffs on washing machines and solar panels imposed by Donald Trump in his first term as US president. Flush with the confidence of delivering sales results confirming that the alliance was the worlds biggest car group by volume, and with his eye on a unification of the business under a single corporate roof, Ghosn seemed untroubled. I dont see anything that is going to lead to a heavy significant burst of protectionism," he told Bloomberg Television. Also Read: Trumps auto tariffs: Prepare for a Chinese reign of global streets The tectonic plates, however, were already shifting. Within weeks, Nissan insiders had started the internal investigations that would lead to Ghosns arrest later that year and dramatic escape from Japan in 2019. The fractured group has since spent the best part of a decade trying and failing to finalize the separation of its French and Japanese limbs. With Nissans announcement of a 670.9 billion ($4.5 billion) loss last Wednesday alongside a promise to close seven of its 17 factories, one of the worlds great carmakers may be approaching its endgame. Thats certainly the judgement of investors. The stock is now trading like scrap metal, at less than a quarter of the value of the assets on its books. Its debt is also junk, in the view of all three major ratings companies. Its 1.3 trillion market cap is less than the 1.5 trillion value of its net cash. If you bought Nissan shares at almost any time since 1975, you would currently be sitting on paper losses. New CEO Ivan Espinosa, just months into the job after his predecessor Makoto Uchida stepped down following an abortive merger attempt with Honda, is touting the companys third restructuring plan in five years. It wont be enough to stanch the bleeding. Also Read: A tie-up between Honda and Nissan will not fix their problems The opportunity to fix this was during the previous seven years, when the global car industry was undergoing its most dramatic revolution since the dawn of the internal combustion engine. But throughout that period, Nissan was consumed by the fratricidal bitterness left over from Ghosns ouster. Even now, roughly one-sixth of Nissans latest annual results announcement was consumed with updates on his case. Thats left the business stuck in the past. At that 2018 Davos meeting, Ghosn could claim to be running the worlds biggest maker of electric cars. Nissan has barely grown EV sales since. Espinosas latest plans to revive its China unit seem like a bad joke too: Sales there have fallen by about half since 2019. Hes hoping to turn this around with a focus on plug-in vehicles, but Nissan is starting from so far back its barely visible. The company sold 12,641 EVs and plug-in hybrids in China last year, giving it less than 0.1% of the local market and failing to crack the top 60 local new-energy vehicle brands. Detroit has dealt with the turbulence of the past decade by retreating to its home market to lick its wounds. Also Read: Raghuram Rajan: How emerging economies can prosper in a protectionist world That wont work for Nissan, which is still too global for the protectionist competitive landscape were living in. Its a Japanese business only in name: Despite accounting for 45% of jobs and about 35% of manufacturing assets, just 16% of sales are at home. Most of its revenues are in North America, and about 30% of the vehicles produced in its Japanese factories are exported to the same market. Trumps 25% tariff on auto imports are more than sufficient to wipe any profits from that trade. Nissans revival since 1999 by a superstar French-Brazilian-Lebanese executive was a parable for the successes of globalization. Under the surface, though, nationalism never really went away. For all the purely corporate failures that led to Ghosns downfall, a shadowy proxy war between factions of the French and Japanese governments contributed just as much. Also Read: Prachi Mishra: Dont leave labour behind if globalization is to succeed Nissans rivals dont have much opportunity to enjoy schadenfreude. A world where major carmakers hibernate at home will be an unfriendly one for almost every national champion, except those from China, the one place with the scale, manufacturing expertise and technological edge in EVs to dominate all others. The worlds best chance of holding back this competitive onslaught was to work together across borders. The collapse of Nissan extinguishes all remaining hope of that future. New great powers typically rise to dominance while the old order squabbles obliviously. With auto companies, as with nation states, we are seeing that pattern play out again. Bloomberg The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering climate change and energy. In his book on strategy in the information age, Everett Carl Dolman presents a startling argument: The first notion the military strategist must discard is victory, for strategy is not about winning. The pure strategist understands that war is but one aspect of social and political competition, an ongoing interaction that has no finality." Contending that the concept of victory is a tactical concern, he goes on to define strategy as a plan for attaining continuing advantage." The following lines are pertinent in the context of the conflict between India and Pakistan. The goal of strategy is not to culminate events, to establish finality in the discourse between states, but to influence states discourse in such a way that it will go forward on favourable terms. For continue it will." Also Read: Operation Sindoor: A doctrinal shift and an inflection point So, a week into the ceasefire after India launched Operation Sindoor to punish Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism, which of the two sides is better placed for the next round? Pakistan demonstrated a capability to put up a strong fight in the air, with the Pakistan Air Force showing that it is well ahead of its army in terms of professional competence. Nothing in the Pakistani performance will deter India, but it signals that the military option comes with serious costs. Pakistani political analysts assess that the conflict has fortified General Asim Munirs image and weakened former prime minister Imran Khans. Unstinted support from China and Turkey and Donald Trumps declarations that the US might again be interested in Pakistans disputes have buoyed public opinion. The Pakistani public mood might have recovered, even if temporarily, from the funk it has been in for the past several years. Also Read: The IMFs Pakistan loan spotlights the case for voting power reform India achieved its political and military objectives, as I explained in last weeks column. New Delhi has the willingness, capability and determination to engage in conventional warfare under the nuclear threshold, despite the well-advertised risks and significant military costs. The precise but limited damage to Pakistan Air Force bases, over and above the strikes on terrorist facilities in Muridke, Bahawalpur and elsewhere, will remain in the consciousness of the Pakistani establishment for a long time. The Indus Waters Treaty is set for a renegotiation. Also, even if the US decides to invest resources in getting India and Pakistan to talk, New Delhi can politely demur. It is 2025, not 1995. For Pakistan, warm fuzzy feelings apart, it is hard to see how the strengthening of military rule, failure to protect important air bases and a reminder that the country remains a base for terrorism helps place it in a better position for the future. It cannot use cross-border terrorism as inexpensively as it once did. As more money is diverted to military expenditure, Pakistan will find its economic challenges worsen and increase its dependence on China. Therefore, in relative terms, India finds itself in a better place for the future. While this might disappoint fantasists on television and social media who had raised wild expectations of military triumph, realists will see the outcome in a favourable light. Also Read: Truth is the first casualty of war: Old wisdom with a new twist The past month has demonstrated that a crisis in Indias public sphere can become a risk to its national security. Setting extravagant expectations undermines real battlefield successes by making them appear underwhelming. Belittling the adversary creates a false sense of the other sides capabilities. Filling the information space with junk renders it useless to ones own side. That we had to witness a vicious campaign against our own foreign secretary is a sign that things have been allowed to go too far. Our civilian hotheads could end up handing Pakistan the satisfaction that our military personnel fight so hard to deny. India has now declared that it will respond to cross-border terrorism with military force. The principal risk of such a strong commitment is that it gives terrorists a big say in matters of war and peace. It is right to presume that the Pakistani military establishment controls cross-border terror. Even so, it might hand the more adventurous, aggressive and fanatical elements of the military-jihadi complex more power relative to their other counterparts. Of course, New Delhi will evaluate each incident on its own merits, but will face the weight of precedent, policy and public opinion pushing toward the military option. That is why the commitment to retaliate with military force should be accompanied by a greater number of channels of communication. In addition to national security advisors and director generals of military operations, New Delhi should connect a working-level diplomatic wire between the two capitals for crisis management. Tailpiece: Last October, I called for a surge in defence expenditure, starting with an immediate doubling of the defence budget and holding it at the 4% level for five years, before dialling it back down... a massive increase in the availability of new equipment could galvanise the absorption processes across the services. More importantly, India will have the military strength at a time when it is necessary." The author is co-founder and director of The Takshashila Institution, an independent centre for research and education in public policy. With words that must be said Can analysis be worthwhile?" Is the theatre really dead?" The Dangling Conversation by Paul Simon The answer is an unequivocal no; theatre is alive and thriving across the Indian landmass. But the same question asked about Indias public sector, especially public sector units (PSUs) engaged in manufacturing activity, might elicit different responses, depending on the political disposition of the person replying. As things stand, the economic situation in India may require a fresh but nuanced relook at public sector manufacturing. This suggestion will undoubtedly be met with howls of protest. And with reason too. The record of manufacturing PSUs in India, apart from a handful of companies, is downright embarrassing. Also Read: PSUs are running amok with grand ventures, with little regard for their capability or governance Often, the problem lies in governance compromises. The chief executive of a large PSU took early retirement some years ago, unable to countenance the unabashed favouring of a private-sector competitor by the minister in charge, thereby depriving the PSU of its rightful revenues. Then there is the workforce angle. This columnist visited Ranchi in 1987 to report on police firing at Hindustan Engineering Corporation, a PSU, and found over 20,000 employees affiliated to more than 60 registered and unregistered trade unions, all at odds with the management and with each other. Surprisingly, the company continues to exist even today, despite a negative net worth. But shifting economic winds indicate that its probably time to think afresh about PSU activity, though with a difference and greater control over governance and performance. Various economists in the West are also revisiting the 1980s abandonment of public sector enterprises and questioning whether the same principles should hold true after more than 40 years. Of course, there is an unavoidable proviso: the business-as-usual public sector model must be scrapped in favour of a new operating system. Also Read: Its time to re-evaluate the utility of public sector units Economist Mariana Mazzucato has argued compellingly in her book, The Value of Everything, that while modern economic thought has relegated the governments role to only fixing market failures, rather than actively creating and shaping markets, the value-creating role of the public sector has been grossly underestimated. In a September 2024 essay for Finance and Development published by the International Monetary Fund, she wrote: Closed-minded perceptions of the states role, cuts to public sector employment, and overreliance on big consulting firms have left many governments ill-equipped to implement mission-oriented industrial policy Industrial policy requires a competent, confident, entrepreneurial, and dynamic public sectorone equipped to take risks, experiment, and collaborate with the private sector on ambitious goals yet open to how those goals are achieved." The operative phrase here is mission-oriented industrial policy. The Indian governments second advance estimates show manufacturing at 14.3% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024-25, down perceptibly from 16.3% during 2014-15. This decline encapsulates many of the economys current problems, including rising unemployment and stagnation in real wages. What aggravates the problem is Indias uneven and patchy economic growthincluding industrial activityacross states, with some states far over the median level and many far below. Take the example of Bihar. The states manufacturing output during 2023-24, at current prices, was only 52,600 crore, or about 1.5% of national manufacturing output. In contrast, Odishas share was above 4.7%. At the other end of the spectrum, Maharashtras manufacturing contributed to 13.4% of national output. In the podcast Ideas of India, economist and Ashoka University professor Prachi Mishra cites Bihars exampleaccounting for 9% of Indias population but contributing to less than 2% of GDPto highlight how divergences exist between states even after the efforts of 15 finance commissions, a former Planning Commission and a current Niti Aayog. Also Read: India can leap from cost competitiveness to innovation-led manufacturing So, ignoring rigid views that echo the economic orthodoxy of a minimal role for the state in an economy, it might be worthwhile to consider whether new public sector manufacturing units might be able to provide a balancing factor. The Public Enterprises Survey Report 2023-24, which examined the working of 272 central operating PSUs (excluding banks and insurance companies), found that while their net profit during the year had increased by over 47%, their contribution to the exchequer (various duties and taxes, dividend payouts and interest on central government loans) at 4.85 trillion had increased by around 6%. There are two additional figures that explain how a new PSU could kickstart some industrial activity in Bihar. The first is that capital expenditure by PSUs has jumped by over 72% between 2019-20 and 2023-24, proving that state-owned companies have the capacity to invest when the private sectors propensity to invest remains stubbornly low. Second, the report reveals that the surveyed PSUs spent 77,339 crore on goods and services procured from micro and small enterprises in 2023-24 under the Centres 2012 procurement policy; this alone could offer an opportunity for a constellation of privately-owned micro and small units to come up in Bihar. Also Read: How a manufacturing boom could help India close the gender gap This column is not advocating an indiscriminate investment binge in new PSUs, which might only help meet some temporary political and electoral purposes but fail to provide the sustainable economic stimulus that is needed. Investments in new PSUs need to be selective and strategic. The author is a senior journalist and author of Slip, Stitch and Stumble: The Untold Story of Indias Financial Sector Reforms @rajrishisinghal Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday stood firm on his decision to accept the Centres invitation to lead a multi-party delegation abroad to present Indias position against Pakistan on terrorism, asserting, I cannot be insulted so easily. I know my worth. The move has sparked tensions within the Congress, especially after party general secretary Jairam Ramesh questioned the governments choice of delegation members. Shashi Tharoor Defends His Decision Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, Tharoor said he was officially invited by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to lead the delegation, given his experience in foreign affairs, and he immediately agreed. He insisted, I see no politics in it. According to me, politics become important when we have a nation. We all are Indians. When the nation is in crisis and the central government seeks the help of a citizen, what other answer would you give? Also Read | Tharoor's name in global outreach delegation sparks BJP vs Congress slugfest He further reflected on the recent conflict with Pakistan, stating, Everyone saw the 88 hours long battle with Pakistan and therefore, we all need to have a role in what the world is saying about us. It is in that spirit I agreed to it. On Congress Reaction and Delegation Names When asked about Congresss unhappiness over his acceptance and the release of names the party had suggested for the delegation, Tharoor declined to comment directly. You will have to ask them (Congress), he said, emphasising that the matter was between the party and the central government. He also confirmed that he had informed the party when he first received the invitation from Rijiju. Regarding whether the partys publicising of its preferred delegation members was an attempt to insult him, Tharoor confidently replied, I cannot be insulted so easily. I know my worth. Commitment to National Service Shashi Tharoor reiterated his readiness to serve the nation when called upon, stating, National service is the duty of every citizen. He added, When the country is attacked, all of us speaking in one voice and standing united is good for the nation, according to me. Congress Partys Official Stand Earlier on Saturday, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticised the government for not including the four MPs the party had nominated-Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Syed Naseer Hussain, and Raja Brar-in the delegations. He remarked there was a difference between being in the Congress and of the Congress and stressed that MPs should seek party concurrence before accepting official delegation roles. A government crackdown on cheaper copies of Ozempic and similar diabetes and weight-loss drugs was intended to shut the door on that booming market. It hasnt exactly worked out that way. Instead, some compounding pharmacies and telehealth companies that make the copies have found new ways in. They are making and selling dosages slightly different from the standard, FDA-approved amounts or including additives such as vitamins B3 and B12. Others have changed how the drug is taken, switching from injectables to under the tongue drops or pills. These providers are relying on a law that allows bespoke versions of drugs that are unavailable commercially. Though some patients report delays in receiving the compounded medications, many are still getting themat least for nowsaid patients and industry professionals. Patients originally turned to these less-expensive alternatives not approved by the Food and Drug Administration because their insurance didnt cover the brand-name drugs. But the FDA recently set spring deadlines for compounders to stop providing the copycat drugs. Jessica Nelson, 28 years old, has mixed feelings about the new formulations. She turned to a telehealth platform called Emerge for a compounded version of tirzepatide last fall, when her health plan denied coverage of the branded versions, Mounjaro and Zepbound. This spring, Emerge notified her that it was switching pharmacies and adding niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, and then levocarnitine, an amino acid, to the formulations. Nelson, who has lost 50 pounds on the medication, said she would prefer that there werent any additives. But if its that or nothing, then I would still take it," Nelson said. She pays $379 a month, less than half of what brand-name alternatives cost until recently. It has been life-changing," she said. Emerge didnt respond to requests for comment. A long-running shortage of blockbuster obesity drugs allowed compounding pharmacies to make cheaper copies over the past few yearsand the market for them to explode. The Outsourcing Facilities Association, a pharmacy trade group, estimated in November that larger compounding pharmacies were supplying more than two million patients with compounded semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisks Ozempic and Wegovy. By comparison, about 3.4 million prescriptions for the brand-name counterparts were filled that November, according to the Iqvia Institute. Pushing the envelope Now that the FDA has declared an official end to the shortages, providers are required to stop making the compounded copies in bulk. A section of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act still permits compounding if the drug is changed in a way that makes a significant difference" for the patient compared with the commercially available drug. Sellers are taking different tacks. In March, the telehealth site Clover Meds emailed customers to say that its compounded tirzepatide would soon be prescribed only to people who had excessive nausea with standard formulations. Patients would be prompted to answer a question to determine eligibility, the email said. The drug would change to a twice-weekly injection with vitamin B6 to mitigate nausea. Southend, a compounding pharmacy, emailed its patients to say that it was tweaking several dose concentrations to avoid being considered a copy." Southend said that it now prescribed the drug only to patients who couldnt tolerate the dosages of the brand-name drugs and that its prescription volumes had fallen as a result. Clover Meds didnt respond to requests for comment. To comply with the law, the dose and formulation changes need to be tailored to individual patients, instead of on a mass scale, said Lowell Schiller, a nonresident senior scholar at the USC Schaeffer Institute and former head of policy at the FDA. There are lots of companies out there who are pushing the envelope on this," he said. The drugmakers agree. Novo Nordisk has filed more than 100 lawsuits against businesses marketing compounded semaglutide. In April, Eli Lilly, which makes Mounjaro and Zepbound, sued several telehealth companies, alleging that they are selling mass-produced versions of its drugs under the guise of offering personalized options. Compounders are also expected to face more scrutiny from state and federal regulators, though the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy said state boards havent pursued action related to the issue. The Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the FDA, didnt respond to a request for comment. Changes in doses One of the telehealth clinics that Eli Lilly sued is Mochi Health, which in recent months told customers the doses of its compounded obesity drugs would be automatically adjusted. There are no extra steps needed to stay on your treatment plan," the company wrote in an email viewed by The Wall Street Journal. Well automatically readjust your refill." For example, it said, patients taking 2.5 milligrams of compounded tirzepatide, the standard starting dose, would be shifted to 2.2 milligrams. Emily Martin, a 29-year-old Mochi patient in Tacoma, Wash., said that, within three months, the dose or formulation of her medication changed three times. One included no additive, while the others included different forms of vitamin B12 or B6. Martin said she didnt meet with any of Mochis medical providers beforehand to confirm the changes in the formulations or doses. I would have loved an update as to what they were adding in," Martin said. Mochis chief executive, Myra Ahmad, said that the company was compliant with federal guidance and regulations and that every dosage change at Mochi is reviewed and approved by a licensed medical provider. This lawsuit is, broadly, a PR play," she said. Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have both recently lowered prices to $500 a month for most doses for patients who pay on their own. Yet many patients have said the compounded versions remain more affordable over the long term. I honestly dont have any intention of stopping this," said Martin. It has made my life a lot better." PARISThe screams echoed down the narrow street in a trendy neighborhood here early Tuesday morning: Help! Help! Help!" Three men in black masks had jumped on a 34-year-old woman whose father runs Paymium, a French cryptocurrency exchange. Brandishing canisters of mace and what looked like a gun, the masked men attempted to force the woman and her toddler into an idling white van disguised as a delivery truck. But her husband threw himself between his family and the attackers, while a neighbor hustled away their child. Let go of me!" the woman yelled as the assailants bludgeoned the husband, his head seen spattered with blood in videos taken from nearby buildings. With other neighbors closing in, and a shopkeeper readying to throw a fire extinguisher, the would-be abductors jumped in the back of their van and sped off. The brazen attack was the latest in a wave of violent abductions around the world, including several in the U.S., targeting crypto executives and their families. Victims have been pistol whipped, abducted, andin two caseshad fingers severed. The criminals goal: millions of dollars in ransom in cryptocurrency. The assaults are often called wrench attacks" because they rely on simple tools for inflicting pain to coerce victims, rather than sophisticated tools for hacking them. Hacking has long been the primary risk for the crypto rich. But to thwart hackers, savvy cryptocurrency investors have increasingly taken their digital wallets offline in favor of physical devices, making remote theft more difficult. Real-world crypto crime bypasses those safeguards. A lot of people are getting to the hide-your-gold-under-the-matress level of security," said Jameson Lopp, the co-founder of bitcoin security company Casa. But if you are a high-profile personthats when you have to worry about the physical attack." Those concerns intensified this week with cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase disclosing that as many as 97,000 customers have had their personal information stolen, including addresses and balance snapshots. The company said the data was likely stolen by bribed contractors or employees working in customer support, and that it had refused a $20 million ransom demand. Another factor motivating criminals: Cryptocurrencies have surged in value, with bitcoin up 54% in the last year, minting a whole new array of potential deep-pocketed targets. At least five crypto-related abductions have taken place in France in recent months, and there have been dozens of other recorded cases around the world in the last year, according to government officials and specialists in the sector. An Australian crypto billionaire narrowly escaped abduction in Estonia last July, local media reported, by fighting off attackers posing as painters. And in March a Houston crypto influencer was assaulted before her husband got in a shootout with robbers who invaded their home in the middle of the night demanding her laptop. Some of the assaults have been clumsy, with the criminals quickly caught. But there are signs that organized-crime rings see major profit potential. The criminal element is poking around trying to find out what is the [return on investment] on these wrench attacks," Lopp said. In September, a Florida man was sentenced to 47 years in prison for leading a ring that carried out a string of home-invasions across multiple states in search of crypto riches. In one of the attacks, the man held a pink revolver to the head of a 76-year-old Durham, N.C. man and threatened to cut off his genitals. The victim eventually transferred $150,000 worth of crypto to the attacker, who was later ordered to pay more than $500,000 in restitution to his victims as part of the sentencing. On Friday morning, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau gathered leaders of crypto companies for a meeting to present new security measures for the sector. Retailleau said Tuesdays attack appears similar to other recent abductions in France, in which officials say ringleaders recruited young criminals they never met using apps like Telegram and Signal and then remote controlled" them to execute their plan. Its probable that these cases are linked," Retailleau said in a televised interview. Flexing on the internet So far, most of the victims of reported wrench attacks have been tied to prominent names, either known for working in the crypto sector or for flaunting their wealth online. Killian Desnos, an online gambling influencer under the name Teufeurswhich means partier" in Frenchwas well-known for his YouTube and Twitch streams when prosecutors say a person posing as an Amazon delivery driver rang his fathers doorbell in a small town in northwestern France in August 2023. That person and an accomplice forced the father into a vehicleand soon sent Desnos a ransom-demand video of his father, bound, with a gun to his head. Desnos, who was based in Malta, alerted the police but also paid the ransom, prosecutors said. His father was recovered the following day. Police soon arrested two people, who face kidnapping charges. Flexing on the internet wasnt a good ideaI realize that now," Desnos wrote on X at the time. A major question now is how criminals are finding their targets in the real worldand what to do about it. Already, members of the crypto community say they are turning their Instagram profiles private and are trying to remove their physical addresses, and those of their families, from public records. One executive said he is particularly worried because he has a young child. Following Tuesdays attack, Paymium urged authorities to lessen disclosure obligations that the company argues could put customers at risk in the event of a data leak. In addition to the Coinbase hack, two data leaks in particular have investigators worried. The first was the July 2020 hack of Ledger, a French crypto-wallet company that makes sleek physical devices that keep the keys to your cryptocurrency offline. In that hack, which accessed Ledgers marketing database, the names, email and postal addresses of 272,000 customers were eventually dumped online. The second was a breach of risk advisory company Kroll, which gave hackers access to addresses and other personal information belonging to creditors in the bankruptcy proceedings of the cryptocurrency company Genesis. Data from both of these hacks has been made available in criminal forums, cybersecurity investigators say. Others point out that a vast amount of personal data has been stolen and dumped in the past decade. In France, in particular, public incorporation records can include entrepreneurs home addresses. Cybercriminals have become adept at figuring out their victims home address by cross-referencing databases and even using paid sources of information, said Taylor Monahan, a security researcher at cryptocurrency wallet company MetaMask. This information is often made public in order to threaten and de-anonymize their victims, a form of online attack known as doxxing. The younger generation is just very internet savvy and theyre very good at doxxing people," she said. Some Ledger users have already complained that the hack exposed them to extortion and threats. In early 2021, Naeem Seirafi, a cinematographer based in Los Angeles, started to receive phishing emails and text messages asking him to enter his Ledger account information to verify new deposits, or prevent a bug from wiping out his assets. Ledger Flex crypto wallets in a vending machine at the bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville, Tenn. Next, someone sent him a message asking for a ransom of 0.3 bitcoin, then worth about $10,000, to prevent an attack on his home. You also happen to keep quite a lot of crypto," the person texted him. Im going to share all that information (and more) with local area bad guys in your area." The threat was carried out, when his home was swatted" while he was away but his parents were inside. The local police department received a 911 call from a person who claimed he had just shot a friend at Seirafis address, according to a police report. Almost a dozen officers swarmed Seirafis home. After clearing the property, police confirmed it was a hoax. Seirafi later joined a class-action lawsuit seeking damages from Ledger that was filed in a district court in California. To the world of hackers, Ledgers customer list is a gold mine," their complaint said. A lawyer representing the class-action claim declined to comment. Ledger has argued to the court that Seirafi wasnt harmed by the hack because he hadnt lost any money. A spokesman declined to comment further. Fingers: 9/10 David Balland is one of the co-founders of Ledger. No longer involved directly in the company, he lives with his partner near Vierzon, in central Francewhere French officials say they were abducted at gunpoint before dawn one Tuesday in January. French police on a street in Mereau, near Vierzon in central France in January, as they secure the area following the kidnapping of David Balland, a Ledger co-founder. Within hours, other Ledger co-founders, including Eric Larcheveque, heard from the ringleader demanding ransom of 10 million eurosmessages they knew were authentic because of the T-shirt David was wearing, people familiar with the case said. One message included a video of the abductors chopping off one of Ballands fingers. Police negotiators sat with Larcheveque while he communicated with the hostage takers. The negotiators tried to stall, authorizing an initial ransom payment of more than a million euros, while investigators scoured for clues to where Balland and his partner were being held. It was a race against time," Laure Beccuau, the Paris prosecutor, later said in a televised interview. It was about liberating these two hostages, it was about saving their lives." The police eventually tracked the kidnappers to a rental house surrounded by farmland some 40 minutes drive south of where the couple was grabbed. The police raided the house and freed Ballandbut his partner wasnt there. We were convinced that they would actually be together. And well, when we realized that they were separated, that was really, really complicated," said Nicolas Bacca, another Ledger co-founder. Ballands partner wasnt found until the next day, in the back of a stolen van an hour and a half north, after another ransom had been paid. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau addresses a press conference after Balland and his partner were kidnapped from their home. Fortunately, the ringleader had asked to be paid in a dollar-pegged cryptocurrency called tether that is possible to freeze. Since the Ledger team put in place a plan to do that as soon as the hostages were freed, they were able to claw back roughly 80% of the 3 million euro ransom theyd paid, and more in subsequent days, people familiar with the case said. Weve lived through unimaginable violence," Balland said in a social-media post asking for privacy for his family. He temporarily changed his profile description on X to read, Fingers: 9/10," according to a screenshot from the time. Its unclear how the attackers found Balland. His home address wasnt leaked in the Ledger hack, a person familiar with the breach said. Prosecutors in April filed preliminary charges against a man who people familiar with the case said was already being held in jail for charges related to the 2023 kidnapping of Desnoss father, and who allegedly had helped organize Ballands abduction while incarcerated. Investigators are still probing whether he was working for another boss, one of the people said. Earlier this month, the father of another Malta-based crypto entrepreneur was abducted while he was walking his dog in Paris. One ransom demand showed the father getting a finger chopped off. Several people were arrested in that attack, all between the ages of 18 and 26, according to prosecutors. Officials had to wait barely two weeks for another example to study. On Tuesday, the Paymium CEOs daughter only escaped by fighting back along with her husband, according to police, who said the gun brandished at the scene turned out to be a toy. Eric Larcheveque, a co-founder of Ledger, in 2018. Theyre doing as well as can be expected," Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat said of his daughter and son-in-law, whom he called a hero, in a televised interview on Friday morning. He has a few stitches." Noizat and others involved in prior attacks say the crime wave is shaking their faith in Frances ability to control criminal gangs and drug dealers. Writing on X this week, Ledgers Larcheveque decried what he called the Mexicanization" of the country. How many entrepreneurs, how many talented individuals, are seriously considering leaving a country that no longer protects its people?" ASTANA, Kazakhstan, May 18. Kazakhstan's foreign trade turnover in the first quarter of 2025 amounted to $29.27 billion. The data obtained by Trend from the country's Bureau of National Statistics indicates that exports during the mentioned period reached $16.36 billion, while imports totaled $12.91 billion. According to the information, the main share of export goods from Kazakhstan from January through March 2025 is comprised of the following items: crude oil and raw petroleum products (52.3 percent), refined copper and unwrought copper alloys (5.3 percent), copper ores and concentrates (4 percent), ferroalloys (3.3 percent), and wheat and meslin (2.3 percent). In terms of imports, the largest share is occupied by the following goods: passenger cars (3.9 percent), pharmaceuticals (3.1 percent), bodies for motor vehicles (2.9 percent), telephone apparatus (2.3 percent), and parts and accessories for motor vehicles (2.2 percent). Kazakhstan's main export partners are: Italy (25.2 percent), China (15.1 percent), Russia (9.8 percent), the Netherlands (6.4 percent), Turkiye (5.1 percent), and Uzbekistan (4.7 percent). Regarding imports, goods are mainly sourced from the following countries: Russia (29.1 percent), China (26.8 percent), South Korea (4.4 percent), Germany (4.2 percent), the United States (3 percent) and Turkey (2.7 percent). The Bureau of National Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan is a governmental agency under the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of Kazakhstan. It serves as the central authority for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating official statistical data across various sectors, including economics, demographics, environment, and social indicators. Pope Leo delivers delivers his first Sunday blessing from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on May 11. The National Weather Service (NWS) is struggling to reassign over 150 critical roles, a "period of reassignment" that came just before this weekend's tornadoes in Kentucky that resulted in more than 20 fatalities. NBC reported on Friday, May 16 that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration opened the period of reassignment on Tuesday, May 13, asking for 76 meteorologists and 155 staffers to consider transferring to the NWS. Tornado-spawning storms leave 25 dead in 2 states and swaths of destruction across central US A violent, tornado-spawning storm system tore across the central US, leaving at least 25 people dead in Missouri and southeastern Kentucky as it cut a path of destruction through several states. The critical roles are now vacant due to the Trump administration's firing of probationary employees and incentivized early retirements to longtime federal employees at the NWS, writes NBC. The NWS is asking staffers to fill five positions for meteorologists-in-charge in five field offices, including: Lake Charles, Louisiana Houston, Texas Wilmington, Ohio Eight of America's 122 weather forecasting offices, including the office in Jackson, Kentucky, are no longer able to operate overnight due to understaffing. NBC reports that this is according to Tom Fahy, legislative director for the NWS Employees Organization, who is tracking the service's staffing data. This has never happened before. Weve always been an agency that has provided 24/7 service to the American public, Fahy said. The risk is extremely high if cuts like this continue to the National Weather Service, people will die. He says 52 of the nation's 122 weather forecast offices have staffing vacancy rates above 20%. NBC reports that a list, updated on Wednesday, May 14, shows the agency has several vacancies with 35 meteorologist-in-charge roles remaining unfilled. Additionally, former directors at the NWS wrote a letter to the American people on May 2, warning that the cuts could lead to unnecessary deaths during severe weather, like tornadoes. Our worst nightmare is that weather forecast offices will be so understaffed that there will be needless loss of life, the directors write. Recently retired NWS employees have also voiced concerned, reports NBC, saying staffing levels had fallen below critical levels at a time when the service was under a hiring freeze and probationary workers had been dismissed. Early retiree as of March Alan Gerard spoke with NBC as a former director of the analysis and understanding branch at NOAA's National Severe Storms Laboratory. He compared the NWS reassignment notice to "rearranging deck chairs", leaving larger concerns unaddressed. Theyre really just moving people from one office to another office, and while it will help potentially some of the really short-term crisis situations they have, its not any kind of long-term solution, Gerard said. Its not an influx of people. Others, like Brian LaMarre who served as the meteorologist-in-charge in the Tampa Bay area, say they understand the decision. LaMarre said he even helped in a similar effort before the Trump administration had anything to do with it. The service's plan was to modernize parts of staffing by introducing a "mutual aid" system, where local forecast offices could potentially request and receive help with mundane tasks when understaffed during severe weather. LaMarre described the cuts to NBC as "haphazard". A lot of those plans are being accelerated out of urgency, LaMarre said. Whenever you want to rearrange the furniture in the living room, you dont burn down your house, and thats what were seeing. LaMarre noted that the NWS should begin hiring soon as the early retirement of many employees has left the service without experienced workers. He also said cutting probationary workers limits the future capacity of the agency. Thats your bright minds, your new innovative minds coming out of universities into new positions. Thats why its so very important to open up hiring. A house outside of Kyiv that was heavily damaged by a Russian drone strike overnight. Rachel Briody and Paddy Whyte, two young farmers from Longford, have been chosen to take part in the new Kepak Young Sheep Farmer Forum a dynamic new initiative designed to empower the next generation of Irish sheep farmers through innovation, sustainability, and leadership. Rachel Briody from Whiterock has a strong passion for sheep farming and all things agriculture. She has gained valuable experience through her work placement with the Irish Farmers Journal, further deepening her knowledge of the industry. READ NEXT: Extremely sorry': Uninsured Longford driver hit with five year road ban and suspended sentence Rachel is eager to build a career in the sector and gain more experience in farming. Paddy Whyte from Abbeyshrule is currently studying for his Leaving Cert and already runs his own flock of 80 ewes, supplying Kepak Athleague. Enthusiastic and driven, Paddy is passionate about sheep farming and eager to grow his presence within the industry. READ NEXT: Ballymahon meets Brittany: a week of culture and fun for the French in Longford The Forum was officially launched by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, at an event hosted on one of Kepaks supplier farms, owned by Damien Flynn in Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath. Set against the backdrop of Teagascs 2024 National Farm Survey which found the average age of Irish sheep farmers to be 56 the Forum aims to inject fresh thinking and renewed energy into the sector. Developed in collaboration with Bord Bia and Mountbellew Agricultural College, it brings together 15 young farmers from diverse educational and sheep farming enterprise backgrounds (including part-time and full-time farmers) to address the key challenges facing Irish sheep farming. By actively engaging young people in the future of farming, the Forum supports Irelands wider goals around generational renewal; a critical priority for the long-term sustainability of rural communities and agricultural production. In 2023, Less than half (46.5%) of farm holders had a succession plan in place, according to the latest data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO, 2023). The initiatives core mission is to make sheep farming more attractive and viable for young people, while promoting sustainable and profitable practices. Through youth-led dialogue, hands-on experience, and access to industry networks, Kepak aims to support the next generation in shaping a future-focused and resilient sheep sector. Programme Highlights On-Farm Workshops & Site Visits: Participants will gain hands-on insights through visits to research institutions such as Teagasc Athenry and to high-performing commercial farms, including Kepak suppliers. These experiences will showcase the practicalities of managing profitable and sustainable flocks. Industry & Global Market Exposure: Farmers will engage directly with Bord Bia and Kepak to explore international market operations. A highlight includes a visit to Rungis, the worlds largest wholesale food market in France, where Kepak supplies Irish lamb and participants will meet key European customers. Policy Dialogue & Influence: The programme will culminate in a focused discussion to shape a set of practical, farm-level policy recommendations. These will be submitted to the Department of Agriculture ahead of Budget 2026, ensuring that young farmers have a real voice in the future direction of the sector. Local News By Long Island Published: May 18 2025 A Mexican naval tall ship struck the Brooklyn Bridge during a mechanical failure, killing two sailors and injuring 19 others. A tragic accident unfolded Saturday evening as a Mexican naval tall ship, Cuauhtemoc, struck the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge, killing two sailors and injuring at least 19 others during a goodwill visit to New York City. The vessel, which had docked earlier in the week at the South Street Seaport Museum as part of a public tour and international training voyage, was departing Pier 17 around 8:20 p.m. when it lost steering power and was caught by the rivers current, according to officials. The ship drifted uncontrollably before colliding with the bridge, snapping its masts upon impact. New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the fatalities in a post on social media early Sunday, stating, Two more have sadly passed away from their injuries, and adding that two individuals remain in critical condition at Bellevue Hospital. In total, 277 people were on board at the time of the incident. During a late-night press briefing, Mayor Adams said, The pilot lost power of the ship, explaining that the mechanical failure led to the vessel veering off course. Two of the most seriously injured sailors were positioned high on the ships masts when they struck the bridge. Although no one fell into the water, divers were deployed as a precaution. First responders were on scene within minutes. We are praying for everyone on board and their families, Adams said. And we are grateful to our first responders who quickly jumped into action, ensuring this accident wasnt much worse. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the cause of the collision. The Cuauhtemoc has since been relocated to Pier 36 on the Lower East Side, where it remains secured by NYPD officers and harbor patrol. The U.S. Coast Guard has established a 50-yard safety perimeter around the ship. Eyewitness videos captured the dramatic scene as the three-masted vessel reversed rapidly into the Brooklyn Bridge. The masts snapped one by one as they collided with the bridge structure. Despite heavy vehicle traffic on the bridge at the time, no injuries were reported from above. City officials conducted an immediate inspection and confirmed there was no structural damage to the Brooklyn Bridge, which has since reopened to traffic. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 18. Iran, based on its ethical and religious principles, has never sought to possess nuclear weapons and remains a supporter of the principle of refusing to produce and use weapons of mass destruction, Trend reports. Iran has always sought to resolve emerging international issues related to its nuclear program through transparency and constructive engagement, he said. Araghchi stressed that Tehran is in favor of a fair and equitable agreement based on full respect for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), recognition of Iran's nuclear rights and the simultaneous complete lifting of sanctions. He noted that Iran remains committed to the diplomatic path and demands a real and tangible lifting of unilateral restrictions that directly affect the Iranian people. The Minister also expressed confidence that such an agreement could contribute to strengthening peace and stability in the region. It should be noted that four rounds of indirect talks on the nuclear program were held between Iran and the United States: on April 12, 19, 26, and May 11. The discussions were held under the mediation of Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaid. The delegations were led by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and US Special Representative for Near East Affairs Steve Witkoff. The first, third and fourth rounds took place in Muscat (Oman), and the second in Rome (Italy). This 1996 file photo shows Noel Gallagher of Oasis performing live at a UK concert. (Photo by Mick Hutson/Redferns via Getty Images) Redferns It appears that this really is it. Oasis, one of the biggest bands of the 1990s, with hits like Wonderwall, Champagne Supernova and Dont Look Back in Anger, is holding its final tour this year. Oasis first hinted at the tour in August, before letting the cat out of the bag that the get together after 15 years would be taking place, and includes shows in Toronto, Chicago, outside New York, Los Angeles and Mexico City. But in an interview with Music Week, Oasis co-manager Alec McKinlay threw cold water on the idea that this might be the start of something more. The band famously split in 2009 amid a public feud between members and brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher. This is very much the last time around, as Noels made clear in the press, McKinlay told Music Week. Its a chance for fants who havent seen the band to see them, or at least for some of them to. But no, theres no plan for any new music. Oasis exploded onto the scene with their hugely successful debut album Definitely Maybe, which sold more than 8 million copies worldwide. But it was their second album in 1995, (Whats the Story) Morning Glory? featuring Wonderwall that truly cemented the band as megastars. The album was the bands biggest commercial success and sold 347,000 copies in just its opening week, according to the bands website. It went on to sell 22 million copies. The Oasis tour has 41 shows, all of them sold out, between July and November, according to Music Week. Probably the biggest and most pleasing surprise of the reunion announcement is how huge it was internationally, McKinlay said. We could have sold out half-a-dozen Rose Bowls in Pasadena and probably eight MetLife stadiums in New York in a day. Those that miss out on the tour will still be able to hear Wonderwall live at any open mic across the world. A lucky Massachusetts State Lottery player bought a winning Powerball ticket worth $50,000 at a Westfield variety store on Saturday. The ticket was sold at New Corner Variety Store on Crown Street. Saturday nights winning numbers were 7, 34, 40, 42 and 52, and the Powerball number was 15. In Powerball, players select five numbers between 1 and 69 and one Powerball number between 1 and 26. They then choose how many drawings they want to use those numbers for. Players that match all five numbers and the Powerball number win the jackpot. They have 1 in 292,201,338 chances of winning this way. Players that match four numbers and the Powerball number win $50,000. They have 1 in 913,129.18 chances of winning this way. Powerball drawings take place every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. The jackpot stands at $134 million as of Sunday. Overall, at least 249 prizes worth $600 or more were won or claimed in Massachusetts on Saturday, including four in Springfield, four in Worcester and 21 in Boston. The Massachusetts State Lottery releases a full list of winning tickets every day. The list only includes winning tickets worth more than $600. The two largest lottery prizes won so far in 2025 were each worth $15 million. One of the prizes was from a winning Diamond Deluxe scratch ticket sold in Holyoke, and the other was from a 300X scratch ticket sold on Cape Cod. In this 2023 photo, Harvard University Interim President Alan Garber who was then provost left, sits with then-Harvard President Lawrence Bacow, center, and actor Tom Hanks, right. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) AP Larry Bacow, who was president of Harvard University before Claudine Gay and current president Alan Garber, was the top earner at the institution with a total income of close to $3.1 million, according to the most recent tax filings sent to MassLive. Bacows compensation includes close to $1.4 million base pay with a bonus and incentive payment of $1.4 million and other payments, including from his deferred compensation account upon his retirement. The tax filings, which are called Form 990, are part of a requirement for nonprofits to disclose the highest earners. The most recent filing is for 2023, also called fiscal year 2024. The people with the highest income after Bacow at Harvard were Harvard Business School professors Paul Healy and Herman Leonard, who received close to $2 million. David Malan, a computer science professor, earned close to $1.4 million. Former president Claudine Gay and previous dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences earned a total of close to $1.4 million, according to the filings. Her base pay was over $1 million. Gay was the first Black and second female president of Harvard. She began her presidency in July 2023 but resigned after only six months following plagiarism accusations and a Congressional hearing on campus antisemitism amid the war in Gaza. Gays base salary is close to $350,000 less than what Bacow made in 2023. Her base salary is less than what he earned in the previous two tax filings. However, her base pay is similar to what Bacow earned in 2020 and more than he made in 2019, according to tax filings. Current president Alan Garber, who was formerly the universitys provost in 2023, earned $1.2 million $922,068 base, plus other compensation of $242,968. Four other faculty and administrators earned over $1 million in total compensation in 2023. These are the top 10 earners at Harvard in 2023: Lawrence S. Bacow, former Harvard University President: $3,080,733 Paul M. Healy, Harvard Business School Professor: $1,972,836 Herman B. Leonard, Harvard Business School Professor: $1,889,946 David J. Malan, Computer Science Professor: $1,369,936 Claudine Gay, former Harvard University President and Faculty of Arts and Sciences Dean: $1,362,955 Alan M. Garber, former Harvard University Provost, current Harvard University President: $1,165,036 Srikant M. Datar, Dean of Harvard Business School: $1,140,102 Linda Hill, Harvard Business School Professor: $1,047,648 Diane Lopez, former Vice President of the Office of General Counsel: $1,045,813 George Q. Daley, Harvard Medical School Dean: $1,013,063 These numbers include their total income, which is their base pay in addition to other payments such as bonuses and retirement contributions. Trump administration targets Harvard for cuts The tax filings of Harvard officials come after President Alan Garber claims that he is taking a voluntary 25% pay cut as the institution faces nearly $3 billion in federal funding cuts by the Trump administration. Harvard University is also barred from acquiring new federal grants, according to the federal administration. The federal government pointed to pervasive race discrimination and anti-Semitic harassment as continuing reasons for cutting federal funding. Harvard announced in March a pause on hiring, which included schools and administrative units to scrutinize discretionary and non-salary spending, reassess the scope and timing of capital renewal projects, and conduct a rigorous review of any new multi-year commitments. A month later, the schools and units in the central administration announced that non-union faculty and staff wouldnt be receiving merit pay increases for the upcoming fiscal year and there would be pauses on non-essential capital projects and spending. Harvards campus, once a symbol of academic prestige, has become a breeding ground for virtue signaling and discrimination. This is not leadership; it is cowardice. And its not academic freedom; its institutional disenfranchisement. There is a dark problem on Harvards campus, and by prioritizing appeasement over accountability, institutional leaders have forfeited the schools claim to taxpayer support, the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism said. Garber wrote in a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon that they share the same common ground, but the university will not surrender its core, legally-protected principles out of fear. Garber pushed back on the administration through a lawsuit in April. The institution argues that its constitutional rights had been violated by the governments threats to pull billions of dollars in funding if the school didnt comply with demands for an overhaul. Following the $450 million announced cuts, the university amended its lawsuit. No government regardless of which party is in power should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue, the suit reads. Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Chris Sale rides in a parade to celebrate the team's World Series championship over the Los Angeles Dodgers, Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola) AP The 2018 MLB season was one to remember for the Red Sox. Boston won a franchise record 108 games en route to a World Series victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers that ended with Chris Sale striking out Manny Machado. While both Mookie Betts (Dodgers) and Sale (Atlanta Braves) are on different teams, the two reconnected recently and looked back on the magical year on On Base With Mookie Betts. I just remember showing up to the park, and every day was like, were gonna win, Betts said. Every day we just came and beat the brakes off em and went home. I remember a stretch when it was just like, every day we just came, and we beat the brakes off them, and we went home. And Cora had it to where we were just hanging out in the clubhouse... and we get to the playoffs, and we were just steamrolling them. Sale added: There was really no panic at all. And the playoffs are very pressured, I mean, its a tense environment. I think just the way (Alex Cora) ran that team, there were a couple of points in the year where you look up, and youre like, Man, were the nastiest team in the league." After 2018, though, things changed for the Red Sox. Betts was traded to Los Angeles in 2020 while Sale was traded to Atlanta in 2023. The Red Sox havent been able to replicate that same kind of success since then. In fact, theyve made the postseason just once in 2021 since the 2018 season. Rafael Devers remains the only player currently on the roster from the 2018 team. Verizon workers test for contamination in a maintenance hole on the corner of Belmont Avenue and Fountain Street, Springfield, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. They were monitored by an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) employee. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook SPRINGFIELD Inspectors with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration found lead after swiping the hands of telephone line workers in Springfield. They performed the tests after workers rinsed off but before they headed home to their families at the end of the workday. Theres also lead a metal to which there is no safe exposure level for children in air sampled from under a maintenance hole at Central and Cedar streets in January. Federal officials told the workers and their union, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2324, in a letter that the air concentration of lead in the maintenance hole was high enough to warrant taking corrective action. BURLINGTON, Vermont Two Springfield, Mass. men, who were charged last fall in state court in a drug-debt homicide case in Waterbury, now have been indicted by federal authorities as part of a major drug trafficking conspiracy based in Vermont. Fabrice Savage Rumama, 21, and Samuel Smitty Niyonsenga, 19, are charged with knowingly and intentionally conspiring with others to distribute crack cocaine and more than 40 grams of fentanyl between September and October 2024 in Vermont and elsewhere. They both pleaded not guilty during separate arraignments in U.S. District Court in Burlington last week. The more than 40 grams makes the maximum penalty, if convicted, up to 40 years, records show. A high-level pledging event will be held on Tuesday 20 May -The Seventy-eighth session of the World Health Assembly (WHA78) will convene from 19 to 27 May 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland, under the theme One World for Health. The Health Assembly will bring together high-level country representatives and other stakeholders to address health challenges. This years gathering comes at a pivotal moment for global health, as Member States confront emerging threats and major shifts in the landscape for global health and international development. This years theme underscores WHOs enduring commitment to solidarity and equity, highlighting that even in unprecedented times, everyone, everywhere should have an equal chance to live a healthy life. A defining moment: the Pandemic Agreement A highly anticipated moment of the WHA78 will be the consideration of the Pandemic Agreement, a landmark proposal developed over three years of intense negotiations by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body, composed of all WHO Member States. The adoption of the agreement is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to safeguard the world from a repeat of the suffering caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposal will be the second ever presented for approval under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, which gives Member States the authority to reach agreements on global health. This years World Health Assembly will be truly historic with countries, after 3 years of negotiations, considering for adoption the first global compact to better protect people from pandemics, said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. The Pandemic Agreement can make the world safer by boosting collaboration among countries fairly in the preparedness, prevention and response to pandemics. Key priorities WHOs sustainable financing is a key priority of the Health Assembly. Member States will consider a scheduled 20% increase in assessed contributions (membership fees), towards the next Programme Budget 20262027 (PB26-27). The PB2627, also for approval by the Health Assembly, is the first full biennium under WHOs Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW14), WHOs strategy for global health for 20252028. The Programme Budget for 20262027 was under consultation by Member States, to prioritize activities and adjust the budget to the current financial realities, by reducing it by 22%, to US$ 4.267 billion, from the original proposed budget of US$ 5.3 billion. Reprioritization of WHOs work, including cost-saving measures and budget adjustments, will also apply to the current year, 2025. The aim is to focus on WHOs core work and increase efficiency. The reprioritization is a critical step to aligning WHOs resources with the most urgent global health needs and getting health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back on track. Sustainable financing was one of several transformation priorities put in place by the WHO Director-General to ensure a more efficient and impactful WHO when he first took office. On Tuesday, 20 May, there will be a high-level pledging moment for the Investment Round, where Member States and philanthropies are expected to announce funding for WHO. Member States will assess progress made over the past year, including a review of the 2024 Results Report the final report measuring progress toward WHOs Triple Billion targets under its Thirteenth General Programme of Work. Other agenda highlights The Health Assembly will consider approximately 75 items and sub-items and is expected to approve more than 40 resolutions/decisions, many of which are put forward by the Executive Board at its 156th session (EB156), where they have been previously discussed. The packed agenda covers a diverse range of topics in WHOs Programme of Work, such as the health and care workforce, antimicrobial resistance, health emergencies, preparedness, polio, climate change and social connection as determinants of health, among other issues. Awards and recognition On the morning of Friday, 23 May, the WHA President will present public health prizes and awards, recognizing exceptional contributions by individuals and organizations to the advancement of public health. It is also expected that the Director-General will announce two Director-Generals Awards for Global Health on the morning of Tuesday, 20 May. Key events and side activities Forty-five official side events will take place at the Palais des Nations from Monday 19 May to Saturday 24 May (see the complete list). A list of other events is available here. A high-level pledging event will be held on Tuesday 20 May, from 18:45 to 19:45 CEST in Room XVIII at the Palais des Nations. The event: Sustainable financing of WHO for impact in the new global health landscape, will serve as a platform for Member States and partners to announce pledges and commitments towards WHOs Investment Round. More details and webcast. A Ministerial Roundtable on data and sustainable financing will be held on Wednesday 21 May, from 13:00 to 14:20 CEST in Room XVIII at the Palais des Nations. This high-level roundtable will bring together ministers of health and finance, global partners, and technical leaders to identify scalable actions that strengthen country-led health data systems and sustainable financing strategies for universal health coverage and the health-related SDGs. More information: here. Due to resource constraints, additional events will be limited. WHA78 will take place in a challenging financial environment. Several actions have been taken by the WHO in an effort to contain costs, including reducing speaking times when possible, in order to reduce evening sessions to a minimum, severely limiting hospitality, displays and exhibits and event costs, amongst other administrative cost-saving measures. Member States and partners are organizing events on the sidelines of the WHA. More information through the WHA Guide and the WHA78 page through the UN Foundation. Assembly timeline highlights Monday 19 May: Morning: Opening of the Assembly; including the presidential address and the address by Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General. Committee A begins deliberations on the Pandemic Agreement in the afternoon. Tuesday 20 May: Morning: Adoption of the Pandemic Agreement (expected), followed by the High-level Segment featuring statements from dignitaries and a Director-Generals keynote speech and the Director-Generals Awards for Global Health. Afternoon, Committee A: Discussion on the Proposed Programme Budget 20262027, including discussion on the AC increase. Evening: high-level pledging event for the WHO Investment Round Wednesday 21 May: Lunch hour: Ministerial Roundtable on data and sustainable financing Friday 23 May: Morning: Presentation of the Public Health Prizes and Awards The agenda and the times might change. A daily journal will be published every morning on the WHA78 Documents page to provide more detailed information on the daily timings. Pre- and post-Assembly sessions The Health Assembly will take place after the Forty-second Meeting of the Programme, Budget and Administrative Committee of the Executive Board (PBAC42), which is being held from 14 to 16 May. After the Assembly, the 157th Executive Board (EB157) meeting will take place on 28 and 29 May, with the appointment of the next Regional Director for the WHO African Region on the agenda. Related to this item, a special session of the AFRO Regional Committee will take place on Sunday 18 May to nominate a candidate for the post of Regional Director. Mayo TD Minister Dara Calleary will travel to Achill next week to launch an online platform which explores the placenames of Achill and the history around them. Achills rich and varied cultural heritage reaches a new platform this week with the launch of Logainmneacha Acla ar Line in Ostan Oilean Acla on Friday, May 23 at 6pm. The Logainmneacha collection was originally undertaken in 2004 by Dr Fiachra Mac Gabhann in association with Comhlacht Forbartha Aitiuil Acla and involved the documentation of over 1,600 placenames in the parish of Achill. Now the collection will be made available on an interactive online map making it accessible anywhere and anytime. Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary will perform the launch and speaking about the project Danielle NicEachmharcaigh, Cathaoirleach of Coiste Gaeilge Acla said: These logainmneacha represent a link with the generations who came before us and built a life on Achill for us. The richness of Achills unique dialect is in every word and we are delighted to be able help preserve these placenames and give them new life. READ: Accessibility problems to Mayo beach resulted in loss of Blue Flag The ordnance survey collection of 1836 involved the anglicisation of Irish names, some of which date back to the sixth century and over time, the meaning of these names can be lost. This initiative, driven by a deep commitment to local history and the Irish language, aims to reconnect the people of Achill with the true meaning of the names of their villages, townlands and geographical features. So many of these words relate to farming and the natural world and give a great insight into the lives people have led in Achill. We are forever grateful for the work of Dr Fiachra MacGabhann and all the local volunteers who helped put this collection together. Unfortunately, many of them are no longer with us and we hope to honour them at the launch on Friday. Suaimhneas Siorai orthu. Logainmneacha Acla ar Line has been spearheaded by Coiste Gaeilge Acla and Comhlacht Forbartha Aitiuil Acla as part of the Plean Teanga Acla, a program committed to increasing the use of the Irish language in the parish of Achill and preserving the rich dialect of the area. We're delighted with the progress so far and this project will only further this cause. The launch will be an Irish language event and a warm welcome is extended to all, Ms Nic Eachmharcaigh added. Senan Beirne has been announced as the winner of this years County Mayo Eason Spelling Bee Final. After a challenging competition against nine other spelling enthusiasts, Senan, a sixth-class student from Breaffy National School, Castlebar, triumphed in the County Mayo Final. Senan will now go on and represent Mayo in the provincial Spelling Bee at the end of the month. The Breaffy National school student is a keen reader with his favourite book being The Percy Jackson Series. Celebrating its 12th year, the Eason Spelling Bee is a key part in Easons literacy initiative which is designed to encourage and inspire children to develop their spelling and pronunciation skills. Over the years, the competition has fostered a greater appreciation for words, vocabulary growth and self-confidence among participating children. READ MORE: Mayo students flying the flag for the Irish language Lisa OBrien, Group Head of E-Commerce and Marketing at Eason, commented: We are delighted to launch the 2025 Eason Spelling Bee with such talented children participating in County Mayo. They are a testament to the bright young minds of Ireland. We are confident that this year we will build on the success of 2024 and inspire communities to support their local schools and, especially, their spelling bees! The All Ireland winning bee will secure a selection of books for their school library valued at 7,500 along with the title of Eason Spelling Bee champion 2025. The winner will receive a goodie bag filled with books worth 500. This year, over 450 schools nationwide will compete for this coveted prize. The Eason Spelling Bee team will travel across the country to host County Final Spelling Bees, followed by Provincial Spelling Bee contests. The champions from each province will then compete head-to-head in the All-Ireland Final Bee in June 2025, where the ultimate King or Queen Bee will be crowned. Stay up to date with all the 2025 Spelling Bee news at www.easons.com/spellingbee READ MORE: Mayo students win awards at national youth entrepreneur event BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 18. Iran sees no obstacles to enhancing mutual trust and developing relations with European Union member states, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said at the Tehran Dialogue forum held today in Tehran, Trend reports. Araghchi emphasized that the European side could play a constructive and effective role in regional development if it pursues a responsible and forward-looking strategy. He noted that Tehran is prepared to open a new chapter in its relations with Europe, provided that European countries demonstrate an independent and genuine political will. "In recent years, an excessive focus on differences rather than shared goals has limited the potential for cooperation," he stated. It is worth noting that on November 29, 2024, the first round of dialogue between Irans deputy foreign minister and his counterparts from the UK, France, and Germany took place in Geneva. Subsequent rounds were held on January 1314, 2025, and February 24, with the latest meeting taking place on May 16 in Istanbul. The discussions have primarily focused on Iran's nuclear program. Ireland AM host Muireann O'Connell has officially joined the homeowner club after a "slog" of a house hunting process. The Virgin Media presenter shared her excitement in a candid Instagram post revealing she and her fiance have finally bought their first home, following what she described as a difficult and drawn-out search. "If I was a pedant, I would have been calling him my bungalow-mate. Today, I can legitimately call him my housemate," she wrote. Muireann thanked the previous owners and everyone who supported them during the process, adding: "We've been terrible at this process. God, house buying has been a slog. I know it's not easy. Muireann admitted the whole process had been far from straightforward. "For anyone going through it, much love. It can be soul destroying. But bloody hell do I feel good today." Now that the keys are in hand, the only question left is: "How the hell do you decorate a house?" she asked her followers. The news was met with a flood of well-wishes from celebrity pals and colleagues. Fellow Ireland AM presenter Tommy Bowe commented: "Ahhh thanks the lord!!!! Congratulations. Delighted for you both!" RTE's Anna Geary added: "Amazing, enjoy the interior buzz! Huge congrats." Sports presenter Evanne Ni Chuilinn welcomed her to the neighbourhood with a simple: "WELCOME TO THE 'HOOD!" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Muireann O'Connell (@muireann.o) READ MORE | NCT issues warning after tester uncovers shocking DIY fix that led to instant test fail A MAYO councillor has rejected legal advice given to Mayo County Council which stated that a proposed holiday home tax for the county would be 'unworkable'. Westport-based councillor Peter Flynn told a meeting of the Strategic Policy Committee on Housing that they should continue to explore the possibility of introducing a holiday home tax despite contrary advice given by Mayo County Council's legal representative. In a letter circulated to members of the SPC, Dermot Hewson, solicitor for Mayo County Council outlined that in his view holiday home type tax 'is simply going to be unworkable'. He added that the identification of a holiday home remains problematic as would the method of the recovery of the tax and concluded that 'I wouldn't be happy to recommend that the matter be pursued further'. In response, Cllr Flynn who is the Cathaoirleach of the Housing SPC expressed disappointment at the legal advice and questioned if Mayo County Council was trying to thwart the proposal. The Westport-based Fine Gael councillor said a recent report into short-term letting by the ESRI had highlighted that one in three properties in the Westport area are used for AirBnB and the council have to do something to tackle the problem. We are an outlier here and if we are waiting for the national government to fix it it will not happen. Mayo is in a unique situation in it has a huge proportion of holiday homes and a huge issue in terms of supply and we have an obligation to explore the option of implementing a tax, he told the meeting. READ: Accessibility problems to Mayo beach resulted in loss of Blue Flag Cllr Flynn cited examples of councils in Gwyneedd and Dwyfor in Wales which he said introduced a second home tax in 2024 and claimed it resulted in property prices falling by 30 percent. He suggested that if it was successful in Wales, there was no reason for it not looking into implementing it in Mayo. They have done it in Wales and I don't see us being greatly different in Ireland from what happened in Wales. I formally propose that we adopt a similar approach to what has happened in Wales which has made a huge impact on the local market. The last time I looked at it it brought the price of properties down by 30 percent in these towns in Wales. I am looking at houses going for 400,000 and 500,000 around our county and here we have an opportunity to implement a policy which can directly influence the housing supply. I propose the director of services come to us with a policy to be reviewed at our next SPC meeting, he commented. He received support from Independent councillor Michael Kilcoyne who also rejected the legal advice received by the SPC and suggested they seek independent legal advice on the matter. Padraig Heverin, representing the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) felt that the legal advice was 'black and white' in that the proposed tax was unworkable and questioned how successful it would be in freeing up property. Foxford-based councillor Neil Cruise also asked what would the long term benefits of the tax be and would it ultimately free up property. Cllr Flynn replied that the tax would not prevent people from having second homes or using AirBnB but any revenue collected would remain in the respective municipal district. I am not saying this will be the silver bullet which will fix the housing situation in Mayo but we will have to start thinking radically in how to bring more supply into the market. The way the markets have been distorted through short term holiday homes has messed up the supply in this county disproportionately. This has never been done in Ireland before and would be a pilot for the country and the only way to test it out is by implementing something which will get people to sit up and consider options, he said. Director of Services, Tom Gilligan reiterated the legal advice that the proposed tax would be unworkable but stated he would be happy to work on a policy for the next meeting. We have to do something and Id rather die trying than die wondering and despite the advice I am happy to take up the gauntlet and run with it and see what we can do, he said. by Ray Schultz , May 18, 2025 A Pennsylvania bill would require that public notices still be advertised in print newspapers, but that digital alternatives be used when necessary. HB 1291, updating the states Newspaper Advertising Act, was recently introduced by State Rep. Robert Freeman (D). My legislation would require that public notices continue to be published in print newspapers of general circulation, but if such a newspaper does not exist, the notice could be published in a digital newspaper of general circulation, wrote Rep. Robert Freeman (D) prior to introducing the bill in February. Freeman added that print and free newspapers would also have to maintain a website and post public notices online contemporaneously and in front of a paywall. Newspapers would also be required to post public notices on the statewide publicly accessible website maintained by the Pennsylvania News Media Association. advertisement advertisement Legacy newspapers would seem to benefit because the bill recognizes their continuing role. Print publishers have been fighting to maintain the revenue stream they get from public notices and their long-term monopoly in this area. The Pennsylvania bill seems to loosen this grip, although digit publishers arent necessarily happy. While the bill introduces provisions for digital publications, its structure could prevent newer, digital-only news outlets from participating in the public notice process, even in the communities they serve, Berks Weekly writes. Similar bills have been introduced in several other states. For instance, a proposed North Dakota law, SB 2069, would allow public notices to be publish online, specifying that a notice filed with the secretary of state fulfills publication requirements if a newspaper fails to publish the notice required by law. Organoids are tiny lab-grown 3D cell structures that mimic real human or animal organs for research. Trusted Source Diverse bat organoids provide pathophysiological models for zoonotic viruses Go to source Trusted Source Visionary research aims to create a global biobank for #biosecurity! This resource will unlock secrets of cross-species virus spread & boost global #preparedness. #GlobalHealthSecurity #Biobank IBS Develops Advanced Bat Organoid Platform from Five Species Advertisement Diverse bat organoids provide pathophysiological models for zoonotic viruses - (https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adt1438) Over 75% of emerging infectious diseases in humans originate from animals, withDespite their role, studying viruses in bats has been difficult due to a lack of suitable research tools. Previously, studies relied on generic cell lines or organoids derived from a single organ of one tropical fruit bat species ().Now, a major advancement led by Korea's Institute for Basic Science (IBS) and global partners has introduced a groundbreaking bat organoid platform. TheseReconstructing bat organ physiology in the lab lets us explore how zoonotic virusesthose that jump from animals to humanswork, in unprecedented detail, said KOO Bon-Kyoung, Director of the IBS Center for Genome Engineering.Armed with these new tools, the researchers were able to directly test how key virusesincluding SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, influenza A , and hantavirusinfect different bat species and organs. They found that each virus behaves uniquely, sometimes infecting only certain organs or bat species. For example, a virus that grew easily in one bats lung might fail to grow in anothers kidney. This helps explain why some viruses can jump to humans, while others remain confined to bats.Senior Researcher KIM Hyunjoon emphasized, Thissomething you cant do with ordinary lab cell models. By mimicking the bats natural environment, it boosts the accuracy and real-world value of infectious disease research.The team also uncovered another mystery: bats immune systems respond differently to the same virus depending on the organ and the species. This could help explain why bats are able to carry so many viruses without becoming sick themselves.Another big achievement was the discovery of two previously unknown bat virusesa mammalian orthoreovirus and a paramyxovirusdirectly from wild bat feces. Notably, one of these viruses could not be grown in standard cell cultures but thrived in the new bat organoids, proving just how valuable this technology is for future virus isolation.And, by converting the organoids into a two-dimensional version, the scientists made it possible to quickly test potential antiviral drugs, like Remdesivir . These tests gave more reliable results than traditional lab methods.Thismaking it possible to safely and effectively study dangerous viruses in a setting that closely mirrors real life. For the first time, scientists can screen for new viruses, assess their risk, and test drugs using bat tissues from multiple species and organs.With these standardized and scalable bat organoids, we aim to systematically identify novel bat-origin viruses and screen antiviral candidates targeting pathogens with pandemic potential, said Dr. CHOI Young Ki, Director of the Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS).The research team envisions expanding this work into a global biobank resource that will serve as a cornerstone for both national and international biosecurity efforts. This initiative will enable deeper investigation into the viral features that drive cross-species transmission, support the development of comprehensive genetic maps of key bat species, and facilitate global preparedness. Ultimately, this platform will support efforts by health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), to predict and prevent future pandemics.Source-Eurekalert BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 18. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi announced on May 18 that the date for the next round of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington on the Iranian nuclear program has been tentatively agreed upon, though it still requires final confirmation before being officially announced, Trend reports. Araghchi added that Iran has not received any formal correspondence from the United States regarding this matter. It is worth noting that four rounds of indirect negotiations have been held so far on April 12, 19, 26, and May 11 with the mediation of Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaid. The Iranian delegation has been led by Araghchi, while the U.S. side has been represented by U.S. Special Representative for Near East Affairs Steve Witkoff. The first, third, and fourth rounds were held in Muscat, the capital of Oman, while the second round took place in Rome, Italy. Patrick Boniface on the deaths in combat of regal warriors. On 5 April 1697, the Swedish Prince Charles, also known as Carl, became King of Sweden at the age of 15 following the death of his father, Charles XI. During his 36-year reign, Sweden would go on to lose between 10% and 20% of its population during what became known as the Great Northern War. Born into a military world where Sweden was a nation renowned for the quality of its fighting men, King Charles XII would go on to earn the nickname The Last Viking and lose his life in battle. Other nicknames dubbed him The Lion of the North and The Swedish Meteor. Charles is famously quoted as having said, I have resolved never to start an unjust war, but never to end a legitimate one except by defeating my enemies. YOUNG BLOOD In life, Charles XII was despised by his nation for throwing Sweden into countless battles and wars, and sacrificing the lives of thousands of soldiers. Today, over 200 years since his death, the distinguished biographer Ragnhild Hatton notes, Swedes can be heard to say that no one shall rob them of their birthright to quarrel about Charles XII. The first years of his reign were peaceful, but in 1700 the combined forces of Denmark, Norway, Saxony, Poland, Lithuania, and Russia launched a devastating attack on the Swedish protectorate of Holstein-Gottorp, as well as the nearby provinces of Livonia and Ingria. The attacking forces believed that the young and inexperienced King Charles XII would not have the stomach, skills, and determination to lead a counter-attack. They were to be proved wrong. Charles skilfully led the Swedish army to a number of brilliant victories despite being often outnumbered. One of the greatest of these victories was the Battle of Narva in November 1700. The Russians outnumbered the 10,000 strong Swedish Army by a factor of four to one. Charles tactic was to split the Russian forces and to attack under the cover of a blinding blizzard. Many of the Russians who fled the battlefield in disarray tried to leave by crossing the swollen Narva River and drowned. King Charles success at Narva led Russias Peter the Great to sue for peace. Charles XII refused to accept. His next target was the alliance between Poland and Lithuania, which was led by the Polish King Augustus II. The two sides met at the Battle of Kliszow in 1702, with the Swedes sweeping aside all opposition. Augustus II was deposed, and in his place Charles XII put a puppet monarch on the Polish throne in the form of his ally Stanisaw Leszczynski. The Great Northern War continued with Charles forcing all of his enemies into submission by 1706, a year that saw the Swedish forces under the command of General Carl Gustav Rehnskiold devastate the combined armies of Saxony and Russia at the Battle of Faustadt. Eager to complete the task in hand, the young and fearless Swedish monarch marched on St Petersburg, the capital of his last remaining enemy: Russia. His force would again destroy a much larger Russian army, estimated to be at least double the size of Charles force, at the Battle of Holowczyn. Charles would later say that this was his favourite conquest. The victory secured, Charles changed his plans and marched his forces towards Moscow in the east instead of attacking St Petersburg. This proved to be a disastrous decision. Russias Peter the Great ambushed the Swedish force at Lesnaya. The encounter left half of the force dead and the Russians carried away valuable supplies and artillery pieces. King Charles XII of Sweden, like many military leaders before and after, then suffered at the hands of nature. Russias harsh winter climate took a deadly toll as the Swedes marched towards Ukraine, where they would spend winter. The Russians, however, gained ground at Poltava, where Sweden lost a large number of men. Here, Charles XII was also incapacitated by a musket-ball round that penetrated his foot. The wound became infected with blood poisoning and Charles was wracked with fever. EXILE The defeat was followed by the humiliation of the Surrender at Perevolochna which saw Charles XII exiled to the Ottoman Empire for four years. These years were spent formulating a plan to regain what he had lost under the terms of the Treaty of Nystad, which saw Russia occupy Swedens Baltic provinces, thus reshaping the map of Europe for centuries to come. Sweden also lost Bremen and Pomerania, and a hostile ruler took over in Poland. Charles XII returned to Sweden in 1714. Much weakened, he could only confront neighbouring Denmark on equal terms. In December 1718, having gathered a large force of men, he led an assault on Norway with the aim of evicting the Danish king, his cousin. The campaign went badly from the start and, on 11 December 1718, during the Siege of Fredriksten, Charles was killed by a shot through the head in strange circumstances, which are still disputed to this day. Some even suggest that Charles XII was not killed by enemy fire, but was murdered by disillusioned men from his own side. On the day of his death, Charles had gone forward under the cover of night to inspect the construction of a front line trench that had drawn lots of Danish fire already. Indeed, some 60 Swedish diggers had already fallen to accurate musket fire. The Danish were using light bombs, an early form of star shells, to illuminate the enemy positions. Just as the King stood momentarily to survey the construction, he slumped forward as a large-calibre projectile sliced into his head. The object entered below one temple, straight through his brain, and exited the other side of his skull. The King was dead, aged just 36. None of the men who were digging the trench saw the impact that did the damage, but equally none were displeased to see him dead. King Charles XII had brought nothing but misery for the ordinary people of Sweden through 20 years of bloody warfare. Suspicions arose about who might have murdered the king. Suspects included his brother-in-law, who eventually succeeded him as King Frederick I, and indeed any wealthy Swede who was suffering from Charles 17% taxation of their wealth to fund his wars. A possible connection to this suggestion was that within months of the Kings death, his hated chief minister, Baron Goertz, who was responsible for the despised taxation policy, was tried and executed. Yet another scenario involved King Fredericks secretary, Andre Sicre, who confessed to killing Charles, albeit in the throes of delirium; once he had recovered, he recanted his statement. Finally, there is an unusual account from the Kings surgeon, Melchior Neumann, who left some intriguing remarks on the inside cover of a book. Neumann wrote that he had dreamed that he saw the dead King on the embalming table. Then the King regained life, took Neumanns left hand and said, You shall be the witness to how I was shot. Agonised, Neumann asked, Your Majesty, graciously tell me, was Your Majesty shot from the fortress? The King answered, No, Neumann, es kam einer gekrochen [one came creeping]. The mummified remains of King Charles XII lie in the grounds of a Stockholm church, but have been exhumed no fewer than three times, the last being in 1917 for forensic analysis. The results are inconclusive; when the Swedish Meteor fell, the nation replaced him with a mystery surrounding his death. This article was published in the October 2018 issue of Military History Matters. To find out more about the magazine and how to subscribe, click here. Patrick Boniface on the deaths in combat of regal warriors. Prince George, Duke of Kent The door clicked shut behind him. HRH The Duke of Kent had left the warmth and comfort of his family home in Buckinghamshire. From within, his wife Princess Marina of Greece and his three young children, Edward, Alexandra, and Michael, all watched as he walked away to his waiting staff car. It was the autumn of 1942, and this was a scene being played out at airbases and homes across the country. But the Duke was a member of the royal family and this was the last time his family would see him alive. PLAYBOY PRINCE The 39-year-old Prince George had, in his short life, earned a notorious reputation as a cad, a chancer, and a playboy and his death remains to this day shrouded in controversy due to the destruction of all official documents about the incident. The Duke had a reputation for being seriously troubled. He had had relationships with both men and women, and was known to have experimented with drugs in his early years. His liaisons were rumoured to include art expert and spy Anthony Blunt; playwright Noel Coward; Louis Ferdinand, Prince of Prussia; African American cabaret star Florence Mills; musical performer Jessie Matthews; and socialite Margaret Whigham. Such were the circumstances surrounding the Dukes death that many believe a conspiracy existed to assassinate him. On paper, his mission was a simple one: as an Air Commodore in the Welfare Section of the RAF Inspector Generals Staff, he was to fly to Iceland on a tour of RAF units stationed on the icy island and offer moral support to the troops. Additionally, the trip would provide excellent public relations material for a press desperate for good news stories. The staff car drove the Duke to Euston railway station in London, where he boarded a steam train to Inverness. It was planned that he would then travel to Cromarty Firth at Scotlands northern tip, to board the Sunderland Mk III flying boat W4026 of 228 Squadron, which would fly him to Iceland. FLIGHT PLAN The Short Sunderland Mk V a variant of the Mk III, the type of plane the Duke of Kent was flying in during his ill-fated journey. The Shorts Sunderland was a sturdy and generally reliable aircraft that had been proven in war. The type was rugged, and could take a lot of punishment from the elements and the enemy alike. Armed with eight machine-guns, the Sunderlands reputation even extended to Nazi Germany, where it earned itself the nickname Fliegende Stachelschwein, or Flying Porcupine. For the royal passenger, there were precious few creature comforts on offer, with only a small mess room and bunks on the lower deck. But the Sunderland had one major flaw in its design: it was severely underpowered for its size. The four Bristol Pegasus XVIII engines could get the stocky aircraft up to a top speed of 120 knots. This was considered adequate for an aircraft that would spend most of its time operating over water. Overland missions, however, saw the aircraft flying at the extreme of its operating window. For this reason, the route chosen for the Dukes ill-fated flight avoided the forbidding heights of the Northwest Highlands. It saw the Sunderland take a course well offshore until abeam of the village of John OGroats, and then north-west for the remaining 650 miles to Iceland. CALAMITY STRIKES As the Duke relaxed in his first-class accommodation on the steam train heading north from London, aircraft mechanics worked on the Sunderland at Oban, where the aircraft was based, 300 miles from Cromarty Firth. After pre-flight checks had been completed, Australian pilot Flight Lieutenant Frank Goyen and his crew were told there would be no deviation from the pre-planned track. For the flight, Goyen was joined by commanding officer Wing Commander T L Moseley. The briefing also highlighted some abysmal weather conditions, with unseasonal low cloud, rain, and mist on high ground. This should not have been a problem, because the Sunderland was routed well over the sea. The Met Office did, however, indicate a steady improvement as the aircraft neared the Faroes. On 25 August 1942, Goyen, Moseley, and the other air crew departed Oban on schedule and, when Prince George arrived at the Cromarty Firth base at Invergordon, they were waiting for him. Once the Duke was safely on board, the Sunderland got under way immediately, with the aircraft having been heavily loaded with 2,550 gallons of fuel. The royal party comprised the Dukes private secretary John Lowther, his equerry Michael Strutt, and his valet John Hales. In addition to her cargo of the Duke, the Sunderland still had her usual load of anti-submarine depth charges on board, should a German U-boat be discovered en route. The aircraft took more than a mile to take to the air from the narrow waters at Cromarty Firth. Within minutes, it was flying over Tarbetness and the Dornoch Firth, as she slowly climbed to an altitude of 1,200 feet. The weather prevented Goyen from keeping an eye on the surface, however, and for some inexplicable reason he drifted off the planned course and came closer inshore than had been authorised. Soon the aircraft was not merely hugging the coastline, but flying over land strictly against standing orders leading to unconfirmed speculation that the Prince had taken the controls to fly over his cousins lodge at Langwell Estate, Berridale. In good visibility flying in the Highlands is a challenge, but with the poor visibility of 25 August 1942, flying conditions were extremely dangerous. The relatively low land around Cromarty Firth quite quickly transformed into the purple, heather-covered granite of Scotlands highest mountains. One of the highest peaks in the region is Eagles Rock, just to the north of the village of Berridale. This isolated community of sheep farmers had rarely seen an aircraft, much less one as large as a Sunderland flying boat. Two men, farmer David Morrison and his son Hugh, were near Eagles Rock when they heard the unmistakeable noise of aero engines, followed by the screech of metal cracking sharply against the solid granite of the mountainside. The Sunderland smacked the mountain head on and, with all the extra fuel on board, exploded. The flight to Iceland should have taken seven hours; instead, after just 32 minutes, it had ended in disaster and the death of HRH the Duke of Kent. Miraculously, the rear gunner, Andrew Jack, was thrown clear of the impact and survived the crash. He was, however, in a state of shock and badly burned. After hours of aimlessly wandering, he was discovered by a hastily assembled rescue party. The party found the wreck at midday on 26 August, and the body of the Duke, lying relatively unmarked, some distance from the rest of the men all of whom had been killed. A week later, the Duke was laid to rest with full military honours in Windsors royal vaults. LOOSE THREADS George with his wife, Princess Marina of Greece. Still there was the mystery of why the Sunderland crashed at all. Andrew Jacks evidence at the inquiry was crucial in piecing together the sequence of events. The inquiry established that Goyen saw the peak of Eagles Rock and managed to fly over it, but at the cost of air speed. Trying to gain more air speed, Goyen then put the aircraft into a dive only to strike a ledge 100 feet below the peak. The impact inverted the aircraft, sending it to its fate in the rain-soaked heather below. Frank Goyen was found solely responsible for the crash due to his refusal to stick to the correct course over water. Controversy continued to spread, however, when it was suggested that the Prince had a briefcase handcuffed to his wrist full of 100-krona notes that were useless in Iceland leading to speculation that the Sunderland was, instead, on a secret mission to neutral Sweden. As all documentation of the crash and subsequent inquiry has been lost, this is one mystery that may never be resolved. This article is from the September 2018 issue of Military History Matters. To find out more about the magazine and how to subscribe, click here. Kid Rock says Bruce Springsteen has "Trump Derangement Syndrome" and called it a "punk move" after "The Boss" criticized President Trump while on tour in Europe. Photo by Nicole Hester | MLive Both Kid Rock and President Trump are blasting Bruce Springsteen after The Boss slammed the President while on tour in Europe. Speaking to "Fox and Friends" ahead of his performance at the Professional Bull Riders World Finals this weekend, Kid Rock says Springsteen has Trump derangement syndrome and called his criticism of the President a punk move. Just another person with TDS at the highest levels, Rock told Foxs Steve Doocy. To be in Europe, talking junk about our President who gets up and works his a$$ off for this country everyday and this administration is doing such great things. And thank God for him. To do that in Europe. What a punk move." Rocks comments come after Springsteen said this at his May 14th concert in Manchester, England, which has been seen all over YouTube. In my home, the America I love, the America Ive written about that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration, He went on to say: Tonight, we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American spirit to rise with us, raise your voices against authoritarianism and let freedom ring. President Trump also responded to Springsteens comments on Truth Social, writing on May 16: I see that Highly Overrated Bruce Springsteen goes to a Foreign Country to speak badly about the President of the United States. Never liked him, never liked his music, or his Radical Left Politics and, importantly, hes not a talented guy Just a pushy, obnoxious JERK, who fervently supported Crooked Joe Biden, a mentally incompetent FOOL, and our WORST EVER President, who came close to destroying our Country. President Trump added: Springsteen is dumb as a rock, and couldnt see what was going on, or could he (which is even worse!)? This dried out prune of a rocker (his skin is all atrophied!) ought to KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT until he gets back into the Country, thats just standard fare. Then well all see how it goes for him!" Rock added that he thinks Springsteen just wants to be in good standings in Hollywood. This guy has, what $500 million, and hes out there playing like hes a working class hero? And really to me, just wants to be in good standings with the Hollywood elite. Im proud to say that Im more of Hollywoods Kryptonite. Springsteens tour continues tonight in Manchester. He heads to France next weekend and will also perform in France, the Czech Republic, Germany, Spain and Italy. Kid Rock is bringing his Rock the Country tour to 10 small towns. His next show is May 31 in York, PA with Nickelback, Hank Williams Jr. and more. The tour will be in Hastings, Michigan on June 14. Monroe County sheriff's deputies responded to a 10:01 p.m. report of a crash on Saturday, May 17, in Whiteford Township. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com file MONROE COUNTY, MI Murder charges are pending against a 24-year-old man accused of hitting and killing a pregnant woman and her unborn child in a crash, police said. Monroe County sheriffs deputies identified the deceased woman as 32-year-old Kaitlyn A. Ellison of Petersburg, Michigan. The man, of Oregon, Ohio, is currently lodged at the Monroe County Jail awaiting arraignment on two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of operating while intoxicated causing death. A crash was reported around 10 p.m. Saturday, May 17, in Whiteford Township. Police say Ellison was driving a Ford Escape northbound in the right lane of U.S. 23 when she was sideswiped by a Chrysler 300. Witnesses told police the Chrysler driven by the Ohio man was passing vehicles at a high rate of speed on the right shoulder. The Chrysler merged into the right lane from the shoulder and tried to pass the Escape on the left. That caused the Chrysler to hit the Escape causing the Escape to run off the road to the right, police said. The Escape rolled several times over an embankment before coming to rest on its right side. Ellison was trapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated by Whiteford Township firefighters. The Ohio man also lost control of his vehicle after impact and came to rest in the left median of the expressway. Ellison was taken to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead. She was seven months pregnant, and the unborn child was also pronounced deceased, police said. The Ohio man fled the scene on foot but was later arrested at a gas station on U.S. 223. He awaits arraignment in Monroe County District Court. The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with any information is asked to call the Monroe County Sheriffs Office at 734-240-7548. DETROIT, MI A Michigan State Police trooper shot three times in a shootout with a suspect Friday evening has been released from the hospital. State police announced at 2:23 p.m. Saturday, May 17, that the trooper had been released, thanking medical staff at Sinai Grace Hospital in Detroit for their care, MSP posted on X. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 18. The second round of Romanias presidential elections kicked off on Sunday, Trend reports. Approximately 19,000 polling stations have opened across the country, with voting beginning at 07:00 local time and continuing until 21:00. Voters still in line at closing time will be allowed to cast their ballots until 23:59. To ensure public safety and order, over 43,000 police and gendarmerie officers have been deployed nationwide. Nearly 18 million Romanian citizens are eligible to vote in the election. Voting abroad began on Friday and has entered its third day. The main contest for the presidency is between George Simion, leader of the opposition nationalist Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, and Nicusor Dan, the pro-European independent candidate and current Mayor of Bucharest. It is worth noting that these elections are being held as a repeat vote. The initial round, held on November 24, 2024, saw nationalist candidate Calin Georgescu receive the majority of votes. However, the Constitutional Court annulled the results, prompting a new election date to be set. Clockwise from left Michael Weber and Brian Weber of Webers, Keith McKendry and Tim Wojcik of Mr. Spots, John and Konstantine Roumanis of Mediterrano, John Metzger and Ryan Dunkelberger of Metzgers and Don, Angela and Robert Knight of Knights Steakhouse. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com ANN ARBOR, MI Husband-and-wife Candi and Don Dufek are longtime Ann Arborites. Knights Steakhouse is the one place they know will stay the same. The Dufeks keep returning for the restaurants charm, the way staff treats customers and the family behind it. Theres just such a warmth and love for their people and for what they do that makes you want to go back over and over again, Candi Dufek said. Owner Don Knight and his wife Angela realize the steakhouses impact on Ann Arbor, and they hope family will carry on the business. For others, the future is murkier. At former staples like Angelos, no family member wished to take over, leading to its closure after seven decades. Read more: Closing after almost 70 years, Angelos Restaurant stirs up a mix of emotions in Ann Arbor Knights and a handful of other beloved, longstanding Ann Arbor restaurants are asking themselves the same questions: What happens when the current owners are done? Will these restaurants last into the next generation? According to the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, about a third of restaurants in the United States are family owned. About a fifth of them last at least 16 years. These are similar patterns in Michigan, said association vice president Emily Daunt said. Whats next for these restaurants is often mixed, Daunt said, adding broader trends in Michigan have shown owners are passing their restaurants down to other family members besides their sons and daughters. The owners of Knights and four other restaurants shared their experiences in the restaurant industry. Don and Angela Knight pose with their son, Robert Knight, at Knights Steakhouse, 2324 Dexter Ave. in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Knights Steakhouse Owners: Don, 56, with the help of his wife, Angela Knight, 54, and his siblings When and how it began: Husband-and-wife Ray and Mary Knight began the restaurant at 2324 Dexter Ave. in April 1984, following the opening of Knights Market in 1952. Their son Don Knight became involved with the business in 1991 and never left. Related: Knights Steakhouse has spent 40 years bringing steaks, comfort to Ann Arbor The family-run business has since opened two other locations in downtown Ann Arbor in 2014 and Jackson in 2001. It is now in its second generation. What does the next generation look like: Don and Angela have three boys, but they admit they dont want their sons to take on the business unless they love it. Its not that glamorous, he said. You really have to love this job and love people, and you have to have a lot of empathy and patience. The Knights are still many years away from retirement. Their niece, Stephanie, and nephew, Don, will likely take over since both are already involved. Their niece Elizabeth Stack, whose mother Sherry is Dons sister, is also the general manager of the Dexter Avenue location and one that will also likely take over, Don said. Their youngest son Robert, a 22-year-old recent University of Michigan graduate, may also be interested. He said hes still too young to decide but wants to be a part of it in some way. I dont think I could live with myself, even if I didnt live in Ann Arbor, to not make sure the restaurants doing successful, Robert Knight said. Keeping the family connections going, Stacks uncle Vernon Bodella is the owner of Knights Market and is vital to our operation, Don said. Owner John Metzger and his nephew, head chef Ryan Dunkelberger, pose inside Metzgers, 305 N. Zeeb Road on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Metzgers German Restaurant Owner: John Metzger, 68 When and how it began: Metzgers German Restaurant got its start in 1928 under the name The German American Restaurant. It changed its name in 1936 and moved a couple of times before landing in its current location, 305 N. Zeeb Road in Scio Township, in 2001. John Metzger, the third-generation owner, officially took it over from his father in 1986. Whats next: Metzger is hoping to retire within the next few years, in time for the restaurants 100th anniversary. As he looks to the next generation, he said his nephew Ryan Dunkelberger will likely take over as both Metzgers children have found passion in other careers. I didnt want to push them into the restaurant business, Metzger said. But, if its in their blood and they really wanted to do it then absolutely. Dunkelberger began bussing tables in high school. He eventually went to culinary school and came back to work in the kitchen. Hes now the head chef. A truly successful owner is one who is always there and loves their community, Metzger said. Dunkelberger said he is ready for that challenge, especially with his love for cooking. Ive always looked up to John and his work ethic, he said. Its a hard industry ... (but) it seems like the natural next step for me and my family. Brothers and co-owners Michael Weber and Brian Weber pose at Webers Restaurant, 3050 Jackson Ave. in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, May 6 2025. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Webers Restaurant Owners: Ken Weber, 70, with the help of his sons Brian, 35, and Michael, 39 When and how it began: Herman and Sonja Weber opened Webers Restaurant in 1937. The restaurant is known for serving its steakhouse menu and popular prime rib. Related: From a diner to a hotel and restaurant, Webers celebrates more than 80 years in business Their son Ken Weber officially became president of the business in 1978. His oldest son Michael Weber stepped into his managing role in 2011, and his other son Brian soon joined him a few years later in 2015. Whats next: Webers is in its third generation with the help of Brian and Michael Weber. Ken still helps out, but he said he is gradually transitioning into retirement. Michael and Brian said they never felt pressured to take over Webers. Their dads passion for the restaurant was infectious. They both attended the School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University and earned their degrees. After internships with different companies, the two came back. Their dad made sure they knew early the reality of the business so they would be ready. They were involved at such a young age that they grew into it, Ken Weber said. They understand that (success) just doesnt happen and that theres a lot of interaction every day to try and steer it in the direction that helps it to be successful. Michael said he felt he had ownership in the business since he was young. I do feel a responsibility to keep this tradition alive, Michael said. A lot of businesses are (run) for the next quarter. We are running ours for the next generation. A fourth generation of Webers is possible, as both Michael and Brian hope both of their young daughters may be interested in continuing the legacy. Father and son John and Konstantine Roumanis pose inside Mediterrano, 2900 S. State St. in Ann Arbor on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Mediterrano Owners: John Roumanis, 72 When and how it began: John Roumanis opened Mediterrano in 1995 in Ann Arbor and Carlyle Grill in 2006 in Scio Township. His son, Konstantine Roumanis, is taking over these businesses. Whats next: John Roumanis goal is to come and visit in three years, he said with a laugh. Really, he hopes to gradually transition ownership to his son. Konstantine Roumanis decided to take over both businesses, but only after working somewhere else. John Roumanis said having a level of insecurity is the key behind a restaurant. He said its also important to be open to changes. If you feel secure in this business then it is the beginning of the end, he said. It wasnt easy to accept his son was willing to lead the family business, he said. He kind of hoped he wouldnt. But without family to take over, Roumanis said he would been forced to sell. Konstantine Roumanis in high school never considered his future would be at Mediterrano and Carlyle Grill. He realized later he wanted to be close to his family and continue his fathers success. I value being a part of a community and having an impact, and so why wouldnt I consider the businesses that my dad had created? he said. Co-founders Keith McKendry and Tim Wojcik pose inside Mister Spots, 808 S. State St. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Mr. Spots Owners: Keith McKendry and Tim Wojcik, 62 When and how it began: The restaurant opened Nov. 8, 1986, and has since become a spot for University of Michigan students, famous athletes and cheesesteak lovers. Whats next: McKendry and Wojcik arent sure whats next for their iconic cheesesteak shop on South State Street. McKendry doesnt have any kids and Wojciks son is only 12. With no other interested family members, they arent left with many other options. The co-owners arent in a rush to retire just yet, but they listed the business for $995,000. If the situation and money are right, the two said they will sell. Nothing lasts forever, McKendry said. If somebody comes in and purchases this then hopefully its a young entrepreneur that can hold on to this for many years. Read more: Mr. Spots, Tom Bradys favorite Ann Arbor hoagie spot, on market for $1.2M The transformation of the family-owned restaurant Family-owned restaurants continue to be a significant part of Michigans hospitality landscape, said Daunt, vice president, communications and brand strategy for the restaurant and lodging association. Daunt said about 34% of U.S. restaurants are family-owned, according to national data, and Michigan data is similar. She said across the country, 21% of these family restaurants have been in business for 16 years or more. Michigans established family restaurants have weathered significant challenges, from economic recessions to the recent pandemic, Daunt said, and many have successfully adapted their business models. What were seeing is by no means the end of family restaurants but rather a transformation in how they operate and transition to new ownership, she said. When it comes to a restaurants future, the five Ann Arbor restaurant owners seem to agree on a few things. It isnt easy running a restaurant today, many said, pointing to staffing, skinny profit margins and working long, untraditional hours. We live in insecurity on daily basis in this business, John Roumanis said. ... For them to choose this profession, its important that they are driven. Owners both balance budgets and discipline employees, Angela Knight said. Adding family in the equation is a different dynamic entirely, she said. Others like Brian Weber point out theres a level of knowledge and stability passed from generations that can help the next group of owners find confidence in what they are doing. They all agree there seems to be a lot more at stake when their name is on the building. You take more pride when the place runs well but, when you make a mistake (then) it feels very personal, Michael Weber said. There are still parents passing down their business to their children, but the association is noticing more restaurants passed down to extended family members, Daunt said. Whats interesting in Michigan is that were seeing creative succession arrangements that keep businesses within the extended family circle while accommodating the reality that direct descendants may have different career aspirations, she said. Longtime diners like Dufek want to keep the same old Knights for years to come. Its not just for the food, but to maintain cultural Ann Arbor landmarks. Its important for places like that to carry on because thats what makes the town, she said. When you lose your history, you lose a little bit of yourself. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page, the Ypsilanti-area news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office has identified a woman who died in a rollover crash on Saturday, May 17. MONROE COUNTY, MI Police have identified a woman who died in a rollover crash as 61-year-old Janet Daniel of Holland, Ohio. Daniel was pronounced deceased at the crash scene after firefighters freed the trapped woman from her vehicle, Monroe County sheriffs deputies said. The crash happened shortly after 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, in Summerfield Township. RELATED: 1 dead, 1 in critical condition after collision in Monroe County A 19-year-old Toledo, Ohio man was driving a Mazda 6 southbound on Summerfield Road when he rear-ended Daniels Jeep Wrangler. The collision caused the Jeep to overturn onto its side which then slid down the road until it rolled on its roof in the ditch. Daniel and the Toledo man were both wearing their seatbelt at the time of the crash, investigators said. Police say the Toledo man was taken to an area hospital for treatment and has since been discharged. The crash remains under investigation and anyone with any information is asked to call the Monroe County Sheriffs Office at 734-240-7548. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page, the Ypsilanti-area news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. John Ball Zoo is pushing forward with plans to build a large-scale aquarium in Kent County, and a waterfront site for the multi-million dollar project could be announced in the coming months. Cory Morse | cmorse1@mlive.com GRAND RAPIDS, MI John Ball Zoo is pushing forward with plans to build a large-scale aquarium in Kent County, and a waterfront site for the estimated $370 million project could be announced in the coming months. We are doing some exploratory work, but were not quite ready to commit to and announce a specific site, said Peter DArienzo, CEO of John Ball Zoo. Its definitely in Kent County and definitely on a body of water. The project is still in the early planning and design stage. But DArienzo has an ambitious vision for the aquarium, which he says would draw visitors from the Midwest and beyond and generate an estimated $2.9 billion economic impact over a decade. RELATED: Big fish, billions of dollars: Massive aquarium being eyed in Kent County The projects price tag isnt finalized, but early estimates indicate it could cost anywhere from $370 million to $390 million. Were hoping to open in 2031 if everything stays on track, said DArienzo, who has led John Ball Zoo since 2016. The aquarium, along with Acrisure Amphitheater and Amway Stadium, was highlighted by Destination Kent as a potential beneficiary of the successful 2024 ballot measure to raise Kent Countys hotel tax from 5% to 8% to help fund tourism-oriented projects. However, the zoo hasnt requested those funds at this time, and the county board of commissioners has final say over how theyre used. Potential sites DArienzo said the aquarium will need at least 15 acres of land, but that he would like to have as many as 30 acres. Such a large amount of property is needed because the project requires room for not only the aquarium but also pump rooms, a warehouse, filtration systems, emergency fish tanks, and 2,000 parking spaces, he said. Work is ongoing to determine the exact amount of property needed as the projects concept is fine-tuned, DArienzo said. Were still working out details, he said when asked about the size of the aquarium. Its more than 2 million gallons of water, probably closer to 3 million gallons, and that puts us on par with some of the great aquariums in the U.S. DArienzo said the zoo has several sites in mind for the project but declined to provide further details. He wouldnt confirm whether the body of water he would like to build the aquarium on is the Grand River. Weve narrowed it down to just a few sites, he said. But were hitting one site hard to make sure it meets all our criteria. A starfish is pictured inside John Ball Zoo's aquarium. Hope Davison Discussions about the aquarium have been underway for several years. A year ago, the zoo announced it had selected Kent County as the site of the project after ruling out building it in Muskegon County. An economic impact study released at that time said the aquarium would create an estimated 2,427 jobs and generate more than $231 million in state and local tax revenue in the first 10 years of operation. DArienzo says hes confident those numbers are accurate because they hired the best. For the feasibility study, a company called H2R Market Research did the focus groups where we actually pulled together panels across the United States and shared not only the concept of the aquarium but also all of the other amazing cultural arts institutions in our area and asked would you come here? he said. And the numbers that came back, we literally scored the highest. John Ball Zoo, 1300 Fulton St. W in Grand Rapids, attracts over 700,000 visitors annually. The zoo is owned by Kent County, though its operated and managed by its own nonprofit organization and board. The 2025 season marks the zoos 134th year of operation. The facility As for the aquarium, DArienzo envisions a space thats experiential, and stands out from other aquariums across the country. The old way of doing things for zoos and aquariums and science centers, too, is you walk up to a habitat, or an exhibit and you read about it, you learn about it, he said. We will have that information, but we want to do something different. We want to make sure this is experiential and accessible. The idea is to have five distinct zones in the aquarium. One will be focused on Michigan, DArienzo said, and would highlight all of the amazing natural wonders we have, noting the states connection to the Great Lakes as well as national lakeshores at Pictured Rocks and Sleeping Bear Dunes. The other four were not quite ready to release, he said. But it will be stuff that hasnt been seen at other aquariums. While DArienzo wants the project to stand out, fans of aquariums can expect popular features too, he said. All great aquariums have coral reef habitats, they do sharks and stingrays, and well have that, he said. Plans dont call for dolphins, whales and porpoises because they would add a significant cost to the project, DArienzo said. Also envisioned: an outdoor park-like setting with outdoor wildlife exhibits for birds and reptiles. DArienzo said he also wants the aquarium to include an educational component with classrooms for school field trips and space for research in partnership with colleges or universities. Tourism impact, funding The zoos economic impact study estimated that 65% of the aquariums visitors are expected to come from other states. Such tourism interest highlights the aquariums status as a destination asset, DArienzo said. Its not just an investment in an aquarium, he said. When you build a destination asset, its an investment in the community. That means new restaurants, new hotels, more support structures. Kent County hotels had about a 60% occupancy rate last year, according to Experience Grand Rapids, the countys convention and visitors bureau. In this MLive file photo, animal care supervisor Jaime Racalla prepares to dive in order to clean aquarium glass at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids. Cory Morse | MLive.com At this point, one big unknown is how the project would be financed. DArienzo said hes been in conversation with local, state and national officials about the project, and the economic impact the aquarium would generate if it came to fruition. Were early in the process, so there are no commitments made, he said. But because of our impact, not only on economic development, creating literally thousands of jobs and driving incremental tax revenues to create an economic pathway for the state, its gathering a lot of interest. Kent County Administrator Al Vanderberg said the zoo has not made any requests to the county for revenue from the hotel tax. He said supporters of the aquarium have been working diligently on the concept, and the county recently started interacting a little more with that group. Id say theres progress there. Vanderberg said. Id say that in my own personal opinion well see an aquarium someday in Kent County. But its likely to be one of the largest and maybe most complex projects thats been undertaken. Theres just a huge amount that has to be done. Doug Small, president and CEO of Experience Grand Rapids, said hes excited by what hes heard about the aquarium, and that anytime the community gives us something new and sparkly to promote, we help fill it. He said the zoos plan is very grandiose and aggressive. If it pans out that way, it could be a showstopper, he said. We look forward to hearing more about it. With a nearly $400 million price tag, DArienzo acknowledged that project is going to be a lot of work. However, he said hes confident we can get it done. Its not a question of if, he said, its a question of when. Megan Kalmbach poses for photo on May 14, 2025, in her classroom at George Long Elementary. (Photo provided by Shannon Cook) Courtesy Photo | Shannon Cook JACKSON, MI - Education wasnt Megan Kalmbachs first choice of profession. After an important turning point in her life, she found that it was the right one. Kalmbach, 36, teaches fourth grade at George Long Elementary. Shes worked for Grass Lake Community Schools for the past six of the nine years. Despite having an interest in working with children from a young age, education wasnt the first career path she explored. Growing up in Pennsylvania, Kalmbach attended American University in Washington D.C., where she majored in business administration with dual specializations in marketing and accounting. Kalmbach worked a job in finance for about five years after graduating from college. She moved to Michigan with her best friend from school, who was an Ann Arbor native. She also met the man who would become her husband in Michigan. When her father passed away in 2012, Kalmbach began reassessing her life and career, realizing her work wasnt providing the fulfillment she desired. She wanted to do something that would let her make a bigger impact on the community around her and rediscovered the interest in teaching she had as a child. Kalmbach went back to school, earning a masters degree in teaching from Wayne State University in 2016. She taught at the University Preparatory Academy in Detroit for two years before the birth of her son, after which she worked as a substitute teacher for about a year. Kalmbachs sister-in-law, who already worked at Grass Lake as an art teacher, informed her of an opening at George Long. She quickly fell in love with the district and its small-town community feel. Kalmbach spoke with MLive/Jackson Citizen Patriot about the journey she underwent to find her home in the classroom, and the joy she gets out of forming meaningful connections with her students. Jackson Citizen Patriot: Was there a specific moment or experience that inspired you to get into the field of education? Megan Kalmbach: My fathers passing made me realize that I wanted to make more of an impact with my career, and I had always been very interested in childcare and those kinds of things. When I was a teenager, my first jobs were babysitting, then I did some nannying in college. When I was very young, I thought I would be a teacher, but then I kind of changed my goals. Thinking back on some of the teachers that impacted my education, and just wanting to be a bigger part of the community picture is what made me come back. JCP: Why was teaching in the field youre in such a calling for you? Kalmbach: I absolutely love fourth grade! I think its a perfect age where the students are a bit independent and they have their own personalities, and theyre hilarious most of the time. However, I find that theyre still interested in coming to school - they wanted to please their teachers and get along with people. Its still a really formative age. Ive done some departmentalization, where Ive just taught math, or math and science, and thats been really rewarding because my passion really lies in mathematics. JCP: Are there any ways youve changed or evolved as an educator between now and when you started teaching? Kalmbach: I started teaching before I became a mother and before COVID happened, so I think both of those things had a big impact on changing me over the years. I started out thinking This is going to be fun! This is going to be an awesome opportunity to get more involved, but now Ive seen the changes and the impact that teachers can have. I know now, as a mom, that teachers being with your child for so much of their day every day helps them form connections. Having that perspective and knowing those connections that students have, I know teaching is more than just We need to learn X, Y and Z - we need to actually form humans that will be a good member of society and a productive citizen. JCP: Is there a specific moment from your career that you consider to be the most rewarding? Kalmbach: Theres not truly one moment, but one of my favorite things is when I see my students when theyve gone on to higher grades. For my Grass Lake kiddos, the first grade I taught was the current ninth graders. Now that Ive seen them get to the high school, Im thinking about knowing them in the future, or when their siblings start coming up and recognizing me and we have those connections of I had your brother/sister, how are they doing? That kind of thing is really cool, with Grass Lake being a smaller community. JCP: What is your favorite part of your job? Kalmbach: Definitely the relationships and connections with students. I find that having that balance of having fun and sharing interests while also educating and seeing when they understand something is an incredible feeling. Im a huge sneakerhead, so all the kids will say I love your sneaker collection, and well connect over that and talk about what shoes they might want for Christmas or their birthday. The general relationships with students, knowing whats going on at home and being able to connect with students is amazing. If you know a K-12 educator in Jackson County who might make a good subject for the weekly Meet the Teacher series, send an email with their contact information to mkukulka@mlive.com. If you would like more reporting like this delivered free to your inbox, click here and signup for our weekly newsletter: Michigan Schools. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily newsletter. VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI The Career and Technical students at Van Buren Tech learn what its like to be a first responder through hands-on experience. Throughout the year, fire, EMT and law enforcement students grind in the classroom and in smaller scenario-based situations. The goal is to prepare them for what the job is like in the real world. On Tuesday, May 13, all that preparation came to a head in one of the most unique final exams in Michigan. Related: A plane crash, human chaos and fake blood: The realistic final exam for high schoolers 125 1 / 125 Van Buren Tech hosts realistic disaster training Students collaborated with each other to address realistic disaster situations spread out across the field. They faced a plane crash, car fires, human trafficking situations and more. They learned how to handle chaos with courage and professionalism. To see video of what that chaos looked like, click on the video at the top of this page or visit this link. To see photos of the day, scroll through the gallery above or click this link. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter. SANFORD, MI Julie Vezina looked longingly at her house on what was once Sanford Lake. A wall of windows faces the lazy river the once beautiful lake has become. Those windows offered her a view of the sun rising over the trees in the distance. Theres no electricity, no plumbing. You can see the water line as far as how high it went, Vezina said, squatting down and pointing at a yellowish mark on the house. But its been a slow process. Community stepped in to begin with. The local churches were here. Billy Grahams good Samaritan purse was here. And they were helping. While the surviving structure is her house, it hasnt been her home in five years. That was when water deluged the lake due to a series of dam failures, and nearly took Vezinas house with it. She is still months away from living in it again. What was once a body of clear blue water has been replaced with dirt. Vegetation has tried to reclaim the land as its own, sprouting wherever possible. The remaining water barely resembles the lake it once was, but birds still swoop from above, landing where they can for quick drinks before flying off in search of food. Its coming back, Vezina said of the lake. Theyre working on bringing that back. Theres hope and theres a beauty in it. You see bald eagles. Theres eagles nesting. You see all kinds of birds. You got to look for the beauty, she said as if trying to convince herself. But its there. A drone image of the Tittabawassee River running through where Sanford Lake once was off of Peterson Drive in Sanford, Mich. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com Related: Owner watches demolition of her Sanford pet grooming business after floods left it unsalvageable Vezina, 63, bought her house on North Peterson Drive in 2018, two years before the Edenville Dam failed and caused water to rush south, overwhelming the Sanford Dam and flooding parts of the Tittabawassee and Saginaw rivers. More than 10,000 people across Michigan had to be evacuated due to the flooding. She purchased the house as a retirement home, with plans for relaxation on her back deck with a glass in one hand and a prime view of the scenery in front of her. But when the flood occurred, those dreams were washed away. Five years later, she is still waiting for her home to be habitable again. She had assistance at first from local community agencies, Habitat for Humanity and United Way. But that fell through. She has since gone forward with loans, using her 401K as payment. It has no electricity, no water yet, but were getting closer and closer all the time, she said. In the meantime, Vezina finds herself living out of boxes, now with her mother. She has also spent parts of the past few years living with her sisters. Its not something I was planning to do, but Im blessed with good health, that I can keep working, said Vezina, a nurse at the VA hospital in Saginaw. And I plan on working until I cant work anymore. I need to work until I cant work anymore. Read more: Flooding causes $27 million in damage to Midland County roads and bridges While Vezina had moved to the shores of Sanford Lake just a couple of years prior to the flood, Rebecca Yancer purchased her forever home on the other side of the lake closer to the dam around the same time. Even when her house was under water and covered in mud in 2020 and Yancer and her daughter Autumn Pontseele watched as their physical possessions were destroyed, she decided to put in the work to rebuild their newly bought home. It was devastating at first, going through it all, dealing with the cleanup and What am I going to do? Where am I going to live? How am I going to save this? Yancer said. They immediately began gutting the home with the help of Greg Yancer, Rebecca Yancers then boyfriend and now husband, friends, family and volunteers. After it was emptied, they began removing the drywall and insulation, ripping up the hardwood floors and spraying for mold. Rebecca Yancer poses for a photograph in front of her home in Sanford, Mich. on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Five years after the flood, Yancer said she is so grateful, not that the flood happened, but for the opportunity to realize just how strong she is. Theres still people out there that will give, and it just makes me want to give back so much more so, she said. I learned how to love again and learned that God only puts us through things that he knows we can handle, and he put people in the right path for me. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com Related: Flood and mud destroyed their home, but now a Michigan family has reason to celebrate Rebecca Yancer and Pontseele bounced around from staying with family to hotels paid for by a disaster relief company and American Red Cross. After a few weeks, they set up a camper in their yard and lived out of it before Rebecca Yancer moved in with Greg Yancer. Pontseele, who was 18 years old at the time, remained in the camper with her dog, Decker. As they continued to rebuild, Rebecca Yancer learned she could be picked to receive funding assistance from the Rebuild Project, which was a partnership through the Midland Business Alliance and Three Rivers Corp. to help families in need after the flood. The company came by the house to survey how far along they were in the rebuild, which included having a working bathroom, electrical set up, floors ripped up and drywall hung. Rebecca Yancer was picked, and the Rebuild Project covered the rest of the job up to $100,000. Five years later, Rebecca Yancer said she is so grateful, not that the flood happened, but for the opportunity to realize just how strong she is. Theres still people out there that will give, and it just makes me want to give back so much more so, she said. I learned how to love again and learned that God only puts us through things that he knows we can handle, and he put people in the right path for me. Also: Flood-ravaged Sanford will be a vibrant community again after $23 million in damage, leaders say Financial concerns werent unique to Vezina or Rebecca Yancer. Robin Anquetil, a pipe fitter from Bay City, has six lots within the so-called Flats Campground near Sanford and Edenville. But hes not sure if hell be able to keep them in the fallout of the flood. When Anquetils grandfather died, he said, his mother bought a couple of lots at the campground so the family could stay together. It originated from the Anquetil familys frequent hunting in the area. Friends and family would gather around, treating the lots as a home base. But the lots the family owns fall within a special assessment district, tasking them with paying for a portion of the dam repairs. The special assessments arose out of the reconstruction of four dams that were damaged during the flood. Midland and Gladwin counties appointed the Four Lakes Task Force as the authority to oversee the maintenance of normal lake levels for Wixom, Sanford, Smallwood and Secord lakes and the Four Lakes Special Assessment District. Ultimately, it was determined that repairing, improving and replacing the four dams would cost nearly $400 million. The Task Force secured over $200 million in federal and state grants for the project but assessed that about 55% of the costs would be covered through special assessments levied on property owners in the Four Lakes Special Assessment District. The special assessment for lake-level maintenance would be collected in annual installments over 40 years, totaling approximately $217,700,000. A separate special assessment was created to cover operational and maintenance expenses for the system between 2025 and 2029. The issue went as far as the Michigan Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of the task force. While Anquetil and his family have for years paid taxes on their lots, which he said are valued around $6,500, a special assessment placed on each lot means the price just increased by another $1,100. We got pontoons and everything. We cant use it, he said. But at this point, wed rather it just stay a river. I mean, we cant afford to really bring it back if theyre going to put all that extra cost on us. Julie Vezina poses for a photograph in her backyard in Sanford, Mich. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Five years after the massive flood destroyed her dream retirement home, Vezina still is waiting to move back in as repairs continue. Were all waiting, Vezina said. Everybodys waiting for the water to come back. Theyre all waiting with their boats, with their launches, with their glasses to hold them high once the water comes back. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com Related: Pretty phenomenal: How thousands evacuated before Midland-area dam burst with no lives lost The experiences of Vezina, Yancer and Anquetil show how the flood affected people differently. While Rebecca Yancer lost a lot of her personal items in the flood, she said she was shocked to hear her Sanford neighbor, Julie Vezina, still had not returned to her home all this time later. Its hard to complain about things knowing that somebody is still out of their home, Rebecca Yancer said. But Rebecca Yancer and Vezina agree Sanford Strong is more than just a phrase; its a caring, loving, helpful place. That strength continues to be tested for those still picking up the pieces of their lives while waiting for the lake to return. Were all waiting, Vezina said. Everybodys waiting for the water to come back. Theyre all waiting with their boats, with their launches, with their glasses to hold them high once the water comes back. Related: Flood and mud destroyed their home, but now a Michigan family has reason to celebrate After going through the devastating flood together, the Sanford community knows how to work together to get things done, Rebecca Yancer added. Now, Rebecca Yancer teaches classes at 9 a.m. Monday through Thursday at the Edge Fitness & Training Headquarters, offers online personal training, volunteers whenever she has the time, and works with Greg Yancer through his nonprofit, Community Constructs Inc./Skills for Tomorrow Remodeling. Rebecca Yancer said Pontseele now serves in the National Guard as a diesel mechanic. The potential of Sanford Lake coming back excites Rebecca Yancer. She isnt scared of another flood in the future. She said she hopes the lake will bring more people to the area to soak in the beauty of her hometown. As for what Vezina plans to do when the water does return? Maybe go swimming, she said with a sly smile. Or go for a boat ride. 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. Want to subscribe to our Hello, Bay City newsletter? Sign up for free here. The Liberty Bridge opens during a Saginaw River Guided Tour on the Princess Wenonah in Bay City. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com BAY CITY, MI Emails reveal how a rejected Bay City bridge toll discount came with strings attached. Meanwhile, pieces of the citys demolished Lafayette Bridge will be finding new life at Purdue University. Those stories and more are included below in this weeks roundup of headlines you may have missed. Emails reveal rejected Bay City bridge toll discount came with strings Emails between the company leasing two of Bay Citys drawbridges and Bay County officials reveal further details about an agreement proposed by the company that would have provided the county a discount in toll costs but with the caveat they act as stewards for the bridges and not provide any communications to the public about the arrangement. A memorandum of understanding offered by Bay City Bridge Partners to Bay County on Feb. 28 would have included a 25% discount on current transponder toll rates, according to emails obtained by MLive/The Bay City Times via a Freedom of Information Act request. However, the emails go on to detail, the Toll Bridge Discount Program came with asks of the county. Read the full story here. Pieces of Bay Citys demolished Lafayette Bridge find new life at Purdue University research center In West Lafayette, Indiana, there exists a farm many acres long, comprised of large steel structures. It grows a little each year, thanks to donations from states around the nation, coast to coast. Its not sprouting green vegetation, but rather amassing ghosts of the nations infrastructure. And soon, part of Bay City will be joining this concrete patch. Portions of Bay Citys Lafayette Bridge have begun arriving at the Bridge Component Gallery at Purdue University, a multi-acre corridor of full-scale bridge structures, pieces of complete structures and individual bridge components. Similar centers exist for aircraft, ships and other industries. But theres nothing like this elsewhere for the steel bridge industry, according to Robert J. Connor, an associate professor in civil engineering at Purdue and director of S-BRITE (Steel Bridge Research, Inspection, Training and Engineering). Read the full story here. Mid-Michigan bridal shop closing doors after serving brides for more than four decades A mid-Michigan bridal shop is closing its doors after more than four decades of business. Unique Bridal Boutique, 971 W. Midland Road in Auburn, will begin phasing out operations over the course of the next couple of months, according to an announcement posted on the shops Facebook page Wednesday, May 14. With my advancing age and so many changes lately in the bridal industry and a new generation of brides, it is with mixed feelings that I have decided that it is time for Unique Bridal Boutique to say Goodbye, shop owner Pam Stieve wrote. Read the full story here. Superintendent search begins at Essexville-Hampton after Ralston resigns Essexville-Hampton Public Schools has begun the search for a new district leader after superintendent Justin Ralston accepted a job with an out-of-state school district. Ralston, who joined Essexville-Hampton schools in August 2022, will begin a new job as superintendent of Weld Re-8 School District in Fort Lupton, Colorado. His start date is July 1. This has not been an easy one, but after much reflection, my family and I have decided to prioritize personal circumstances that require us to relocate, Ralston wrote in a statement to the community. Read the full story here. 3 arrested after allegedly having concealed gun near Bay City middle school Three people were arrested for allegedly having a concealed firearm after a witness reported seeing them driving in the vicinity of Handy Middle School with the gun. Officers with the Bay City Department of Public Safety responded to the school at about 7 a.m. Thursday, May 15, after a 911 call was placed reporting a red SUV was in the area of the school with a passenger holding a gun. School resource officers informed the school of the situation, and students were placed in secure mode, according to a news release from the Bay City Department of Public Safety. Read the full story here. Former Wenona School in Bay City opens for public bidding Bids are being sought for the former Wenona School building on the citys West Side, a structure that has been vacant for nearly 10 years. The Bay County Land Bank Authority took ownership of the former school, located at 313 Wenona Ave., in 2020. It is seeking bids for the property, with the minimum bid starting at $3,500. Bidding closes on June 11. The public bidding process works differently than an auction, where the highest bidder is selected. Once bids are sought, the land bank may choose from the bidders based on the price they offer, the feasibility of their plans and how it fits with the neighborhood. The land bank may also choose not to unload the property. Read the full story here. 4 key commercial districts to be focus of Bay Future economic study Bay Future Inc. has begun studying four districts across Bay County to assess their current conditions and to see how they would fare for future economic development. The four districts are Woodside Avenue in Essexville, Wilder Road from Bangor Road to North Euclid Avenue, Euclid Avenue from the M-247 split to Salzburg Road, and the M-13 corridor, a stretch that includes Kawkawlin, Fraser and Pinconning townships as well as the city of Pinconning. Economic officials said in a news release the study will help deliver an actionable blueprint to drive meaningful growth in the four districts. Read the full story here. Bay County liquor sales: Which businesses topped the list in 2024? he establishment that led all of Bay County in liquor sales in 2024 is a bar that boasts itself as the best dive bar in all of Bay City. Jakes Corner Lounge had more liquor sales than any other business in the county last year, according to state data. The bar totaled $122,862 in liquor purchased from The Michigan Liquor Control Commission, over $10,000 more than the next leading business, Double S Party Store in Kawkawlin. More than 12,000 bars, restaurants, big-box and other stores spent almost $1.9 billion on distilled spirits in 2024, according to The Michigan Liquor Control Commissions annual financial report. The liquor sales represent the amount purchased from the commission by the venues, rather than how much the businesses sold to their customers. Read the full story here. Bay Future hires Bay City native Mark Hitchcock as economic development manager A countywide economic development organization that works to retain businesses, attractions and promote expansion efforts across Bay County has announced it is hiring a new economic development manager. Bay City native Mark Hitchcock will join Bay Future, Inc. as the organizations new economic development manager, according to a news release issued Monday, May 12. I look forward to contributing to the continued economic growth of Bay County by supporting businesses in their efforts to expand and thrive, Hitchcock said in a statement. My goal is to help create an environment where both new and existing companies can succeed, driving sustainable job creation and long-term community development. Read the full story here. 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. Want to subscribe to our Hello, Bay City newsletter? Sign up for free here. Scaffolding surrounds the gateway to the old Saginaw fairgrounds in May 2025. Crews there plan to repair the roof on the aging structure. The Saginaw News/MLive.com SAGINAW, MI - From redevelopment plans at a historic fairgrounds where JFK once campaigned to a Frankenmuth bar edging out its Saginaw County rival in liquor sales by just $3, here are a few stories you might have missed this week across Saginaw County. This abandoned Michigan fairgrounds where JFK once campaigned is finally getting new life From the ashes of an old fairgrounds property, a new Saginaw park will rise, city planners say. Saginaw City Hall officials are in the late stages of negotiating the purchase of land once known as the original Saginaw County fairgrounds, on Genesee and Webber, said Cassi Zimmerman, the citys director of planning and economic development. Pending such an agreement and planned attempts to secure grant funding for the lands development, Saginaw officials would establish a new, 1-acre park, she said. The new public space would represent a relatively small portion of the 52-acre property that hosted the fairgrounds beginning about a century ago. But Zimmerman said creating such a new park could serve as a preface for attracting private developers to repurpose the rest of the site. Read the full story here. A Frankenmuth bar beat a Saginaw County competitor by just $3 in 2024 liquor sales The establishment with Saginaw Countys second-highest on-premise liquor sales in 2024 fell short of the top spot by $3, state data shows. Michigans annual liquor sales represent the amount purchased from The Michigan Liquor Control Commission, by the venues, rather than how much the businesses sold to their customers. In total, more than 12,000 bars, restaurants, big-box and other stores spent almost $1.9 billion on distilled spirits in 2024, according to The Michigan Liquor Control Commissions annual financial report. No Michigan county came close to competing with Wayne County in on-premises liquor sales, the data shows. Read the full story here. Nexteer Automotive cuts 80 jobs across Michigan facilities One of Saginaw Countys top employers announced a reduction in its workforce. Nexteer Automotive officials said the company shed about 80 people from its plant operations in Buena Vista Township and global headquarters in Auburn Hills. As of 2022, the company employed more than 3,900 people across the state, with about 3,800 of those workers stationed in Saginaw Countys Buena Vista Township, according to economic development firm, Saginaw Future Inc. Nexteer recently made the tough decision to reduce our U.S. staff to align our business with current demand, as well as expectations throughout 2025 and beyond, Herve Boyer, Nexteer Automotive senior vice president, said in a statement. We are working with our affected employees to provide support services as well as separation packages to help them through this transition. Read the full story here. Fourth Amendment lawsuit: Michigan man claims officials tricked him into waiving rights A Brady Township man has filed a federal lawsuit against local officials, claiming they duped him into allowing them onto his property whenever they want. Attorney Philip L. Ellison on April 23 filed the suit on behalf of Thomas W. Van Buren, naming Brady Township, Trustee and Enforcement Officer Gregory Corrin, township attorney Adam Flory, and Saginaw County Sheriffs Deputy Thomas Latty as defendants. The whole gist of this suit is basically about the role of government coming onto your property, Ellison said. Im trying to bring some sanity to this area of law. Read the full story here. Saginaw teen charged with murder in mans February fatal shooting A Saginaw teenager is charged with taking another mans life before he reached his 21st birthday, gunning him down outside an elementary school. Vincent M. Barrera, 16, on Thursday, May 15, appeared before Saginaw County District Judge Terry L. Clark for arraignment on single counts of open murder and felony firearm. Barrera is charged as an adult. The charges stem from the February homicide of Taylor M. Burton, 20. Burton and Barrera had been communicating with each other via Snapchat, a photo-sharing app, prosecutors allege. They arranged to meet up near Burtons West Side home the afternoon of Feb. 9. Read the full story here. JACKSON, MI -- Hanover-Horton High School hosted their 2025 prom at the Commonwealth Commerce Center on Saturday, May 17. Hosting 150 students, the prom theme was Tangled in our Memories. The prom featured an entrance with photos from throughout the school year and the main ballroom had slideshows featuring students throughout their childhood. Also available was a photo booth with props, a dance floor and a variety of snacks and drinks. 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. BROOKLYN, MI -- Napoleon High School students and guests went to prom 2025 at the Irish Hills Wedding & Convention Center. With a theme of Rustic Romance, about 180 attendees danced the night away on Saturday, May 17. The prom featured snacks, root beer floats, a chocolate fountain, photo booth, corn hole and of course, dancing, said junior class advisor Alicia Rendall. Tim Burke and Joy Flack were crowned prom king and queen. Check out all of the photos in the gallery above. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 18. Poland has launched its next presidential election today, Trend reports. Polling stations across the country have opened, with citizens casting their votes to choose a new head of state from among 13 candidates. According to opinion polls, it is unlikely that a decisive winner will emerge in the first round. The final outcome is expected to be determined in a second round of voting, scheduled for June 1. The leading contenders include Karol Nawrocki, head of the Institute of National Remembrance and the candidate backed by the Law and Justice party; current Prime Minister and ruling coalition candidate Donald Tusk; and Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski. A manufactured housing community that's fallen into disrepair was supposed to get $2 million for redevelopment. But funding is now frozen after the park abruptly closed, giving residents days to move out. (Rose White | MLive) Rose White | MLive DEWITT TOWNSHIP, MI - A piece of printer paper stuck to Tina Riggs front door gave an official notice: she had four days to move out. Riggs was shocked by the letter given to residents of Kristana Manufactured Home Park on Friday, March 28. It said due to declining occupancy rates and the inability to maintain the communitys infrastructure, the park would close on Tuesday, April 1. Then on April 2, the water was shut off. Riggs, 62, is now one of a handful of residents still living at Kristana an aging manufactured housing community in DeWitt Township about five miles north of Lansing. Im staying here as long as I can, Riggs said. Park owner Ara Darakjian has apologized for how the situation unfolded, saying hes not forcing anyone out immediately, but hes still planning to redevelop the park into a new manufactured housing community. At some point it was going to happen, he said. We just handled it completely wrongly. The project, which promises to overhaul a distressed mobile home park and create a new stock of affordable housing, secured a $2 million earmark in the state budget last year. But the legislator who sponsored the grant says the funding is now on hold after the park abruptly closed, the water was shut off and its been operating without a license. I absolutely would never approve an appropriation if I thought that a steward had any plans for shifting people out of their community or for cutting off access to the resources necessary to meet their basic human needs, said State Rep. Emily Dievendorf, D-Lansing, who sponsored the grant. But it was and remains a community that is long overdue for a lot of infrastructure repairs. The situation also exposes how gaps in Michigans mobile home park law which hasnt been overhauled in nearly four decades leave residents vulnerable. Related: Michigans extremely lax mobile home law could get first overhaul since 1987 A displaced community The sudden notice of closure rattled Kristana residents, including a woman with eight grandchildren, a man whos lived in the park for 47 years and a couple who was building a woodworking workshop next to their home. A series of follow up notices said the water was shut off because the infrastructure suffered critical damage. The letters encouraged residents to move out for their safety and wellbeing, offering them a months stay at a local Travelodge hotel or between $1,500 and $2,000 in relocation assistance. April rents were also refunded. After scrambling, some found new housing. But as of early May, five households were still living in the park, without water. Jason Eldridge, 49, didnt discover the water was shut off until he turned a knob on his faucet on April 2. He now fills gallons of water from his parents house, catches rainwater in barrels and spends $30 a week to get a shower. Its very stressful, he said. It definitely pushes the limits of what people would consider the normal threshold for stress. Related: Mobile home residents would rather pay for bottled water than trust the tap Darakjian says Residents First, his property management company, handled the situation poorly, prompting a termination of personnel. Were going to be in that community for a very long time, he said. The last thing I want is a reputation that hes a big, bad, ugly developer that just kicked people out on their butts. Thats not my desire. Thats not my goal. Unlike some other states, Michigans law doesnt clearly define if park owners are required to give advanced notice before ending tenancy. The Michigan Mobile Home Commission Act doesnt address evictions. But a different corner of the law does outline the legal process that includes notifying tenants, meeting with them and filing an eviction complaint. Another provision also requires a park to provide at least a years notice if it changes its method of doing business, like converting the park. Why did the park suddenly close? Park owner Ara Darakjian says Kristana Manufactured Housing Community has fallen into disrepair and needs a major overhaul. He closed the park before redeveloping it with 145 new affordable housing units. (Photo by Rose White | MLive) Rose White | MLive Built in 1965, Kristana mobile home park had fallen into disrepair under different owners over the years empty sites, vacant homes and overgrown grass. Seven years ago, DeWitt Township sued the previous owner, Muskegon Group LLC, because there were dozens of unsafe and uninhabitable units at the park. Its in terrible shape, said Steve Snider, 68, who lived at Kristana for nearly a dozen years. Theyve run it right into the ground. When Darakjians investment company, TIR Equities, purchased the park for $2.1 million in 2023, property records show, he always intended to redevelop it. But it stayed afloat until Darakjian says tenancy dropped from 15 households to nine. I understand the pain of the decision that Ive had to make to shut it down, he said. There was just no way to really continue with nine units. Related: A hedge fund bought Michigan mobile home parks. Things fell apart. Once Kristana is empty, TIR Equities plans to raze 32 buildings on site and tear out the aging infrastructure. The park will then be rebuilt with 145 new manufactured homes and updated water, gas and electric systems. Darakjian views the redevelopment as a way to revive a rundown manufactured housing community and create more affordable housing in the Lansing area. The project will cost an estimated $18 million. The new homes will range in price between $69,000 and $110,000 which is lower than the average $257,300 cost of a home in Michigan. Its also cheaper than a new mobile home in Michigan, after prices rose nearly 50% over five years, going from $74,500 to $110,700. Its not necessarily an issue that a developer wants to close down a park and build new affordable housing, said Khadja Erickson from the Mid-Michigan Tenant Resource Center. The issue is that you have to give people enough time to get their affairs in order so that they can find some place to live. Four days is not enough time. TIR Equities, which currently operates four manufactured housing communities in Michigan, has previously tried closing a different park to make way for a new development. Darakjian faced backlash seven years ago when he proposed turning an Oakland County mobile home park, built in 1958, into a luxury apartment complex. At the time, he also offered relocation assistance to residents. But nearly two years after the Keego Harbor Planning Commission approved the plans, the manufactured housing community remains open. A $2 million grant Under the promise of affordable housing, Dievendorf sponsored a $2 million budget earmark last year to upgrade, renovate, and install new affordable housing units at the manufactured housing complex, a December letter to the State Budget Office said. It was one line item worked into the $82.5 billion budget last year through an earmark, or grants sponsored by lawmakers to secure funding for pet projects in their district. This process, which has been criticized for a lack of transparency, prompted the state to make these requests public for the first time this year. Details for the Kristana grant are vague in state documents, with a House Fiscal Analysis only mentioning funding would flow through DeWitt Charter Township to upgrade an unnamed manufactured housing complex. Related:Price-fixing cartel: Big Michigan mobile home park owners accused of conspiracy Dievendorf confirmed the funding was for Kristana, but it has not been distributed yet. The grant is now frozen while township officials consider if they still want to accept it, according to the lawmaker. This community needs that investment. We just need the investment applied in a responsible way that cares about their lives, Dievendorf said. DeWitt Township did not respond to a request for comment, but the board of trustees addressed the situation at an April meeting, saying officials are investigating options for displaced residents. The township also posted a May 8 stop work order at the park that says no demolition or construction can be done until a permit has been issued. DeWitt Township posted a stop work order on May 8 at Kristana Manufactured Home Park. (Rose White | MLive) Rose White | MLive Dievendorf now questions how this project ended up in the budget, saying there needs to be more vetting in place to ensure anyone receiving a state appropriation is going to be a good steward and a good human. As this has unfolded, I have scrutinized what our process is for that because Im so incredibly disappointed, Dievendorf said. TIR Equities is still preparing to submit redevelopment plans to the state, but Darakjian says the state funding is critical to our success. Six months as an unlicensed park The grant was also included in the budget three months before Kristanas license expired under its new owners. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, LARA, was notified in December 2023 that the park had been sold to Kristana Estates LLC, operated by Darakjian. But the new owner never completed the process of updating the license due to a lack of response to application deficiencies as well as inspection deficiencies, according to LARA. The license lapsed on Oct. 1 six months before the park suddenly closed. The penalty for operating a mobile home park without a valid license is up to one year in jail or a $500 fine per day. No action has been taken against Kristana yet. LARA said it has an open compliance file on the park and referred the case to the Michigan Attorney General and Clinton County Prosecutor for criminal enforcement. The state has also not formally denied the parks license renewal or the change of ownership. Recent legislation would have strengthened what bill sponsor Sen. John Cherry, D-Flint, called extremely lax licensing requirements. It included not allowing an unlicensed park to collect rent, providing a way for the public to report a park for violations and upping fines to $100,000. But the bill package died in session. Cant sell it, cant move it Snider ended up staying at the park for nearly a month while he house-hunted. He chose to accept a stipend from Residents First because he didnt want to leave his home until he found a new place to live. But he still had to dip into his life savings to buy a new home for $25,000. The $2,000 in relocation assistance helped but didnt cover Sniders losses: a $3,000 house and $6,000 in fixes over the years. Better than a stick in the eye, he said. But its still not what I had invested in the house by any means. Related: Michigan mobile home park residents feel stuck as rents climb Thats the catch for 21 million Americans who live in manufactured housing: They own their homes but rent the land. A sudden park closure leaves them with little options to recoup the cost of their home. It can cost thousands of dollars to move a manufactured house, if it can be moved at all. And Michigans law doesnt require park owners to provide any relocation assistance to cover losses. They cant sell it, they cant move it, and they, and oftentimes the rents that are in the area, they still cant afford it, said Arica Young from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, a nonprofit think tank that researches manufactured housing. Apartments in DeWitt Township hover around $1,055 a month compared to the $475 in lot rent at Kristana. On top of that, theres also the cost of splintering a community. If theyre lucky, theres another community nearby they can move into, said Young. But its heartbreaking because its not just about a home. Many of them have created a community. They have neighbors and friends theyve put their heart and soul into. For Riggs, she doesnt want to abandon the first house she owned one shes fixed up over the past seven years with fresh paint and new carpet. Were just expected to give it up and go away? she said. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 18. Preparations are in full swing in the capital city of Algiers, as the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria gears up to host the 2025 Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group from 19 to 22 May under the theme of "Diversifying Economies, Enriching Lives, Trend reports. Ministers of finance, economy, international development, and planning from the 57 member countries of the Bank will convene in Algiers. Their discussions and decisions at the meeting will be crucial in determining the best solutions to tackling the socio-economic development challenges of the Muslim world and beyond. This annual international event is set to be a pivotal moment for far-reaching discussions and purposeful development solutions. High-profile representatives from major global development partners and financial institutions, Islamic finance experts, private sector leaders, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) will all be in attendance. The event will also be covered by top media organisations from IsDB Group member countries and around the world. The occasion also coincides with the 50th session of the IsDB Board of Governors' Meeting, a significant milestone in promoting Islamic finance, harnessing innovations, and promoting sustainable development. Algeria, a founding member country of IsDB, is set to make history again by hosting the AAA-rated multilateral development bank (MDB) of the Global South annual meetings for the third time. The previous editions of the Annual Meetings were in February 1990 and October 2001. India, EU conclude another round of talks on free trade pact; to reach deal in two phases 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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Brijesh Bhatia is the Senior Research Analyst at Definedge. He has over 18 years of experience as a trader and technical analyst in India's financial markets. He has worked with UTI, Asit C Mehta, and Edelweiss Securities. Sunil Matkar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept US junks 15 shipments of mangoes exported from India over documentation lapses Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Manjiri Patil USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Asaduddin Owaisi, part of all-party delegation, brushes aside Pak trolls: 'Can't spot anyone so handsome' Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 18. Today, Pope Leo XIV officially commenced his pontificate by receiving the two principal symbols of papal authority the Fishermans Ring and the pallium, Trend reports. The ancient religious ritual took place in St. Peters Square at the Vatican and marks the beginning of the papacy of the 267th Pope. The ceremony was attended by thousands of believers, alongside more than 150 foreign delegations, members of royal families, and representatives from various religious denominations. XXX 13:11 The solemn inauguration ceremony of newly elected Pope Leo XIV has begun at the Vatican, Trend reports. The event, broadcast live by numerous international television networks, is taking place in St. Peters Basilica, in front of the tomb of the Apostle Peterthe first Pope of the Catholic Church. Prior to the liturgical service, Pope Leo XIV greeted the crowd while riding through St. Peters Square and along the Via della Conciliazione in an open Popemobile. Thousands of pilgrims, worshippers, and tourists have gathered in the Vatican to witness the historic occasion. Authorities in Rome estimate the number of participants could reach 250,000, many of whom have arrived as part of the Christian Jubilee Year celebrations. More than 150 international delegations are attending the ceremony. Special attention is being paid to delegations from Italy, Peruwhere Pope Leo XIV spent many years as a missionary and obtained citizenshipand the United States, his country of birth, particularly the delegation from Chicago. Representatives of other Christian denominations, including the Patriarchate of Constantinople, are also present. The highlight of the inauguration will be the presentation of the Fishermans Ring and the pallium, the key symbols of papal authority, to Pope Leo XIV. Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Tamal Nandi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept How war games like 'Haldi Ghati' and 'Tropex' enabled swift deployment of armed forces for Operation Sindoor Tamal Nandi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Yeeshu Yadav USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Arishaa Izaj USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Only one Congress nominee included: Party alleges deliberate snub by Centre in Operation Sindoor multi-party delegations Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 18. Pope Leo XIV, who officially assumed the Holy See on May 18, received a Ukrainian delegation and expressed the Vatican's willingness to serve as a mediator in organizing direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, Trend reports. The announcement followed a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the newly inaugurated pontiff. "After the inauguration ceremony, we met with Pope Leo XIV. He is a symbol of peace for millions around the world. The authority and voice of the Holy See can play a significant role in ending this war. I thank the Vatican for its readiness and willingness to become a platform for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia," Zelenskyy said. He emphasized Ukraine's openness to dialogue in any format that could lead to a genuine resolution of the conflict: "I am grateful for your support for Ukraine and the clear position you have voiced in defense of a just and lasting peace." The enthronement ceremony of Pope Leo XIV took place at the Vatican on May 18, drawing more than 250,000 attendees, including representatives from over 100 countries and international organizations. Sonalee Borgohain USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Pune Porsche crash: Year on, kin of victims ask what happened to fast-tracking the case 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept This defence group details how China provided support to Pakistan during India clash Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Top Lashkar terrorist Saifullah Khalid, behind three majors attacks in India, killed in Pakistan Siddharth Chakravorty USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept This week on WorldTempus: Breguet marks a milestone with the Classique Souscription 2025, Girard-Perregaux revives a diving icon, Vacheron Constantin fuses sport and complexity, and Czapek dazzles with diamonds. Breguet Celebrates 250 Years with the Classique Souscription 2025 To mark its 250th anniversary, Breguet introduces the Classique Souscription 2025, a modern tribute to the original 1796 subscription watch. It features a grand feu enamel dial, a single blued-steel hand, and Arabic numeralsall nods to Abraham-Louis Breguets minimalist aesthetic. At its core is the new VS00 calibre, offering a 96-hour power reserve and crafted in Breguets proprietary gold alloy. The caseback displays a guilloche motif inspired by an 18th-century Paris map, while 13 inventions as well as a historic pantograph-engraved signature underline the watchs technical and historical depth. Its the first in a nine-part anniversary series. Classique Souscritption 2025 Breguet Girard-Perregaux Deep Diver Legacy Edition Girard-Perregaux revives its 1971 Deep Diver (a model launched in 1969) with a fresh collaboration featuring collector George Bamford. Known for its cushion-shaped case and vibrant 1970s design, the originals influence lives on in this Legacy Edition. It features a Grade 5 titanium case, orange-and-blue accents, and the in-house GP03300 movement. Limited to 350 pieces, the model is both a nostalgic nod and a technical evolution. The Legacy line celebrates milestone models in Girard-Perregauxs 234-year history. According to the brand, collector feedback played a crucial role in the reissues developmenthighlighting how heritage and modern creativity can coexist. Deep Diver Girard-Perregaux Vacheron Constantins Overseas Grand Complication Openface Vacheron Constantin celebrates its 270th anniversary with a remarkable entry in the Overseas collection: the Grande Complication Openface. Housed in Grade 5 titanium, the piece showcases the calibre 2755P, which combines a tourbillon, minute repeater, and perpetual calendar in just 7.9 mm of thickness. The skeletonized sapphire dial and caseback highlight all 602 components, including visible repeater hammers and a Geneva Seal hallmark. This timepiece unites elite horological engineering with a sporty, modern aestheticproving that grand complications can exist outside the dress watch realm, in a format both wearable and mechanically breathtaking. Overseas Grand Complication Openface Vacheron Constantin Czapeks Promenade Diamond Drops Czapek expands its Promenade line with the Diamond Drops, inspired by morning dew and frozen water. The dial dazzles with 360 diamonds and 319 sapphires, all snow-set by hand across a white gold base. Additional gems on the crown, bezel, and flange elevate the brilliance to over 3 carats. Beneath the artistry lies the SXH5. 1 calibre, a micro-rotor movement with 60 hours of reserve and seven openworked bridges. Encased in 38 mm white gold and paired with a sapphire-blue strap, this 10-piece limited edition celebrates gem-setting mastery and horological elegance in perfect harmony. Promenade Diamond Drops Czapek & Cie. Van Cleef & Arpels Cadenas Turns 90 Van Cleef & Arpels celebrates 90 years of its Cadenas watch, originally launched in 1935. The design, inspired by a padlock, fuses modernist minimalism with surrealist thought. A new yellow gold version with diamonds and sapphires revives the originals spirit of subversive elegance. The slanted dialintended for discreet time-readingreflects 1930s social codes while challenging conventional norms. With its flexible serpent chain and clean geometry, the Cadenas remains a symbol of independence and bold design. This anniversary edition confirms the Maisons belief that true luxury is both functional and avant-garde. Cadenas watch. Yellow gold, mechanical movement. Heritage collection. 1937 Van Cleef & Arpels What is he being arrested for? Politicians and academicians condemn arrest of professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad Siddharth Chakravorty USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Why crisis at Syro-Malabar Church will put new Pope's Kerala connection to test Parimal Peeyush USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Ankita Sengupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Apples AI play in China could face US scrutiny over data and security risks 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 USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Honor takes a dig at Samsung over its slimmest ever phone 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 USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 1 killed as bomb explodes near California fertility clinic, FBI terms it 'act of terrorism' Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Hemant Abhishek USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Explained: How Trump-Putin talks could pave the way for peace in Ukraine Manjiri Patil USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept How WHO will manage its own health without its biggest caretaker 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept IMF imposes 11 new conditions for Pakistan, warns of risks to bailout amid rising tensions with India 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The four episodes of Adolescence, the hit Netflix miniseries directed by Philip Barantini, have stirred society as a whole especially parents. Its perspective, centered on Jamie Miller a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a classmate and his family, has not been well received by everyone and has drawn significant criticism for sidelining the victims story. However, that narrative choice has a powerful effect: it forces parents to confront an uncomfortable truth that their own sons could very well be Jamie Miller. I continue to be surprised that so many families are afraid of their daughters getting into relationships with sexist boys, yet arent equally concerned that their sons might become sexist aggressors, says Daniel Leal Gonzalez, psychologist and coordinator of the Municipal Men for Equality Program at the Equality and Diversity Department of the Jerez de la Frontera City Council in Spain. In addition to the awareness sparked by the perspective of the series, Adolescence strikes a deeper nerve with parents in several ways but two in particular stand out. First is the shocking and disturbing discovery, for many, of the so-called manosphere: a network of websites, blogs, and forums led by a range of male subgroups (incels, pick-up artists, mens rights activists, trolls...) that share a common purpose relentlessly spreading extremist misogynistic content. This material is being consumed by men of all ages, but especially by preteens and teenagers, who are absorbing toxic and hateful messages. This has been a growing and really worrying form of extremism for a while now that no one has been talking about, Laura Bates, author of Men Who Hate Women, explains to EL PAIS. Because we struggle to recognize white men as extremists, and we also struggle to see misogyny as extremist because it is so normalized in our societies, these blind spots have allowed this particular form of radicalization to flourish, trapping many young people, she says. Bates blames social media for the rise of this trend: The most powerful reason these accounts are so successful among teenagers is because they are being directly promoted to billions of people by social media algorithms, which profit financially from their extremism. Leal, for his part, believes that these accounts are successful because they answer common questions many teenage boys ask themselves: What does it mean to be a man? How can I be popular? How do I have to behave to be attractive and attract people? How can I be successful in life? We have left the answers to these questions in the hands of misogynistic men who go so far as to deny sexist violence and use feminism and feminist women as a scapegoat for all their failures, says Leal. According to the Spanish NGO Ayuda en Accion (Help in Action), these harmful narratives may have an even greater impact on children and adolescents growing up in more vulnerable socioeconomic and cultural environments. These children often lack family protection, educational support at home, parental controls, positive family role models [] so they run a greater risk of being more susceptible to internalizing these narratives, as part of what is known as sociodigital inequalities, explains Elena Rua, the NGOs representative in the Spanish region of Asturias. Rua, who specializes in global citizenship education, also highlights how these forums and accounts offer a false sense of community and validation especially alluring for youths without sufficient social or family support. As long as boys can see non-sexist attitudes exemplified by the men in their lives, there is hope for the future, says expert Laura Bates. Netflix The second element in Adolescence that deeply unsettles parents is the heartbreaking final scene (spoiler alert), in which Jamie Millers parents break down emotionally while talking in the bedroom. Could we have done more? they ask themselves, as the father admits he may have been too complacent while their son spent every afternoon locked in his room, glued to his phone and computer. But he was in his room, werent he? We thought he was safe, didnt we? Didnt we think he was safe? You know, what harm can he do in there? he says to his wife. Online hate thrives primarily in a communication vacuum, says Bates, who believes the most important tool parents have to fight the manosphere is communication. Dont wait until your child is 16 and has already seen all this content online. Start talking to your children as young as three or four about gender stereotypes, equality, and bodily autonomy. Bates urges parents to discuss sexist tropes in ads, movies, or storybooks with their children to give them permission to question them rather than internalize them. She also recommends talking openly about the internet, encouraging healthy skepticism toward online sources, asking questions, and creating a safe space where children feel comfortable talking about what they see online. The sooner and more often we practice this communication, the more we will strengthen those paths of dialogue that will allow them to talk to you later about what they are seeing, says Bates. This gives us vital opportunities to interrupt harmful narratives. We cant be left with Jamies parents doubt that maybe we couldve done more. Lets do everything in our power to protect them, adds sociologist Leal. He emphasizes the importance of the father figure as a role model: Theres no better model of an egalitarian man for a boy than his dad. Bates agrees, noting that, As long as boys see non-misogynistic behavior modeled by men they trust and admire, theres hope for the future. Without communication, without strong role models, and with algorithms amplifying harmful content, she warns, all the progress made toward gender equality and healthier, less toxic masculinity could unravel in an instant. From Spain to the U.K., and in many other countries, surveys repeatedly show that young people are increasingly polarized, with boys adopting increasingly conservative and misogynistic stances, Bates continues. While there has always been some backlash against social progress, this has never happened before and is a clear sign of algorithm-driven radicalization. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Israel open to 'ending the fighting' as part of Gaza deal: PM office Manjiri Patil USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Portugal Presidential Election Live: Portugal holds snap election with centre-right leading polls Voters in Portugal went to the polls on Sunday for the country's third general election in three years, with Prime Minister Luis Montenegro tipped to win, but without an overall majority. Final opinion polls indicate his centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD) is ahead of the Socialist Party (PS) and is likely to pick up more votes than in the last election in 2024. But it is forecast to once again fall short of the 116 seats needed in Portugal's 230-member parliament to obtain a ruling majority. The far-right Chega party is on track to finish third once more, making it a potential kingmaker, although Montenegro has refused to govern with the populist movement. The election in the European Union member state of around 10 million people comes as the bloc is grappling with global trade tensions and seeking to beef up its defences. -AFP Russia has enough forces to complete Ukraine campaign for lasting peace: Vladimir Putin 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Who are Shaykh Hamza Yusuf and Ismail Royer? Trump ally claims jihadist, Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist who trained in Pakistan, appointed to White House advisory board Hemant Abhishek USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Who Is Nusraat Faria? Bangladeshi actress who played role of Sheikh Hasina arrested in Dhaka Hemant Abhishek USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Scenes filmed in Mexico arent always detected in the United States. Sometimes, audiences see Mexican landscapes without suspecting theyre Mexican, as was the case in Zoe Kravitzs recent film, Blink Twice (2024). The psychological thriller set on a paradise island was filmed entirely in the states of Yucatan and Quintana Roo. The opening of trade following the signing of NAFTA between Mexico, Canada and the United States allowed more production companies to look to Hollywoods neighbors in search of opportunities. In 1996, Fox Studios set the Oscar-winning film Titanic on the beaches near Rosarito. Donald Trumps tariff war now threatens to eliminate the opportunity for new films to be shot in other countries. His administration has proposed a 100% tariff on productions that use locations other than those within the United States. This is happening under the now classic (and modified) motto: Lets make Hollywood great again! In recent years, according to data from the Mexican Film Institute (IMCINE), the United States is the country with which Mexico has co-produced the most films. In 2024, at least 21 films featured collaborations with artists from both countries. Spain followed, with 12 films. Since 2022, the number has continued to rise, reaching between 21 and 22 co-productions with the United States annually. Even in 2020, during the Covid pandemic, the U.S. also under a Trump administration at the time led the list with 10 films. Among the advantages announced by the Mexican Film Commission for foreign productions is the 0% Value-Added Tax Law. It allows Mexican production companies to be tax-exempt when they collaborate with international firms that utilize spaces in Mexico. The films, meanwhile, are classified as export products. Additionally, the so-called Carnet ATA authorizes production companies to temporarily import their professional equipment and props for filming, tax-free. Producing part or all of a film in Mexico reduces production costs. This isnt only due to no taxes, but also because hiring local staff results in lower wages. In the United States, unions like SAG-AFTRA which represents actors and artists in the film, radio and television sectors protect their members with stipulated salaries and on-set security. In Mexico, very few members of production companies enjoy similar benefits. According to the specialized website The Numbers, a movie like Nope (2022), a thriller filmed in California, had a production cost of $68 million, and Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), which used locations in California and New Zealand, cost $400 million. In the United States, production company data generally isnt transparent due to competition issues, while in Mexico, the average price tag per film in 2022 was disclosed as being 14.8 million pesos ($760,000), and 13.8 million pesos ($710,000) in 2024. The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike halted productions and was accompanied by acts of solidarity by members of other performing arts communities. The FilmLA Production Report revealed that filming in Los Angeles fell by 15% that year, while it fell again by 5% in 2024. Across the United States, film production fell by 26% overall, according to ProdPro. But Mexico isnt Hollywoods priority destination for foreign filming. The country that would lose the most from American tariffs is Iceland: the Icelandic Film Commission reported a 20% increase in foreign filming in 2024. Next in line is New Zealand known for the landscapes that inspired the Lord of the Rings franchise and South Korea, which increased its popularity after the Netflix-produced Squid Game. Mexican films in the United States In the case of Mexican films shown abroad, historical data indicates that, between 2009 and 2024, there were 139 commercial screenings in the United States, followed by Spain and Costa Rica. This data does not include screenings at international film festivals. However, the trend appears to be reversing. In 2024, Italy was the country with the most Mexican film screenings in theaters with 11, followed by Argentina and the United Kingdom, with nine each. In fifth place was the United States, with eight screenings. The streaming companies that produce the most feature films in Mexico are American: Netflix, which filmed at least five feature films in 2024; Disney+, which produced one, along with Amazon Prime Video, which also produced one. Regarding series, Netflix ranked second out of the 68 shows produced, with 21% of them. This company was followed by Disney at 19%, and Prime with 15%. This past February, Netflix announced that it would increase its investment in Mexico by $1 billion over the next four years. At the time of the announcement, the companys CEO, Ted Sarandos, stated that it was important for the company to work with local Mexican crews and production firms during filming. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Director Kristen Stewart of the film "The Chronology of Water" in competition for the category Un Certain Regard, poses on the red carpet during arrivals for the screening of the documentary film "Bono: Stories of Surrender" presented as part of Special Screenings at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 16, 2025. REUTERS Reporter Andrew Roberto was raised his whole life on Saipan. He graduated from Saipan Southern High School, holds a degree from Northern Marianas College, and a BA in English from the University of Guam. He once worked for KUAM, UNO Magazine, and the Guam Daily Post. A graduate has her photo taken at the U.S. Capitol on the day President Donald Trump's sweeping tax bill failed to clear a key procedural hurdle as hardline Republicans demanding deeper spending cuts blocked the measure in a rare political setback for the Republican president in Congress, in Washington, D.C., May 16, 2025. REUTERS You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close The Federal Bureau of Investigations describes her as follows: brown eyes, black/gray hair worn in a variety of styles. Height: 5 feet 7 inches. Weight between 135 and 150 pounds. Scars on her chest, abdomen, left shoulder and left knee. Sex: female. Citizenship: American. Race: Black. Name: Joanne Deborah Chesimard. Alias: Assata Shakur, former member of the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Army, accused 52 years ago of the murder of a New Jersey state trooper, living in Cuba since the days of the Cold War after having been given shelter by Fidel Castro. Shes been seen in the streets of downtown Havana, a ghost inhabiting the troubled world of the Cubans. Most people dont know who she is, and would hardly recognize her if they bumped into her in line at the farmers market. Its even less likely that theyd suspect her of being on the U.S. Department of Justices most wanted list, a 77-year-old fugitive whom U.S. authorities are not willing to forget. Recently, in a post on X, Cuban American U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio took it upon himself to deliver a reminder of certain issues that were still pending with Havana. The Cuban regime continues to provide safe haven for terrorists and criminals, including fugitives from the United States, he wrote. We owe the victims and the American people our unwavering commitment to holding the Cuban regime accountable. He was referring to the Shakur case, which for four decades has been a kind of elephant in the room a topic present both in the friendliest and the tensest moments of U.S.-Cuba relations. At 36 years old, with her prominent cheekbones and her hair in an Afro, Shakur arrived in Cuba after a spectacular escape from a maximum-security prison in Hunterdon County. More than a half-century after she was handed a life sentence, the FBI still offers a $1 million reward for information on her whereabouts. Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, current head of the New Jersey State Police, told Fox News, I have Trooper Foersters handcuffs ready to go on her the day she lands at a state airport. Although Shakur maintains her innocence of the murder, the name of Werner Foerster must be a weight on her shoulders. The 34-year-old officer was killed on May 2, 1973, in an altercation that took place somewhere along the New Jersey state highway. The Pontiac sedan that carried Shakur and her friends Zayd Shakur and Sundiata Acoli was stopped by officials, apparently, for having a broken taillight. According to the official account, it was Assata Shakur who first opened fire on the police, leading to the death of Foerster and another officer with a bullet wound. Shakur denies this version of the events. Forensic tests never revealed gunshot residue on her hands. Three neurologists testified that she would not have had time to grab the weapon, given that her hands were in the air when she received the police gunshots that wounded her clavicle and the median nerve of her right hand. I was left on the ground to die, and when I did not, I was taken to a local hospital where I was threatened, beaten and tortured, Shakur wrote in a 1998 letter to Pope John Paul III. Assata Shakur in 1973, during her U.S. trial for the murder of a police officer. GETTY In 1977, during a trial that Shakurs lawyer characterized as a legal lynching, carried out by an all-white jury, the activist was found guilty of first-degree murder, armed robbery and other crimes, and sentenced to life in prison. Two years later, in an incident that authorities have yet to explain, the woman managed to escape with the aid of some of my fellow comrades, according to her letter to the pontiff. I saw this as a necessary step, not only because I was innocent of the charges against me, but because I knew that in the racist legal system in the United States I would receive no justice. The United States considered the jailbreak an act of national terrorism. At the time of the incident that would change her life forever, Shakur was already the target of the authorities due to her work as a member of the Black Liberation Army, which was considered a radical leftist terrorist group that fought for liberation and self-determination for U.S. Blacks. In the convulsive decade of the 1960s, young Shakur led various student movement struggles against the war in Vietnam and in tandem with the Black liberation movement. She later joined the Black Panthers, who were at the time considered the greatest threat to the internal security of the country, according to FBI director J. Edgar Hoover. While the United States now considers her a fugitive from justice, Shakur herself has dubbed her status as that of an escaped slave. The system has labeled her a domestic terrorist, but she sees herself as an ex-political prisoner. U.S. authorities have gone so far as to hang her wanted poster, portraying her as a villain, but many Black people see her as a heroine, and in Brooklyn, where she spent part of her youth, there are posters that read Assata Shakur is welcome here! On more than on occasion, Shakur has said that her struggle is against a system, against the racist heart of her country. A descendant of African people, she spent her childhood in the racist and segregated South. When she moved north, she says she lived the same oppression. I have advocated, and I still advocate revolutionary change, states the activist. I advocate an end to capitalist exploitation, the abolition of racist policies, the eradication of sexism, and the elimination of political repression. If that is a crime, then I am totally guilty. After living for years as a fugitive in her own country from the U.S. justice system, she turned up in Cuba in 1984, welcomed as a political refugee by Fidel Castro. When she arrived, she spoke little Spanish. She doesnt hesitate to speak on how, though Cuba has been a healing place, her exile has not been easy: It was a hard adaptation process. But I went through it. On the island, she has studied social sciences and raised her daughter Kakuya. In 2000, during an interview with Pastors For Peace, she was asked why she chose Cuba out of so many other countries to request asylum. The former Black Panther offered various reasons, among them that it was a country with a long history of supporting victims of political repression. Shakur was impressed, as many had been before her, by Castro, in his olive-green uniform, speaking of free education, healthcare for all and of how to construct socialism. She is not the only U.S. resident who has taken refuge on the island. Although there is no official data, it is speculated that Havana has opened its doors and offered protection to some 70 people from the United States. Some see this gesture as a Castro provocation of Washington. Among the refugees who have spent years on the island is Charles Hill, the Republic of New Afrika militant who hijacked an airplane in Chicago and landed in the airport formerly known as Rancho Boyeros in Cuba after fleeing the U.S. justice system over the murder of a police officer in New Mexico. Other notorious refugees are Cheri Dalton, also known as Nehanda Abiodun, who died in Havana in 2019, a former member of the Republic of New Afrika who was found guilty of the murder of two police officers and a security guard; and William Morales, a member of the Armed Forces of Puerto Rican National Liberation (FALN) who is accused of various terrorist attempts in the United States. Every year, the U.S. government serves a reminder that Cuba has in its hands U.S. fugitives that it wants to be extradited back to the country, typically putting particular emphasis on the case of Shakur. In 2014, when Barack Obama and Raul Castro sought to thaw diplomatic relations, it was thought that Shakur could be one of the pieces in play, as were other spies and agents who changed hands between the nations. But that was not to be the case. For Cuba, Shakur is a political refugee. In 2017, when Donald Trump spoke to Miamis Cuban exile community, he demanded the return of cop killer Joanne Chesimard. Upon returning to the White House this year, he returned Cuba to the list of state sponsors of terrorism, from which Joe Biden had removed it just a few days before. While Washington, the New Jersey state police and certain politicians continue to call for her extradition, Assata Shakur who does not give interviews took advantage of her letter to the Pope to ask a question: Why, I wonder, do I warrant such attention? What do I represent that is such a threat? she wrote. Let me emphasize that justice for me is not the issue, it is justice for my people that is at stake. When my people receive justice, I am sure that I will receive it, too. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition In a dramatic turn of events on 17 May 2025, two of South Africas most notorious cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery and murder suspects met their end in a hail of gunfire. The scene unfolded in Boksburg, a town in the East Rand of Gauteng province, as law enforcement agencies cornered the individuals linked to a string of violent crimes across the nation. This is a story of high stakes, relentless pursuit, and the ongoing battle against organized crime that grips South Africa. The operation, a culmination of meticulous intelligence gathering and coordinated efforts, involved various police units, security companies, and counter-intelligence forces. For months, these suspects had been on the radar, their names synonymous with terror and bloodshed. They were allegedly connected to numerous CIT heists, where heavily armed gangs target cash vans, often resulting in fatalities. The confrontation in Boksburg was swift and decisive. According to reports, the suspects were located thanks to advanced technology used by the police team. When officers attempted to apprehend them, the suspects opened fire, triggering a fierce shootout. Law enforcement, along with security personnel, returned fire, ultimately neutralizing the two most-wanted criminals. The aftermath of the shootout revealed the dangerous nature of these individuals. Police recovered an AK-47 assault rifle and a pistol from the scene, underscoring the firepower they possessed. The fact that no members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) were harmed during the incident is a testament to the bravery and skill of the officers involved. The slain suspects were not merely petty criminals; they were allegedly key players in a sophisticated network responsible for a wave of CIT heists in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Provincial Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni, addressing the media, revealed that the suspects were linked to a heist that occurred earlier in May 2025. More specifically, they were connected to a violent incident on 2 May 2025, in KwaZulu-Natal, where a G4S security guard was tragically killed during a CIT robbery in Mandeni. The commissioner emphasized that these incidents are not isolated events but rather part of a broader network of organized CIT robberies that span multiple provinces and even extend beyond South Africas borders. This highlights the complex and transnational nature of the criminal syndicates involved in these heists. The statistics surrounding CIT crime in South Africa paint a grim picture. Since the beginning of 2025, there have been 76 reported CIT incidents nationwide, resulting in the deaths of 18 security guards. These numbers underscore the high stakes involved in these crimes and the immense risk faced by security personnel who are on the front lines of this battle. In response to the surge in CIT heists, the SAPS has implemented several proactive measures. Gauteng, the economic heartland of South Africa, has been divided into north and south working teams to bolster efforts, enhance police visibility, and build partnerships with metro police, Gauteng Traffic Police, and private security companies. This collaborative approach is essential to effectively combat the well-organized and heavily armed gangs involved in CIT crime. Commissioner Mthombeni has stressed the importance of proactive policing and ensuring that law enforcement is always a step ahead of the criminals. This includes the use of advanced surveillance technology, intelligence sharing, and specialized tactical teams. While the arrest rate in CIT cases has been a concern, authorities maintain that they are making inroads. Recent arrests in key heist cases in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng demonstrate significant progress in dismantling these criminal networks. The operation in Boksburg, which resulted in the deaths of two of South Africas most wanted suspects, is another significant victory in this ongoing battle. The Hawks tracing unit, working in conjunction with Crime Intelligence and private security, played a crucial role in tracking the suspects to the property in Boksburg. This collaboration between different law enforcement agencies and private security firms is essential to effectively combat CIT crime. The incident in Boksburg is not an isolated one. Cash-in-transit heists have become a recurring problem in South Africa, posing a significant threat to the countrys economy and the safety of its citizens. These heists are often characterized by extreme violence, with heavily armed gangs using explosives and automatic weapons to overpower security personnel and make off with large sums of money. The motives behind CIT heists are complex and multifaceted. While financial gain is the primary driver, other factors, such as organized crime, corruption, and socio-economic inequality, also play a role. The involvement of transnational criminal syndicates further complicates the issue. The consequences of CIT heists extend beyond the immediate financial losses. These crimes instill fear and insecurity in communities, disrupt businesses, and undermine public confidence in law enforcement. The psychological impact on security personnel who are targeted in these heists can be devastating. In addition to the proactive measures implemented by the SAPS, there is a need for a more comprehensive approach to address the root causes of CIT crime. This includes strengthening border security to prevent the flow of illegal weapons, addressing socio-economic inequalities that drive people to crime, and combating corruption within law enforcement agencies. The incident in Boksburg serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by South Africa in its fight against organized crime. While the deaths of the two most-wanted suspects represent a significant victory, the battle is far from over. The SAPS and other law enforcement agencies must remain vigilant and continue to adapt their strategies to stay ahead of the criminals. The use of technology is becoming increasingly important in combating CIT crime. Advanced surveillance systems, data analytics, and intelligence sharing platforms can help law enforcement agencies identify potential targets, track suspects, and disrupt criminal networks. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is also essential. Private security companies play a vital role in protecting cash-in-transit vehicles and providing intelligence to law enforcement agencies. By working together, the SAPS and private security firms can create a more secure environment for businesses and communities. The fight against CIT crime is not just a law enforcement issue; it is a societal issue that requires the involvement of all stakeholders. Communities must be empowered to report suspicious activity and work with law enforcement agencies to prevent these crimes from occurring. Breaking News via Email Related Pin Share Share 0 Shares Conor here: While the gist of Josephsons argument rings true, I would have to disagree with the argument that its Bobby, the Donald and friends just now embarking on this effort to disempower the underprivileged. That is a bipartisan phenomenon, and one which has been going on for some time. RFK Jr. and the rest of the administration are taking it to another level, but it didnt simply appear with this administration. Oddly enough, the following post only mentions Covid once in connection to RFK Jr.s criticism of the vaccines. One could argue it should feature much more prominently: So heartbreaking seeing this in the past tense, when I was warning five years ago about it in the future tense. https://t.co/rB5O9fY1rI tern (@1goodtern) May 14, 2025 By Paul Josephson, professor emeritus of history at Colby College and the author of 15 books, with 40 years of experience working in archives in Russia, Europe, and the U.S. on the political history of modern science. Originally published at Common Dreams. Charles Fremont Dight has been reincarnated in the worm-gnawed brain of Bobby Kennedy, Jr. A medical professor at the University of Minnesota, Dight hoped to rid society of its unfit members. Dight, an eccentric who lived for a time in a treehouse, wrote about these unfit people in such publications as Increase of the Unfit, A Social Menace, and A Proper Function of Society is to Control Reproduction. Like other eugenicists, Dight believed in stronger immigration laws to keep the unfit aliens, but emphatically not people of Anglo-Saxon stock, out of the country. In 1933, Dight wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler praising the Fuhrers efforts to stamp out mental inferiority. Eugenics, a mainstream science in the early 20th century, sought restrictive marriage laws, isolation of the unfit in special colonies for the feeble minded, and forced sterilization to shield society from the cost of caring for its most vulnerable citizens. Recent immigrants with poor English, children who had what are now recognized as learning disabilities, Down syndrome Americans, and many others were at risk of being paraded before eugenics courts for summary judgment and sent off to isolation colonies. Once removed from society, the eugenicists claimed, those with better bloodlines would be freed of their burden to care for them. A Registry of Eugenic Discrimination Bobby Kennedy, Jr., secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has embarked on policies that frighteningly resemble those of eugenicists: They seek to identify and disempower the underprivileged, they serve anti-immigrant and racist sentiment, and they embrace pseudoscience. Bobby Jr. wants to identify citizens with autism and place them in some kind of registry. He ordered the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to build a real-world data platform enabling advanced research across claims data, electronic medical records, and consumer wearables, to determine the root causes of autism spectrum disorder, and to give Bobby and his team of autism falsifiers data drawn from public and private sources in violation of federal privacy and security rules. (Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker recently signed an executive order to block the federal government from collecting these data related to autism and to protect dignity, privacy, and the freedom to live without fear of surveillance or discrimination of Illinois residents. The HSS database, like those of the eugenicists, will be subjective and impressionistic. U.S. eugenicists built a registry for the unfit at the Eugenics Record Office (ERO) in Cold Spring Harbor, New York under director Harry Laughlin. Laughlin and his poorly trained minions assembled index cards about American families, often from a cursory glance at a persons face and carriage, to create genetic family trees. The ERO believed they had proved a huge number of people carrying hereditary disease who could be identified to be isolated or sterilized; 80,000 Americans were sterilized. Racism and Pseudoscience in HHS Bobby Jr. shares the eccentricities and racism of the eugenists. He cut up whale skull found on the beach near the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, apparently because he likes to study animal skulls and skeletons, tied it to the roof of the family car, and drove it back to New York, while the rank whale juice poured into the car and onto his children. Bobbys interest in skulls may have been kindled by the work of craniologist Samuel Morton (1799-1851). In his Crania Americana Morton set forth a hierarchy of intelligence with Native Americans and Blacks at the bottom to justify their enslavement, removal, and other disturbing acts of violence against them. Building on Mortons thesis, racist scientists and eugenicists documented lack of mental acuity among African Americans. They assigned Blacks special diseases and susceptibilities, one of which, drapetomania, led slaves to run away from cruel owners; another ordained syphilis as a Negro disease. These racists believed that Blacks have a higher pain tolerance and weaker lungs that could be strengthened through hard labor (slavery). Bobby Jr. claims that Black people have a stronger immune system than white people and thus should receive vaccines on a different schedule. He observed that to particular antigens, Blacks have a much stronger reaction. Bobby Jr. has said that African AIDS is an entirely different disease from Western AIDS, and he reiterates the fiction that HIV does not cause AIDS. Another leg in the eugenicists program was anti-immigration laws. ERO director Laughlin testified before the U.S. Congress in support of the Immigration Act of 1924 and its restrictions on admission to the U.S. of races considered inferior to the Anglo stock. On the basis of flawed data, Laughlin told Congress that recent immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe were socially inadequate, and tended to degeneracy, shiftlessness, alcoholism, and insubordination, all of which were supposedly genetic traits. The 1924 act was easily passed signed into law by President Calvin Coolidge who believed that America must be kept American and that biological laws show that Nordics deteriorate when mixed with other races. No wonder Donald Trump selected Bobby Jr. to head HHS. Trump began his first presidential campaign commenting with conviction that Mexican immigrants were drug dealers and rapists. Trump draws on the work of criminal anthropologist Cesare Lombroso and the racial hygienists of Nazi Germany where a persons genes or bloodline determine his or her capacity for success or violence. Trump said, You know, now, a murderer, I believe this, its in their genes. But the Trump family has good genes, although his convictions for sex and financial crimes might offer counter evidence: Were smart people Were like racehorses. During his ongoing campaign against undocumented aliens and citizens with foreign-sounding names, Trump ordered white South Africans to be given asylum in the U.S., but pointedly not Afghans who fought for freedom against the Taliban, Mexicans, or any other races. The Pseudoscience of Mercury-Caused Autism The entire premise of Bobbys registry is the fully discredited assertion that vaccinations cause autism which is based on a retracted and discredited 1998 study by Andrew Wakefield that linked the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to autism. Wakefield combed his data, weeded out some children who didnt fit, and carefully included others. Further, his research was funded by lawyers acting for parents who were involved in lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers. Like Dight, Laughlin, and other eugenicists, Bobby lies and misinterprets data to fit his predetermined and erroneous conclusions that vaccines cause autism. In one article Bobby claimed that the amount of ethyl mercury in vaccines was 187 times greater than the recommended limit, when it was only 1.4 times greater. He cited one study to contend that tuna sandwiches laced with mercury being fed to two-month-old babies. There is nothing of the sort in the study. Eugenics and the Decline of Public Health Bobbys strange mix of false science will exacerbate such public health crises as the ongoing measles epidemic as confused parents deny their children life-saving vaccinations. Bobby Jr. hates vaccines. He referred to the Covid-19 vaccine as the deadliest vaccine ever made. The vaccine saved perhaps as many as 20 million lives. Kennedy has said that he only drinks raw milk. Doing so puts people at risk of foodborne illness, since pasteurization kills off pathogens. Drinking it may increase the risk of the spread of bird flu. Bobby wants to remove fluoride from drinking water and claims bone cancer, IQ loss, thyroid disease, and other things may result from its use. This is untrue. Fluoride prevents cavities. Kennedys fabrications about autism, mercury, and other topics recall the misguided work of eugenicist Henry Goddard. Goodard was the director of research at New Jerseys Vineland Training School for Feeble-Minded Girls and Boys. He opened an early clinical laboratory to study intellectual disabilities. Tracing the lineage of one of his young patients and building her family tree back to the Revolutionary War, Goddard concluded that intelligence, sanity, and morality were hereditary, and every effort should be undertaken to keep the feeble-minded from procreating to eliminate them from the breeding pool. His study on the Kallikaks (1912) used touched-up photos to show the Kallikaks as inferior creatures. Always lurking in the minds of this MAGA government are racist scientific ideas about breeding and innate intelligence; about the evils of immigrants; and about the need to revitalize science away from rigorous hypothesis and testing toward conspiracy, pseudoscience, and eugenics. Bobbys eugenics registry will succeed in stigmatizing people, especially young people, the way that eugenics surveyors stigmatized the feeble-minded. Perhaps the registry will confirm what is well known: that increasing numbers of people identified with autism is largely to do with increased screening for and greater identification of people with autism. There is no epidemic. But, like a good eugenicist, he has determined his conclusions before the study begins. Happy measles, everyone! Or, as Donald Trump says, he only hires the best people. Former FBI directors cryptic beach post and familys legal actions stoke political firestorm James Comey sparked controversy by posting an Instagram image of beach shells arranged as "86 47" (later deleted), which critics interpreted as a veiled threat against Donald Trump (the 47th president). The Secret Service opened an inquiry, though no charges are expected. The incident reignited scrutiny of Comeys divisive legacy, including his 2016 decision not to indict Hillary Clinton, fueling accusations of FBI bias and reinforcing Trumps "deep state" narrative. Comeys daughter, a federal prosecutor, has handled sensitive cases involving R. Kelly, Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and now Sean "Diddy" Combs. Critics question potential conflicts of interest, given Epsteins ties to powerful figures. Connections between Maureens work (e.g., clerking for a judge in Epstein-related cases) and her fathers actions have fueled speculation about coordinated efforts to suppress evidence or target political adversaries. The Comeys roles in politicized legal battles underscore broader skepticism toward law enforcement and the DOJ, with critics alleging bias and procedural overreach in high-stakes cases like Diddys upcoming trial. Former FBI Director James Comey made headlines this week after posting an Instagram image of beach shells arranged into the numbers 86 47 which he later deleted sparking immediate speculation about its meaning. The cryptic gesture, interpreted by critics as a thinly veiled threat against President Donald Trump (the 47th president, 47), drew backlash and prompted a Secret Service inquiry. The incident has reignited scrutiny of the Comey familys role in high-stakes legal battles, including his daughter Maureen Comeys work as a prosecutor in cases tied to celebrity and political figures like R. Kelly, Jeffrey Epstein and now hip-hop mogul Sean Diddy Combs. The sea of suspicion: Comeys ephemeral post and implications Comeys now-deleted post, featuring shells spelling 86 47 on Coney Island Beach in New York, followed earlier social media posts of him lounging on the sand, raising suspicions it was not a hack. Analysts noted 86 is slang for removing someone, while 47 corresponds to Trumps place in the presidential numbering system. Though Comey provided no clarification, critics, including House Majority Whip Andy Biggs, accused him of issuing a not-so-thinly-veiled threat. A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed an investigation into potential threats against the president, though Comey is unlikely to face charges. The incident reflects longstanding distrust of Comey, a divisive figure known for his role in the 2016 Hillary Clinton email scandal. Pro-Trump figures argue the post underscores FBI bias against the former president, especially amid ongoing scrutiny of the agencys handling of recent cases. Maureen Comeys legal path: Epstein, Maxwell and the Diddy trial intersection The controversy extends to Comeys daughter, Maureen Comey, 32, a federal prosecutor in New Yorks Southern District. Responsible for key cases including the charged but unresolved trial of R. Kelly and the comatose prosecution of Jeffrey Epsteins associate Ghislaine Maxwell, she recently joined the team prosecuting Diddy on alleged sex trafficking and racketeering charges tied to his Freak Off parties. Her career has been steeped in high-profile, politically sensitive cases. As a prosecutor in the Epstein case before his 2019 death, she later led Maxwells Trial, which hinged on accusations of trafficking minors for Epstein. Maxwells links to Epsteins taxi network of underage victims and royal figures like Prince Andrew amplified the cases global significance. Critics note her concurrent involvement in the Diddy trial raises eyebrows, given the cases exploration of alleged clandestine recordings of politicians and celebrities, echoing Epstein-era speculations about political entanglements. Maureen Comeys background includes clerking for Judge Loretta Preska, who oversaw defamation cases involving Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre. This connection has fueled conspiracy theories about coordinated efforts to hide evidence or target figures with leverage over powerful elites. The Comey legacy: From Clinton to a systemic mistrust James Comeys 2016 decision not to indict Clinton for email impropriety during her presidential run remains a lightning rod for Democrats and Republicans alike. Critics argue his move undermined public trust in the FBI, seeding the deep state narrative that Trump amplified during his presidency. His recent behavior, including book tours and provocative social media posts, appears to feed perceptions of self-aggrandizement. The Adder reported that Comeys novel, Donald Barrs Space Relations, which critiques far-right influences on free speech, may tie into his beach posts timing, appearing as a publicity stunt. This aligns with accusations that Comey seeks to revive his relevance amid fading public credibility. The juxtaposition of father and daughters careers highlights what detractors frame as a Department of Justice with blurred lines between legal procedure and political theater. Maureens role in cases like Epsteins and Maxwells which may yet reveal mid-2000s misconduct by prominent figures has been labeled a giant subpoena targeting cultural icons. A fractured trust and unresolved questions James Comeys seashell stunt and his daughters legal pursuits expose enduring rifts in public confidence in law enforcement and federal institutions. Critics argue the Comeys epitomize an era where political bias and procedural overreach overshadow justice, leaving cases like Diddys and Epsteins legacy trials to test the integrity of an already-disillusioned system. As the May trial begins against Diddy, and as accusations of hidden deep-state agendas resurface, the Comey saga symbolizes a broader national dilemma: Can institutions tasked with upholding the law escape the shadow of partisan suspicion? For now, the shells washed up on New York shores remain a curious metaphor for the shifting sands of American justice. A legacy entwined with scandal undermines justice, as questions on political bias persist The Comeys combined historyfathers compromised reputation and daughters proximity to celebrity prosecutionsleaves little doubt why this familys actions continue to inflame a polarized electorate. Whether through cryptic beach posts or high-profile trials, the Comeys story underscores a critical truth: when the guardians of law themselves become subjects of scrutiny, the pursuit of truth grows murkier for all. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com Billboard.com BusinessInsider.com NationalReview.com Former US President Joe Biden is suffering from aggressive, metastatic prostate cancer, his personal office announced in a statement. The diagnosis of Donald Trumps predecessor in the White House comes just days after debate about the presidents mental acuity during his final term in office had come to the fore. Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms, read a statement released by the presidents personal office. On Friday he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone. While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management, the statement continued. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians. Gleason scores 9 and 10, the highest on the scale, are considered high risk and are usually associated with more advanced stages of prostate cancer. Treatment options for prostate cancer with these scores may include aggressive approaches such as surgery, radiation therapy and hormone therapy. Biden is so far the oldest president in office, although Donald Trump will surpass him should he complete his current term. Bidens last medical examination as president, conducted last year, described him as a healthy 81-year-old man, fit for duty and able to fully execute his responsibilities without exception, according to his doctor. Biden did suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, for which he sleeps most nights with a machine that helps clear his airway. The doctor then blamed the presidents clumsiness in his movements, which had become more evident in recent months, on moderate to severe spondylosis, which is, in translation, an age-related degeneration of the spinal discs. He also suffers from peripheral neuropathy, a nerve condition, which causes pain and stiffness in his feet. That version of Bidens fitness for office had recently been called into question. In recent days, the Trump Administration has released the recording of the interrogation conducted against him in the investigation of the classified papers found in his home and in a personal office. In the recording, he is perceived as hesitant and forgetful with details and dates. At the same time, a new book, Original Sin, by journalists Jake Tapper, star CNN anchor, and Alex Thompson, reporter for Axios, points out that the original sin of the title was Bidens decision to run for re-election, followed by aggressive efforts by his entourage to hide his cognitive impairment. The book is scheduled for publication on May 20, but advance excerpts, such as the one describing the moment he failed to recognize his friend, actor George Clooney, have reignited the debate. This cognitive deterioration was revealed in all its rawness in the electoral debate he held with Trump in Atlanta (Georgia) in June last year. The tidal wave of lapses, hesitations and lost sentences raised the pressure for him to give up running for reelection. He eventually relinquished the baton to his vice president, Kamala Harris, who was defeated by Trump in the November 5 election. Biden has kept a low profile since his retirement. He has returned to Wilmington, Delaware, and has participated in few public events. He reappeared on April 15 to give a speech on Social Security in which he criticized the damage done by Trump to that institution. He also attended, accompanied by his wife, Jill Biden, the funeral for Pope Francis at the Vatican late last month. He also gave some interviews in which he assured that he maintained his mental faculties. As for his physical condition, his ailments and clumsiness of movement were known, but the prostate cancer had advanced rapidly before being diagnosed. Mexican and Canadian truckers illegally dominate U.S. highways Foreign B-1 visa truckers from Mexico and Canada are illegally hauling domestic U.S. freight, despite rules prohibiting them from picking up loads within the country after delivering international shipments. These drivers, often hired by U.S. or Mexican carriers, undercut American truckers by accepting lower rates, forcing small businesses to shut down due to unsustainable competition. Some U.S. and Mexican carriers exploit the system by paying foreign drivers less or using shell companies and dual-plated trucks to bypass regulations. Small trucking companies, like Gerry Reeds in Texas, have closed due to financial strain, while owner-operators report losing work to B-1 drivers along key routes like I-35. The American Trucking Association (ATA) urges the DOT to collaborate with Homeland Security and ICE to crack down on cabotage violations, warning of economic harm to U.S. truckers. Mexican and Canadian B-1 visa drivers have been pushing small trucking companies in Texas off the road by violating cabotage laws and illegally driving down freight rates. Under U.S. law, foreign truckers with B-1 visas are permitted to transport goods from their home country into the U.S. but are prohibited from picking up domestic loads once inside American borders. However, many drivers, often hired by U.S. or Mexican carriers, ignore these rules, staying in the U.S. to haul freight at lower rates than American truckers can afford. For instance, a legal B-1 visa driver from Mexico can only pick up a load in Reynosa, cross into Pharr, Texas, and either return with a Mexico-bound shipment or deadhead back empty. Instead, many drivers take new U.S. loads, traveling deep into the country a clear violation of cabotage laws. (Related: Poorly vetted foreign drivers flooding U.S. highways, causing deadly crashes.) Some U.S. carriers exploit this loophole by paying Mexican drivers far less than American truckers. Others involve Mexican carriers setting up U.S.-based shell companies and leasing trucks with both U.S. and Mexican plates to bypass regulations. The issue is not limited to Mexican drivers. Canadian B-1 visa holders have also been illegally hauling U.S. freight for years, further squeezing American truckers. This, in turn, has forced Gerry Reed, a small trucking company owner in Southern Texas, to shut down his business in December after years of struggling to compete with foreign B-1 visa drivers illegally hauling freight across the United States. "I closed in December, because I saw what was going to happen now," Reed said in an interview with Freight Waves. "There was no reason to try and keep up with the B-1 drivers' nonsense. No one really understands what's happened, and there are too many interests in between." Another anonymous South Texas fuel hauler said the problem is rampant along Interstate 35. "Look at I-35 coming out of Laredo: All you see is the Mexican trucks coming across going north and nine out of 10 trucks are B-1 drivers; it's just getting out of hand," the fuel hauler said FreightWaves in an interview. "I'm an owner-operator. I have a few trucks that I operate as a regional hauling business, but I can't compete with the B-1s. You have a lot of B-1 drivers, they take less pay, and you lose work because they can get the work. I can't afford to drop down on my rates. Nobody will be making money, right?" ATA to DOT: Collaborate with federal law enforcement agencies In line with the ongoing problem, American Trucking Associations (ATA) President Chris Spear has urged the Department of Transportation (DOT) to collaborate with federal law enforcement agencies to stop the practice. "While we recognize this is not within the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's immediate purview, we urge you to work with the Homeland Security Investigations Office of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to better patrol violations of international drivers operating domestically with a B-1 visa," Spear wrote in an open letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Moreover, Costello expects a coming crackdown by the Trump administration on companies illegally employing Mexican B-1 visa holders. Migrants.news has more stories related to this. Watch this video about another car accident. This video is from The Mysterious Stranger channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Shortage of truck drivers in the US forces companies to look overseas. Trucking industry is short 80,000 truck drivers amid supply chain crisis. Recruiting senior drivers could alleviate truck driver shortage, port backlogs. Get ready for more shortages: Truck driver shortage is getting worse and there arent enough drivers to fix the problem. Trump's English-language rule for truckers sparks exodus of foreign-born drivers. Sources include: Breitbart.com Freightwaves.com Brighteon.com New York to ban police use of facial recognition and biometric surveillance Senate Bill S5609, led by Sen. Julia Salazar, seeks to ban police from using biometric surveillance technologies like facial recognition and gait analysis, with limited exceptions for fingerprint scanners and DNA databases. S5609 includes the creation of a Biometric Surveillance Regulation Task Force to evaluate the effectiveness and legality of such tools and would grant individuals the right to sue if their rights are violated due to misuse. The legislation follows troubling reports of police using celebrity photos in facial recognition searches and mining sealed juvenile records, highlighting civil rights concerns and algorithmic bias. NY Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed Senate Bill S7543B (the LOADinG Act), which mandates human oversight and biennial bias audits for algorithmic systems used by state agencies, especially those affecting public rights and benefits. Despite supporting both S5609 and S7543B, Hochul has expanded subway surveillance, raising questions about the consistency of New York's approach to privacy and public safety. New York lawmakers are advancing a bill that will sharply restrict police use of biometric surveillance technologies to reshape the balance between law enforcement and civil liberties in the state. Senate Bill S5609, introduced by Senator Julia Salazar and co-sponsored by six fellow legislators, passed the Senate Internet and Technology Committee this May in a 5-2 vote, setting the stage for further debate in the Senate Codes Committee. (Related: Half of America already in law enforcement's facial recognition network.) The legislation would prohibit police departments and individual officers from acquiring, possessing or deploying a broad class of biometric systems, ranging from facial recognition to gait analysis. S5609 explicitly bans systems, whether automated or semi-automated, that identify individuals based on biometric features such as facial structure, iris patterns and even movement signatures. It includes tightly defined exceptions for mobile fingerprint scanners and continued contributions to the existing DNA data bank of the state, signaling an attempt to preserve some forensic capabilities while limiting surveillance that is more prone to misuse and error. In recent years, high-profile incidents have amplified concerns about the unregulated use of biometric tech by police. In some cases, officers reportedly fed celebrity photos into facial recognition databases when suspect images were unavailable. In others, sealed juvenile records were mined to generate match leads practices that experts say violate due process and constitutional protections. Such examples underscore the risks of entrusting sensitive, often error-prone systems to institutions with little transparency. Studies have shown that facial recognition algorithms can exhibit significant racial and gender biases, leading to mistaken arrests and civil rights violations across the country. As part of its oversight architecture, S5609 would establish a Biometric Surveillance Regulation Task Force, a 12-member panel drawn from law enforcement, privacy advocacy groups, civil rights organizations and data protection experts. The task force would be charged with evaluating the current use, effectiveness and legal implications of biometric surveillance and issuing recommendations for any future regulations. If passed, S5609 would provide a private right of action for individuals whose rights are violated due to biometric surveillance abuse. Hochul has also signed S7543B an AI oversight law for state agencies On Dec. 21, 2024, New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul also signed Senate Bill S7543B, dubbed the Legislative Oversight of Automated Decision-Making in Government Act or LOADinG Act, into law. S7543B, sponsored by Sen. Kristen Gonzalez along with 15 other state senators, mandates that all automated decision-making systems (ADMS) used by state agencies undergo rigorous human oversight and periodic impact assessments to ensure they do not violate civil rights, produce discriminatory outcomes, or otherwise harm the public. These assessments must be revisited every two years and include evaluations for bias, discrimination or harm. The law, effective immediately with full implementation within a year, applies to any algorithmic system that influences decisions related to public assistance benefits; individual rights, civil liberties or safety; and statutory or constitutional protections. But despite supporting both S5609 and S7543B, Hochul has expanded subway surveillance, raising questions about the consistency of New York's approach to privacy and public safety. FutureTech.news has more stories like this. Watch the video below that talks about government agencies that were caught lying about the facial recognition program. This video is from MyPodcastDropped2320 channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Russia to launch nationwide facial recognition payment system this year. Malfunctioning facial recognition technology may put innocent individuals at risk. Mastercard rolls out payment system that uses FACIAL RECOGNITION technology. U.K.'s Crime and Policing Bill 2025 reignites facial recognition controversy. Fairway grocers in NYC now using facial recognition to profile customers. Sources include: ReclaimtheNet.org Trackbill.com Brighteon.com Poor resource management to blame for drought in Nigeria, not climate change Claims by AfricaNews and the Associated Press that climate change is the primary cause of Nigeria's water shortages are false, arguing instead that poor resource management is the real issue. Nigeria has faced cyclical droughts for over a century (e.g., 1910s, 1940s, 1970s), long before modern climate change concerns, suggesting natural variability and human factors are key drivers. Population growth, unsustainable farming, deforestation and upstream damming (e.g., Lake Chad's decline) are major contributors not just climate-related "desertification." Despite droughts, UN data shows Nigeria's corn production rose by 91 percent (19902023), and GDP grows at three percent annually, undermining claims of climate-driven agricultural collapse. With Nigeria's population projected to hit 400 million by 2050, sustainable land and water policies not climate-focused solutions are critical to preventing further resource depletion. Contrary to what a news outlet is arguing, poor resource management not so-called "climate change" is to blame for water shortages in Nigeria. An article by AfricaNews (AN) written in cooperation with the Associated Press and published on Monday, May 12, pointed to climate change as the culprit. The piece highlighted the worsening drought conditions experienced by farmers in the country's northern region, alongside their challenges in securing water for their crops. Rivers and lakes that once sustained agriculture are drying up, forcing smallholder farmers to rely on costly groundwater extraction. The AN report framed the crisis as a direct consequence of global warming, citing shrinking water bodies and declining crop yields. It interviewed two farmers, Nasiru Bello and Umoru Muazu, who recounted the hardships of relying on dwindling groundwater. "All these things are a result of climate change," Bello told the outlet. (Related: Reuters blames CLIMATE CHANGE for Christmas Day massacre of Christians by Muslims in Nigeria.) While climate change is widely blamed for the crisis, Linnea Lueken a research fellow with the Heartland Institute's Arthur B. Robinson Center on Climate and Environmental Policy begged to differ. In a May 13 piece published on Climate Realism, she pointed out that human mismanagement was the primary driver of the region's water shortages. Nigeria's farming boom defies climate alarmism Lueken cited historical data and environmental realities, which the AN article conveniently omits, to back up her points. Nigeria has endured cyclical droughts for over a century, with severe dry spells recorded in the 1910s, 1940s and 1970s long before modern climate change discourse. The current water crisis coincides with explosive population growth, unsustainable farming practices and large-scale deforestation, all of which exacerbate the effects of natural drought. Lake Chad, which according to AN has shrunk by 90 percent since the 1970s, had been starved of water due to upstream damming and diversion by neighboring countries. Deforestation in the northwestern Sokoto state was driven by rapidly expanding agriculture, not due to "desertification" as the piece claims. Lueken also rebutted claims that the drought caused by "climate change" is impacting Nigeria's agriculture. Data from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) shows the country's corn production surging by 91 percent between 1990 and 2023, despite recent dips. Nigeria's GDP continues to grow at three percent annually, buoyed by oil exports an industry often vilified by climate activists. Ultimately, the research fellow concluded that "mismanagement of the land amid a booming population can quickly destabilize what resources the nation has." As Nigeria's population hurtles toward 400 million by 2050, the strain on water and arable land will only intensify without sustainable policies. While climate-smart agriculture is touted as a solution, the immediate need is for better land and water management. The Nigerian government has tasked research institutes with developing adaptive strategies, but farmers like Bello and Muazu cannot wait. Instead of pointing fingers at "climate change," proper resource management would be of much help. Visit ClimateAlarmism.news for more similar stories. Watch this video that outlines the effects of drought on crops and livestock. This video is from the Grand Solar Minimum Solutions channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Twelve million Africans suffering through worst drought in 60 years. Major rivers all around the world experiencing drought at the same time: WHY? Governments wasting TRILLIONS on "climate change" using faulty temperature data, experts warn. Sources include: Expose-News.com AfricaNews.com ClimateRealism.com Brighteon.com Study: Teens with mental health issues spend more time on social media, making things worse Teens with anxiety, depression or PTSD spend nearly an hour more daily on social media than peers and are twice as likely to compare themselves negatively to others online. Affected teens report sharper mood swings based on online feedback (28 percent vs. 13 percent of unaffected peers) and feel less able to regulate their usage, creating a harmful cycle. The study adds evidence to concerns that social media exacerbates rising teen depression and anxiety rates, coinciding with smartphone and platform growth since the 2010s. Teens with anxiety or depression show stronger ties to harmful social media patterns than those with ADHD or conduct disorders, likely due to heightened sensitivity to rejection and curated online personas. Experts urge proactive measures screen-time limits, offline activities and media literacy while emphasizing the need for further research and platform accountability to protect vulnerable youth. Teenagers struggling with anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders spend nearly an hour more on social media each day than their peers and they're twice as likely to compare themselves negatively to others online. That's the troubling conclusion of a new study from the University of Cambridge, which analyzed data from 3,340 British adolescents aged 11 to 19. The research published May 5 in Nature Human Behavior reveals a disturbing pattern. It found that teens with mental health conditions feel less in control of their social media use, experience sharper mood swings based on online feedback, and often feel worse about themselves after scrolling. While the study doesn't prove social media causes mental illness, it raises urgent questions about how digital platforms may be deepening the struggles of vulnerable youth. (Related: Study: Teens with problematic smartphone use more likely to experience anxiety and depression.) The research, one of the first large-scale studies to examine social media habits among clinically diagnosed teens, found stark differences between those with and without mental health conditions. Adolescents with internalizing disorders such as anxiety, depression and PTSD spent an average of 50 minutes more per day on social media than their peers. Nearly half 48 percent admitted to frequently comparing themselves negatively to others online, compared to just 24 percent of teens without mental health struggles. These teens also reported dramatic mood fluctuations based on likes, comments and online interactions. About 28 percent said their emotions shifted depending on social media feedback, versus only 13 percent of unaffected teens. Worse, many felt powerless to regulate their usage, suggesting a cycle where mental health symptoms and excessive screen time reinforce each other. Scrolling into sadness: How social media platforms fuel teen depression The paper's findings come amid a growing youth mental health crisis. Since the early 2010, rates of teen depression and anxiety have skyrocketed. This also coincides with the rise of smartphones and platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The U.S. Surgeon General has warned that social media may be a contributing factor, and this study adds weight to those concerns. Unlike past research, which often relied on self-reported mental health data, this study used clinical assessments from professional raters, making its conclusions more robust. It's a classic "chicken-or-egg" problem: Teens with anxiety or depression may seek validation online, only to feel worse when they dont measure up to curated, idealized lives. Alternatively, endless scrolling and comparison may erode self-esteem over time. Either way, the result is the same a dangerous feedback loop. Teens with internalizing disorders are often hyper-sensitive to rejection and criticism. Social media, with its highlight reels and public metrics, amplifies those insecurities. "They might feel left out or not good enough, significantly deepening their emotional struggles," said one psychiatrist familiar with the study. The studys authors and mental health professionals emphasize the need for proactive intervention. Parents and clinicians should work together to help teens develop healthier digital habits, implementing strategies like: Setting boundaries : Enforcing screen-time limits and tech-free zones, especially before bedtime. : Enforcing screen-time limits and tech-free zones, especially before bedtime. Promoting offline connections : Encouraging real-world hobbies and face-to-face interactions. : Encouraging real-world hobbies and face-to-face interactions. Teaching critical thinking: Helping teens recognize that social media is a curated illusion, not reality. This study doesn't just highlight a problem; it underscores how little people truly know about social media's impact on young minds. Parents, educators and policymakers must confront the reality that for vulnerable teens, social media isn't just a pastime it may be a minefield. Mental.news has more similar stories. Watch this video about seven tools to beat a "bad mental health day." This video is from the jroseland channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: CDC report: More teens are turning to drugs to deal with stress, anxiety and depression. Social anxiety in teens and young adults worsen during the pandemic. Mental health screening of teens creates a "crisis" where none exists. Sources include: TheEpochtimes.com Nature.com MedicalXpress.com NeuroscienceNews.com Brighteon.com Breaking the Chains on BrightU: Experts discuss why you should decentralize now before the financial collapse In episode 1 of "Breaking the Chains: Decentralize Your Life," Andy Schectman, explained why the U.S. has shifted from a net exporter to a net importer, bringing in 65 million ounces of gold and 150 million ounces of silver in just three monthsa historic reversal. Experts speculate the Trump administration may be preparing for a gold-backed dollar, with theories including tariffs, Basel III rules (requiring banks to hold physical gold), and Judy Sheltons hints at gold-pegged Treasuries by 2026. This episode went over how the LBMA faces a 10:1 paper-to-physical gold mismatch (36M oz vs. 380M oz in contracts), with silver even worseraising collapse risks. Scentman discussed why central banks and elites stockpile physical metal, and why the financial system teeters on the brink. In episode 1 of "Breaking the Chains: Decentralize Your Life," aired May 17, gold and silver expert Andy Schectman (CEO of Miles Franklin) discussed a stunning reversal of decades-long trends, where the United States has shifted from a net exporter to a net importer of goldflooding the country with 65 million ounces of gold and 150 million ounces of silver in just three months. Experts warned this could be a coordinated move by the Trump administration to prepare for a dollar reset, potentially pegging Treasury bonds to gold. Meanwhile, London's gold market faces a 10:1 leverage crisis, with only 36 million ounces of physical gold available to cover 380 million ounces in paper contractsa disaster waiting to unfold. Schectman also revealed that the U.S. is importing gold at an unprecedented rate, with JP Morgan alone delivering $4 billion worth of gold in Februarythe largest monthly COMEX delivery in history. "We've imported nearly 150 million ounces of silver and 65 million ounces of gold in three months," Schectman said. "This is unheard of. The U.S. was always a net exporter, sending metal eastward to China and India. Now, it's coming backfast." He discussed theories, such as: Trump's tariffs: Some speculate the imports are tied to trade policies. Basel III rules: Banks must hold allocated gold (not paper contracts) by July 1, forcing a scramble for physical metal. Dollar reset: Judy Shelton, Trump's former Fed nominee, has hinted at gold-backed 50-year Treasuries by 2026, pegging debt to gold at a revalued rate. "If they revalue gold to 12,000 an ounce, the Treasury could add 3 trillion overnight," Schectman explained. "It's an accounting tricksell gold certificates to the Fed, print money, and 'back' it with gold." While the U.S. stockpiles, the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) is on the brink. Only 36 million ounces of gold back 380 million in paper claims, and silver is even worse270 million ounces float against 2.9 billion traded daily (3.5x annual mine supply). "If even 10 percent of holders demand physical, the system collapses." Schectman warned. The U.S. is hoarding gold, London is drowning in paper promises, and the global financial system is one delivery failure away from chaos. As central banks and elites quietly exit the system, the question isn't if a reset is comingbut when. "The run on physical has begun," Schectman declared. "The smart money isn't waiting." Want to know more? Whether you are seeking healing for yourself, your family or your community, "Breaking the Chains" is an urgent invitation to confront what's been holding you back and gain liberation. This powerful resource is also featured at MY575e.com, where personal transformation meets purpose. It is a part of a growing movement to equip individuals with the courage, clarity and community needed to live free. If you want to learn more about how you can regain your independence, want to view the presentations at your convenience, or learn at your own pace, you can purchase the "Breaking the Chains: Decentralize Your Life" package here. Upon purchase, you will get instant and unlimited access to 10 "Breaking the Chains: Decentralize Your Life" videos, five bonus videos, four podcasts by Mike Adams and an exclusive liberation toolkit you can use to help regain your independence. Sources include: BrighteonUniversity.com 1 BrightU.com MY575e.com BrighteonUniversity.com 2 Florida lawmakers reject encryption backdoor bill that can be exploited by criminals Florida lawmakers rejected SB 868/HB 743, which sought to force social media companies to create encryption backdoors for law enforcement, grant parents access to minors' private messages and ban disappearing messages for minors. Proponents claimed the bill would protect children from predators and harmful content by increasing surveillance and parental oversight. Privacy advocates, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), warned that weakening encryption would jeopardize all users' security, exposing data to hackers, governments and criminals. Experts emphasized that end-to-end encryption cannot be selectively bypassed creating a backdoor would inherently undermine security for everyone, including minors. The bill stalled in the House and was withdrawn, but privacy groups caution that similar legislation may reappear in other states under the guise of "child safety." Florida lawmakers have rejected a controversial bill that would have required social media companies to create encryption backdoors for law enforcement. The defeated bill, Senate Bill 868/House Bill 743 (Social Media Use By Minors), sought to compel platforms to provide decryption mechanisms for law enforcement with a warrant, grant parents access to private messages of minors and ban minors from using disappearing messages. (Related: Florida's social media laws spark debate over minors' privacy and digital safety.) Supporters argued the measures would protect children from online predators and harmful content. However, critics warned that weakening encryption would expose all users, not just minors, to security risks. Privacy experts warn that the bill's requirements are technically unworkable. End-to-end encryption is designed so that only the sender and recipient can read messages not even the platform itself has access. Creating a backdoor for law enforcement would inevitably weaken security for everyone, including adults communicating with minors. "As the fear-mongering campaign against encryption is being reiterated over and over again, it's worth repeating there is no known way of undermining encryption for any one category of users, without leaving the entire internet open and at the mercy of anything from government spies to plain criminals. And that affects both people's communications and transactions. "Not to mention that while framing such radical proposals as needed for a declaratively equally large goal to achieve the safety of youth online in reality, by shuttering encryption, young people and everyone else are negatively affected. If anything, it would make everyone online less secure, and, by nature of the world young people more so than others," Didi Rankovic wrote in his article for Reclaim the Net. Recent breaches, such as the Salt Typhoon cyberattack, demonstrate that backdoors cannot be reserved solely for "good guys." Once a vulnerability exists, it can be exploited by criminals, foreign governments or malicious actors. Fortunately, SB 868/HB 743 stalled in the House of Representatives on May 2, leading to its official withdrawal on May 3, despite passage in the Senate. EFF celebrates the defeat of SB 868/HB 743 in Florida The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a leading digital rights organization, celebrated the defeat of SB 868/HB 743, calling the proposal "dangerous and dumb." "This bill should set off serious alarm bells for anyone who cares about digital rights, secure communication or simply the ability to message someone privately without the government listening In short: if your kid loses their right to encrypted communication, so does everyone they talk to," the EFF wrote. "Encryption is one of the most important tools we have to protect privacy online. Florida's SB 868 ("Social Media Use By Minors" bill) intends to completely undermine it while also putting the privacy and safety of young people at risk." With SB 868/HB 743 defeated, privacy advocates have secured an important win. However, they warn that similar legislation could resurface in other states under the guise of "child protection." Learn more about the expansion of surveillance states at Surveillance.news. Watch this video of cybersecurity and tech expert Rob Braxman discussing how Apple has a backdoor to bypass encryption. This video is from the channel Pool Pharmacy on Brighteon.com. More related stories: End-to-end encryption debate draws attention to child sex abuse. NSA pays tech companies millions to engineer backdoors into encryption protocols. The Crypto AG Scandal: How American and German spy agencies turned encryption into espionage. Privacy under siege: Europol and the UK Crime Agency target encryption, call for backdoors. Leaked documents: Socialist Spain wants the EU to ban all end-to-end encryption. Sources include: ReclaimtheNet.org EFF.org TechRadar.com Vice.com Brighteon.com Ford initiates massive recall of 273,800 SUVs over braking defect linked to engine interference Ford recalls 273,800 Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators to address a brake line defect that could cause fluid leaks and impaired braking, increasing crash risks. Vehicles were built from April 2021 to November 2024, though Ford reports no injuries or incidents. Improper routing during assembly caused front brake lines to scrape against the engines air cleaner pipe, leading to potential cracks and fluid leakage. Vibrations from routine driving can accelerate wear, prompting a proactive fix. Owners will be notified by May 26; dealers will inspect brake lines using diagnostic tools and replace affected components or modify air cleaner pipes. The two-hour process uses updated clips/brackets to prevent contact; parts are available, though backlogs may occur. The recall tests Fords reliability image, as these models are long-standing bestsellers. Analysts highlight systemic quality control concerns, stressing the need for overhauled manufacturing practices amid production-speed pressures. Fords 50 recalls in 2024 (most among automakers) reflect pressure on traditional manufacturers to balance legacy operations with modern safety demands, while prioritizing transparency and mechanical oversight alongside EV/tech advancements. Ford Motor Company has recalled 273,800 of its 20222024 model year Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs due to a potential defect that could compromise braking performance, according to a May 15 filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall, affecting vehicles built between April 15, 2021, and November 20, 2024, centers on brake lines that may contact an engine component, increasing crash risks. The automaker emphasized the defect could lead to brake fluid leakage and extended stopping distances but reported no injuries or incidents linked to the issue. Defect details: Brake line contact with engine interference threatens safety The root cause of the issue stems from improperly routed front brake lines during manufacturing, which can scrape against the engines air cleaner outlet pipe. This component, positioned on the engines undercarriage, may wear down over time, causing cracks in the brake line and fluid leakage. NHTSAs analysis notes the problem likely occurred when brake lines were bent during assembly, misaligning them relative to the engine housing. Engineers confirmed that even minor vibrations from typical drivingsuch as rough roads or prolonged usecould accelerate the wear. Ford estimates only 1% of the 273,800 vehicles are currently affected, but the defects potential impact on safety has drawn widespread attention. Ford spokesperson Ross Boughton stated, Ensuring occupant safety remains our priority. We are addressing this proactively to prevent potential risks. Recall process: Dealers inspect and repair at no cost to owners Eligible owners will receive notification letters by May 26, directing them to Ford or Lincoln dealerships for free repairs. Technicians will inspect the front brake lines, using specialized diagnostic tools to assess wear, and replace affected parts or modify the air cleaner pipe to ensure proper spacing. The fix, expected to take two hours, involves routing replacement lines with updated clips and brackets designed to prevent contact. While Ford guarantees no cost for owners, the scale of the recallencompassing nearly a quarter-million vehiclesraises concerns over potential repair backlogs. The automaker has urged patience, citing immediate availability of parts and prioritized appointments for impacted customers. Legacy SUVs face uncharted scrutiny The Expedition and Navigator have long been pillars of Fords lineup, with the Expedition achieving the status of Americas bestselling full-size SUV for over two decades. Last years sales figures of 78,000 Expeditions and 15,000 Navigators underscore their enduring popularity. However, this recall marks a rare public challenge to models celebrated for their durability and performance. Automotive analyst Michelle Krebs noted, While recalls are common, this scale underscores systemic quality control flaws that demand urgent overhaul. Critics argue the defect reflects challenges in balancing production speed with adherence to engineering protocols at Fords assembly plants. Industry evolution and Fords safety commitments Fords aggressive 50 recalls in 2024the highest among automakersspotlights growing pressure on traditional manufacturers to balance established production practices with modern safety standards. Despite the recalls, Fords proactive approach aligns with evolving consumer expectations for transparency. Analysts suggest the automakers investment in autonomous systems and EVs must be paired with tighter oversight of critical mechanical systems. As consumers demand flawless execution in both legacy and cutting-edge vehicles, this recall tests Fords ability to uphold its reputation for reliability. Owners are encouraged to register their vehicles with NHTSA (recalls.gov) or contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 (Lincoln: 1-888-253-1910) for updates. The recall reinforces the industrywide imperative: even iconic models must prove safety in an era of constant technological advancement. Sources for this article include: 100percentfedup.com FoxNews.com Yahoo.com Victory for health freedom: HHS drops COVID-19 vaccine mandates for children and pregnant women HHS, under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is rolling back COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children, teens and pregnant women, acknowledging minimal risk to healthy kids and flawed prior mandates. The CDC and FDA are retreating from aggressive vaccine pushes, admitting lack of evidence for vaccinating low-risk children, aligning with countries like the U.K. that never recommended it. Over 1.6 million reported injuries (per VAERS) highlight severe side effects (e.g., myocarditis, neurological harm), prompting demands for stricter safety standards and transparency. Declining booster uptake (13% of kids, 14% of pregnant women) reflects public rejection of coercion, marking a shift toward medical freedom and informed consent. Despite progress, accountability is neededfraud investigations, legal action against misinformation and bans on childhood vaccine mandates remain critical next steps. In a monumental win against medical tyranny, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is finally rolling back its reckless, one-size-fits-all COVID-19 vaccination recommendations for children, teenagers and pregnant womena long-overdue correction to years of fear-driven propaganda. This bold reversal, first reported by the Wall Street Journal on May 15, signals a turning point in the fight for medical freedom and informed consent, as the truth about unnecessary vaccine risks for low-risk populations can no longer be ignored. Under the leadership of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.a fearless advocate for transparency and accountability in public healththe federal government is finally acknowledging what independent scientists and medical professionals have warned about for years: COVID-19 poses minimal risk to healthy children, and the aggressive push to vaccinate them was never based on sound science, but rather on corporate profit and political coercion. The collapse of the COVID-19 vaccine narrative For far too long, federal agencies like the CDC and FDA ignored alarming safety signals, dismissed mounting injury reports and suppressed dissenting voices in their zeal to push experimental mRNA shots on the entire population. Now, the dam is breaking. CDC backpedals: The CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which once blindly rubber-stamped COVID-19 vaccines for infants as young as six months, is now quietly retreating from its extremist stance. The CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which once blindly rubber-stamped COVID-19 vaccines for infants as young as six months, is now quietly retreating from its extremist stance. FDA admits lack of evidence: Even FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary conceded on May 15 that there is no clear benefit in forcing COVID-19 vaccines on young, healthy childrena stunning admission from an agency that once claimed these shots were "safe and effective" without long-term safety data. Even FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary conceded on May 15 that there is no clear benefit in forcing COVID-19 vaccines on young, healthy childrena stunning admission from an agency that once claimed these shots were "safe and effective" without long-term safety data. Global shift: The U.S. is finally aligning with sensible countries like the U.K. and Australia, where routine COVID-19 vaccination for healthy children was never recommendedbecause the science never justified it. The truth about vaccine injuries can no longer be hidden With over 1.6 million reported vaccine injuries and deaths in the U.S. alone (per VAERS data), the catastrophic toll of these rushed, under-tested shots is undeniable. Myocarditis in young males, neurological disorders and reproductive harm are just a few of the devastating side effects that were downplayed or outright ignored by health authorities. Kennedys HHS is now demanding higher safety standards, including placebo-controlled trials and real-world evidence before approving future vaccinesa stark contrast to the corrupt "Warp Speed" debacle that prioritized Big Pharma profits over public health. The end of medical coerciona win for parents and freedom This policy shift is a direct result of relentless pressure from medical freedom advocates, parents and courageous doctors like Dr. Peter McCullough, who exposed the fraudulent narrative that children needed COVID-19 vaccines. With only 13% of children and 14% of pregnant women opting for the latest booster, the American people have voted with their feet, rejecting fearmongering in favor of common sense. The era of medical authoritarianism is crumbling. No longer will parents be bullied into injecting their children with unnecessary, risky vaccines. No longer will pregnant women be guilt-tripped into accepting experimental medical products without proper long-term safety data. Whats next? The fight for accountability While this is a historic victory, the battle is far from over. Big Pharma and their captured regulators will not give up their power easily. The next steps must include: Full investigations into fraudulent clinical trials and censorship of vaccine injuries. Legal action against those who lied to the public and violated informed consent. Permanent bans on childhood COVID-19 vaccine mandates in schools and healthcare settings. The tide is turning. Health freedom is winning. And this is just the beginning. Stay vigilant. Stay informed. And celebrate this hard-fought triumph over medical tyranny. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com WSJ.com CDC.gov Pope Leo XIVs brother dismisses woke claims, predicts pragmatic pontificate amid potential Trump tensions Louis Prevost, brother of Pope Leo XIV, clarified that while the new pope is more liberal than himself, he will not pursue radical changes and intends to maintain the reforms initiated by Pope Francis. Prevost emphasized that Pope Leo XIV will not overturn the changes made by Pope Francis and is unlikely to endorse major doctrinal shifts such as the ordination of women or the approval of same-sex marriage, aligning with the Church's traditional views. Prevost predicted potential tensions but no significant conflict between Pope Leo XIV and President Trump, comparing their relationship to Trump's interactions with other leaders. He highlighted the pope's potential role as a mediator and peacemaker, suggesting a balanced and pragmatic approach to international relations. Prevost defended his controversial social media post about Nancy Pelosi but acknowledged the need to "tone it down" to avoid creating challenges for his brother. He indicated a shift in his approach to avoid provocative comments that could impact the pope's reputation. The interview suggests that Pope Leo XIV will adopt a centrist approach, balancing tradition with modernity. His commitment to continuity and pragmatic leadership is expected to provide stability and direction for the Church during uncertain times. Louis Prevost, brother of Pope Leo XIV, recently addressed the swirling speculations about the new pontiff's ideological stance. Prevost, a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, emphasized that while the new pope is more liberal than himself, he is not inclined toward radical change. Prevost's comments come at a time when the Catholic Church is navigating a delicate balance between tradition and modernity. Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, is seen as a potentially transformative figure, yet his brother insists that he will not overturn the reforms initiated by Pope Francis. "I don't think he is going to roll back the changes that [Pope] Francis made but he will maintain that," Prevost stated, highlighting his brother's commitment to continuity. Prevost further clarified that while Pope Leo might support expanding advisory roles for women, he is unlikely to endorse major doctrinal shifts such as the ordination of women or the approval of same-sex marriage. This stance aligns with the Church's traditional views on homosexuality and gay marriage, which Prevost described as "not right" or "not correct." "I don't think he is going to go, pull the church hard left," Prevost asserted, suggesting that Pope Leo will adopt a centrist approach to governance. Navigating international relations The interview also touched on the potential dynamics between Pope Leo XIV and Trump. Prevost predicted "bumps" and "heated conversation" if the two leaders were to meet, but he doubted that their interactions would escalate into significant conflict. Comparing the potential relationship to Trump's exchanges with other world leaders, Prevost noted, "I think it will be like Trump and Zelensky, where there might be some tension, but I don't see them becoming enemies." (Related: Historic Vatican meeting: Trump and Zelensky seek peace amid Ukraine-Russia conflict.) Prevost expressed confidence that neither Leo nor Trump would publicly criticize each other, dismissing the likelihood of Trump labeling the pope a "jerk" or a "communist sympathizer." He also believes that his brother will maintain a balanced approach in engaging with global leaders. This perspective underscores the pope's potential role as a mediator and peacemaker on the world stage. "He's going to be down the middle," Prevost stated, emphasizing his brother's pragmatic and diplomatic approach to international relations. Controversial social media activity The interview also addressed Prevost's own controversial social media presence, particularly a post referring to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as a "drunk c***." Prevost stood by his comments, stating, "I wouldn't have posted it if I didn't kind of believe it." However, he acknowledged the need to "tone it down" to avoid creating unnecessary challenges for his brother. He revealed that the Vatican had not yet contacted him about his online activity, but he was aware of the potential impact his statements could have on Pope Leo's reputation. Prevost indicated a shift in his approach, stating he would avoid engaging with provocative comments to prevent being baited into statements that could be used against the pope. "I had no idea what was coming this soon, and I can tell you, since then, I've been very quiet, biting my tongue at some of the stuff that is out there on social media," he declared. Prevost's decision reflects a growing awareness of the responsibilities that come with being the brother of the pope. "I don't need to create heat for [Leo], he's going to have enough," he added, highlighting his commitment to supporting his brother without causing additional controversy. As the world watches, Pope Leo XIV will face the challenge of balancing tradition with modernity, guided by his own convictions and the expectations of a diverse and global Church. Watch the video below about the white smoke released from the Sistine Chapel's chimney when the conclave has already chosen a new pope. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Pope Francis dies at 88: A pontiff of global compassion and fracturing tradition. Vatican now approves openly gay men to seek ordination as priests in Italy. Border czar Tom Homan blasts Vatican's double standard on BORDER SECURITY. Sources include: Modernity.news 1 YouTube.com Modernity.news 2 Brighteon.com Venezuelan migrant gangsters stage uprising at Texas ICE detention facility Twenty-three Venezuelan detainees accused of ties to the violent Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang barricaded themselves inside a Texas detention facility, threatened hostages and attempted to flood their unit on April 23, 2025 as per ICE officials. The Trump administration invoked the rarely used Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport them, arguing they qualify as "enemy aliens." The Supreme Court temporarily blocked deportations, requiring detainees to have legal recourse. Critics claim the administration's approach has led to wrongful deportations, including individuals with no criminal records or pending asylum claims. Some detainees, like Diover Millan, were nearly deported despite legal protections. While the administration asserts TdA is a growing U.S. threat, an internal memo disputes claims of direct Venezuelan government involvement. The Texas incident is cited as justification for swift deportation. The Supreme Court's intervention raises questions about the Alien Enemies Act's applicability outside wartime. The case could set a precedent on executive power, due process and immigration enforcement. A group of 23 Venezuelan detainees allegedly barricaded themselves inside a Texas detention facility in April and threatened to take hostages, even attempting to flood their unit. Sworn statements from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials attested to the April 23 incident involving the detainees, who are accused of being members of the violent Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang. According to ICE officials, the detainees refused breakfast trays, blocked surveillance cameras and barricaded doors using bed cots. The Venezuelans who were housed at the Bluebonnet Detention Center in Anson, Texas, "threatened to take hostages and injure facility contract staff and ICE officers," said Joshua D. Johnson, acting ICE director for the Dallas office. He added that the 23 even "attempted to flood the housing unit by clogging toilets." On May 4, the 23 men were transferred to the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas. The transfer shifted their cases to a different court jurisdiction, one seen as more favorable to the governments deportation efforts. The Trump administration cited the incident as evidence of the dangers posed by these individuals. In turn, it has escalated efforts to deport them under the rarely used Alien Enemies Act of 1798. The Supreme Court has temporarily blocked the deportations while legal challenges play out, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle over immigration enforcement and national security. Trump: TdA gang members qualify as enemy aliens under Alien Enemies Act The Alien Enemies Act is an 18th-century law designed to allow the president to deport foreign nationals during wartime or an invasion. President Donald Trump declared that members of TdA a Venezuelan prison gang with alleged ties to extortion, murder and human trafficking qualify as "enemy aliens" under this law. (Related: Trump designates drug cartels as terrorist organizations, invokes Alien Enemies Act.) But federal judges, including Trump appointees, have questioned the administration's interpretation. They argued that the law was never intended to bypass due process in immigration cases. In March, more than 130 Venezuelans were sent to El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), a maximum-security prison. But attorneys and family members insist many detainees have no gang ties and were legally present in the U.S. with pending asylum claims. Diover Millan, a 24-year-old Venezuelan with temporary protected status, was among those nearly deported before the Supreme Court intervened. His wife, fearing retaliation, told reporters he was falsely accused. The administration claims TdA a has infiltrated the U.S., taking over apartment complexes in some cities and engaging in violent crime. Moreover, the April 23 incident at Bluebonnet is cited as proof that these detainees cannot be safely managed in U.S. custody. Thus, the administration insists that swift deportation is necessary to prevent further violence The legal battle now hinges on whether the Alien Enemies Act can be used outside of a formal war or invasion. The high court's temporary stay suggests skepticism, but the administration remains defiant. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the policy, accusing activists of prioritizing "terrorist aliens" over American safety. Meanwhile, detainees lawyers argue that due process must prevail even for those accused of gang ties. Visit Violence.news for more similar stories. Watch acting ICE Director Todd Lyons denouncing sanctuary cities that resist the administration's deportation efforts in this clip. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Texas Gov. Abbott designates Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang as a foreign terrorist organization. 4 Members of notorious Tren de Aragua gang arrested after $75,000 jewelry heist in Texas. Texas judge threw out prosecutions of Tren de Aragua gang members who crossed border illegally. Sources include: TheNationaPulse.com Independent.co.uk Reuters.com Brighteon.com Educational exposure of ideas, assumptions or hypotheses, based on proven facts" (which need not be strictly current affairs) Value in judgments are excluded, and the text comes close to an opinion article, without judging or making forecasts , just formulating hypotheses, giving motivated explanations and bringing together a variety of data Just a few months ago, in a beautiful Pennsylvania field, an assassins bullet ripped through my ear. But I felt then and believe even more so now that my life was saved for a reason. I was saved by God to make America great again. This remark, from Donald Trumps inaugural address last January, is a clear example of messianic charisma a form of leadership in which the leader is seen as a providential savior, someone who embodies the redemption of a nation and carries a transcendent mission that places them above established institutions and rules. This type of charisma is based on the belief that the leader possesses extraordinary, almost supernatural qualities and is the only one capable of guiding their community or nation toward a promised destiny. Max Weber (1922) described charisma as a form of authority rooted in devotion to a leader perceived as extraordinary. In this case, we are dealing with an extreme version of personal charisma, in which the leader is regarded as sent by a higher power. According to Weber, this often emerges in times of crisis, when the public yearns for a strong figure who promises to restore order, reclaim lost greatness, or guide the nation toward a higher destiny. Carl Schmitt, in his book Political Theology, also argued that in times of crisis, sovereign power tends to be embodied in a charismatic figure who assumes an almost messianic role, deciding on the state of exception and placing themselves above the law. However, to achieve this sacralization of his persona, Trump has relied on more than a single remark in his inaugural speech. Below, we examine five key elements that contributed to shaping this image. 1. The narrative of an unprecedented crisis For a leader to be perceived as a savior, it is essential to construct a narrative of a near-apocalyptic crisis that only they can resolve. In Trumps case, the portrayal of a declining America under siege from internal and external enemies such as corrupt elites, uncontrolled immigration, and unfair globalization reinforces the perception that his leadership is not just necessary, but divinely ordained. 2. The use of symbolism and messaging The sacralization of Trumps figure is reinforced through symbols and rituals that cement his messianic role. His public appearances generate an atmosphere of collective fervor. The iconography surrounding him from flags bearing his face to T-shirts emblazoned with messianic slogans feeds the idea that his leadership transcends mere politics. Even acts of governance are used to strengthen this image. His first Cabinet meeting began with a prayer that was posted on social media. On March 19, in another iconic moment, he surrounded himself with 17 evangelical pastors who prayed over him in the Oval Office, laying their hands on him. The scene was repeated at another event on May 1. Several participants belong to the White House Office of Faith, created on February 17. He also established the Commission on Religious Freedom by executive order. 3. Legitimacy rooted in the duty to save the nation When a leader becomes the object of faith, politics ceases to be a space for rational deliberation and turns into a realm of absolute loyalties, where any criticism is seen as betrayal. The unprecedented attacks on anyone or any institution that questions or obstructs the administrations actions even if those actions are illegal illustrate this dynamic. Congress, too, becomes secondary to the will of the leader, who pushes through his agenda via executive orders rather than through traditional legislative processes. Nothing can stand in Trumps way, because what he is doing is seen as both legitimate and essential to safeguard the nations future. 4. The role of loyal followers A messianic leadership doesnt rely solely on the figure of the leader it also depends on the fervent community that follows him. In Trumps case, his supporters dont just see him as a politician, but as the last bulwark against the forces that, in this narrative, threaten the very essence of the United States. Their loyalty is unshakable, because in their view, without him, the country is doomed. These supporters organize themselves into highly polarized and active communities, both online and offline, that feed off one another in a constant feedback loop. They reinforce their worldview not just through pro-Trump content, but especially content that attacks his opponents whether based on fact or fiction. His election campaign and now the White House have directly encouraged the formation of these groups. A recent example is the new government website that curates positive news about Trump in the style of the Drudge Report. 5. Sacrifice as proof of his mission In messianic narratives, the leaders suffering serves as validation of their destiny. In this context, the assassination attempt on Trump is not merely a traumatic event, but a confirmation that he is the chosen one. Within the narrative of his followers, the attack not only reinforces his role as a victim of the elites and internal enemies, but elevates him to the status of a national martyr. His survival, in this framework, is no accident, but rather a sign of his divine purpose. To learn more about the subject: Books: - Max Weber: Sociologia del poder - Carl Schmitt: Political Theory - Alexandre Dorna: Le leader charismatique - David OConnell: God wills it: Presidents and the political use of religion Articles: - Xavier Peytibi: Comunicar en tiempos de hombres fuertes - D Adamo, Beaudoux, Ferrari and Slavinsky: Estilos de liderazgo presidencial: dimensiones y variables para su analisis - Juan Manuel Castro Carracedo: Como la retorica mesianica de Trump cimenta su liderazgo y apela a la identidad americana - Maria Pinho De Oliveira: Sacralizacion politica o mesianismo? Los liderazgos politicos de Nestor Kirchner, Hugo Chavez, Donald Trump y Jair Bolsonaro - Eric Berger: Standing up for Christian values: US evangelicals keep the faith with Trump - Adam Gabbat: False teacher: Trumps pick to head the White House faith office roils some fellow Christians - Elizabet Dias and Ruth Graham: White House of Worship: Trump Elevates Christian Prayer and Power Videos: - Alex Connor: Trump: Gods Chosen President? - Capturing Christianity: This Prophet Predicted in 1983 that God Would One Day Use Trump - The Bulwark: CHRISTIANITY IN CRISIS: Trump, Politics, and the Future of Faith Podcast: - The Ezra Klein Show: Ross Douthat on Trump, Mysticism and Psychedelics - David French and Russel Moore: Trump, Faith, and the First 100 Days Due to scheduled maintenance from Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10 PM to Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 2 AM, there may be interruptions for our News Gazette Digital subscribers. During this time frame, please click on any News Gazette website content without logging into your News Gazette Digital subscription account. Thank you for your patience during this scheduled maintenance. Fiona Hill, 59, is one of the foremost Western experts on Russia and the post-Soviet space. She has worked as an analyst and security adviser for three U.S. administrations: under Bush Jr., Obama, and Trump in his first term. In the latter, she held the position of Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for European and Russian Affairs at the U.S. National Security Council from 2017 to 2019. The daughter of a miner and a nurse from suburban England, she rose from modest beginnings with an accent she herself described as working class to attend Harvard University, build a stellar career, and become a U.S. citizen. Her 2019 testimony during the U.S. congressional impeachment inquiry into Trump is widely regarded as a symbol of her courageous independence of judgment. She gave this interview last week in Madrid, where she was invited by the Ramon Areces Foundation to deliver a lecture at its headquarters. Hill, currently Chancellor of Durham University, a member of Harvard Universitys Board of Overseers, a fellow at the Brookings Institution, and an adviser to the U.K. Ministry of Defenses strategic review, believes Trump sees himself as an emperor and urges Europeans to strengthen their unity and defenses in the face of a hostile international landscape. Question. Youve personally observed the interactions between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in the past. How would you describe their relationship? Answer. For Putin, the relationship is one in which he tries to take advantage of Trumps weaknesses to be able to manipulate him. And Trump hasnt been able to do the same in terms of Putin because hes too much infatuated with Putin as a symbol and as an example of what he wants to be. Trump wants to be an autocrat. He sees himself as a king, as an emperor. He sees himself as a colossus walking the world stage. And he sees Putin as the kind of titan that he wants to be. And unfortunately, he doesnt see him for who he really is, which is also someone with a great deal of weaknesses. He doesnt see that Russia is not the superpower that the Soviet Union was. And frankly, at the moment, all the leverage is with Putin in that relationship. Fiona Hill poses for an interview for EL PAIS on May 5 in Madrid. JUAN BARBOSA Q. Putin has made it clear that he seeks to reestablish some sort of Russian sphere of influence; its clear that hes trying to divide the West and that he has a strong interest in seeing a weakened U.S., less effective on the world stage. Is he winning? A. Well, on the surface, yes, Trump seems to be giving Putin everything that he wants. Hes also talking about the world in terms of spheres of influence, something that previous U.S. presidents havent done. Trump is basically talking about the U.S. taking control almost literally of the whole Western Hemisphere. Thats a win for Putin because thats how he talks about reacquiring territory that was once part of the Russian Empire, part of the Soviet Union. Putin would like to restore Russias status in Europe, which means dominance over Eastern Europe, certainly, but actually much more broadly. But if you think in a more practical sense, about the war in Ukraine, Putin is not winning, of course. Putin saw the 2022 invasion in the same vein as the Soviet interventions in Eastern Europe in Hungary in 1956 and in Czechoslovakia in 1968. The idea was that there would be a quick, sharp strike militarily and everyone would fall back into line. He thought Zelenskiy would flee. But the Ukrainians decided to fight back, and instead of being a special military operation that would end in a matter of days or weeks, it has become Russias largest military campaign in Europe since World War II. The casualties for Russia are phenomenal. More than 800,000 in terms of people killed and wounded. If we take those killed in action, which the Brits and others estimate at around 200,000, that is a shocking number of Russian soldiers killed. In the Afghan war, during the Soviet era, it was only between 10,000 and 15,000. So theres not much of a win there. In terms of the Russian economy, its not stagnant, but its overheating because its turned into a war economy. Forty percent of the economy is given over to war, and rising. And is he winning in terms of Europe? If the European powers reconstitute a European pillar of NATO to be more independent of the United States, and if they remain steadfast in rejecting the idea of re-engaging the European economy with the Russian, then thats not a win for Putin. Hes banking that the United States will not only hand Ukraine to Russia on a silver platter, but will also push Europe to provide a pathway for re-engaging with Russia. And so far, he hasnt won. Q. You just mentioned Europe. What do you think Europes priorities should be in adapting to a time when the U.S. is moving away from decades of transatlantic alliances, and simultaneously it is facing the threat of Russian imperialism? A. There are several things that need to be done. First, Europe must recognize just what youve said: that it is stuck between a very aggressive Russia and a United States that is no longer the reliable ally it was before and is certainly not going to be the guarantor of European security. The biggest risk to Europeans right now is that there is great vulnerability in their critical national infrastructure. That should be tackled right away. All of our critical national infrastructure needs to be protected both from accidents, natural disasters, and hybrid attacks from other countries. That should concentrate the minds of Europeans; we need to work more closely together, irrespective of whether a country is in the EU or NATO. Europeans need to collectively protect national infrastructure, build up their collective forces. Get rid of squabbles on other issues and focus on national and collective defense, as well as intelligence sharing. Fiona Hill in Madrid on May 5. JUAN BARBOSA Q. You mention the risk of sabotage. How do we defend our democracies, which are under attack, both from manipulation and sabotage coming from Russia, and from internal disinformation and manipulation campaigns by populists? A. That also requires collective action from Europe. Its about using the courts, monitoring, and regulating. Of course, there will be pressure from the United States against this, with arguments denouncing the regulation of freedom of expression, but its clear that in that arena there is an opportunity for subversion. Europe is very exposed to manipulation from Russia and also from U.S. hacktivism against its political system. I think its already well known that in the case of the Catalan independence movement, Russia was highly manipulative. The same could happen from the U.S. or from other groups within Europe. We have to take all these risks extremely seriously. So that means we have to work together across all our various domestic and external intelligence systems. We also have to engage in a campaign to ensure that our citizens are more well-informed about the risks. Q. We are seeing authoritarian instincts from Trump, and we are also seeing hyper-libertarian instincts from oligarchs in the U.S. Are you optimistic that U.S. democracy, admired by Tocqueville, will be able to withstand this combination of pressures? A. I hope it will be able to, but hope is different from me being optimistic. Right now, Ive become quite pessimistic because there hasnt been a reaction from Congress. Congress is supine at the moment. Trump has completely captured the Republican Party. The destruction of the U.S. bureaucracy has got rid of the public sectors ability to push back. Too much emphasis is now falling on the courts. And in terms of civil society, its under attack. The press is under attack. And the universities, too. And we really have to see if these efforts to organize and push back coming from unions and other worker groups, as well as universities, law firms, and other civil society actors, will work. I hope they work, because it would be such a tragedy to see the end of the U.S. republic and its democracy on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and independence, to see that weve gone back to tyranny, the return of a king. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Gov. J.B. Pritzker holds up the hand of Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on Friday outside a church in Strattons Bronzeville neighborhood on Chicagos South Side after announcing he will endorse her in the 2026 Democratic primary for retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbins seat. People who experience depression following a stroke may face a higher risk of poor health and even death for up to a decade afterward, new research finds. A study by researchers from King's College London, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), has found that post-stroke depression (PSD) can have serious long-term effects on stroke survivors, lasting up to 10 years after the initial stroke. The findings emphasise a need for long-term mental health support in stroke rehabilitation. Researchers tracked over 2,500 stroke survivors using data from the South London Stroke Register, a population-based register recruiting stroke patients living within Lambeth and Southwark. They examined the participants' health for up to 10 years to understand the long-term consequences of depression for stroke survivors. Published in The Lancet Regional Health Europe, the study found that 36% of participants showed signs of depression three months after their stroke and survivors with PSD were nearly three times more likely to develop long-term physical disability compared to those without depression. They also faced a 30% higher risk of death in the decade following their stroke and were more likely to struggle with daily tasks and have a reduced quality of life. Continued depression at one or five years after the stroke was associated with higher risks of death, more physical disability and lower quality of life. In contrast, survivors who recovered from PSD within the first year had a similar risk of death to those who never experienced depression. Recovery during this period was also linked to a lower risk of another stroke, better functional outcomes, and improved quality of life. Although the timing of depression onset didn't appear to affect long-term health risks, recovering from depression was associated with better physical and mental well-being. Lu Liu, a PhD student at King's College London and lead researcher on the study, said: "Post-stroke depression is linked to higher mortality and worse functional outcomes, but most previous studies have only followed patients for less than a year. Our study examined the long-term impact of depression after a stroke. These findings show how important it is to recognise and treat depression as part of stroke recovery." Depression was identified using a questionnaire, and participants' ability to perform daily activities, their physical independence, and their overall quality of life, both physical and mental, were also assessed. The South London Stroke Register has been collecting data since 1995, but follow-up typically ends after 10 years, as tracking patients beyond this point becomes increasingly difficult due to cognitive decline or communication challenges, which can affect the reliability of the data. People often take depression seriously in the first few months after a stroke, but years later it can be overlooked. Just because the stroke happened five or six years ago doesn't mean the depression is any less serious. Our findings show that post-stroke depression remains a major risk factor long after the initial stroke and needs ongoing attention from clinicians." Professor Yanzhong Wang, Professor of Statistics in Population Health at King's College London and co-senior author of the study Dr. Matthew O'Connell, Senior Lecturer in Health Services Research and Population Health Sciences at King's College London and co-senior author of the study, said: "The South London Stroke Register is unique in following stroke survivors for so many years after their stroke. Encouragingly, our data show those recovering from depression experience better outcomes in the longer term, suggesting effectively treating these symptoms could have broader ranging health benefits." Currently, post-stroke care primarily focuses on physical recovery, with depression often only screened in the early stages. The researchers hope their findings will encourage the inclusion of long-term mental health support in stroke rehabilitation programmes. While more research is needed to develop effective treatments for PSD, these results underline the need for continued care that addresses both physical and mental health. The South London Stroke register is funded by an NIHR programme grant, led by Dr Iain Marshall at King's College London. The study was supported by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) South London. Stem cells can produce any other cell type, it is just a matter of telling them in the right way. From a biological perspective, this means activating the proper genetic programme by pressing the right keys, this is, the right genes, at the right moment. Quite often, blood cancer patients require the replacement of their blood stem cells in the bone marrow, the tissue producing blood cells where their cancer grows. Unfortunately, finding a compatible donor happens to be too challenging sometimes. What if we could produce the cells that make blood in the lab, right from basic stem cells, and use them to regenerate a new and healthy bone marrow? To do this, you would need to know what genes to activate in a stem cell. In a tour de force, the team led by Dr. Anna Bigas screened thousands of genes in the mice genome to see which were able to transform an embryonic stem cell into a blood precursor or, more technically, a Haematopoietic Stem Cell (HPSC). The screening identified a group of seven genes apparently able to accomplish the task. In subsequent experiments, the team confirmed that the timely activation of the seven genes was sufficient to transform mouse embryonic stem cells into HSPC, and that these newly produced cells were able to regenerate and sustain a functional blood system, producing all kinds of blood cells, including the immune lineages, in adult mice. The research has been recently published at the journal Blood, official outlet of the American Society of Hematology, first-authored by Dr. Luis Galan Palma, researcher from the Bigas Lab, in a collaboration with other researchers including Dr. Clara Bueno and Dr. Pablo Menendez, experts in developmental and paediatric leukaemia, also at the Josep Carreras Institute. Dr. Bigas is confident that the results obtained in mice can be translated into the human system since, despite the differences, the mechanisms driving stem cells differentiation are so fundamental that are shared between species. As Dr. Bigas points out "we know that those genes are also present in the human genome, and they are highly conserved, this is, their genetic sequences are almost identical". Research is on the way, but chances are they really play the same role in humans as in mice. This research is a proof-of-concept for the Bigas Lab's ERC synergy-funded project Making Blood, a highly ambitious endeavour to develop a technological platform aimed at the production of human HSPC off the shelf. If successful, we are just a few years away of a new era in the treatment of leukaemia and other blood disorders, based on the long-awaited regenerative medicine. This research has been partly funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, Generalitat de Catalunya, and personal grants by "la Caixa" Foundation, Instituto de Salud Carlos III and the Ramon Areces Foundation. As a group, carriers of recessive disorders are slightly less healthy and have a reduced chance of having offspring. This disadvantage is greatest for carriers of a recessive gene for intellectual disability, and reflected in a shorter school career and increased childlessness, according to research from Radboudumc published in Nature human behavior. Time to rewrite the textbooks? Dominant mutation Researchers from Radboudumc, Department of Human Genetics, demonstrated something remarkable in a 2014 publication in Nature. Contrary to expectations, inherited variants in genes were rarely responsible for intellectual disability. In the vast majority, the disability arose from a spontaneous mutation: a mutation that neither parent has, but suddenly appears in the child. It is a biological fact that about one hundred spontaneous mutations occur in the hereditary material of each child. Mutations that therefore do not originate from the parents. On average, only one of these one hundred mutations affects a gene. And only a fraction of those affects one of the hundreds of genes that can cause intellectual disability. But rare events still happen. Most intellectual disabilities arise in this way. From dominant to recessive "There was something else going on," said Christian Gilissen, professor of Genome Bioinformatics and first author of the 2014 article. "Children receive a gene from both father and mother by default. When a single mutation in the child leads to intellectual disability, this is called a mutation in a dominant gene. Other mutations affect recessive genes. Having a single mutation in a recessive gene, in principle, has no effect on the carrier. A handicap only arises if the mutation is in both copies of the recessive gene. In our clinic we found very few of these double mutations in recessive genes in children with intellectual disabilities. Strange, because there are more recessive than dominant genes for this. So we wondered: where did all those recessive mutations go?" More medical diagnoses The question led to a long and extensive search, the results of which have now been published in Nature human behavior [link]. "We first investigated how often these recessive mutations occur in the population," says Han Brunner professor of clinical genetics and, like Gilissen, involved in both publications. To do so, the data of more than 300,000 people included in the UK Biobank were examined. "We found that each person carries on average two mutations in any one of 1,900 recessive genes. According to textbooks, carriers of such recessive genes should not experience any disadvantage. However, we found that, as a group, they do have more medical diagnoses, and slightly less offspring. Thus, they are less likely to pass on their genes for recessive disorders." Less education Compared to other recessive genes, genes for intellectual disability were the most absent. Apparently, there is another aspect at play here. The UK Biobank data provide a clue. Carriers of a recessive gene for intellectual disability go to school for a shorter time, which suggests that they have a lower level of education. Mind you, these are carriers, according to existing theory, are not affected at all by their recessive gene." Christian Gilissen, Professor of Genome Bioinformatics More likely to be childless Thus, carriers of recessive genes for intellectual disability have reduced reproductive success and a shorter school career. Brunner: "In 1859, Darwin published On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection. It was mainly about survival, about genes that make you strong and healthy, about natural selection. Twelve years later he wrote The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex, in which he refined his theory. You can have fine genes, but if no one wants to have children with you, those genes will not be passed on. The principle of sexual selection. We're not demonstrating it rock solid here, but if I had to give a cause for these findings - based in part on a lot of sociological research - sexual selection is the most obvious explanation." Rewriting textbooks This research clearly shows that recessive carriers of diseases have a selection disadvantage at the group level. In the past, this has been pointed out for specific disorders. Here, for the first time this is demonstrated for recessive disorders in general. That may go into the textbooks. Brunner: "Our research indicates that our genes are still constantly changing, that the genetic landscape remains in motion, that evolution continues. The idea that in our modern age evolution has come to a creaking halt thanks to health care and other amenities is not true." Nor will it ever be, Gilissen suggests: "We will never be optimized for tomorrow's problem." PME-1 is a protein that modifies other proteins by removing methyl groups, but high levels of PME-1 are observed in some diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cancer. In a recent study published in The FASEB Journal, researchers found that PME-1 can affect cell signaling downstream of the tumor suppressor complex PP2A in two distinct ways: by removing methylation and by direct binding. This work could pave the way for more effective AD and cancer treatments. The addition of methyl groups is important for the assembly of the signaling complex PP2A, a tumor suppressor enzyme involved in brain development, cell growth, and survival. PP2A consists of three subunits: catalytic, regulatory, and scaffold. The methylesterase PME-1 removes methyl groups, which prevents certain regulatory subunits from joining the complex. However, research has also shown that PME-1 can interact with these complexes using another strategy: PME-1 can inhibit PP2A by binding to its catalytic subunit, directly disrupting its activity. Recently, Takashi Ohama and colleagues at Yamaguchi University and several institutions in Japan demonstrated that specific point mutations could destroy one of PME-1's activities without interfering with the other in in vitro tests. For example, the PME-1 S156A mutant (called SA) is unable to remove methyl groups, but can still inhibit PP2A by inhibiting catalytic activity. The PME-1 M335D mutant (called MD), on the other hand, can remove methyl groups to alter regulatory subunit assembly but can't inhibit PP2A activity. In the current study, Ohama's team developed genetically modified mice carrying these mutations to study their effects in a complete organism. They found SA mutant embryos were smaller than wild-type and were not viable at birth. In late embryonic stages, these mutants had atrophied skeletal muscle and smaller brains with a small and disorganized cerebellum. Other experiments revealed an upregulation of inflammatory factors and an increase in apoptotic cells throughout the body, including in the brain. Compared to wild-type embryonic fibroblasts, fibroblasts from the SA mutant mice grew slowly, and also had elevated levels of damaging reactive oxygen species and more mitochondria that were more active. Unlike SA mutants, the mice with the MD mutation lived for two days after birth. Although the mice looked like wild-type pups, they did not try to suckle and lacked milk in their stomachs. In olfaction tests, the researchers determined that the pups had an abnormal sense of smell, which is necessary for the pups to find their mother's milk. Embryonic fibroblasts from these mutants grew normally. The results show that PME-1 demethylation is critical for normal development, especially for the brain, whereas PME-1 binding is required for the development of olfaction. This dual role helps explain how PME-1 precisely regulates PP2A in different biological contexts. Additionally, this study highlights the importance of activityindependent functions of enzymes, which may have been overlooked in classical knockout mouse models." Takashi Ohama, Yamaguchi University The findings could have benefits for patients in the future, leading to drugs that could restore or fine-tune PP2A activity. "Such treatments could potentially slow disease progression or improve brain function in patients with Alzheimer's disease or reduce growth in certain cancers," Ohama explains. Want To Support Your Retired Mother? SCSS Lets You Gift Rs 30 Lakh Without Any Tax Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 11:18 IST SCSS: Any gift from a son or daughter to their senior citizen mother for investment in SCSS is tax-free under Section 56 of the Income Tax Act. SCSS: A Win-Win for Tax Saving and Retirement Planning SCSS: Planning to secure your mothers retirement while looking for an option to save taxes as well. You can gift your senior citizen mother up to Rs. 30 lakhs for investment in the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) FDR. This regular interest income helps her stay self-reliant in her old age. CA Kinjal Shah, Secretary BCAS has decoded SCSS scheme and its tax implications. Recommended Stories Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) Key Highlights SCSS is a government-backed fixed deposit scheme offering assured returns for senior citizens. Eligibility: Individuals aged 60 years and above. Individuals aged 55-60 years who have retired under Superannuation, VRS, or Special VRS. Retired Defence Services personnel aged 50 years and above (excluding civilian employees). The account can be opened individually or jointly with a spouse. You can deposit a minimum of Rs 1,000 and a maximum of Rs 30 lakhs, in multiples of Rs 1,000. The tenure is 5 years from the date of account opening. The account can be extended for an additional 3 years after maturity. Interest is payable quarterly on the first working day of April, July, October, and January. Interest does not accrue further if it is not claimed. The account can be closed prematurely after one year, subject to specific conditions. Tax Benefits for Senior Citizen (Mother) Investment Deduction (Section 80C): Deduction up to 1.50 lakhs is available in the year of investment. Interest Income: The interest income is taxable. Interest Deduction (Section 80TTB): Deduction up to 50,000 can be claimed on the total interest earned from deposits in banks, post offices, etc., including SCSS. Tax Implications Under SCSS Any gift from a son or daughter to their senior citizen mother for investment in SCSS is tax-free under Section 56 of the Income Tax Act. How to Open an Account top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all SCSS accounts can be opened at public and private sector banks or post offices. To open an account, fill out the application form and submit your PAN card, address proof, and passport-size photographs. Deposits below 1 lakh can be made in cash, while amounts above 1 lakh must be made by cheque. Upon successful submission, an SCSS account will be opened, and a passbook will be provided. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. About the Author Varun Yadav Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More First Published: May 18, 2025, 11:18 IST After JNU And IIT Roorkee, IIT Bombay Cuts Ties With Turkish Universities Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 10:52 IST IIT Bombay suspended partnerships with Turkish universities over Turkey's support for Pakistan during 'Operation Sindoor'. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. (Image: IIT Bombay) The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has suspended all partnerships with Turkish universities in response to Turkeys support for Pakistan during a period of heightened tensions with India. In a post on its official X handle, the institute said, "Due to the current geopolitical situation involving Turkey, IIT Bombay is processing suspension of its agreements with Turkish universities until further notice." IIT Bombay has a faculty exchange programme with some Turkish institutions. Recommended Stories Due to the current geopolitical situation involving Turkey, IIT Bombay is processing suspension of its agreements with Turkish universities until further notice. IIT Bombay (@iitbombay) May 17, 2025 The move comes in the wake of Turkeys support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and the resulting escalation in tensions with India. Multiple educational institutions including Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Jamia Millia Islamia, have either suspended their collaboration with Turkish universities or are considering it. JNU has suspended a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Turkiyes Inonu University, while Jamia Millia Islamia has suspended all collaboration with Turkish institutions, citing national security considerations. IIT Roorkee also officially withdrew from a memorandum of understanding with Inonu University in Turkey. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Institute remains committed to fostering global collaborations that align with its academic priorities and uphold national interest," IIT Roorkee stated in a post on X. Several other higher education institutes including Chandigarh University have also ended academic ties with 23 universities in Turkey and Azerbaijan over their backing of Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More First Published: May 18, 2025, 10:52 IST Kerala First In India To Make Robotics Education Mandatory For Class 10 Published By : PTI Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 16:38 IST Kerala mandates robotics education for all 4.3 lakh class 10 students from June 2, including hands-on activities like circuit construction and AI-powered smart home systems. Kerala integrates robotics into the ICT textbook to enhance practical skills in robotics and AI. (Representaive Image/Getty) In a pioneering initiative, Kerala has emerged as the first state in the country to make robotics education mandatory for all 4.3 lakh students of class 10, starting from the upcoming academic year on June 2. The integration of robotics into the tenth-grade ICT textbook, specifically the sixth chapter titled "The World of Robots" in the first volume, will empower students to explore fundamental robotics concepts through engaging activities, an official statement said on Sunday. Recommended Stories These include circuit construction, utilising sensors and actuators, and controlling electronic devices using computer programming, K Anvar Sadath, CEO of KITE and Chairman of the ICT Textbook Committee, said in a statement. KITE is the technical arm of the General Education Department of the Kerala government. It has already distributed 29,000 robotic kits to high schools across the state to ensure the effective implementation of this curriculum. "This ambitious initiative builds upon Keralas prior success in making Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning accessible to all seventh-grade students, another national first achieved in the previous academic year," Sadath said. Demonstrating a continued commitment to future-ready skills, AI learning has now been incorporated into the ICT textbooks for grades 8, 9, and 10 as well. The practical experience gained from the robotics curriculum piloted for Little KITEs (Keralas IT club for students) has been instrumental in shaping this comprehensive rollout for all class 10 students, the statement further said. The initial hands-on activity in the textbook challenges students to utilise components from the provided robotic kits such as Arduino breadboards, IR sensors, servo motors, and jumper wires to construct an automated sanitiser dispenser that activates upon detecting a hand, it said. Progressing further, students will also delve into creating AI-powered smart home automation systems, including face-recognition-enabled smart doors. To facilitate this, they will utilize the Face Detection Built-in Model within the Pictoblocks softwares programming IDE, leveraging webcams on laptops and Arduino kits supplied by KITE to program door-opening mechanisms. KITEs innovative robotics learning approach is designed to equip students with the skills to address a wide range of practical problems through cutting-edge technologies. KITE has already conducted the first phase of training on the new tenth-grade ICT textbook for 9,924 teachers. Sadath said dedicated robotics training for teachers will be organised in July. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Furthermore, KITE will ensure the availability of additional robotic kits, extending support to unaided schools following the state syllabus that may require them. The ICT textbook is being provided to all students in Malayalam, English, Tamil, and Kannada mediums, the official added in the statement. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More Location : Thiruvananthapuram, India, India First Published: May 18, 2025, 16:38 IST SSC GD Result 2025 To Be Released Soon: Steps To Check Merit List, Cut-Off And More Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 13:19 IST SSC GD Constable Result 2025: SSC is set to release the soon on ssc.gov.in. The exam was held from February 4 to 25, 2025. SSC GD Result 2025: The selection process includes a written exam, PET/PST, and a medical exam. (Representative Image/AFP) SSC GD Constable Result 2025 Update: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is expected to release the SSC GD Constable 2025 results soon. Once announced, candidates can check their results on the official SSC website ssc.gov.in. The result will be available in PDF format, featuring separate links for the merit list and category-wise cut-off marks. How To Check SSC GD Constable Merit List 2025? Recommended Stories Follow the steps below to download the SSC GD Constable result: Step 1: Go to the official SSC website ssc.gov.in Step 2: Click on the Result" tab on the homepage Step 3: Select Constable-GD" under the exam category Step 4: Click on the link titled SSC GD Constable Exam Result 2025" Step 5: The result PDF will open, listing the roll numbers of qualified candidates and category-wise cut-offs Step 6: Download and save the PDF for future use How To Download SSC GD Constable Cut-Off? Step 1: Go to the official SSC website ssc.gov.in Step 2: On the homepage, click on the link for SSC GD Constable Result 2025 PDF Step 3: Download the PDF and check the SSC GD Cut-Off 2025 mentioned SSC GD Constable Expected Cut-Off 2025 (Category-Wise) Based on past trends and this years exam difficulty level, the expected cut-off range is as follows: UR (General): 145 155 OBC: 135 145 EWS: 138 148 SC: 130 140 ST: 120 130 ESM (Ex-Servicemen): 60 70 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The SSC GD Constable examination is a national-level recruitment test held in Computer-Based Exam (CBE) mode across various centres in India. This years exam was conducted from February 4 to February 25, 2025, and the provisional answer key was released on March 4, 2025. The selection for SSC GD Constable was conducted in three main stages: A written Examination followed by a Physical Efficiency Test (PET) / Physical Standard Test (PST) and a medical examination. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More First Published: May 18, 2025, 13:19 IST How Pakistan Lost Its Airborne Warning And Control System During Operation Sindoor? Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 10:01 IST Ex-Air Marshal Masood Akhtar said Pakistani military tried to save AWACS aircraft, but Indian forces fired back-to-back BrahMos missiles, which hit Bholari airbase near Karachi Reports suggest around 15 BrahMos missiles were launched in precise attacks that targeted critical infrastructure across 11 of 12 key Pakistani Air Forces bases. (Reuters File Photo) The success Operation Sindoor not only brought Pakistan to its knees, but its losses are emerging one after the other by its own admission. A former Pakistani Air Marshal has recently revealed that Islamabad list its Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft in an Indian missile strike on the Bholari airbase near Karachi. The Pakistani government was on a mission to spread propaganda and false claims about damage in India to create panic among people. But Indias Press Information Bureau (PIB) and several defence officials have debunked such claims. Recommended Stories What Did The Pakistani Ex-Air Marshal Reveal? In an interview, former Air Marshal Masood Akhtar said the Pakistani military tried to save the AWACS aircraft, but the missiles kept coming. They (Indian forces) fired four back-to-back Brahmos surface-to-surface missiles or air-to-surface missiles, I am not sure. The Pakistani pilots rushed to secure their aircraft, but the missiles kept on coming, and unfortunately, the fourth one hit the hangar at Bholari airbase, where one of our AWACS was standing. It was damaged," Masood Akhtar said. Notably, Indias missile strike hit the Bholari airbase near Karachi. Indian defence officials confirmed the damage, and satellite images from Maxar Technologies supported these claims. Bholari is Pakistans newest airbase and was the site of the Shaheen IX joint aerial drill with China in 2020. Inaugurated in December 2017, it is considered one of Pakistans most advanced operational airbases, according to reports. What Is Airborne Warning and Control System? The AWACS is a mobile, long-range radar system that plays a key role in Pakistans air defence operations. India on May 8 neutralised Islamabads AWACS aircraft in retaliation after the Pakistan military attempted to hit military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur and some other locations. This hit Pakistans air surveillance and battlefield coordination capabilities. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) operates a fleet of nine Saab 2000 Erieye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, also known as an AWACS. These aircraft, equipped with the Erieye radar, provide Pakistan with airborne surveillance capabilities, including 270-degree radar coverage. The last of the nine Erieye aircraft was delivered to Pakistan on July 2, 2024. In essence, AWACS aircraft function as both early warning systems and battle managers, coordinating air battles, detecting incoming threats, and relaying real-time intelligence to command centres and interceptors. What Did The Indian Government Say? On May 10, India targeted 11 military sites across Pakistan. These included airbases in Nur Khan, Rafiqui, Murid, Sukkur, Sialkot, Pasrur, Chunian, Sargodha, Skardu, Bholari, and Jacobabad. According to the Indian government, the overnight strikes was a historic moment, as this was the first time a country had successfully attacked the airbases of a nuclear-armed nation in a single operation. On Sunday, May 11, Pakistans military said that one of its aircraft had suffered minor damage" in the clash with India. The admission came after India stated it had shot down several Pakistani aircraft while responding to Pakistans escalation following Operation Sindoor. Speaking at a press briefing with air force and navy officials, Pakistan Army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said only one aircraft" had sustained minor damage". He did not share further information about the type of aircraft. IAF Used BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missiles According to an ANI report, around 15 BrahMos missiles were launched in precise attacks that targeted critical infrastructure across 11 of 12 key Pakistani Air Forces bases, effectively paralysing Pakistans strike capabilities. This was part of Round 2 of Indias counter-offensive following the terror attack in Pahalgam. This was the first time the BrahMos missile system was used in an active conflict," sources in the defence establishment told ANI. Its performance exceeded expectations, delivering high-precision strikes that crippled key Pakistani air assets and defence networks," they said. The IAF used dummy aircraft as decoy prompting Pakistan to activate its radar and air defence systems, including the HQ-9 missile batteries, the report revealed. Once this system was exposed, India launched loitering munitions, such as Israelis Harop drones to neutralise the air defence grid. Defence Ministers Khawaja Asifs Reveal top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Soon after the terror attack in Pahalgam, Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admitted the countrys history of backing terror groups to do the dirty work" for the West, a move he called a mistake that has cost his country. In an interview with Sky News, Asif said, Well, we have been doing this dirty work for the United States for about three decades, you know, and the West, including Britain." 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 18, 2025, 09:59 IST The Mexican Navy training ship Cuauhtemoc crashed this Saturday afternoon with the Brooklyn Bridge, in New York, as it was about to leave the city. What was to be a great farewell party, after a four-day stopover, ended in a tragedy that is difficult to explain. At least two crew members were killed and 20 others were injured when the ships three masts broke off and crashed one by one into the base of the citys most famous bridge. The cadets perched on the masts the tallest is 45 meters (147 feet) high, while the bridges gangway is about 39 meters (127 feet) were the last to realize what was about to happen. After eight oclock in the evening, the ship began its departure maneuver. The cadets, their backs to the Brooklyn Bridge, waved goodbye to the crowds on the Manhattan side of Pier 17. Seconds later, the ship appeared to be unbalanced, according to some witnesses, and, moving in reverse, pushed by the current, it went straight into the bridge. Some of the young sailors fell, while others were suspended in the air by their harnesses. Numerous witnesses captured the moment on the hot May afternoon with their cell phones. New York firefighters were the first to arrive on the scene and dozens of videos on social media showed emergency crews carrying the injured on stretchers. Authorities ruled out that any of the sailors fell into the waters of the East River and late Saturday in the area there was only the sign of a fence yielded by the pressure of the boat on the pedestrian promenade that runs along the river in the Brooklyn shore. The mayor of New York, Eric Adams, has assured that the emblematic bridge, which is 142 years old, has not suffered major damage and has indicated that one of the possible causes of the collision could have been an electrical problem that caused the current to drag the boat. Mexicos President Claudia Sheinbaum lamented what happened in the unfortunate accident and thanked the mayor of New York City for his help. Our solidarity and support to the families, she said in a message in which she assured that the Mexican Navy will continue to give updates. Sailors hang on the masts of the Cuauhtemoc, in New York. PORTER BINKS (EFE) Moises and his wife Claudia, a Mexican couple who have been living in the United States for 20 years, were looking forward to visiting the ship. The atmosphere this Saturday was festive. The pier was crowded with curious onlookers who did not want to miss the opportunity to have their picture taken on the deck with the skyline in the background and, on board, the mariachi group Huella Mexicana provided the soundtrack to the farewell with Mexico, lindo y querido and Las Golondrinas, the popular song heard in Mexico in many goodbyes. When the ship began to move away from the dock, it seemed to the couple that it began to lose its balance until it crashed Mexicos ambassador to the United States, Esteban Moctezuma, also participated in the party on board, along with Mexican diplomat Hector Vasconcelos. Moctezuma said after the accident that the Mexican Governments priority is the support to the injured sailors, which has been provided through the Mexican Consulate in New York. The Cuauhtemoc ship is a symbol of Mexico in the world. Today we support it with respect, solidarity and firmness, he said. Although the cause of the accident will still have to be investigated, the first hypotheses point to a failure that generated a loss of power, leaving the vessel at the mercy of the force of the current, which dragged it towards the bridge, but nothing has been determined. One of the people who witnessed the ships departure from shore at Pier 17 points to a failure of the tow boat, which is intended to help the ship leave the dock. The tow boat could never really push the vessel, he claims. Crew members aboard the Cuauhtemoc. Yuki Iwamura (AP) The crew of the Cuauhtemoc is made up of 64 women and 213 men. The ship set sail from the port of Acapulco on April 6 with the mission of exalting the seafaring spirit and carrying the message of peace and goodwill of the Mexican people. On its voyage it was to visit 22 ports in 15 countries around the world. Before arriving in New York, it had been to Jamaica and Cuba. The voyage included 170 days at sea and 84 days in ports. This Saturday night, when it was supposed to set course for Iceland, the ship, surrounded by maritime patrols, spent the night alone on the shores of the city, between the Manhattan and Williamsburg bridges, just a few meters from its place of departure. What Is Resistant Hypertension, Why Does It Require Specialised Treatment? Explained Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 14:16 IST Unlike standard hypertension, which usually responds to medications and lifestyle changes, in resistant hypertension, BP remains elevated despite adherence to recommended treatment As per various studies, around 10% to 23% of the Indian population may have resistance hypertension. What happens if the treatment for high blood pressure does not work? The condition is called resistance hypertension, which does not get treated with drugs, and requires a specialised approach. According to the Journal of Association of Physicians of India, one in five patients with high BP have resistant hypertension, and requires multiple drugs to control it. Recommended Stories What Is Resistant Hypertension? According to the American Heart Association (AHA), resistant hypertension as above goal elevated BP (>140 and/or 90 mmHg) in a patient despite concurrent use of three antihypertensive drug classes calcium channel blocker (CCB), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and a diuretic. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2018 Hypertension Guidelines have made more stringent definition while retaining AHA criteria. Accordingly, it is defined when recommended treatment strategy fails to lower office BP to <140 mmHg and/or <90 mmHg, the control of BP is confirmed by ambulatory or home blood pressure measurement and good adherence is demonstrated. Unlike standard hypertension, which usually responds to medications and lifestyle modifications, in resistant hypertension, the BP remains elevated despite adherence to recommended treatment. Many people believe high blood pressure could be manageable. But due to the lack of awareness, many patients continue to live with uncontrolled hypertension for years. The emotional toll of the condition on a person could make them feel anxious, frustrated, disheartened due to their ability to control the BP. What Are The Indications Of Resistant Hypertension? According to the American Heart Association, underlying causes of resistant hypertension can include hormonal imbalances that affect blood pressure, plaque build-up in the arteries supplying the kidneys, and sleep-related disorders such as sleep apnea. Ambulatory BP monitoring, hormonal testing, imaging of the kidneys, sleep studies, and a detailed review of the patients medication and medical history can help understand the root cause of the problem. Some of the other causes include the inability to maintain a healthy lifestyle: which includes failure to reduce bodyweight or perform regular exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, or non-compliance to salt restriction, prescribed drug doses or follow-up visits. What Are The Treatment Options? Treatment for resistant hypertension have expanded beyond medication over the years. One of the most promising options is a minimally invasive procedure known as renal denervation (RDN). This technique uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt the overactive sympathetic nerves around the renal arteries. By targeting these nerves, RDN helps reduce and regulate the sympathetic drive that keeps blood pressure elevated in many patients with resistant forms of the condition, as per a report by The Hindu. RDN is gaining recognition for its potential to provide sustained blood pressure control and reduce the long-term risk of organ damage. According to a study in TheLancet study, it complements both medication and lifestyle changes, but unlike medications, RDN maintains blood pressure reductions consistently over a 24-hour period. Awareness About Resistant Hypertension In India As per various studies, around 10% to 23% of the Indian population may have resistance hypertension. A 2024 review suggests that about 10% of Indias 234 million hypertensive adultsestimated 23 million individualsmay have resistant hypertension. A Jaipur Heart Watch Study involving over 3,000 patients reported a 19.4% prevalence of resistant hypertension. The condition was more common in women (23.5%) than men (15.7%), and higher among those over 60 years of age. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A study conducted at Burdwan Medical College found a 23.3% prevalence of resistant hypertension among 300 hypertensive patients. Significant risk factors included age over 55, obesity, diabetes, prolonged hypertension duration, and ischemic heart disease. The condition requires deeper investigation, targeted treatment, timely diagnosis and innovative therapies like RDN to bring the high blood pressure under control. 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 18, 2025, 13:47 IST Ashoka University Professor Held For Remarks On Operation Sindoor Briefing By Women Officers Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 13:37 IST After his arrest, Ashoka University released an official statement assuring full support in the investigation, adding that it was ascertaining the details of the case. Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a professor at Ashoka University (Credits: X) Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a professor and head of the Department of Political Science at Ashoka University in Haryanas Sonipat, has been arrested over his social media post on Operation Sindoor press briefing by Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Command Vyomika Singh. Ali Khan Mahmudabad has been arrested from Delhi," Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Rai, Ajeet Singh told PTI. Recommended Stories His arrest comes days after the Haryana State Commission for Women issued a show-cause notice on May 12 raising concern over his social media post. A complaint was later filed by a BJP Yuva Morcha leader, leading to the arrest of the professor. In a notice, the Haryana State Commission for Women had said that a prima facie review of his social media posts revealed various concerns, which included disparaging of women in uniform, including Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Command Vyomika Singh, undermining their role as professional officers in the Indian Armed forces..". Meanwhile, Mahmudabad reacted to the notice and said on X, I am surprised that the Womens Commission, while overreaching its jurisdiction, has misread and misunderstood my posts to such an extent that they have inverted their meaning." Ashoka University Releases Statement Following his arrest, Ashoka University in an official statement said, We have been made aware that Prof Ali Khan Mahmudabad has been taken into police custody earlier today. We are in the process of ascertaining details of the case". The University will continue to cooperate with the police and local authorities in the investigation, fully," it added. Operation Sindoor In response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, India on May 7 launched Operation Sindoor. It targeted nine terrorist spots in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir during the operation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after Pakistan launched drones and missiles targeting civilian areas in India and military stations at Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur. Heavy shelling was reported along the LoC by Pakistan. The situation was brought under control after Pakistan and India reached a bilateral understanding and decided to stop all military action. First Published: May 18, 2025, 13:36 IST Ashoka University Professor, Held For Remarks On Operation Sindoor, Sent To 2-Day Police Remand Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 22:48 IST Ashoka University professor was arrested after two FIRs were lodged on stringent charges, including endangering sovereignty and integrity, for his posts on Operation Sindoor. Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a professor at Ashoka University (Credits: X) Ashoka Universitys head of the political science department, Ali Khan Mahmudabad, was arrested on Sunday after two FIRs were lodged on stringent charges, including endangering sovereignty and integrity, for his social media posts related to Operation Sindoor, police and his lawyer said. One of Mahmudabads lawyers, Kapil Balyan, said that the associate professor was produced before a court this evening and was remanded in police custody for two days in a case registered on the complaint from the Haryana State Commission for Women late Saturday night. Recommended Stories The arrest comes days after the Commission sent a notice to him questioning his remarks, though Mahmudabad had maintained that they were "misunderstood" and asserted that he had exercised his fundamental right to freedom of speech. Deputy Commissioner of Police Narender Kadyan said two FIRs were lodged at the Rai police station here one based on a complaint from the chairperson of Haryana State Commission for Women, Renu Bhatia, and the other on the complaint of a village sarpanch. "Ali Khan Mahmudabad has been arrested in Delhi," Assistant Commissioner of Police, Rai, Ajeet Singh said over phone, adding the action came in connection with some comments related to Operation Sindoor. Mahmudabads lawyer has refuted the charges against him and said the remarks were within the bounds of academic and democratic discourse. Balyan said the defence argued before the court that Mahmudabad is a nationalist and a patriot and his social media post has been wrongly interpreted. In a letter dated May 16 to the state DGP, the Haryana Women Commission had made a recommendation for registration of an FIR against Mahmudabad "based on prima facie evidence and precedent". "On the Commission chairpersons complaint, the FIR has been lodged against Professor Ali of Ashoka University under BNS sections 152 (acts endangering sovereignty or unity and integrity of India), 353 (statements conducing to public mischief), 79 (deliberate actions aimed at insulting the modesty of a woman) and 196 (1) (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion)," Kadyan told reporters here. Balyan claimed the sarpanch who lodged the complaint "is also associated with state BJP Yuva Morcha". "The case was lodged on Saturday and the next morning, the professor was arrested from Delhi. No notice was given to him and he was taken into custody by police," the lawyer said. Police said the case has been lodged on sarpanchs complaint under BNS sections 152, 196 (promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language etc. and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), 197 (imputations, assertions, prejudicial to national integration) and 299 (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs). All these sections are non-bailable. In a statement, the Ashoka University said it was trying to ascertain details of the case and will continue to cooperate with the police and local authorities in the investigation. The Faculty Association of Ashoka University in a statement strongly condemned Mahmudabads arrest on "groundless and untenable charges". "We condemn the calculated harassment to which Professor Mahmudabad has been subjected: after being arrested early in the morning from his home in New Delhi, he was taken to Sonipat, not allowed access to necessary medication, and driven around for hours without any communication about his whereabouts," it said. The CPI(M), AIMIM leader Asaddudin Owaisi and Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra were among those who denounced the police action. Moitra said they will move the court against the arrest. The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Association (JNUTA), in a statement, expressed outrage at the "wholly unwarranted arrest" and demanded that the charges against him be dropped. In its May 12 notice, the Haryana State Commission for Women mentioned that the panel has taken suo motu cognisance of the "public statements/remarks" made "on or about May 7" by Mahmudabad. Mahmudabads remarks had been annexed to the Commissions notice, and in one of them, he said that right-wing people applauding Col Qureshi should demand protection for victims of mob lynchings and "arbitrary" bulldozing of properties. The associate professor described the media briefings by Col Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh as "optics". "But optics must translate to reality on the ground, otherwise its just hypocrisy," he had said. The Commission had earlier said an initial review of Mahmudabads remarks has raised concerns about the "disparagement of women in uniform, including Col Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh, and undermining their role as professional officers in the Indian Armed Forces". Wing Commander Singh had briefed the media alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Col Qureshi on Operation Sindoor. Meanwhile, the Commissions complaint alleges that the associate professors social media post "is interwoven with language that might read sympathising in the first glance to few but after a careful informed reading it portrays the words which are completely uncalled for in the current geopolitical space and domestic security and peace concerns". "His words such as arbitrarysenseless death deserve serious condemnation in all shapes and forms as the context of the statement can neither be attributed to good faith nor can it be called ejusdem generis due to the absence of a declaration of war by the Government of India," it says. "Observed through an objective lens and the prudent man test, it goes on to depict a clear meaning of calling the targeted retaliatory action of the Indian Army as arbitrary," it further says. Being an academician, Ali, owes special responsibility towards society as a whole to be more careful with his words, it says, while adding his usage of cyber space to share the following sentiments cannot be seen to be aligned with fundamental right of free speech guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India. It says that the associate professor "goes further to name a political party, calling it a hate-mongering entity and cites a set of people as right-wing commentators while acknowledging that they applauded Col. Sophia Querishi during the press conference". "The mention of only Col. Qureshi during this statement clearly suggests the authors intent to clothe his post with the colour of religious identity. "This could have far-reaching repercussions, considering the power of cyberspace in the current times. It leads to promotion of enmity amongst religious groups in India, leading to disharmony when we as a country must stand united in such challenging times, supporting the acts of our combat forces," it says, according to the FIR. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all It claims that remarks not only insulted the women officers "personally but questioned the ability of women in general and showcased them as instruments for furthering a narrative or agenda, thereby questioning their ability." Indian armed forces hit terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of May 7 under Operation Sindoor in retaliation against the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The associate professor had earlier said he exercised his "fundamental right to freedom of thought and speech in order to promote peace and harmony and to applaud the Indian armed forces for their resolute action, while criticising those who preach hatred and seek to destabilise India". Location : Sonipat, India, India First Published: May 18, 2025, 22:48 IST Bombay HC Allows Devotees To Build Temporary Shelter At Vile Parle Jain Site Amid Monsoon Concerns Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 12:32 IST Weeks ago, a small Jain shrine in the locality was removed, triggering deep disappointment among the community Their plea was to be allowed to protect their sacred space from the rain and continue with their regular prayers and rituals. In a significant development for the Jain community, the Bombay high court (HC) court has granted permission for construction of a temporary shed at their religious site in Vile Parle (East), providing much-needed relief as the monsoon approaches. The ruling marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing efforts to safeguard community sentiments while adhering to legal protocols. Recommended Stories Weeks ago, a small Jain shrine in the locality was removed, triggering deep disappointment among the community. Devotees, however, responded peacefully, choosing the legal route. Their plea was to be allowed to protect their sacred space from the rain and continue with their regular prayers and rituals. The shed, now being rapidly constructed under the supervision of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) K-East ward, is more than just a protective structure. It represents an affirmation of the communitys faith, a practical measure to ensure the safety of the devotees, and a symbol of civic empathy. It will provide cover for worshippers and allow religious activities to proceed uninterrupted, despite seasonal challenges. For the local Jain population, this is not merely about shelter from the rain it is about preserving a spiritual connection in a city constantly in flux. State Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha played a pivotal role in bringing about this resolution. Through persistent follow-up and intervention, he ensured that the concerns of the Jain community were heard and addressed. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This is not just a matter of religion," Lodha said, reacting to the court order. Its a victory of public sentiment and a testament to how faith and law can coexist harmoniously. We stood firmly by our Jain brothers and sisters, and todays decision reaffirms their belief and dignity," he said. About the Author Mayuresh Ganapatye Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. He previously worked with... Read More Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. He previously worked with... Read More First Published: May 18, 2025, 12:31 IST Cant She Speak To Her Friends In: Father Of Alleged Spy YouTuber Defends Daughter Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 19:17 IST Jyoti Malhotra, a travel content creator from Hisar, was arrested and placed under a five-day police remand for allegedly revealing details of national security to Pakistan. Jyoti was sent to a 5-day police custody after her confession. The father of Haryanvi Youtuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested in Hisar along with several others for allegedly spying for Pakistan amid heightening India-Pakistan tensions on Saturday, has questioned her daughters arrest and said that why she could not contact her friends living in Pakistan. Jyoti, a travel content creator from Hisar, was arrested and placed under a five-day police remand for allegedly revealing details of national security to Pakistan. Recommended Stories She made YouTube videos. She used to visit Pakistan and other places. If she has some friends there, cant she call them? I have no demands, but give us our phones. A case has been registered against us," news agency ANI quoted Harsh Malhotra as saying. He further added that his daughter had taken all necessary permissions before travelling to Pakistan. According to him, police officials arrived at their home on Sunday at 9:30 am. They were here the whole day conducting the investigation. They checked all our documents and belongings. Her laptop, phone, documents, and scooter were all seized by authorities. Hisar, Haryana: YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra has been arrested by Hisar Police in a high-profile espionage case. She was reportedly in contact with a Pakistani High Commission officer named Danish, who allegedly facilitated her visit to Pakistan.Her father, Harish Malhotra says, pic.twitter.com/uUlOX8veFV IANS (@ians_india) May 17, 2025 Meanwhile, Hisar Superintendent of Police Shashank Kumar Sawan on Sunday said that Pakistani intelligence operatives (PIOs) are actively trying to recruit Indian social media influencers to push their narrative" online. Allegations Against Jyoti Malhotra As per the FIR registered by the police, the YouTuber was in constant touch with her Pakistani handlers via social media apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat during the recent military standoff between India and Pakistan, following Operation Sindoor. However, he clarified that while she maintained contact with the PIOs, there is no evidence so far of her having direct access to critical defence information. She also allegedly revealed details that could potentially be harmful to national security, officials said. Although she remained in touch with PIOs, she did not have any direct access to critical military or defence information," he added. Malhotra, who has 377k subscribers on YouTube and 132k followers on Instagram, is accused of passing on sensitive information to Pakistans intelligence agency, ISI. She had allegedly met Pakistani officer Ahsan-ur-Rahim in Delhi and then travelled to Pakistan thrice. She had also revealed that she had attended an Iftar dinner at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi last year. In the video posted on YouTube on March 30, 2024, the 33-year-old YouTuber was seen meeting several people and officials including, Ahsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, who had reportedly been declared persona non grata and was asked to leave India within 24 hours for committing espionage and leaking sensitive information regarding the movements of the Indian Army this week. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The police registered a case against her under Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923 and also under Section 152 of the BNS. She was sent to a 5-day police custody after her confession. The Economic Offences Wing is investigating her case. The authorities said that the YouTuber was a part of a larger espionage network with such operatives spread across Haryana and Punjab. 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 : Hisar, India, India First Published: May 18, 2025, 19:14 IST Constitution Of India Supreme, Three Pillars Of Democracy Equal: CJI Gavai Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 18:51 IST When questioned about his comments regarding the protocol lapse at Chaitya Bhoomi, CJI Gavai replied that he is "not fussy" about protocols. Justice BR Gavai, Chief Justice Of India. (File Image: PTI) The three pillars of democracy judiciary, legislature and executive are equal, Chief Justice of India BR Gavai said on Sunday, adding that constitutional institutions must show respect to each other. His remarks came in the backdrop of a debate over judicial overreach stemming from a few recent rulings by the Supreme Court. CJI BR Gavai, who took charge last month to become the second Dalit person to hold the office, was attending a felicitation ceremony in Mumbai. He subsequently visited Babasaheb Ambedkars memorial Chaitya Bhoomi during his visit to his home state, Maharashtra. Recommended Stories He also said protocol breaches by judges would trigger debates regarding Article 142, which grants the Supreme Court special powers. During his address at the event organized by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa, the CJI noted the absence of three key officials: the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, the Director General of Police, and the Mumbai Police Commissioner. The three pillars of democracy Judiciary, Legislature and Executive are equal. Every Constitutional institution must reciprocate and show respect to other institutions. When a person from Maharashtra becomes the Chief Justice of India and visits Maharashtra for the first time, if the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, the Director General of Police or the Mumbai Police Commissioner dont feel it appropriate to be present, then they need to reflect on that. Protocols are not something new, its a question of the respect one constitutional body gives to another," CJI Gavai stated. He further added, When the head of a constitutional institution visits the state for the first time, the way they are treated should be reconsidered. Had it been any one of us, discussions about Article 142 would have arisen. These may seem like small things, but the public must be made aware of them." Subsequently, at Chaitya Bhoomi, Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla, and Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti were present, after being informed of the CJIs remarks. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all When questioned about his comments regarding the protocol lapse at Chaitya Bhoomi, CJI Gavai replied that he is not fussy" about protocols but merely conveyed what had transpired. The CJIs remarks, particularly his reference to Article 142, hold significant weight amidst allegations of judicial overreach following the Supreme Courts recent landmark judgment in the Tamil Nadu case, which established a deadline for the President and Governors to clear Bills passed by the legislature for a second time. About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" First Published: May 18, 2025, 18:39 IST EAM Jaishankar To Begin Europe Trip On Monday With Visits To Netherlands, Denmark, Germany Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 13:32 IST Jaishankar will meet the top leadership of the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany and hold discussions with his counterparts from these countries. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar (PTI Image) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will begin his six-day Europe trip on Monday (May 19) by paying an official visit to the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany, according to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs. His trip will last till May 24. Jaishankar will meet the top leadership of all three countries and hold discussions with his counterparts on the entire gamut of bilateral relations as well as regional and global matters of mutual interest. Recommended Stories The visit is likely part of Indias continued efforts to deepen its strategic engagement with key European partners. The discussions are expected to include cooperation in trade, technology, renewable energy, innovation and people-to-people ties. The visit will take place days after India achieved a historic achievement by concluding a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, eliminating tariffs on 99 per cent of Indian products entering the UK market. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the FTA as historic milestone" that India and the UK have achieved in concluding an FTA between the two countries. Last month, Jaishankar had said that India was geared up for a high degree of urgency" in reaching trade negotiations with several countries, including the European Union, amid US President Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs. Looking For Partners, Not Preachers Earlier this month, the External Affairs Minister had taken a dig at some European countries, saying India was looking for partners and not preachers who do not practice the same principles at home. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Speaking at the Arctic Circle India Forum 2025, Jaishankar said, When we look at the world, we look for partners, we dont look for preachers. Particularly, preachers who dont practice at home what they preach abroad. Some of Europe is still struggling with that problem." He also said that Europe was getting a reality check as it was finally seeing the realities of multipolarity today. I think it has still not adjusted and absorbed it fully. The US has dramatically changed positions," he said. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More First Published: May 18, 2025, 13:16 IST Jyoti Malhotra Arrest: Police Say Pakistan Intel Using Indian Influencers To 'Push Narrative' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 17:53 IST According to the police, Malhotra was tasked with promoting a positive image of Pakistan through her social media work YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra among those arrested for allegedly spying on India Hisar Superintendent of Police Shashank Kumar Sawan on Sunday said that Pakistani intelligence operatives (PIOs) are actively trying to recruit Indian social media influencers to push their narrative" online. Sawan made these remarks amid an ongoing investigation into Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotras alleged links, following her arrest on charges of spying for Pakistan. Recommended Stories Modern warfare is not only fought on the border," SP Sawan told the media at a press briefing. The PIOs are trying to recruit some social media influencers, and they use that to push their narrative. We received inputs from the central agencies, and we arrested Jyoti Malhotra. She had visited Pakistan multiple times and China once. She was in contact with the PIOs." #WATCH | Jyoti, a resident of Haryanas Hisar, has been arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information and being in continuous contact with a Pakistani citizen.SP Hisar Shashank Kumar Sawan says, Modern warfare is not only fought on the border. The PIOs are trying to pic.twitter.com/fFKP6KBSKK ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2025 Malhotra, a travel content creator from Hisar, was taken into custody on 16 May and placed under a five-day police remand. Her financial records are also being scrutinised. Her travel details are defying her total income," the officer added. SP Sawan further revealed that Malhotra was allegedly in touch with Pakistani operatives during the recent military standoff between India and Pakistan, following Operation Sindoor. However, he clarified that while she maintained contact with the PIOs, there is no evidence so far of her having direct access to critical defence information. Although she remained in touch with PIOs, she did not have any direct access to critical military or defence information," he added. Hisar, Haryana: On the arrest of YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra for allegedly spying for Pakistan, SP Hisar Shashank Kumar Sawan says, During the conflict, she was in contact with PIOs Although she remained in touch with PIOs, she did not have any direct access to critical military pic.twitter.com/N8Z5Fez4mh IANS (@ians_india) May 18, 2025 Malhotra, 33, runs a travel blog and a YouTube channel titled Travel with JO," which has over 3.77 lakh subscribers. Her Instagram account also has more than 1.33 lakh followers. She is accused of sharing sensitive information" with a Pakistani staff member at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, who was expelled from India on 13 May for alleged espionage. According to the police, Malhotra was tasked with promoting a positive image of Pakistan through her social media work. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The YouTuber has been booked under Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act, which deals with acts prejudicial to Indias sovereignty and integrity. ALSO READ: Odisha Police Launch Probe Into Puri YouTubers Suspected Ties With Alleged Spy Jyoti Malhotra 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 : Haryana, India, India First Published: May 18, 2025, 17:51 IST Kolkata Top Cops Stern Directives: Focus On Pakistani Flag Surveillance, Waqf Law Protests Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 15:19 IST Sources in Kolkata Police told News18 the commissioner has directed officers to identify any locations where Pakistani flags are likely to be printed or manufactured Protest rally organised against the Waqf Act in Kolkata. (PTI File) Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma, during a recent crime review meeting held on Saturday, issued a series of firm instructions to officers across all police stations, encompassing matters of national sensitivity, law and order, and public safety. Sources in Kolkata Police told News18 that the commissioner directed all officers to closely monitor their respective jurisdictions to identify any locations where Pakistani flags are likely to be printed or manufactured. Recommended Stories PAKISTANI FLAGS In light of heightened Indo-Pakistan tensions, Verma emphasised the need to prevent the use of such flags to incite unrest. Officers have been asked to track printing presses or vendors who could possibly get requests to produce these flags and to identify buyers or groups linked to recent purchases, if any. The commissioner warned that anti-social elements may exploit the current atmosphere to provoke disturbances, and such threats must be neutralised at the earliest. WAQF LAW PROTESTS Addressing concerns over recent protests related to the Waqf Act in several areas under the jurisdiction of the Kolkata Police, the commissioner instructed all police stations concerned to remain vigilant and intensify source-based intelligence gathering. The aim is to prevent any further unrest or escalation over the issue. The entire security system was reviewed, along with the working of police stations and the role of supervisory officers during their visits. TEACHERS PROTEST Amid ongoing demonstrations by unemployed teachers, the commissioner urged the force to exercise restraint and patience. Officers were advised to handle the situation sensitively and with composure. WOMENS SAFETY Referring to recent incidents of harassment near Gariahat and Bypass areas, officers were directed to act immediately upon receiving any complaints. Emphasis was placed on enhanced patrolling to prevent such crimes and reassure public safety. ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTION AND ENCROACHMENT OF WATER BODIES top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Commissioner stressed strict action against illegal constructions and warned that any complaints regarding the filling of ponds or wetlands must be acted upon promptly. These directives reflect a proactive law enforcement strategy aimed at preserving public order and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens in Kolkata. 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 18, 2025, 13:04 IST Modi Government Shuts Ports For Bangladesh: Decoding The Northeast, China & Pakistan Connection Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 14:50 IST Although India cited congestion at ports as the reason, the strategic messaging was almost unmissable . Both the orders came after Mohammad Yunus, the chief advisor of the interim government in Bangladesh, made a comment regarding India's northeastern region, which did not go down well with the government. (AFP File) On May 17, the Modi government issued an order restricting imports of several Bangladeshi goods primarily the garments known as the backbone of the countrys trade through its northeastern land ports, permitting their entry only via Kolkata and Nhava Sheva seaports. This is seen as an economic and geopolitical strategy with future implications and international ramifications. Recommended Stories Significantly, it comes just weeks after the Modi government cancelled the transshipment facility granted to Dhaka in 2020, which had allowed Bangladesh to export goods to third countries using Indian ports and airports. The decisions are crucial because of their timing. Both the orders came after Mohammad Yunus, the chief advisor of the interim government in Bangladesh, made a comment regarding Indias northeastern region, which did not go down well with the government. The new Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) notification, dated May 17, mentioned that a cross-section of Bangladeshi exports ready-made garments, processed food, select beverages, cotton waste, plastic articles, and wooden furniture are disallowed entry through land customs stations across the northeastern region, including Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, and parts of West Bengal. Although India cited congestion at ports" as the reason, the strategic messaging was almost unmissable and unmistakable. STRATEGIC RETALIATION DISGUISED AS TRADE POLICY This is not just trade friction in isolation. It is a calibrated tightening of screws, said a senior official. It is going to have more impact than we can probably imagine as far as their trade and other policies are concerned." After the fall of Sheikh Hasinas government, India really tried hard to balance both sides by sheltering the former PM as part of Indias traditional and conventional value system, while on the other side, the government also tried to build a bridge with the new interim government by working out fresh policies. But the repeated mentions of northeast regions by the chief advisor, despite PM Modis caveats, made things worse," he added. Every time the Yunus-led interim government raises Northeast Indias issues at international fora or finds common cause with China and Pakistan, whether on water sharing, border management, or regional infrastructure, India responds not with words, but with trade or trade-related retaliation. The cancellations are quiet, clinical, and increasingly habitual. However, they are also telling in terms of implications. WIDE AND VARIED IMPLICATIONS For Dhaka, the timing couldnt be worse. The garment sector the export-quality material manufactured there accounts for over 80% of its export earnings. The low-cost access to Indias vast market, especially through some market majors via proximate northeastern states, has been a critical economic lever. The sector has been a fulcrum of Bangladeshs economy. With land ports now off limits, exporters must reroute shipments via Kolkata or Nhava Sheva (Maharashtra), spiking both cost and delivery time. These are both seaports which make regular trade slightly unfeasible in terms of cost escalations. The earlier scrapping of the transshipment facility had already signalled New Delhis intent to re-evaluate multiple privileges extended to its eastern neighbour. TRUST DEFICIT This isnt just about trade. Its about trust. New Delhi is becoming increasingly uneasy about Dhakas growing economic and strategic proximity to Beijing and support to Pakistan. At a time when Chinese investments in infrastructure projects in southern Bangladesh, including at ports and industrial zones, have triggered quiet alarms in South Block, the scenes of high-profile Pakistani delegations travelling to Dhaka and holding strategic meetings have left India uncomfortable. The posturing of the interim government has gone far from being a friendly neighbour now, said a source working in a strategic think tank. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Bangladeshs repeated positioning of itself as a gateway to Indias Northeast, while inviting greater Chinese presence, has only deepened Indias strategic caution," he added. Indias latest decision by imposing some restrictions serves both as rebuke and reminder to Bangladesh, stating that market access and logistical cooperation arent guaranteed entitlements, but conditional to broader strategic alignment. 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 18, 2025, 14:48 IST Children have not been left out of the Trump administrations campaign against undocumented immigrants. Deportation without parents consent, family separation, obstacles to being taken in by sponsors and the elimination of legal representation in court for children who arrived in the United States unaccompanied are some of the governments recent initiatives targeting minors. And now, the welfare of such children is the focus of a Department of Homeland Security campaign involving several agencies, including the FBI, which consists of unannounced visits to the homes of undocumented children to check that they are not being abused or exploited. Typically, the checks involve between four and six agents, sometimes armed and in plainclothes, who knock on the doors of homes to interview minors and their families. These welfare checks are planting fear, panic and confusion among children and family members around the country. Numerous minors have been subjected to deportation proceedings after such checks, which are by definition a tactic of migratory control, says Jason Boyd, vice-president of federal policy for the organization Kids in Need of Defense. Advocates for impacted minors say that the real objective of these welfare checks is actually to find more undocumented migrants, both children and adults, in order to deport them. In two months, 100 children have been removed from their homes and placed under federal custody after the family members they live with were detained or deported, according to a federal official interviewed by the Associated Press who wished to remain anonymous. I have no peace, Juan, a Honduran immigrant who was the sponsor of a teen niece who crossed the U.S. border on her own a few years ago, told the Honolulu Civil Beat. Last month, upon coming home from work, his neighbors informed him that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents had come to look for him and his niece. Now, Juan and his family his three children, who were born in the United States, attend school in South Kona, Hawaii leave home at dawn and stay out until night falls. His niece no longer goes to school. Boyd says that various KIND clients who have experienced welfare checks are afraid to attend school or show up for court dates because they fear that participating in the immigration system or other official procedures could lead to consequences, including their deportation or that of their family members. A child migrant at a residential center in South Texas in August 2019. Jabin Botsford (Getty Images) In Hawaii, several deportation cases have been documented that were the consequence of a welfare check. Questions have been asked of minors that include how they arrived in the United States, if they attend school and where, if they work, where they work and what kind of job they do, in addition to asking them for information about their parents and others with whom they are currently living. When minors arrive on their own to the United States, they are transferred to the Office of Refugee Resettlement, where they remain until a sponsor takes over their custody. That can be their own parents already living in the United States, other family members or, as a last resort, people who are not in their family. In all situations, checks are carried out to make sure that children are in safe living situations, though these are often not rigorous enough to ensure their welfare, experts say. Through March of this year, 23,784 children who arrived unaccompanied have been turned over to sponsors. Last years total was 99,381, having decreased from that of the previous three years. Fear tactics In addition to contributing to the largest number of deportations in history, enforcement of which is one of Trumps stated goals, critics say that welfare checks help to spread terror among potential sponsors. They want to instill fear so that the community becomes distressed and says, Oh my God, if we sponsor a minor, theyre going to come to our house, find the undocumented people and deport us! says Gladis Molina, executive director of The Young Center. Her organization provides support to minors who cross the border unaccompanied and who have to file paperwork for requesting asylum. Molina says that one of the children that they assist (whose name is withheld for their protection) was transferred from Hawaii to a migrant detention center in California after their older sibling, who had been their caretaker, was deported following an unannounced welfare check. The child, who is Honduran, was sent back to the same detention center they left over a year ago, where they will continue their immigration process. Two Venezuelan families stay at home out of fear of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol raids in Aurora, Colorado on January 31. Kevin Mohatt (REUTERS) Molina says that many of the children whose sponsors are detained are transferred to migrant detention centers, instead of being turned over to local authorities and facilities designed for minors. The Department of Health and Human Services posted on X last month that, ORR is digging through nearly 65,000 reports of concern about unaccompanied alien children most ignored, many dismissed each one a missed chance to protect a child. This isnt just paperwork. This is a systemic failure of the Biden administration. It is childrens lives put at risk. It added: The Trump administration WILL NOT look away. The system may have failed before, but not on our watch. Were rebuilding trust, restoring accountability, and putting children first exactly where they belong. Sexual exploitation A high-ranking official gave AP an example of a man in Cleveland who pretended to be a 14-year-old girls brother and arranged for her to travel from Guatemala to the United States. Neither his fingerprints nor DNA were analyzed to verify his claim. The man was declared guilty of having sexually assaulted the minor in an Ohio state court in 2024 and was sentenced to eight years in prison. The trafficking of minors and labor and sexual exploitation are risks faced by migrant children both on their way to the United States and when they arrive at their final destination. Still, advocates say that prior cases do not justify this kind of welfare check. Im not going to say that these cases cant happen, but if they do, its like 0.1% of all situations. Theyre not the majority of cases, thats the first thing, says Molina. Number two is that these situations should be identified before a minor is placed with a sponsor. And number three, what were seeing is that people think federal officials are going to come to their homes to deport them. That makes them go into hiding and creates more vulnerable situations. A crackdown on children The crackdown on unaccompanied minors has been carried out on several fronts. Funding has been cut by the government to organizations that defend them, leaving some 26,000 children without legal representation. This is another area in which the Trump administrations actions have been erratic, first restoring and then canceling one program altogether. A judge ordered that funding be maintained to prevent children from appearing alone in court. But already, the anxiety and fear of facing trial solo has caused harm to minors. An unaccompanied minor waits to be taken to a Border Patrol intake area after entering the United States in Roma, Texas, in March 2021. Dario Lopez-Mills (AP) Children lose hope for reuniting with their loved ones in the United States and getting a fair chance for seeking legal protection in the country. That despair has led, in many cases, to children voluntarily leaving the United States and returning to their countries of origin, despite the dangers they face there, says Boyd. Funding for legal services is only guaranteed until September, and there are serious doubts as to whether it will continue after that. Requirements to sponsor a minor have also been tightened, making it more difficult for them to be reunited with parents and other relatives. As a result, the average time children spend in shelters under ORR custody was more than 200 days in April, up from 64 days six months earlier. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition No India-Pakistan DGMO Talks Today, Confirms Indian Army; Ceasefire To Continue Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Ronit Singh Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 10:47 IST The ceasefire understanding between the two nations, which was finalised during the DGMO-level interaction on May 12, will continue to remain in effect BSF jawan near India-Pakistan border check post, near Amritsar | PTI Image India and Pakistan are not scheduled to hold any Director General of Military Operations (DGMO)-level talks today, May 18, the Indian Army confirmed. However, the ceasefire understanding between the two nations, which was discussed during the DGMO-level interaction on May 12, will continue to remain in effect, it added. Recommended Stories No DGMO talks are scheduled today. As far as, a continuation of a break in hostilities, as decided in the DGMO interaction of 12 May is concerned, there is no expiry date to it," the Indian Army officials told CNN-News18. The India and Pakistan tensions escalated after the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam which claimed the lives of 26 people. In response to the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Last DGMO-Level Talks The two nations last held talks on May 12 to reinforce the ceasefire understanding reached on May 10, following four days of intense cross-border exchanges. Talks between DGMOs (of India and Pakistan) were held at 5 pm, May 12, 2025. Issues related to continuing the commitment that both sides must not fire a single shot or initiate any aggressive and inimical action against each other were discussed," the Indian Army said. The Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) is a senior army official responsible for overseeing military planning and border operations. On May 10, India and Pakistan agreed to cease all firing and military activity after the Pakistani DGMO initiated a call to his Indian counterpart, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, just hours after both nations agreed to a truce, the Pakistan army violated it along the International Border and the Line of Control (LoC) at multiple locations in Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar, as well as parts of Punjab and Rajasthan. The Indian Armed Forces retaliated effectively and issued a strong warning to Pakistan against any future ceasefire violations. First Published: May 18, 2025, 09:40 IST Odisha Police Launch Probe Into Puri YouTubers Suspected Ties With Alleged Spy Jyoti Malhotra Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 16:16 IST The woman, whose identity has not been officially revealed by the police, is being questioned about her connection with Malhotra Jyoti Malhotra is accused of passing sensitive information to a staff member at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. (Image via Instagram) A day after Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra was arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan, the Odisha Police have launched a probe into her possible links with a content creator based in Puri. Malhotra, also known online as Travel with JO", was arrested in Hisar, Haryana, on Saturday for allegedly passing sensitive information to a staff member of the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. On 13 May, the Indian government had expelled the Pakistani official involved, accusing him of espionage. Recommended Stories Officials have now confirmed that Malhotra had travelled to Puri in September 2024, where she met with a local woman YouTuber. The woman, whose identity has not been officially revealed by the police, is being questioned about her connection with Malhotra and the latters activities during her visit to the coastal town. Speaking to reporters, Puri Superintendent of Police Vinit Agrawal said, We found that Jyoti Malhotra had visited Puri last year, and we are verifying the fact. Anything more can be shared after the verification." A police team visited the Puri YouTubers home on Sunday and questioned her about Malhotras visit including details of where she went and whom she met. Interestingly, it has also come to light that the Puri-based YouTuber recently visited the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan. The womans father confirmed that police had visited their home and questioned his daughter. My daughter came in contact with Jyoti Malhotra as both are YouTubers. As a friendship developed between them, Malhotra visited Puri. As it is a matter of the nations security, a proper investigation should be carried out. We will cooperate with the police," he said. My daughter visited Kartarpur in Pakistan with another friend, not Malhotra, three or four months ago for a pilgrimage. My daughter has no involvement in anti-national activities and was unaware of Malhotras alleged espionage," the Puri YouTubers father said. In a statement posted on Instagram, the Puri YouTuber wrote: Jyoti was just a friend of mine, and I came in contact with her through YouTube. I was unaware of anything which she is accused of. I would not have been in touch with her if I knew she was spying for enemy Pakistan." She added, If any investigative agency wishes to cross-question, I would provide full cooperation. Nation is above all. Jai Hind." The Odisha Police are working closely with central agencies and the Haryana Police to verify all details. No case has been registered so far, but the investigation is ongoing. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ: Who Is Jyoti Malhotra? YouTuber Arrested For Allegedly Spying On India For Pakistan (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 Location : Odisha (Orissa), India, India First Published: May 18, 2025, 16:12 IST Short Circuit Caused Hyderabad Building Fire That Killed 17? What Officials Said Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 16:33 IST The list of the deceased includes a 1.5-year-old, Prathan, who was the youngest amongst all. Firefighters carry out rescue and relief work after a fire broke out in a building near Gulzar Houz in the Old City area of Hyderabad in Telangana, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (PTI) A fire that broke out at the Krishna Pearls shop and the residential building in Hyderabads Gulzar Houz area, killing at least 17 people, was caused by a short circuit, the preliminary investigations by the fire department revealed. A total of 11 fire engines were dispatched to the spot to bring the blaze under control. Recommended Stories The list of the 17 deceased released by the Telangana Fire Disaster Response Emergency and Civil Defence includes the names of eight children under the age of 10. According to a statement by the Telangana disaster response and fire services director general, Y Nagi Reddy, the initial inquiry showed that the cause of the fire was a short circuit. Telanganas Disaster Response and Fire Services Director General, Y Nagi Reddy, stated that a preliminary investigation indicates a short circuit as the probable cause of the fire. The preliminary examination shows that the cause was a short circuit. The cause of death of all the 17 people was smoke inhalation, nobody had burn injuries," ANI news agency quoted Reddy as saying. Reddy said that after receiving the information about the blaze at 6:16 AM, 11 fire engines with the required staff were dispatched immediately. The firefighters had to use oxygen masks and breathing apparatus to rescue the people trapped in the building. There was no deficiency in the fire department fighting the fire and rescuing the people The building had only one entryway of two metres, like a tunnel. There is only one staircase of one metre to access the first and second floors. This made the escape and rescue operation very difficult. By 9 am, the fire was under control A total of 21 people were inside the building The cause of death is smoke inhalation; nobody had burn injuries," the fire official said. The list of the deceased includes a 1.5-year-old, Prathan, who was the youngest amongst all. The seven other children have been identified as 7-year-old Hamey, 4-year-old Priyansh, 2-year-old Iraaj, 3-year-old Arushi, 4-year-old Rishabh, 3-year-old Anuyan, and 4-year-old Iddu. PM Modi Announces Ex-Gratia Of Rs 2 Lakh top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish at the loss of life in the Hyderabad building fire. He also announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakhs from the Prime Ministers National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of those who lost their lives. Rs 50,000 will be given to those who were injured in the mishap. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed profound grief over the incident and directed officials to take immediate action to rescue those trapped. He also ordered the injured to be shifted to nearby hospitals for better medical care. First Published: May 18, 2025, 16:14 IST Healthy Indulgence: How to Build the Perfect Instagram-Worthy Smoothie Bowl Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 07:30 IST Crafting the perfect smoothie bowl is an intersection of culinary creativity and mindful wellness Crafting the perfect smoothie bowl is an intersection of culinary creativity and mindful wellness Smoothie bowls have become more than just a breakfast trendtheyre edible art that blends nutrition, wellness, and creativity. Found on cafe menus and all over social media, these vibrant bowls are a favorite for those who want to start their day on a refreshing, health-boosting note. But how do you create a smoothie bowl thats both nourishing for the body and pleasing to the eye? Weve put together a guide with inputs from wellness and food experts to help you master the smoothie bowlwhether youre making it for breakfast or your Instagram feed. Recommended Stories 1. Start with a Creamy and Colorful Base The foundation of a smoothie bowl is everything. The base needs to be thick and luscioussmooth enough to scoop, yet firm enough to hold the toppings without sinking. Smoothie bowls without a base are almost non-existent. Bananas, mangoes, and pineapples work best as they dont require added milk or sugar to become creamy," shares Sahaj Chopra, co-Founder and Director, Juice Guys. Incorporate something like a sweet and refreshing Mango Tango blend, enhanced with mango, orange, pineapple, and honey, for a smooth and tasty touch." A thicker base not only gives structure to your bowl but also enhances its spoonable texture. Greek yogurt or frozen fruit blends work wonders here. 2. Add Bright Fruits for Beauty and Taste Once the base is set, its time to bring in the color. Vibrant fruits are both visually pleasing and packed with essential nutrients. Color is a vital aspect when creating a smoothie bowl that is equally delicious," explains Sahil Arya, Co-Founder and Director at Fat Tiger. To add a pop of color, use strawberries, kiwi, dragon fruit, or blueberries. Arrange them in straight lines or circles to make your bowl Instagram-worthy." These fruits dont just add flairtheyre full of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, making your breakfast a feast for both the eyes and the body. 3. Play with Toppings and Textures A truly standout smoothie bowl balances texture as much as flavor. Crunchy, chewy, smootheach element should contrast yet complement. Toppings are the primary focus when decorating a smoothie bowl," says Arya. Banana slices, granola, and peanut butter help anchor the base, while lighter toppings like chia seeds tend to float. Incorporate a mix of texturesultra-smooth, slightly firm, and perfectly crunchyfor the best experience." Think coconut flakes, a drizzle of honey, or even edible flowers for that added charm. Just remember: dont stir your toppings in; place them gently on top to preserve the visual symmetry. 4. Choose Ingredients That Energize A smoothie bowl can be more than just a mealit can be a morning ritual that aligns with your bodys energy needs. Every ingredient has its own energy," notes Anchal Rout, a Yoga and Reiki healing practitioner from Delhi NCR. Bananas provide strength, berries bring calm, and seeds ground you. Herbs like mint or tulsi and spices like cinnamon add balance and clarity to the mind." Listening to what your body needs on any given day, and tailoring your ingredients accordingly, transforms your smoothie bowl into a thoughtful, energizing self-care ritual. 5. Practice Mindful Eating Its not just whats in the bowl that mattersits how you consume it. Mindful eating encourages you to slow down, enjoy the textures, and truly savor each bite. Smoothie bowls are more than foodtheyre acts of nourishment and self-care," says Rout. Look at the colors, feel the textures, taste the freshness, and eat without distractions. This helps with digestion, reduces stress, and makes you feel truly fulfilled." Let the bowl ground you, energize you, and start your day with intention. 6. Capture and Share If youve crafted a bowl that looks like art, why not share it with the world? Keep the background simple and use natural light for optimum Instagram aesthetics," advises Rout. Top-down angles work well, and the neater the bowl, the better it looks. The true reward, however, is the joy of eating something fresh, healthy, and homemade." Let your creation shine, both in your kitchen and online. The Takeaway top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Crafting the perfect smoothie bowl is an intersection of culinary creativity and mindful wellness. With a thick, colorful base, thoughtfully placed toppings, and energy-aligned ingredients, youre not just making a mealyoure creating an experience. So go aheadblend, top, arrange, and snap. Then dig in and enjoy every nourishing bite. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... Read More Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... Read More fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 18, 2025, 07:30 IST International Museum Day 2025: History, Significance, Celebrations And Quotes Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 07:20 IST International Museum Day 2025: The theme for this year is The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities, stressing their adaptability in the fast-moving world. International Museum Day 2025: The National Museum in Delhi was established in 1949. (File Pic) International Museum Day 2025: On May 18, International Museum Day is observed to highlight the vital role of museums in cultural exchange, education, and societal development. Established in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), IMD fosters global awareness of museums as hubs for preserving heritage and promoting peace. The theme for this year is The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities, stressing their adaptability in the fast-moving world. Recommended Stories On this special occasion, events including exhibitions, workshops and guided tours will be held across 158 countries. Museums contribute to sustainable development, fostering inclusivity and innovation. The IMD encourages public participation, inspiring lifelong learning and cultural appreciation. International Museum Day 2025: History The International Council of Museums (ICOM) hosted a meeting with the theme Museums and Education" in 1951, which is when International Museum Day was first observed. At the 1977 ICOM General Assembly in Moscow, Russia, this served as the impetus for the official creation of IMD. The first IMD was celebrated on May 18, 1978, across 22 countries, aiming to unite museums globally and raise awareness about their role in cultural exchange and education. Over the decades, participation has grown significantly, with over 37,000 museums from 158 countries joining in recent years. Since 2020, IMD has aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasising education, innovation, and sustainability. International Museum Day 2025: Significance Not many are aware that Museums are more than repositories of artefacts; they are dynamic platforms for cultural preservation, education, and intercultural dialogue. IMD underscores their role in fostering mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace among communities. Museums contribute to sustainable development by supporting climate action, inclusivity, and mental health, aligning with global goals. They preserve history, narrate stories of human struggles and triumphs, and inspire innovation. In 2025, IMD emphasises museums adaptability in rapidly changing societies, ensuring they remain vital connectors of cultural identity. International Museum Day 2025: Celebration Individuals are encouraged to visit local museums, donate, or educate others about their significance. International Museum Day is marked by vibrant global celebrations, often spanning a day, weekend, or week. Museums worldwide host exhibitions, guided tours, workshops, and lectures to engage visitors of all ages. Many offer free entry or virtual tours to enhance accessibility. Community activities, such as educational programs and partnerships with schools, promote lifelong learning. From street performances to digital archives, celebrations inspire curiosity and cultural appreciation, uniting people in exploring heritage. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all International Museum Day 2025: Quotes A visit to a museum is a search for beauty, truth, and meaning in our lives. Go to museums as often as you can." Maira Kalman Museums are places where time is transformed into space." Orhan Pamuk A country that has few museums is both materially poor and spiritually poor." Wendy Beckett Museums should be places where you raise questions, not just show stuff." William Thorsell A museum is a spiritual place. People lower their voices when they get close to art." Mario Botta Museums are wormholes to other worlds. They are ecstasy machines." Jerry Saltz History is representational, while time is abstract; both of these artifices may be found in museums." Robert Smithson Museums are fine institutions, dedicated to the high values of preservation, education, and truth." Robert Hewison The best introduction to art is to stroll through a museum." Jeanne Frank If out of a million visitors there is even one to whom art means something, that is enough to justify museums." Pierre-Auguste Renoir fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 18, 2025, 07:20 IST Natasha Poonawalla Turns Heads in Vintage Issey Miyake at Lauren Sanchezs Star-Studded Bachelorette Bash Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 10:46 IST Natasha Poonawalla stole the spotlight in a rare vintage Issey Miyake bustier at Lauren Sanchezs ultra-glam bachelorette bash. News18 Fashion maven and Serum Institute of India executive director Natasha Poonawalla once again proved why shes a global style force to be reckoned with. Known for her fearless approach to fashion and high-profile appearancesfrom the Met Gala to couture campaignsNatasha brought her signature avant-garde flair to Lauren Sanchezs glitzy bachelorette celebration. Held in honor of Sanchez, who is engaged to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the party was a glamorous gathering of A-listers. Among them was none other than beauty mogul Kim Kardashian, who joined Natasha and a host of celebrity names for the festivities. Recommended Stories For the occasion, Natasha made a daring style statement in a rare archival piecea sculptural acrylic bustier from Issey Miyakes 1980/81 collection. The futuristic top featured a flared peplum hem and showcased the designers signature innovation with its molded, body-hugging form. She paired the standout piece with a sleek black leather Chanel skirt that balanced the look with a clean, structured silhouette. With her hair in soft waves, oversized sunglasses, and an air of effortless mystery, Natasha radiated modern couture energy with a retro twist. View this post on Instagram A post shared by EatTweetBlog (@eattweetblog) top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The soiree was a whos who of Hollywood glamour. Kim Kardashian, never one to shy away from the spotlight, served multiple head-turning looks throughout the eventfrom a bodycon gown with a crisscross hem and delicate train to a vintage off-shoulder fur crop top, paired with Louis Vuittons iconic monogram. Also spotted were Kris Jenner, Katy Perry, and Eva Longoria, each bringing their own style A-game to the high-profile celebration. In a room full of stars, Natasha Poonawalla once again stood outseamlessly blending art, fashion, and power dressing into one unforgettable look. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... Read More Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... Read More fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 18, 2025, 10:46 IST World AIDS Vaccine Day 2025: History, Significance, And Quotes Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 07:10 IST World AIDS Vaccine Day 2025: The day is inspired by President Bill Clinton's 1997 speech. It honors researchers and raises awareness about HIV/AIDS. World AIDS Vaccine Day 2025: The day serves as a global platform to highlight the continuous fight against HIV/AIDS. (File Pic) World AIDS Vaccine Day 2025: As the world continues its battle against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the urgent need for an effective vaccine, both preventive and therapeutic, remains vital. HIV gradually weakens the immune system, leaving individuals vulnerable to infections and life-threatening complications. To spread awareness about this critical issue, World AIDS Vaccine Day, also known as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, is observed annually on May 18. This significant day serves as a global platform to highlight the continuous fight against HIV/AIDS and highlight the vital importance of HIV vaccine research. It is also a day to recognise and honour the dedicated researchers, tireless volunteers, and healthcare professionals who are working relentlessly towards developing a safe and effective vaccine. Recommended Stories World AIDS Vaccine Day 2025: History The origin of World AIDS Vaccine Day can be traced back to a powerful speech delivered by the then United States President Bill Clinton. Recognising the devastating impact of AIDS, President Clinton, on May 18, 1997, called for a global effort to develop an HIV vaccine. As noted by the HIV Info website, he stated that only a truly effective, preventive HIV vaccine can limit and eventually eliminate the threat of AIDS," urging setting ambitious goals and creating such a vaccine within the next ten years. Following this landmark speech at Morgan State University in Maryland, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) took the initiative to formalise this call to action. The first World AIDS Vaccine Day was observed on May 18, 1998, commemorating the anniversary of Clintons speech. This annual tradition of observing May 18 as World AIDS Vaccine Day or HIV Vaccine Awareness Day has continued globally ever since, serving as a crucial reminder of the ongoing fight. World AIDS Vaccine Day 2025: Significance World AIDS Vaccine Day holds immense significance, as it provides a vital platform to raise public awareness about the critical and persistent need for HIV vaccine research. On this day, people worldwide come together to pay tribute to the millions of lives tragically lost to AIDS, emphasising the far-reaching impact of the disease on a global scale. Furthermore, HIV Vaccine Awareness Day offers a crucial opportunity for public education, helping to debunk prevalent myths and misconceptions surrounding HIV/AIDS. The day also serves as an important occasion to express gratitude to the dedicated volunteers, the committed community members, the medical professionals, and the brilliant researchers who dedicate their careers to developing a secure and reliable HIV vaccine. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all World AIDS Vaccine Day 2025: Quotes Everyone can make a real difference. Your voice is needed in a global movement that can change your world." Pierce Brosnan Give a child love, laughter, and peace, not AIDS." Nelson Mandela AIDS is a disease that is hard to talk about." Bill Gates We must encourage people to get educated, to get tested, to get involved in the fight against AIDS." Gwen Moore HIV does not make people dangerous to know, so you can shake their hands and give them a hug: Heaven knows they need it." Princess Diana Im a firm believer that education is the most efficient tool we have to make people aware and make our children aware and to protect them from the scourge of the century, which is AIDS." Shakira I have learned more about love, selflessness and human understanding from the people I have met in this great adventure in the world of AIDS than I ever did in the cutthroat, competitive world in which I spent my life." Anthony Perkins It is bad enough that people are dying of AIDS, but no one should die of ignorance." Elizabeth Taylor The AIDS virus is not more powerful than God."- Marianne Williamson You cant be involved in healthcare without being involved in the battle against AIDS."- Paul Wolfowitz fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 18, 2025, 07:10 IST Cannes 2025: Japanese Producer Majorly Hurt After Palm Tree Falls On Him Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 13:35 IST A Japanese producer was seriously injured by a falling palm tree on Cannes' Croisette promenade due to high winds. A scene from the incident. On Saturday, a man in his 30s was seriously injured on Cannes famous Croisette when a palm tree was uprooted by strong winds and fell on him. The injured party, reported to be a Japanese film producer attending the Cannes Film Festival, was walking near the Gray dAlbion beach when the accident happened in the late morning. The Promenade de la Croisette is a prominent road in Cannes, France. It stretches along the shore of the Mediterranean Sea and is about 2 km long. The Croisette is known for the Palais des Festivals et des Congres, where the Cannes Film Festival is held. Recommended Stories I was sitting when there was a terrible gust of wind. I heard a cry and turned around and saw a palm tree had been uprooted," said festival-goer Marthy Fink, who witnessed the incident, to AFP. She added, It knocked the person to the ground, who was badly injured," and expressed concerns about the trees weakened state. As a precaution, authorities cordoned off the nearby section of the Croisette where the palm tree fell. The area remained restricted into the afternoon. The 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival is currently in full swing, attracting more than 15,000 cinema professionals along with a large crowd of tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of celebrities. Notable stars such as Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, and Emma Stone were present on Saturday morning at the Palais des Festivals for the photo call and press conference of Ari Asters film Eddington. First Published: May 18, 2025, 13:35 IST Javed Akhtar REACTS To Being Called Kaafir, Jihadi: 'Id Rather Go To Hell Than Pakistan' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 08:36 IST Javed Akhtar discussed backlash from Hindus and Muslims due to his outspoken views, at a book launch recently. Javed Akhtar has reacted to being asked to go to Pakistan. At the launch of Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Rauts latest book Narkatla Swarg in Mumbai, veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar delivered a powerful and personal reflection on the backlash he faces from different ends of the ideological spectrum. This comes at a time India-Pakistan tensions are at a peak following Indias Operation Sindoor, targeted missile strikes on Pakistans terror camps, after a deadly terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmirs Pahalgam. While addressing the crowd, Javed Akhtar recalled the hostility he often receives due to his outspoken views not just from one community, but from both Hindus and Muslims. People from both sides abuse me. One calls me a Kaafir (infidel), saying that I will go to hell. The other calls me a Jihadi, asking me to go to Pakistan. So, If I only have a choice of going either to hell or to Pakistan, I would rather like to go to hell," he said, drawing a mix of laughter and applause from the audience. Recommended Stories He further clarified that the criticism he receives is not one-sided. People from both sides abuse me. Its not one-sided. I would be very ungrateful if I dont admit that there are people who also appreciate me. Many support me, praise me, and encourage me," he said, acknowledging the positive reception he receives as well. Still, he made it clear that abuse from extremists has become a consistent part of his life. But this is also true that the extremists from this side abuse me so do the extremists from the other side. This is the reality. If even one of them stops abusing me, I will call it an anomaly and think that I must have made a mistake," he said. Akhtar, who served a six-year term in the Rajya Sabha from 2010 to 2016 as a presidential nominee, has long been known for his bold commentary on religion, politics and society. Narkatla Swarg, the book being launched, chronicles Sanjay Rauts journey through political upheavals and personal experiences, offering insights into Maharashtras contemporary political landscape. The event was attended by several prominent leaders, including Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar, among others. 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 18, 2025, 08:36 IST Manoj Kumar Broke No-Intimacy Rule For A Kiss With Simi Garewal On Screen: 'Couldn't Say No...' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 11:55 IST Yesteryear superstar Manoj Kumar, fondly known as Bharat Kumar, had a strict no-intimacy policy in films. Manoj Kumar kissed Simi Garewal in Mera Naam Joker. In an era where romantic scenes were often the norm in Bollywood films, yesteryear superstar Manoj Kumar, fondly known as Bharat Kumar, stood out not just for his patriotic roles, but also for his personal principles. One of the most intriguing of them? A strict no-intimacy policy in films. Yes, you read that right! Manoj Kumar simply didnt do physical romance on screen. No touching, no hugs, certainly no kisses. This wasnt about shyness it was about his values and the image he carefully built as the upright, idealistic Indian hero. Recommended Stories Actress Hema Malini, who worked with him in several films like Sanyasi, Dus Numbri, and Kranti, once shared a sweet anecdote that says it all. She said, He would never touch the heroine in the romantic scenes. Very sweet and lovely person, very nice and inspiring." But heres the interesting bit there was one moment when he bent his own rule. And the reason? None other than Raj Kapoor. In Mera Naam Joker, Manoj Kumar shared a brief kissing scene with actress Simi Garewal a first and only for the actor. It shocked many at the time, but Manoj Kumar later explained his rare exception with complete honesty: He had deep respect for Raj Kapoor and couldnt say no to him. That was it one kiss in a lifetime of films. In fact, he even turned down a romantic scene with Zeenat Aman in Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, reportedly because he felt it didnt align with the image of Bharat Kumar and would disappoint his loyal fans. In a chat with Subhash K Jha, he had said, In Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, the girl (Zeenat Aman) is dancing in the rain and asking me to join her. How can I get wet when I am carrying my college degrees on the way to a job interview? I broke my no-intimacy rule only once, and that too for Raj Kapoor. I had a kiss with Simi Garewal in Mera Naam Joker. I couldnt say no to Rajsaab." Manoj Kumar Death Manoj Kumar passed away on April 4, 2025, at the age of 87. He breathed his last at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai due to heart-related complications and decompensated liver cirrhosis. In recognition of his contributions to Indian cinema, Kumar was given a state funeral at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai on April 5. His mortal remains were draped in the national flag, and a police unit gave a three-volley gun salute. Celebrities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Salim Khan, and others, attended the funeral to pay their respects. 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 18, 2025, 11:55 IST Mughal-E-Azam Director Told Madhubala To Use 'Physical Intimacy' To Get Dilip Kumar To Commit Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 07:40 IST Dilip Kumar and Madhubala's romance began in 1951 on Tarana's set but became complicated during Mughal-E-Azam. Dilip Kumar and Madhubala reportedly broke up during the shoot. Old-school Bollywood romance had its fair share of dramaand few stories are as intense as the one between Dilip Kumar and Madhubala. Sparks flew when the two met on the sets of Tarana in 1951 and love quickly followed. But things took a complicated turn when they were cast as Salim and Anarkali in Mughal-E-Azam. Rumour has it, director K Asif may have played more than just a filmmakers role. According to Dilip Kumars own words in his autobiography, Asif wasnt exactly a silent observer he reportedly meddled in their relationship and even gave Madhubala advice on how to get Dilip to commit. In his autobiography Dilip Kumar: The Substance and the Shadow, the famous actor talked openly about the many rumours about his relationship with Madhubala in the early 1950s. He said the announcement of Mughal-E-Azam made big news, mostly because people were curious about their off-screen romance.It was not anticipated or planned that it would be in production for such a long period as it was and Asif was aware of Madhus feelings for me because she had confided in him during one of their intimate talks. And, he was equally aware of my nature as a man who made no haste in taking critical personal or professional decisions," wrote Dilip Kumar. Recommended Stories He went on to share that director K Asif began interfering in their relationship by trying to push Madhubala towards getting a commitment from him. He took it upon himself to act as the catalyst and went to the extent of encouraging her in vain to pin me down somehow. He went on to advise her that the best way to draw a commitment from an honourable and principled Pathan, brought up on old-world values, was to draw him into physical intimacy," Dilip Kumar revealed. By the late 1950s, their relationship ended on a rather sour note. Though their relationship ended before the release of Mughal-e-Azam (1960), their powerful performances as Salim and Anarkali reflected the heartbreak of their real-life separation. 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 18, 2025, 07:40 IST Palak Tiwari REACTS To Pakistani Troll Mocking Ibrahim Ali Khans Nose: 'Its A Loop Of Hate' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 17, 2025, 19:14 IST Palak Tiwari has addressed the online trolling faced by rumoured boyfriend Ibrahim Ali Khan, who was recently mocked by a Pakistani critic for his appearance. Palak Tiwari reacts to a Pakistani critic mocking Ibrahim Ali Khans nose and slams the relentless cycle of celebrity body shaming. She says trolls just want to criticise everything. Ibrahim Ali Khan may have made his film debut with Nadaaniyan, but the young actorson of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singhhas been grappling with more than just on-screen critiques. Following harsh reviews of his performance, including a particularly distasteful jab from a Pakistani critic targeting his nose, Ibrahim responded in a fiery social media message. Now, his rumoured girlfriend and fellow actor Palak Tiwari has weighed in on the toxic culture of celebrity bashing and body shaming. In an interview with Nayandeep Rakshit, Palak addressed the mounting scrutiny that public figures faceespecially when it comes to appearance. If theres one thing that sells more than a celebrity, its celebrity bashing. Were living in an era of unchecked, relentless hate. Sure, criticism has always existed, but not at this volume or intensity," she said. Recommended Stories When asked directly about the comment made on Ibrahims looks, Palak didnt hold back. You focus on our aesthetics, and when someone tries to change itwhen they give in to the pressure and opt for a procedureyou shame them again. First, its your nose is too big, then its, why did you fix it? Its a vicious cycle. And ultimately, people just want something to criticisewhether its your features, your weight, your performance, or just the fact that youre there." For context, Pakistani critic Tamur Iqbal had mocked Nadaaniyan and ridiculed Ibrahims nose on social media. Ibrahim hit back with an expletive-laden message, defending his appearance and warning the critic not to cross lines. Palak, meanwhile, acknowledged the broader toll this public scrutiny takes. Actors dont just face professional pressure; we deal with deeply personal attacks too. The hate doesnt just stop at the workit digs into who we are, what we look like, and even what we havent done. Its exhausting." While Ibrahim and Palak have never publicly confirmed their relationship, rumours have swirled since they were first spotted together in 2022. Most recently, Ibrahim was seen supporting Palak at a screening of The Bhootnii, where he was spotted bonding with her younger brother, sparking renewed speculation about their bond. About the Author Yatamanyu Narain Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he's breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, hes always on the hun... Read More Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he's breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, hes always on the hun... Read More First Published: May 17, 2025, 19:14 IST Rapper HoodyBaby Charged In 2023 Assault Case Alongside Chris Brown Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 10:48 IST Chris Brown and HoodyBaby are embroiled in a 2023 London nightclub case. Brown faces grievous bodily harm charges, with a court date on June 13. Rapper HoodyBaby Charged for Alleged London Assault Involving Chris Brown Things are heating up in the 2023 London nightclub case involving Chris Brownand now, rapper HoodyBaby has also been pulled into the legal storm. The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that HoodyBaby will appear before a magistrate in Manchester this Saturday for his alleged role in the same bottle-smashing incident that put Brown in the spotlight. Chris Brown, who showed up at the court on Friday, is already facing a serious charge of grievous bodily harm. A judge ordered that he remain in police custody until his next court appearance, which is slated for June 13 at Southwark Crown Court. This legal snag couldnt come at a more inconvenient time, as Brown gears up to drop his new album Breezy Bowl XX on June 8. Recommended Stories The case stems from a disturbing episode at a London club in 2023, where Brown allegedly struck music producer Abe Diaw with a bottle. Reports suggest the altercation left Diaw unconscious and hospitalized. He has since filed a lawsuit against Brown, claiming the attack was brutal and unprovoked. Meanwhile, HoodyBabys involvement has only recently come to light, and all eyes will be on his court appearance this weekend. Chris Brown, dressed in a black t-shirt and sweatpants, was seen confirming his identity and current addressstaying at the swanky Lowry Hotelbefore being led into custody. With a tour on the horizon, the big question now is: will Chris Browns legal woes derail his music plans? First Published: May 18, 2025, 10:48 IST Rekha Felt 'Betrayed' After Co-Star Kissed Her Without Consent During Early Film Shoot Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 16:04 IST In a disturbing revelation from her early Bollywood days, veteran actor Rekha was reportedly kissed without consent by co-star Biswajeet during the filming of Anjana Safar. Rekha was kissed without consent by co-star Biswajeet in her early film Anjana Safar. The actor later said she felt betrayed and furious over the incident. Before she became an icon of grace and resilience, Rekhas initial years in the Hindi film industry were marked by hardship and unsettling experiences. Starting her career as a teenager in the late 1960s, the young actressborn to South Indian cinema legend Gemini Ganesanmoved to Bombay to support her family during difficult times. Despite her lineage, she struggled to find a foothold in Hindi cinema and faced numerous challenges, including harassment on set. One such incident is recounted in Rekha: The Untold Story by Yasser Usman. The book reveals a disturbing episode from the filming of Anjana Safar (later retitled Do Shikari), which began production in 1969. According to the account, a scene was orchestrated by actor Biswajeet, director Kuljeet Pal, and cinematographer Raja Nawathe, where Biswajeet kissed Rekha on the lips without informing her beforehand. The camera rolled, and the actmeant to be spontaneousleft Rekha visibly stunned and violated. Recommended Stories Biswajeet later admitted that Rekha was betrayed and furious," though he claimed the moment was essential to the film and not done for personal pleasure. It was not for my enjoyment, but important for the film," he said, as quoted in the book. Director Kuljeet Pal, however, offered a contradictory version, insisting Rekha had given her consent for the kiss. She said she had no reservations I only told her it would be better if she later said she didnt like it, since such scenes werent common for Hindi heroines," he claimed. The controversy aside, Do Shikari didnt release until 1979, a full decade after filming began. Meanwhile, Rekha made her official Hindi film debut with Sawan Bhadon in 1970 and soon climbed the ladder of stardom with hits like Ghar, Muqaddar Ka Sikander, Dharmatma, and Mr. Natwarlal, gradually rewriting her narrative on her own terms. Today, Rekha stands not just as a Bollywood legend, but also as a symbol of endurance and evolutionher early struggles forming the steel that defines her poise. About the Author Yatamanyu Narain Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he's breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, hes always on the hun... Read More Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he's breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, hes always on the hun... Read More First Published: May 18, 2025, 16:04 IST Suniel Shetty Reveals Why He Initially Rejected Border: 'If JP Dutta Abused Me...' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 19:07 IST Suniel Shetty reveals he initially rejected the role of Bhairav Singh in Border due to fears of a clash with director JP Dutta. Suniel Shetty reveals he almost rejected Border due to JP Duttas temper, but his mother-in-law convinced him to take on the now-iconic role. Suniel Shetty, known for his intense screen presence in films like Mohra, Dhadkan, and Balwaan, nearly missed out on one of the most defining roles of his career in J.P. Duttas Border. In a candid conversation with Radio Nasha, the actor revealed he had initially turned down the role of Bhairav Singh due to the directors reportedly fiery temper. Id heard that JP Dutta was a tough taskmaster, someone who didnt shy away from using abusive language when angry. And I had a short fuse myself," Shetty recalled. When JP ji came to meet me, I told him Id think about it. But later, I told my secretary, I cant do this. If he abuses me, I might raise my hand." Recommended Stories Despite his apprehension, the role eventually found its way back to himthrough his mother-in-law. JP ji was so determined to cast me that he approached Bharat Shah, who knew my mother-in-law. She sat me down and convinced me to reconsider. I laid down my conditions and told her, if anything goes wrong, Ill walk out." But fate had other plans. From the very first day, JP ji and I clicked. We got along like fire," Suniel said, adding that even during difficult phases in his career, the director stood by him and offered him work without hesitation. Released in 1997, Bordera film based on the Battle of Longewala during the Indo-Pak War of 1971became a monumental success and an emotional landmark in Indian war cinema. Starring Sunny Deol, Jackie Shroff, Akshaye Khanna, and Tabu among others, it continues to be remembered for its patriotic fervor and powerful performances. Now, as Border 2 gears up for a 2026 release with a fresh cast featuring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, and possibly minus Diljit Dosanjh, who has reportedly exited the project, fans are eager to see how the legacy continues. Directed by Anurag Singh and backed by Bhushan Kumar and the Dutta family, the sequel promises to carry forward the emotional and cinematic weight of its predecessor. About the Author Yatamanyu Narain Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he's breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, hes always on the hun... Read More Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he's breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, hes always on the hun... Read More First Published: May 18, 2025, 19:06 IST Tom Cruise Speaks Hindi, Says 'Aap Sabse Pyar Karta Hu' During Mission: Impossible Promotions Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 07:23 IST Tom Cruise praised Bollywood and spoke of his desire to make a Bollywood-inspired film while promoting The Final Reckoning. Tom Cruise shared a warm message for his Indian fans. Before the release of Mission: Impossible 8, Tom Cruise shared a warm message for his Indian fans, remembering his visit to India and praising Bollywood. In a recent chat with BFI, he spoke about his goal to take Hollywood beyond the U.S. and explore different cultures and filmmaking styles. Cruise said he enjoys Indian movies and would love to try making a Bollywood-inspired film someday. Hes currently promoting The Final Reckoning, which got a five-minute standing ovation at its premiere at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. In a video thats now going viral, Tom Cruise is seen flashing a wide smile and impressing fans with his solid Hindi as he says, Main aap sabse bohot pyaar karta hoon (I love you all a lot)." He continues, I love Bollywood films. Its something that I have grown up watchingmusicals from different countries. The skill it takes to do what you all do is so natural. I love it when someone suddenly breaks into a song. Its beautiful." Recommended Stories Tom Cruise spoke about his love for Bollywood while chatting with actress Avneet Kaur at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where she was promoting her film Love in Vietnam with Shantanu Maheshwari. Earlier, Avneet had shared photos with Cruise from their meeting at the London premiere of The Final Reckoning. She also visited the films set last year, which started rumors that she might be part of the last Mission: Impossible movie, but nothing has been confirmed yet. News18 Showsha gave the film three and a half stars. An excerpt from the review read, What truly sets The Final Reckoning apart is its tone. Its not just an action blockbuster. Its an elegy. A goodbye. A thank-you. And somehow, despite all the chaos, its also a reckoning with legacy, with sacrifice, with what it really means to be a hero when the world keeps moving the goalpost." 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 18, 2025, 07:23 IST Opinion | Ceasefire With Pakistan: Remember A Leopard Cannot Change Its Spots Written By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 18:10 IST General Zia-ul-Haq's infamous bleed-India-by-1,000-cuts remains Pakistan army and government's pusillanimous permanent plank Never the one to pass up an opportunity for the limelight, President Donald Trump used the opportunity to bail out the US client state which Pakistan is with a $1 billion loan. (Image: AFP/File) On May 10, US President Donald Trump announced through his X handle a ceasefire between India and Pakistan effective 5 pm IST. It was apparently after Pakistan had cried on his shoulders and played the victim card to the hilt. Never the one to pass up an opportunity for limelight and media Arclight, Trump used the opportunity to bail out the US client state which Pakistan is with a $1 billion loan. IMF loans come with a list of conditionalities including privatisation, global tender for major government contractors, downsizing of government departments, etc. Recommended Stories One wonders if the impugned loan was hemmed in by the condition that it will not be diverted for military use including buying arms and ammunition. It is common knowledge that the US-based manufacturers and contractors normally benefit from such conditionalities. Be that as it may. Whatever the contours of the ceasefire, the entire world knows that one doesnt trust Pakistan any more than he trusts a rattlesnake except when he has the upper hand like China and the US have had for a long time in their relationship with Pakistan. Trumps hyphenating India with Pakistan is not new. That the US has bases in Pakistan is an open secret. But what has stumped Trump watchers is his egregious description of Pakistan as a great nation in his gushing and condescending tweet. Pray what makes it great? Like the articulate spokesperson of the BJP Sudhanshu Trivedi says while India has its TCS and Infosys to boast, Pakistans only claim to notoriety is its vast network of terrorist nurseries, nine of which were destroyed by the Indian armed forces in a precision attack on May 7 in retaliation to the Pahalgam massacre orchestrated by Pakistan on April 22 on unsuspecting Hindu tourists. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modis bold leadership, India has said it will not turn the other cheek. Instead, he enunciated a new doctrine any act of terror would be treated as an act of war. Adversity brings the best out of one including a nation. He and his cabinet committee on security along with the armed forces chiefs crafted a strategy that is bound to keep India in a good stead for decades or even longer. Thus, was born Operation Sindoor that is going to be Indias template to counter Pakistan terror in particular. It is anchored in: Terror and war are the same doctrine. Hitherto Pakistan was disingenuously hiding behind the argument that terrorists were at best non-state players and at worst they werent Pakistanis at all. India will not launch a freewheeling, indiscriminate attack on the enemy nation like Israel and Russia have done in the recent past. Terror hotspots will be identified and destroyed with precision missiles and drones among others. It is this refreshingly humane approach to striking back that has won international respect albeit grudging from certain quarters. While India will not sit quiet unlike what the Manmohan Singh government did in the face of the 26/11 attacks by the Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, India cannot relax its guard any soon. General Zia-ul-Haqs infamous bleed-India-by-1,000-cuts remains Pakistan army and governments pusillanimous permanent plank. Pakistan is piqued by Indias rapid growth. Therefore, it hates India viscerally. While the India-Pakistan hyphenation is flattering to its ego and boosts its low self-esteem a wee bit, the equation is ludicrously laughable. It is sad that a few Indian commentators too have become a prey to the misinformation campaign spearheaded by Pakistan with its ally the Global Times of China, and have started talking India and Pakistan in the same breath. They counsel restraint on both, touche, little realising that the provocation came from the stealthy neighbour who cannot be wished away as the former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee famously remarked once. The Congress trying to score brownie points by pitchforking Indira Gandhis feat in carving Bangladesh out of Pakistan in 1971 in juxtaposition to Modis Operation Sindhoor is unfortunate, churlish and puerile. When chips are down, a political party tends to hark back to its past little realising that such backhanded compliment to the present leadership does a positive disservice to its own cause in the electoral sweepstakes. Be that as it may again. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Eternal vigilance is not the price for protecting democracy alone but also from the evil eyes and designs of neighbours. That Pakistan harbours evil intents for India is trite and is not likely to slacken. It is good that the Indian armed forces have only pressed the pause button. It is also good that India has spurned mediation on Kashmir. With a rejigged strategy against Pakistan, India reserves the right to hit back with thunderous force against terror and military installations of Pakistan even if there is a hint of a small provocation. Suspension of the Indus Water Treaty is a classic example of non-kinetic attack on Pakistan. Together with precision hitting, India has moved to the exalted levels of modern warfare under PM Modis mature leadership. (The writer is a senior columnist. He tweets @smurlidharan. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views) First Published: May 18, 2025, 18:10 IST Opinion: Kashmir Is Not Just a Destination, It Is A Responsibility Written By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 13:40 IST A cap on tourist numbers is not a barrier. It is a bridgeto sustainability, to safety, to serenity. It is a promise that we care enough to control ourselves The Dal Lakeonce the jewel of Srinagaris now shrinking. (PTI File) A few weeks ago, I had an opportunity to walk through the narrow lanes of Pahalgam. While walking, I saw a group of schoolgirls trying to cross the road. A long line of tourist vehicles had jammed the area, and even a small medical emergency would have struggled to pass. One of the girls smiled and said to me in Kashmiri, Sahab, Yem visitor cha yor aemet saaney khatre keine beere kareni?" (Sir, are these tourists here for us or just to crowd us?) That question stayed with me. Recommended Stories Kashmir is healing. The scars of conflict still exist. Peace has begun to return to the Valleynot just in security reports. One finds it in the way people smile again, open their doors, and return to life. But even healing requires balance. Today, the Valley is facing a silent threatthe weight of over-tourism. THE VALLEY OVERWHELMED More than 2 crore tourists visited Jammu & Kashmir in 2023. In peak season, some areas in the Valley receive over 30,000 visitors a day. On the surface, this sounds like economic revivaland in many ways, it is. Families in tourism, transport, handicrafts, and hospitality have seen incomes rise. Young people in remote villages are now running homestays and travel apps. This is reala welcome progress. But I have also seen the other side. In Sonamarg, I saw a woman carrying firewood forced to wait 20 minutes while an SUV convoy moved through. In Gulmarg, the meadows that once echoed with birds now echo with honking. The chinar trees are still, but the air feels restless. The Valley is breathing faster than it should. Kashmir is not an unlimited space. It is a living, breathing ecosystemspiritual, emotional, and environmental. And like every sacred space, it must not be entered unmindfully. WHY A CAP IS NECESSARY 1. ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS: The Dal Lakeonce the jewel of Srinagaris now shrinking, its water thickened with pollutants. Every plastic bottle thrown by a careless tourist, a local passerby, a houseboat owner, or a staff member at a hotel is a wound on Kashmirs body. The trails in Yusmarg, Doodhpathri, and Bangus Valley are losing their green cover. What tourists see is breathtakingbut what they leave behind could be suffocating. 2. SECURITY AND EMERGENCY CONCERNS: I still remember the Amarnath Yatra of 2000 when a sudden strike left thousands stranded. I was in Anantnag then. Even the army and medical teams took time to reach some locations. Now imagine such an unfortunate incident with ten times the number of tourists. Security management in a conflict-sensitive zone like Kashmir requires controlled variables, not chaos. 3. SOCIAL AND CULTURAL IMPACT: Kashmiriyat is about warmth, respect, and balance. But when locals feel they are pushed off the road, priced out of markets, or ignored, helplessness can grow. Tourism must not make hosts feel like strangers in their own land. 4. PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING: Many of the children we care for in our homes at BWF have suffered traumalosing parents to conflict or growing up in volatile environments. Overcrowded towns, traffic snarls, and loud urban behaviour make them anxious. There must be space for quiet, for children to heal, for people to walk, to breathe. CONSCIOUS TOURISM: A NEW MODEL FOR KASHMIR The solution is not to restrict visitors but to redefine the way we welcome them. Heres how: Daily Visitor Cap: Introduce a permit system for entry into sensitive zones (e.g. Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam) with a limited number of slots per day. Seasonal Staggering: Promote off-season tourism (March-April, October-November) and alternative destinations like Lolab, Keran, Karnah, and Gurez, which are breathtaking yet under-visited. Tourist Orientation: Just as Bhutan offers a national orientation for mindful tourism, Kashmir can initiate arrival briefingsexplaining local customs, security sensitivity, and eco-dos and donts. Local Stakeholder Involvement: Empower panchayats and civil society groups to co-manage tourist flow. Kashmiris are not just hoststhey are guardians of this heritage too. LESSONS FROM ELSEWHERE Bhutan has a high-value, low-impact model that caps tourists and charges a sustainable development fee. Machu Picchu in Peru strictly controls the number of daily visitors. Even Venice recently introduced entry fees to reduce damage to its cultural heritage. If world heritage cities and mountains can protect themselves, why cant Kashmir, which is all of that and morean ecological marvel, a spiritual shrine, and a cultural reservoir? SPIRITUAL RESPONSIBILITY When I first came to Kupwara in 1997, I had no idea that this land would become my lifes journey. Ive walked across its villages, sat in silence near the Tulail river, prayed in mosques and mandirs alike, and held orphaned children in my arms who didnt know why their father never returned. To me, Kashmir is not a tourist site. It is a sacred geography. It is the soil of Lal Ded and Nund Rishi, of sufis and saints, of cries and hopes. It is a land that has forgiven much and is still offering itself to Indiaevery day. And what do we owe her? We owe her respectful presence, not reckless crowds. Tourism should be like a pilgrimagewhere you arrive with humility, walk gently, learn, listen, leave behind only gratitude. THE GIRLS OF BORDERLESS WORLD In our homesBasera-e-Tabassumwe care for girls who have lost their families to conflict. These girls have rebuilt their lives with education, dignity, and courage. They look at the mountains with dreams. But some days, they ask, Why is Kashmir treated like an amusement park?" They are not asking to stop tourism. Theyre asking us to preserve what gives Kashmir its strengthits peace, its dignity, its space to grow. IN CONCLUSION: A FUTURE OF GRACE We must remember: to protect Kashmir is to protect her people, her peace, and her possibility. A cap on tourist numbers is not a barrier. It is a bridgeto sustainability, to safety, to serenity. It is a promise that we care enough to control ourselves. Let us be the generation that walked gently, that looked beyond selfies, that honoured Kashmir not as a product, but as a mother, a mentor, a prayer. Because in the end, this is not about fewer tourists. This is about more meaning. Not about restrictionbut about restoration. Not about commercebut about conscience. Let the world come to Kashmir, yesbut let it come wisely. Let it come like a whisper, not a stampede. Let it come as if entering a temple. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all And let us remember always: Kashmir is not just a destination. It is a responsibility. Adhik Kadam, founder of the Borderless World Foundation (BWF), is a humanitarian and peacebuilder working for the welfare of orphaned girls and marginalised communities in conflict-affected regions of Jammu & Kashmir. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: May 18, 2025, 13:40 IST Opinion | Repression Of Urdu-Speaking Muhajirs Who Left India In Search Of Dreamland Called Pakistan Written By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 11:12 IST What began as political marginalisation has evolved into a state-sponsored campaign of violence, exclusion, and erasure Despite Karachi contributing to over 20% of Pakistans GDP, its Muhajir-majority neighbourhoods face chronic power cuts, crumbling infrastructure, and police brutality. (Image: AP/File) In a nation supposedly created as a homeland for Ashraf Muslims, the very architects of Pakistan the Urdu-speaking Muhajirs have become its most persecuted and abandoned minority. What began as political marginalisation has evolved into a state-sponsored campaign of violence, exclusion, and erasure. Nowhere is this more brutally evident than in the military police crackdown during the infamous 1992 Operation Clean-Up, which left thousands dead and millions terrified. Cities like Karachi and Hyderabad were effectively turned into open-air prisons for an entire ethnic community. Recommended Stories FROM FOUNDERS TO TARGETS The Urdu-speaking Ashraf Muslims who migrated from India to Pakistan during the 1947 Partition collectively known as Muhajirs were instrumental in building the foundations of the Pakistani state. They led the bureaucracy, judiciary, media, and education sectors in the countrys early decades. Yet, as political power became centralised in the hands of the Punjabi military elite and Sindhi political class, the Muhajirs found themselves increasingly sidelined. The emergence of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in the 1980s was not an act of terrorism, as the state portrayed it was a political reaction to systematic exclusion, land and job discrimination, and ethnic profiling. Today, nearly 16 million Muhajirs approximately 7.6 per cent of Pakistans population reside in urban Sindh. Yet, they remain politically voiceless, economically deprived, and culturally vilified. KARACHIS DARKEST HOUR: OPERATION CLEAN-UP 1992 The repression of Muhajirs reached a gruesome climax in June 1992, when Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs administration, under military command, launched Operation Clean-Up. Ostensibly a campaign against crime, this operation rapidly mutated into a genocidal mission targeting MQM sympathisers and the broader Urdu-speaking populace. According to reports by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, between 2,000 and 3,000 Muhajirs were killed in 1992 alone. Over the next seven years, the total number of those killed, disappeared, or tortured exceeded 10,000. Mass graves were discovered on the outskirts of Karachi. Once-thriving neighborhoods like Orangi Town, Liaquatabad, and Latifabad in Hyderabad turned into war zones. Children were abducted. Women were assaulted. Entire families were burned alive in raids carried out under the silent watch or direct participation of state forces. Torture cells operated from Rangers headquarters, local police stations, and unofficial military dungeons. Meanwhile, Pakistans judiciary remained disturbingly silent effectively complicit in this slow, systematic genocide. NASEERULLAH BABAR: THE BUTCHER OF KARACHI The name Naseerullah Babar still sends shivers down the spine of many Muhajirs. As interior minister during Benazir Bhuttos second tenure (1993 to 1996), he led what he chillingly referred to as a cleansing" of Karachi. Babar issued shoot-on-sight orders, granting blanket authority to security forces to kill on suspicion no trial, warrants, or accountability. Babar had famously declared: We will clean Karachi at any cost. That cost was paid with the lives of innocent Urdu-speaking civilians. Reports from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) from that time documented widespread enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, and institutionalised torture all carried out under the watch of Babars interior ministry. Instead of being held accountable, he was celebrated as a national hero. ENCOUNTER KILLERS: CHAUDHRY ASLAM AND THE CULTURE OF DEATH Among Babars enforcers was Chaudhry Aslam, a so-called encounter specialist", who functioned more like a death squad leader than a law enforcer. Under the guise of anti-terror operations, Aslam became infamous for extrajudicial killings, particularly of young Muhajir men. More than 100 deaths are attributed to his unit many in staged shootouts or during custody. Human rights organisations like HRCP and Amnesty International repeatedly flagged his operations, citing enforced disappearances and custodial torture. Yet, Aslam was never punished. Instead, he was awarded medals another chilling example of how Pakistans deep state rewards impunity. STATE-SPONSORED CRIMINALITY: ZEESHAN QADRI AND BAHADUR SHAH The Pakistani state didnt limit its war on Muhajirs to police and military operations; it also outsourced violence to criminal gangs. Zeeshan Qadri, linked to the 2012 Baldia factory fire that killed 258 workers most of them Muhajirs operated under the political protection of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Similarly, Bahadur Shah, a notorious gangster from Lyari, carried out deadly attacks on MQM strongholds using grenades and automatic weapons often with logistical and intelligence support from the state. While the MQM was relentlessly demonised as a terrorist group, the state itself armed criminal militias responsible for killing Urdu-speaking civilians. This calculated hypocrisy laid bare the ethnic and political motives behind the violence. MASSACRES THAT STILL HAUNT Long before Operation Clean-Up, the warning signs were there. In 1986, during the Qasba-Aligarh massacre, more than 300 Muhajirs were slaughtered by ethnic mobs while law enforcement watched passively. In 1992, dozens of mourners at a funeral in Khajji Ground were gunned down in broad daylight. These were not spontaneous riots. They were planned massacres part of a broader strategy to terrorise, silence, and ultimately erase a community. MEDIA CENSORSHIP: ERASING THE NARRATIVE Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the Pakistani media under the thumb of the military and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) imposed a near-total blackout on Muhajir persecution. Journalists who tried to expose the truth were exiled, intimidated, or killed. The MQM was framed as an Indian proxy, and Muhajirs were branded as traitors justifying the bloodbath in the name of national security. Even in the digital age, censorship continues. In 2023 alone, more than 1,200 social media accounts were suspended for raising concerns about Muhajir disappearances or criticising the military. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act has become a digital blasphemy law used not to protect citizens, but to criminalise truth-telling. THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES: 2025 AND BEYOND Despite claims of democratic progress, the systematic repression of Muhajirs continues in 2025. The 2024 general elections saw blatant gerrymandering of Karachis constituencies to dilute the Muhajir vote. Enforced disappearances remain common. According to the HRCPs 2023 report, at least 44 Urdu-speaking political workers were abducted in Karachi that year alone. None have returned. Economically, Muhajirs remain excluded from civil services, police forces, and government jobs. Despite Karachi contributing over 20 per cent of Pakistans gross domestic product (GDP), its Muhajir-majority neighbourhoods face chronic power outages, crumbling infrastructure, and relentless police brutality. GLOBAL SILENCE, NATIONAL HYPOCRISY While Pakistan continues to posture as a champion of global Muslim causes from Kashmir to Palestine it has waged a decades-long war against its own citizens. The silence of the international human rights community is deafening. No tribunal has investigated the 1992 atrocities. No court has indicted the generals, ministers, or encounter specialists behind this genocide. This is not just a domestic failure, it is an international disgrace. A HUMAN APPEAL FOR JUSTICE As a human being, and as someone who believes in justice, I say this: Muhajirs do not seek revenge. Muhajirs seek acknowledgement. They demand truth, accountability, and dignity. Those responsible for the 1992 massacres must be named and prosecuted. The disappeared must be brought home. The media blackout must end. And Pakistan must confront the truth of what it has done. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Until the state reckons with its crimes against Muhajirs, it cannot truly be called a democracy. It will remain, in essence, a militarised ethnic state built not on unity, faith, and discipline, but on blood, silence, and impunity. (Shariq Adeeb Ansari is the national working president of the All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views) First Published: May 18, 2025, 07:00 IST Opinion | With Indian Judiciary On Trial, It's Time For Fundamental Reforms Written By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 08:00 IST Justice BR Gavai starts his innings as the Chief Justice of India at a time when the criminal justice system in Bharat is in disarray and faces myriads of existential crises CJI BR Gavai, who will be at the helm of the Supreme Court for a short duration, has the daunting task more difficult than squaring a circle. (Image: PTI/File) Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India at a ceremony in the Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 14. His ascension is a watershed moment, in which a person from the lowest rung of society has been elevated to the highest post of the judiciary. Also, Justice BR Gavai starts his innings as the Chief Justice of India at a time when the criminal justice system in Bharat is in disarray and faces myriads of existential crises. Recommended Stories In this concluding part of the series on the State of criminal justice system after analysing the broken system and creating a case for substantive reforms in policing and prisons we delve deeper into the immediate need to reform the criminal judicial system. AN OVERSTRETCHED JUDICIARY Like other arms of the criminal justice system, the judiciary, too, faces multiple issues, including but not limited to high pendency of cases, low number of judges, persisting vacancies, low case clearance rates, fewer convictions and corruption at the lower echelons of the judiciary. Chief Justice Gavai, who will be at the helm of the Supreme Court for a short duration, has the daunting task more difficult than squaring a circle. A question arises here as to how overstretched the judiciary is. The short answer to this is bleak". Here is a tale of two tales", which succinctly describes the state of criminal judicial system". A TALE OF TWO TALES Former CJI Justice Ranjan Gogoi recently said in an interview: in the Allahabad High Court, judges are still hearing 40-year-old criminal appeals. This means that if a person was convicted at the age of 30, they are now around 75 to 80 years old and still waiting for justice Criminal trials must be completed within three to four years, at most. Today, in states like Uttar Pradesh, appeals remain stuck for decades. A person convicted by the trial court may wait 20 years before the high court even hears the appeal. If the high court later finds them innocent, what compensation can be given for those lost years?" Coming from a previous CJI, this presents a harrowing picture. In 2003, the committee on reforms of criminal justice system Government of India headed by Justice VS Malimath noted: A former Chief Justice of India warned nearly a decade ago that the criminal justice system in India was about to collapse. It is common knowledge that the two major problems besieging the criminal justice system are huge pendency of criminal cases and the inordinate delay in disposal of criminal cases on the one hand and the very low rate of conviction in cases involving serious crimes on the other. This has encouraged crime. Violent and organised crimes have become the order of the day. As chances of convictions are remote, crime has become a profitable business. Life has become unsafe, and people live in constant fear. Law and order situation has deteriorated, and the citizens have lost confidence in the criminal justice system." What was true in 2003 is truer in 2025. HIGH CRIME RATES Unsurprisingly, between 1953 and 2023, the cognisable crimes in India rose 9.67 times from about 0.6 million to about 5.8 million, while the population grew 3.82 times in the same period. Notably, the crime rate more than doubled during this period, from 160 in 1953 to 422.2 in 2023. A key message here is that while the number of cognizable cases are growing much faster than the population, pending criminal cases in the court are increasing due to the dwindling number of disposals and fast addition of new cases every year. As if this is not bad enough, the ground situation is worsening fast. POOR IN JAIL, RICH ROAM FREE Another disturbing feature of the present state of the judicial system is that poor destitute, whether languishing in jail as undertrial or out on bail pending trial, suffer the most often for small ticket crimes. Contrarily the big-ticket criminals, the bahubalis, mafia kings and highly connected criminals roam free. The result is that criminals who ought to be arrested are let free on account of money power, complicity, political influence, or other considerations, while harmless persons who need not be arrested at all are often arrested and remanded to police and judicial custody on inadequate grounds. KEY CRISES PLAGUING JUDICIARY In the paragraphs below I discuss in brief issues plaguing the judiciary. Their main import is the denial of justice to ordinary Bharatiyas, particularly those from the lowest rung of society. While the issues are myriad, I will stress upon the more important ones. Here they are: High Pendency of Cases: As of April 2018, there were more than three crore pending cases across the Supreme Court, the high courts, and the subordinate courts. Of these, the subordinate courts accounted for over 86 per cent pendency of cases, followed by 13.8 per cent pendency before the 24 high courts. The remaining 0.2 per cent of cases are pending with the Supreme Court. More worryingly, over 80 per cent of all cases pending in the lower courts are criminal cases. The situation regarding pending cases has substantially worsened with the latest number of pending cases reported to be more than 5.2 crore. In 2024, the number of pending cases in courts increased above five crore. At present, it is estimated that the Supreme Court has around 82,000 pending cases, high courts have over 62 lakh and lower courts nearly five crore. About 50 lakh cases have been pending for over 10 years. Also, as per the available reports, the criminal cases account for a disproportionately enormous number of the pending cases and their number is increasing at an alarming rate with every year. The situation is so harrowing that if business as usual continues, soon more than 10 per cent of Bharatiyas will be embroiled in one or other criminal case. Large Number of Old Cases: According to the India Justice Report 2025, out of the 5.1 crore cases pending across high courts and district courts in January 2025, 12 per cent are pending for more than 10 years and 22 per cent for five to 10 years. On average, 61 per cent and 46 per cent are pending for more than three years at both levels. Nearly 62,000 cases have been pending for over 30 years in various high courts, including some dating back to the early 1950s. Low Number of Judges: While the number of pending cases is increasing, the courts are gripped with an abysmally dwindling number of judges per million of population. And the current sorry state is despite the fact that one, as early as the Law Commission of India in its 120th report on Manpower planning in judiciary: A blueprint (1987) observed that the strength of judicial officers in India was far fewer as compared to certain other countries and the commission recommended the increase of judges from then prevailing 10.5 judges per million population to 50 judges per million population. Two, soon thereafter, the Supreme Court in judgement dated March 21, 2002, in the case of All India Judges Association and Others Vs Union of India and Others directed the government to increase the strength of judges from the then existing 13 judges per 10 lakh people to 50 judges per 10 lakh people within five years. It would have increased the number of judges to 51,351, making it 50 judges per 1 million population as per the Census 2001 from the then existing strength of 15,095, ie, 14.7 judges per million population. More than two and half decades have gone by. But there has been no increase in the number of judges. In January, the actual number of judges was 21,285 with the result that the number of judges per million population languishes in 2025 at where it was in 2002 less than 15 per million population. Higher Judicial Vacancy: While the number of sanctioned posts in judiciary is low enough, the chronic vacancies make the ground reality worse. As per India Justice Report 2025, judge vacancies at the high courts and district courts have changed little and continue to hover around 33 per cent and 21 per cent, respectively, while the staff vacancies in courts stand at 27 per cent. Lower courts are the one where most cases begin and end. But these are also the one where the vacancy of judges and magistrates hurts most. These courts are saddled with more than 3.5 crore pending cases and fresh cases are getting added in decoy. The current level of 20,478 judges at the lower court level to serve 1.42 billion Bharatiyas presents a harrowing tale. Cases Per Judge: A natural outcome of the low level of judges per million population and persisting high vacancies, particularly at the subordinate and district courts, has an increasing high load of cases per judge. It is reported that by the end of 2024 in most high courts, the number of cases averaged over 1,000 cases per judge, with Allahabad and Madhya Pradesh high court judges workloads amounting to an astonishing 15,000 cases each. Their situation is more alarming at the level of district courts where the average workload per judge is more than 2,200 with extremely high state level variations. Infrastructure Gap: Judicial manpower shortage is not the only problem afflicting courts. Court hall shortages influence judge appointments. Even at the current low level of number of judges per million, there is a gnawing gap of physical infrastructure, particularly the court halls. As of 2025, there are 22,045 court halls available for the sitting 20,478 judges as against the 25,771 sanctioned positions of judges. Low Case Clearing Rate: Justice delayed is justice denied, and the sad story is that the low case clearance rates in courts, is seriously eroding the confidence of ordinary Bharatiyas in the efficacy of the judicial system. Instances of Corruption: The subject matter of corruption in the judiciary, is a delicate thing to discuss upon, but the truth beckons that even though cases of corruption are few and far between in the higher echelons of the judiciary, the level of corruption in the lower courts have always been a case of concern and there is reason to believe that their incidence is increasing. At least three former Chief Justices of India have acknowledged about the cancer of corruption in the judiciary and this perception is backed up by quantitative evidence. According to Transparency International, 32 per cent of Indians who used the courts in 2020 had paid a bribe that year, while 38 per cent resorted to personal connections to navigate the system. With the Indian judicial system being the self-governing one, the onus to weed out corruption from the system wherever it exists lies with the apex court. But with the judiciary being a mirror of the society, it is easier said than done. OTHER ASPECTS These are not the only reasons behind delayed and denied justice. There are a high number of cases and low rate of convictions, owed to the inferior quality of investigation, prosecution and often collusion of prosecution with the culprits. Also, frequent unwarranted adjournment of hearings has a deleterious impact on delaying and denying justice. Technical or unfulfilled procedural requirements or inadequacies of evidence or non-examination of material witnesses, mistakes and other factors also contribute to acquittals resulting in low convictions. There are also inbuilt issues in the system: Statutory and Judicial Distrust of Police: Under Section 181 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), statements made to a police officer during an investigation are not admissible as evidence in a court of law. These statements cannot be signed by the person making them and cannot be used for any purpose, including corroboration or contradiction. The above results in a situation that even where the police investigation is timely, proper and of highest quality, the valuable material collected by the investigating officer during investigation cannot be used by the prosecution. This seriously affects the prosecution and is a major cause for the delay and consequential failure of the system. System Skewed in Favour of the Accused: The system that India follows is of the adversarial system, where the fundamental principle of criminal jurisprudence is presumption of innocence and right to silence of the accused, burden of proof on the prosecution, and the right to fair trial. As the prosecution must prove the case beyond reasonable doubt, the system is skewed in favour of the accused and over the years taking advantage of several lacunae in the adversarial system. Hence, a large number of criminals are escaping convictions. This has seriously eroded the confidence of the people in the efficacy of the system. Therefore, it is necessary to examine how to plug the escape routes and to block possible new ones. Low-quality Legal Aid to the Poor: Talking of the urgent need of legal aid to the poor in 1979, Justice PN Bhagwati, then Chief Justice of India, said in Hussainara Khatoon v Home Secretary, State of Bihar: Legal aid is not charity, but a necessary adjunct to the administration of justice, ensuring equal access to justice for all." WHAT NEXT The time is now to completely focus on every aspect of the criminal judicial system, including but not limited to police, law pertaining to bail, improve the quality of investigation, reimagine the role of prosecution and provide substantially improved judicial aid to the poor at every level. Also needed is simplifying judicial procedures and practices, bringing about synergy among the judiciary, the prosecution and police, making the system simpler, faster, cheaper, and people-friendly, and restoring the confidence of the public in the system. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Also, if the number of pending cases have to reduce legislature, executive and judiciary has to come together to revolutionise the system not only for expeditious disposal of cases but also drastically revolutionising the present state by taking urgent recourse to using the alternative courses of action like plea bargaining, probation, admonition and community service among others. (The author is multidisciplinary thought leader with Action Bias, India-based international impact consultant, and keen watcher of changing national and international scenarios. He works as president advisory services of consulting company BARSYL. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views) First Published: May 18, 2025, 08:00 IST TOKYO - Nissan Motor Co. will solicit early retirement applications from administrative staff in Japan this summer, a source close to the matter said Sunday, launching such a program for the first time in 18 years as the struggling automaker aims to turn its business around. The early retirement packages, to be offered in July and August, will target those in sales and accounting, while employees working in the development and production sections will be excluded, according to the source. The program, covering workers aged 45 to 64, is part of the Yokohama-based automaker's plan to cut around 20,000 jobs globally. While it has already notified employees, the number of applications to be accepted has not been revealed, the source said. With the program, Japan's third-biggest automaker by volume aims to cut administrative costs amid a deteriorating business environment caused by the tariff policy of U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, including the imposition of 25 percent levies on autos from April. Grappling with poor sales in the United States and China, the company announced restructuring measures Tuesday as it reported a hefty net loss of 670.90 billion yen ($4.6 billion) for fiscal 2024. Under its restructuring plans, the automaker will reduce its global workforce by around 15 percent. It will also slash its vehicle plants worldwide from 17 to 10 by fiscal 2027 to address overcapacity issues. According to a company source, Nissan is considering closing two plants in Kanagawa Prefecture near Tokyo, accounting for around 30 percent of the automaker's domestic production capacity. Related coverage: Nissan mulls closing 2 Kanagawa Pref. plants in restructuring push Nissan to shut plants, ax 20,000 jobs after logging FY 2024 net loss Asaduddin Owaisi's Nakam Dig At Opposition: BJP Keeps Winning Elections Because Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 21:06 IST Opposition parties like the Congress have scoffed at Asaduddin Owaisis attempts to grow his political party outside its stronghold of the Hyderabad region. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi (PTI file photo) All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday took a dig at Opposition parties saying that the BJP has been consistently winning elections across the country because it has consolidated the Hindu votes and the Opposition is nakaam (failure). While speaking to news agency PTI, the Hyderabad MP said that attempts to blame him were nothing but the Oppositions hatred for his party, which largely represents Muslims. He made the remarks when asked whether his party was the B-team of the BJP. Recommended Stories BJP is coming to power because the opposition is a failure (nakaam). BJP is winning elections because it has consolidated almost 50 per cent of the Hindu vote," he said to the news agency. How can you put the blame on me, tell me? If I contest in Hyderabad, Aurangabad, Kishanganj and a few other seats in the 2024 Parliamentary elections and BJP gets 240 seats then am I responsible?" Owaisi added. Opposition parties like the Congress have scoffed at Owaisis attempts to grow his political party outside its stronghold of the Hyderabad region, saying he ends up benefitting the BJP by taking away a chunk of votes, mostly Muslims. However, the five-time Hyderabad MP countered, accusing opposition parties of taking the Muslim votes for granted and paying little heed to their real concerns. When every segment of the society has a semblance of political leadership, and thats acceptable to you but you dont want that Muslims should have a semblance of political voice, political leadership," he added. Asked if his remarks were aimed at the Congress, Owaisi said he was referring to all parties, including the BJP, Mayawatis Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Akhilesh Yadavs Samajwadi Party (SP). Yadav will be a leader, Musalmaan will be a beggar. Upper caste will be a leader, Musalmaan will be a beggar. How is that fair, tell me?" the AIMIM chief asked. He further pointed out that Muslims have only 4% participation in the legislatures and Parliament, despite the community being the largest minority group in the country. He cautioned that India cannot achieve the "Viksit Bharat" goal by 2047 by keeping such a large community marginalised and weak. Political parties should stop looking at Muslims as vote banks, and instead work to uplift them, educate them, treat them fairly and give them jobs, he added. His remarks came at a time when he gained the netizens attention for his strong statements on Pakistan following the ghastly Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists. Amid ratcheting up tensions between India and Pakistan, the government has been constantly updating the world on the misadventures of Pakistan. The Opposition leaders, who usually jump in to criticise the ruling regimes actions, have strongly backed the Centres move against Pakistan the proven sponsors of terrorism. Among these leaders, Asaduddin Owaisi is one of them who has emerged as favourites of the social media. This instantly made the AIMIM chief a hit on social media. So much so that netizens who otherwise do not support his political ideology, came forward to indulge in a verbal duel with Pakistani internet users. An X user even dared one of his Pakistani counterparts to not say a word against Owaisi, adding, Jaisa hai, humara hai (however he is, he is ours)". A staunch critic of the government, often accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party of being anti-Muslim, Owaisi has himself been labelled by his detractors as the BJPs B team". However, during Operation Sindoor, Owaisi emerged as a strong, assertive Muslim voice condemning Pakistan, even going so far as to denounce its actions as being against the teachings of Islam. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Notably, Owaisi is also a part of the seven all-party delegations that will visit partner countries to brief their governments on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and Operation Sindoor. (With inputs from PTI) 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 18, 2025, 21:05 IST Himanta Sarma vs Gaurav Gogoi In Fiery X Spat Over Pakistan Remark: 'It's Nonsense' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 19:34 IST Assam CM Sarma accused Congress MP Gogoi of visiting Pakistan for ISI training. Gogoi denied it, calling it "nonsense" and questioned Sarma's mental state Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi. (PTI file photos) Assam Chief Minister and BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma is at loggerheads with Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi after alleging that the opposition leader visited Pakistan at the invitation of its intelligence agency, the ISI. Gogoi has strongly denied the claim, calling it nonsense" and expressing concern about the Chief Ministers mental state". Speaking at an event on Sunday, Sarma claimed that Gogoi travelled to Pakistan not as a tourist but for training" on a direct invitation from the countrys Ministry of Interior. He asserted the Assam government has documents to back the allegation, and promised to make them public by 10 September after proper verification. Recommended Stories Gaurav Gogoi visited Pakistan on an invitation of the ISI. For the first time, I am saying this. We have documents of the same. He did not go for tourism purposes. He went there definitely for taking training," Sarma stated. An invitation from the foreign affairs (department) or any university is altogether a different thing. This was not from the foreign affairs or cultural departments. He went there on a direct invitation from the home department of Pakistan," the Assam CM added. Sarma further stated, All his paths are closed. We have seen the evidence. Only we need time till September to get the papers. We have to submit a notice and then the embassy will provide us with the documents Please do not ask about this again till that time." The Chief Minister later reiterated his allegation on social media platform X, writing, I reiterate, with full authority and responsibility as the Chief Minister of Assam, that Shri Gaurab Gogoi, Member of Parliament from Assam, visited Pakistan at the invitation of the Ministry of Interior of the Government of Pakistan. He spent several days there. We are enquiring further into the details surrounding this visit and related associations." I reiterate, with full authority and responsibility as the Chief Minister of Assam, that Shri Gaurab Gogoi, Member of Parliament from Assam, visited Pakistan at the invitation of the Ministry of Interior of the Government of Pakistan. He spent several days there. We are enquiring Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 18, 2025 Gogoi Hits Back: 99% Nonsense In a sharp response, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi dismissed the allegations and took to X to express concern about Sarmas remarks. I am worried about the health of the Chief Minister of Assam," Gogoi wrote. For some reason best known to him I have been on his radar since my entry into Assam. He has made many baseless remarks about me in the past 13 years. The most recent one borders on insanity and the absurd." I am worried about the health of the Chief Minister of Assam.For some reason best known to him I have been on his radar since my entry into Assam. He has made many baseless remarks about me in the past 13 years. The most recent one borders on insanity and the absurd. It is Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) May 18, 2025 He went on to say that such comments often reflect personal troubles: It is often said that when there is something bothering at home, it reflects in the mental state of the person. We will ensure that after 2026 he gets to have some rest." In another post, the Congress MP said, 99% of what the Chief Minister has been saying is nonsense. He should put out the facts in public domain and stop hiding behind an imaginary September deadline." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 99% of what the Chief Minister has been saying is nonsense.He should put out the facts in public domain and stop hiding behind an imaginary September deadline. I doubt if even in September the Chief Minister can put out any concrete facts. I remember how during the Bharat Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) May 18, 2025 Gogoi also recalled past instances where Sarma made similar claims, referencing the Bharat Jodo Yatra: I remember how during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Assam. he created a a fuss about a supposed body double" of Rahul Gandhi." 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 : Guwahati [Gauhati], India, India First Published: May 18, 2025, 19:32 IST Prashant Kishor Stopped From Entering Nitish Kumars Ancestral Village Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 22:21 IST Officials maintained that the Jan Suraaj Party did not seek prior permission to hold such a gathering at Kalyan Bigha Jan Suraaj Party chief Prashant Kishor (PTI Image) Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor was on Sunday stopped by the administration from entering Kalyan Bigha, the ancestral village of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, where he wanted to interact with locals during his visit to Nalanda district. Kishor, who wanted to launch his partys signature campaign demanding answers on unfulfilled" government promises from the ancestral village of the CM, was stopped by the district administration and security personnel from entering the village. Kishor and his party workers wanted a face-to-face interaction with the residents of Kalyan Bigha. Recommended Stories Officials maintained that the Jan Suraaj Party did not seek prior permission to hold such a gathering at Kalyan Bigha. The Jan Suraaj Party had sought permission to hold a public meeting in Bihar Sharif (district headquarters of Nalanda) on May 18the district administration had given them permission. The party had not sought permission for holding such an event at Kalyan Bighathat was the reason they were not allowed to enter the village," Nalanda District Magistrate, Shashank Shubhankar, told PTI. Holding public meetings at a particular place requires a lot of preparations by the district administration, including police. That is the reason prior permission is mandatory for such gatherings. Since they had been given permission to hold the public meeting on May 18 in Bihar Sharif only, They were asked to go to the place in Bihar Sharif for which the permission had been granted," said the DM. Interacting with media persons, where he was stopped, Kishor said he wanted to interact with locals but was stopped. I wanted to interact with locals to see the situation in Kalyan Bigha, the ancestral village of the CM. But I am not being allowed. This is the government of Nitish Kumar. Earlier, they stopped Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from holding an interaction programme with students in Darbhanga. Now, they are doing it with me." In a verbal exchange with officials of the district administration, Kishor was heard saying, Will you stop me from entering the village ? Do I need permission to visit the village ? I want you to give it in writing, and then I will return. We are law-abiding people" The SDM was heard saying, You need permission as there might be a law-and-order situation. People have filed a complaint." Later, Prashant Kishor went to Bihar Sharif and addressed the gathering and also launched the signature campaign. The party launched a signature campaign demanding answers on unfulfilled" government promises. The signature campaign will focus on three points what happened to the Nitish governments promise of giving Rs 2 lakh each to the 94 lakh poor families, 3 decimal of land to the Mahadalit families and corruption in the ongoing land survey. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Earlier, Kishor had said that a Jan Suraaj Party delegation would collect signatures from one crore people across 40,000 villages in the state till July 11. The signatures would then be submitted to the governor and the CM if the government failed" to disclose within a month the status of delivering Rs 2 lakh to each of the 94 lakh poor families identified in the caste survey and of providing land to the landless. First Published: May 18, 2025, 22:21 IST TMC Backs Out Of Op Sindoor Diplomacy, Tells Yusuf Pathan Not To Join Multi-Party Team Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: May 19, 2025, 09:12 IST According to sources, the party has instructed its Lok Sabha MP Yusuf Pathan, who was included in one of the delegations, not to be part of the official visit West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. (Image: PTI) The Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Sunday informed the Centre that it will not not participate in the seven all-party delegations being sent abroad to convey Indias strong message against terrorism following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. According to sources, the party has instructed its Lok Sabha MP Yusuf Pathan, who was included in one of the delegations, not to be part of the official visit. TMC has not provided an official reason for opting out, but the decision has been communicated to the central government. Recommended Stories The government had earlier announced that it would dispatch seven multi-party delegations to key global capitalsincluding member countries of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)to build diplomatic support for Indias position on terrorism, especially after the recent cross-border counter-terror operation dubbed Operation Sindoor. The delegations are to be led by senior leaders from across the political spectrum, including Shashi Tharoor (Congress), Ravi Shankar Prasad and Baijayant Panda (BJP), Sanjay Kumar Jha (JDU), Kanimozhi (DMK), Supriya Sule (NCP-SP), and Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena). In total, 51 political leaders, including sitting MPs and former Union ministers, will visit 32 countries and the EU headquarters in Brussels, to present Indias stand on cross-border terrorism and its zero-tolerance policy. On Saturday, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju called the initiative on social media, saying: One mission. One message. One Bharat. Seven All-Party Delegations will soon engage key nations under #OperationSindoor, reflecting our collective resolve against terrorism." The delegations also include former Union ministers Ghulam Nabi Azad, MJ Akbar, Anand Sharma, V Muraleedharan, Salman Khurshid, SS Ahluwalia, who are not members of parliament at present. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ: Congress Miffed As Govt Picks Only 1 Out Of 4 Nominees For Op Sindoor Diplomatic Outreach (With inputs from agencies) First Published: May 18, 2025, 21:45 IST Two Years After Job Cuts, Swedish Firm To Rehire Humans As AI Falls Short On Quality Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 20:33 IST The Swedish fintech company, Klarna, had made headlines two years ago when it reduced its workforce in favour of AI Klarna CEO admitted that the quality of work done by AI agents was lower than expected. (Represntational image) A Swedish fintech company that once embraced artificial intelligence (AI) at the cost of human jobs is now looking to rehire staff after realising machines couldnt quite replace people. The Swedish fintech company, Klarna, had made headlines two years ago when it reduced its workforce in favour of AI technology. In 2023, the company halted recruitment altogether and leaned heavily into automation, partnering with OpenAI to power many of its customer service functions. Recommended Stories At the time, Klarnas CEO, Sebastian Siemiatkowski, championed the decision, claiming AI could handle the same tasks as human employees. The company said its AI systems were doing the work of 700 customer service agents, and Siemiatkowski boasted about saving $10 million on tasks such as translation, art production, and data analysis. In a recent interview reported by Futurism, the Klarna CEO admitted that the quality of work done by AI agents was lower than expected. He acknowledged that relying too much on cost-cutting and automation had hurt the companys customer experience. From a brand perspective, a company perspective. I just think its so critical that you are clear to your customer that there will always be a human if you want," Siemiatkowski said. As cost unfortunately seems to have been a too predominant evaluation factor when organising this, what you end up having is lower quality. Really investing in the quality of the human support is the way of the future for us," he added. Klarna now plans to launch a new hiring drive to bring back human workers, especially in customer-facing roles where empathy and judgement matter most. According to Bloomberg, Klarna is testing a new way of hiring where people can work remotely, similar to how drivers work with Uber. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The companys headcount had fallen from over 5,500 in 2022 to just 3,400 by the end of 2024, according to its IPO filing in March. The fintech company is best known for its buy now, pay later" services which allows shoppers to pay up to 30 days after placing an order or making purchases in four instalments without interest. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More News18 Tech delivers the latest technology updates, including phone launches, gadget reviews, AI advancements, and more. Stay informed with breaking tech news , expert insights, and trends from India and around the world . Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Sweden First Published: May 18, 2025, 20:31 IST 'Can You Stop Following Me?': Polish Woman Shares Disturbing Ordeal In Himachal Pradesh Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 09:48 IST Kasia, a Polish traveller, shared a shocking video where she was seen being followed by a man while trekking in Himachal Pradesh, despite her insisting to be left alone. Kasia shared the disturbing video on her Instagram handle to spread awareness. A Polish traveller shared a shocking video of a man following her while she was trekking alone in Himachal Pradesh, sparking concerns on social media. Kasia, an avid traveller and content creator, shared a video of a man hounding her to click pictures while she was walking down a mountain from her guest house. Taking to Instagram, Kasia wrote, I was walking down a mountain from my guest house when this guy asked me to take a picture. I was pretty sure he was asking me to take a picture of him, but turned out he wanted to take a picture of me." Recommended Stories I said No, because I didnt feel like stopping for a chat and taking pictures, I wanted to be in my own space. After so much time spent in India and so many selfies taken with strangers that include small talk, I really dont feel l want to do this anymore," she further said. However, the man did not understand her and started following her down, while shouting things in Hindi. After feeling hopeless, Kasia took out her camera and started recording the incident. I dont want to take a picture. Can you stop following me? I dont like it," she yelled. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kasia (@jenesaisquoi_x) It was only after she started recording the ordeal that the man stopped following her. Dont be like this guy. I am not an animal in the zoo to look at and take pictures, its so uncomfortable. And more importantly, dont follow women in the woods. Its totally unacceptable," she said in the Instagram post. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Although she turned off the comments in her post, she said, Im not gonna stop loving my time in India just because of a creepy dude that followed me in the woods." There is a saying that goes India is not for beginners. Couldnt agree more," she said. My intention wasnt to scare women, or to put a bad name on the whole nation. My intention was to show an example of what to NOT do when youre a man, raise awareness. Doesnt matter if youre an Indian, a Croatian or British." 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 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 : Shimla, India, India First Published: May 18, 2025, 09:48 IST King Charles Net Worth Equals Rishi Sunak, Akshata Murty At 640 Million Curated By : Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 14:53 IST King Charles has inherited most of his wealth from his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. Charless fortune is also supported by his private properties. King Charles III Britains King Charles is now as rich as Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty, with his total fortune now amounting to 640 million, as per The Sunday Times Rich List. With this much of wealth, King Charles is now ahead of his late mother Queen Elizabeth II, who had a fortune of 370 million in 2022. Recommended Stories Charles in now placed at 238th position in the list of the UKs wealthiest people and families. His personal wealth has gone up by a spike of 30 million (341 crore) in just the past year, making his total net worth at an estimated 640 million (Rs 7,278 crore). Where Does King Charles Wealth Come From? King Charles has inherited most of his wealth from his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. Charless fortune is also supported by his private properties, like Sandringham and Balmoral. During his time as Prince of Wales, he would get about 23 million (around 261 crore) each year from the Duchy of Cornwall. This income helped cover both his familys expenses and his official duties. Notably, this amount only represents his personal finances and does not include the Crown Estate, the Duchy of Lancaster, or the Crown Jewels, which are owned by the monarchy and not by an individual. While King Charles wealth has increased, Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murtys net worth has fallen by 11 million in the last year. Following his time as Prime Minister, Sunak joined Stanford University in a part-time academic role, and the couple has also introduced a new charity foundation. Who Is The Richest UK Family? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Gopi Hinduja and his family top the Sunday Times Rich List 2025 with an estimated net worth of 35.304 billion. Gopi Hinduja is an 85-year-old businessman, who owns the Indian giant Hinduja Group. 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 : London, United Kingdom (UK) First Published: May 18, 2025, 14:51 IST Bangladeshi Actor Nusraat Faria, Who Played Sheikh Hasina, Arrested In Murder Case: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 16:52 IST Nusraat Faria Arrested: Nusraat Faria gained significant recognition for her role as Sheikh Hasina in the 2023 film 'Mujib: The Making of a Nation'. Nusraat Faria Arrested: Nusraat Faria gained significant recognition for her role as Sheikh Hasina in the 2023 film 'Mujib: The Making of a Nation'. Popular Bangladeshi actress Nusraat Faria, known for her portrayal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the biopic Mujib: The Making of a Nation, was apprehended at Dhakas Shahjalal International Airport. The arrest is reportedly linked to a case concerning an attempted murder during the widespread protests against Sheikh Hasina that occurred in July 2024. According to the Prothom Alo newspaper, the 31-year-old actress was detained at the immigration checkpoint while en route to Thailand after an arrest warrant was issued for Nusraat Faria in connection with a case filed on charges of attempted murder during the anti-government demonstrations. The protests ultimately led to Sheikh Hasinas resignation and subsequent departure to India. Recommended Stories Shafiqul Islam, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in the Badda Zone, confirmed the actresss arrest to Prothom Alo. Who Is Nusraat Faria? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Nusraat Faria gained significant recognition for her role as Sheikh Hasina in the 2023 film Mujib: The Making of a Nation. The film, a joint venture between Bangladesh and India, was directed by the late acclaimed director Shyam Benegal. Before her acting career, the 31-year-old began as a radio jockey and presenter. She made her debut in the 2015 Bangladesh-India co-production Aashiqui: True Love and has since starred in numerous Bangladeshi and Indian films, primarily in Bengali. She is also active in television hosting and modelling. About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" Location : Bangladesh First Published: May 18, 2025, 16:52 IST Covid-19 Surges Again In Hong Kong, Singapore: Whats Causing The Spike? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 17:30 IST According to health authorities, the increase in infections are likely because of waning population level immunity to the infection and fewer elderly getting their booster shots. Loss of smell and taste, once hallmark symptoms, are now rare with newer subvariants. Covid Cases in Asia: After a period of relative calm, Covid-19 infections are once again surging in densely populated financial hubs of Hong Kong and Singapore. The surge in cases has signalled a resurgent wave across Asia. According to the health authorities, the increase in infections are likely because of waning population level immunity to the infection and fewer elderly getting their booster shots. Recommended Stories Cases In Singapore Singapore is on high alert as the estimated number of Covid-19 cases in the week ending on May 3 went up to 14,200 from 11,100 a week before. Daily hospitalisations also saw a roughly 30% increase. While factors such as waning population immunity could be contributing to the increase, Singapores health ministry stated that there is currently no indication that the circulating variants are more transmissible or cause more severe cases than during the pandemic." The health authority added that LF.7 and NB.1.8 both descendants of JN.1 variant that is used in new Covid-19 vaccines were circulating in the country. These newer vaccines are unavailable in India. Cases In Hong Kong In Hong Kong, the virus has surged to a quite high" level, according to Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch at the citys Centre for Health Protection. The percentage of respiratory samples testing positive has reached its highest point in a year, accompanied by a rise in severe cases and fatalities. In the week ending May 3, 31 deaths were reported, marking a one-year high. Although the current wave hasnt hit the peaks seen in previous years, rising viral loads in sewage samples and increased Covid-related hospital visits and consultations point to widespread community transmission in the densely populated city of over 7 million. It has also seen an increase in Sars-CoV-2 viral load in sewage samples and an increase in respiratory samples testing positive for Covid-19, increasing to 13.66% in the week ending on May 10 as compared to 6.21 per cent four weeks ago, reported Indian Express. Indian Experts Urge Caution, Not Panic top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all While the likelihood of a severe wave in India is minimal, staying alert remains a wise precaution, virologists and health experts told News18. Indian experts advise that there is no cause for panic, as the population largely has immunity against severe Covid-19. However, mild infections can still occur, often resembling common cold or flu symptoms. Therefore, it remains important to follow time-tested precautions during periods of active virus circulation especially protecting children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions. 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 : Singapore First Published: May 18, 2025, 17:30 IST Explosion Rocks California's Palm Springs; 1 Dead, Fertility Clinic Damaged Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 06:58 IST The explosion took place outside a fertility clinic, which was described as "unforgivable" by US Attorney General Pam Bondi. Authorities are working to determine what happened. Debris covers the road after the explosion in Palm Springs, California. (AP) At least one person was reportedly killed after an explosion rocked a neighbourhood and damaged a fertility clinic in the California city of Palm Springs in the United States. This incident was being treated as a possible car explosion, according to officials. Police and firefighters quickly responded to the explosion outside the clinic on Saturday. The city of Palm Springs said on Saturday in a social media post that the explosion happened at 11 am (local time), and that residents were instructed to avoid the area around North Indian Canyon Drive near East Tachevah Drive. Recommended Stories Akil Davis, the head of the FBIs Los Angeles field office, said later that the clinic was deliberately targeted, while declining to elaborate on how authorities have reached a conclusion on a motive. Authorities were also investigating the possibility that the explosion was being livestreamed. The blast appears to be an intentional act of violence and the blast extends for blocks with several buildings damaged, some severely," Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said. The identity of the deceased individual was yet to be ascertained. Dr Maher Abdallah, who runs the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic, told The Associated Press that his clinic was damaged but all of his staff were safe and accounted for. Aerial footage showed the building roof had collapsed, but its IVF lab and all of the stored embryos there were unharmed. Unforgivable: US Attorney General The citys mayor, Ron deHarte told AFP investigators had confirmed a bomb exploded in or near a vehicle." According to local reports, five people were injured in the explosion and the person who died was a suspect in the blast. US President Donald Trumps Attorney General Pam Bondi described the incident as an unforgivable" attack, adding that federal agents were working to determine exactly what had happened. Let me be clear: the Trump administration understands that women and mothers are the heartbeat of America. Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable," she said in a statement. An aerial footage of the scene revealed a charred car in a parking lot behind the building that contained the fertility clinics office. The explosion collapsed the roof and scattered debris across the sidewalk and all four lanes of the street on the far side of the building. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Reproductive care, including abortion and fertility services, remains controversial in the United States, where some conservatives believe the procedures should be outlawed for religious reasons. However, violence against clinics providing such services are rare. (with inputs from agencies) About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : California, USA First Published: May 18, 2025, 06:47 IST TOKYO - The approval rating for Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's Cabinet hit a record low at 27.4 percent, down 5.2 percentage points from last month, a Kyodo News survey showed Sunday. The plunge in the support rate comes as dissatisfaction has grown ahead of this summer's House of Councillors election as Ishiba has continued to dismiss consumption tax cuts as a measure for tackling rising prices. His Cabinet's approval rating sank below 30 percent -- the so-called danger zone where an administration is at risk of an early demise -- as consumers struggle with the government's failure to come up with an effective solution to soaring rice prices. Ishiba, who took office in October, saw the disapproval rating for his Cabinet rise 1.3 points to 55.1 percent, according to the nationwide survey. Around 73.2 percent of the poll respondents said it is necessary to slash consumption taxes either "only for food items," "for all products," or be abolished altogether, amid the cost-of-living crisis. The survey conducted for two days through Sunday also showed 87.1 percent said the government's efforts to rein in a surge in the price of rice were insufficient. Asked in the survey whether they were concerned there would be a decline in social security services if consumption tax was abolished or reduced, however, 72.9 percent said yes. Regarding Japan-U.S. tariff talks, 74.3 percent said they are not expecting a favorable result from the negotiations. As for the upper house election, 20.2 percent said they would vote for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in the contest's proportional representation section while 14.2 percent expressed support for the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. Around 12.4 percent said they would vote for the Democratic Party for the People, 6.0 percent for the Japan Innovation Party, and 5.9 percent for the anti-establishment Reiwa Shinsengumi in the election. When asked which party they support, the poll showed 25.0 percent back the LDP, 12.1 percent the CDPJ, 13.2 percent the DPP and 4.9 percent the innovation party, while 21.2 percent said they had "no party to support." The nationwide survey called 497 randomly selected households with eligible voters and 3,725 mobile phone numbers. It yielded responses from 426 household members and 638 mobile phone users. Related coverage: Japan PM wary of pre-election inflation-fighting consumption tax cut FOCUS: Japan's gold standard health insurance system at politicization risk Japan PM rules out consumption tax cut amid inflation, tariff relief 'Fail To Surrender...': UK Judge Notes 'Confidential Impediment' In Nirav Modi Extradition Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 20:19 IST Justice Fordham said the confidentiality imposes a significant limitation on what the court can evaluate when considering risks posed by Nirav Modis continued detention. Despite Nirav Modi's legal team pulling every trick in the book, citing health issues, delays in proceedings, and time already served, his arguments failed to move the British court. File image Nirav Modi Case: A London High Court judge who refused fugitive businessman Nirav Modis latest bail petition earlier this week citied a confidential impediment" that continues to delay his extradition to India, who is accused of fraud and money laundering charges. Justice Michael Fordham, presiding over the bail hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice on Thursday, stated there are substantial grounds to believe that Nirav Modi, 54, would fail to surrender" and his risk of absconding remained high if released on bail. Recommended Stories While Niravs barrister argued in favour of his bail from Londons Thameside prison based on the long passage of time" without trial, the judge acknowledged a confidential" legal obstacle that has prevented Modis extradition, despite the fact that the judicial process has otherwise concluded. There is a legal reason related to confidential proceedings. Its nature is known to Nirav Modi and his legal team, and to the Home Office. Beyond what I have recorded, it is not known to the CPS, the Government of India, or this court," Justice Fordham said. CPS barrister Nicholas Hearn, appearing on behalf of the Indian authorities, confirmed to the court that he recognises and respects" the fact of the existing confidential impediment" and the fact of its confidentiality, for whatever reason it is being kept confidential". The confidential proceedings, alluded to at various previous court hearings linked with Nirav Modi, are believed to refer to an asylum application, but the exact nature of the matter is unclear. Justice Fordham said the confidentiality imposes a significant limitation" on what the court can evaluate when considering the risks posed by Modis continued detention or release. I have had close regard to the points which have been made about the human cost of detention. That includes all of the points that have been advanced about physical and mental health, including in terms of deterioration and delays in treatment, and the concerns very properly raised in the clinicians expert evidence," Justice Fordhams judgment said. Nirav Modi one of Indias most wanted in connection with the Rs. 6498.20 crore Punjab National Bank loan fraud case has been in a jail in UK since March 2019. This was his 10th bail petition. This was his 10th bail petition since his detention in the UK, which was successfully defended by the CBI through the Crown Prosecution Service, London," the probe agency said. The UK High Court has already approved his extradition to India in the favour of the Indian government so he can face the law. Nirav Modis uncle Mehul Choksi, a co-accused in the PNB fraud case, was last month arrested by the authorities in Belgium where he had gone for treatment. Charges Against Nirav Modi Nirav Modi had fled India in January 2018, weeks before the PNB scam surfaced and has been in a UK jail since March 2019. The 55-year-old diamond merchant along with his uncle has been accused of siphoning off over Rs 13,000 crore from the PNB using fraudulent letters of undertaking and foreign letters of credit. Officials at PNBs Brady House branch in Mumbai issued letters of undertaking (LoUs) and foreign letters of credit (FLCs) to their firms without any sanctioned limit or cash margin and without making entries in the banks central system to evade any scrutiny in case of a default. Based on the LoUs issued by the PNB, money was lent by the SBI, Mauritius; Allahabad Bank, Hong Kong; Axis Bank, Hong Kong; Bank of India, Antwerp; Canara Bank, Mamana; and SBI, Frankfurt. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Since the accused companies did not repay the amount availed against the said fraudulent LoUs and FLCs, PNB made the payments, including the overdue interest, to the overseas banks, which advanced buyers credit and discounted the bills against the fraudulent LoUs and FLCs issued by the PNB, the CBI alleged. (With inputs from PTI) 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 : London, United Kingdom (UK) First Published: May 18, 2025, 20:11 IST Mexican Navy Ship With 277 On Board Collides With Brooklyn Bridge, 2 Dead, 19 Injured | Video Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 10:52 IST Viral footage showed one of the ship's 147-foot masts colliding with the Brooklyn Bridge and crashing onto the deck, injuring multiple crew members aboard. The Cuauhtemoc ship colliding with the Brooklyn Bridge. (Photo: X) A Mexican navy training ship en route to New York collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, causing one of its masts to crash onto the deck, which left two dead and 19 people injured, according to authorities and reports. The Cuauhtemoc was carrying 277 crew members at the time of the crash. New York Mayor Eric Adams said 19 people were injured in the incident, four of them seriously. Two of the four people who suffered more serious injuries later died, Adams announced on social media early Sunday morning (local time). In the videos, many people dressed in what appeared to be white sailor uniforms could be seen dangling from the ships crossbeams. Recommended Stories During the departure manoeuvre of the Cuauhtemoc Sailboat in New York, an incident occurred with the Brooklyn Bridge that caused damage to the Training Ship, temporarily preventing the continuation of the training cruise," the Mexican Navy said in a post in Spanish on X. Durante la maniobra de zarpe del Velero Cuauhtemoc en Nueva York, se registro un percance con el Puente de Brooklyn que provoco danos al Buque Escuela, impidiendo por el momento la continuacion del crucero de instruccion.El estado del personal y material se encuentra en pic.twitter.com/7imVEzks4m SEMAR Mexico (@SEMAR_mx) May 18, 2025 Video footage uploaded on social media showed a tall mast striking the bridges deck before plunging dozens of feet down onto the ships deck below. As the three-masted vessel hit the iconic New York landmark, two of the three masts studded with fairy lights collapsed, with passengers appearing to be standing directly underneath. Another video showed the bridge shaking from underneath as the ship slammed into it. New York Police Department Special Operations Chief Wilson Aramboles said the ship had just left a Manhattan pier and was supposed to have been headed out to sea, not toward the bridge. He said an initial report was that the pilot of the ship had lost power due to a mechanical problem, though officials cautioned that information was preliminary. Onlookers in the park on the Brooklyn side under the bridge can be heard in the clip screaming, Oh s***!" In an absolutely stunning modern metaphor a ship blaring Mexican music and flying a massive Mexican flag just got destroyed by the Brooklyn bridge.Cant make it uppic.twitter.com/AUJy0q3oFB Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) May 18, 2025 Another view of the Mexican tail ship crashing into the Brooklyn Bridge pic.twitter.com/XVmwRYxFaI Karli Bonne (@KarluskaP) May 18, 2025 So glad I able to capture the beauty of the Mexican navy boat before it crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge," said one user on X. Just watched the Brooklyn Bridge get smoked live by a boat with a massive Mexican flag," said another netizen. Debris can be seen falling toward the deck of the ship, including portions of the masts, lights, and rigging, after the crash. New York emergency officials said theyre responding to an incident at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge. A search and rescue operation was carried out to pull people out of the water after one of the ships 147-foot masts collided with the bridge, sources told the New York Post. Some victims in critical condition were taken to a nearby hospital. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all New York Attorney General Letitia James said she was praying for those involved and urged New Yorkers to follow local guidance while our first responders do their jobs." All lanes of the Brooklyn Bridge were briefly closed in both directions after the incident but had reopened as of 10:30 pm, as per CNN citing New York emergency officials. The vessel was built in Spain in 1982, and is expected to feature in next years blockbuster Sail4th event celebrating Americas 250th birthday. 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 : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: May 18, 2025, 07:32 IST In A Copycat Move, Pakistan To Send Bilawal Bhutto On Global Peace Mission For Image Makeover Reported By : News18.com Edited By: News Desk Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 09:29 IST Sources say Pakistan wants to use the opportunity to rebrand itself from a terror-sponsored state to a peace state. Pak Army wants to capitalise on Bhuttos legacy through Bilawal Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will position Pakistan as a peaceful investment destination at the global peace mission and cite the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as an example. (AP File Image) In order to salvage its image after drawing international attention to its support for terrorism in the wake of Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has announced plans to send Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to lead its global peace mission. In a copy-cat move after New Delhi announced plans to send its delegation abroad to present a case against terrorism, Islamabad has chosen Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to counter Indian delegation that includes Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. Recommended Stories I was contacted earlier today by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who requested that I lead a delegation to present Pakistans case for peace on the international stage. I am honoured to accept this responsibility and remain committed to serving Pakistan in these challenging times," Bilawal said in a Facebook post. According to top intelligence sources, the Pakistani Army believes Bilawals Western education and command over English make him a fit case" to represent Islamabad against Tharoor and others from the Indian delegation at the Global Peace Mission. Sources reveal that Pakistan wants to use the mission as an opportunity to rebrand its country on a global platform from a terror-sponsored state to a peace-loving state. The Army wants to capitalise on Bhuttos diplomatic legacy through Bilawal. Bilawals mother and Pakistani former prime minister, Benazir Bhutto, and grandfather and former Pakistani president, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, positioned the PPP as a party of peace and democracy. Choosing Bilawal for the peace mission seems a calculated political and diplomatic strategy by Pakistans civilian-army establishment, the sources said. Bilawal and Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif, along with former Punjab CM and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Hamza Shahbaz propagated themselves as new young leaders of Pakistan. Bilawal has always distanced himself from older rivals such as Nawaz Sharif and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. While PM Shehbaz Sharif has proven to be militarys preferred administrator, Bilawals peace mission could serve as a soft-power diversion to mask Pakistans hybrid warfare tactics and ISI-backed terrorism, as per sources. Sources reveal to CNN-News18 that Bilawal has been given three tasks at the Global Peace Mission: After the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan faces scrutiny for sheltering groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad, whose terror camps were destroyed by the Indian Armed Forces in airstrikes. Thus, Bilawal has been tasked with lobbying at forums such as the United Nations and European Union to counter Indias narrative of Pakistan as a terror exporter. Bilawal will position Pakistan as a peaceful investment destination and will cite the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as an example. The CPEC, which began in 2015, is a $62 billion project under Chinas Belt and Road plan. It connects Chinas Xinjiang region to Gwadar Port in Pakistan. It includes over 3,000 km of highways, railways, pipelines, and power projects. Lastly, Bilawal will put a case for Kashmir at the global platform and reframe the issue as a humanitarian crisis. He has been asked by the Pakistani Army to seek a third-party mediation that could be a cause of concern for India. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Top Indian government sources reveal that Bilawal has been made a scapegoat so that the Pakistani Army continues giving support to terror proxy groups. Bilawal should be tread carefully as his move could undermine his credibility in India, who sees Pakistans mission as hypocrisy. It is nothing but a PR stunt guided by the Pakistani army to counter Indias move to declare Pakistan a terror state, the sources pointed out. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: May 18, 2025, 09:29 IST Russia Launches Biggest Drone Attack On Ukraine Since Start Of War Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 16:34 IST Trump said he plans to speak by phone Monday with Putin and will then speak to Zelenskyy and leaders of various NATO countries about ending the war in Ukraine. This is the most intense Russian drone attack on Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion.(REUTERS) Russia launched its most intense drone attack on Ukraine overnight into Sunday since the beginning of its full-scale invasion in 2022, following the failure of the first direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv in years to achieve a ceasefire. Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys offer to meet face-to-face in Turkey, despite proposing direct negotiations, although not at the presidential level, as an alternative to a 30-day ceasefire urged by Ukraine and its Western allies, including the U.S. Recommended Stories Talks in Istanbul on Friday ended after less than two hours without a ceasefire, though both sides agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each, according to the heads of both delegations. Ukraines intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, said on Ukrainian television Saturday that the exchange could happen as early as next week. US President Donald Trump said he plans to speak by phone Monday with Putin and will then speak to Zelenskyy and leaders of various NATO countries about ending the war in Ukraine. Russia fired a total of 273 exploding drones and decoys, Ukraines air force said Sunday. Of those, 88 were intercepted and a further 128 were lost, likely having been electronically jammed. The attacks targeted the Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk regions. Yuriy Ihnat, Head of the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force, told The Associated Press that the barrage was the biggest drone attack since the start of the full-scale invasion. Russias previous largest known single drone attack was on the eve of the wars third anniversary, when Russia pounded Ukraine with 267 drones. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Kyiv regional Gov. Mykola Kalashnyk said a 28-year-old woman was killed in a drone attack on the region and three other people, including a 4-year-old child, were wounded. Meanwhile, Russias Defence Ministry said its air defences shot down seven Ukrainian drones overnight, and a further 18 on Sunday morning. Location : Ukraine First Published: May 18, 2025, 16:31 IST US Student Accuses University Of Funding Gaza 'Genocide' In Graduation Speech: 'I Am Ashamed' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 18, 2025, 19:16 IST Cecilia Culver, who received a degree in Economics and Statistics, from George Washington University said, "I cannot celebrate my own graduation without a heavy heart." Cecilia Culver graduated from George Washington University (GWU). (Image Credit: X) A George Washington University (GWU) graduate slammed the institutions financial ties to Israel and its role in what she called the genocide" in Gaza. Cecilia Culver, an Economics and Statistics graduate, said in her graduation speech that the horrors" unfolding in Palestine are ignored only by those lacking a moral backbone." For over a year, we have watched a genocide be committed against Palestinians," she said, adding, I cannot celebrate my own graduation without a heavy heart, knowing how many students in Palestine have been forced to stop their studies, expelled from their homes, and killed for simply remaining in the country of their ancestors." Recommended Stories Cecilia Culver condemned what she called the imperialist system" and the GWUs financial endowments, which she alleged fund companies complicit in the ongoing war. I am ashamed to know my tuition is being used to fund this genocide," she said, accusing the GWU administration of ignoring students repeated calls for transparency and accountability. POWERFUL SPEECH BY CECILIA CULVER!I cannot celebrate my own graduation without a heavy heart, knowing how many students in Palstine have been forced to stop their studies, expelled from their homes, and k!lled for simply remaining in the country of their ancestors." pic.twitter.com/HLrBRkTDxn The Resonance (@Partisan_12) May 18, 2025 Despite repeated calls to disclose all endowments and investments by the university and divest from the apartheid state of Israel, the administration has refused," she said, continuing, Instead, they have repressed anyone with the courage to point out the blood on their hands." Ending her speech, she said, I call upon the class of 2025 to withhold donations and continue advocating for disclosure and divestment. None of us are free until Palestine is free." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Her speech comes after US President Donald Trumps strong criticism of universities regarding their handling of pro-Palestine campus protests. The White House has also cracked down on immigrant students taking part in such demonstrations. Israels latest military campaign in Gaza, known as Operation Gideons Chariots, commenced on May 17- aimed at dismantling Hamas military and administrative infrastructure and secure the release of Israeli hostages. About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: May 18, 2025, 19:16 IST His name is Jeffery Shuman, and he's a California native. But the 62-year-old is now in Canadanearing the end of a prison termand better known in that country as the "Vaulter Bandit." A story at Toronto Life explains that Shuman got the nickname for his early habit of vaulting over bank counters to rob tellers. His methods kept evolving, however, with great success: He robbed an estimated 20 banks over five years starting in 2010, and police made little progress. Their big break came only when Shuman, a meticulous planner, finally made a mistake. While impersonating a construction worker, he robbed a bank in Mississauga in 2015 before it opened for business. But after herding three employees into the vault and closing the door on them, Shuman realized he had left behind a clipboard and pen (part of his disguise) in the vault. A DNA test on the chewed pen revealed nothing in Canada's criminal databasebut a check in the US turned up Shuman's identity, writes Malcolm Johnston. That's because, in his home country, Shuman had been known as the "Reebok Bandit" for a series of bank robberies in the 1990s. Upon release after nine years in prison in the US, he decided to ply his trade in Canada. After the vault mistake, investigators eventually tracked Shuman down overseas, aided by his Facebook posts on travel. It turns out Shuman had French citizenship because his mother was from France, and he spent his time between robberies in Europe. The former bandithe never physically harmed anyone, and his weapon was a pellet gunis due for release in September but will be immediately deported to France. This time, he swears he's going straight. (Read the full, entertaining story.) ROME - Pope Leo XIV gave his inauguration Mass as the new head of the Catholic Church in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on Sunday, with world figures, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, attending. "It is the hour of love," the 267th pontiff said during the service, calling to build a Catholic Church that "opens its arms to the world." The first American in the role, Pope Leo XIV was elected on May 8 to succeed the late Pope Francis. "Love and unity: these are the two dimensions of the mission entrusted to (the disciple) Peter by Jesus," he stressed in his homily. The Japanese government has sent former Prime Minister Taro Aso, a Catholic and top advisor to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, to the event to help "deepen friendly and cooperative ties" with the Vatican. The pope visited Japan's Nagasaki in 2008, when he was known as Robert Prevost, to attend the beatification of 188 Japanese martyrs by Pope Benedict XVI, according to Catholics in the southwestern city. Father Futoshi Matsuo of Shiroyama Catholic Church in the city, one of the local Catholics who met him then, said, "He was a person who listened warmly to what others had to say, rather than speak himself." "I am sure he will continue to set an example by practicing peace building through dialogue," Matsuo said. Related coverage: New pope garnered over 75% of votes in conclave: Vatican sources Cardinal Prevost elected 1st pope from U.S. The quickest way to separate gold from rock, Sadio Camara says, is with a drop of mercury. She empties a dime-size packet of the silvery liquid into a plastic bucket of muddy sediment outside her home in southeastern Senegal. With bare hands and no mask, she swirls the mixture as her children look on. "I know mercury isn't good for your healththat's why I don't drink the water it comes into contact with," she said. "I only process small amounts of gold, so there's no danger." Across West Africa, mercurya potent neurotoxinremains the dominant method for extracting gold from ore in the region's booming informal mining sector, much of it illegal and unregulated. In artisanal mining, mercury is prized for its ability to bind quickly and easily to gold. Miners mix the liquid metal into crushed ore, and the mixture is then heatedoften over open flamesto evaporate the mercury and leave behind a lump of gold. The process is cheap and effective, but even small-scale exposure can carry serious risks. In Senegal's gold-rich Kedougou region, women like Camara use the metal regularly, often without protection, to make a living. Mercury exposure can cause irreversible brain damage, developmental delays, tremors, and loss of vision, hearing, and coordination. A 2018 Duke University-led study found mercury levels in soils, sediments, and water near artisanal gold-mining villages in southeastern Senegal that exceeded safety thresholds set by the World Health Organization and the US EPA by 10 to 100 times. "Women are much more exposed than men," said Modou Goumbala, the monitoring and evaluation manager at La Lumiere, an NGO that supports community development in southeastern Senegal. That exposure can be especially dangerous for pregnant and nursing women. So why take the risk? Because gold pays. In Senegal, gold processors like Camara typically process between 5 grams and 10 grams of gold per month, earning the equivalent of $370 to $745more than double the national average salary of about $200. "The easiest way to earn money today is gold mining," Camara said. "Subsistence agriculture will not provide you enough for food or other needs." More here, including what Senegal's government is trying to do about the issue. You likely know Pandora and its popular silver charm bracelets thanks to the 500 stores it has scattered across the US, but you may be less clear on its home countrywhich would be Denmark. Ditto where its jewelry is made, which would be three factories in Thailand. As the New York Times reports, that "continent-crossing supply chain has allowed it to sell its goods worldwide at a low cost," and successfully so: On average Pandora sells three pieces of jewelry worldwide per second, which qualifies it as the largest jewelry brand by volume. The Times takes a look at how it's responding to President Trump's proposed tariffsa 36% tariff on Thai goods entering the US that's due to kick in come July. CEO Alexander Lacik sees mostly unknowns at the moment, telling the paper, "With the information at hand today, I would be crazy to make big strategic decisions." But a few things are certain: The company is in the process of rerouting shipments for Canada and Latin America away from a Baltimore distribution hub. And Pandora has zero plans to ever bring manufacturing to the US. Lacik cites higher labor costs as a major deterrent, noting 15,000 employees make the company's jewelry by hand in Thailand; he plans to hire another 7,000 in Vietnam once an in-the-works plant is constructed there. But cost is, in some way, the smaller issue, he explains to CNBC: "I can't find that amount of talent that actually has this craft experience in the US. So it's actually not so much a matter of cost to begin with, it's about having skilled people who can actually craft the jewelry." For now, the company is sitting on several months' worth of inventory, which gives Lacik time to make the big decision: "Am I going to pass on everything to the US consumer, or am I going to peanut butter it out and raise the whole Pandora pricing globally?" story continues below Lacik warns that it's not just Pandora weighting such decisions, telling CNBC, "Most jewelers that are in the price segment where we operate, they all import from somewhere in Asia. So you could have an argument if these tariffs remain, then it's going to be more expensive for everybody that plays." But he's also looking beyond the US. Lacik tells the Wall Street Journal he has his sights set on the potential that other markets hold: "I have no presence in India. I have a very tiny presence in Japan. I have some presence in Korea and these are big jewelry markets." Seven inmates remained on the run Sunday after a bold escape from New Orleans' main jail, as authorities race to find them and investigate what they said appears to be an inside job. Officials said the fugitives, who were awaiting trial on charges including murder and burglary, may have already fled the state. The FBI has increased resources in the area and is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the inmates' arrests. Police have asked the public to stay vigilant and report tips, warning that anyone caught assisting escapeeswho were discovered missing Friday morning could face charges as accomplices. About 200 officers and several agencies are involved in the search. Those still missing are Jermaine Donald, Antoine Massey, Leo Tate, Lenton Vanburen, Derrick Groves, Gary Price, and Corey Boyd. Three of the 10 escapees have been captured. One was caught after a foot chase in the French Quarter, another was tracked down after a Crimestoppers tip, and a third was found near Chef Menteur Highway. Authorities say the inmates got out by breaking through a cell wallbehind a toiletbefore scaling a fence with blankets to get past barbed wire. Surveillance footage shows the group running from the jail and changing clothes in a nearby neighborhood. The escape was only discovered hours later during a standard headcount. Officials identified several security lapses, including unmonitored video feeds, malfunctioning cell doors, and chronic understaffinga single supervisor and 36 staff members were overseeing 1,400 inmates at the time. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson acknowledged it was unlikely the escape happened without staff involvement. Three employees are on administrative leave while the incident is investigated. Louisiana's attorney general is calling for a full review, citing a breakdown in jail procedures. Hospitals and medics in the Gaza Strip reported Sunday that Israeli airstrikes killed at least 103 people and forced the closure of the main northern hospital. The area hit hardest in what Israel called an "extensive" new ground operation was the southern city of Khan Younis, where Nasser Hospital reported that airstrikes killed over 48 people, including 18 children and 13 women, in houses and tents sheltering displaced residents. In northern Gaza's Jabaliya refugee camp, one strike killed nine members of a single family, the AP reports; another claimed 10 lives, including seven children, civil defense officials said. The offensive is aimed at seizing more territory, displacing Palestinians farther south, and controlling the flow of aid. Israel said it's trying to pressure Hamas into accepting a temporary ceasefire that would secure the release of Israeli hostages but not necessarily end the conflict. Hamas insists on a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as a condition for any deal. Israel had said it would wait until the end of President Trump's visit to the region before launching its new offensive to give ceasefire efforts a chance. Trump did not visit Israel on his trip, which concluded on Friday. The Israeli military said it intercepted a Houthi missile launched at the country early Sunday, setting off air raid sirens in multiple parts of the country. The rebels said they fired two ballistic missilesincluding a hypersonic onetoward Israel's main airport near Tel Aviv, whose grounds earlier this month were struck by a Houthi missile. Israel was left out of a US deal to halt attacks on Houthi targets in Yemen in exchange for a stop to the strikes on American shipping vessels in the Red Sea. On Friday, per the AP, Israel struck Yemen for the eighth time since the war in Gaza began in response to the Houthi attacks. Romanians backed a staunch European Union supporter in a presidential election rerun on Sunday over a Donald Trump ally, a major victory foramong othersneighboring Ukraine, nearly complete data show. Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan drew about 54% of the vote to about 45% for George Simion, per the AP . Simion had promised to "Make Romania Great Again" and suggested he'd cut aid to Ukraine for its defense against Russia's invasion, the Washington Post reports. "MAGA lost today," said a senator in the center-right Save Romania Union. "So did Russia." After the partial results were released, Simion stood on the steps of parliament and said he will not concede the election. He told supporters that his projections showed he won by 400,000 votes but provided no evidence of victory. "I will be the president of all the Romanians," he said. "From tomorrow, we will start the reconstruction of the country." Some analysts considered the election the most consequential in Romania since the fall of communism in 1989. European officials were concerned that Simion would align Romania with Hungary and Slovakia, though it's a NATO ally and a member of the EU. When he voted in his hometown of Fagaras, Dan said, "I cast my vote for maintaining Romania's European direction and for solid cooperation with our European partners, rather than a path which leads to Romania's isolation." The Wall Street Journal describes him as less flashy than his counterparts, a former mathematics student who sometimes stares at the floor when speaking about policy. Outside his headquarters on Sunday, thousands of people gathered in wait for Dan to appear. Many were young and waving Romanian and EU flags. "I'm very happy for our children," said Evelina Necula, 44. "This is the result we worked so hard to see." SHIZUOKA, Japan - A local government's decision to promote a bridge as the perfect spot for an Instagramable shot of Mt. Fuji has backfired, with residents up in arms about disruptions caused by people looking to get the shot of a lifetime. The location known as "Mt. Fuji dream bridge" in Fuji, Shizuoka Prefecture, was envisioned as a tourist draw that would be a boon to the area. Instead, it has brought complaints from residents about illegal parking and excessive noise. On a clear day in April, more than 50 people were lined up to take photos at a staircase that has gone viral for appearing to lead directly up the 3,776-meter mountain, Japan's tallest. Zhu Yihao, a visitor from Shanghai, China, said he hopes to capture some "beautiful and unique" photos at the location. Built in 2016 to connect two major public roads, the bridge now attracts around 1,000 people on some days. The city government's website encourages visitors to share photos taken at the place on social media, but at the same time urges them to take pictures quietly. It also has posted signs around the area warning tourists in several languages and provides free parking. But these efforts have proved ineffective, as illegal parking and trespassing on private property in a nearby residential area continued, prompting local residents to install signs warning visitors off. "It's really troublesome because travelers speak loudly from early in the morning," one local woman complained, while another questioned if there is a single resident who thinks the tourist attraction is worth the trouble. A similar problem plagued another popular Mt. Fuji photo spot in neighboring Yamanashi Prefecture, where fences were temporarily erected in front of a convenience store to prevent jaywalking by tourists trying to capture images of the iconic mountain towering above it. Yoshihiro Sataki, a professor of tourism at Josai International University, criticized the city's response as insufficient, saying, "It is the role of a local government to prioritize the lives of residents and urge tourists to show restraint." Sataki added the central government, which promotes inbound tourism as a key pillar of economic growth, needs to provide financial and other support to local authorities to respond to such challenges, noting that overtourism is becoming a significant problem for those living in places that have become major draws. Related coverage: University student rescued from Mt. Fuji twice in one week Climbers of Mt. Fuji to be required to wear proper clothing Climbers of Mt. Fuji to face 4,000 yen fees amid overcrowding concern 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. SHIZUOKA, May 18 (News On Japan) - JR Central will launch a new remote customer assistance service at eight stations on the Tokaido Line in Shizuoka Prefecture starting June 1st. This initiative aims to support passengers at stations that are unstaffed during early morning and late-night hours, improving convenience for travelers. Under the new system, passengers can connect with operators at a central support center via intercom devices installed next to ticket machines. At Yoshihara Station, for example, only one station staff member was available in the past, making it difficult to assist passengers during all operational hours. With the new setup, passengers will be able to reach the support center from the first train of the day until the last. The participating stations include Yui, Kambara, Shin-Kambara, Fujikawa, Yoshihara, Higashi-Tagonoura, Hara, and Katahama. These stations will become fully unstaffed, but the support center will respond in real-time to various passenger needs. During a media demonstration at the Shizuoka guidance center on May 14th, operators responded to mock scenarios such as train tickets stuck in ticket gates and requests for directions. One operator asked a passenger through the video intercom, "Can you tell me what kind of ticket is stuck?" In another instance, the operator guided a passenger to board the train while contacting Mishima Station in advance to smooth the transfer. Operators are trained to use simple, jargon-free language and maintain a calm, friendly demeanor. According to Suwabe from JR Tokais transportation division, Since communication is through a monitor, we want to speak more clearly than usual and make sure we avoid using technical terms. At Yoshihara, Hara, and Katahama stations, new machines equipped with seat reservation functionality and operator support will also replace the conventional ticket offices. These will be available for assistance from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. During another demonstration, an operator responded to a passenger asking how to buy a Shinkansen ticket from Mishima to Sendai. The operator quickly confirmed the route and started preparing the ticket. These machines also accommodate special discount tickets for students and seniors in the "Zipangu Club," which require verification documents. The same system has already been deployed in the Nagoya area, where it has received positive feedback from passengers. Nishida from JR Tokais Nagoya office noted, Passengers have told us theyre happy they can now recharge their IC cards or consult about travel plans during hours when staff used to be unavailable. Additionally, the operators monitor live video feeds from the stations and can initiate contact with passengers in need via speakers, guiding them to the intercom locations. Daisuke Owada, section chief at JR Centrals Shizuoka branch, said, Since this is the first time were rolling this out in Shizuoka, we expect some passengers may not be used to the system. Well work to improve the service based on user feedback. The remote support service will begin operation across the eight stations on June 1st. Source: SBSnews6 May 18 (News On Japan) - In Paris, a new Japanese twist on a French classic is attracting widespread attention. A dessert combining matcha, creme brulee, and crepes has become a viral hit, largely fueled by social media buzz. One of the driving forces behind the creation is a 23-year-old man from Hyogo Prefecture. While creme brulee has become a familiar dessert in Japan, its return to France in a transformed form has sparked renewed interest. The new version layers matcha-flavored custard with a caramelized sugar crust, all wrapped in a crepe. The result is a visually striking and texturally rich sweet that blends tradition with innovation. The concept was developed with a focus on introducing a novel flavor experience while remaining accessible to local tastes. Its popularity has grown rapidly through platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where videos of the desserts crisp surface being cracked open have drawn millions of views. The young entrepreneur behind the dessert believes the key to success lies in this fusion of culturespresenting something familiar yet refreshingly different. As long lines continue to form outside the shop, the desserts rising appeal suggests a strong future for this cross-cultural culinary experiment. Source: KTV NEWS NAHA, May 18 (News On Japan) - A peace march calling for the reduction of the burden caused by U.S. military bases was held in Okinawa on May 17th, marking 53 years since the prefecture's reversion to Japan. With no clear progress toward base reduction and Japan's Self-Defense Forces continuing their shift toward the southwest, participants expressed hopes for a "peaceful island without bases." The march took place around key U.S. military facilities, including the Futenma Air Station in Ginowan and Kadena Air Base, which spans Kadena and other towns. Protesters voiced their opposition to the continued heavy military presence and demanded a shift toward peaceful development. Protests against U.S. military bases in Okinawa have a long and deeply rooted history, tracing back to the postwar era when the U.S. maintained direct control over the islands even after Japan regained sovereignty in 1952. Okinawa remained under U.S. administration until its reversion to Japan in 1972, during which time large portions of land were seizedoften forciblyfor military use, displacing residents and leaving scars that persist to this day. The heavy concentration of U.S. forces in Okinawa, which hosts about 70% of all U.S. military facilities in Japan despite accounting for less than 1% of the nation's land area, has led to decades of resentment. Incidents such as the 1959 crash of a U.S. fighter jet into an elementary school in Ishikawa City and the 1995 gang rape of a 12-year-old Okinawan girl by three American servicemen ignited large-scale demonstrations and drew national attention to the issue. These events served to crystallize public anger, with tens of thousands rallying against the perceived injustice and unequal burden placed on the prefecture. The protests have continued across decades, adapting to new developments while maintaining the central demand for the reduction or removal of U.S. bases. Opposition to the relocation of the Futenma Air Station to the coastal area of Henoko in Nago has been particularly intense. Local referendums, including one in 2019 in which over 70% of voters opposed the relocation plan, have demonstrated overwhelming resistance, yet construction continues under the central governments direction, deepening a sense of political marginalization among residents. The arrival of Osprey aircraft, noise pollution, environmental degradation, and the fear of accidents and crimes have all fueled public discontent. While the Japanese government and the U.S. maintain that the bases are essential for regional security, many Okinawans argue that their rights and safety are being sacrificed disproportionately for a national strategy they have little say in. The ongoing protests, including peace marches, sit-ins, and legal actions, reflect a sustained civil movement rooted in local identity, historical memory, and a strong desire for demilitarization and peace. Source: Kyodo TOKYO, May 19 (News On Japan) - Four elementary school boys were injured in a hit-and-run incident in Misato, Saitama Prefecture, after two Chinese nationalslater arrestedhad spent about two hours drinking at a Chinese restaurant prior to the crash. Deng Hongpeng, a 42-year-old Chinese national living in Misato, is suspected of driving an SUV under the influence of alcohol and hitting four sixth-grade boys in the Misato Chuo area around 4 p.m. on May 14th, then fleeing the scene. The boys sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious. Another man, 25-year-old Chinese national Wang Hongli, who was in the front passenger seat at the time, is also under suspicion for knowingly riding in the vehicle with Deng despite his intoxicated state. According to investigators, the two men had been drinking together at a Chinese restaurant located about three kilometers from the accident site and near Dengs residence, from around 1:30 p.m. for approximately two hoursup until just before the incident occurred. During questioning, Deng admitted to drinking beer and other alcoholic beverages. Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the incident, including how much alcohol the men consumed. Source: TBS HYOGO, May 19 (News On Japan) - A soba noodle eating contest featuring the famed "Izushi sara soba" was held in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture, drawing 278 participants who competed to see how many small plates of soba they could consume within a set time. At the sound of the start signal, contestants began vigorously slurping down plates of soba. This marked the 50th edition of the annual Izushi Soba Eating Contest, where competitors aim to eat as many servings of the local specialty as possible before time runs out. The event featured both individual and group divisions, including family teams. More than 10,000 plates of soba were served to the participants. One contestant commented, "I feel like I ate a whole year's worth. It was delicious." Another added, "My son and daughter-in-law were giving it their all, so I couldnt let them outdo me." A child on the sidelines exclaimed, "Dad was amazing!" The individual competition was won by a contestant who managed to eat 106 plates in just 10 minutes. Source: YOMIURI TOKYO - Some 81 percent of people in Japan feel "more uneasy than hopeful" about U.S. President Donald Trump, who began his nonconsecutive second term in January, partly due to concerns over the impact of tariffs he has imposed, a Kyodo News survey has found. Asked why they felt uneasy, 42 percent cited the threat that tariffs pose to free trade, while 41 percent pointed to his unpredictable actions, according to the public opinion poll on global affairs conducted between March and April. In early April, Trump announced a 90-day pause on implementing his so-called reciprocal tariffs for most countries, including Japan. He kept additional levies on China in a developing trade war before the two countries struck a deal in May to largely reduce them. Conversely, of the 17 percent of people who expressed "more hope than unease," 57 percent said Trump "displays leadership," and 33 percent praised his "attempts to oppose an increasingly hegemonic China." According to the survey, some 53 percent said China was responsible for the worsening conflict between the two countries, while 44 percent said the United States caused the tensions. The survey also asked whether Japan should emphasize ties with the United States or China, with 47 percent choosing the United States and 48 percent saying Japan's ties with the two countries should be kept at the same level. Just 1 percent opted for prioritizing China. The proportion of those saying relations with the United States, a key ally of Japan, should be valued over ties with China has been decreasing in recent years. In the 2021 poll, the figure stood at 54 percent and fell to 53 percent in 2022. "That the number of people who chose the United States was on par with those who opted not to select either country gives us a sense of changing societal perspectives," said Kazuto Suzuki, a professor of international politics at the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Public Policy. The poll, conducted by mail from March 4, covered 3,000 people aged 18 and over in 250 areas across Japan. In total, 1,867 valid responses were received by the April 14 deadline. Related coverage: 40% of Japan prefectures offer financial aid over U.S. tariffs: poll 84% expect Trump's tariffs to affect their livelihoods: Kyodo poll 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. BERLIN, May 17 (Xinhua) -- For many children, museums are where dreams take root. For Peter Tamm Senior, however, a dream sparked by a simple childhood gift gave root to a museum - one that now tells a global story of connection, including where East meets West. That gift, a grayish-white ship model the size of a finger, was given to him by his mother in 1934 to lift his spirits after he caught the flu. Today, that tiny vessel rests on a navy blue velvet cushion in a glass case in the International Maritime Museum Hamburg (IMMH), a legacy born from Tamm's lifelong passion for maritime history. A PERSONAL DREAM BECOMES A MUSEUM Born in 1928 into one of Hamburg's oldest seafaring families, Peter Tamm Senior (1928-2016) amassed one of the world's largest private maritime collections. He later donated it to a charitable foundation, leading to the founding of the IMMH in 2008. The museum today is a landmark in Hamburg and a major attraction for maritime enthusiasts. With ten floors - nine of which are exhibition "decks" - the IMMH houses nearly 60,000 artifacts, plus expansive photo and book collections. But beyond its scale, what makes it special is the way it brings together seafaring stories from around the world, especially those linking East and West. ZHENG HE, COSCO & THE WESTERN WORLD One of the most striking symbols of East-West maritime connection is the bronze bust of Chinese explorer Zheng He (1371-1433), prominently displayed alongside six other legendary global navigators. "Zheng He sailed all the way to East Africa with the largest fleet of its time. It's a fascinating story and the world should know about it," said Gerrit Menzel, a maritime historian and curator at IMMH. The museum received a detailed model of Zheng He's flagship from eastern China's Fujian Province and the overseas Chinese community in Hamburg just months after it opened. Tamm Senior once described it as a valuable addition that affirms China's vital role in the shared story of global maritime history. The legacy of East-West maritime ties continues into the modern era. Earlier this year, COSCO Shipping Lines Co., Ltd. donated a two-meter-long model of a container ship based on a 400-meter-long blue vessel launched in 2018, one of the largest in the world. "This great model of a 20,000 TEU container ship is actually our first 20,000 TEU container ship in the collection," said Menzel. According to COSCO Shipping, the ship model represents the deep-rooted partnership between China and the Port of Hamburg. COSCO ships have been calling at the Port of Hamburg since the 1970s, a continuation of a relationship that dates back nearly 300 years. In 1731, the first Chinese merchant ship arrived in Hamburg. By the 19th century, Chinese seafarers had begun settling in the city's St. Pauli district, forming one of the earliest Asian communities in Germany. Today, China remains Hamburg's top trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching 2.2 million TEUs in 2024. COLLECTING FORGOTTEN HISTORY TO MARK CONNECTIONS The museum not only displays East-West connections through maritime exhibits but also through ongoing research. In 2017, it launched the "Qingdao Archive," a long-term project delving into the cultural and naval imprint Germany left on Qingdao, a major port city in eastern China once under German colonial rule. Led by Menzel, the project collects personal items from German families whose ancestors lived in Qingdao from 1897 to 1914. "We want to save these things from being destroyed by young people who don't even know what they are," he said. Menzel viewed the efforts as crucial to preserving shared memory -- for education, for research, and for future generations. He believes museums serve as vessels of memory, offering a space to reflect on the past to guide the future. "That was always important to Mr. Tamm," Menzel said. "To keep memory alive and to learn from history, that bad things should not happen again, wrong things should not be repeated, and that the sea didn't divide us, but it brought us together." Battalion 5 & Squad 5 were dispatched to Lambert Ave for an animal rescue in Gloucester City. Upon arrival residents stated they could hear what sounded like ducks in a sewer drain. All 4 babies which were turkeys were successfully retrieved and saved by GCFD members. The babies have been reunited with mom. Gloucester City Fire Department Gloucester City firefighters responded Saturday to an animal rescue call, but it wasnt for a cat stuck in a tree. The rescue call was for some baby turkeys trapped in a storm drain. Firefighters from Battalion 5 & Squad 5 were dispatched to Lambert Avenue to bring several little turkeys to safety, according to a social media post by the Gloucester City Fire Department. Battalion 5 & Squad 5 were dispatched to Lambert Ave for an animal rescue. Upon arrival residents stated they could hear what sounded like ducks in a sewer drain. All 4 babies which were turkeys were successfully retrieved and saved by GCFD members. The babies have been reunited with mom Gloucester City Fire Department Residents reported that they could hear what sounded like ducks in the drain, so they called firefighters. Firefighters found a total of four baby turkeys and took them out of the drain. The story also has a happy ending: The babies have been reunited with mom, according to the social media post. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Stephanie Loder may be reached at SLoder@njadvancemedia.com. Rutgers University celebrated graduates ranging in age from 18 to 85 at its commencement on Sunday in a ceremony that included a small group of pro-Palestinian protesters. The field at SHI Stadium on Rutgers New Brunswick-Piscataway campus was full of graduates in red and black robes taking part in a tradition in place since the American Revolution. The 259th commencement celebrated 13,133 graduates receiving degrees from Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences. It was the largest of Rutgers graduation events being held this month around the state. Rutgers-Camden will hold its ceremony Tuesday and Rutgers-Newark will hold its commencement Thursday. In total, Rutgers will hand out degrees to nearly 18,000 graduates statewide. Rutgers University Student Assembly President Jack Ramirez acknowledged the many challenges he and his peers faced to get to graduation. We marched in the streets for social justice reforms, organized mutual aid organizations for our communities in times of need, Ramirez said. A group of six students walked out after Ramirez spoke, chanting Free Palestine. But the event continued without pause. A few other students waved large Palestinian flags throughout the event. At the beginning of the proceedings, the announcer notified the crowd that disruptions to the proceedings would not be tolerated. The walkout was similar to a much-larger pro-Palestinian demonstration at last years Rutger commencement. That followed a high-profile pro-Palestinian encampment on the New Brunswick campus for several days last spring. Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway was later criticized for how the university handled the pro-Palestinian student encampment, and was called before Congress to testify about the incident. Holloway announced his intention to step down as president last September, citing the safety of his family as a concern. While in office, he faced several challenges including the schools first faculty strike and a no-confidence vote by the Rutgers University Senate. Holloways replacement as Rutgers president is expected to be named Monday after a nationwide search. Early in the commencement ceremony, Rutgers Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Prabhas V. Moghe welcomed graduates. He explained that Holloway would not be present. I bring you warm greetings from our President Jonathan Holloway, who is here in spirit, Moghe said. He is watching over his son graduating from college today in another state. Commencement speaker Peter Seligmann, a 1972 Rutgers alumnus and first-generation American, shared stories from his life and offered graduates some advice. He said his parents, who escaped Nazi Germany, might not have settled in the United States under the current climate. I am not sure that they would make our country the homeland that they would choose to go to, Seligmann said. This shift in tone and intolerance should concern all of us. Rutgers University Commencement festivities at SHI Stadium in Piscataway. Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance In 1987, Seligmann, along with several colleagues, founded Conservation International, where he served as CEO until 2017. Seligmanns speech was particularly popular with students from the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, who waved their green flags throughout his remarks. There is not just one answer to the challenges we face with the environment and actually with everything else. Seligmann said. We need a mix of solutions. This year, Rutgers graduates spanned the generations and included the state universitys oldest-ever graduate in any degree program. Tom Maniscalco, 85, spent the last six years working to earn his masters degree in engineering. He picked up his degree at a separate ceremony last week. Alex Geppert, 18, was the youngest graduate. He was scheduled to receive a bachelors degree with a double major in computer science and data science. Next year, he starts a masters program at the University of Wisconsin and plans to go on to get his Ph.D studying artificial intelligence. During the ceremony, the university awarded honorary degrees to Rajiv Vinnakota, the president of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, and Laurie Patton, president of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. Of the total 17,916 Rutgers graduates across all of the campuses, 4,699 earned masters degrees, 1,898 will receive doctorates and 82 graduates completed professional certificates, the university said. Those graduates include the 4,783 that will be honored in separate ceremonies at Rutgers-Newark and Rutgers-Camden later this week. Rutgers alumnus Ramy Youssef who won a Golden Globe for starring in Hulus Ramy will speak at Rutgers-Newarks graduation on May 22 at the Prudential Center in Newark. Artist Mickalene Thomas will speak at Rutgers University-Camdens ceremony on May 20 at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden. Among the students waiting to participate in the tradition of Rutgers students ringing the Red Lion Bell at the ceremony in Piscataway was Nirjal Thapa, a Rutgers transfer student celebrating the completion of his bachelors in political science. Thapa, who moved to New Jersey from Nepal when he was three, said he was thinking about his family sitting in the stands. Coming from an immigrant family, Thapa said. My dedication, my hard work, my perseverance comes from my parents. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Liz Rosenberg may be reached at lrosenberg@njadvancemedia.com. A fight involving hundreds of people ended in the arrest of 4 juveniles at Menlo Park Mall on Saturday night. Photo of the food court from March 16, 2020. Seven people have been arrested after a large-scale brawl at a New Jersey mall Saturday night, Edison Mayor Sam Joshi said. More than 300 young people were gathered at Menlo Park Mall in Edison on Saturday night when a brawl ensued, Joshi said in a short statement on Facebook. No weapons were involved, and no one was injured in the large-scale fight, he said. None of the people arrested were from Edison, Joshi said. Because those arrested are minors, no additional information was available Sunday morning. Tiktok and Instagram videos asking people to meet up at the mall around 7 p.m. were posted earlier this week. The first calls to police around 8 p.m. indicated that 100 people showed up; that figure later swelled to 300. Videos shared on social media show groups of kids running through the mall food court as people can be heard screaming. The fight triggered a multi-town police response. Edison Police did not immediately return a request for comment Sunday morning. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieKausch. A 22-year-old volunteer firefighter was killed in a motorcycle crash on Saturday on Summerhill Road in East Brunswick Township, police said. Robert J. Oross, of Spotswood, was pronounced dead following the crash, according to a statement issued by the East Brunswick Police Department. The driver of another vehicle involved in the crash was uninjured and remained at the scene of the crash, according to the statement. Oross was also identified as a volunteer firefighter and second lieutenant with the Spotswood Volunteer Fire Department - Enterprise Hook & Ladder Co., Inc., according to a post on the fire companys Facebook page. Police responded at 5:16 p.m. to the intersection of Summerhill Road and Racetrack Road in the township after getting a report of a crash involving a motorcycle. Patrolman Ryan Welch and Patrolman Gabriel Gausachs of the East Brunswick Police Departments Traffic Safety Section are conducting the crash investigation. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, police said. Anyone who may have witnessed or has information regarding this crash is encouraged to contact the East Brunswick Police Department Traffic Safety Section by calling 732-390-6969 or emailing TrafficSafety@ebpd.net Anonymous tips can be provided by calling the Confidential Tip Line at (732) 4EB-TIPS or emailing tips@ebpd.net Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Stephanie Loder may be reached at SLoder@njadvancemedia.com. Eric from Brielle, a victim of a scammer porting his Verizon cell phone line to another carrier, views the Verizon site on his phone on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Jim Lowney | For NJ Advance Media They were in an Uber heading to the airport for a family trip to Florida when the call came in. It was Verizon. A masted Mexican Navy training ship, the Cuauhtemoc, sits stranded after colliding with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York on Saturday, May 17, 2025 Asssociated Press / Kyle Viterbo Rescue efforts were underway late Saturday after the top of a Mexican navy training ship struck the Brooklyn Bridge. Videos posted to social media showed spectators watching the sailboat from a pier, then yelling out as its masts struck the bridge around 8:30 p.m. Authorities said at least 20 people were injured, three critically, according to CNN. The Mexican Navy said in a social media post that the training boat, named the Cuauhtemoc, was damaged in an accident with the Brooklyn Bridge that prevented it from continuing its voyage. The Cuauhtemoc is about 297 feet long and 40 feet wide, the Mexican Navy said. During the departure maneuver of the Cuauhtemoc Sailboat in New York, an incident occurred with the Brooklyn Bridge that caused damage to the Training Ship, temporarily preventing the continuation of the training cruise, the Mexican Navy said in a post in Spanish on X. The status of the personnel and material is under review by naval and local authorities, who are providing support, the post said. The New York City Police Department was asking everyone to stay away from the bridge. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine posted on X that workers were on the bridge to assess potential structural damage. The Mexican ship was recently seen traveling along the New Jersey coast as it made its way to New York City, according to social media and news reports. It sailed for the first time in 1982, according to the Mexican Navy. It sails yearly after cadets finish training classes at the naval military school. This year, it left the Mexican port of Acapulco, on the Pacific coast, on April 6 with 277 people onboard, the Mexican Navy said then. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust. Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. An electronic display advises commuters of NJ Transit service disruptions at the Secaucus Junction station. AP The NJ Transit strike wont be settled on Saturday, state officials said. A meeting between state officials and union negotiators with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen ended without a deal Saturday afternoon, NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri said. Todays discussions continued to be constructive, Kolluri said. Weve mutually agreed to adjourn formal discussions for the day but will continue talking and look forward to resuming discussions tomorrow. The two sides will next meet Sunday, when they are scheduled to speak with the help of a mediator from the National Mediation Board. James Horowitz, a spokesman for Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, confirmed the union met with state officials Saturday and negotiations will continue. He declined to comment further. NJ Transits last strike was in 1983. It lasted 34 days. The union wasnt originally scheduled to meet with NJ Transit on Saturday. But leaders from both sides agreed to resume talks earlier than expected after a Friday night phone call from the national union president, Kolluri said. Commuters are still advised to plan to stay home and work remotely on Monday, if they can, transit officials said. The strike began right after midnight on Friday, stopping trains on one of the nations largest commuter rail systems. Wages remain the key sticking point in the negotiation. Engineers are seeking hourly wages on par with their counterparts at other regional commuter railroads. They also want a higher annual wage increase than other NJ Transit unions received. That could trigger me too clauses in other union contracts, requiring the same raise for other workers, NJ Transit officials said. The engineers argue they have been without pay raises for six years. The union also says engineers should receive a higher annual increase because their job requires more training and responsibility. NJ Transit has stated engineers already earn an average of $135,000 annually. A rejected deal would have boosted pay to nearly $173,000 by 2027, NJ Transit said. The unions latest proposal would boost the top union salaries by 2027, costing taxpayers $1.36 billion over five years, according to NJ Transit officials. The union disputes the salary figures. NJ Transit said it will be adding additional buses on Monday, but has said that only about 20% of its 100,000 daily rail customers can be accommodated on bus routes. The agency is asking its daily rail customers who have the option to work from home to do so during the strike. NJ Advance Media staff writer Larry Higgs contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Brianna Kudisch may be reached at bkudisch@njadvancemedia.com. NJ Transit train engineers picketed at NJ Transit headquarters in Newark on the first day of their strike on Friday. Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance The NJ Transit strike entered a third day Sunday, with negotiations aimed at ending the historic work stoppage scheduled to resume. A meeting between state officials and union negotiators with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen ended without a deal Saturday afternoon, NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri said. Discussions will resume Sunday, with both sides joined by a representative from the National Mediation Board. Todays discussions continued to be constructive, Kolluri said after talks ended Saturday. Weve mutually agreed to adjourn formal discussions for the day but will continue talking and look forward to resuming discussions tomorrow. NJ Transit rail service was halted just after midnight Friday in the agencys first strike since 1983. The strike affects tens of thousands of train commuters. Some worked from home Friday, while others switched to driving to work, taking the bus or alternative rail options, such as PATH or Amtrak. NJ Transit will offer expanded bus service starting Monday, if the strike remains ongoing. State officials advised commuters to plan to work from home, if they can. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, which represents 460 engineers, said they havent had a raise since 2019 and, just prior to announcing the strike, accused NJ Transit and Gov. Phil Murphy of abandoning negotiations as the midnight deadline approached Friday. Murphy spokeswoman Natalie Hamilton told NJ Advance Media the union rejected multiple offers that met their wage goals in a fiscally responsible manner. Mark Wallace, the unions national president, said he is hopeful that an agreement can be reached by Monday. I know that the passengers of NJ Transit and the New Jersey citizens seem to be suffering today, but thats NJ Transits fault. My locomotive engineers have sacrificed for six years, Wallace said. Prior to Thursday night, both sides said they had agreed on 95% of the contract issues. NJ Transit rejected the unions counter offer on wages on May 5. Payroll figures released by NJ Transit officials for 2024 placed the average gross salary for engineers at $135,401 including overtime and additions. That figure includes an engineers base pay and over time. Union officials said the average salary for all engineers is lower than the agencys figures. NJ Transit said that the average is higher and that most engineers earn some form of overtime. The unions latest proposal would push the top union salaries above $314,000 by 2027, costing taxpayers $1.36 billion over five years, according to NJ Transit. Kolluri acknowledged the impact on riders but said the agency is focused on finding a resolution that is fair and fiscally responsible. Officials said the union rejected the same contract accepted by 14 other rail unions. U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, who is running for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in June, said Friday that both sides need to remain at the table but didnt rule out federal intervention. If they cant figure this out soon, Congress needs to step in, said Gottheimer, D-5th Dist. We cant afford to have our great transit system frozen so people cant get to work and see their loved ones. Gottheimer also asked New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to suspend congestion pricing and asked the Port Authority to freeze tolls for people who hold monthly unlimited NJ Transit passes during the strike. NJ Transits bus lines and light rail systems continue to operate while other rail services including Amtrak, PATH, PATCO and SEPTA are also running. NJ Transits contingency plan if the strike continues into Monday is to move rail commuters to bus routes which can only accommodate about 20,000 daily commuters, Kolluri said. NJ Advance Media staff writer Brent Johnson contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Jersey Shore beach season is almost here if youre a human, that is. For our doggy friends, beach season is over in most towns, with seasonal bans on pets on most New Jersey oceanfront beaches going into effect May 15. But that doesnt mean heading down the Shore with your pet is totally off the table. (See which beaches allow dogs listed below.) The majority of New Jerseys ocean beaches ban dogs during the spring and summer months, with some towns stopping beach access for canines as early as March 1. Most allow dogs to return in the fall, typically some time between late September and mid-October. There are at least three fully off-leash dog beaches along the Jersey coast the bayside dog beach in Beach Haven, and the oceanfront dog beach in Asbury Park and in the beach dog park in North Wildwood. A few other towns allow dogs on the sand once lifeguards are off duty. Owners are always required to pick up any dog waste, regardless of the time of year. Unless otherwise noted, leashes should be 6 feet or shorter. Rules for bay beaches frequently differ from ocean beaches, so make sure to double check bay beach rules before heading out with your pup. Want to take your dog down the Shore? Here are the rules for each Jersey Shore town. Asbury Park May 16-Sept. 14: Dogs are welcome on the dog beach between 6 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. Use the Deal Lake Drive north or Fishermans Parking Lot entrance to reach the beach. Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk at all. Sept. 15-May 15: Dogs are welcome at the dog beach at any time, but are still not allowed on other parts of the beach. The boardwalk is open to dogs during the off season. Leash Rules: Not required for properly supervised dogs on the beach; required at all times on the boardwalk Atlantic City Memorial Day-Sept. 15: No dogs allowed on the beach or boardwalk. Sept. 16-Memorial Day: Dogs are allowed on the beaches. Leash rules: Always required Avalon March 1-Sept. 30: No dogs allowed on beach or boardwalk. Oct. 1-Feb. 28: Dogs are allowed on the beach, but not the boardwalk. Leash rules: Always required Avon-by-The-Sea May 2-Sept. 30: Dogs are not allowed on the beach or boardwalk. Oct. 1-May 1: Dogs are allowed on the beach, but are not allowed on the boardwalk. Leash rules: Always required Barnegat Light April 15-Sept. 30: Dogs are not allowed on the beach or near the inlet. Oct. 1-April 14: Dogs are allowed on the beach. Leash rules: Always required Bay Head June 15-Labor Day: Dogs are not allowed on the beach. Tuesday after Labor Day-June 14: Dogs are allowed on the beaches. Leash rules: Always required Beach Haven May 15-Sept. 15: Dogs are not allowed on ocean beaches. A small dog beach is located on the bay at Taylor Avenue. Sept. 16-May 14: Dogs are allowed on all ocean beaches. Leash rules: Always required Belmar May 1-Sept. 30: Dogs are banned from the beach and boardwalk. Oct. 1-April 30: Dogs are allowed on the beach. They are not allowed on the boardwalk. Leash rules: Required at all times Bradley Beach May 16-Sept. 30: Dogs are not allowed on the beach or boardwalk. Oct. 1-May 15: Dogs are allowed on the beach, but are not allowed on the boardwalk unless crossing over to get to the beach. Leash rules: Unleashed dogs are allowed on the beach during the off season, but must be leashed going to and from the beach. Brick Year-round: Dogs are never allowed on the beaches in Brick, regardless of the time of year. Michele Tadley of Brigantine walks her dog Franklyn on the dog-friendly Beach North beach in Brigantine on Saturday, June 17, 2023. Jim Lowney | For NJ Advance Media Brigantine May 30-Sept. 30: Dogs are allowed on the North End Beach. They are not allowed on the ocean beaches. Oct. 1-May 29: Dogs are allowed on all beaches. Leash rules: Leashes are always required, including on the North End Beach. Cape May April 1-Oct. 30: Dogs are not allowed on the beach. Nov. 1-March 31: Dogs are allowed on the beach. Leash rules: Always required Cape May Point March 15-Oct. 31: Dogs are not allowed on the beach. Nov. 1-March 14: Dogs are allowed on the beach. Leash rules: Always required Corsons Inlet State Park April 1-Sept. 15: No dogs allowed. Sept. 16-March 31: Dogs are allowed on the beach. Leash rules: Must be leashed at all times Deal Labor Day-Friday before Memorial Day: Dogs are banned on the beach. Monday after Labor Day-Memorial Day weekend: Dogs are allowed on the beaches. Leash rules: Leashes are required at all times. Harvey Cedars May 30-Sept. 15: Dogs are not allowed on the beach. Sept. 16-May 29: Dogs are allowed. Leash rules: Leashes are always required. Island Beach State Park All year: Dogs are not allowed on swimming beaches or inside buildings. They are allowed on all unguarded beaches. Leash rules: Must be leashed at all times Lavallette All year: Dogs are never allowed on the beach in Lavallette. They are allowed on the boardwalk outside of bathing season. Leash rules: Always required Loch Arbour May 15-Sept. 15: Dogs are not allowed on the beach. Sept. 16-May 14: Dogs are allowed on the beach. Leash rules: Leashes are always required. Long Beach Township May 16-Sept. 30: Dogs are not allowed on the beach. Oct. 1-May 15: Dogs are allowed on the beaches, except Bayview Park. Leash rules: Always required Long Branch May 1-Sept. 30: Dogs are not allowed on the beach or boardwalk. Oct. 1-April 30: Dogs are allowed on the beach, they are not allowed on the boardwalk. Leash rules: Always required Longport May 1-Sept. 30: Dogs are allowed on the beach between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Oct. 1-April 30: Dogs are allowed on the beach at all times. Leash rules: Always required Manasquan April 16-Sept. 30: Dogs are not allowed on the beach or boardwalk. Oct. 1-April 15: Dogs are allowed on the beach, but not the boardwalk. Leash rules: Always required Fishermans Cove (Manasquan) All year: Dogs are allowed on the east portion of the beach year-round. They must be leashed at all times. Mantoloking May 15-Oct. 1: Dogs are allowed on the beach between sunrise and 10 a.m., and 6 p.m. and sunset. They are not allowed in the North Lagoon area at all. Oct. 2-May 14: Dogs are allowed on the beach at all hours. Leash Rules: Leashes are required during the summer season. Dogs can be off-leash during the off season. Dogs run on the dog-friendly Beach North beach in Brigantine on Saturday, June 17, 2023. Jim Lowney | For NJ Advance Media Monmouth Beach March 15-Oct. 1: Dogs are banned from any beach where endangered and threatened species have been identified, but are allowed on other beaches. Saturday before Memorial Day-Labor Day: Dogs are not allowed on any beaches. Oct. 2-March 14: Dogs are allowed on the beach. Leash rules: Required at all times North Wildwood All year: Dogs are allowed on the beaches between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. There is also a fenced-in dog park on the east side of the 24th Avenue beach open between 8 a.m. and dusk. A $10 permit is required. Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk. Leash rules: Optional in the dog park; always required on other beaches; leashes can be up to 8 feet in length Ocean City May 1-Sept. 30: Dogs are not allowed on the beach or boardwalk. Oct. 1-March 14: Dogs are allowed on the beach, but not the boardwalk. March 15-April 30: Dogs are allowed on the beach, except in the area from Longport Bridge to the jetty at Seaspray Road, and between 18th and 34th Streets. They are not allowed on the boardwalk. Leash rules: Always required Ocean Grove May 2-Sept. 30: Dogs are not allowed on the beach or the boardwalk. Oct. 1-May 1: Dogs are allowed on the beach, but not the boardwalk. Leash rules: Always required Ortley Beach All year: Dogs are never allowed on the beaches. Sandy Hook March 16-Sept. 14: Dogs are allowed on the bayside beaches, but banned on the ocean beaches. Sept. 15-March 15: Dogs are allowed on all beaches. Leash rules: Required at all times Sea Bright March 15-May 14: Dogs are allowed on the beach, except in areas where there are endangered species. Off-limits areas are North Beach between Ship Ahoy Beach Club and the public access stairway at Via Ripa, and South Beach between the Monmouth Beach/Sea Bright border and the Driftwood Beach Club. May 15-Sept. 15: Dogs are not allowed on any beaches. Sept. 15-March 14: Dogs are allowed on all beaches. Leash rules: Always required Sea Girt May 15-Sept. 15: Dogs are not allowed on the beach. Sept. 16-May 14: Dogs are allowed on the beach. Leash rules: Always required Sea Isle City May 2-Sept. 29: No dogs are allowed on the beach. Sept. 30-May 1: Dogs are allowed on all beaches. Leash rules: Required at all times Seaside Heights All year: Dogs are banned from the ocean beaches and the boardwalk. They are allowed on the bay beach. Seaside Park All year: Dogs are never allowed on the beach or boardwalk. Seven Presidents (Long Branch) April 1-Oct. 31: Dogs are not allowed in the park. Nov. 1-March 31: Dogs are allowed in the park, including on the beaches. Leash rules: Always required Ship Bottom May 1-Oct. 1: Dogs are not allowed on the beaches. Oct. 2-April 30: Dogs are allowed. Leash rules: Required at all times Spring Lake May 15-Sept. 30: Dogs are only allowed in the fenced-in area near Pitney Avenue between sunrise and 9 a.m. They are not allowed on the boardwalk. Oct. 1-May 14: Dogs are allowed on all beaches, but not the boardwalk. Leash rules: Dogs can be unleashed in the dog park area, but must be leashed everywhere else. Stone Harbor Friday before Memorial Day-Labor Day: Dogs are allowed on the beach between 7 p.m. and sunset. Day after Labor Day-Thursday before Memorial Day: Dogs are allowed on the beach at all times. Leash rules: Always required Strathmere March 15-Sept. 15: Dogs are not allowed on the beach. Sept. 16-March 14: Dogs are allowed on the beach during this time. Leash rules: Always required Surf City May 1-Sept. 30: Dogs are not allowed. Oct. 1-April 30: Dogs are allowed on the beaches at all times. Leash rules: Required at all times Ventnor May 15-Sept. 30: Dogs are allowed on the areas of the beach below the high tide line between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Oct. 1-May 14: Dogs are allowed on the area of the beach below the high tide lines at all times. Leash rules: Always required Wildwood June 1-Sept. 30: Dogs are only allowed at the dog friendly park at Glenwood Avenue. They are not allowed on the boardwalk. Oct. 1-May 30: Dogs are allowed on the beaches, but not the boardwalk. Leash rules: Leashes in the park are optional. They are required everywhere else. Wildwood Crest June 1-Sept. 30: Dogs are not allowed on the beach or boardwalk. Oct. 1-May 30: Dogs are allowed on the beach at any time, but not the boardwalk. Leash rules: Always required Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieKausch. People vote during the runoff of Romania's presidential election in Fagaras, central Romania, May 18, 2025. Romanian voters started casting ballots on Sunday in a decisive presidential runoff which pits George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians, against Nicusor Dan, the mayor of Bucharest. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) BUCHAREST, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Romanian voters started casting ballots on Sunday in a decisive presidential runoff which pits George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians, against Nicusor Dan, the mayor of Bucharest. The election marks the second round of a rerun after the 2024 presidential results were annulled due to allegations of irregular campaigning practices and foreign interference. Simion, 38, won the first round earlier this month with 40.96 percent of the vote, ahead of Dan's 20.99 percent, which reflects growing public frustration with Romania's political establishment. Simion, a vocal critic of the European Union, has pledged to halt military aid to Ukraine and advance a "Romania First" agenda, including tax cuts and deregulation. Dan, 55, is campaigning on a pro-European platform and has framed the runoff as a choice between continued Western integration and political isolation. He has since received endorsements from the Save Romania Union and the National Liberal Party. The Social Democrats, Romania's largest party, has not endorsed either candidate. The fallout from the first round led to the resignation of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and the collapse of the ruling coalition, adding further weight to Sunday's vote. Under Romania's constitution, the president holds significant powers in foreign policy, defense and judiciary, including the nomination of the prime minister. According to Romania's Permanent Electoral Authority, over 18 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at 18,979 polling stations across the country. Romanian citizens abroad can vote at 965 polling stations in other countries. Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) and will close at 9 p.m. (1800 GMT), with preliminary results expected late Sunday night or early Monday. A man votes during the runoff of Romania's presidential election in Fagaras, central Romania, May 18, 2025. Romanian voters started casting ballots on Sunday in a decisive presidential runoff which pits George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians, against Nicusor Dan, the mayor of Bucharest. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians, casts his vote during the runoff of Romania's presidential election in Bucharest, Romania, May 18, 2025. Romanian voters started casting ballots on Sunday in a decisive presidential runoff which pits George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians, against Nicusor Dan, the mayor of Bucharest. (Photo by Gabriel Petrescu/Xinhua) (250518) -- FAGARAS, May 18, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan votes during the runoff of Romania's presidential election in Fagaras, central Romania, May 18, 2025. Romanian voters started casting ballots on Sunday in a decisive presidential runoff which pits George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians, against Nicusor Dan, the mayor of Bucharest. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) Since we lost our son Alex 10 years ago, the country under President Trump has moved away from the unproductive idea that addiction lies exclusively with the individual. Pat Roos By Patricia A. Roos On May 11, 2015, our 25-year-old son Alex died of a heroin overdose in a vacant lot in Newark. It was every parents worst nightmare, the worst case among many moments in Alexs addiction. This year, May 11 was Mothers Day. To mark the 10th anniversary of Alexs death, we had brunch with friends and walked in DCs Rock Creek Park. We feel close to Alex there. Momentous occasions call for agonizing reappraisals. As a nation, we can see the failures of criminal-legal strategies for overdose and addiction. The War on Drugs cannot be won, the demand for opiates is independent of our will and determination to control them. But old ideas die hard and can be quickly revived with new political winds. The measure of success, or failure, is good data. The CDCs National Center for Health Statistics reported that 49,293 Americans died in the 12 months preceding that terrible May 2015. This overdose indicator soon spiraled upward, peaked at 111,466 in June 2023, and then declined to 80,674 by November 2024, still an astonishing body count by any measure. However, the decline in overdose rates was primarily observed among white individuals, while rates remained disproportionately high among Black and Native Americans. Harm reduction works There are good signs amid the bad. A public health approach helps a lot. Harm reduction is now more common, and some have linked it to overdose declines. During Alexs addiction, I never heard the words harm reduction. Yet by 2021 it was the stated policy of the Biden administration, which launched the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations Office of Recovery. In 2015, Alex could only access abstinence-based, 12-step programs. There was utter disdain for anti-opioid medications at the 12 rehabs Alex attended. Rehabs often work on old ideas, turning away from medicines that can help. Medications for opioid use disorder are more common now, but too few rehabs use them. I still wonder if a compassionate world steeped in harm reduction might have given us more time with Alex. Nationally, life-saving strategies such as buprenorphine and naloxone are more common. Libraries, schools, pharmacies, restaurants, and other establishments often stock naloxone. Restrictions on methadone maintenance were reduced during Covid-19, allowing more people to bring their medicine home. Through the bipartisan Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act of 2021, the federal government eliminated the X-waiver, which required DEA approval to prescribe buprenorphine. Reduce law enforcements role These strategic advances reduced law enforcements role in addressing addiction. Underscoring a shift to public health, the American Medical Association voted in 2024 to support eliminating criminal penalties for possession of illegal drugs. Alex was arrested for marijuana possession in 2014, diminishing his prospects for recovery. By 2021, New Jersey legalized marijuana. Multiple states have moved to decriminalize cannabis. Other states use a hub and spokes model, as a compassionate alternative to punitive strategies. New York City established two overdose prevention sites for people in active addiction. Rhode Island and Minnesota followed suit. Safe injection sites save lives and do not foster addiction. Addiction could happen to anyone The stigma of addiction hurts those addicted, as well as families. We now know that addiction can happen to anyone. Family members have become activists in honor of children lost to addiction. When Alex died, I wrote an obituary and eulogy about Alexs substance use. Such openness was rare then but no longer is. Armies of strong women and men now stand up to stigma, and that helps. Communities of activists have emerged. Now countless communities of grief provide support and hope for desperate parents. Trump administration is getting it wrong Although we enjoyed successes in the last decade, harm reduction and other addiction strategies are again under attack. We can expect the overdose rate to tick upward. The Trump administrations policies blame the fentanyl problem on immigration, misdirecting our attention from things that work. They are all in for law enforcement. The administration mentions a few demand strategies. In his recent address at the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Nashville, RFK Jr. underscored the nuts and bolts practical things like suboxone and fentanyl test strips needed to counter addiction. But their actions do not match their rhetoric. Cuts in research We cant reduce addiction and overdose by destroying agencies driven by those goals. The Republican administration has cut $11 billion in grants to state and counties health departments and nonprofit groups, eviscerating meaningful solutions. The administrations policy statement contains no mention of harm reduction, or SAMHSA. And multiple SAMHSA offices have been closed.. Additional cuts happen daily. The Trump administration eliminated the only existing nationwide survey on substance use and mental health. Advancing ignorance about a problem guarantees that solutions remain elusive. Destroying skill and expertise opens doors to ineffective approaches. Antiquated approach Supporters of the presidents drug policies, especially the Heritage Foundation, speak of harm reduction with scorn, misrepresenting the strategys goals. Harm reductions objective has always been to meet them were they are, but not leave them there. The blueprint for the Trump administration Project 2025 doesnt mention harm reduction at all. RFK Jr. blames victims for their addiction. What worked for him 40 years ago belief in God and peer therapy from daily 12-step meetings is his panacea for those now suffering from addiction. Like his boss, Kennedy believes that addicts should be out of sight and off our cities streets. His out of sight places are drug rehabilitation farms where they will be re-parented with apparently no addiction treatment medicines and no medical providers. He makes no mention of the dangers of previous therapeutic communities, accused of abusive behavior toward clients. While RFKs strategy might have worked for him, we need multiple paths to recovery. Focus on mental health We could learn from our neighbor to the north. Canada has made meaningful progress in addressing addiction. Harm reduction is a core pillar of Canadian addiction policy, which recognizes substance use and mental health as concurrent disorders. And, of course, unlike in the U.S., these strategies supplement a publicly funded healthcare system. We must not go back Since we lost Alex, the country has moved away from the unproductive idea that addiction lies exclusively with the individual. Just say no never worked. And yet it appears that we may be headed back there. I can agree with Kennedy that addiction is a source and symptom of misery, but his insistence that only fixing individuals will reduce that misery will fail. Resisting that approach is critical, as is a broader focus that lets us see the importance of social, political, and economic environments as sources of misery. We must not go back to punishing approaches. We should attend to larger, systemic issues that allow us to fully embrace public health strategies. It is possible to save more of our children. Calling your elected representative in the U.S. House Of Representatives or U.S. Senate is the most effective way to influence policy. To find your representative and senator to voice your position, go to the House website and the Senate website. Patricia A. Roos wrote Surviving Alex: A Mothers Story of Love, Loss, and Addiction, published May 17, 2024 by Rutgers University Press. Local journalism needs your support. Subscribe at nj.com/supporter. Julie Roginsky, a Democrat, and Mike DuHaime, a Republican, are consultants who have worked on opposite teams for their entire careers yet have remained friends. Here, they discuss the weeks political events with Star-Ledger editor Enrique Lavin. Q: Two storylines to unpack with Mayor Ras Baraka, who topped local news all week after his arrest by ICE officers in his own city of Newark. The feds say therell be more arrests. What are you watching for? Julie: The more arrests to which the feds are referring are the possible arrests of Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Rob Menendez, who were at Delaney Hall in Newark to inspect the facility. This is, of course, absurd. The law allows these members of Congress to do a spot inspection of ICE facilities, which is what they did at Delaney Hall. But the decision to charge them would come not from U.S. Attorney Alina Habba in New Jersey but from Main Justice in Washington in other words, from Attorney General Pam Bondi. What the media has failed to cover at all is that Bondi previously served as a highly paid lobbyist for the GEO Group, the owner of Delaney Hall, whose contract is worth $1.2 billion. It is very much in Bondis former clients financial interest for Delaney Hall to remain open and for these members of Congress to just shut up. If thats not a massive conflict of interest, I dont know what is. You can read much more about that on my Substack page. Mike: There is zero reason for the members of Congress to be arrested. Of course, theres political value and political theater on both sides as politicians make their points to their bases. But the members of Congress should be allowed to express their concerns without fear of arrest if they are not obstructing operations. Q: And, if the nation didnt know Baraka was running for governor of New Jersey, they do now. How much of a boost is this for his campaign this close to the June 10 primary election? Julie: My sense is that Democratic voters are desperate for someone to take the fight to Trump. In that sense, Baraka helped himself immensely. Mike: I agree the political value here for Baraka was high. He is not equivocating and is living up to a long tradition of non-violent social protest to force change in this country and the world. Every one of his opponents came to his defense. Thats a good day in politics. Q: Barakas arrest was a topic of conversation at last weeks debate among Democrats. What were your takeaways from the debate? Julie: My takeaway is that very few undecided voters watched that debate. Having said that, its interesting to me how much they are all gingerly poking one another. Thats the peril of not having a real frontrunner and a crowded field. Mike: It was like the GOP debate in that there was much talking over each other, but with more candidates, each got less airtime. All of them are skilled debaters, so with limited airtime and limited mistakes, its hard to see it changing the trajectory of the race, which seems good for Sherrill at this point. Q: President Trump endorsed Republican frontrunner Jack Ciattarelli for governor, all but sealing his nomination. Does it hurt or help him for the general election? Julie: TBD on what Trumps endorsement means in a general election. Will this election be a middle finger to Trump, as special elections all over the country have been recently (which hurts Ciattarelli), or will it be a referendum on the Murphy years (which helps him)? Mike: Trump will be used against whoever the GOP nominee is anyway, so this is a real positive for Jack. There was real concern for months that [Bill] Spadea would get Trumps endorsement, which would have flipped the race on its head. Ciattarelli and his team deserve credit for securing the endorsement. They need the energy Trump brings to the GOP base, but they will still have to navigate that he turns off many centrist voters. Trump did better in 2024 than he did in 2020 or 2016, but he still lost by 250,000 votes, which isnt all that close. While the Democrats will try to make the November election about Trump, the general election will be about the state and the desire for change vs. acquiescence to the status quo. Q: Speaking of Trump: He met with Arab leaders in hopes of making a new nuclear deal with Iran. How did he do? Julie: Again, I defer to Elvis on this: A little less conversation, a little more action. Im sure that his crypto fund, meme coins, and presidential library did well. As for peace in the Middle East, that remains to be seen. Mike: If we are talking commerce in the Middle East, thats good. If we are keeping Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, thats also good. Q: What about his insistence on accepting Qatars controversial $400 million airplane gift? Julie: The grift is the point. Needless to say, by the time this plane is taken down to the studs and secured for use by the president, Trumps second term will be over and Boeing will have delivered the Air Force One that it is currently working on but is behind schedule. Assuming that Trump actually leaves on January 20, 2029 (which is a big assumption), this plane is a gift to him from Qatar for his personal use. This is a violation of the Emoluments Clause and an outright bribe. It is indefensible. Mike: Trump simply shouldnt take it. I dont care if some lawyer in the DOD or White House can come up with a way for it to be legal, he just shouldnt do it. Conservatives who were upset that Hunter Biden was selling expensive paintings should stop the selective outrage. Be consistent. We shouldnt excuse the president taking an expensive gift from a foreign country though while an ally, has questionable ties to Hamas and other organizations that are far from America First. Just dont do it. Not worth it. Q: Last week, Trump announced he would reduce tariffs on Chinese goods after a backlash from his supporters (from blue-collar workers to CEOs) who warned that a near-total cessation of trade was hurting them. Will this be enough for him to regain their trust? Julie: This framing is not quite right. Trump absolutely caved without getting anything concrete from the Chinese in return. First, this deal is only temporary and will expire in 90 days, leading to even greater uncertainty for suppliers and manufacturers. China will still place a 10% levy on U.S. goods. The U.S. will still impose 30% tariffs (otherwise known as a tax) on Chinese goods. Trump still refuses to lift his hold on the de minimis exemption, which had previously allowed cheap products like clothing to enter the U.S. duty-free. More relevantly, Trump is the arsonist who sets the house on fire and then wants credit for not burning all of it down. Small businesses will fail. Its going to be an expensive back-to-school and Christmas shopping season, friends. Mike: Julie correctly uses the word uncertainty. Businesses like certainty, even if it is a higher tax or tariff or annoying regulation, because they can plan for it. Businesses hate uncertainty. The worst part is all this uncertainty is unnecessary. Walmart just announced that prices are going up. Walmart shoppers are disproportionately price-sensitive and supportive of Trump. This is an indication that the tariffs are hurting the people who can least afford it and who happen to support the president. Q: Secretary of the Health and Human Services Department Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took a tooth drilling at congressional hearings, where he defended his anti-vaccine stance amid a growing measles outbreak. How worried should we be? Julie: Its not just measles. In 90 days, Kennedy has advocated for Medicaid cuts, fired experts at the CDC and NIH, cut lead poisoning efforts, and terminated fertility treatment programs and efforts to fight black lung. This is a major health emergency that more media should focus on. Mike: The distractions of [Pete] Hegseth, [Tulsi] Gabbard, and the aborted nomination of [Matt] Gaetz have let RFK Jr. off the hook as the highest threat for embarrassment to the president. But theres still time. The more he talks, the worse he does. Every once in a while, he makes a good point, but it doesnt justify where he stokes fear and outrage without reason. Q: Quick thoughts on: A new book detailing a cover-up of former President Bidens cognitive decline. Julie: The lack of self-awareness is stunning. Trump slurs his words, meanders in his remarks, and refuses to release his medical records. But wait, the media wont focus on that because thats just Trump being Trump? Meanwhile, his allies are talking about subverting the 22nd Amendment and suspending habeas corpus. But sure Joe Biden is old. Mike: Democrats have to stop defending Biden and attacking Trump here. We all saw it with our own eyes. Biden was not up for the job. He should not have run again. Even if you dont like Trump, you should not excuse the powers-that-be in the Democratic Party lying to the American people, saying Biden could serve four more years. We all saw it. The U.S. Supreme Court hearing oral arguments on ending birthright citizenship. Julie: With this court, I would not be surprised if they chiseled away at yet another ironclad part of the Constitution. Mike: This is in the Constitution, and I find it hard to believe the Court could unilaterally strip this provision. Trump demolished Voice of America abroad, and now is defunding PBS and NPR. Julie: Meanwhile, the White House has just released something called the White House Wire, which is state-run propaganda full of fawning coverage of Trump. The first move every authoritarian makes is to take over independent media and to shut down those outlets that dont bend the knee. Lenin would be proud. Mike: Can two things be true at once? I believe NPR should exist, but I dont believe the taxpayers should be forced to fund it. Its their pledge drive right now. If you love NPR, prove they have value by donating and/or calling your Congressman to demand they protect the funding. A note to readers: Can Americans still have a sensible and friendly political discussion across the partisan divide? The answer is yes, and we prove it every week with this Friendly Fire conversation. Mike and Julie are deeply engaged in politics and commercial advocacy in New Jersey, so both have connections to many players discussed in this column. DuHaime, the founder of MAD Global Strategy, has worked for Chris Christie, Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, and George W. Bush. Roginsky, a principal of Comprehensive Communications Group and author of the Salty Politics column in Substack, has served as senior advisor to campaigns of Cory Booker, Frank Lautenberg, and Phil Murphy. Local journalism needs your support. Subscribe at nj.com/supporter. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. Louisianas reliance on the Mississippi means the mighty river can take away as much as it gives and both the state and the nation are reaching a moment of reckoning. This photo shows rattan clothing baskets of the Li ethnic group at the Hainan Provincial Museum of Ethnic Minorities in Wuzhishan City, south China's Hainan Province, May 16, 2025. The southern island province of Hainan boasts various museums showcasing rich culture of the Li ethnic group, including textile, pottery, music and embroidery. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) A woman visits the Hainan Provincial Museum of Ethnic Minorities in Wuzhishan City, south China's Hainan Province, May 16, 2025. The southern island province of Hainan boasts various museums showcasing rich culture of the Li ethnic group, including textile, pottery, music and embroidery. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) An aerial drone photo shows the Hainan Provincial Museum of Ethnic Minorities in Wuzhishan City, south China's Hainan Province, May 16, 2025. The southern island province of Hainan boasts various museums showcasing rich culture of the Li ethnic group, including textile, pottery, music and embroidery. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) Visitors look at a boat of the Li ethnic group at the Bolong folk museum in Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, south China's Hainan Province, May 15, 2025. The southern island province of Hainan boasts various museums showcasing rich culture of the Li ethnic group, including textile, pottery, music and embroidery. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) This photo shows a wrapping rack displayed at a museum of ethnic minorities in Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, south China's Hainan Province, May 11, 2025. The southern island province of Hainan boasts various museums showcasing rich culture of the Li ethnic group, including textile, pottery, music and embroidery. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) This photo shows a piece of Li brocade displayed at an intangible cultural heritage museum in Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, south China's Hainan Province, May 12, 2025. The southern island province of Hainan boasts various museums showcasing rich culture of the Li ethnic group, including textile, pottery, music and embroidery. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) A visitor takes photos of musical instruments of the Li ethnic group at the Hainan Provincial Museum of Ethnic Minorities in Wuzhishan City, south China's Hainan Province, May 16, 2025. The southern island province of Hainan boasts various museums showcasing rich culture of the Li ethnic group, including textile, pottery, music and embroidery. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) This photo shows Li ethnic costumes displayed at an intangible cultural heritage museum in Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, south China's Hainan Province, May 12, 2025. The southern island province of Hainan boasts various museums showcasing rich culture of the Li ethnic group, including textile, pottery, music and embroidery. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) This photo shows bone hairpins of the Li ethnic group at the Hainan Provincial Museum of Ethnic Minorities in Wuzhishan City, south China's Hainan Province, May 16, 2025. The southern island province of Hainan boasts various museums showcasing rich culture of the Li ethnic group, including textile, pottery, music and embroidery. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) A visitor looks at pottery-making tools of the Li ethnic group at the Hainan Provincial Museum of Ethnic Minorities in Wuzhishan City, south China's Hainan Province, May 16, 2025. The southern island province of Hainan boasts various museums showcasing rich culture of the Li ethnic group, including textile, pottery, music and embroidery. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) Looking back: The impact of the BP oil spill on Louisianas commercial menhaden fishing industry BEIJING, May 18 (Xinhua) -- China's State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters activated Level-IV emergency response measures in readiness for possible flooding in Fujian and Guangxi on Sunday. A work team has been dispatched to Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, south China, to assist and provide on-site guidance, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management. Heavy rainstorms are forecast to sweep parts of Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian and Zhejiang from Sunday to Monday, according to the weather forecast. Authorities have urged efforts to closely monitor both rainfall and flood developments, strengthen meteorological early warnings and emergency response, and relocate people in dangerous areas to ensure their safety. China has a four-tier flood-control emergency response system, with Level I being the highest level. MUNSTER The Dark Lord is now of legal drinking age. So is Abby Burton of Schererville. When the first 3 Floyds Dark Lord Russian imperial stout was brewed, 21 years ago, Abby Burton was barely out of the womb. Now, she is ready for a day of heavy metal music and heavier ABV beer. "My dad and brother go every year," Burton said. "I'm 21 now, so I can come with, I figured why not?" All Burton knew about Dark Lord Day this year is MMXXV is that it's about drinking lots of beer, and Burton told me her experience Saturday had confirmed her prior assumptions, while noting the "atmosphere and people are cool." Burton's father, Carley, was thrilled that DLD had become a family affair. "There's no politics, no division," Carley Burton said, noting he's been going since 2010. "Everybody is here just to have fun and share their beer. Nothing else matters." The annual spring celebration of the Dark Lord has transformed over two decades into one of the busiest and most popular events in the Region, drawing an international crowd of beer lovers, many of whom trade and sip different versions of the Dark Lord stout and other beers they've acquired over the years. This year, the Dark Lord stout variants included brandy vanilla, cosmic key brewed with coconut and banana and egregious Philbin, a stout brewed with cherries. The cover art on the bottles features the work of legendary fantasy and sci-fi artist Frank Frazetta. Below are some of the other characters I encountered during this year's festival: The gate greeters Not to be confused with gate keepers that sounds too much like gatekeeping or gate crashers, these people were welcoming and inviting. One of the defining features of the festival is the outer lineup of tailgating tents and tables of open beer that greet attendees before they officially enter the fest. That includes Amy Monesmith of Griffith, who said she and her husband Reed like to mingle and trade beer for hours before and after officially collecting their DLD variants. "Compared to other festivals, Dark Lord Day is so unique," Monesmith said. "You can bring your beer to share, taste and leave. We've done this setup for a few years now. You meet all kinds of people this way." Monesmith said that up to 50 beers will come and go on their table, with those who pass by encouraged to take small swigs from the open bottles and cans. While many like to trade or exchange the exclusive DLD variants, just about anything, including other imperial stouts, is fair game. Monesmith said her favorite 3 Floyds beer is gumball head, a lighter pale ale. "The hoppier the better for me," she said. "Someone dropped off a sour earlier that tasted like a bomb pop. The Blockhead Beerworks brewer dropped off something earlier. It's fun." The royal knights When James Foley first planned to attend DLD in 2017, he simply assumed people dressed up in costume, and he never bothered to check until it was too late. While there are plenty of people wearing ostentatious goth gear and plenty of leather vests, denim and cargo shorts, the two men dressed as medieval knights are hard to miss, and now, Foley noted, he and his fellow knight, Michael Sudol, are recognizable regulars at the festival. "Everyone will come up to us and say, 'Bring me a shrubbery,'" said Foley, to which he responds by bringing them a beer instead. "You meet the most random people here. Especially us." Are they official characters? Are they knights who specifically serve the Dark Lord? Maybe, maybe not, Foley equivocated. The Dark Lord, despite being the namesake of the imperial stout, is a somewhat nebulous, shifty entity. Sudol and Foley serve their own masters. And they have a blast. "People walk up to you, ask where you're from, what brings you out here," Foley said. "And we're always shocked by how much we all have in common." Like a love for imperial stouts. The muffin men They make donuts, too. But the bakers of Hi-Way Bakery in nearby South Chicago Heights, Illinois, have a "secret" ingredient: DLD imperial stout. And for the past few years, they've been selling DLD-infused baked goods out of a kiosk at the festival itself. "Three Floyds has been a really nice company to work with," said head baker Juan Martinez. "They gave us cherries from egregious Philbin, coconut and bananas from cosmic key. From these items, we made something special." How special? The "ChemTrailMix" donut, with flamingo-colored frosting, is baked with pink peppercorns. I found it had a fruity, malty taste, definitely a unique and delicious combination. Originally, the bakers had tried using the Dark Lord stout and variant ingredients as part of spreads. But then Martinez said he found he was able to just add DLD simple syrup to the batter. "The stout gives the pastries a real complexity," he said. "Also, a lot of sugar. We have to cut back on sugar in every single recipe. But you get a malty taste to everything that really balances out the flavors and gives everything a kind of over-the-top quality the festival is known for." Martinez himself doesn't even drink alcohol. But he loves the music, he loves sweets and he loves bacon. The Dark Lord may appear sinister in iconography, but he turns out to inspire a generous, convivial afternoon. A proposed $2 billion data center in Union Township is pitting economic development advocates against concerned residents who don't want to live near or send their kids to school near such a facility. Suburban Kansas City-based QTS Data Centers wants to build a two-phase data center project on the 800-acre Johnson Farm site by Wheeler High School in Porter County, saying the project will create up to 175 permanent jobs and $10 million a year in tax revenue. It's the latest data center project to face stiff opposition in Porter County, where Valparaiso, Chesterton and Burns Harbor all have rejected data center proposals, and activists have mobilized against such developments. A neighborhood meeting last week packed the Porter County Expo Center, with most residents speaking out against the proposal due to concerns about noise, property values, public health and the preservation of the area's rural character. Representatives of groups like the Construction Advancement Foundation, Center of Workforce Innovations, NIPSCO and local building trade unions touted the project as an economic boon that would mean more employment and help bring Northwest Indiana a more modern, high-tech economy. NIPSCO Director of Economic Development and Public Affairs Rick Calinski said the utility was excited about the growth and economic development data centers could bring to Northwest Indiana. "Data centers mean more jobs for communities in the state of Indiana," Calinski said. "They increase tax revenue that can be reinvested in our communities by supporting schools, paving (roads), improving parks and expanding our public safety. These new investments can help diversify industry sectors in Northwest Indiana. Our teams continue to talk to financial and technically capable and qualified data center customers interested in investing in Northwest Indiana." Lisa Daugherty, the president and CEO of the Center of Workforce Innovations, said data centers significantly impact economic growth and prosperity in the communities where they are located. The proposed Jeremiah I and II data centers may directly employ around 150 people but likely would support another 1,200 ancillary jobs, boosting earnings in the area by around $20 million, Daugherty said. "I think about the other sectors and industries that could come to the community as a result of the data center," she said. "Data centers are used by government agencies, financial institutions, health care organizations, e-commerce operations, educational institutions and content providers. They're all using that data. These are good-paying jobs. We haven't even talked about the construction jobs, which may be temporary, but all these other businesses are going to need skilled labor as well." Opponents expressed concerns, such as that "the uncontrolled sprawl of Lake County is going to continue to carry into our quiet Porter County communities." Resident Angela Bannon feared the data center would take a toll on her grandson's health, including that the construction dust would exacerbate his asthma. Bannon also worried it would detract from the area's rural character. "You can say this building is going to look great in 10 years or even 20, but I might not be alive to see it, and I know a lot of these other old generation people will not either," she said. "It doesn't matter how much makeup you put on an ugly face. When you take it off, it's still ugly." Atlas Fugate, a senior at Wheeler High School, said she didn't trust claims that the company wouldn't use the groundwater and that it would prioritize carbon-free sources because it was using vague language. "Data centers now have a greater carbon footprint than the airline industry," Fugate said. "This (is) what you're putting in our community. You say you prioritize community, but you are being shady about your facts, about your statistics. A single data center can consume the equivalent electricity of 50,000 homes. Valparaiso has 34,000 people. You are consuming more energy than the town. You are taking away my future. You want to say you're helping, but you're taking away the future of your children, your grandchildren and all the kids in Valparaiso. You are destroying our community. You're placing your own corporate greed over the real people that have lived here for their entire lives." The issue has been so divisive that some speakers declined to take a stance, such as Rex Richards with the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce. Porter County Council President Andy Vasquez said the project had pros and cons but little public support, saying he hopes it would employ union construction workers if it goes forward but that he would not vote for any tax breaks for the project, knowing too well from past elections many of those who expressed concerns will turn out to vote. CROWN POINT Of the 26 graduating participants in the Lake County Veterans Treatment Court, Lake Superior Court Judge Julie Cantrell can tell you each person's story. After Cantrell called each of the participant's names as they were awarded a certificate and gift Wednesday for their completion of the court's program, she told attendees about one participant who loves to cook and try out new recipes; a participant whom she called a "shoe guy" who owns multiple pairs of vintage Jordans; and another who was recently remarried after his wife died and is working hard to get full custody of his daughter while navigating the dynamic of a blended family, among others. She sent them offstage with a handshake, a hug and a standing invitation to send her a friend request on Facebook. Cantrell, Veterans Treatment Court staff and an audience of family members and supporters gathered at the Lake County Government Center to celebrate each graduate and acknowledge their progress, from their time in the military to the crime that landed them in the Veterans Treatment Court program to their graduation. The court was established in 2014 in Lake County and allows judges, prosecutors and attorneys to refer their former military clients who have been charged with a criminal offense to complete the comprehensive program that is designed to provide veterans with services to heal parts of them affected by their military history that could have led to criminal behavior. Cantrell said it is supposed to be a program of "care and treatment." "There has to be some sort of connection from your service to the crime," she said. The graduates were acknowledged along with their 78 program mentors and listened to a speech by Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush, who commended the veterans for their service to the United States, and said we owe it to them to give back. "The criminal justice system is based on reformation, not vindictive justice," Rush said. "That is what I see. Justice tempered with mercy." The program includes four monthly meetings with an individual mentor, regular drug tests and frequent appearances in front of Cantrell to provide updates on their progress. One of four case managers will refer participants for social services based on their individual needs. When participants successfully complete the program in either 18 or 24 months, they attend graduation and can get their charges dismissed and expunged. Since Rush became a judge in 1998, she said she has watched the impact that substance abuse, mental illnesses, trauma and poverty have had on the individuals whose cases she oversees. Specifically, she reminded the graduates that substance abuse is not a moral failure, but rather a treatable disease. More than one in 10 veterans who seek care at the U.S. Veterans Administration meet the criteria to be diagnosed with a substance use disorder slightly higher than the rate among the general population, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. "You cannot incarcerate your way out of this," Rush said. The Lake County Veterans Treatment Court is nationally successful and serves as a national model for other veterans treatment courts as of February, meaning the staff will host site visits and provide one-on-one professional shadowing opportunities for teams and individuals across the country who are interested in forming their own veterans court. Some individuals are referred to the court from other counties because of the program's success. In 2023, the court reported a completion rate of 86%, according to an article from the Indiana Court Times. Since 2014, 300 people have successfully completed the program. "Those 300 graduates have friends, family, coworkers," Rush said. "Those 300 grads affect thousands in their community." Cantrell said honesty and accountability is emphasized in the program. If a veteran tests positive for drugs or alcohol multiple times, for example, she might place them on a Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring bracelet, an ankle monitor used to track alcohol consumption. If the veteran chooses not to attend court dates or meetings with their mentors, Cantrell might place them on a GPS monitor. The hope is that the small sanctions will inspire behavior change among the veterans. Many of her conversations with participants revolve around changing their "people, places and things" so they can maintain sobriety and adding in hobbies to find purpose in their "idle time." One of their partners is Operation Charlie Bravo, a Crown Point-based nonprofit that provides a variety of programming for veterans to prevent homelessness and suicide. The program is hard work, Cantrell said. The participants have to want to change and engage with the program in order to create lasting, successful change. She has had certain people go through the program twice before the habit changes stick. "I tell them, 'The program is not easy,'" Cantrell said. "'It's going to take some work from you. But, if you want the help, we will help you.'" Michael Mrowicki was first referred to Veterans Treatment Court in 2015. At the time, Mrowicki said he didn't want to take advantage of the court's offerings. "I drank the whole time," he said. "I did what I wanted to the whole time." When Mrowicki asked to re-enter the program in 2023, he was desperate. His drinking became dangerous, and he felt he had nowhere to turn. "They weren't going to let me in," Mrowicki said "But I begged. I said, 'Judge, please. I am at the end of my rope.'" Cantrell and prosecutors ultimately agreed. This time around, the program changed his life, in conjunction with a substance use treatment program through the U.S. Veterans Administration. Mrowicki said he has created community through Operation Charlie Bravo since he re-joined the treatment court and has become a mentor for others who are going through the program, even while he worked to complete it himself. "This program works if you want the help," he said. John Summers graduated from Veterans Treatment Court last year. Without the structure from the court's program and Operation Charlie Bravo, Summers said he doesn't know where his life would be. "If you want help, your support system is huge," he said. The support system will provide structure and motivation, Summers said. Participants just have to want it. "If there is 5% of you that wants help," he said, "they're going to bring the rest of it out here." Yu Zhaoji carves a traditional pastry mold at his studio in Yongqing Block in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, on May 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Shuo) GUANGZHOU, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Speaking Mandarin with a strong Cantonese accent, Yu Zhaoji worked swiftly yet steadily on a piece of wood shaped like a pizza peel -- only narrower and thicker -- using his specialized carving knife. Within minutes, delicate carved lines appeared along the circular groove in the wood, forming the perfect base for a mooncake mold. It is a craft the 65-year-old has honed over half a century, continuing a family tradition that spans some 160 years. Yu's family business, Yu Tong Shop, is the last remaining maker of handmade traditional Cantonese pastry molds in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province and a heartland of Cantonese culture. Founded by Yu's great-great-grandfather in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Yu Tong Shop has been producing hand-carved molds for a wide range of traditional Cantonese pastries -- not only mooncakes, but also dowry cakes and phoenix cookies -- serving restaurants, pastry shops and households alike. For centuries, handmade molds have played a vital role in crafting Cantonese pastries, with dough pressed into beautifully carved patterns set within grooves of various shapes. Before machines began replacing manual labor in mold making around the 2000s, Yu Tong Shop was bustling with orders from restaurants and bakeries, especially during its peak years between the 1970s and 1990s. Today, according to Yu, handmade molds have all but disappeared from Guangzhou's food industry, as their intricate carving and polishing processes make them far more expensive than machine-made alternatives. "You know, speed is everything in today's world," he said, without a pause in his hands as he continued to carve. Speed, nevertheless, is the very opposite of pastry mold carving, a craft that demands years of learning and practice to master. The wood used for mold making must go through a two-year air-drying process before carving can begin, and crafting a handmade pastry mold involves dozens of meticulous steps. Still, Yu believes machines will never surpass humans in his craft. "Machine work is too uniform. It has no soul," he said, adding that handmade pieces are inherently unique, much like how the left and right sides of a person's face can never be exactly the same. Yu still makes and sells pastry molds to high-end restaurants in Guangzhou and Hong Kong, as well as to clients in Australia, the United States, and, as he puts it, "wherever there are Chinese." "After all, their roots are here, and they have profound sentiments for traditions and traditional things," he said. Yu noted that he doesn't worry too much about passing down the mold carving craft to the next generation of his family, who have chosen what he calls "more profitable" career paths. He has also taken on a few apprentices, though for them, mold carving remains just a hobby. Still, Yu hopes this ancestral craft will endure for generations to come. In August 2020, Guangzhou's first intangible cultural heritage (ICH) district opened to the public. It is part of the Yongqing Block, a historic downtown community revitalized by a renovation project launched by the local government in 2016. The government aims to use the ICH district, which offers space for the display and sale of 13 intangible cultural heritage traditions of Guangzhou, to promote the integration of culture and tourism, as well as the preservation and continuation of traditional craftsmanship. Yu Tong Shop was relocated from its original site to the ICH district, where it became a master's studio alongside 12 other traditional arts and crafts, including Canton enamel, Canton embroidery, bone carving and lion dancing. In his new storefront, Yu now demonstrates his carving techniques to curious tourists visiting the Yongqing Block -- a popular destination in Guangzhou -- from across China and abroad. He also provides pastry mold carving workshops, both commercial sessions open to the public and non-commercial ones supported and subsidized by the government. Participants span all age groups, from young children to seniors. "Some participants join the workshops for fun, and some to challenge themselves," he said. According to Yu, handmade items continue to appeal to many enthusiasts since they are crafted with heart and imbued with "warmth and emotion." "If you've made (a mold) yourself, even if it's not perfect, the pastries made with it will taste better," Yu said. "It's hard to put into words," he added after a thoughtful pause. Jerry Davich Metro columnist Follow Jerry Davich 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 For decades, Velma Thiel has been sending hundreds of cards, letters and other correspondence to dozens of Region residents whove become her old-fashioned penpals. Fifteen years ago, I wrote a column about Thiel endearing and enduring snail-mail relationship with strangers whove become close friends through the written word, a postage stamp and a licked envelope. Since then, shes been kind enough to add me to her list. Dear Jerry, you gave me such nice penpals, Thiel wrote to me in her latest letter. We still write to each other, but not as much because we all are getting to a mature age (smiley face). I will be 100 on May 18, God willing. Sunday is her birthday, and thanks to many of her penpals, she will be receiving a stack of new cards to congratulate her on the milestone, joining more than 100,000 other centenarians in our country. Isnt it crazy? Ive been partying all week, Thiel told me. A party with her church ladies. A party with her family. A party with penpals. And a party at her residence, Cedar Creek Health Campus, a senior living complex in Lowell. Thiel isnt exaggerating, and shes been enjoying every day this past week. I can't believe I lived to be this old. I don't know what I did to get here, she said. Thiel's family, friends and penpals have an idea of what contributed to her longevity. Ms. Velma is such a genuine, sweet, lovable and godly woman, said Joyce Anderson, whos been exchanging cards and letters with Thiel for 10 years. And she has such beautiful vintage handwriting. Ever since 2017, my mom and Velma have been petals writing each other all the time, Becky Jascoviak said. Thank you for your part in connecting them and keeping them vibrant into their later years. We began writing her when my daughter was in fourth grade. She just finished her freshman year of college, said Kara Graper, one of her long-time penpals. Because of Ms. Velma, we were inspired to have our Girl Scout troop obtain senior penpals. Most of those senior citizen penpals are no longer with us. Thiel, though, continues to live a life of purpose, reflection, devotion and jubilation. Whats one of her secrets? Dont always think of just yourself, Thiel said. Think of others and what you can do for them. Some people have nobody. And everybody is dealing with something. She is dealing with neuropathy that keeps her awake some nights. Thiel has also had cataract surgeries. Nonetheless, she continues to see life as hopeful, not hapless. Thiel uses a stand to help her get out of bed, then into a wheelchair to get to the dining room. I just try to cheer everybody up, she said. A man asked Thiel, How come you're always so cheerful? I dont know, she replied. I just like people, I guess." Thiel sits at a dining table with two residents whove lost part of their legs due to diabetes. Theyre amazing people, she said. Theyre pretty brave. I dont know if I could be so brave. Thiel's late husband, Alfred, showed such bravery during his battle with Alzheimers. It got too dangerous for him, she recalled. Thiel cared for him for seven years before his death 18 years ago. She was 82 with no idea she would live to be 100, and counting. When I first met Thiel, she lived in a charming little home on Cline Avenue in Griffith. She proudly showed me a box filled with all the cards and letters she had received from penpals across Northwest Indiana and from around the country. Most of them were handwritten by strangers who mailed Thiel either a few kind words or colorful writing. Each one brought her an instant smile. I was quite surprised. It was very exciting. Even fun. They revealed a lot of personal things to me, Thiel told me. One woman mailed her some of her poems. Thiel replied by sending her some of her own poems. Im sure theyre not as good as hers, but I sent them anyway, Thiel said. I still have one of her first letters to me. Dear Jerry, its me again, the old lady with no computer, Thiel wrote in neat penmanship. I dont use that Facebook. I still write letters. I hope you dont mind. She has a strict policy of responding to anyone who takes the time to connect with her. Im not good at writing handwritten letters. Thiel keeps me on her list anyway, usually ending her notes the same way: Lots of love, Velma. As her birthday approached, I posted about it on my Facebook page, inviting anyone interested to send Thiel a birthday card. Ive heard from dozens of readers asking for her address. My daughters had the privilege of getting cards from her when they attended Sunday school, and she continued to send them as they grew older, Christen Linders wrote. I have often thought of her and how she is doing. I would love her address so my now grown daughter can wish her a happy 100th birthday and enclose a photo of herself and her new son! I hope Thiel enjoys the surprise. She seemed to surprise herself by living to 100. I guess I'm trying to make a record for my family, Thiel said with a laugh. The number of Americans ages 100 and older is projected to quadruple over the next three decades. In a column this week, Ill introduce you to a Region woman who just celebrated her 104th birthday. What is it like to live through a century of U.S. history, from the first automobiles to the first man on the moon to the first smartphone in the Digital Age? Annabell Anderson will tell us. Drone footage slowly zooming in to a four-way street intersection. In the center of the intersection is a wooden sculpture in the shape of a raised fist with a red, black and green striped flag. Two cars slowly drive around the statue to move through the intersection. When you see the weathered statues of raised fists, youll know youre there. The corner where a Minneapolis police officer killed George Floyd nearly five years ago is to this day a protest site and a memorial. But how it will live in history remains unsettled. Headway What Is the Future of George Floyd Square? The intersection of 38th Street East and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis was forever altered the day a police officer knelt on George Floyds neck five years ago, killing him. The killing led to a national reckoning over police misconduct and racism, and here, it spawned a site of protest, art, grief and remembrance that feels to some in this community like an open wound. Wooden sculptures in the shape of raised brown fists mark either end of the street. Arresting murals nearby have been defaced and touched up repeatedly. Residents and city officials have debated for years what should be done with the site, and how the man whose killing fueled the Black Lives Matter movement should be memorialized. The spaces unresolved state in many ways reflects how stuck the country remains on matters of race, justice and reparations. On this there is little debate: George Floyd Square gave rise to a movement that changed the United States. But what will its legacy and future be? At an intersection, a corner store bearing the sign Unity Foods sits under a pair of billboards painted with murals. At left, a marquee reads Welcome to George Floyd Square. On the right, a Pan African flag flies in the intersection above a brown sculpture shaped like a fist. The sidewalk where Mr. Floyd took his final breath after repeatedly protesting, I cant breathe, has become a pilgrimage site with an ever-shifting memorial. It is packed with bleached stuffed animals, old T-shirts, photos, flowers, rosaries and other totems people dropping by to pay their respects have left behind over the years. In the days after Mr. Floyds murder, residents barricaded the streets leading to 38th and Chicago. Neighbors brought food to share. People provided first aid to those injured in demonstrations. And civilians set up checkpoints on the streets leading to the crossroads. You knew that something special was taking place, said Jeanelle Austin, a longtime resident who became a caretaker of the memorial. It became a home base for the protests during the uprising, and people in the middle of the night were holding circles for healing. The city has tried to turn the page on George Floyd Square as a rough-hewn protest site by putting forward a plan to revamp the streets and sidewalks and setting aside the lot of a shuttered gas station to build a memorial or community center. But residents are divided over whether the intersection should become a pedestrian plaza or remain open to traffic. Ms. Austin, for one, does not want to see the fists come down or the makeshift shrine replaced by something more polished. People have been more focused on aesthetics than becoming, she said. The reason this place is still disrupted is because we havent become who we need to be. If we can get to where we are a nation where we are not taking lives for the sake of taking lives, then we can start talking about aesthetics. Attorney General Keith Ellison of Minnesota, who prosecuted Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murdering Mr. Floyd, said this place for him was hallowed ground. Mr. Ellison, the first Black person elected to statewide office in Minnesota, confronts conflicting feelings here hope about the power of protest vies with deep grief and alarm. Last year, at least 1,260 people were killed by police officers in the United States, more than in any other year in the past decade. In an executive order signed last month, President Trump laid out his administrations plans to aggressively police communities, including by rethinking the Department of Justices recent agreements with Minneapolis and other cities aimed at reining in abusive and discriminatory policing. Five years after the death of George Floyd, we may be in a state of backlash, Mr. Ellison said. The federal government has abandoned the idea of trying to improve police-and-community relations theyve abandoned the idea of making sure people feel equal before the law and are treated equally before the law. After Mr. Floyds death, the Department of Justice and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights released two damning reports. Minneapolis agreed to substantial changes to its police department, including steps to rein in the use of force, bolster training and address discriminatory practices. But elected officials remain stuck on what to do about George Floyd Square. In February, the Minneapolis City Council rejected a proposal the mayors office put forward after spending more than $2 million on an extensive community-consultation process. The plan envisioned broader sidewalks, more trees and a reinvigorated business district. This should be a sacred place for understanding the racial injustices that have been perpetrated for hundreds of years, said Jacob Frey, the mayor of Minneapolis. And it should also be a place where you can get a sandwich and a cup of coffee, a place that adds value to the surrounding neighborhood. Mr. Frey, who is seeking a third term, said the citys vision for George Floyd Square reflected the wishes of a large portion of residents and business owners in the area. Its time to move forward, he said. Theres a difference between moving forward and moving on. Thin cardboard signs evoking headstones are placed in the style of a cemetery on a grassy lawn, next to a light green willow tree. Houses and cars fill the background. Nearby, the Say Their Names cemetery began as an art installation honoring Black people killed by the police. Five years later, it still stands. Long before Mr. Floyds death, revitalizing this area had preoccupied Councilwoman Andrea Jenkins, whose district includes part of George Floyd Square. Once a bustling commercial district home to many Black families, the area fell on hard times after the construction of an interstate highway in the 1960s displaced thousands of residents. Here as in cities across the country, this process led to school closures, struggling businesses and crime. Many times when I come here I think about Black power and the agency to claim space, said Ms. Jenkins. And then, I also think about, Why cant we make this space more formally beautiful? Because Black people deserve beauty. Ms. Jenkins said the pain from Mr. Floyds murder continued to have a paralyzing effect. But its time for decisive action to build a permanent memorial, improve the areas infrastructure and attract new businesses, she argued. I think the majority of people want free-flowing traffic, they want economic development, they want resources to be committed, she said. Two Offaly students have been awarded an All Ireland Scholarship which will cover the full duration of their undergraduate studies. Fatima Karimi and Ashanti Wynne Ihaza, both from Tullamore were honoured at the All Ireland Scholarships Awards Ceremony in University Concert Hall, University of Limerick. In attendance at the ceremony was All Ireland Scholarships Sponsor JP McManus, Guest of Honour and CEO of Cuan Mhuire Bruree, Sr Agnes Fitzgerald, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Patrick ODonovan TD, and Director of Skills, Strategy and Policy, Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland, Graeme Wilkinson as well as the family, friends and school representatives of the scholarship recipients. Commenting at the awards ceremony, All Ireland Scholarships Sponsor JP McManus said: I am honoured to be here to celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of these 125 students. To date, 1,924 students have received an All Ireland Scholarship and 1,382 of those students have since graduated from university. Today is a very special occasion for the class of 2024, their families, friends, and teachers. We wish them all the very best as they pursue their studies and university and look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the years to come. Sacred Heart School Tullamore Ashanti Wynne Ihaza Tullamore College Fatima Arimi and Edward McEvoy, Principal The All Ireland Scholarships, established by JP McManus in 2008, provide financial support to gifted students pursuing third-level education. Each year, 125 scholarships are awarded across the 32 counties of Ireland. Recipients receive 6,750 per annum in Ireland and 5,500 per annum in Northern Ireland, covering the duration of their undergraduate studies. The third level educational scholarship is awarded to 125 of the highest achieving students per year, with a minimum of two students from each county. The recipients must meet a further set of criteria, including attending a non-fee-paying school and be in receipt of a third level education maintenance grant from Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) or be in receipt of an Education Maintenance Allowance in Northern Ireland. The scholarship offers full academic financial support for the duration of the students' third level studies. READ NEXT: Outstanding Offaly star named GPA Player of the Month for April READ NEXT: BIG PICTURE SPECIAL: Huge turnout for Ashling Road Race in sunshine in Tullamore Sixty years of teaching and learning at Lumcloon NS was celebrated last Wednesday May 7 in the school. A lovely celebrated Mass was offered by Fr Pat Kiernan PP who stepped in at short notice for Bishop Paul Connell who sent his apologies as he had to attend an unscheduled meeting with the Education Minister. This was a treble celebration as the school community celebrated the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the school, the 20th anniversary of the added extension and the official unveiling of the original plaque from Bunn NS. According to local folklore, a hedge school existed in the 1800s, less than half a mile from the present Lumcloon school. This was held in a house opposite the old corn mill with reports of about 40-50 students attending in winter and 10-12 in summer and they were taught by a Mr Timothy Gardiner. Bunn NS, just off the Tullamore Road, was erected in 1885 on a quarter acre site on the lands of Jim Guinan. It was a stone building with only one room and catered for up to thirty pupils. The school closed in 1964 and its pupils transferred to the new Lumcloon NS along with their teacher Mrs Claffey. The school remained a one teacher school until March 1968 due to insufficient numbers. The amalgamating of Leamore NS with Lumcloon NS in April 1974 saw two teachers in Lumcloon Ms Hederman and twelve extra pupils. The present Principal Mr Greg Gilligan was appointed in September 1992 which saw the school with a third teacher due to increased numbers. While waiting for a prefab to be erected, pupils were taught for a short time in the home of Mr Paddy Gilligan, the home place of Mr Gilligans late father and grandfather. Paddy sadly passed away in the summer of 2023 and was always a good friend to the school. He was remembered during the Mass with a key brought to the altar signifying his open door friendship. The new extension was added in 2004 and consisted of four classrooms, a special tuition room, office, staffroom, library/resource room, kitchen and storage space. A special class for pupils with Autism opened in 2015. Punching above their weight, Lumcloon NS boasts many achievements including winner of Bord na Scol for small schools in 1988, 1989, 1995, 2000, 2005. ICT achievements includes both national and local prizes including Best Overall Primary School Website in Ireland in 2001. The list continues when they featured on both radio and TV when they won events such as quizzes, handwriting competitions etc., such as overall winner in Co. Offaly with a project for the Irish Independent Building for the Future competition, national finalists in the Active Schools initiative in 2010 and presently working on their sixth green flag. And the list continues. And so the building that opened as a one teacher school back in 1964 along with its twenty year old extension, welcomed back past as well as current pupils, parents and members of the local community to a wonderful celebration of sixty years of excellence and twenty years on new growth. Pope Leo XIV (Image by Edgar Beltran,) Details DMCA Conclave featured a surprise ending -- imagine a gender bender Pope in your lifetime: Nice guy. Came out of nowhere, some old closet of the world, in pectore, then someone said he worked Kabul, saw action in the Green Zone, blessed the green eyed girls, watched the mad exodus of GIs, the war lost. xxxxxx That was film, this is now, and the conclave came through electing the son of a son of a creole from down the bluesy footstompin New Orleans way. Of course Leo, is Peruvian, too; wore hats that spoke triadic dialectics for the poor; and someone in Chicago said I knew him. xxxxxx Well, needless to say, but I'll say it anyway, Africa is one happy place tonight -- At last! Polyrhythms and kalimbas cry, Ubuntu! Pope Leo we love you, all around the campfire, every mother happy, bread and wine all around, Yesterday, Botswana was called Eden. Now this! xxxxxx This great day for race relations on Planet Earth fills my heart with wonder and new found bliss. Kate Chopin is dancing in her grave (Areola!) Of course, wouldn't you know the Black Man's star rises just as Satan is about to repossess the world, making Pope Leo a tragic scapegoat. f*ck me. This is Oregon Insight, a weekly look at the numbers behind the state economy from The Oregonian. Mlive Oregon liquor sales have dipped in each of the past two years and are on track for a steeper decline in 2025, mirroring a national trend toward moderation that may extend beyond alcohol. Liquor sales totaled about $818 million statewide last year, according to data from the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission. Thats down about 2.5% from peak Oregon liquor sales in 2022, which capped a decade of robust growth. Sales through the first four months of 2025 are down 4.5% from the same period last year. Liquor sales fell 1.1% nationally last year, according to the Distilled Spirits Council. After years of steady, incremental increases in sales, we saw a dramatic increase during the pandemic. Since then, trends appear to be leveling off to the pre-pandemic normal. This mirrors national trends, where sales have steadied or decreased slightly, said Craig Prins, director of Oregons liquor commission. (Prins announced his retirement this past week, effective July 1.) Despite the recent pullback, Oregon liquor sales remain up 60% overall from 2013 an increase of more than $300 million in a little more than a decade. There have been other changes in Oregons drinking habits. Before the pandemic, liquor licensees restaurants and bars, mostly accounted for nearly a quarter of liquor sales. Now, it appears, a greater share of people are drinking at home with about 80% of Oregon sales going directly to consumers. That might weigh on jobs in the states hospitality sector, which has yet to fully recover from the pandemic. And people may be drinking less overall. A Gallup poll last year found people are increasingly aware of the health risks associated with alcohol, with younger generations particularly wary of drinking. (Alcohol is associated with heart disease, liver disease, cancer and other ailments.) Two-thirds of people between 18 and 34 said even one or two drinks a day was bad for their health, compared to about 40% among older respondents. Its not just liquor. The states residents seem to be giving up some of their other vices, though the degree of pullback varies considerably. As Oregon Insight noted last week, cigarette sales have fallen by half in Oregon since 2011. Thats 90 million fewer packs sold each year. Oregon wine sales fell modestly in 2023, according to the most recent data, after more than a decade of robust growth. Wine sellers across the country report similar trends, sometimes attributed to changing tastes and health awareness among younger consumers. Oregon marijuana sales are stagnant, too, despite record-low prices. Marijuana demand has followed a pattern very similar to liquor sales, with a burst of pandemic-era consumption followed by modest declines. This is Oregon Insight, The Oregonians weekly look at the numbers behind the states economy. View past installments here. -- Mike Rogoway covers Oregon technology and the state economy. Reach him at mrogoway@oregonian.com. Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe Washington has witnessed an increase in speeding and traffic fatalities, counting more than 800 in 2023, the governor said. AP Washington state is going to be cracking down on chronic, reckless speeders. Gov. Bob Ferguson this week signed a bill into law that requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices on the vehicles of drivers found guilty of going above the speed limit in a dangerous manner. Under House Bill 1596, the GPS-based device tracks such drivers speed and limits them from accelerating over the posted limit. Ferguson explained at the May 12 bill signing that the legislation was inspired by last years high-speed crash in King County that killed four people, including three children. Whats behind this bill is, of course, a really simple goal, which is to save lives, he said, flanked by the family members of crash victims. The bill comes at a time when Washington has witnessed an increase in speeding and traffic fatalities, counting more than 800 in 2023, Ferguson said. State Rep. Mari Leavitt, a University Place Democrat, sponsored the bill mandating use of the devices for people with suspended licenses due to excessive or reckless speeding, or pursuant to a court order. She said its called the BEAM Act to honor those who lost their lives in the aforementioned crash: Buster B. Brown, Eloise Wilcoxson, Andrea Smith Hudson and Matilda Wilcoxson. The driver in that March 2024 case reportedly ran a red light at 112 miles per hour. Hed been involved in three prior speed-related crashes over the previous 11 months, Ferguson said. Chase Daniel Jones, 19, recently pleaded guilty to four counts of vehicular homicide and two counts of vehicular assault, and last month received a prison sentence of more than 17 years, according to the Kent Reporter. Speaking with McClatchy following Mondays signing, Leavitt acknowledged the work of local law enforcement who testified in favor of the bill, and the dedication of the involved families. Leavitt said its phenomenal to get a new concept like passed in just one year. She noted that it took time for ideas like seat belts and the ignition interlock program for DUI offenders to manifest. Its because of the families and their stories, and their willingness to share over and over and over again, that made the difference to get it done, she said. The BEAM Act, which attracted strong bipartisan support, will take effect Jan. 1, 2029. Steilacoom Police Chief Tom Yabe testified in favor of the bill as it was working its way through the Legislature. He told McClatchy on Monday that speeding is the single No. 1 most prominent complaint in Steilacoom. He said excessive speeding happens frequently enough some drivers zoom by at more than 20 miles per hour over the limit that its concerning to residents. So anything that we can do or any help we can get from the Legislature to help address that concern, even in our smallest communities like the town of Steilacoom, were all for it, Yabe said. Former Washington State Trooper Ken Denton called the device a great tool, according to KOMO. People that have shown they are not going to obey the law, they are not going to slow down, said Denton, today the chief compliance officer for LifeSafer Ignition Interlock. This will force them to slow down. 2025 The Bellingham Herald (Bellingham, Wash.). Visit www.bellinghamherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. JERUSALEM, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Sunday that an Israeli negotiation team is engaged in indirect talks in Qatar's capital Doha on a hostage release deal with Hamas, including a possible end to the Gaza war. The negotiation team is working in Doha "to realize every chance for a deal," including one that will "end the fighting," secure the release of the 58 hostages still held in Gaza, expel Hamas militants, and disarm the Gaza Strip, the office said in a statement. The statement came as indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas resumed on Saturday in Doha, which, as a source close to Hamas told Xinhua on condition of anonymity, are based on a proposal submitted by U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, which Hamas had amended substantially. It also followed Israel's announcement on Friday night that it had escalated operations in Gaza to mark the start of a newly-initiated military operation codenamed "Gideon's Chariots," which aims to expand the scope of fighting in Gaza and advance key war objectives, including the release of hostages and the dismantling of Hamas. Since Israel resumed its intensified military assault on March 18, 3,193 Palestinians have been killed and 8,993 others injured, bringing the overall death toll in Gaza since the war began in October 2023 to 53,339, with 121,034 others injured, health authorities in Gaza said Sunday. According to Israeli estimates, 58 of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas during its assault on Oct. 7, 2023, on southern Israel remain in Gaza. Among the 58 hostages, 20 are believed to be alive. Vicky Benzing pilots a vintage red Boeing Stearman biplane from 1940 at the Oregon International Air Show at the Hillsboro Airport on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Tatum Todd | The Oregonian The roar of fighter jets pounded over the tarmac at Hillsboro Airport Saturday afternoon as thousands of people gathered to watch an hourslong lineup of mid-air stunts at the Oregon International Air Show. In addition to the opening demonstration by fighter jet pilots from Airforce Base Hill in Utah, spectators watched performances from skywriters, stunt pilots and historic military aircraft as they careened through the cloudy sky. Pope Leo XIV on his popemobile tours St. Peter's Square at the Vatican prior to the inaugural Mass of his pontificate, Sunday, May 18, 2025. AP VATICAN CITY Pope Leo XIV vowed Sunday to work for unity in a polarized Catholic Church and world, as historys first American pope offered a message of healing during an inaugural Mass in St. Peters Square before an estimated 200,000 pilgrims, presidents, patriarchs and princes. Leo officially opened his pontificate by taking his first popemobile tour through the piazza, a rite of passage that has become synonymous with the papacys global reach and mediatic draw. The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary smiled and waved from the back of the truck to people waving U.S., Peruvian and other national flags, and stopped to bless some babies in the crowd. During the Mass, Leo appeared to choke up when the two potent symbols of the papacy were placed on him the lambswool stole over his shoulders and the fishermans ring on his finger as if the weight of responsibility of leading the 1.4-billion strong church had just sunk in. He turned his hand to look at the ring and then clasped his hands in front of him in prayer. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, one of the last foreign officials to see Pope Francis before he died, led the American delegation honoring the Chicago-born Leo. Vance paid his respects at Francis tomb after arriving in Rome late Saturday. Pope Leo XIV waves at the end of a Mass for the formal inauguration of his pontificate, in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, May 18, 2025. AP The statue of St. Peter holding keys on the Bernini Colonnade hovers above clergy attending a Mass for the formal inauguration of Pope Leo XIV's pontificate, in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, May 18, 2025. AP The theme of Leos papacy In his homily, Leo said that he wanted to be a servant to the faithful through the two dimensions of the papacy, love and unity, so that the church could be a force for peace in the world. I would like that our first great desire be for a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world, he said. In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earths resources and marginalizes the poorest. His words echoed some of Francis key priorities, but his call for unity was significant, given the polarization in the Catholic Church in the United States and beyond. Francis radical 12-year pontificate, which emphasized care for the poor and marginalized, and disdain for the capitalist economic system, often alienated conservatives who begged for a new pope who could pacify divisions. Leos election on May 8, after a remarkably quick 24-hour conclave, appears to have pleased conservative Catholics who seem to appreciate his more disciplined, traditional style and Augustinian background, emphasizing core truths of Catholic doctrine. Leo drove that message home by wearing the papacys formal red cape, or mozzetta, to receive Vance and official government delegations after the Mass. Francis had eschewed many of the formalities of the papacy as part of his simple style, but Leos return to the traditional garb has pleased conservatives and traditionalists, who breathed a sigh of relief when he came out onto the the loggia wearing the red cape on May 8. But Leo did break protocol when he gave his older brother, Louis Prevost, a self-described political MAGA-type, a bear hug in the basilica when he and his wife came up to greet the pope. Let us build a church founded on Gods love, a sign of unity, a missionary church that opens its arms to the world, proclaims the word, allows itself to be made restless by history, and becomes a leaven of harmony for humanity, Leo said. Pope Leo XIV celebrates the inaugural Mass of his pontificate, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, May 18, 2025. AP Tight security and protocol Strict diplomatic protocol dictated the seating arrangements at the inaugural Mass, with both the U.S. and Peru getting front-row seats thanks to Leos dual citizenship. Vance, a Catholic convert who tangled with Francis over the Trump administrations mass migrant deportation plans, was joined by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who arrived in Rome ahead of time to try to advance Russia-Ukraine peace talks. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte was one of around a dozen heads of state who attended, as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Russia had planned to send its culture minister, but was represented by its ambassador, reports said. Diplomatic protocol also dictated the dress code: While most wore black, a handful of Catholic royals Queen Letizia of Spain and Princess Charlene of Monaco, among others wore white in a special privilege allowed them. Three dozen of the worlds other Christian churches sent representatives, the Jewish community had a 13-member delegation, half of them rabbis. Other representatives headed Buddhist, Muslim, Zoroastrian, Hindu, Sikh and Jain delegations. Security was tight, as it was for Francis funeral on April 26, which drew an estimated 250,000 people. The Vatican said that 200,000 were on hand Sunday in the piazza and surrounding streets, parks and piazzas, where giant television screens and portable toilets were set up. At the end of the Mass, Leo expressed hope for negotiations to bring a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and offered prayers for the people of Gaza children, families and older people who are reduced to starvation, he said. Leo made no mention of hostages taken by Hamas from southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, as Francis usually did when praying for Gaza. Zelenskyy later had a formal audience with Leo at the Vatican, and then met with Vance and Rubio at the U.S. residence in Rome. In a post on X, Zelenskyy said that he stressed the need for a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible and for diplomatic pressure on Russia until they are eager to stop the war. Dignitaries wait to meet Pope Leo XIV's after the formal inauguration of his pontificate at the Vatican, Sunday, May 18, 2025. AP Pope Leo XIV's meets Vice President JD Vance after the formal inauguration of his pontificate in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, May 18, 2025. AP Ukraine's President Volodymr Zelenskyy, left, and Vice President JD Vance greet each other as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, center, looks on ahead of Pope Leo XIV's formal inauguration of his pontificate with a Mass in St. Peter's Square attended by heads of state, royalty and ordinary faithful, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) AP Americans are rejoicing Susan Hanssen, a professor who was born in Chicago and just arrived in Rome to teach, said that she thought Leos homily about unity would resonate in the U.S. and beyond. I think he will inspire, she said after the Mass. What I particularly loved was the phrasing, unity within the doctrine of the faith, and then in love. U.S. seminarian Ethan Menning, 21, from Omaha, Nebraska, wrapped himself in an American flag, purchased at a truck stop in Iowa, to celebrate. Rome always felt like home for a Catholic, but now coming here and seeing one of our own on the throne of Peter ... it almost makes Jesus himself more accessible, he said. The two symbols of the papacy handed to Leo were the pallium stole and the fishermans ring. The pallium, draped across his shoulders, symbolizes the pastor carrying his flock as the pope carries the faithful. The ring, which becomes Leos official seal, harks back to Jesus call to the apostle Peter to cast his fishing nets. Gregory and Susan Hudak, who lived for 40 years in the Chicago area, found themselves in Rome after booking a trip in February, with just a faint hope of perhaps glimpsing the pope. Seeing the popemobile pass by in front of them, with Leo on board, was even better than watching Michael Jordan play, said Gary Hudak, a former altar boy wearing a Chicago Bears hat. Originally, the only hope I had coming here was to see the inside of the Sistine Chapel, he said. Seeing the pope was not scheduled, it was a long-shot hope. And this was a treasure, simple as that. Giovanna DellOrto, David Biller and Isaia Monteleone contributed to this report. Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. Shemia Fagan appears before the Oregon Government Ethics Commission on Friday, May 9, 2025. The low fine imposed by the commission contributes to the public's loss of faith in government, the editorial board writes. (Aimee Green/The Oregonian) The trust betrayed by former Secretary of State Shemia Fagan cant be restored with a fine. The only closure the public needs is a commitment from Fagan that she will never seek public office again. But its still profoundly disappointing that the Oregon Government Ethics Commission would let Fagan off so easily after concluding that the longtime politician used her public office for financial gain. While commissioners increased the paltry fine initially recommended by staff, they voted 7-1 for a penalty of only $2,500 for the violation. Fagan must pay an additional $1,100 for an unrelated ethics violation. Once a rising star in Oregon politics, Fagan was forced to resign in May 2023 after news organizations, led by Willamette Weeks Sophie Peel, revealed she was working a $10,000-a-month side gig for a cannabis company owned by campaign donors Aaron Mitchell and Rosa Cazares. For months, articles detailed the $45,000 in campaign contributions Mitchell had given Fagan; the vaguely defined consulting job that the couple offered Fagan in February 2023; and Fagans early involvement in her offices audit of the cannabis industry before signing on as a consultant. While Fagan maintained and still does that she did not use her office for personal gain, the outrageousness of such conduct by the states second-highest elected official was clear to the public. It was less clear, apparently, to the ethics commission staff and board, based on a meeting earlier this month. The commission staff took an exceedingly narrow view of which facts to include in its proposed order settling three separate ethics cases against Fagan. The narrative shared in the order does not mention the campaign donations that Mitchell made to Fagan because, as commission executive director Susan Myers said, a donation to a candidate committee is not considered a gift to the person. Rather, the candidate committee is considered a legally separate entity even though the candidate has wide discretion in on how to spend the funds. The order also credits Fagan for calling ethics commission staff, among others, prior to accepting the contract. However, it does not mention that Fagan also disregarded specific advice from the commission ethics investigator to seek a written opinion, telling the investigator she was reluctant to do so due to it being a public record. It notes that Fagan recused herself from overseeing the audit once she accepted the consulting contract. But it does not mention that the cannabis audit conducted by her office was nearly complete by that time. Nor does it mention the stream of emails in 2021 between Fagan and Cazares about the audit, prior to work beginning, discussing its scope or that Fagan incorporated some of Cazares suggestions in her own input. It also does not mention that Fagan urged her auditors to interview Cazares, who was deeply critical of the states cannabis management. And it paints Fagans contact with Connecticut lieutenant governor on behalf of the cannabis company, Veriede Holdings, in the most generous way possible. The report says the two elected officials had developed a friendship and that Fagan made clear that her communication was unrelated to her role as secretary of state and that the information shared by Connecticut Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz was public. It does not consider why Fagan, who presumably knows how to research information on the Internet, would use her connection to Bysiewicz for help finding a public website. And Bysiewiczs statement in 2023 doesnt reflect such chumminess. The statement notes that Approximately three weeks ago, the Lieutenant Governor received a phone call from Shemia Fagan inquiring about Connecticuts cannabis license process for a client Fagan had as part of her consulting business. The Lieutenant Governor pointed Fagan to public information of the appropriate state agency contact to learn Connecticuts lottery process. There was no further communication beyond the one phone call. That glossing over continued with the commissioners. While most agreed that the staff recommendation of $1,600 to settle all three cases of ethical violations against Fagan was too low, Vice Chair Shenoa Payne suggested the evidence wasnt sufficient to find Fagan had used her office for personal gain. Commissioner Jonathan Thompson said he didnt feel the need to pile on. Others thanked Fagan for appearing before the commission and apologizing. They then had Myers negotiate a new fine with Fagan and her attorney over a 10-minute break. The result: the original $500 fine for using public office for personal gain went up to $2,500. The $1,100 fine for unallowable expense reimbursement remained the same. And for a third ethics violation case involving inaccuracies in her Statement of Economic Interest submission, she will receive a letter of education. Its the second letter of education shes received, following a 2018 incident in which she belatedly filed the mandatory submission. Only Commissioner Dan Mason remained resolute that Fagans egregious behavior deserved a higher penalty, voting against the new fine. He had previously listed numerous aspects of Fagans conduct that were left out of the staff report that showed her culpability. He urged colleagues to hold her accountable for her actions and adopt a top penalty for a top official. Its unfortunate they did not heed his advice. Even the maximum ethics violations are capped at $5,000 apiece is a small price to pay for the loss of trust and credibility. Commissioners should recognize how deeply Fagans behavior eroded the publics faith in government. Their failure to take such conduct seriously just makes it worse. -The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board Sign up for our free Oregon Opinion newsletter. Email: President Donald Trumps intention to accept the gift of a $400 million jet from Qatar created bipartisan turbulence, as depicted in the editorial cartoon gallerys lead image by Jack Ohman. Democrats opened an investigation and even some Republicans criticized the gift as improper. Michael Ramirez characterized the deal as a trade-in: the jet for the U.S. Constitution, which forbids federal office holders from taking emoluments from foreign governments without congressional approval. Mike Luckovich thinks there might be strings attached, drawing Trump as a marionette. To Nick Anderson,the jet (and Trump) are security threats. Joey Weatherford imagines the Democrats asking Han Solo for the Millennium Falcon. Steve Breens Trump, wearing a crown, says only presidents cant accept foreign gifts. Drew Shenemans Air Force One captain has turned off the emoluments clause. Meanwhile, Democrats are still wandering in the wilderness, searching for a path back to political power. In David Horseys eyes, the party is failing to reach rural voters because its driving an electric compact car in terrain more suited to a truck. Breen comments on a new book by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, Original Sin, revealing how former President Joe Bidens inner circle hid his cognitive decline. Ramirez and Weatherford take shots at Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Kamala Harris, respectively. Other topics in this weeks editorial cartoon roundup include Trumps big, beautiful budget bill being debated in Congress; the administrations relaxation of environmental rules; a kinda, maybe deal with China over tariffs; air traffic control issues at Newark Airport; and more riffs on the Chicago-born pontiff, Pope Leo XIV. Cartoons were drawn by Jack Ohman, Nick Anderson, Dana Summers, Drew Sheneman, Scott Stantis, Walt Handelsman, David Horsey, Phil Hands, Joel Pett and Joey Weatherford of Tribune Content Agency; and Mike Luckovich, Steve Breen and Michael Ramirez of Creators Syndicate. R. Eric Thomas writes the "Asking Eric" advice column and he took extra care with a recent letter writer. TNS Dear reader, The Oregonian/OregonLive publishes many articles and columns that originate from syndicates. Those go through editorial review before they are sent to the myriad newspapers and websites that publish them for a fee. Typically, someone in our newsroom also gives a quick once-over to the piece and then queues it up for publication on OregonLive or The Oregonian. A few days ago, that quick once-over turned into a deeper conversation about whether an Asking Eric advice column should be published. First, a little background: Our newsroom was among the leaders of a 2019 project to raise awareness of Oregons suicide epidemic. Many more people die by suicide in Oregon than die on our roads every year, but because we dont routinely publish articles about each death, the numbers are not widely known. The project, Breaking the Silence, brought together dozens of Oregon newsrooms to highlight the public health problem. That led our newsroom to many conversations about best practices in reporting on suicide. News organizations worry about the contagion effect, which sometimes results in a spike in suicides after a celebritys death. But we also know the Papageno effect may have a protective quality. That occurs when stories of resilience and overcoming suicidal thoughts are shared. Heres a bit about the column, written by R. Eric Thomas. First, it starts with a content warning: Dear Readers: The following letter includes a mention of suicidal ideation. Please take care, should you choose to read it. Such warnings allow people to avoid the subject if they find it too disturbing. The letter seeking advice was from an older person who was facing homelessness and financial uncertainty. He or she sought advice on what final message to leave after the writers death by suicide. The writer appeared isolated (no children, family lives on the other coast) and revealed clear warning signs (giving things away, getting affairs in order). But what was most troubling to us was the fact the writer went into detail about how he or she planned to die. And despite empathy from Thomas, the fate of the writer was unknown by columns end, potentially leaving a message of hopelessness rather than resilience. There are a number of questions that I receive that arent appropriate for printing, that are disturbing, or that require input beyond my abilities, Thomas told me. Its important for the health and safety of the readers, as well as my own health, that the boundary is clear between advice and treatment. In this case, the potential benefit to a reader who may not see all the options available to them won out for me. Thomas said he debated long and hard over whether to publish the letter. I find that I learn a lot about how the column occupies peoples minds from the kinds of letters that I receive, he said. So, while I was deeply concerned about the letter writer, and made every effort to help them given the limitations of email correspondence and the anonymity that that provides, I was also reminded that, for some, the column can seem like the only available avenue for help. I also hope that readers remember that there are other options, often options that have specialized training or can respond more immediately. Thomas wrote the person directly with encouragement to reach out to a crisis line. He offered a message of hope, shared resources (dial 988 on any phone, 24 hours a day) and urged the letter writer to call. Having an actual plan is a warning sign for suicide. If a similar message came into our newsroom, we would strongly encourage the person to contact a crisis line or consider calling 911 to ask police to conduct a welfare check. Because of separate workflows for print and online, the column appeared Friday in The Oregonian but not on OregonLive. Newsroom editors held back on publishing it online. Dwight Holton, CEO of Lines for Life, which operates the crisis line locally, said the problem was the letter writer and readers were not at a point of hope yet. This story is not in a hopeful chapter; rather, he said, We are right in the middle of a potentially abjectly tragic chapter. There is evidence that providing hope can help people through -- the Papageno effect mentioned above. Holton says current research shows that for every person who dies by suicide each year, 316 people think seriously about suicide but dont act. Instead, they find a way to hope, he said. Connecting to hope is working, he said. Thomas says that was his intent. He encouraged the letter writer to be open to help: At our lowest moments, sometimes its hard to remember that we matter. But you do matter. In printing the letter, he told me, it was my hope that I could meet the letter writer and the readers where they are and highlight another path. Advice columns might be dominated by complaints about pesky in-laws or marital conflicts, but this letter was a reminder they sometimes deal with matters of life and death. Reach me at tbottomly@oregonian.com. With the federal government likely to slash Medicaid funding, Oregon must prioritize benefits for low-income seniors, children and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, writes Rep. Ed Diehl. Mark Graves/The Oregonian Ed Diehl For The Oregonian/OregonLive Diehl is a Republican representing District 17-East Salem in the Oregon House. He serves on the House Behavioral Health and Health Care Committee and the Joint Ways and Means Human Services Subcommittee. With Oregon facing the likelihood of steep cuts to federal Medicaid funding, we are at a crossroads. Our state has built one of the most expansive Medicaid systems in the country with nearly one in three Oregonians enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan the states Medicaid program. But in doing so, weve stretched resources so thin that the most vulnerable among us are at risk of being left behind. And currently, my Democratic colleagues are taking a wait-and-see approach given the federal funding uncertainty. With the release of a Congressional proposal to significantly cut or change funding to states for Medicaid, we can and must refocus Medicaid spending on those who most need our help: low-income seniors, children and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These are the Oregonians with the fewest options for health care and the least capacity to advocate for themselves. They deserve our compassion, our protection and our public investment. However, instead of focusing on providing care for these groups, Oregon has over the years sought to prioritize enrollment numbers over ensuring actual care. The state has created sprawling programs that use Medicaid dollars far beyond their original purpose, creating risks for the programs long-term stability. Combined state and federal spending for Oregons Medicaid program for the 2023-25 biennium totaled $29.1 billion of which $9.7 billion is state money. Take the Bridge Plan, which covers individuals earning between 138% and 200% of the federal poverty level. Oregon is one of only a few states to expand its program to cover this population, under the Affordable Care Act. While the population it serves is relatively young and healthy and the state currently benefits from a favorable federal funding formula this program is built on shaky ground. Federal support is not guaranteed in perpetuity. Should that funding disappear, Oregon taxpayers will be left with the bill for a brand-new entitlement program. Thats a risk we cannot afford. Then theres the states 1115 Demonstration Waiver for Health-Related Social Needs, which uses Medicaid dollars to pay for things like housing subsidies, air conditioners and groceries. While the intent may be noble, these services fall outside the traditional definition of medical care. Redirecting limited health care resources to non-medical programs weakens our ability to serve people with genuine health needsand pulls Medicaid away from its core mission. Another costly initiative is the Healthier Oregon Program, which provides full medical, dental, and behavioral health benefits to non-U.S. citizens, using $717 million in state funds for the current biennium. While framed as inclusive, this program diverts significant state dollars from the citizens Medicaid was designed to serve. The House GOPs Medicaid proposal in Congress appears to call for decreasing the match that the federal government provides states that offer Medicaid coverage to non-U.S. citizens. If Oregon must shoulder more of the cost burden, we will need every available state dollar just to keep the Oregon Health Plan afloat. Oregon cannot afford to subsidize care for everyone when vulnerable citizens are already being left behind. Meanwhile, families of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are struggling to maintain even basic in-home services. Aging parents caring for their adult children are desperate for support. Residential disability care providers are operating at a loss due to inadequate reimbursement. Vulnerable children sit on waitlists for mental health care, while providers turn them away. And the elderlyespecially those without strong advocatesare increasingly neglected as the system focuses on expansion rather than quality. These are the people Medicaid was created to serve. With the state likely to lose some of its federal funding, its time for a course correction. A compassionate response would: Prioritize the truly vulnerablethe elderly, children, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by safeguarding core Medicaid services. Phase out or significantly reduce services to non-citizens, particularly when citizens are going without care. Eliminate unsustainable programs like the OHP Bridge that rely almost entirely on uncertain federal funding. Refocus Medicaid on actual health care, not experimental social services that should be funded through other means. Strengthen community partnerships, especially with nonprofits and faith-based providers who deliver compassionate, efficient care. Conduct regular eligibility audits to ensure services go to those truly in needand to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse. An audit last year showed that Oregon has misspent a half-billion dollars offering Medicaid to residents of other states. Oregon should lead not by how many people it enrolls in Medicaid, but by how well it serves those who need it most. It is not compassionate to promise everything to everyoneonly to fail those who are most vulnerable. Thats not fairness. Thats abandonment disguised as equity. Lets choose a better pathone grounded in compassion, fiscal accountability and justice. Sign up for our free Oregon Opinion newsletter. Email: Over 38,000 babies are born each year in Oregon, many into stressful circumstances that can undermine their health and long-term social and economic success. Senate Bill 1167 the Child Success Act seeks to address the root causes of those circumstances. Epigenetic science confirms that poor nutrition and maternal stress, before conception and during pregnancy, can alter the genetic expression in unborn children, significantly increasing the risk of poor cognitive functions, learning disabilities, mental health and substance use disorders, and the early onset of many chronic illnesses. Failing to intervene early leads to suffering, the unnecessary loss of human potential and to huge avoidable costs in both education and health care. In this time of fiscal constraints and uncertainty at the federal level, it is more important than ever to invest upstream in primary prevention. For the past year, the First 1000 Days Upstream Initiative has engaged communities across Oregon in developing local strategies to ensure that children have the foundation to succeed in the earliest years of their lives. SB 1167 funds seven of these community strategies as demonstration pilots to show how community led investments in the first 1,000 days can improve both education and health outcomes, while significantly reducing downstream costs to the state. If passed, SB 1167 will make Oregon the first state in the nation to formally recognize and act upon the importance of investments in the first 1,000 days of life as the foundation for lifelong health and success. John Kitzhaber, Portland Kitzhaber was governor of Oregon from 1995-2003 and from 2011-2015. To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion. Mayor Keith Wilsons proposed budget adds $25 million more to Portlands shelter system bringing the city total spending upwards of $80 million. But heres the problem: only one in five people exiting shelters in Multnomah County moved into permanent housing in 2024, (Coalition of homeless service providers blasts Portland, Multnomah County shelter budgets, May 7). In other words, were investing heavily in a system that keeps people unhoused. While shelter needs to be a part of the system, there must be more investments in pathways out. The Welcome Home Coalition recently surveyed 429 people currently or recently experiencing homelessness. Respondents rated shelters as no better than sleeping in a tent or car. That should be a wake-up call. If we truly want to reduce homelessness, we must invest in what works: rent assistance, eviction prevention, support services like case management and mental health and addiction treatment. In Wisconsin, the city of Milwaukee cut unsheltered homelessness by 92% in five years using these evidence-based strategies. Portland has the opportunity to shift course before this budget is finalized. Lets spend more of our dollars on housing not just managing and prolonging crisis. Molly Hogan, Portland Hogan is executive director of the Welcome Home Coalition To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion. The Oregon Judicial Department is working on new guidance for all courts, including Multnomah County Circuit Court, on what to do if immigration authorities show up at their facilities. Beth Nakamura On the heels of a Wisconsin judges recent arrest for allegedly helping an immigrant evade federal agents, officials in Oregon say theyre exploring a number of options to give courts appropriate guidance on what to do if immigration authorities show up. State officials cant point to any confirmed immigration arrests at Oregon courthouses since President Donald Trump returned to office. But they want to help local courts navigate how to deal with that possibility while still complying with Oregon law that generally prohibits cooperation on immigration enforcement. In the absence of a uniform policy, some courthouses are issuing their own direction to staff while others await guidance from the Oregon Judicial Department and Oregon Chief Justice Meagan Flynn. Flynn, as the administrative head of the Judicial Department, has the authority to issue orders that would apply to all courts, spokesperson Todd Sprague said. Sprague confirmed guidance is being explored but no final decisions have been made. He was unable to provide details of the options being considered or a timeline. The possibility of a judge or court staff being arrested for following state law is a concern, Sprague said in an email. An independent judiciary, free from intimidation or interference, is critical to our democracy, to upholding the United States and Oregon constitutions, and to serving justice. The Trump administration in January revoked guidelines that prevented ICE arrests at sensitive locations, including courthouses, without approval. Federal officials have since said limitations allowed by the Biden administration thwarted law enforcement from making immigration arrests. On April 25, FBI agents arrested Judge Hannah Dugan at the Milwaukee County courthouse for allegedly helping an immigrant evade arrests by federal agents. They accused her of allegedly directing the individual and his attorney to exit through a separate door. On Tuesday, a federal grand jury indicted her and Dugan pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal obstruction charges. Under the first Trump administration, courthouse arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents dressed in plainclothes sparked widespread fear and concerns in sanctuary states, such as Oregon and California. In 2019, Oregons chief justice at the time issued an order that said no person should be subjected to civil arrest without a judicial warrant when an individual is in a courthouse or in the vicinity around a courthouse. The guidance was repealed in 2021 after it became redundant when lawmakers strengthened the states sanctuary laws and added similar language. Absent new statewide guidance this time around, some individual courthouses are taking matters into their own hands. Richard E. Moellmer, trial court administrator at the Washington County Circuit Court, said his direction to courthouse staff is: We are going to not assist and not impede. Courthouse staff have been directed to report to him if immigration officials show up with a request. Staff will not tell immigration agents where to go, he said, and will not grant them access to areas that are not open to the public. Moellmer said he will only comply with an immigration request if authorities provide a judicial warrant. So far, hes received a report from courthouse staff who witnessed an incident on Jan. 21 a day after Trump returned to the White House when one side door at the Washington County Circuit Court was opened, setting off an alarm. The alarm drew the attention of witnesses who were then able to see police making an arrest in the distance outside. According to the witnesses, he said, the police were wearing clothing with the words, police on the back. Witnesses werent able to see anything beyond police, he said, later adding that police dont typically chase people out of a courthouse. Even so, theres no confirmation that it was an immigration enforcement arrest, he said. An ICE spokesperson did not directly address the incident, instead asking the newsroom to provide the persons name and date of birth to confirm an arrest. Judith Matarazzo, presiding judge for Multnomah County Circuit Court, said shes not aware of any immigration incidents at her courthouse in downtown Portland. She said she and her courthouse staff try to make the building a safe space for anyone who has to access the facilities. Whether I can guarantee that safety, given the Trump administration, I dont know, she said. All I can say is, as of yet, it hasnt been an issue. Matarazzo said she generally follows instructions from Flynn, Oregons chief justice, and plans to heed them, when and if that guidance arrives. I know that the Chief Justice is dedicated to keeping the courthouses a place of safety for anyone, whether theyre a victim, a witness or a defendant, to get justice, she said. That said, I do not have instructions, yet, from the Chief Justice and the Oregon Judicial Department as to what the interplay is between our sanctuary state laws and what President Trumps administration has said they would be doing. Sprague, the judicial spokesperson, said threats of law enforcement activity in courthouses have a chilling effect and can hinder participation of critical witnesses and other participants in court proceedings. That ultimately undermines public safety, he said, and we will strive to ensure that people in Oregon continue to be safe when attending court. Chris Liedle, a spokesperson for Multnomah County Sheriffs Office, which provides security for the countys courthouse, said the sheriffs office already has a policy in place that provides instructions to employees on what to do if they encounter an ICE agent during work. If ICE agents show up at a Multnomah County facility, they will not be given access to non-public areas, according to the policy. Requests for information by agents should be sent to the sheriffs office records unit manager, who would only provide publicly available information, and staff should not use resources or hold people for immigration enforcement. We want the community to know that the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office does not enforce federal immigration laws, Liedle said in a statement, nor does the MCSO work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in any capacity. Yesenia Amaro is an investigative reporter with a focus on social issues and communities of color. Do you have a news tip related to immigration, deportations or publicly funded programs designed to help immigrant Oregonians? Get in touch, 503-221-4395; yamaro@oregonian.com. Zane Sparling covers breaking news and courts for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-319-7083,zsparling@oregonian.comor@pdxzane. Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com. Tipis are available to rent in the TeePee Village at Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian When Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort reopened its doors last year after a $13 million renovation, guests were welcomed not only by the hot springs, but a piece of cultural heritage that has long been an integral part of the resorts identity: its iconic tipis. These structures, the handiwork of Nomadics Tipi Makers in Bend, reflect a respect for Native American culture and are emblematic of an Oregon company that has prioritized cultural responsibility for over five decades. As the sole supplier of Kah-Nee-Tas new tipis, Nomadics Tipi Makers continues to embody a commitment to cultural respect through partnerships with Native American artisans and organizations. Nomadics founder Jeb Barton came to Oregon in 1970, interested in educating himself on environmental stewardship with a dream of starting a school. At the age of 26, Barton bought a tipi to live through the winter in the forests around La Pine. The tipi could teach so much. You could have all kinds of conversations about the Earth, the Native peoples culture, the way they regarded the Earth, how they treated the Earth, he said. Barton, his twin brother and a friend lived in the tipi for five months, cooking around the fire and using smoke flaps to control the smoke. It was all the same ways that Native people use the tipis, he said. After the experience, Bartons idea for his school shifted gears. The school that I had planned turned out to be the education with and through the Native American tipi, and thats how the business started, as an inspiration to an educational avenue, he said. He began making tipis himself in 1970. I had to start from scratch because I knew nothing about, any of this. I had never done anything like it, he said. I started researching canvas suppliers and where you get tipi poles. The forests in central Oregon have the lodgepole pine, or the exact kind of tree that the Native Americans use for their tipis, Barton said. Initially, Barton cut most of the poles himself. He designed his first tipi decorated with 16 black and white squares on the kitchen floor. When Barton first started, Nomadics Tipi Makers sold 200 to 400 tipis per year. Over the last 20 years, the company has averaged 750 tipis per year. Most of Bartons early customers were buyers interested in beginning a self-education journey. Who am I? What do I really want to do here? What would really be fulfilling to me? Those were the kind of people day after day that we spoke with and designed tipis for and still do, he said. A tipi at Kah-Nee-Ta is decorated with the petroglyph She Who Watches. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian Inside a tipi in the TeePee Village at Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian The tipis at Kah-Nee-Ta have been extremely popular, the resort said. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian Despite not being Native-owned, Nomadics Tipi Makers has always prioritized authenticity. We run a business with very high ethical standards because its a Native American structure. I placed that at the very forefront of our business, Barton said. Weve always donated tipis to Native American nonprofit organizations and to elders and we give the highest discount to Native Americans. Jim Souers, CEO of Kah-Nee-Ta, said the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs has no issues working with a non-Native company on the tipis. He said the tribe has always been impressed with the companys traditional craftsmanship, and has been happy to work with Nomadics for decades. Were very comfortable using them, Souers said. We like having a long-term relationship. In 2016, Barton had several friends going to and from Standing Rock to fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Barton loaded trucks with stoves and supplies, donated nine tipis and sold others at high discounts. We got over 80 tipis very quickly to Standing Rock because thats what they needed shelter and warmth, he said. The 26-foot tipis that Barton donated to Standing Rock were painted with Native American portraits and quotes and were the companys largest-sized model. Native American attorney and activist Chase Iron Eyes developed a friendship and partnership with Barton through his involvement in Standing Rock. When I got charged with inciting a riot, Jeb and Nicole, the owners, invited me to their business, their home, their land, Iron Eyes said. Theyre good people. They asked for my help in creating Indigenous initiatives for tipi people. They ended up donating tipis to me to put up during the pandemic when we were seeking to provide relief to houseless relatives in Lakota country, he added. Iron Eyes, who directs the Lakota Peoples Law Project, said that the Lakota people are tipi people. There are 20, 30 different tribal nations that live in tipis. That still have tipis and practice the tipi culture, put up the tipi, and know the stories behind the cosmology, the symbology of all the tipi structures. Souers, who is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of South Dakota, but who grew up on the Warm Springs reservation, said the tipi has become emblematic of Native American culture at large, spreading out from the Great Plains to the rest of the country over the last century, especially as canvas replaced buffalo skin as the primary material. The Warm Springs, Wasco and Paiute people, who make up the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, traditionally used smaller tule mat lodgings and wickups, he said. Since Kah-Nee-Ta reopened last July, the tipis have been a hit. Souers said the lodgings filled up last summer, but also had plenty of visitors throughout the year, including a few in the cold of winter. I think its an authentic experience, Souers said. And thats an experience I think they will cherish. For last years reopening, Kah-Nee-Ta purchased 20 tipis, each with a 26-foot diameter. According to Nomadics manager Tashina Youngstrom the project took five months to complete. Dale Rae Samples, a Native American artist and Nomadics staff member designed most of the paintings on Kah-Nee-Tas new tipis. Others were designed in collaboration with local artists, the resort said. Barton and his team at Nomadics Tipi Makers continue to visit reservations and make regular financial contributions to Native youth centers, emphasizing their commitment to giving back to the community. The whole project rose out of education, the responsibility of stewardship and citizenship and living on the Earth, Barton said. Nomadics Tipi Makers has been family-owned since its start. Our approach is cultural, and thats why weve been able to sustain this, said owner Nicole Loeffler. A small number of people are always interested in experiencing Native American culture. Theyre fascinated by it for its history, for its integrity, for its longevity, and its uniqueness. And that group of people will always gravitate towards us. Jamie Hale of The Oregonian/OregonLive contributed to this story. TEHRAN, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Iran has sentenced three people to death for aiding deadly attacks claimed by the Islamic State (IS) on the Shah Cheragh shrine in Shiraz in 2022 and 2023, the judiciary's Mizan news agency reported on Sunday. The three were convicted of providing logistical support, including weapons and ammunition, for the twin assaults that left 13 people dead in October 2022 and two more in August 2023, Mizan said. In the first attack on Oct. 26, 2022, a heavily armed gunman opened fire inside the shrine, killing 13 worshipers -- among them a woman and two children -- and wounding more than 20 others. The assailant later died in the hospital. Iran executed two men in July 2023 who it said were responsible for orchestrating that attack. On Aug. 13, 2023, a second gunman -- identified by authorities as a Tajik national -- opened fire at the shrine's main gate, killing two people and injuring seven. Those directly involved in both attacks were executed in 2023 and 2024, according to Iranian officials. The Islamic State, a terror group hostile to Iran's Shiite theocracy, claimed responsibility for both attacks. Iran has long been a target of Sunni militant groups and separatist factions. The Shah Cheragh shrine, located in the southwestern province of Fars, is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites for Shia Muslims. Our group headed up to the Lake District today, devoting much of our time to William Wordsworth (1770-1850) and to his wife, Mary, and his sister, Dorothy, who were both very important elements of his life and his creativity. It might seem odd that a tour focused on Latter-day Saint history should devote the better part of a day to the greatest of the English Romantic poets, but it makes entire sense to me. For one thing, Grasmere and the Lake District are very beautiful. (We also enjoyed a half-hour boat cruise on Lake Windermere, in the best weather that I can recall having in the area, a beautiful, sunny day at just the right temperature.) For another reason, Wordsworths thinking seems to me (and not to me alone) to resonate in a particularly wonderful way with central concepts of the Restoration. So far as Im aware, his only documented reference to the topic is an inquiry, addressed to his American publisher, about the wretched sect that his niece had joined. (His publisher wrote back to say that he knew very little about Mormonism, but that Joseph Smith was an imposter.) Had he understood our doctrine, though, I think that he might have found it less wretched than he imagined it to be. Ill attempt to explain why, in at least one respect. First, I cite a poem of his called The Tables Turned, in which he expresses his life-long deep love for the natural world. (Its not by chance or mere whim that he chose to live in the Lake District, with its hills and mountains and waterfalls and lakes, above anywhere else, and to be buried at St. Oswalds church in Grasmere rather than in Westminster Abbey.). I apologize for the fact that Ive been unable to preserve the formatting and the stanza-structure of the poems that I cite here, but they should still be clear enough to understand:. Heres The Tables Turned: Up! up! my Friend, and quit your books; Or surely youll grow double: Up! up! my Friend, and clear your looks; Why all this toil and trouble? The sun above the mountains head, A freshening lustre mellow Through all the long green fields has spread, His first sweet evening yellow. Books! tis a dull and endless strife: Come, hear the woodland linnet, How sweet his music! on my life, Theres more of wisdom in it. And hark! how blithe the throstle sings! He, too, is no mean preacher: Come forth into the light of things, Let Nature be your teacher. She has a world of ready wealth, Our minds and hearts to bless Spontaneous wisdom breathed by health, Truth breathed by cheerfulness. One impulse from a vernal wood May teach you more of man, Of moral evil and of good, Than all the sages can. Sweet is the lore which Nature brings; Our meddling intellect Mis-shapes the beauteous forms of things: We murder to dissect. Enough of Science and of Art; Close up those barren leaves; Come forth, and bring with you a heart That watches and receives. But the mundane world about us dulls our sensibilities; we become, very literally, disenchanted. We forget that we are pilgrims and strangers here and we begin to settle in, losing our divine homesickness, our yearning for a better reality. Here is the entirety of his The World is Too Much with Us: The world is too much with us; late and soon, Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers; Little we see in Nature that is ours; We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon! This Sea that bares her bosom to the moon; The winds that will be howling at all hours, And are up-gathered now like sleeping flowers; For this, for everything, we are out of tune; It moves us not. Great God! Id rather be A Pagan suckled in a creed outworn; So might I, standing on this pleasant lea, Have glimpses that would make me less forlorn; Have sight of Proteus rising from the sea; Or hear old Triton blow his wreathed horn. The Jesuit poet Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-1889) expressed a related sentiment in Gods Grandeur: The world is charged with the grandeur of God. It will flame out, like shining from shook foil; It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod? Generations have trod, have trod, have trod; And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil; And wears mans smudge and shares mans smell: the soil Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod. And for all this, nature is never spent; There lives the dearest freshness deep down things; And though the last lights off the black West went Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs Because the Holy Ghost over the bent World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings. Wordsworths passion for nature, which he describes as having been rather direct and raw and even unreflective during his early years, gradually settled later on into a calmer affection. He recognized that there was loss in the passage of time, but he also thought that there was some gain, as well. He expresses this throughout his Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey, On Revisiting the Banks of the Wye during a Tour. July 13, 1798, from which I cite a passage here. Behind nature, he discerns something much more powerful, something divine: For nature then (The coarser pleasures of my boyish days And their glad animal movements all gone by) To me was all in all.I cannot paint What then I was. The sounding cataract Haunted me like a passion: the tall rock, The mountain, and the deep and gloomy wood, Their colours and their forms, were then to me An appetite; a feeling and a love, That had no need of a remoter charm, By thought supplied, nor any interest Unborrowed from the eye.That time is past, And all its aching joys are now no more, And all its dizzy raptures. Not for this Faint I, nor mourn nor murmur; other gifts Have followed; for such loss, I would believe, Abundant recompense. For I have learned To look on nature, not as in the hour Of thoughtless youth; but hearing oftentimes The still sad music of humanity, Nor harsh nor grating, though of ample power To chasten and subdue.And I have felt A presence that disturbs me with the joy Of elevated thoughts; a sense sublime Of something far more deeply interfused, Whose dwelling is the light of setting suns, And the round ocean and the living air, And the blue sky, and in the mind of man: A motion and a spirit, that impels All thinking things, all objects of all thought, And rolls through all things. Therefore am I still A lover of the meadows and the woods And mountains; and of all that we behold From this green earth . . . Through nature, though, Wordsworth also senses echoes of the still-greater glory of another world, the pre-existent world from which we all come. But he senses them ever more faintly because, with the passage of time, were distracted and our perception of them dims. Here are some lines from his Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood. A few of them will be very familiar to some Latter-day Saints: The child is father of the man; And I could wish my days to be Bound each to each by natural piety. There was a time when meadow, grove, and stream, The earth, and every common sight, To me did seem Apparelled in celestial light, The glory and the freshness of a dream. It is not now as it hath been of yore; Turn wheresoeer I may, By night or day. The things which I have seen I now can see no more. The Rainbow comes and goes, And lovely is the Rose, The Moon doth with delight Look round her when the heavens are bare, Waters on a starry night Are beautiful and fair; The sunshine is a glorious birth; But yet I know, whereer I go, That there hath past away a glory from the earth. . . . Whither is fled the visionary gleam? Where is it now, the glory and the dream? Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting: The Soul that rises with us, our lifes Star, Hath had elsewhere its setting, And cometh from afar: Not in entire forgetfulness, And not in utter nakedness, But trailing clouds of glory do we come From God, who is our home: Heaven lies about us in our infancy! Shades of the prison-house begin to close Upon the growing Boy, But he beholds the light, and whence it flows, He sees it in his joy; The Youth, who daily farther from the east Must travel, still is Natures Priest, And by the vision splendid Is on his way attended; At length the Man perceives it die away, And fade into the light of common day. Earth fills her lap with pleasures of her own; Yearnings she hath in her own natural kind, And, even with something of a Mothers mind, And no unworthy aim, The homely Nurse doth all she can To make her Foster-child, her Inmate Man, Forget the glories he hath known, And that imperial palace whence he came. Alongside the latest security fixes, Microsoft just added a number of new features to Windows 11 via the KB5058411 update. The new Copilot+ AI feature known as Windows Recall and the ability to use Phone Link in the Start menu have been mentioned in previous articles, so we dont need to mention them again. One of the best improvements in the update is that Windows Search now supports AI, which meansamong other thingsthat you can now use natural language in your search queries to find documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and images. Get Windows 11 Pro for cheap Windows 11 Pro File Explorer also got some boosts, like how its now possible to view Microsoft 365 content directly in File Explorer (but requires you to pay for the service). File Explorer should also open files and unpack ZIP archives much faster, and as for the colors in the bars, the shades of blue and green are now darker than before. Other goodies in the update include Microsoft removing the blue-colored background for shortcuts on the desktop, which users complained about, as well as numerous bug fixes, which should mean that the risk of running into blue screen crashes has gone down. Update KB5058411 should automatically download and install to your system, assuming youre on Windows 11 24H2. If it hasnt yet, you should be able to jump-start it with a manual check in Windows Update. TikTok has come up with a way for users to proficiently get off the app and get a good nights sleep. AP Have you, with the rest of the world, noticed how children, teens and young adults are addicted to TikTok? Well, it seems TikTok has come up with a way for users to proficiently wean themselves off the app in order to get a good nights sleep. The social media sensation plans to do that by launching in-app guided meditation exercises, the platform announced on Thursday. The company, owned by Chinese tech-giant ByteDance, began testing the meditation exercises with select teens earlier this year and is now making the feature available to all users on its app. The premise of the feature is to help users improve their sleep quality and encourage them to put take a break from the app late at night, as opposed to scrolling endlessly while the night carries on. Heres how TikTok plans to implement the feature. For teens under the age of 18, meditation will be turned on by default. If a teen is using the app after 10 p.m., their For You feed will be automatically interrupted by a guided meditation exercise that encourages users to wind down for the night. The meditation feature displays a calming screen and mellow music accompanied with breathing exercises. But many would ask what if teens ignored the feature? If teens choose to ignore the message and continue to scroll through the app, a second full-screen prompt will urge them to go to sleep. As for the adults who might be interested in the new feature, adults can turn it on by navigating the apps Screen Time settings page. They would then toggle on the sleep hours feature. From there, choosing a time to start seeing the meditation exercise each night is available as well. TikTok has been introducing new teen safety features in recent years due to concerns over the apps impact on younger users. This newest feature is the companys latest response to satisfy lawmakers. One such suit from Attorney General Brian Schwalb of the District of Columbia accused TikTok of being intentionally addictive and psychologically damaging to kids, posing profound risks including depression, anxiety, sleep loss and body dysmorphia. And no, it's not a scam. (Getty Images) Getty Images Tens of thousands of people in Pennsylvania will receive checks in the mail soon. And no, these checks arent tax refunds. They arent a ploy sent by nefarious folks trying to pull a fast one on unsuspecting individuals for once, either. Listen to a report on this news story along with others important to Pennsylvania on the original Today in PA podcast episode below: According to The Morning Call, the state government was the one who sent out these checks as part of a program called Pennsylvania Money Match. Money Match is a new way for the Pennsylvania Treasury Department to return unclaimed property to its rightful owners! the treasurys website explains. Its a law that was supported unanimously by the General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor. When [the] Treasury identifies people with unclaimed property that meets the laws requirements, we will automatically return it to you! According to a press release published in March, the state Treasury Department after a thorough identification and verification process will automatically return single-owner properties valued up to $500. CBS Local Philadelphia reports how over 40,000 residents in the Keystone State should have received a letter last week notifying them to the amount of money theyll receive. They should also expect to receive this money around June 22. The treasury is going to send you this money that we located for you, Treasurer Stacy Garrity reiterated during an announcement about the first checks release. Cash it. Its not a scam. Its your money. The first round of the Money Match program involved a total of 7,380 checks going out amounting to $1.7 million total in returned unclaimed property. Im thrilled to get this money back to hardworking Pennsylvanians with Money Match, Garrity stated via the release. Thanks to the tremendous support from the General Assembly and the Governor, we were actually able to remove red tape in government, something thats almost unheard of, by implementing this great program. For more information, please click here. Donald Trump had a three-word response to the CEO of the countrys largest retailer, who warned last week that it will have to raise prices because of tariffs. EAT THE TARIFFS, the president wrote on Truth Social on Saturday, leaving no doubt what he thought of CFO John David Raineys comments to CNBC during an interview Thursday. Said the full post: Walmart should STOP trying to blame Tariffs as the reason for raising prices throughout the chain. Between Walmart and China they should, as is said, EAT THE TARIFFS, and not charge valued customers ANYTHING. Ill be watching, and so will your customers!!! Its one thing when a Neiman Marcus or even a Kohls says the tariffs will prompt an increase in prices. But when its WalMart, a retail giant and the countrys largest grocer, thats another story. Executives at the $750 billion company told industry analysts Thursday that they are doing everything in their power to absorb the higher costs from tariffs ordered by President Donald Trump. Given the magnitude of the duties, however, the highest since the 1930s, higher prices are unavoidable, they said. Rainey said in the interview that we have not seen price increases at this magnitude, in the speed in which theyre coming at us before, and so it makes for a challenging environment. He did add that he was pleased with the progress thats been made by the [Trump] administration on tariffs from the levels that were announced in early April, but theyre still too high, adding that it leaves the company with no choice but continuing to try to work with suppliers to keep prices as low as we can. Trumps response brought a similar follow-up in a Walmart statement. We have always worked to keep our prices as low as possible and we wont stop, Walmart said in a statement. Well keep prices as low as we can for as long as we can given the reality of small retail margins. In its sales forecast released Thursday. Walmart declined to provide an earnings or operating income forecast for the second fiscal quarter, citing the multiple changes in the Trump administrations tariff policies. Major U.S. retailers, including Target, Home Depot and Lowes, are expected to share their own outlooks on the impact of tariffs when they come out with their results this week, according to several news reports. A Palestinian man killed in an Israeli airstrike on central Gaza Strip is brought to Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana) AP By Wafaa Shurafa, Samy Magdy and Tia Goldenberg, The Associated Press DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip Israel launched extensive new ground operations in the Gaza Strip while airstrikes in a new offensive killed at least 103 people, including dozens of children, overnight and into Sunday, hospitals and medics said, and forced northern Gazas main hospital to close. Airstrikes killed more than 48 people in and around the Palestinian territorys southern city of Khan Younis, some hitting houses and tents sheltering displaced people, according to Nasser Hospital, which said it struggled to count the dead because of the condition of the bodies. Eighteen children and 13 women were among them, spokesperson Weam Fares said. In northern Gaza, a strike on a home in the built-up Jabaliya refugee camp killed nine members of a family, according to the Gaza Health Ministrys emergency services. Another strike on a residence in Jabaliya killed 10, including seven children and a woman, according to the civil defense, which operates under the Hamas-run government. In Gaza City, Um Mahmoud al-Aloul lay across the shrouded body of her daughter, Nour al-Aloul. You took my soul with you, she cried. I used to turn off my phone from how much you called. Israels military had no immediate comment, but its statement announcing the ground operations said that preliminary strikes over the past week killed dozens of militants and struck more than 670 targets. Israel blames civilian casualties on Hamas because the militant group operates from civilian areas. Israel launched the offensive Saturday with the aims of seizing territory, displacing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to Gazas south and taking greater control of aid distribution. An Israeli blockade on food, medicine and other supplies is now in its third month, with global food security experts warning of famine across the territory of more than 2 million people. Talks in Qatar Israel has said it is pressuring Hamas to agree to a temporary ceasefire on Israels terms one that would free Israeli hostages held in Gaza, but wouldnt necessarily end the war. Hamas says it wants a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and a pathway to ending the war as part of any new ceasefire deal. Israel had said it would wait until the end of U.S. President Donald Trumps visit to the Middle East before launching its offensive, saying it was giving a chance for efforts at a new deal. Trump didnt visit Israel on his trip, which ended Friday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said that his negotiating team in Qatars capital, Doha, was working to realize every chance for a deal, including one that would bring an end to fighting in exchange for the release of all remaining 58 hostages, Hamas exile from Gaza and the disarmament of the Palestinian territory. Hamas has refused to leave Gaza or disarm. Israel shattered a previous eight-week ceasefire in March, launching airstrikes that killed hundreds of people. Days before that, Israel halted all imports into Gaza, deepening the humanitarian crisis. The war in Gaza began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting 251 others. Israels retaliatory offensive has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, many of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count. Hospital cites Israeli siege Health officials said that fighting around the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza and an Israeli military siege prompted it to shut down. The hospital was the main medical facility in the north after Israeli strikes last year forced the Kamal Adwan and Beit Hanoun hospitals to stop offering services. Israels military said troops were operating against terror infrastructure sites in northern Gaza, including in the area adjacent to the Indonesian Hospital, without providing details. Israel has repeatedly targeted hospitals in the war, accusing Hamas of being active in and around the facilities. Human rights groups and U.N.-backed experts have accused Israel of systematically destroying Gazas health care system. In northern Gaza, partly flattened by Israels onslaught, at least 43 people were killed in strikes, according to first responders from the HealthMinistry and civil defense. Gaza Citys Shifa Hospital said that 15 children and 12 women were among the dead. In central Gaza, strikes killed at least 12 people, hospitals said. One in Zweida town killed seven people, including two children and four women, according to al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital in Deir al-Balah. Another hit an apartment in Deir al-Balah, killing parents and their child, the hospital said. In Nuseirat camp, a strike hit a house and killed two people, the camps Awda hospital said. Houthi rebels launch missile at Israel The Israeli military said that it intercepted a missile launched early Sunday by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The rebels said that they fired two ballistic missiles including a hypersonic one towards Israels main airport near Tel Aviv, whose grounds were struck by a Houthi missile earlier this month. Israel was left out of a recent U.S. deal to halt attacks on Houthi targets in Yemen in exchange for a stop to strikes on U.S. shipping vessels in the Red Sea. On Friday, Israel struck Yemen for the eighth time since the start of the war in Gaza, in response to the Houthi attacks. The Houthis have said they are attacking in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Magdy reported from Cairo and Goldenberg from Tel Aviv, Israel. Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war MEXICO CITY, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Seven people, including five children, were killed early Saturday morning in a house fire in Saltillo, a city in the northern Mexican state of Coahuila, local media reported. The fire broke out around 4 a.m. (1000 GMT) and spread rapidly due to flammable materials such as acetone, solvents and paint used for cosmetic purposes inside the home. Authorities identified the victims as two women aged 64 and 28, and five children aged five to 15. Three others were injured and taken to local hospitals. Investigators believe the blaze was likely sparked by a candle that came into contact with the flammable products. Firefighters, police and emergency crews rushed to the scene and extinguished the flames. Coahuila state authorities have urged residents to take extra precautions when using candles and storing hazardous materials at home. Ukraine's President Volodymr Zelenskyy, left, and Vice President JD Vance greet each other as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, center, looks on ahead of Pope Leo XIV's formal inauguration of his pontificate with a Mass in St. Peter's Square attended by heads of state, royalty and ordinary faithful, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) AP Well, at least JD Vance got an acknowledgement from Pope Leo XIV. While Leo met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Peruvian President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra on Sunday after celebrating his inaugural Mass, the new pope offered the U.S. vice president no more than a quick greeting. That Mass included world leaders from Canada, Italy, Germany, and other European Union officials in the audience. What appeared to be a snub came after Leo, the first American pope, subtly criticized Vance and the Trump administration during his sermon, which has expelled and terrorized migrants and hinted at seizing foreign land and resources, including Greenland. In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earths resources and marginalizes the poorest, Leo said on Sunday. Pope Leo XIV on his popemobile tours St. Peter's Square at the Vatican prior to the inaugural Mass of his pontificate, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis) AP There was no response from the White House on whether Vance sought a longer meeting or whether one was being planned. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were set to meet with other European leaders on Sunday, including Zelensky, according to The Associated Press. Before he became Pope Leo, Father Robert Prevost reposted multiple posts that took aim at Vances complicity in the Trump administrations excessively harsh immigration policies. Vance avoided any criticism in an interview earlier this month, saying, I try not to play the politicization of the Pope game. Leo offered a message of healing during an inaugural Mass in St. Peters Square before an estimated 200,000 pilgrims, presidents, patriarchs and princes. He also officially opened his pontificate by taking his first popemobile tour through the piazza, waving to the crowds and, at times, stopping to bless some babies he saw. Pope Leo XIV waves at the end of a Mass for the formal inauguration of his pontificate, in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, May 18, 2025.(AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) AP During the Mass, Leo appeared to choke up when the two potent symbols of the papacy were placed on him the lambswool stole over his shoulders and the fishermans ring on his finger. He turned his hand to look at the ring and then clasped his hands in front of him in prayer, the AP story noted. Vance led the American delegation at the Mass after paying his respects at the tomb of Pope Francis after arriving in Rome late Saturday. The vice president met on Sunday after the Mass with a number of leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni.President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, United Kingdoms Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Foreign Secretary David Lammy. He and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also met with Zelensky. President Donald Trump smiles backdropped by an MQ-9 Reaper drone before addressing military personnel at the Al Udeid Air Base, Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Doha, Qatar. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP Donald Trump is just about fed up with the reports about him accepting that $400 million flying palace from Qatar, and if you dont believe it just check out his social media account. Trump took to Truth Social late Saturday to lash out at Bob Iger and ABC News over reports about the plane, and he wasnt exactly nice about it. Why doesnt Chairman Bob Iger do something about ABC Fake News, especially since I just won $16,000,000 based on the Fake and Defamatory reporting of Liddle George Slopadopolous, the president wrote. He was given warnings, but just couldnt be restrained by management. Now I see they are at it again, and I again give these SleazeBags fair warning! The wonderful country of Qatar, after agreeing to invest more than 1.4 Trillion Dollars in the United States of America, deserve much better than the Misleading (Fake!) News, Trump continued. Everyone, including their lawyers, has been told that ABC must not say that Qatar is giving ME a FREE Boeing 747 Airplane, because they are not. Instead, and as Fake News ABC fully knows and understands, this highly respected country is donating the plane to the United States Air Force/Defense Department, AND NOT TO ME. By so doing, they are saving our country, and the American Taxpayer, hundreds of millions of dollars. ABC Fake News is one of the WORST. According to multiple reports, Trump plans to continue to use the plane after he leaves office. The 747-8 jet will also have to reportedly be retrofitted, largely at taxpayer expense. NBC News reported that the cost of refurbishing the jet would likely cost U.S. taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, and noted that the project might not be completed by the end of Trumps term in 2029. Trump has repeatedly faced accusations that he accepted the jet as a personal gift from Qatar. Nothing says America First like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X. Its not just bribery, its premium foreign influence with extra legroom. In this undated file phot, Fred Rogers, the host of the children's television series, "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood," rests his arms on a small trolley in this promotional portrait from the 1980's. (Photo by Family Communications Inc./Getty Images) Getty Images By Paul Siefken I am one of the original PBS kids. I was born in 1970, and thanks to three older siblings, I discovered Mister Rogers Neighborhood and Sesame Street on WYES-TV in New Orleans before I could walk. "Sister Wives" airs on Sundays on TLC. Courtesy of Philo The grieving Brown family gathers at a burial site on the next episode of Sister Wives. Sister Wives airs at 10 p.m. Sunday, May 18, on TLC. LIVE STREAM: Fans can watch TLC without cable on : Fans can watch TLC without cable on Philo (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and SlingTV. The episode is called He Heals the Brokenhearted. The synopsis is, The family has gathered in Wyoming to honor Garrison and lay him to rest in the family plot next to his grandparents. Kody digs a grave for his sons ashes and the family says their goodbyes. What is Philo? Philo is a streaming service that offers more than 70 live channels and more than 70,000 titles on demand for $28 a month. Philo has a SEVEN-DAY FREE TRIAL. Channels include AMC, AMC+, A&E, MTV, BET, Discovery, VH1, Food Network, History, Nickelodeon, OWN, TLC, Lifetime, Hallmark, Paramount and TV One. Add-on packages include EPIX, STARZ and Movies and More. Philo offers an unlimited 1-year DRV. What is DirecTV Stream? DirecTV Stream provides access to more than 100 channels, hundreds of on-demand titles, the ability to stream through three devices at once, and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. Channels include ABC, HGTV, Hallmark, Bravo, BET, Discovery, Food Network, AMC, Animal Planet, CMT, Comedy Central, FX, ID, Disney, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and PBS Kids. Subscription package prices start at $86.99 a month. The streaming service offers a FIVE-DAY FREE TRIAL. What is Sling TV? Sling streaming service is $45.99 a month for the Orange (35 channels) or Blue (43 channels) Levels. Orange plus Blue is $60.99 a month. Premium subscribers also can get a month of Showtime, STARZ and EPIX for free. Channels include CMT, Bravo, BET, Comedy Central, A&E, AMC, Animal Planet, Discovery+, Hallmark, History, National Geographic, Lifetime, TLC and USA. Subscribers can get half off of the first mont of SlingTV and AMC+ free for a month. A home is destroyed after a severe storm passed through the area, Saturday, May 17, 2025, in London, Ky. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) AP This story was updated at 5:40 p.m. Sunday with a new number of deaths. By Dylan Lovan, The Associated Press LONDON, Ky. Residents in Kentucky and Missouri sifted through damage in tornado-stricken neighborhoods and remained on edge Sunday for more severe weather ahead after storms swept through parts of the Midwest and South, killing more than two dozen people. Kentucky was hardest hit as a devastating tornado damaged hundreds of homes, tossed vehicles and left many homeless. At least 19 people were killed, most of them in southeastern Laurel County. The National Weather Service predicted a fresh multi-day mix of dangerous weather across the nations midsection starting Sunday with heavy rains, thunderstorms and possibly more tornadoes. Severe storms were possible for Kentucky on Monday and even more so on Tuesday, the weather service said. Jeff Wyatts home of 17 years was destroyed along with much of his neighborhood in London, Kentucky. Wyatt, his wife and two of their children barely made it to safety in a hallway while the roof and family room were ripped away. On Sunday, the family returned to collect photos, baby blankets and other keepsakes. It happened so fast, said Wyatt, 54. If we would have been there 10 seconds longer, we would have been gone with the family room. The storms were part of a weather system Friday that killed seven in Missouri and two in northern Virginia, authorities said. The system spawned tornadoes in Wisconsin, brought punishing heat to Texas and temporarily enveloped parts of Illinois including Chicago in a pall of dust. In St. Louis, Mayor Cara Spencer said five people died, 38 were injured and more than 5,000 homes were affected. A tornado struck in Scott County, about 130 miles (209 kilometers) south of St. Louis, killing two people, injuring several others and destroying multiple homes, Sheriff Derick Wheetley wrote on social media. Parts of Missouri and Kansas could see severe thunderstorms, golf ball-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph (97 kph) into Monday, the weather service said. In London, Kentucky, Ryan VanNorstran huddled with his brothers large dogs in a first-floor closet as the storm hit his brothers home Friday in a neighborhood where much of the destruction in the community of nearly 8,000 people occurred. VanNorstran, who was house-sitting, said the house was shaking. A door from another house crashed through a window, then all the windows blew out and his car was destroyed. Chunks of wood had punched through several parts of the roof but the house avoided catastrophic damage. When he stepped outside he heard a lot of screaming. Part of Centennial Christian Church in St. Louis, Missouri, collapsed on Friday, May 16, 2025 when severe storms, including a possible tornado, swept through the city. (AP Photo/Michael Phillis) AP Id never really felt that kind of power from just nature, he said. And so I was in there and I was just kind of thinking, its either gonna take me or its all gonna be all right. Survey teams were being dispatched so the state can apply for federal disaster assistance, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said. Beshear announced the 19th storm victim on Sunday, identifying her as an adult woman from Russell County. He said 10 people were hospitalized for injuries, three of them in critical condition. And he touted on X fundraising efforts to help with funeral expenses and rebuilding. About 1,200 tornadoes strike the U.S. annually, and they have been reported in all 50 states over the years. Researchers found in 2018 that deadly tornadoes were happening less frequently in the traditional Tornado Alley of Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas and more frequently in parts of the more densely populated and tree-filled mid-South. The latest storms hit after the Trump administration cut staffing at National Weather Service offices, with outside experts worrying about how it would affect warnings in disasters such as tornadoes. A path of destroyed homes is seen, Sunday, May 18, 2025, in London, Ky., after a severe storm passed through the area. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) AP The office in Jackson, Kentucky, which was responsible for the area around London, had a March 2025 vacancy rate of 25%; the Louisville, Kentucky, weather service staff was down 29%; and the St. Louis office was down 16%, according to calculations by weather service employees obtained by The Associated Press. As of March, the Louisville office was also without a permanent meteorologist in charge, according to the staffing data. Experts said any vacancy rate above 20% is a critical problem. See more photos from the severe storms in the South and Midwest here. Associated Press writer Sophia Tareen in Chicago contributed to this report. KABUL, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Police have discovered a large quantity of illegal drugs and arrested 10 individuals in the northern Afghanistan Kunduz province, provincial police spokesman Juma Din Khaksar said Sunday. The alleged drug smugglers have been detained in the provincial capital Kunduz city and adjoining districts over the past 24 hours, the official said. Police have discovered massive illicit drugs, including 775 kg of opium poppy, intoxicated tablets and other prohibited objects, the official said, adding police would refer the cases to the judiciary after investigation. In similar operations, police discovered 9 kg of hashish and took into custody an individual on charge of smuggling the contraband in the eastern Khost province last week. Poker is an unpredictable game. Some days every move turns out wrong, and on others you cant seem to lose. It was clear what side of the wheel of fortune Mauro Panto was on today on Day 2 of the 888poker Live Barcelona Main Event. Panto, with his unpredictable playing style, bold raises, and relentless aggression, put on a show as the Italian went on a flurry of eliminations to build a massive chip lead going into the final table. Panto finished with 9,730,000, more than double his closest challenger among the nine who will return tomorrow at 4 p.m. local time to play down to a champion. Panto made a straight to beat Jack Hardcastles tens and bust the UK pro in 24th. He then won a flip to knockout Jorge Alvarez in 21st before being the beneficiary of a bizarre bustout. Albert Rus had moved all in from the small blind and mucked his cards once the big blind got out of the way. Panto, though, had called in early position, and the floor ruled that Rus cards were dead. He was sent to the rail and the pot was pushed to Panto without a board being seen. The Italian didnt let up from there. He caught a deuce on the river to make trips and crack Edgar Bermejos aces to bust him in 17th place, then picked off a bluff from Vincent Soubrie for another knockout. Panto finally brought the night to an end when he found jacks against Paul Minzarius ace-ten as the final table of nine was set. Final Table Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Mauro Panto Italy 9,730,000 122 2 Hector Garcia Spain 4,230,000 53 3 Martin Guerrero Spain 2,800,000 35 4 Pau Veciana Spain 2,325,000 29 5 Johnny Lindroos Estonia 1,200,000 15 6 Fabio Peluso Italy 935,000 12 7 David McConachie United Kingdom 930,000 12 8 Cipriano Bonet Spain 635,000 8 9 Alexander Sokolovsky Serbia 395,000 5 Eight players will try to slow down Pantos charge to the title tomorrow. Hector Garcia picked off a bluff from Martin Guerrero on the last level to double up to more than 4,000,000, bagging up 4,230,000 and in second place going to the final table. Guerrero, who earlier picked up kings to bust defending champion Josep Valls in 13th place, is in third with 2,800,000, followed by Pau Veciana (2,325,000). Further down the leaderboard are Johnny Lindroos (1,200,000), WSOP bracelet winner Fabio Peluso (935,000), and David McConachie (930,000). McConachie is already the proud owner of an 888Live trophy, taking down the title in London in 2023. Cipriano Bonet (635,000) and Alexander Sokolovsky (395,000) round out the final table lineup. Day 2 began with 15 new arrivals joining the survivors from the four starting flights to create a total field of 459. Only the top 55 would make the money, and 888poker Ambassadors Vivian Saliba, Ian Simpson, and Lucia Navarro were among those sent to the rail without a payout. Others to bust early included 888poker Madrid runner-up Alvaro Murciano and past WSOP Europe champion Marti Roca. Hardcastle burst the bubble when he eliminated Day 1c chip leader Juan Velasco in a boat-over-boat cooler. Inaki Angulo (51st), Aaron Barone (50th), Day 1b chip leader Dan Hoidahl (49th), Ariel Galactico Faskowicz (41st), and Bucharest champion Razvan Morar (28th) were then sent to the payout desk. Start-of-day chip leader Chang Tan fell in 25th when he jammed king-queen into Minzarius ace-queen. Gabi Livshitz (23rd) also couldnt make it through the day. Minzariu busted on the last hand of Level 26. The remaining nine players will return tomorrow to a new blind level of 40,000-80,000 with an 80,000 big blind ante. Theyre all guaranteed 6,305 for making it this far, while the champion tomorrow walks away with the 70,000 top prize. The final table will be broadcast on 888poker's official YouTube and Twitch channels. PokerNews will also be following the action and providing live updates until a new champion is crowned, so stay tuned tomorrow. Hundreds came to the Casino Barcelona this week chasing a dream, but only nine remain to battle for the trophy when the final table of the 888poker Live Barcelona Main Event begins at 4 p.m. local time. Mauro Panto, without a live tournament cash on his poker resume but with plenty of flair and unpredictability in his style, is the massive chip leader after going on a rush of eliminations late yesterday, bagging up 9,730,000. Hes followed on the leaderboard by Hector Garcia (4,230,000), Martin Guerrero (2,800,000), and Pau Veciana (2,325,000). Final Table Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Mauro Panto Italy 9,730,000 122 2 Hector Garcia Spain 4,230,000 53 3 Martin Guerrero Spain 2,800,000 35 4 Pau Veciana Spain 2,325,000 29 5 Johnny Lindroos Estonia 1,200,000 15 6 Fabio Peluso Italy 935,000 12 7 David McConachie United Kingdom 930,000 12 8 Cipriano Bonet Spain 635,000 8 9 Alexander Sokolovsky Serbia 395,000 5 The two most accomplished players at the final table are Fabio Peluso and David McConachie. Peluso, a WSOP bracelet winner with more than $1 million in career earnings, sits in sixth place with 935,000, while McConachie, the 2023 888poker Live London champion, is right behind him with 930,000 as he looks to add another trophy to his collection. Johnny Lindroos (1,200,000), Cipriano Bonet (635,000), and Alexander Sokolovsky (395,000) round out the international final table lineup that has five different countries represented. The final nine players are already guaranteed 6,305 for making it this far out of the 459-entry field. The champion will take home 70,000 at the end of the day. The action picks up on Level 27 with blinds of 40,000-80,000 and an 80,000 big blind ante, and levels will now be 60 minutes long. 888poker will stream the final table on their official YouTube and Twitch channels, with commentary from David Tuchman and Nick Wealthall. PokerNews will also be following the action and providing updates on a 30-minute delay beginning at 4;30 p.m. to match the stream. Stay tuned throughout the day as nine players battle to determine who will be crowned the champion. Aiken Standard reporter Matthew Christian is a reporter for the Aiken Standard. He covers the Savannah River Site, city of Aiken, politics and public safety and courts. Matthew previously covered government and politics for the Morning News in Florence. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law and the University of Charleston in West Virginia. To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers Charleston, SC (29403) Today Tropical storm conditions possible. Rain diminishing to a few showers this afternoon. High near 85F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Tropical storm conditions possible. Rain showers early with scattered thunderstorms arriving overnight. Low 74F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Kingstree, SC (29556) Today Cloudy early, then off and on rain showers for the afternoon. High 84F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain overnight. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 71F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a half an inch. Workers operate at the construction site of the Bambeto Roundabout Interchange Project in Conakry, capital of Guinea, on April 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Han Xu) CONAKRY, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Amid the long lines of vehicles in the heart of Conakry, the capital of Guinea, the outline of a yellow-and-white interchange is becoming increasingly visible. The three-level interchange, built by Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA), is scheduled to be fully operational by the end of May, marking the end of a historical lack of modern flyovers in the West African country. The Bambeto Roundabout Interchange Project is located at the intersection of Prince Road and T2 Road. This area was once considered a major traffic bottleneck in Conakry; during peak hours, congestion was particularly severe, making daily travel a headache for residents. Once the Bambeto interchange is open to traffic, it will effectively remove this bottleneck. Gong Qiaoqi, manager of the project, told Xinhua that the interchange features an overpass, a ground-level roundabout, and an underpass. The design aims to simultaneously serve the city's inbound and outbound traffic, inter-regional travel, and quick access to the airport, greatly reducing traffic congestion in the area and surrounding districts. Christophe Sandouno, a local doctor, considered this interchange as more than just a road project, saying it is a "catalyst" for urban development. "Getting through Bambeto used to be a nightmare. We'd rather spend half an hour crossing by boat than be stuck in traffic for two hours. Once the interchange is fully open, travel time will be greatly reduced," Sandouno said. Mohamed Cherif Diallo, local worker supervisor of the project team, expressed his pride in the project. "The Bambeto interchange is very impressive -- it is the first three-level transportation facility in Guinea's history," he said. "We hope to see more excellent Chinese projects in Guinea in the future." For the residents of Conakry who pass by the project daily, this interchange carries their hopes for a better future. Some shopkeepers volunteer to keep order around the construction site, taxi drivers familiarize themselves with new navigation routes, and children on their way home from school count the progress of the interchange construction. As the morning light shines on the structure, the interchange, a symbol of the wisdom and efforts of both Chinese and Guinean builders, presents a new silhouette on the city skyline. Once fully open, it will not only optimize Conakry's transportation layout, but also serve as a vivid example of a three-dimensional solution for urban road improvement and development in African countries. Workers operate at the construction site of the Bambeto Roundabout Interchange Project in Conakry, capital of Guinea, on April 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Han Xu) A worker operates at the construction site of the Bambeto Roundabout Interchange Project in Conakry, capital of Guinea, on April 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Han Xu) An aerial drone photo taken on May 1, 2025 shows the construction site of the Bambeto Roundabout Interchange Project in Conakry, capital of Guinea. (Power Construction Corporation of China/Handout via Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on May 1, 2025 shows the construction site of the Bambeto Roundabout Interchange Project in Conakry, capital of Guinea. (Power Construction Corporation of China/Handout via Xinhua) Myrtle Beach, SC (29577) Today Tropical storm conditions possible. A steady rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. High around 80F. Winds ENE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a half an inch.. Tonight Tropical storm conditions possible. Thundershowers overnight following a period of rain early. Low around 75F. Winds ENE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected. Residential impact fee examples Residential impact fee examples Among more than two dozen S.C. local governments with impact fees, they vary greatly in both price and methodology. The fees are charged to developers and are typically baked in to the price of new homes. Examples: * York Countys impact fees for schools were first approved in 1996, three years before the states Development Impact Fee Act took effect, and are not governed by that law. In addition to local government impact fees, there are often impact fees for water and sewer systems that are levied by those utilities. Examples in the Charleston metro area for a single-family home: * The minimum fee, for a 3/4-inch service line. Note: In cases where fees depend on square footage we used a 2,400-square-foot house, about the median size of newly-built homes in the U.S. David Slade Charleston, SC (29532) Today A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High around 90F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain overnight. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 72F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall around a half an inch. PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-18 16:01:38 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 299 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / May 18, 2025 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is investigating potential claims on behalf of purchasers of Watsco, Inc. ("Watsco" or "the Company") (NYSE: WSO). Investors who purchased Watsco securities are encouraged to obtain additional information and assist the investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/WSO Investigation DetailsOn April 23, 2025, Watsco announced its financial results for Q1 2025. The Company reported a 2% year-over-year revenue decline, missing consensus estimates. The Company claimed its "results reflect the early stages of a large-scale product transition from regulatory changes that went into effect January 1, 2025, which affects approximately 55% of Watsco's sales and will ultimately convert nearly $1 billion of inventory over the course of the year." Following this news, Watsco stock dropped over 11% on that same day.What's Next?If you are aware of any facts relating to this investigation or purchased Watsco securities, you can assist this investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/WSO . You can also contact Peretz Bronstein or his client relations manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC:332-239-2660There is No Cost to YouWe represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & GrossmanBronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Follow us for updates onLinkedIn ,X ,Facebook , orInstagram .Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.ContactBronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Nathan Miller332-239-2660|info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-18 11:00:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 731 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 "The DEA is creating a regulatory paradox where science is stifled and illegal activity is tolerated. Thomas Prevoznik, one unelected bureaucrat should not have the power to derail federally authorized drug development," said Duane Boise, CEO of MMJ International Holdings.WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / May 18, 2025 / As the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)releases its 2025 National Drug Threat Assessment , a stunning contradiction emerges: while the DEA points fingers at states that have legalized marijuana for allegedly aiding transnational cartels, it continues to obstruct MMJ International Holdings and its subsidiaries - MMJBioPharma Cultivation and MMJ BioPharma Labs from lawfully developing cannabis based pharmaceutical drugs under full federal compliance.For seven years, MMJ BioPharma has adhered strictly to federal statutes. It has receivedtwo Investigational New Drug (IND) applications from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and been awarded Orphan Drug Designation for its treatment of Huntington's disease. It has passed DEA security inspections and holds a DEA Schedule I Analytical Lab Registration. Yet, the DEA refuses to grant the necessary Schedule I Bulk Manufacturing Registration required for growing pharmaceutical grade cannabis for clinical trials, stonewalling innovation and delaying potential life-saving treatments.Meanwhile, in its own report, the DEA claims that legal cannabis states are being exploited by Asian Transnational Criminal Organizations (TSOs), which operate under "state-level business registrations" and ignore plant limits, production quotas, and licensing laws. The report claims these groups exploit inconsistencies in state regulations to shield illicit operations from federal enforcement.Yet ironically, the DEA's continued blockade against legitimate federal drug developers like MMJ BioPharma is pushing innovation and pharmaceutical investment offshore. MMJ has openly criticized the agency's delays as "a violation of law, science, and democracy." DEA Federal Hypocrisy on Full DisplayDEA Acting Administrator Derek Maltz, who has called cannabis a "gateway drug," maintains the agency's hardline stance against MMJ's drug development despite its legal compliance and scientific rigor. Meanwhile, the agency paradoxically admits that the marijuana smuggled across state lines is primarily destined for non-legal states-a tacit admission that prohibition itself sustains the illicit market.This undermines the DEA's narrative that legal states are the core problem. Instead, the report validates what advocates have long argued: that prohibition breeds black-market activity, while federal obstruction stalls medical progress.Unelected Bureaucrats Holding Back ScienceThomas Prevoznik, DEA Deputy Assistant Administrator , has been directly implicated in MMJ's years-long delay. Legal filings and correspondence point to his central role in repeatedly stalling the company's application without justification.Despite the DOJ's withdrawal of support for unconstitutional ALJ procedures, DEA attorneys like Aarathi Haig continue to advance flawed legal defenses that conflict with DOJ policy and Supreme Court precedent."One unelected bureaucrat should not have the power to derail federally authorized drug development," said Duane Boise, CEO of MMJ International Holdings. "The DEA is creating a regulatory paradox where science is stifled and illegal activity is tolerated." Public Health Versus DEA Policy PosturingPatients suffering from progressive diseases like Multiple Sclerosis and Huntington'scontinue to wait as DEA leadership prioritizes outdated drug war narratives over FDA-approved research. This obstructionism occurs while the agency allows illicit products grown in so-called "legal" states to flood into black markets across the country.The irony is lost on no one: the DEA has become both the gatekeeper and the roadblock to cannabis reform, impeding law-abiding researchers while blaming states for consequences rooted in federal dysfunction.The Need for Congressional and Executive ActionThe call for reform is now urgent.Congressional oversight must investigate the DEA's Diversion Control Division, its treatment of MMJ BioPharma, and its failure to execute consistent, science-based policies.President Trump's incoming DEA nominee Terrance Colehas promised to prioritize rescheduling marijuana but has yet to provide a definitive stance.If the United States is serious about revitalizing its pharmaceutical industry and leading in medical cannabis innovation, agencies like the DEA must be held accountable. Otherwise, the message is clear: follow the law, and you'll be blocked. Break it, and you'll be blamed-but only after your profits are made.MMJ BioPharma's legal struggle represents more than one company's battle; it symbolizes a national crossroads between science and stagnation, between integrity and institutional decay. The time for excuses is over.The time for accountability is now.MMJ is represented byattorney Megan Sheehan .CONTACT: Madison Hisey MHisey@ mmjih.com 203-231-85832SOURCE: MMJ International Holdings PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-18 22:14:46 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 454 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Coastal proximity is a key driver in Australian internal migration, and non-bank lender Liberty has flexible home loans to help buyers chasing the surf-side lifestyle.MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA / ACCESS Newswire / May 18, 2025 / While capital cities remain the focus for employment and international migration, a new study from the University of Sydney shows climate, education levels and tourism industries are driving coastal moves.As a leader in the Australian mortgage space, non-bank lender Liberty helps borrowers with all kinds of lifestyle preferences to secure home loans and move to their dream location.Bernadine Pantarotto, Communications Manager, says those looking to make a sea change and buy property could benefit from working with a free-thinking lender."As more people seek out the lifestyle benefits of coastal towns, our flexible home loans can accommodate various financial situations. This could make it easier for borrowers to achieve their dream of seaside living," said Ms. Pantarotto.Unlike traditional lenders, Liberty takes a holistic approach to credit assessment, combining risk-based pricing with personalised customer service and greater choice."At Liberty, we look beyond just the numbers and consider the full picture of each borrower's financial situation to help find a tailored solution," Ms. Pantarotto said."Our flexible home loan options could help more Australians access the financing they need - regardless of smaller deposits, variable income sources or complex credit histories." Whether borrowers are purchasing their first home, refinancing, or expanding a property portfolio, Liberty can help."Our range of home loan solutions, including low doc and low deposit home loans, could help more people say yes' to their property plans," said Ms. Pantarotto.Beyond home loans, Liberty's lending options also include personal, car, business, commercial, and SMSF loans."We take the time to listen and find creative ways to support them in achieving their goals, and we've proudly helped over 900,000 free thinkers make their dreams a reality," said Ms. Pantarotto.With over 27 years of experience, Liberty remains committed to helping more Australians get and stay financial.About Liberty As one of Australia's leading non-bank lenders, Liberty offers innovative solutions to support customers with greater choice. Over more than 27 years, this free-thinking approach to loan solutions has seen more than 900,000 customers across a wide range of home, car, business and personal loans, as well as SMSF lending and insurance. Liberty remains the only non-bank lender with an investment-grade credit rating offering custom and prime solutions to help more people get financial.Approved applicants only. Lending criteria apply. Fees and charges are payable. Liberty Financial Pty Ltd ACN 077 248 983 and Secure Funding Pty Ltd ABN 25 081 982 872 Australian Credit Licence 388133, together trading as Liberty Financial.Contact Laura OrchardMedia CoordinatorP: +61 3 8635 8888E: mediaenquiries@ liberty.com.au SOURCE: Liberty PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-18 00:08:29 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 399 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / May 17, 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=148988&wire=1&utm_campaign=23 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 PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-18 22:25:27 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 484 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / May 18, 2025 / If you suffered a loss on your Compass Group Diversified Holdings, LLC (NYSE:CODI) 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: A class action securities lawsuit was filed against Compass Group Diversified Holdings, LLC that seeks to recover losses of shareholders who were adversely affected by alleged securities fraud between May 1, 2024 and May 7, 2025.CASE DETAILS: According to the complaint, throughout the class period, defendants failed to disclose to investors that Compass lacked effective internal controls over its financial reporting; that Compass failed to disclose critical information regarding Lugano Holding, Inc. ("Lugano") which kept undisclosed financing arrangements and exhibited irregularities in its sales, cost of sales, inventory and accounts receivable; and that, as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about the Company's financial reporting were materially misleading.The truth emerged on May 7, 2025, after the market closed, the Company announced that its financial statements for fiscal 2024 could no longer be relied upon due to an ongoing internal investigation into its subsidiary, Lugano. Specifically, Compass reported that its Audit Committee launched an investigation over "concerns about how Lugano was potentially financing inventory." The Company also announced that it intends to delay the filing of its first quarter 2025 Form 10-Q. Further, effective May 7, 2025, Lugano's founder and CEO, Moti Ferder, resigned from Lugano and will not receive any severance compensation.Following this news, the price of Compass' common stock declined dramatically. From a closing market price of $17.25 per share on May 7, 2025 to $6.55 per share on May 8, 2025.WHAT'S NEXT? If you suffered a loss in Compass Diversified stock during the relevant time frame - even if you still hold your shares - go to https://zlk.com/pslra-1/compass-diversified-lawsuit-submission-form?prid=149085&wire=1&utm_campaign=3 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 KABUL, May 18 (Xinhua) -- A total of 439 Afghan inmates were released from Pakistani prisons and returned to Afghanistan in the past three days, a news release from the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation said on Sunday. The returnees, after receiving assistance at the border, were transported to their home provinces, it said. Earlier, about 400 Afghan inmates imprisoned in Pakistan were released and returned to their homeland last week. An estimated 7 million Afghan refugees, many undocumented, still reside abroad, primarily in neighboring Iran and Pakistan. The Afghan interim government urges immigrants to return home and contribute to the rebuilding of their war-torn homeland. PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-18 18:00:14 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 617 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / May 18, 2025 /WHY: New York, N.Y., May 18, 2025. Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Bakkt Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BKKT) between March 25, 2024 and March 17, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important June 2, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased Bakkt securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Bakkt class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=5546 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than June 2, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, during the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) misrepresented the stability and/or diversity of its crypto services revenue; (2) failed to disclose Bakkt's Crypto services revenue was substantially dependent on a single contract with Webull; (3) misrepresented its ability to maintain key client relationships; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about Bakkt's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Bakkt class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=5546 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-18 17:03:04 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 661 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Retail Shopping Center Owners Can Effortlessly Launch Easy-to-Use Wayfinding With Built-In Ad Revenue Opportunities Across Marketing Channels Through the Pylot Platform With TouchSource's Turnkey Digital Wayfinding SolutionsLAS VEGAS, NEVADA / ACCESS Newswire / May 18, 2025 /TouchSource, a leading innovator of place-based digital signage networks, has partnered with Imaginuity's proprietary website platform and marketing hub Pylot to deliver a unified wayfinding experience across marketing platforms. Together, they launched a sleek new Online Wayfinding solution for JLL Retail - delivering shopper-friendly, brand-forward maps - accessible anytime on mobile, web, and in-mall digital directories. This simple-to-deploy offering has launched to five sites and will reach 35 retail centers this year. TouchSource Online Wayfinding TouchSource Multichannel Wayfindingfor Websites, Mobile, Digital SignageReplacing costly, hard-to-maintain, single-channel wayfinding from multiple vendors, this unified Online Wayfinding solution transforms tenant directories into dynamic, intuitive and interactive maps. When tenants change or move, administrators make the change in Pylot and the change automatically points to the new onsite location on the map. Designed for seamless deployment across website, onsite and mobile content channels - the solution streamlines implementation while delivering a modern visitor experience.Imaginuity's market-leading Pylot platform helps multi-location businesses scale their digital presence quickly and efficiently. Designed to balance brand consistency with local flexibility, Pylot empowers corporate marketers to maintain control while enabling local teams to deliver more personalized, relevant experiences. Now, with the integration of TouchSource's brandable, user-friendly wayfinding maps, visitors can effortlessly plan their entire trip - from events and dining to shopping and services - all within one seamless experience.The integrated solution equips retail shopping centers with a cost-effective way to up-level the shopper experience, enhance the visibility of retail tenants with intelligent search features, and reduce operational complexity."Our retail clients want engaging digital experiences that highlight tenants, retail brands, and amenities - without the burden of high costs or complex upkeep," said Ashlyn Booth, Executive Vice President, Strategy & Marketing at JLL Retail. "The Pylot-TouchSource solution delivers on that promise from two trusted industry experts. We can now deploy directories and maps seamlessly across all shopping center channels with minimal effort." "This integration further enhances the exciting digital experience we deliver for retail centers while reducing costs, complexity and upkeep for our clients," said Angela Sweeney, Executive Director at Imaginuity. "Full-service design, brandable maps and point-and-click updating for store locations makes this exciting for shoppers, improves outcomes for shopping centers and delivers yet another innovative tool to our Pylot customers." "This partnership with Imaginuity represents a significant step forward in the retail experience," said Ajay Kapoor, CEO of TouchSource. "It makes it easy to elevate the shopper experience with less costs and hassle while reducing business complexity. It's easy to add to the widely adopted Pylot platform, and introduces new advertising revenue opportunities." About ImaginuityImaginuity is the integrated marketing company that leverages human, data, and artificial intelligence to make marketing perform better. Imaginuity's proprietary AdScience platform collects, connects, and activates customer data to drive smarter targeting and efficient conversions. Through Pylot, our unique website development and media management solution, we help multi-location businesses scale faster and perform smarter. Headquartered in Dallas, Imaginuity provides integrated services spanning brand experience, advertising, media strategy, paid and organic search, social media, web development, UX, AI, and advanced analytics. Learn more at www.imaginuity.com About TouchSourceTouchSource is a pioneering leader in effortless place-based communications. We enable retail centers, office buildings and hospitals to spark an exciting sense of place with compelling digital experiences and state-of-the-art display technology. With a focus on enhancing customer engagement and optimizing revenue, our turnkey solutions combine user-friendly software, engaging designs, and a wide portfolio of digital hardware into a hassle-free signage network. By combining cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of consumer behavior, TouchSource transforms ordinary spaces into dynamic environments that captivate viewers to drive brand exposure and in-store traffic.Contact InformationChristine VieraMedia Relationsmarketing@ touchsource.com 720-633-9720SOURCE: TouchSource As Nollywood continues to gain global recognition, veteran actor Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, passionately emphasises that the industry is built on an African cultural legacy that must be cherished and preserved. Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Latin said Yoruba Nollywood consistently reminds people about their roots. The filmmaker said: Like I used to clamour, a few years ago, we must bring back history so our new generation can know about our legacy. African storytelling is one of the best things that happens to us. It makes people remember their roots, learn more about their culture, and understand our dos and donts. Speaking on his efforts to merge culture with filmmaking, the comic actor said he has always advocated for film production that connects audiences to their roots. Responding to questions on how cultural movies have contributed to Nollywood, the 58-year-old said, Let me tell you something. Femi Adebayo was nominated for his role in Jagunjagun and Agesinkole. Those are cultural movies, right? Indigenous movies will encourage Femi Adebayo to do more to propagate our culture. He who is not proud of his colour is not fit to live. So, we are very proud of what we have been able to do, we are very proud of our little achievements, and we hope we will do more. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Efforts The actor who was elected president of the Theatre Arts and Movie Practitioners Association of Nigeria, TAMPAN, on 14 December 2022, also reiterated the efforts of AMVCA in challenging actors and filmmakers to produce excellent movies, saying it is a reward for excellence Today, we are having AMVCA, right? It started 11 years ago. So, this is a reward for excellence and an improvement to the industry. It allows producers and directors to do, act, and produce better films, with better picture quality, so it is an improvement. The Nollywood icon said the industry is growing with the help of its pathfinder, but challenged his colleagues to continue to be original in their storytelling and production. Mr Latin said, I am not a negative thinker. With the help of our pathfinders, the industry is growing, and that is the truth.In your storytelling, be original, in your production, be original, in your acting, be original. Mr Latins Background Mr Latin is known for his comic roles in Yoruba Nollywood and is a filmmaker among his peers. He earned his stage name, Mr Latin, in the 1992 film 50-50, where he spoke French but was mistaken for Latin by the film producer, Akin Ogungbe. He started his acting career in the late 1980s, appearing in movies like 50/50 (1992), Ebun Igbeyawo (1996), Faworaja (1999), Nnkan Olomoba (2000), and Talo n gbemu (2001). He is also renowned for his roles in recent movies: Ejika the Tailor (2021), Symphony (2022), Deity (2023), Ijogbon (2023), and Lakatabu (2024). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Cast: Damilola Adegbite, Beverly Naya, Meg Otanwa, Anee Icha, OC Ukeje, Patrick Diabuah, Tunbosun Aiyedehin Director: Momo Spaine PG: 18 Backstory The year is 2015, and three single ladies, Nkem (Beverly Naya), Ama (Anee Icha) and Temi (Damilola Adegbite), are in a race to get married before they turn 30. In the seven-part series Before 30, their friend Aisha (Meg Otanwa) is married but in a precarious situation. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later In a night of indiscretion, she and her husband, Sherif (Patrick Diabuah), engage in a menage a trois (Threesome), which opens Sherif up to possibilities that almost wreck their marriage. Nkems night of indiscretion from four years prior wrecks her perfect relationship, leading her to question her past decisions and her readiness for commitment. Temi similarly chose a returning ex-lover, Ayo (OC Ukeje), over her blossoming relationship with Karibi Fubara (Akin). This decision not only affects her but also those around her, including Ayos wife. And then there is the quirky Ama (Anee Icha), whose guilt-riddled life is just as tumultuous as her friends, Plot The year is 2025, and the main characters from eight years ago (in the movies timeline) are now in their 30s, facing the consequences of their past decisions. This unique approach to storytelling, where character growth is explored in reverse, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. Nkems transformation from a void-filling individual to a significant player in investment banking and wealth advisory is a compelling testament to the character growth in the film. This growth is sure to captivate the audience and keep them invested in Nkems journey. Aishas husband, Sheriff, has moved from a two-timer to a doting husband and father. However, Aisha feels shame at the thought of having a nanny nurse her child, so she has to do it alone. Despite making big moves in the legal world with a billionaire heir fiance, Kunle (Samuel Asaah), she is still a wrecking ball, as the return of her ex, Ayo, proves. Ama is bereaved by the loss of her Godmother, who wills her estate to her (Ama). All four ladies come to a point where they have to make life-altering choices. The film leaves several intriguing questions unanswered, such as Amas struggle between sexuality and spirituality, Temis romantic dilemma, Nkems readiness for motherhood, and the aftermath of Aishas life-altering decision. These unanswered questions will leave the audience curious and eager for a potential sequel. Review The film After 30 pays a heartfelt tribute to the late actor, Karibi Fubara, who tragically lost his battle to a large mid-stage kidney tumour in December 2021. This tribute is a poignant reminder of his contribution to the film industry and evokes a sense of respect and appreciation in the audience. After 30 continues from the events before 30. Eight years down the line, not much has changed in terms of the characters of the actors. Temi is the worst hit in terms of character development. Otherwise, how does one go into their 30s with major career moves but still be stuck with all the talk about soulmates and an ex who ruined her 20s? This mixed character development will intrigue the audience and keep them engaged in Temis journey. Rated 18, a movie is either steamy or its not. There are no in-betweens. Except for strong language, which could as well have been bleeped, After 30 almost feels like a teen dreamy love story. In many ways, the story threads the thin line between lazy writing and creative license. For instance, Aisha ties her tubes because her organs shut down temporarily after childbirth. True, the female body undergoes significant changes after birth, many of which could have been explored to sell the story, but one thing the organs do not do is shut down temporarily after childbirth. After 30 ends on a cliffhanger, which may or may not work in its favour. While it is impossible to tell the writer the trajectory the story should take, watching the major characters grow in reverse and then crashing the film may deliver one of two outcomes, Depending on their perspective, it could trigger or heighten suspense, leaving viewers yearning for a sequel. Rating: 7/10 After 30 is showing on Prime Video Naija Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The World Health Organisation (WHO) has nominated Mohamed Janabi of Tanzania as the next Regional Director for the African Region, following a meeting of the WHO Regional Committee on Sunday. Mr Janabis nomination comes months after the sudden death of the Regional Director-elect, Faustine Ndugulile, in November 2024. Mr Nduguliles passing prompted WHO Member States in Africa to convene a special election session to fill the leadership gap. The nomination will be submitted for appointment by the 157th session of the WHO Executive Board, scheduled to meet from 28 to 29 May 2025 in Geneva. Once confirmed, Mr Janabi will assume office for a five-year term, with the possibility of reappointment. A critical role in uncertain times Mr Janabi emerged ahead of three other contenders including Nda Yao of Cote dIvoire, Mohammed Drame of Guinea, and Moustafa Mijiyawa of Togo. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later A senior health advisor to Tanzanias late president and its present head of state, Samia Hassan, Mr Janabi is a cardiologist by training and the former executive director of Tanzanias largest hospital. Born in 1962, his career spans over three decades of work in clinical and policy settings, In his acceptance speech, Mr Janabi pledged to strengthen the health systems across the region and tackle persistent challenges, including emerging infectious diseases, the burden of noncommunicable diseases, and the growing impact of climate change. Thank you for your trust in me. I will not let you down. As we face challenges ranging from infectious diseases, noncommunicable diseases to climate change and limited health financing, we must harness African resilience and unity. Mr Janabis nomination comes at a time when the WHO African Region continues to grapple with fragile health infrastructure, limited domestic funding, and recovery from multiple disease outbreaks such as COVID-19, Ebola, and cholera. According to the WHO, over 25 per cent of the global disease burden is found in Africa, despite the continent having only about three per cent of the worlds health workforce. Congratulatory messages WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, welcomed the nomination, describing Mr Janabi as an experienced professional well-suited to lead the region through a period of transformation. Mr Ghebreyesus said Mr Janabi will take the reins at an unprecedented time for the African Region, and the WHO as a whole We are grateful for his experience and expertise as we work together to navigate the challenges we face, and position our organisation to be stronger, sharper and more effective in the future, he said. He also acknowledged the contributions of other candidates and thanked Chikwe Ihekweazu for his service as Acting Regional Director during the leadership transition following the end of Matshidiso Moetis tenure. Mr Ihekweazu also congratulated Mr Janabi on his nomination. This is a true reflection of the trust that Member States have placed in you, he said. The African region has made important strides in health. But it also faces real and complex challenges. You can count on my support and that of all of WHO Africa as you take on this new role to serve our people. If appointed, Mr Janabi will become the WHO Africa Regions seventh Regional Director since the establishment of the office in 1951. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print At least 64 people were killed and 17 others abducted in 11 Nigerian states in the past week, a review of the events by PREMIUM TIMES has shown. An analysis of media reports, including social media posts by reliable conflict experts and analysts, revealed that there were at least 21 incidents of violence across five geopolitical regions of the country. No major incident leading to death or kidnapping was reported in the South-south. These incidents occurred between the 10th and 16th of May. The North-east recorded the highest with 10 cases of violence against civilians and security forces while the North-west and the North-central witnessed five incidents each. The South-east recorded two and the South-west, one. Insurgent groups, including Boko Haram and its rival faction, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), wreaked havoc in the North-east. Lakurawa insurgents, bandits and other armed gangs also reigned terror in other regions where they killed, razed properties and forcibly displaced civilians. The military also killed scores of terrorists, according to a series of press statements, but the terrorists atrocities against civilians continue to threaten the countrys stability, worsening the crisis of food insecurity, as many farmers were targeted. This report only tallies the killings by non-state actors. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The past weeks attacks in detail On 10 May, eight Tiv farmers were killed either by their Jukun warring counterparts or herders in Jootar community, Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State. This came a few days after about 30 travellers were murdered on a major highway in the South-east. A day after, bandits in the terrorised North-west kidnapped nine women from Galadunci community in Anka, Zamfara State, according to an X post by a conflict expert and analyst, Malik Samuel. That same day, Mr Samuel also reported that the notorious bandit gang of Bello Turji forcibly displaced residents of 50 villages in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Mr Turji is notorious for his violent raids against helpless civilians in hard-to-reach communities in the North-west. On several occasions when the communities failed to pay the levies he imposed on them, he attacked them. Some other times, he targets these communities, claiming to be avenging the death of his Fulani kinsmen, believed to be killed by security forces or the outlawed Yansakai vigilante group. He is on a security watchlist and has been declared wanted by the Nigerian military. In what experts and state authorities have described as a resurgence of insurgency, ISWAP marauders overran military bases between the 12th and 13th of May, killing at least seven soldiers. Even though the military said it repelled these attacks, the insurgents left tales of terror in Dikwa and Marte LGAs, including in Rann in Kala/Balge LGA, Borno State. The insurgents, on 13 May, also planted an IED along the Damboa-Maiduguri highway, killing two local education authorities (LEA) staff. That same day, the Lakurawa terrorists reportedly invaded the Gwadabawa community in Sokoto, burning some buildings. Also, on 13 May, armed men abducted a chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ose LGA of Ondo State, demanding a N100 million ransom. Separate attacks in Riyom and Wase LGAs of Plateau led to the deaths of three locals and the abduction of two others between 12 and 13 May. Between 12 and 14 May, a communal clash between herders and farmers in Karim Lamido LGA of Taraba State claimed 16 lives, according to a local publication, Makama Zagazola. On 14 May, bandits armed with Rocket-Propelled Gun (RPG) attacked Wuya, a community in Zamfara State, killing two residents and injuring others, including children. In Anambra State, a lawyer, his client and a security operative were killed in separate attacks between 15 and 16 May. The lawyer and his client were killed on the same day by gunmen suspected to be assassins, while the security operative died in a gunfight that also killed two gunmen. On 15 May, armed men, in a midnight attack, stormed the palace of a traditional ruler in Kogi State, kidnapping him. On the same date, tragedy struck in Borno and Zamfara states. In Malam Karanti village in Kukawa LGA of Borno, insurgents killed 23 farmers and fishermen. In a similar pattern of attack, bandits targeted four farmers in Tudun Moriki, Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State, kidnapping them. On 16 May, a farmer-herder crisis claimed the life of a 35-year-old farmer in Nangere LGA, Yobe State. Two other people sustained injuries from the incident, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). On the same 16th of May, Boko Haram insurgents fleeing military onslaught in Sambisa Forest attacked Wulgo in Ngala LGA of Borno State, targeting security operatives. There were no reported casualties in the attack. To tackle the insecurity across the country, President Bola Tinubu on Friday met with the heads of security agencies and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. Speaking to journalists after the Abuja meeting, the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, said the meeting was to review the entire security situation in the country. The president is concerned about whats going on, and we have assured him that were on top of our game, he said. The army general linked the resurgent attacks by terrorists and Jihadi groups in Northern Nigeria to the global push by terrorists and jihadists all over the Sahel area. And that pressure is what actually came into Nigeria because of the nature of our borders, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print In the heartbeat of the nation, Edo, once infamously known as the epicentre of human trafficking in Nigeria, a new kind of resistance is taking root. Not in courtrooms or campaign offices, but in classrooms. A fresh, student-driven initiative is emerging to challenge the longstanding menace of human trafficking. Through the launch of Anti-Human Trafficking and Violence Against Persons (A.TIPVAP) Vanguard Clubs in 50 public secondary schools across the state, young people are being empowered to become frontline advocates in a battle that has stolen the futures of countless boys and girls. This bold move is part of the School Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP), a collaborative effort between the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), with funding support from the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The launch events brought together a diverse coalition of stakeholders, government officials, security agencies, educators, students, and civil society actors, united by a shared urgency and a common cause. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later And for Edo, the time for action is now. According to the Global Slavery Index 2023, over 1.6 million people are estimated to be living in modern slavery in Nigeria, with Edo featuring prominently in national and international trafficking networks. Similarly, NAPTIP reports that as of 2022, over 60 per cent of female returnees from Libya and Europe identified Edo as their origin. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) also notes that Edo accounts for over 50 per cent of irregular migrants assisted back to Nigeria since 2017. These figures underscore the urgent need for early intervention and targeted awareness campaigns, particularly among young people, who remain the primary targets of traffickers. At the inauguration of the Vanguard clubs, NAPTIPs Zonal Commander in Benin, Sam Offiah, delivered a sobering address. Speaking directly to the students, he warned of the deceptive tactics traffickers often employed to lure victims. Human trafficking is dehumanising. It reduces you to a commodity, he said with conviction. Anyone who asks you to leave school and promises you freedom, riches abroad, or a better life without informing your parents is a trafficker. A lawyer by profession, Mr Offiah recounted harrowing tales of young girls seduced by fake job offers, only to find themselves trapped in cycles of sexual exploitation, forced labour, or even organ harvesting. His message was clear: awareness is the first line of defence, and education is the most powerful weapon in this fight. We are here to inaugurate this vanguard so that you know these dangers and help spread the message. You are not meant to feed your parents. You are meant to stay in school and pursue your dreams, he said. The NAPTIP boss emphasised the critical role of students in spreading awareness, hence the decision to create the initiative. You must take the message home, to your classmates and your friends. When you hear someone promise jobs in Europe through Libya, tell them the truth. Over 80 per cent die crossing the Sahara. Some drink their urine. Some are never buried. Vultures feast on their remains, he asserted. He also alerted the public to the new trends in human trafficking, which is exploiting the digital space to lure young Nigerians into modern-day slavery. We are seeing an upsurge in internet trafficking. Traffickers now use fake online profiles, phishing tactics, and blackmail with nude photos to manipulate and coerce victims, he said. Representing ICMPD, Elvis Ederibhalo, project officer of STEAP for Edo, explained the broader objective of the initiative. We are here because we believe that education is the strongest weapon we have to prevent trafficking. The vanguard you are joining today is not just a club. Its a movement. You will be trained to identify trafficking tactics, speak up, and protect yourselves and others, he told the students. Mr Ederibhalo explained how a recent survey by the ICMPD revealed that 75 per cent of rescued victims of human trafficking were school-age children, which underscored the need to cut it from the root. Members of the anti-human trafficking vanguard club in Ihogbe Secondary School, Benin City On the part of the government, Mercy Imasuen-Isibor, desk officer for STEAP at the Edo State Ministry of Education, hailed the project as a strategic step in combating the states reputation as a trafficking hub. This campaign is timely and crucial. By establishing these vanguards, we now have in-school ambassadors who will carry out sensitisation activities. They will be trained to recognise trafficking strategies and report suspicious movements. We are deliberately involving school authorities, parents, and community leaders so that the message goes beyond school walls, she said. Mrs Imasuen-Isibor further explained that the education ministry would ensure the sustainability of the clubs by monitoring their activities and integrating the anti-trafficking agenda into existing school support frameworks. With 50 schools in this first phase, our goal is to eventually expand to every school in Edo State. This way, we can ensure a systemic cultural change, the official said. Representing the Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, his aide, Benedict Omordon, described the initiative as a welcome development If you dont inform the youth, you deform them. The Assembly takes trafficking seriously and is working on laws to protect the vulnerable. Human trafficking is not always about being taken abroad. It also happens within our neighbourhoods. Anyone forced into begging, street hawking, or house help without consent is a victim, he said. In the same vein, the principals of participating schools are not left out, as they also enthusiastically welcomed the vanguard clubs. The Principal of Oba Ewuare Grammar School, Victor Orumwense, called the move historic and transformative. Human trafficking is a crime against humanity, he told students during the launch. It strips people of their agency. These clubs will help build student consciousness and resilience. I hope every student here will see themselves as an ambassador of light against this darkness. Similar sentiments were echoed by other principals in Emotan College, Oredo Girls, Oba Akenzua II, Ihogbe, Egor, Angelican Girls and YWCA schools, among others, who pledged institutional support to sustain the vanguard activities. Perhaps, the most powerful testimony came from Excellence Osamuyimen, president of the new anti-trafficking club at Oredo Girls Secondary School. In a stirring speech, she called on her peers to stay vigilant. We understand the hard choices out there. But human trafficking is a crime that ruins dreams. It dehumanises. It promises freedom, but brings death and disease. Our parents should not be our reason to fall victim. We must finish school, become professionals, and help others rise, he said. Osamuyimen applauded NAPTIP, ICMPD, and the ministry of education for choosing her school, saying, We will not disappoint you. We will take this message to every corner. While the launch of anti-trafficking clubs in Edo schools is an encouraging step, stakeholders agree that it is only the beginning. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, 46 per cent of detected victims in West Africa are children, with girls especially vulnerable. Many fall prey to traffickers under the weight of poverty, peer pressure, family expectations, or manipulation. READ ALSO: NAPTIP begins rehabilitation of woman rescued from Iraqi taskmaster STEAPs approach, rooted in education, peer-to-peer advocacy, and school-community partnerships. offers a promising, sustainable path forward. With sustained support from NAPTIP, ICMPD, and international partners like the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the hope is that todays students will rise as tomorrows defenders: informed, resilient, and unwavering in their stand against exploitation. If Edo succeeds, it could become a model for other regions across Nigeria, where trafficking networks continue to adapt and evolve. For now, a seed has been planted in 50 schools. And in those classrooms, among chalkboards, uniforms, and morning assemblies, a quiet resistance is growing. One student at a time. One voice at a time. Until the chain is finally broken. (NANFEATURES) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Residents are again deserting Borno rural communities following renewed attacks by Boko Haram insurgents. The Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists have carried out at least 12 attacks in the state in the last three weeks, resulting in the killing of scores of soldiers and civilians. Residents had hoped the attacks would reduce after the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, led his state counterpart, Bello Matawalle, the Chief of Defence Staff, Chris Musa, and the service chiefs on a visit to assess the security situation. However, despite assurances given by the authorities to check the resurgence of the insurgency, the attacks have increased. Since the security officials visit, the insurgents have carried out a dozen attacks, targeting military bases and civilians. Though the military reported eliminating scores of the insurgents and recovering arms and other security materials after dislodging their enclaves in the Sambisa forest, over 40 civilians were reported to have died in the attacks. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The insurgents also snatched military equipment and vehicles, including gun trucks. Twelve attacks in three weeks On 28 April, three days after the ministers visit, a bomb planted by the insurgents exploded on the Gamboru-Ngala road, killing eight travellers and injuring scores of others. The next day, the insurgents attacked Chibok, the community where scores of secondary school girls were kidnapped in 2014. 14 residents were killed and an undisclosed number were missing in the latest attack on the community. Between 30 April and 10 May, the insurgents also unleashed terror on Mobbar and Gwoza towns. They killed two soldiers in Gwoza, including an army captain, and 17 fishermen in Mobbar. Last week, the insurgents carried out eight attacks, the first through another bomb that exploded along the Maiduguri-Damboa road, killing an undisclosed number of people. They struck Marte, Dikwa, Rann, and Gajiram between Monday and Tuesday. The worst carnage was recorded in the Marte attack, where seven soldiers paid the supreme price. The terrorists also stole some motorcycles and destroyed some gun trucks after setting ablaze the military base. Gallant soldiers repelled an attack by the insurgents in Gajiram and engaged them in gun battles in Dikwa and Rann, with four soldiers killed in action. The latest attacks were recorded on Friday in Wulgo, Baga, and Gwoza. While the military immediately foiled the Gwoza attack with no reported casualties, the terrorists killed 15 farmers in Baga. No casualties were reported in the Wulgo attack, but the insurgents burned down public buildings (including schools and hospitals) and five military vehicles, while stealing two vehicles. Meanwhile, the Nigerian military that it is on top of the situation. Troops are attacking the terrorists camps in the Sambisa forest. The military blamed the major hideout of the insurgents running away from the operations in Sambisa for the recent attacks on the communities. Reuben Kovangiya, the spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai, a counter-insurgency operation in the North-east, said troops have dislodged the terrorists from their enclaves at Garin Malam Ali, Garin Glucose, Ukuba, among other areas of the Sambisa forest. Residents in panic These frequent attacks have left communities in panic. The withdrawal of troops from some communities after attacks by the insurgents has exacerbated the panic. As I speak, there is no single soldier in Wulgo, a source in the town told PREMIUM TIMES, stating that troops left after the attack on the community on Friday morning. In other communities, the insurgents were discouraging residents from farming and their other daily businesses by imposing taxes on them. Clashes over resources often resulted in the killing of civilians. Some of these residents had just resettled after being displaced for many years. We are not fine. Our people have been killed by Boko Haram. We are yet to recover their bodies, but we were told those killed are more than 15, a source in Baga said on Saturday. They (insurgents) have established gates that people must pass to access the river and farms. They also issue clearance tickets for the farmers, and people get killed when they try to bypass these protocols. Boko Haram have its gates. If you pass without their clearance ticket or try to bypass their gates, they will kill you, the elderly man in Baga said, asking this reporter not to mention his name for fear of being tracked down by the terrorists. People have to go out to look for food because there is nothing to do except farming and fishing, he added. We are on top of the situation CDS In his latest remarks on the situation, the Chief of Defence Staff asked the public not to panic as new strategies and sophisticated weapons were being deployed to address the insurgency once and for all. Mr Musa, an army general, said apart from the onslaught in the Sambisa forest, other operations against the insurgents across the Sahel were also pushing the insurgents into Nigerian communities. He noted that the authorities were forming an international synergy to deal with the threats. READ ALSO: Kidnappers kill APC chieftain despite collecting N5 million ransom What we are witnessing here is a surge caused by pressure on terrorists in the Sahel region, forcing them to increase attacks in Nigeria, especially around the porous borders of the Lake Chad Basin. During my recent trip to Russia, Nigeria maintained a non-aligned stance but engaged with key stakeholders ready to partner with us in this fight. We have procured more sophisticated weapons, which will soon be deployed alongside new strategies to end the madness of terrorism. These isolated attacks should not be a cause for concern, as the military and security agencies are firmly in control, Musa told journalists in Maiduguri, Borno, that the Tinubu-led government is committed to bringing lasting peace. The tense situation has provoked debates among Borno leaders, including federal lawmakers from the state. Governor Babagana Zulum called for a day of fasting to seek divine intervention on the resurgence of the attacks, while assuring the governments commitment to curb the situation. Ahmad Satomi, a member of the House of Representatives, called for a probe into a fire incident at the armoury in Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri. He described the incident and the escalating attacks on military formations in Borno and Yobe states as a grave threat to national security and public safety. He lamented that several military installations had come under heavy assault, resulting in the loss of lives among soldiers and civilians. The bravery and sacrifice of our military personnel are being tested by these relentless assaults, he said, adding that the surrounding civilian communities remain exposed to extreme danger. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Rome, Italy, on Saturday to join other world leaders at the solemn mass marking the beginning of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The installation mass will take place on Sunday, 18 May. President Tinubu was received at the Mario De Bernardo Military Airport by Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, minister of state for foreign affairs, and officials from Vatican City and the Nigerian Embassy after the plane touched down at 6 p.m. local time. President Tinubu is in Rome to honour the new popes invitation, which was conveyed by the Vaticans Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The papal invitation underscored the need for President Tinubus physical presence at this moment of particular importance for the Catholic Church and the world afflicted by many tensions and conflicts. Your great nation is particularly dear to me as I worked in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s, Pope Leo XIV further said in the invitation. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later READ ALSO: Tinubu travels to Rome at request of Pope Leo XIV President Tinubus entourage includes the Archbishop of Owerri and President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, and Alfred Martins of Lagos. The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Kukah, is also in the presidents entourage. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has called for the immediate release of a social media influencer in the state, Awudumu Reigneth. The police reportedly arrested her on Saturday in Bayelsa. The PDP faction led by George Turnah claimed that Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa ordered the arrest of Awudumu, an active member of the NEW Associates, a political group loyal to the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, and working for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Mr Turnah, the South-South zonal secretary of the PDP, is the acting chairperson of the party in Bayelsa and the lead convener of the New Associates in the state. However, Governor Diris administration does not recognise the PDP faction or accept Mr Turnah, the estranged former aide to the governor, as a member of the party. Messrs Diri and Turnah clashed recently over a political rally organised by the NEW Associates for President Tinubu and Mr Wike. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The governor had said he opposed the rally because it could import the political crisis in neighbouring Rivers State into Bayelsa. After its initial postponement, the rally was held, but not without some gunshots. Disturbing development In a statement issued on Sunday, 18 May, the PDP faction condemned Awudumus arrest, describing it as unlawful and a disturbing development. It said Awudumu is accused of cyberbullying. Miss Reigneth Awudumu has been an unwavering supporter of our party in Ogbia Local Government Area and played a pivotal role in the success of our campaigns during the 2019 elections and the recent 2023 re-election of Governor Douye Diri, Derri Wright, the acting spokesperson of the PDP faction, said in the statement. We are aware that the arrest and detention of Reigneth is orchestrated by the Diri administration simply because of her membership of the NEW Associates and her involvement in the recent mega rally by the group loyal to the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, where she serves as the Director General of the NEW Media Team, the statement added. PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify that Governor Diri had a hand in Awudumus arrest. The PDP faction said it wants to remind the Bayelsa governor that Nigeria is a democracy and that it will resist dictatorship. We reaffirm our call for the immediate and unconditional release of Miss Awudumu Reigneth. The PDP, led by our Acting State Chairman, Mr George Turnah, stands firmly against these tactics of intimidation and repression. We will not stand idly by as the fundamental rights of our members, and indeed, Bayelsans, are trampled upon. We urge Governor Diri to immediately retrace his steps as failure to heed our call for the release of Miss Awudumu will compel us to escalate our actions, including considering the options of expelling him from our party, the statement said. PREMIUM TIMES could not immediately get the comment of Governor Diris spokesperson, Daniel Alabrah, as he did not respond to our reporters call. The police in Bayelsa have yet to speak about Awudumus arrest. Musa Mohammed, the police spokesperson in the state, did not respond to calls or text messages from our reporter. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Local people bid farewell to giant panda pair Xing Xing and Liang Liang outside the Zoo Negara near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May 18, 2025. Malaysians bid a tearful farewell on Sunday to giant panda pair Xing Xing and Liang Liang, who will return to China after their 11-year stay in the Southeast Asian country. Dozens of well-wishers and fans of the beloved panda pair gathered as early as 5 a.m. at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara to see them off, with some travelling from other states to the national zoo located in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua) KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Malaysians bid a tearful farewell on Sunday to giant panda pair Xing Xing and Liang Liang, who will return to China after their 11-year stay in the Southeast Asian country. Dozens of well-wishers and fans of the beloved panda pair gathered as early as 5 a.m. at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara to see them off, with some travelling from other states to the national zoo located in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. As the vehicles arrived to transport Xing Xing and Liang Liang to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, many became emotional and frantically waved the giant pandas goodbye, with some capturing photos and videos to remember them by. Among those gathered was Zoo Negara Deputy President Rosly Rahmat Ahmat Lana, who said panda caretaker Mohd Saiffullah Md Yusuf would accompany the pandas to China and stay for a few days to help them settle in. "The pandas are in good health. We've always supported the panda conservation program. I truly appreciate the fans who came...their presence shows how much they care," he told the media. The iconic giant panda pair were loaned to the Malaysian government in 2014 for 10 years to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China. They played a key role as "ambassadors" to the country, strengthening the bilateral bonds through the many thousands of Malaysian visitors who came to see them and learned about the conservation efforts carried out by China through information available at the center where they were housed. The giant panda pair were blessed with three cubs during their stay in Malaysia -- Nuan Nuan, born in 2015, Yi Yi, born in 2018, and Sheng Yi, born in 2021. All three were safely returned to China prior to their parents' return. Staff transfer giant panda pair Xing Xing and Liang Liang at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May 18, 2025. Malaysians bid a tearful farewell on Sunday to giant panda pair Xing Xing and Liang Liang, who will return to China after their 11-year stay in the Southeast Asian country. Dozens of well-wishers and fans of the beloved panda pair gathered as early as 5 a.m. at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara to see them off, with some travelling from other states to the national zoo located in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. (Xinhua/Cheng Yiheng) Local people bid farewell to giant panda pair Xing Xing and Liang Liang outside the Zoo Negara near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May 18, 2025. Malaysians bid a tearful farewell on Sunday to giant panda pair Xing Xing and Liang Liang, who will return to China after their 11-year stay in the Southeast Asian country. Dozens of well-wishers and fans of the beloved panda pair gathered as early as 5 a.m. at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara to see them off, with some travelling from other states to the national zoo located in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua) A van carrying giant panda pair Xing Xing and Liang Liang leaves the Zoo Negara near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May 18, 2025. Malaysians bid a tearful farewell on Sunday to giant panda pair Xing Xing and Liang Liang, who will return to China after their 11-year stay in the Southeast Asian country. Dozens of well-wishers and fans of the beloved panda pair gathered as early as 5 a.m. at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara to see them off, with some travelling from other states to the national zoo located in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua) Staff transfer giant panda pair Xing Xing and Liang Liang at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May 18, 2025. Malaysians bid a tearful farewell on Sunday to giant panda pair Xing Xing and Liang Liang, who will return to China after their 11-year stay in the Southeast Asian country. Dozens of well-wishers and fans of the beloved panda pair gathered as early as 5 a.m. at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara to see them off, with some travelling from other states to the national zoo located in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. (Xinhua/Cheng Yiheng) President Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate, and former Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi met at Pope Leo XIVs installation mass on Sunday in Rome. Mr Fayemi sighted President Tinubu, where he sat with other leaders and asked Mr Obi to follow him to pay homage to the Nigerian leader. Mr Obi agreed. On getting to the president, Mr Fayemi broke the ice between Messrs Obi and Tinubu. He said: Mr President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence. President Tinubu, ever quick-witted, responded: I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. Im the Head of the Nigerian Delegation. The presidents response cracked up Mr Obi, who agreed with the president. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Obi said: Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation. Messrs Obi and Fayemi are staunch Catholics and Papal knights. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police in Anambra State said they will unravel the circumstances that led to the death of a middle-aged man found hanging from a tree in Amichi, Nnewi-South Local Government Area of the state. Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson in Anambra, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Awka, saying the incident occurred on 16 May. Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, quoted the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, as saying that suicide by hanging had become rampant and suspicious in the state. Mr Orutugu charged police operatives to step up surveillance and intelligence gathering to check crimes in the south-eastern state. The commissioner urged them to uncover the circumstances of the alleged suicide on a mango tree at Amichi and bring the perpetrators to justice. According to him, an unidentified person called through the phone, belonging to the deceased, to report the discovery of the body in the bush. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later ALSO READ: Police arrest suspected traffic robber over N20m hair theft in Lagos The police said the corpse has been deposited in the morgue, while operatives are trying to contact the family of the deceased. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the corpse of a pregnant woman was found recently hanging on a cashew tree along Uke-Idemili Road. There was suspicion that an unidentified suspect may have murdered the woman. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria has harped on the imperative of enhanced collaboration between China and Nigeria in unlocking the potential of Nigerias Solid Minerals sector through the establishment of electric vehicle factories in Nigeria. Speaking while paying a courtesy visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake in his office at the weekend, Yu Dunhai emphasised that Nigeria is a great country blessed with tremendous natural resources, noting that China has always placed Nigeria in a very pivotal position of her foreign policy. Recalling the recent high-level engagement between Presidents Bola Tinubu and Xi Jinping during Tinubus state visit to China, Mr Dunhai noted that both leaders agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, creating new opportunities for cooperation. Chinese companies are already deeply involved in Nigerias mining sector, from exploration to processing. We aim to deepen this collaboration, especially in line with President Tinubus eight priority areas, notably economic diversification through solid minerals, he added. The ambassador noted that the embassy and the Chinese government have always admonished Chinese companies operating in Nigeria to abide by rules and regulations, implement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and adhere to environmental and safety standards, stressing that the Chinese authorities have zero tolerance for illegal mining, signifying their readiness to work with the Nigerian government to bring suspected culprits to justice. In his response, Mr Alake stated that Nigeria appreciates its long-standing relations with China, acknowledging that most Chinese firms operate within legal and regulatory frameworks. However, he expressed concern over the actions of a few operators tarnishing Chinas image, referencing a recent viral video involving a Chinese national allegedly bribing local security agents. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Weve taken action against illegal operators, including some Chinese nationals. While isolated, such incidents undermine the good work of many compliant Chinese firms. We need your cooperation in ensuring that such culprits are brought to justice, the minister asserted. The minister also highlighted the impact of the Mining Marshals established to combat illegal mining affirming that the outfit has sent the right signal in the sector, raised awareness about the menace and has consequently improved compliance to regulations by both local and foreign operators. He reiterated that Nigeria is open for business to serious investors, stressing that investments in the nations mining industry are now focused on local value addition. For years, our minerals have been exported raw to fuel foreign industrialization. That must change. We now prioritize local processing to drive Nigerias development. For instance, with the abundance of lithium, we want to see local manufacturing of electric vehicles and batteries, he said. Mr Alake urged Mr Dunhai to encourage Chinese investors to commit to full-cycle investmentsfrom extraction to processingwithin Nigeria. He pointed out Nigerias large market and the potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels through electric vehicle production. Responding, Mr Dunhai expressed support for Nigerias local value-addition policy, pointing out that one of President Xi Jinpings key priorities is promoting African industrialisation. He revealed that plans are underway to establish electric vehicle factories and other manufacturing ventures in Nigeria. *Segun Tomori* , FSCA Special Assistant on Media to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development. 18th May, 2025. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print As the American University of Nigeria (AUN) graduates 218 undergraduate and postgraduate students on Saturday, commencement speaker Brian Deaver asked the graduates to uphold excellence and do away with good enough in all their endeavours. Mr Deaver, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Abuja-based African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), told the students that good enough is the enemy of excellence. He spoke on Saturday at the 16th commencement ceremony of AUN held at the universitys campus in Yola, Adamawa State. He explained that the concept of good enough is about surrendering to comfort being better than greatness. Excellence is not just a goal, it is a habit, he said. Good enough is the voice that tells you to turn in the assignment before checking it one more time. It is the whisper that says, Why push harder when no one is watching? It is the satisfied shrug that kills innovation, poisons relationships, and buries dreams. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He said excellence manifests in all aspects of life in ones thinking, personal conduct, and professional work. Mr Deaver called on the students to uphold excellence, noting it is choosing to demand more of yourself, even when no one else does. It is showing up 30 minutes early, listening ten minutes longer, and staying committed long after the excitement has faded. Excellence is not perfection. Excellence is not genius. To quote your outgoing AUN Honor Society President, Israel Curtis-Dike: Excellence is not just a goal; it is a habit., he said. If this generation your generation is determined to abandon good enough, then Nigeria will not rise slowly she will rise like the morning sun: bold, bright, undeniable, and unstoppable. Earlier in his welcome address, AUN President DeWayne Frazier noted that the ceremony is not just the end of one chapter, but the beginning of another in the lives of the graduates. Mr Frazier congratulated the students and their parents for the milestones, calling it a testament to their determination and resilience. You have shown us what it means to dream big, to pursue your passions, and to overcome challenges with grace and fortitude, he said. As we reflect on the years that have led us to this moment, let us remember the countless hours spent studying, the late nights fueled by determination, and the unwavering support from family and friends who have been by your side every step of the way. READ ALSO: AUN awards outstanding students at graduation dinner Graduation This year, the university graduated 199 undergraduate students from the Schools of Arts and Sciences, Information Technology and Computing, Law, and Engineering. The valedictorian, Habiba Abdullahi, graduated with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.92 on a 4.0 scale. Ms Abdullahi earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural and Environmental Sciences. The university also graduated 19 postgraduate students, comprising four doctoral students, 14 masters degree students, and one postgraduate diploma recipient. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print On Saturday, at the 16th commencement ceremony of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Habiba Abdullahi was announced the valedictorian (best graduating student) of the class of 2025. Ms Abdullahi, an indigene of Adamawa State, graduated Summa Cum Laude (first class) with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.92 on a 4.0 scale. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural and Environmental Sciences with a focus on Biomedical Sciences. Ms Abdullahi, who transferred to AUN from another university in 2022, received the Founders Award for Academic Excellence during the ceremony. Though she didnt disclose the university, Ms Abdullahi told PREMIUM TIMES that she has secured a post-graduate admission into an Ivy League university in the US. She said she faced challenges during her research project, which took almost two years to complete, because she had to send certain samples out of the country for analysis. She said the low lecturer-to-student ratio and lecturers willingness to help at all times contributed to her success. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The faculty-to-student ratio in this school is way better than it was in my last school. So being able to talk to faculty whenever you have a problem, and then being able to address it as quickly as possible compared to my former school and just for any faculty, theyre just honestly the best, like professors, Ive ever met and they played a big role in my success, she said. She appreciated her parents and faculty members whom she said inspired and pushed her to do more. About Valedictorian Ms Abdullahi is a member of the universitys elite Honour Society, a group of outstanding students in the university. She has also been listed on the university presidents academic recognition accolade for five consecutive semesters. She served as the Public Relations Officer of the AUN Girl Child Aid Foundation and Event Coordinator for the WAAW Foundation, AUN Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (AUN-STME) initiatives. I enjoy tutoring other students organic chemistry most especially. It was my favourite course. At the end of the semester when the students come and tell me they got A- or B+, you just feel that sense of fulfillment, you feel accomplished and its very rewarding, she said. READ ALSO: Commencement speaker urges excellence as AUN graduates 218 students Also as part of the Honour Society, I was the events coordinator for working towards advancing STEM education for African women, where we go to Government Secondary Schools here in Yola to promote STEM education to the young girls because, a lot of girls are told that the STEM field is a male-dominated field, so you dont belong here. just telling them that you also have a place here and you also have a future here. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted sunny and cloudy weather conditions, with thunderstorms, across the country from Sunday to Tuesday. NiMets weather outlook, released on Saturday in Abuja, predicted sunny skies on Sunday. It also forecast patches of cloud and thunderstorms in parts of Gombe, Bauchi, Kaduna, Taraba, and Adamawa States during the afternoon and evening. According to NiMet, in the North-central region, sunny skies are forecasted, with isolated thunderstorms over parts of Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger, Benue, and Kogi states in the afternoon or evening. NiMet also predicted morning thunderstorms in southern regions, including Cross River, Lagos, Ogun, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States, with isolated thunderstorms later in the day. On Monday, sunny skies with patches of cloud are expected in the northern region, with chances of morning thunderstorms in Taraba and Adamawa States. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Isolated thunderstorms are forecasted for the afternoon or evening in parts of Kaduna, Taraba, and Adamawa States. In the North-central region, sunny skies with some cloud are expected, with isolated thunderstorms possible over the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kwara, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Plateau States. Southern regions will see morning thunderstorms in Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom, followed by isolated thunderstorms later in the day. According to NiMet, for Tuesday, sunny skies with few clouds are forecast over the northern region, with chances of isolated thunderstorms in parts of Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, and Adamawa States in the morning. The agency predicted isolated thunderstorms over parts of Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Adamawa, and Taraba States later in the day. NiMet also forecasted sunny skies with patches of cloud in the North-central region, with isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening in the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kogi, Plateau, Benue, and Niger states. The southern region will experience morning thunderstorms in Cross River, Lagos, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States, with thunderstorms expected later in the day. The agency advised the public to take precautions, as strong winds might precede thunderstorms, and to secure loose objects to prevent damage. It also urges residents to avoid driving under heavy rain, disconnect electrical appliances, and stay clear of tall trees to avoid falling branches. Airline operators are encouraged to consult NiMet for specific weather reports to assist in flight planning. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, Abubakar Jidda, says Nigeria is unwaveringly committed to strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties with the United States. Mr Jidda made the call in Cleveland, Ohio, while delivering the keynote address at the 14th Annual Trade and Investment Summit of the Nigeria-USA Chamber of Commerce on Saturday. He said Nigeria remained open for business and urged US stakeholders and the Nigerian diaspora business community to take advantage of far-reaching reforms under President Bola Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda to invest in key sectors of the Nigerian economy. Nigeria is sending a clear and coordinated message to global partners: We are reforming, we are resilient, and we are ready, Mr Jidda said, calling on investors to leverage Nigerias strategic reforms and immense economic potential. For Nigeria and the United States, this is the time to move from diplomacy to concrete deliverables owing to the longstanding relations between the two countries, Mr Jidda said. According to him, the volume of trade between Nigeria and the US was over $8.1 billion in 2024 while Nigerias non-oil exports to the US grew by over 15 per cent, highlighting the trade and investment relationship between the two countries. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He said recent landmark policy shifts such as the removal of fuel subsidies, foreign exchange unification, tax reforms and business environment enhancements demonstrated Nigerias commitment to creating the enabling environment for a private sector-led diversified economy. The envoy further highlighted the governments initiatives to liberalise trade, improve market access and institutionalise legal and regulatory frameworks to protect foreign investment. The diplomat stressed that no serious investor looking for long-term growth and appreciable return on investment could afford to ignore Nigeria. He added, Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa with a population of over 220 million, a youthful and dynamic labour force and access to the $3.4 trillion African Continental Free Trade Area. Investors in Nigeria are not just entering a country, they are accessing an entire continent, he said, urging investors to come to Nigeria, invest in Nigeria and grow with Nigeria. Mr Jidda outlined 10 key pillars driving Nigerias international trade and investment policy, including trade liberalisation, investment protection, ease of doing business reforms, infrastructure modernisation, export diversification and public-private partnerships. He said improvements such as online company registration within 24 hours, digitised port operations, special economic zones, tax holidays and visa-on-arrival policies were strategically designed to lower barriers and facilitate smoother entry for foreign businesses. Mr Jidda cited growth opportunities in agribusiness, FinTech, energy transition, pharmaceutical manufacturing, real estate, tourism, shipping and creative industries, urging US and diaspora entrepreneurs to harness Nigerias evolving landscape for mutual prosperity. The envoy also commended the Nigeria-USA Chamber of Commerce for its role in promoting sustainable bilateral economic cooperation and praised Nigerians in the diaspora for their continued contributions to national development. I salute the resilience, brilliance and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians in the diaspora. You remain one of our greatest assets in advancing Nigerias global economic footprint. Your remittances, expertise and investments are pivotal to the nations transformation, the consul-general said. Mr Jidda assured investors that the Nigerian missions in the US stood ready to support investors and potential investors business vision, facilitate engagements and bridge institutional gaps. He encouraged US businesses and investors to collaborate with Nigerian partners, citing robust government-backed financing mechanisms such as the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria and the Development Bank of Nigeria. Mr Jidda said, Nigeria is a promise to be fulfilled. And that promise can only be achieved together. We have vast resources, a strategic geographic position and an unwavering ambition to industrialise. Earlier in his welcome address, the Founding CEO of the Nigeria-USA Chamber of Commerce, Leo Kareem, reflected on the organisations journey since its inception. Since our founding in 2010, this summit has travelled between the United States and Nigeria, strengthening our mission to promote bilateral trade and empower small businesses across continents, Mr Kareem said. READ ALSO: US Embassy issues new requirements for Nigerian visa applicants He said the 2025 theme, Promoting US and Nigerian Exports to Emerging Markets, underscored the chambers commitment to building inclusive economic bridges, exchanging ideas and fostering business partnerships Among the participants at the event was Franklin Ogunyemi, consul for Trade and Investment at the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York, who engaged with US stakeholders on practical opportunities for trade facilitation and investment partnerships with Nigeria. The summit brought together Nigerian and American policymakers, entrepreneurs, trade experts and investors to explore collaborative opportunities and strengthen commercial partnerships between the two nations. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Bayo Ojulari, group chief executive officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL) Limited to account for and explain the whereabouts of the missing N500 billion, which the NNPCL failed to remit to the Federation Account, between October 2024 and December 2024, as revealed by the World Bank. SERAP urged Mr Ojulari to identify those suspected to be involved, surcharge them for the full amount involved, and hand them over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation and prosecution. SERAP also urged Mr Ojulari to invite the EFCC and ICPC to investigate the spending and whereabouts of the N500 billion, and to ensure the full recovery and remittance of the money to the Federation Account without further delay. Last week, the World Bank disclosed that out of the N1.1 trillion revenue from crude sales and other income in 2024, the NNPC only remitted N600bn, leaving a deficit of N500bn. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) also recently called for the subsidy removal savings to be transferred to the national budget. The NNPC Limited has recently been under intense scrutiny and audit, following the removal of its management team led by Mele Kyari. Anti-corruption agencies have also, in recent weeks, begun investigating some of the ousted officials. In the Freedom of Information request dated 17 May, and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: There is a legitimate public interest in explaining the whereabouts of the alleged missing N500 billion oil money and grave violations of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended]. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later SERAP said the countrys oil wealth ought to be used solely for the benefit of the Nigerian people and the sake of the present and future generations. It argued that Nigerians have the right to know why the NNPC Limited failed to remit the subsidy removal savings to the Federation Account, and why the NNPCL is deliberately denying states and local governments their allocations from the account, contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended]. The letter read in part: Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of these missing public funds from the NNPCL meant for the economic development of the country. We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel the NNPCL to comply with our requests in the public interest. The missing oil revenue reflects a failure of NNPCL accountability more generally and is directly linked to the institutions continuing failure to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability. Constitutional Provisions SERAP argued that the Nigerian Constitution, the Freedom of Information Act, and the countrys anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding the spending of their commonwealth. It noted that the Supreme Court in a groundbreaking judgment recently declared that the Freedom of Information Act is applicable and applies to the public records in the Federation, including those kept by the NNPC Limited. SERAP is concerned that the Auditor-General of the Federation and Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) have for many years documented reports of disappearance of oil money from the NNPCL. The allegations have undermined the economic development of the country, trapped the majority of Nigerians in poverty, and deprived them of opportunities. The failure by the NNPCL to remit the money to the Federation Account is a grave violation of the public trust and the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, national anticorruption laws, and the countrys obligations under the UN Convention against Corruption, the statement said. It argued that despite the countrys enormous oil wealth, ordinary Nigerians have derived very little benefit from oil money primarily because of widespread grand corruption and the entrenched culture of impunity of perpetrators. Combating the corruption epidemic in the oil sector would alleviate poverty, improve access of Nigerians to basic public goods and services, and enhance the ability of the government to meet its human rights and anti-corruption obligations, the civic group said. According to our information, the World Bank recently disclosed that out of the N1.1 trillion revenue from crude sales and other income in 2024, the NNPCL only remitted N600bn, leaving a deficit of N500bn unaccounted for. The revenue and other income were expected to be paid into the Federation Account and shared by all levels of government, but the NNPCL reportedly failed to do so. SERAP notes that Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) requires public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power, the letter reads. NNPCs Responsibility SERAP noted that Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on the NNPC Limited to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the Constitution. Nigeria has made legally binding commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption to ensure accountability in the management of public resources. Articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on the NNPCL to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds, it said. These commitments ought to be fully upheld and respected. Explaining the spending details and whereabouts of the missing N500 billion public funds, identifying those suspected to be responsible and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice and the full recovery of any missing public funds would serve the public interest and end the impunity of perpetrators. The letter said the missing oil revenue has also impeded Nigerians ability to enjoy their economic and social rights, and denied them access to essential public goods and services, especially at the time of the cost-of-living crisis in the country. It noted that it has further damaged the already precarious economy and contributed to very high levels of deficit spending by the government. Had the NNPCL accounted for and remitted the alleged missing N500 billion to the Federation Account, it is likely that more funds would have been allocated to the fulfilment of economic and social rights, such as increased spending on public goods and services. Without the full recovery and remittance of the missing N500 billion of oil revenue, the dire economic situation may worsen and Nigerians will continue to be denied access to basic public goods and services. The Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee to everyone the right to information on the whereabouts of the missing N500 billion of oil revenue, the letter read. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A Labour Party (LP) member at the House of Representatives has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State. Sunday Umeha, who represents Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency of Enugu State, announced his defection during an APC political rally at Ibagwa Aka Community in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State on Saturday. At the rally, Mr Umeha said his defection became imperative due to the protracted crises rocking the LP at national and state levels. He said the crises have prevented him from representing his constituents effectively. The lawmaker also said his decision to join the ruling APC was to connect to the centre and bring his people closer to power. There are a lot of advantages in plugging into the centre, he said at the rally. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Umeha said the APC had served the interests of Igbos better than the PDP at the federal level. He cited the reconstruction of the Enugu-Onitsha and Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriageways as some of the landmark projects the APC-led administration had done in the South-east region. With the latest development, the APC now has an elected official in Enugu State for the first time since the partys formation over 10 years ago. Several political analysts in Nigeria have expressed worry that the country could turn into a one-party state, with the rate of defection from the opposition parties to the APC. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare congratulated Nigerian epidemiologist Chikwe Ihekweazu on his appointment as the Executive Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Health Emergencies Programme. Mr Ihekweazu, who previously served as the founding Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), now takes over from Mike Ryan, an Irish epidemiologist, in a role critical to responding to public health emergencies globally. In a statement released by the Ministry on Sunday, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, described the appointment as the right choice at the right time. Mr Pate, a professor of Public Health Leadership, noted that Mr Ihekweazus appointment comes at a time when the world is facing multiple health threats, including pandemics, climate-related health threats, and fragile health systems. He further praised him for being an exceptional leader and a loyal team player, expressing full confidence in his ability to deliver in the new position. Global role Before this, Mr Ihekweazu was appointed in February as the Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, taking over from Matshidiso Moeti, who held the post for 10 years. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus had expressed confidence in Mr Ihekweazus ability to lead during the transition period, citing his depth of experience and leadership. In his new role, Mr Ihekweazu is expected to coordinate WHOs global efforts in emergency preparedness, epidemic intelligence, and health response across countries. Chikwe Ihekweazu is an exceptional leader and a loyal team player. I am confident that his tenure will further strengthen global health security and emergency preparedness. His visionary leadership, experience, and unwavering dedication to public health will serve the world well, Mr Pate noted in the statement. The world is changing rapidly, and the future of global health depends on bold, trusted, and compassionate leadership. Mr Ihekweazu embodies all of this-and more. The WHO has made an excellent choice. About Chikwe Ihekweazu Mr Ihekweazu has built an extensive career in infectious disease epidemiology and public health leadership. Before joining WHO in 2021, he was the first Director-General of the NCDC, a role he held from 2016 to 2021. His tenure at the agency was marked by significant advancements in Nigerias infectious disease preparedness and response mechanisms, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he served as a key member of Nigerias Presidential Task Force on COVID-19. ALSO READ: Former NCDC boss Ihekweazu appointed acting WHO regional director for Africa At WHO, Mr Ihekweazu has been serving as the Assistant Director-General and Deputy Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Programme in Geneva, Switzerland. With over 25 years of experience in public health, Mr Ihekweazu has worked in several national public health institutions across multiple countries, including the South African National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the United Kingdoms Health Protection Agency, and Germanys Robert Koch Institute (RKI). He has also participated in WHO-led responses to major disease outbreaks worldwide, including being part of the first WHO mission to China during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in February 2020. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print People visit Tianjin Machine Tool Industry Museum in Tianjin, north China, May 18, 2025. Tianjin Machine Tool Industry Museum, transformed from the old factory area of Tianjin No. 1 Machine Tool Co., Ltd., began trial operations on International Museum Day. The museum features a 1,100-square-meter permanent exhibition area showcasing over 40 precious machine tools and more than 200 industrial artifacts, documents and archival footage. Established in 1951, Tianjin No. 1 Machine Tool Co., Ltd. was once a pioneer in China's gear machine tool industry. As part of Tianjin's urban renewal efforts, the site has been revitalized into a cultural landmark blending industrial education and tourism, preserving the city's manufacturing heritage. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) People visit Tianjin Machine Tool Industry Museum in Tianjin, north China, May 18, 2025. Tianjin Machine Tool Industry Museum, transformed from the old factory area of Tianjin No. 1 Machine Tool Co., Ltd., began trial operations on International Museum Day. The museum features a 1,100-square-meter permanent exhibition area showcasing over 40 precious machine tools and more than 200 industrial artifacts, documents and archival footage. Established in 1951, Tianjin No. 1 Machine Tool Co., Ltd. was once a pioneer in China's gear machine tool industry. As part of Tianjin's urban renewal efforts, the site has been revitalized into a cultural landmark blending industrial education and tourism, preserving the city's manufacturing heritage. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) This photo taken on May 18, 2025 shows a view of Tianjin Machine Tool Industry Museum in Tianjin, north China. Tianjin Machine Tool Industry Museum, transformed from the old factory area of Tianjin No. 1 Machine Tool Co., Ltd., began trial operations on International Museum Day. The museum features a 1,100-square-meter permanent exhibition area showcasing over 40 precious machine tools and more than 200 industrial artifacts, documents and archival footage. Established in 1951, Tianjin No. 1 Machine Tool Co., Ltd. was once a pioneer in China's gear machine tool industry. As part of Tianjin's urban renewal efforts, the site has been revitalized into a cultural landmark blending industrial education and tourism, preserving the city's manufacturing heritage. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) People visit Tianjin Machine Tool Industry Museum in Tianjin, north China, May 18, 2025. Tianjin Machine Tool Industry Museum, transformed from the old factory area of Tianjin No. 1 Machine Tool Co., Ltd., began trial operations on International Museum Day. The museum features a 1,100-square-meter permanent exhibition area showcasing over 40 precious machine tools and more than 200 industrial artifacts, documents and archival footage. Established in 1951, Tianjin No. 1 Machine Tool Co., Ltd. was once a pioneer in China's gear machine tool industry. As part of Tianjin's urban renewal efforts, the site has been revitalized into a cultural landmark blending industrial education and tourism, preserving the city's manufacturing heritage. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) People experience an interactive machine tool device at Tianjin Machine Tool Industry Museum in Tianjin, north China, May 18, 2025. Tianjin Machine Tool Industry Museum, transformed from the old factory area of Tianjin No. 1 Machine Tool Co., Ltd., began trial operations on International Museum Day. The museum features a 1,100-square-meter permanent exhibition area showcasing over 40 precious machine tools and more than 200 industrial artifacts, documents and archival footage. Established in 1951, Tianjin No. 1 Machine Tool Co., Ltd. was once a pioneer in China's gear machine tool industry. As part of Tianjin's urban renewal efforts, the site has been revitalized into a cultural landmark blending industrial education and tourism, preserving the city's manufacturing heritage. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) People visit Tianjin Machine Tool Industry Museum in Tianjin, north China, May 18, 2025. Tianjin Machine Tool Industry Museum, transformed from the old factory area of Tianjin No. 1 Machine Tool Co., Ltd., began trial operations on International Museum Day. The museum features a 1,100-square-meter permanent exhibition area showcasing over 40 precious machine tools and more than 200 industrial artifacts, documents and archival footage. Established in 1951, Tianjin No. 1 Machine Tool Co., Ltd. was once a pioneer in China's gear machine tool industry. As part of Tianjin's urban renewal efforts, the site has been revitalized into a cultural landmark blending industrial education and tourism, preserving the city's manufacturing heritage. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) People visit Tianjin Machine Tool Industry Museum in Tianjin, north China, May 18, 2025. Tianjin Machine Tool Industry Museum, transformed from the old factory area of Tianjin No. 1 Machine Tool Co., Ltd., began trial operations on International Museum Day. The museum features a 1,100-square-meter permanent exhibition area showcasing over 40 precious machine tools and more than 200 industrial artifacts, documents and archival footage. Established in 1951, Tianjin No. 1 Machine Tool Co., Ltd. was once a pioneer in China's gear machine tool industry. As part of Tianjin's urban renewal efforts, the site has been revitalized into a cultural landmark blending industrial education and tourism, preserving the city's manufacturing heritage. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) People visit Tianjin Machine Tool Industry Museum in Tianjin, north China, May 18, 2025. Tianjin Machine Tool Industry Museum, transformed from the old factory area of Tianjin No. 1 Machine Tool Co., Ltd., began trial operations on International Museum Day. The museum features a 1,100-square-meter permanent exhibition area showcasing over 40 precious machine tools and more than 200 industrial artifacts, documents and archival footage. Established in 1951, Tianjin No. 1 Machine Tool Co., Ltd. was once a pioneer in China's gear machine tool industry. As part of Tianjin's urban renewal efforts, the site has been revitalized into a cultural landmark blending industrial education and tourism, preserving the city's manufacturing heritage. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) People visit Tianjin Machine Tool Industry Museum in Tianjin, north China, May 18, 2025. Tianjin Machine Tool Industry Museum, transformed from the old factory area of Tianjin No. 1 Machine Tool Co., Ltd., began trial operations on International Museum Day. The museum features a 1,100-square-meter permanent exhibition area showcasing over 40 precious machine tools and more than 200 industrial artifacts, documents and archival footage. Established in 1951, Tianjin No. 1 Machine Tool Co., Ltd. was once a pioneer in China's gear machine tool industry. As part of Tianjin's urban renewal efforts, the site has been revitalized into a cultural landmark blending industrial education and tourism, preserving the city's manufacturing heritage. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) People visit Tianjin Machine Tool Industry Museum in Tianjin, north China, May 18, 2025. Tianjin Machine Tool Industry Museum, transformed from the old factory area of Tianjin No. 1 Machine Tool Co., Ltd., began trial operations on International Museum Day. The museum features a 1,100-square-meter permanent exhibition area showcasing over 40 precious machine tools and more than 200 industrial artifacts, documents and archival footage. Established in 1951, Tianjin No. 1 Machine Tool Co., Ltd. was once a pioneer in China's gear machine tool industry. As part of Tianjin's urban renewal efforts, the site has been revitalized into a cultural landmark blending industrial education and tourism, preserving the city's manufacturing heritage. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, has approved the redeployment of some judges of the court to new divisions across the country. A statement from the courts Director of Information, Catherine Christopher, on Sunday, said the posting took immediate effect. The affected Judges are to make their best endeavour to deliver all pending judgements in their current stations within the shortest possible time, she said. The statement further said the judges currently based in the Abakaliki and Katsina judicial divisions will now assume full responsibility for all pending and newly instituted cases in their respective divisions until further notice. The statement noted that all cases pending before Court No. 5 in the Abuja Judicial Division will henceforth be handled by a judge newly posted to that court. Consequently, there is no need for litigants and /or counsel to apply to the Honourable Chief Judge for re-assignment of cases that have been pending before the Court, the statement added. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The latest redeployments follow similar exercises in recent months, as the court seeks to improve judicial efficiency and balance workload across divisions. PREMIUM TIMES reported that in November 2023, the court undertook a major reshuffle involving 94 judges, following the appointment of 23 new ones. While these moves are part of administrative process, the president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Afam Osigwe had expressed concern that frequent judge transfers could affect case continuity and access to justice, especially in sensitive or high-profile matters. When judges are uprooted and reassigned multiple times in a short span, they are deprived of the opportunity to develop the consistency and familiarity required to deliver timely and effective justice. This inevitably slows down the wheels of justice, leaving litigants in a limbo of uncertainty and delays, Mr Osigwe said in a statement during the 2024/2025 Legal Year of the Federal High Court and Judges Conference in Abuja. Read the full statement below: PRESS RELEASE *REDEPLOYMENT OF JUDGES IN THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT* The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Tsoho, KSS, OFR, FCIArb. (UK) has effected the redeployment of some Judges of the Court. The redeployment of Judges is as follows: 1. Hon. Justice M. G. Umar redeployed from Enugu Judicial Division to Abuja. 2. Hon. Justice Tijjani Garba Ringim, from Gombe Division to Yola Division. 3. Hon. Justice M. T. Segun-Bello; from Abakaliki Division to Enugu Division. 4. Hon. Justice Bala Khalifa-Mohammed Usman; from Yola Division to Awka Division. 5. Hon. Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed; from Awka Division to Gombe Division. The redeployments take immediate effect. The affected Judges are to make their best endeavour to deliver all pending judgements in their current stations within the shortest possible time. Meanwhile, the Judges currently resident in the Abakaliki and Katsina Judicial Divisions shall take responsibility for all the cases already pending or newly instituted in their respective Divisions, until otherwise instructed. In a related development, the general public is hereby notified that all cases pending before Court No. 5 in the Abuja Judicial Division will be attended to by the Judge who has been moved to Abuja for that purpose. Consequently, there is no need for litigants and /or counsel to apply to the Hon. The Chief Judge for re-assignment of cases that have been pending before the Court. Signed CATHERINE OBY CHRISTOPHER, Ph.D, Director of Information, Federal High Court of Nigeria Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Bad pleasure ends in eternal death. A fundamental spiritual principle of Gods kingdom says God is the centre and circumference of everything. He is the Alpha and the Omega. He is the Beginning and the End. (Revelation 1:8). For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. (Romans 11:36). This means if something is of men, it cannot be of God. And if it is of God, it cannot be of men. Accordingly, Jesus asks the Pharisees: The baptism of John where was it from? From heaven or from men? (Matthew 21:25). Jesus reveals that the things of men are not only not of God, but that they are of Satan. Therefore, He rebuked Peter: Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men. (Matthew 16:23). Since the things of men cannot be of God, it follows that the pleasures of men cannot be the pleasures of God. Indeed, Jesus drew a sharp distinction between the two by pointing out that: What is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. (Luke 16:15). Good Pleasure Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later There are two types of pleasure according to the scriptures. There is pleasure that is of God, and there is pleasure that is of man. Good pleasure is the pleasure of God. Bad pleasure is the pleasure of men. Good pleasure is what is pleasing and acceptable to God. For example, Jesus says: Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32). Bad pleasure refers to what is pleasing to men and the flesh. This is commonly referred to simply as pleasure. Once it is the pleasure of men, it is bad and unacceptable to God. It is like success. There is good success and bad success. The success that God approves is good success. God says to Joshua: This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (Joshua 1:8). Bad success is the success men approve of. It is simply referred to as success. It gives great pleasure to men but not to God. For example, when a man makes enough money to buy a Lamborghini, it gives him much pleasure. He might even thank and praise God for the exclusive car. What he does not know is that God hates Lamborghinis. It is an abomination to him because it is highly esteemed by men. (Luke 16:15). The things that give men pleasure are often ungodly. They are often bad. They are often sinful, and they tend to lead to sin. However, the good pleasure of God redeems the soul. It gives: All things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Jesus. (2 Peter 1:3). It makes us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15). It leads to eternal life. Bad pleasure, on the other hand, poisons the soul. It gratifies the flesh and produces sinful lusts. It leads to sin, death, and hell. Jesus provides good pleasure, while the devil promotes bad pleasure. Jesus says: The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10). The Suffering Quotient There is also good suffering and bad suffering. When we suffer for Christs sake, it is good. Peter says: If you should suffer for righteousness sake, you are blessed. (1 Peter 3:14). Bad suffering is when we suffer for malfeasances and crimes. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other peoples matters. (1 Peter 4:15). The disciples of Christ rejoiced when they were beaten for preaching the gospel. When they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. (Acts 5:40-41). The abundant life that Jesus gives includes suffering in this life. Good pleasure often includes suffering in this life and consolation in the life to come. The Bible says of Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2): Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. (Hebrews 5:8). Isaiah prophesies likewise in his messianic psalm: The Lord God has opened My ear; and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away. I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting. For the Lord God will help Me; therefore I will not be disgraced; therefore I have set My face like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed. (Isaiah 50:5-7). Recognising the vanity of the pleasure of men, Moses opted instead for the suffering that meets the good pleasure of God: By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaohs daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. (Hebrews 11:24-26). Bad pleasure, on the other hand, avoids suffering in this life. Bad pleasure chooses enjoyment in this life, and ends up with suffering in the life to come. Avoidance of Suffering Those who opt for the bad pleasures of this life and try to avoid suffering cannot enter the kingdom of God. This is because God has decreed, We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22). Those devoted to bad pleasures who try to avoid tribulation easily fall into sin. Thus Elihu cautions: Take heed, do not turn to iniquity, for you have chosen this rather than affliction. (Job 36:21). This was Peters predicament. He was a lover of pleasure, determined to avoid affliction. Peter disagreed when Jesus told His disciples He was appointed for the cross. Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You! But He turned and said to Peter, Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men. (Matthew 16:22-23). From this, the devil knew he had Peter. He was ready to sift him like wheat. (Luke 22:31). Peter had before him two choices: sin or suffering. He chose sin. So, he denied the Lord Jesus three times to avoid affliction. He cursed and swore that he did not know Jesus. He sinned because he loved his life, loved pleasure, and was afraid of persecution. Jesus had to offer Peter, on his resurrection, the very cross he had disdained. He said to Peter: I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you dont want to go. Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, Follow me. (John 21:18-19). To follow Jesus, Peter had to accept the predicament that he was appointed to suffer for the gospel. The message is clear. There can be no salvation without the cross. Paul cautions about this: For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame who set their mind on earthly things. (Philippians 3:18-19). Therefore, the good pleasure of God ends in eternal life. But the bad pleasure of men ends in eternal death. Good pleasure makes a man hate his life in this world. Jesus says: He who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. (John 12:25). But bad pleasure, on the other hand, makes a man love his life in this world. Jesus says: He who loves his life will lose it. (John 12:25). Valley of Decision Moses says to the church in the wilderness: I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live. (Deuteronomy 30:19-20). Nevertheless, virtually all of them chose death. But why? Why did they choose death? Why did they reject life? They chose death because they were devoted to pleasure. They chose death because they did not want to suffer. But the life that God offers involves suffering. Gods good pleasure always involves suffering. God kills before He makes alive. He wounds and then heals. (Deuteronomy 32:39). If you reject the killing, you will not be made alive. If you love pleasure, you will not be made alive. The Israelites in the wilderness were lovers of pleasure. They soon forgot (Gods) works; they did not wait for His counsel, but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tested God in the desert. And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul. (Psalm 106:13-15). Jesus killed them all because they were lovers of pleasure. Therefore Paul warns that perilous times will come because men will be lovers of pleasure. (2 Timothy 3:1-4). I dont want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptised as followers of Moses. All of them ate the same spiritual food, and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ. Yet God was not pleased with most of them, and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. (1 Corinthians 10:1-5). God was not pleased with them because they were lovers of pleasure. So, Jesus killed virtually all of them over 40 years in the desert. These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say, The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry. And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day. Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. And dont grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death. These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age. (1 Corinthians 10:6-11). What is the warning? Beware of the pleasures of this world and this life. The man devoted to bad pleasure walks in the flesh and fulfils the sinful lusts of the flesh. But the man devoted to good pleasure walks in spirit and does not fulfil the lusts of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16). Those who are Christs have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:24). CONTINUED. [email protected]; www.femiaribisala.com Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print On 15 May 2025, young farmers and key stakeholders from across Jigawa State gathered for a one-day summit themed Quest for Climate-Smart, Productive, Profitable and Sustainable Farming Systems in Jigawa State. The event focused on tackling the twin challenges of agricultural productivity and climate change through smart and sustainable solutions. Organised by the Green and Environmental Project Initiative (GEPI), a civil society organisation, with support from the Jigawa State Government, the summit marked a historic first in the states efforts to engage youth in agricultural and climate resilience discourse. Speaking at the event, Comrade Ahmed Ilallah, GEPIs State Lead, described the summit as historic, emphasising that the organisation had engaged with communities across the state to bring together young farmers, government officials, and other stakeholders to chart a way forward for climate-smart agriculture. Our primary aim is to educate our young and existing farmers about climate-smart practices and align them with the governments agricultural transformation agenda, Ilallah stated. We want to build awareness of adaptive methods and systems that can withstand the growing threats of climate change. The summit was officially declared open by the Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, represented by his Technical Assistant on Agriculture, Dr Saifullahi Umar. In his opening remarks, Dr Umar highlighted the various opportunities available to participants under Governor Namadis agricultural transformation initiatives. A series of expert-led presentations were delivered during the summit including the following: Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Understanding Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar Namadis Agricultural Transformation Agenda for Greater Jigawa by Dr Saifullahi Umar. Understanding the Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture and Food Security by Usman Haruna, a Professor of Agricultural Economics at the Federal University, Dutse. Assessing Agricultural Potentials and Financing to Improve Agriculture in Jigawa State by Muhammad Auwal. The Future of Agriculture and Exploring Climate-Smart Farming Techniques by Dr Ismaila Ibrahim of Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa. The summit concluded with a call for stronger collaboration between government, academia, civil society, and the farming community to build a resilient agricultural future in Jigawa State. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umaru Radda, has officially flagged off the 2025 Hajj operations for the states intending pilgrims with a strong call for them to represent the state and country with discipline, faith, and good conduct throughout the sacred journey to the Holy Land. Governor Radda, who was represented by his Deputy and Amirul Hajj, Faruk Lawal Jobe, performed the flag-off at a well-attended farewell ceremony held at the Hajj Camp in Katsina. The Deputy Governor reminded the 2,047 pilgrims that Hajj is a spiritual obligation, not a sightseeing trip, and must be undertaken with deep devotion and sincerity. This journey is an act of worship. You are going not just as individuals, but as ambassadors of Katsina State and Nigeria. May Almighty Allah accept your Hajj and return you home safely, he said. To ease their journey, the Deputy Governor revealed that the Katsina State Government has donated 600 Saudi Riyals (R600) to each pilgrim for the purchase of Hadiyyah (sacrificial animal). He also noted that 175 officials including doctors, Islamic scholars, and staff of the Pilgrims Welfare Board have been deployed to guide and support the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. We urge you to spend wisely, stay focused, and avoid unnecessary risks. Only exchange your money at recognised centres in Makkah and Madinah, he cautioned. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Yunusa Abdullahi Dankama, appreciated the state governments consistent support and assured the pilgrims that all logistics have been handled to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage. Despite economic challenges, the government stood firm and ensured that Katsinas pilgrims will perform Hajj this year with dignity and peace of mind, he said. Chairman of the State Pilgrims Board , Kabir Bature Sarkin Alhazai, called on the pilgrims to obey their team leaders, stay calm, and concentrate on their spiritual duties. Patience, humility, and obedience are the key to an accepted Hajj. Avoid quarrels and unnecessary distractions, he advised. Prominent Islamic scholars, including Aminu Yammawa and Malam Bin Usman Kano Commissioner of the National Hajj Commission in charge of the North West Zone also delivered sermons, urging the pilgrims to uphold the teachings of Islam, follow Shariah, and maintain good manners throughout the rites. The ceremony also featured the launch of a new book on Hajj and Umrah published by the Gwaagware Foundation under Yusuf Musawa. The book, launched by the Deputy Governor, was dedicated to the memory of the late Hajiya Safarau mother of Governor Radda may Allah grant her Jannatul Firdaus. In a goodwill message, Member representing Kaita/Jibia Federal Constituency, Sada Soli Jibia, provided spiritual guidance on performing Hajj according to Islamic teachings and urged pilgrims to use the knowledge passed down by scholars. Closing the event, the Deputy Governor urged the pilgrims and officials to remember Katsina State and Nigeria in their prayers. While we have made notable progress in addressing insecurity, challenges like kidnapping still linger. Pray for lasting peace, abundant harvests, and continued progress in our dear state, he added. The farewell ceremony ended with prayers for the safety, success, and spiritual fulfillment of all pilgrims. The event was graced by the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Nasir Yahaya Daura; the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar; the Grand Khadi, Kabir Mustapha; members of the State House of Assembly; members of the State Executive Council; and other top government functionaries. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nelson Adepoyigi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward 5 Chairman in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, who was recently kidnapped in Ifon, has reportedly been killed by his abductors. The kidnappers, however, freed two individuals who took N5 million and food items to them as ransom in a bid to secure Mr Adepoyigis release. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the two were initially abducted when they took the ransom to the kidnappers. The kidnappers had earlier reduced their initial demand for the APC leaders release from N100 million to N5 million. They also demanded food supplies. After they increased their captives to three with the abduction of the ransom takers, they made a fresh demand of N30 million to secure the release of the three captives. Confirming the killing of the APC chieftain, an Ifon community leader, who spoke anonymously, said the corpse of the victim was yet to be located in the forest, but the two ransom bearers had reunited with their families. Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ose LGA, Clement Ojo, said the community was grateful that the two volunteers had regained their freedom, but expressed sadness at the murder of Mr Adepoyigi. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The entire leadership and people of Ose Local Government mourn this tragic loss. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and political associates of the deceased, he said. His dedication to the progress of our party and the grassroots community will be forever remembered and honoured. He, however, did not disclose how they confirmed the death of the party leader or whether an additional ransom was paid apart from the N5 million. The council chairman lamented the high rate of kidnappings in the area. We are now at a critical juncture where security challenges have become a serious threat to the safety and freedom of our people, he said. Only a few days before this incident, another resident narrowly escaped being kidnapped while parking his motorcycle. This pattern of brazen abductions, even at the very gates of peoples homes, confirms that insecurity has taken a dangerous and intolerable dimension. Mr Ojo stressed the need for urgent intervention from security agencies to re-strategise and respond promptly to intelligence reports. He also recommended the deployment of security personnel and infrastructure to vulnerable communities in Ose LGA and surrounding areas, as well as improved surveillance, patrols, and community collaboration to detect and deter criminal elements. Mr Ojo called for the swift arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of this heinous crime to serve as a deterrent to others. In his reaction, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Olutokunbo Afolabi, said the police could not immediately ascertain the killing but had deployed special officers to Ifon to investigate the matter. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Warner Music Celebrates the Victory of Its Austrian Artist BASEL, Switzerland, May 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Warner Music proudly congratulates its Austrian artist JJ for winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, Switzerland with his powerful single "Wasted Love". The breakup-inspired pop-opera track, featuring explosive techno beats, captivated international audiences, propelling JJ to victory in front of more than 160 million viewers on Saturday evening. Austrian artist JJ wins Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, Switzerland; Photo credit: Eurovision Doreen Schimk and Fabian Drebes, Co-Presidents of Warner Music Central Europe, commented: "JJ's incredible talent, combined with his innovative sound, has truly resonated with audiences across Europe and beyond, attracting new fans with every performance. Eurovision is the world's most-watched music television show, and we are thrilled to see him shine on such a global stage. We are proud to be part of JJ's journey." Born in Vienna and raised in Dubai, the 24-year-old JJ returned to Austria in 2016. Known for his soprano-range voice, JJ has performed at the Vienna State Opera and gained national attention through his appearance on Austria's casting show Starmania. With this landmark win, JJ now joins the ranks of Eurovision legends, marking a new chapter in his promising career. Access accompanying photos here Media Contact Ollie Ebdon [email protected] President & CEO Michelle Korsmo calls on restaurant operators to focus on the people, consistency and reliability that keep consumers coming to restaurants CHICAGO, May 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Restaurants will continue to thrive by empowering a future-ready workforce and embracing technology to unleash breakthrough efficiency in a rapidly changing and competitive marketplace. This was the message of National Restaurant Association President & CEO Michelle Korsmo today during her keynote address delivered to attendees at the annual National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. Korsmo emphasized to the owners, operators, and suppliers present that the path forward requires investing in people and adopting technologies that enhance the restaurant experience. "We should celebrate the nearly 16 million people who make up this workforce. The competition for talent is fierce. It's not just about filling jobs; it's about inspiring people to choose this industry, to see it as a career that offers purpose and fulfillment," said Korsmo during her remarks. Empowering a Future-Ready Workforce According to the National Restaurant Association's 2025 State of the Restaurant Industry report, 60 percent of food service employees are under 35. This generation craves more than just a paycheck. They're looking for a community and workplaces that value developing the potential in their teams, provide flexibility, and use technology to improve the employee and customer experience. Korsmo highlighted the restaurant industry's unique role as both a training ground and a launchpad for meaningful careers. She pointed to programs like ProStart, where high school students gain hands-on culinary and business experience that prepares them to be the next generation of industry leaders. Unleashing Breakthrough Efficiency "Gone are the days when restaurant operators could simply balance the checkbook at the end of the month to know if they were profitable. Today, meeting the demands of the modern restaurant environment requires a whole new level of insights and tools. That means tighter control over inventory, smarter purchasing decisions, and more strategic supply chain management. It also means managing labor costs more effectively, with better scheduling, predictive tools, and automation that enhances operations, rather than replacing people," said Korsmo. Leveraging technology is key, and Korsmo noted that 83 percent of restaurant operators say that using technology provides a clear competitive advantage and 4 in 10 say their tech investments have directly improved overall customer satisfaction. As labor and food costs continue to rise, Korsmo noted, improving efficiency can be the difference between struggling and staying profitable. Korsmo closed her remarks by emphasizing that consumers continue to love the restaurant experience and are choosing to spend their discretionary dollars in restaurants with sales projected to reach $1.5 trillion this year and strong demand across every segment of the industry. Korsmo encouraged restaurant operators to get involved and let their voices be heard, noting that there is no better advocate for the restaurant industry. Read Korsmo's full remarks here. About the National Restaurant Association Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises more than 1 million restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of 15.7 million employees. Together with 52 State Associations, we are a network of professional organizations dedicated to serving every restaurant through advocacy, education, and food safety. We sponsor the industry's largest trade show (National Restaurant Association Show); leading food safety training and certification program (ServSafe); unique career-building high school program (the NRAEF's ProStart). For more information, visit Restaurant.org and find @WeRRestaurants on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. SOURCE National Restaurant Association Senator Sheldon Whitehouse: Energy Star has saved American families and businesses more than half a trillion dollars in energy costs So naturally, Trump wants to kill it By Tik Root The federal Energy Star program is among the most successful government initiatives in modern history. Its signature blue label is now nearly as recognizable as the Nike swoosh or a Coca-Cola can, and appliances bearing it save American consumers some $40 billion annually in energy costs, or about $350 for every taxpayer dollar that goes in. However, Donald Trumps administration moved to kill it, The Washington Post first reported. Grist reviewed an Environmental Protection Agency document obtained by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee that shows the program is slated to be eliminated. Energy Star has saved American families and businesses more than half a trillion dollars in energy costs, said Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, the ranking member of the committee, in a statement to Grist. By eliminating this program, [Trump] will force Americans to buy appliances that cost more to run and waste more energy. Launched in 1992, during George H.W. Bushs presidency, Energy Star sets efficiency specifications for products ranging from dishwashers to entire homes. Those standards are beyond government-mandated minimums, and Energy Stars website says the goal is to provide simple, credible, and unbiased information people can use to make better decisions. While Energy Star certification is voluntary, most major manufacturers participate. According to the government, around 9 in 10 households recognize the Energy Star label. Depending on the year, as many as 80 percent say the label very much or somewhat influenced their purchases. Overall, consumers have bought more than 300 million appliances with the Energy Star label and the program has cumulatively helped avoid 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Energy Star remains one of our most effective bipartisan tools for ensuring energy reliability, affordability, and American competitiveness, said Paula Glover, president of the nonprofit coalition Alliance to Save Energy. She noted the broader economic impact of the program as well, including creating hundreds of thousands of jobs in the manufacturing, retail, real estate, and energy services industries. Shutting it down is a risk to those jobs. For years, though, Trump has complained about efficiency benchmarks for appliances. Lower-flow showerheads, he said, make showers five times longer. LED light bulbs make him look orange. People are flushing efficient toilets 10 times, 15 times and, with dishwashers, the electric bill is 10 times more than the water. These claims are, by and large, inaccurate. Veracity aside, Trumps efforts play into a larger culture war against appliance standards one that the White House has continued to aggressively wage since his second term began. In February, the Department of Energy announced it was delaying efficiency regulation of appliances ranging from central air conditioners and freezers to washing machines and dryers. In March, it said it was withdrawing four efficiency standards that the Biden administration had proposed and was pushing back the implementation date of others. Last month, Trump issued an executive order titled , in all caps, MAINTAINING ACCEPTABLE WATER PRESSURE IN SHOWERHEADS. The Energy Star rollback would likely be the most visible attack yet on appliance efficiency, and it even has manufacturers worried. Last month, more than 1,000 companies, cities, and groups wrote a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin urging him to support the program. This would be a very big deal, said the representative of one manufacturer, who asked not to be named given the sensitivity of the potential closure. Energy Star, they explained, helps companies market and move higher volumes of high-efficiency products. Its an odd thing that you would jettison a voluntary public-private partnership that costs a rounding error in EPAs budget and affords consumers billions of dollars of value. Beyond eliminating staff, the EPAs exact plans and timeline for any Energy Star rollback remain unclear. The agency did not respond directly to questions about the programs future but in an emailed statement told Grist the EPA is delivering organizational improvements to the personnel structure that will directly benefit the American people. Losing Energy Star could have a range of ripple effects. In addition to making selecting products more confusing for consumers, it could hinder peoples ability to qualify for federal, state, or utility incentives that are tied to the certification. There is, for example, a federal tax incentive for building Energy Star homes. Appliance rebates are also often linked to the designation. How are those programs now going to know which kinds of appliances they want to give a rebate to or a tax incentive for? asked Glover. States or utilities could conceivably fill that void with their own standards, creating a patchwork of regulation and incentives. Having Energy Star that gives a federal standard makes far more sense. Its certainly easier for consumers to understand what their options are. These are among the many details that would have to be worked out if the Trump administration proceeds with its plan. I dont think they expected this kind of pushback, said Steve Nadel, executive director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, about the media attention that the latest change has garnered. This is getting a lot of publicity. The move could also face legal challenges, he said, pointing to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 as one possible roadblock for the administration. It directs the EPA and Department of Energy to, among other things, promote Energy Star-compliant technologies as the preferred technologies in the marketplace and preserve the integrity of the Energy Star label. Another possibility is that the Department of Energy takes over as Energy Stars primary administrator. But as with other aspects of the presidents ambitious agenda, it could take time to sort out real-world impact. If Energy Star is ultimately eliminated, Nadel said the labels would eventually go away as would potentially billions in consumer savings. But, he added, Nothing is done yet. This article originally appeared in Grist at https://grist.org/business/how-trumps-latest-rollback-could-raise-your-utility-bills/. Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. Learn more at Grist.org "This story was originally published by Grist. Sign up for Grist's weekly newsletter here." If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Closer cooperation with China will unlock new commercial opportunities in the palm oil sector, Malaysian Plantation and Commodities Deputy Minister Chan Foong Hin said on Sunday. Chan, who is leading a delegation on an official visit to China from May 18 to 24, said Malaysia aims to strengthen bilateral trade relations, unlock new commercial opportunities, and drive innovation within Malaysia's palm oil sector. "This official visit underscores Malaysia's commitment to deepening economic ties with China, enhancing market access for palm oil products, and supporting sustainable growth across key export sectors," he said in a statement. "China is Malaysia's third-largest importer of palm oil and palm-based products globally, accounting for 10 percent of the total palm oil export value in 2024," he added. Chan will also be attending the Seventh Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Chongqing and will host a roundtable meeting with importers from Western China, noting the growing importance of the region as a major palm oil importer. "The meeting will also discuss expanding partnerships in Western China, a region experiencing robust market growth and increasing demand for sustainable raw materials," he said. Tehran, May 18 : Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has denounced as "a lie" US President Donald Trump's recent claim that he sought to use power to ensure peace, citing the Trump administration's support for the killings in the Gaza Strip. Khamenei made the remarks on Saturday at a meeting with a large number of teachers in Tehran, while reacting to Trump's comments on wanting peace in the region during his tour of West Asia earlier this week, according to footage of his remarks published on his website. "The recent remarks of the US President during his visit to the region are a disgrace to the speaker and a disgrace to the American nation," he said during a public event on Saturday in Tehran, according to Iran's state news agency IRNA. "Trump said he wants to use power for peace; he lied. He and other US officials, and US administrations have used power to support the killings in Gaza, for warmongering in any place they can, and to back their mercenaries," the Iranian leader said. Khamenei reiterated his threats against Israel, calling it "the Zionist regime," and "a dangerous and malignant cancerous tumor in this region (that) must and will be uprooted." He expressed confidence that with the determination and efforts of regional countries, the US must and will leave the region, Xinhua news agency reported. Earlier this week, Trump visited three Gulf Arab states -- Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, which are located in West Asia. In remarks in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Tuesday, Trump described Iran as the "most destructive force" in the Middle East and accused it of fueling regional instability, vowing that the US would never let Iran obtain a nuclear weapon. However, Trump wants to avoid a deal with Iran that resembles the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was reached during Barack Obama's presidency and included the European Union and China. Trump withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Tehran. The following year, Iran stopped complying with the broken deal. Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that the country won't renounce its right to a peaceful nuclear program, but guaranteed good faith in negotiations with the US The trading of accusations between Tehran and Washington comes as the two sides have held four rounds of indirect talks on Tehran's nuclear program and the lifting of US sanctions over the past weeks, with mediation from Oman. Washington, May 18 : At least 21 people were killed as suspected tornadoes swept through parts of the US states of Missouri and Kentucky, said authorities. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said on Saturday morning that 14 people have been confirmed dead in the state, Xinhua news agency reported. "Kentucky, we're starting today with the tough news that we lost at least 14 of our people to last night's storms, but sadly, this number is expected to grow as we receive more information," Beshear said in a post on X. Earlier, John Root, sheriff of Laurel County in southeastern Kentucky, described the incident as a "mass casualty event". NBC News reported that five people were killed in St. Louis and two in Scott County, southeastern Missouri, while local officials said more than 5,000 homes may have been affected by Friday afternoon's severe weather outbreak. According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the country is hit by about 1,200 tornadoes each year. The National Weather Service said thunderstorms were widespread across portions of the Mississippi, Tennessee and Ohio Valleys on Friday. At least half a dozen tornadoes touched down in Missouri and neighbouring Illinois and other severe weather stretched all the way to the Atlantic Coast, including another tornado reported in New Jersey. Two people were killed on Friday in separate incidents in Fairfax County, Virginia, outside Washington, when trees fell on their cars, according to media reports. US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said she had spoken with Governors of Missouri, Kentucky and Illinois to offer federal resources to help their states cope with the aftermath. "We discussed how while emergency management is best led by local authorities, we reinforced that Department of Homeland Security stands ready to take immediate action to offer resources and support," she wrote on social media. Noem has championed a change in the federal strategy for managing disasters under the Trump administration by shifting responsibilities to states. US President Donald Trump's proposed budget includes deep cuts for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which falls under her purview. Lucknow, May 18 : At least 30 people were safely evacuated after a fire broke out at Hotel Mohan located adjacent to Charbagh railway station in Lucknow on Saturday midnight, authorities said. Timely intervention by firefighters, police, and locals averted a tragedy. No major property damage was reported. Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Mangesh Kumar said three fire tenders were immediately dispatched, while local police managed crowd control. According to the police, the fire broke out around 12:30 a.m. in the hotel's basement kitchen due to gas leak from a cooking cylinder. The flames quickly spread to the ground and first floors, while thick smoke engulfed the upper floors, leaving several guests trapped in their rooms. Firefighters launched a swift evacuation operation, assisted by Charbagh Yuva Vyapar Mandal president Manjeet Singh Dua and local youth Monu Singh. "Nearly 17 rooms were evacuated. About 30 guests were safely brought out, including 15 who were rescued from smoke-filled upper floors," said CFO Kumar. The CFO added they will conduct a probe on whether fire safety measures were in place at the hotel. "Total seventeen rooms were occupied on the ground floor. There were a total of thirty people in the seventeen rooms. All the people have been evacuated," he said. The CFO has added that the cause of the fire has not yet been ascertained, but it is suspected that LPG or electrical wiring might have caused it. He said, "Nothing can be known yet because there was a fire in the kitchen, so there are many areas in the kitchen, which are there to catch fire because LPG is also there. There are other things that are used in cooking. There are electrical things." Windows on the second floor were broken to ventilate the area and evacuate trapped guests. Monu Singh sustained minor injuries while smashing the glass and was admitted to Civil Hospital. The hotel is owned by Anil Kumar Agrawal. New Delhi, May 18 : Three persons died while one person suffered injuries after a building under construction collapsed in the Paharganj area of the national capital, officials said. Rescue teams are actively carrying out the search and rescue operations at the site. Four fire tenders were dispatched to the location immediately. According to officials, the incident occurred on Saturday evening near Krishna Hotel on Ara Kansa Road, where the side wall of an under-construction basement gave way. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed grief over the loss of lives and ordered a probe into the incident, assuring that strict action will be ensured against the culprits. "May God grant peace to the departed souls and give strength to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss," she posted on Saturday evening on X. Chief Minister Gupta has expressed condolences over the death of three people following the collapse of an under-construction building in Delhi's Paharganj area and instructed the officials to provide all necessary support to the family of the deceased and injured. The Chief Minister's Office wrote on X: "A unfortunate basement wall collapse was reported at an under-construction building in Paharganj. It has claimed three precious lives & leaves one seriously injured. Central Delhi District Magistrate, Karol Bagh SDM, MCD & Delhi Police officials visited the incident site." "Rescue operations were carried out by Delhi fire Service & NDRF personnel. Central Delhi DM has been directed to provide all assistance and help to the next of kin of the deceased and injured. Our thoughts are with the families of deceased," the post added. According to the officials, two of the deceased were from Bihar and one from Uttar Pradesh. Prabhu (65), Niranjan (40), and Roshan (35) were killed in the incident while Chuttan (35) was admitted to the hospital with injuries. Prabhu was the contractor while the other two deceased were the workers hired by him. Earlier, Assistant Divisional Officer (ADO) of Delhi Fire Service, Manish Kumar, said that the fire station in Connaught Place was able to respond first to the incident. NDRF officials also brought in a dog squad to help with searching through the rubble at the site. In a separate incident which occurred last month on April 19, a building collapse in Mustafabad area of Delhi claimed 11 lives. Islamabad, May 18 : In yet another move imitating India's actions, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to present the country's "case for peace" on foreign capitals. Islamabad, May 18 (IANS) In yet another move imitating India's actions, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to present the country's acase for peace" on foreign capitals. In another example of imitating India after facing humiliation in a four-day military escalation from May 7 to 10 during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has asked Bhutto to present its case on a global stage. Announcing the same, Bhutto said on X that he was contacted by Shehbaz Sharif, who asked him to lead a delegation. "I was contacted earlier today by Prime Minister @CMShehbaz, who requested that I lead a delegation to present Pakistan's case for peace on the international stage. I am honoured to accept this responsibility and remain committed to serving Pakistan in these challenging times," he posted on X. This comes as the Indian government have selected 7 MPs to lead respective delegations to assigned countries and present India's evidence and stance on the zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and the Pahalgam terror attack, which led to Operation Sindoor. The seven Indian delegations comprising parliamentarians, political leaders and former diplomats, including Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, are set to travel to key capitals in North America, Europe and West Asia. However, India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar has already made it clear that India is willing to hold talks with Pakistan only on the issue of terrorism and the Indus Waters Treaty will remain in abeyance until cross-border terrorism backed by Islamabad is "irrevocably stopped". The only issue related to Jammu and Kashmir that New Delhi is willing to discuss with Islamabad is the vacation of the parts of the region illegally occupied by Pakistan, EAM Jaishankar said on Thursday. On May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor and carried out a series of precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure at nine locations in territories controlled by Pakistan. This triggered four days of intense armed confrontation between the two sides, using drones, missiles and long-range weapons, till they reached an understanding on halting firing and military actions on May 10. The last time Pakistan copied India was not too long ago, when their Prime Minister visited a military base in Sialkot, copy-pasting the move from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who went to Adampur airbase in Punjab and interacted with air warriors and jawans. He also addressed them with the S-400 air defence system in the background a" which Pakistan had claimed to have shot down. Shehbaz Sharif too visited the Sialkot base and addressed the Pakistani army soldiers, claiming a sham "victory" against India in the brief four-day air battle. Pakistan's mimicking of India comes as the Narendra Modi government in India formed teams to visit different parts of the world. Each delegation would comprise leaders from various political parties, including the Opposition, and seasoned diplomats. Chennai, May 18 : In a bold move to position itself as a global hub for scientific research, the Tamil Nadu government is formulating a comprehensive plan to attract overseas Tamil researchers, particularly those considering leaving the US due to the tightening of immigration policies under the Trump administration. The initiative, dubbed the 'Tamil Talents Plan', aims to provide internationally competitive salaries, generous startup research grants, relocation support, including housing, and fast-tracked visa facilitation to returning scholars. "We are preparing a registry of overseas Tamil researchers across various disciplines," said M.P. Vijayakumar, Vice-Chairman of the Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education (TANSCHE). The Council will also identify centres of excellence and research chairs in state universities to host these scholars, he added. A key component of the plan is a new collaboration framework between returning researchers and state-funded institutions. This includes establishing joint research laboratories, co-supervising PhD students, and undertaking collaborative projects of national and international significance. "We are open to both long-term and short-term collaborations, particularly to boost basic science research," Vijayakumar said. The initiative is not limited to scholars returning from the US; researchers from the UK, Australia, and other countries are also being targeted. An annual Tamil Talents Conclave will serve as a platform for diaspora researchers to engage with local academic leaders, students, and policymakers. To maintain an updated talent pool, TANSCHE will leverage academic networks, global outreach, and community engagement to expand and revise the researcher registry on a rolling basis. The move follows a recent meeting between Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the vice-chancellors of state universities. During the discussion, CM Stalin urged institutions to devise strategies to attract overseas researchers and officially announced the Tamil Talents Plan to reinforce the state's commitment to fundamental research. Highlighting the state's capabilities, Vijayakumar noted that institutions like the University of Madras and Madurai Kamaraj University already host advanced research centres in basic sciences and applied domains. "As artificial intelligence threatens routine jobs, investing in basic science research will be critical to fostering innovation and creating new employment opportunities," he said. In line with this vision, the state's budget has earmarked Rs 100 crore to establish new research centres for basic sciences and mathematics in Chennai and Coimbatore, in collaboration with IISc Bengaluru and TIFR Mumbai. Chennai, May 18 : Tamil Nadu's prominent Dalit political party, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), has rescheduled its massive protest rally titled 'Save Secularism' from May 31 to June 14, to allow more time for mobilising its target of at least five lakh participants in Tamil Nadu's Tiruchi. The rally aims to highlight the party's opposition to the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, and the BJP's 'Hindutva push' affecting secular politics in the country. The Act was recently passed by the Parliament. In a statement on Saturday late evening, VCK president and Member of Parliament from Chidambaram, Thol Thirumavalavan, said the party's protest is not only against the Waqf Act but also a broader call to defend the Constitution. He said, "Apart from calling for the repeal of the Waqf Amendment Act, the 'blue shirt' rally will protest against the BJP's continuing assault on the Constitution. We urge all democratic forces to join us on a common platform to safeguard secularism." While reiterating that the VCK remains firmly within the DMK-led alliance, Thirumavalavan emphasised the ideological consistency of his party's stance against Hindutva forces. The VCK leader also said that the party was committed to minority representation. "We have accommodated minorities within our party structure, as office-bearers and district secretaries. Out of the six seats allotted to us in the recent elections, we fielded one Muslim candidate, Aloor Shanavas, despite not having a significant Muslim vote base," he said. Political observers noted that the VCK's attempt to foreground secularism comes at a time when major secular parties face criticism for allegedly prioritising minority interests at the cost of broader electoral appeal -- a narrative the BJP has actively amplified. The June 14 rally is expected to be one of the largest anti-Hindutva mobilisations in Tamil Nadu in recent times. Tamil Nadu will go to the Assembly polls in 2026 to elect 234 new members. Prior to that, all political parties have started strengthening their bases and making inroads into new ones. Washington, May 18 : US President Donald Trump said that he will speak separately with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday to push for a ceasefire deal between the two countries. "I will be speaking, by telephone, to President Vladimir Putin of Russia on Monday, at 10:00 a.m.," Trump said, on Saturday, in a post on Truth Social, adding that the subjects of the call will be stopping the "bloodbath" that is killing, on average, more than 5,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, and trade. Trump said he will "then be speaking to President Zelensky of Ukraine and then, with President Zelensky, various members of NATO." "Hopefully it will be a productive day" and "a ceasefire will take place," he said. Concluding their meeting in Turkey's Istanbul on Friday, delegations of Russia and Ukraine agreed to hold a new round of negotiations and have a large-scale prisoner exchange. As a key outcome of the two-hour talks, the two sides agreed to a prisoner exchange involving 1,000 people from each side, Xinhua news agency reported. Earlier on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that a Ukrainian delegation would attend the upcoming peace talks in Istanbul with a commitment to ending the conflict with Russia, though he would not personally show up at the negotiating table. At the Ukrainian embassy in Ankara following talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday, Zelensky told reporters that Ukraine would send a delegation to Istanbul. Zelensky said Ukraine remained committed to dialogue but expressed doubts about Moscow's intentions, Xinhua news agency reported. He told reporters that Ukraine did not see "any decision-makers" from the Russian delegation who will be present at the talks. The delegation will be led by Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, alongside professionals, including military and intelligence officers, Zelensky remarked, noting that Ukraine is awaiting confirmation from both Washington and Moscow on the exact schedule for the talks. New Delhi, May 18 : President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday greeted Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on his 74th birthday. President Murmu, in a post on X, extended her best wishes to Dhankhar. "Hearty greetings and best wishes to @VPIndia Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji on his birthday! I wish him good health and very many years in the service of the nation." PM Modi, in his greetings to the Vice President, hailed his knowledge of the Constitution and commended his efforts in increasing the productivity of the Rajya Sabha. The Prime Minister also lauded Dhankhar for his efforts to serve society. In his X post, PM Modi wrote, "Greetings to our Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji on his birthday. He is blessed with tremendous knowledge of our Constitution, reflecting from his years of work as a leading lawyer. He has made commendable efforts to boost the productivity of the Rajya Sabha. His interest towards serving society is also immense. May he lead a long and healthy life." Dhankhar was born on this day in 1951 in Kithana village in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district. Prior to entering politics, he was a Senior Advocate of the High Court. Since 1990, Dhankhar has practised primarily in the Supreme Court, and his focus area of litigation has been in the field of Steel, Coal, Mining and International Commercial Arbitration, amongst others. He has appeared in various High Courts in the country. Dhankhar was first elected to the Parliament in 1989 from the Jhunjhunu Constituency. Subsequently, he also served as a Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs in 1990. In 1993, he was elected to the Rajasthan Assembly from the Kishangarh constituency in Ajmer district. He assumed the Office of the Governor of West Bengal on July 30, 2019. Dhankhar took over as the 14th Vice President of India and Chairman of Rajya Sabha in 2022. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also greeted the Vice President on his birthday and admired his knowledge of the Constitution. He said, "Warm wishes to @VPIndia, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar ji on his birthday. Known for his amazing knowledge of Indian Constitution he is also admired his wisdom and tenacity. Our nation is grateful for his tireless efforts and vision. May he be blessed with a long and healthy life." Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the Vice President was a symbol of simplicity. "Heartiest congratulations to Honourable Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar ji, a symbol of simplicity, purity and discipline, on his birthday! I pray to Lord Shri Ram for your good health, long life and good health. @VPIndia" Authorities investigate near the site of an explosion in Palm Springs, California, the United States, on May 17, 2025. At least one person was killed and five others injured on Saturday in an explosion outside a fertility clinic in the desert resort city of Palm Springs, California, according to authorities. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua) LOS ANGELES, May 17 (Xinhua) -- At least one person was killed and five others injured on Saturday in an explosion outside a fertility clinic in the desert resort city of Palm Springs, California, according to authorities. The individual believed to be responsible for the explosion was killed at the scene, law enforcement sources said. The identity of the deceased has not been released. Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said the explosion appears to be an intentional act of violence. The blast caused extensive damage, affecting multiple buildings over several blocks. In a post on the social platform X, U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi confirmed that federal agents are assisting local authorities in the investigation. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area, which remains an active emergency scene as the investigation is underway. Authorities investigate near the site of an explosion in Palm Springs, California, the United States, on May 17, 2025. At least one person was killed and five others injured on Saturday in an explosion outside a fertility clinic in the desert resort city of Palm Springs, California, according to authorities. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua) Authorities investigate near the site of an explosion in Palm Springs, California, the United States, on May 17, 2025. At least one person was killed and five others injured on Saturday in an explosion outside a fertility clinic in the desert resort city of Palm Springs, California, according to authorities. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua) Authorities investigate near the site of an explosion in Palm Springs, California, the United States, on May 17, 2025. At least one person was killed and five others injured on Saturday in an explosion outside a fertility clinic in the desert resort city of Palm Springs, California, according to authorities. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua) Authorities investigate near the site of an explosion in Palm Springs, California, the United States, on May 17, 2025. At least one person was killed and five others injured on Saturday in an explosion outside a fertility clinic in the desert resort city of Palm Springs, California, according to authorities. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua) A local sheriff deputy keeps guard near the site of an explosion in Palm Springs, California, the United States, on May 17, 2025. At least one person was killed and five others injured on Saturday in an explosion outside a fertility clinic in the desert resort city of Palm Springs, California, according to authorities. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua) London, May 18 : Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said he did not dictate who took City's penalty in Saturday's FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace. London, May 18 (IANS) Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said he did not dictate who took Cityas penalty in Saturdayas FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace. City fell behind 1-0 to an early Eberechi Eze strike, despite controlling possession for much of the match at Wembley. Guardiola's side fashioned numerous opportunities, with Omar Marmoushas 36th-minute penalty arguably the most clear-cut chance. Erling Haaland held on to the ball while VAR checked the refereeas decision for a trip on Bernardo Silva before handing it to Marmoush when the penalty was confirmed. The Egyptian hit his effort powerfully but saw it stopped by the diving Dean Henderson. Asked in his post-match press conference who decided that Marmoush should shoot, Guardiola insisted it was worked out between the two forwards on the pitch. aI didnat speak with them (Haaland and Marmoush). They take a decision, penalties are like that. I like guys who take initiative and they decide. In that moment, itas how they feel. They decided Omar was ready to take it. Omar took a lot of time when the ball was stopped and after he kicked so it put more pressure on him and Henderson made a good save," Guardiola was quoted by Manchester City website. Reflecting on the defeat, Guardiola admitted it was a disappointing feeling but added that he was satisfied with the way his side performed. Congratulations to Crystal Palace on their first FA Cup. It is history. We played a good defensive game and controlled the transitions, and incredible threat except the goal. They are difficult to control at throw-ins and corners and free-kicks but we could not score in the last two games. aWe played better than the Southampton game, we were more active, and I would say we were really good in many things. We created a lot but we didnat score and thatas why we could not win," he said. New Delhi, May 18 : As medical expenses continue to climb in the US, a growing number of patients are looking overseas for more cost-effective treatment options and suggested tariffs may impact the medical tourism industry, according to a new report. US trade policy has seen notable changes recently, particularly with regard to import tariffs on countries such as China. Though these policies are usually justified by economic and geopolitical considerations, they also impact other areas, including the medical device industry and, more specifically, medical tourism. One growing outcome is how these tariffs are affecting medical tourism the practice of traveling to another country to receive healthcare services, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. The US has imposed steep tariffs on a range of medical products imported from China, including syringes and needles, rubber medical and surgical gloves, and facemasks. "These items are integral to a wide variety of medical procedures and daily healthcare operations. The imposition of tariffs on such goods has disrupted supply chains, constrained hospital procurement strategies, and driven up the cost of healthcare delivery across the US," said the report. In response to these rising costs, a growing number of Americans are turning to medical tourism. Popular destinations include Mexico, India, Thailand, and Costa Rica, which offer competitive pricing and internationally accredited healthcare facilities. For example, the average cost of a knee replacement surgery in the US can exceed $50,000, but the same procedure in India or Mexico can be performed for $8000-$12,000. As US healthcare providers face increased operational costs due to tariffs especially on imported surgical instruments, diagnostic equipment, and protective gear the price gap between domestic and international care continues to widen, creating a financial incentive for patients to consider treatment overseas. "While the intended impact of tariffs may not have been to effect healthcare, they do shape patient behaviour. The rise in the cost of medical devices ultimately leads to more out-of-pocket expenses for patients," said Alexandra Murdoch, Senior Medical Analyst at GlobalData. US tariffs on medical imports are reshaping not only international trade relationships but also domestic healthcare economics. The direct result is an increase in the cost of medical care, which disproportionately affects uninsured and underinsured populations. One of the most notable responses to these price pressures has been a rise in outbound medical tourism. Patients are seeking high-quality, affordable care in countries that are not impacted by these tariffs a trend that is likely to continue if current trade and healthcare cost trajectories remain unchanged. IANS na/ New Delhi, May 18 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his gratitude to the brilliant scientists and researchers whose dedication made India's first nuclear test, Operation Smiling Buddha, a success 51 years ago at Pokhran, Rajasthan. In a post on his Facebook account, he wrote: "Under the visionary and decisive leadership of Smt. Indira Gandhi, India conducted its first nuclear test, Operation Smiling Buddha, 51 years ago at Pokhran, Rajasthan. My sincere gratitude goes out to the brilliant scientists and researchers whose hard work made this possible." Earlier in the day, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also commemorated the 51st anniversary of India's first nuclear test, code-named aSmiling Buddha,a which was conducted on May 18, 1974. Marking a pivotal moment in India's scientific and strategic history, the test propelled India into the elite group of nuclear-capable nations, becoming the sixth country in the world to conduct such an operation. Taking to the social media platform X, Kharge paid tribute to India's scientific community and hailed former Prime Minister Indira Gandhias leadership. In his post, he wrote: "51 years ago, India conducted its first Nuclear Test, code named 'Smiling Buddha' and became the 6th nation in the world to carry out such tests. Our scientists and researchers achieved this extraordinary feat through their ingenuity and dedication. We are deeply grateful to them. Smt. Indira Gandhi demonstrated exemplary and dynamic leadership, displaying remarkable courage even in the face of adversity, a legacy that endures. Jai Hind." Officially termed a 'Peaceful Nuclear Explosion', the operation was a carefully planned scientific and strategic milestone that stunned the international community. Despite facing global backlash and halting of several international nuclear collaborations, India stood firm in its commitment to pursue an independent nuclear programme. The groundwork for this historic event was laid over the preceding decades. India had strongly opposed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which came into effect in 1970. New Delhi viewed the treaty as discriminatory, arguing that it denied equal rights to nations outside the established nuclear powers and sought to limit India's sovereign right to develop its own nuclear technology. 'Smiling Buddha' was as much a geopolitical statement as it was a scientific accomplishment. It demonstrated India's capability to harness nuclear energy for peaceful purposes while reinforcing its strategic autonomy. The success of the 1974 test laid the foundation for further advancements in India's nuclear capabilities, eventually leading to the series of tests conducted in 1998 under 'Operation Shakti'. The legacy of Pokhran-I endures as a testament to India's resolve, scientific innovation, and pursuit of self-reliance in defence and technology. Jammu, May 18 : The Indian Army said on Sunday that no meeting of the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of India and Pakistan was scheduled for Sunday, adding that the ceasefire between the two countries continues. A defence ministry statement said, "Some media houses are reporting that the Ceasefire between India and Pakistan is ending today. In addition, queries are also being received if a DGMO-level talk is scheduled today? The response is as under:- No DGMO talks are scheduled today. As far as continuation of a break in hostilities, as decided in DGMOs interaction of 12 May is concerned, there is no expiry date to it." The DGMOs of the two countries decided to end hostilities and maintain a ceasefire between the two nuclear neighbours on May 12. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that despite the ceasefire agreed upon by the two countries, trade with Pakistan and the Indus Water Treaty would continue to remain in abeyance. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while interacting with the soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Badami Bagh headquarters of the 15 Corps and Bhuj in Gujarat, has said that the ceasefire understanding will be respected by India only as long as Pakistan does not allow any terrorist activity against India from its soil. He said at the Indian Air Force base at Bhuj that the current ceasefire meant that India had kept Pakistan on probation based on its behaviour. "If the behaviour improves, it is fine; but if there is any disturbance, the harshest punishment will be given," the minister warned. The armed forces are on high alert throughout the country, and the security forces and police have been asked not to lower their guard against the terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs) and sympathisers in the hinterland. Hundreds of border residents living along the Line of Control and the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir were displaced by indiscriminate heavy mortar shelling by the Pakistan Army on the LoC and the IB. Over 200 houses and shops were destroyed in Pakistan's targeting of civilian facilities in Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla and Kupwara districts. Unsure about peace returning to their areas permanently, the border residents are cautiously moving back to their homes with their families to tend to their livestock, agricultural fields and daily chores. Chennai, May 18 : Owners of two Kerala-based fishing vessels have been summoned to appear before the Joint Director of Fisheries in Tamil Nadu on Monday, after being charge-sheeted for violating the ongoing fishing ban along the east coast. The vessels -- a mechanised bottom trawler and a fibre boat -- were intercepted by Tamil Nadu authorities for operating illegally in the sea off Thoothukudi during the ban period. The Joint Director of Fisheries, who also serves as the adjudicating officer, will oversee further proceedings in the case. According to fisheries department officials, the boats were caught on Thursday night during a coordinated inspection involving officials from the Fisheries Department, the Fisheries Enforcement Wing, the Coastal Security Group, and local fishermen representatives. The operation was launched following complaints from local fishermen about banned fishing activities in the region. The inspection team located the two Kerala-registered vessels operating 32 nautical miles off the Thoothukudi coast. Both boats were found carrying a total of 16 fishermen and had onboard a significant haul --1,732 kilograms of fish and 110 kilograms of fishlings. Notably, the fibre boat was reportedly using illegal light fishing methods, which are strictly prohibited during the ban period. The authorities seized both vessels and escorted the crew to shore for legal action. A senior fisheries official confirmed that the catch was subsequently auctioned for approximately Rs 4 lakh. A formal charge sheet has been filed against the owner of the two boats for violating Tamil Naduas fishing regulations. aThe fishing ban is in place to protect fish breeding during critical spawning periods. Any violation, especially by vessels from neighbouring states, is taken very seriously, the official said. The case underscores the ongoing tensions between fishing communities across state borders and the strict enforcement measures being undertaken to ensure compliance with seasonal bans. New Delhi, May 18 : A First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged against the owner of the building that collapsed in the national capital, claiming three lives. Delhi Police said that the FIR has been lodged at Nabi Karim Police Station under relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Three people died while one suffered injuries after an under-construction building collapsed in the Paharganj area on Saturday evening. According to officials, the incident occurred on Saturday evening near the Krishna Hotel on Ara Kansa Road, where the side wall of an under-construction basement gave way. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered a probe into the incident and assured strict action against the culprits. Expressing grief over the loss of lives, she said: "May God grant peace to the departed souls and give strength to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss." Chief Minister Gupta instructed the officials to provide all necessary support to the family of the deceased and the injured. The Chief Minister's Office wrote on X: "An unfortunate basement wall collapse was reported at an under-construction building in Paharganj. It has claimed three precious lives and left one seriously injured. Central Delhi District Magistrate, Karol Bagh SDM, MCD and Delhi Police officials visited the incident site." It said the Delhi Fire Service and NDRF personnel carried out the rescue operations. "Central Delhi DM has been directed to provide all assistance and help to the next of kin of the deceased and injured. Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased," the post read. According to the officials, two of the deceased were from Bihar and one from Uttar Pradesh. Prabhu (65), Niranjan (40), and Roshan (35) were killed in the incident, while Chuttan (35) was admitted to the hospital with injuries. Prabhu was the contractor, while Niranjan and Roshan used to work under his guidance. On April 19, a building collapse in the Mustafabad area of Delhi claimed 11 lives. Mumbai, May 18 : Former actress Somy Ali has extended her support to the victims of the recent violence in Kashmir by donating $1,000 to the PM Cares Fund. The actress and philanthropist made this contribution as a heartfelt gesture to honor the affected families and stand in solidarity with those impacted by the unrest. Ali described her donation as her way of paying tribute to the victims and families affected by the violence in Kashmir. Speaking about the same, she shared, "India has always been close to my heart. As someone who believes deeply in justice, healing, and sacrifice, I wish to humbly contribute to the PM CARES Fund in support of our brave Jawans who put their lives on the line every day, and to honor the victims and families affected by violence in Kashmir." This gesture is small compared to their courage. But I hope it reflects the unity of humanity beyond borders, beyond religions, and beyond politics. I stand with India's fight against terrorism and with every family mourning an irreplaceable loss. As the world watches, let India also lead not just with strength, but with compassion," added Somy. Somy Ali, a human rights advocate who leads the US-based NGO No More Tears and has launched a movement focused on truth and justice called Somyism, has donated $1,000 to the PM Cares Fund. Meanwhile, she recently opened up about the importance of empowering girls, stressing that Pakistan's future depends on providing education, fostering innovation, and nurturing compassion. Somy, who was born in Karachi, shared, "Imagine girls from Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Hyderabad becoming AI analysts, UX designers, and film editors, working remotely for companies in London, Dubai, and San Francisco. Artisans and survivors are launching AI art and fashion collectives with global buyers. Women building ethical AI platforms and creative incubators, generating revenue while transforming their communities. This is not a dream. It's already happening in Bangladesh, Kenya, and Vietnam. Why not Pakistan?" Jammu, May 18 : The Indian Army's western command said on Sunday that 'Operation Sindoor' was planned, trained and executed to deliver Justice. The Western Command posted a video on X with narration showing soldiers buzzing with confidence about the success of 'Operation Sindoor'. The post read: "Planned, trained & executed. Justice served". "It started with the Pahalgam terror attack. The country had no anger, but a desire to avenge the innocent killings. Pakistan was taught a lesson that its future generations won't be able to forget. Pakistani pickets from where fire was opened at our positions were completely destroyed. It was not revenge, but justice which had to be delivered. Soldiers of the enemy deserted their posts and ran for their lives. Operation Sindoor was such a lesson that Pakistan had not learnt for decades," the narration supporting the videos showing targeting of Pakistani pickets on the border, said. The video also showed the clips of action taken during Operation Sindooor -- the enemy territory being pounded with heavy guns and shelling. Meanwhile, the Indian Army said on Sunday that no meeting of the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of India and Pakistan was scheduled for Sunday, adding that the ceasefire between the two countries continues. A defence ministry statement said, "Some media houses are reporting that the Ceasefire between India and Pakistan is ending today. In addition, queries are also being received if a DGMO-level talk is scheduled today? The response is as under:- No DGMO talks are scheduled today. As far as continuation of a break in hostilities, as decided in DGMOs interaction of 12 May is concerned, there is no expiry date to it." The DGMOs of the two countries decided to end hostilities and maintain a ceasefire between the two nuclear neighbours on May 12. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that despite the ceasefire agreed upon by the two countries, trade with Pakistan and the Indus Water Treaty would continue to remain in abeyance. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while interacting with the soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Badami Bagh headquarters of the 15 Corps and Bhuj in Gujarat, has said that the ceasefire understanding will be respected by India only as long as Pakistan does not allow any terrorist activity against India from its soil. He said at the Indian Air Force base at Bhuj that the current ceasefire meant that India had kept Pakistan on probation based on its behaviour. "If the behaviour improves, it is fine; but if there is any disturbance, the harshest punishment will be given," the minister warned. The armed forces are on high alert throughout the country, and the security forces and police have been asked not to lower their guard against the terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs) and sympathisers in the hinterland. New Delhi, May 18 : Union Minister Giriraj Singh said on Sunday that there was no politics in including Shashi Tharoor in the all-party delegation, which will visit foreign countries to expose Pakistan on cross-border terrorism, and that Congress has internal issues. As part of the Centre's 'Operation Sindoor', which follows the deadly April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam region that claimed 26 lives, India has formed seven all-party delegations to engage key partner countries on the global stage to expose Pakistan's terror links and garner international support. Speaking on Tharoor's participation, Giriraj Singh said, "Today, the Congress party has become a party where no one speaks positively for the country's interests. It only engages in negativity, whether it is defaming India abroad or otherwise. Now, this delegation is going abroad, and if Shashi Tharoor is going as part of it, then what is the politics in this? This reflects the internal conflicts within the Congress party." The delegation includes leaders from across party lines, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, BJP leaders Ravi Shankar Prasad and Baijayant Panda, DMK's Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Supriya Sule of NCP(SP), and Shrikant Eknath Shinde from Shiv Sena. The teams are also accompanied by experienced Indian Foreign Service officers to enhance the effectiveness of this outreach. BJP National Spokesperson Syed Shahnawaz Hussain lauded the effort, stating, "To highlight the success of Operation Sindoor, India's decisive actions, and its heroic legacy, seven delegations have been formed. Each of the seven delegations includes experienced leaders and IFS officers who will visit various countries to share India's valour and expose 'Terroristan.' This is a very commendable decision by Prime Minister Modi." BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh echoed this sentiment, calling the initiative a "diplomatic surgical strike" against Pakistan. "The decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to send an all-party parliamentary delegation across the world to expose Pakistan's vile, cheap, corrupt and terrorist face is commendable," he said. "The delegation will inform the global community about how Pakistan has been running a world-class university of terrorism." Janata Dal (United) leader K.C. Tyagi also welcomed the move, describing it as a "commendable step by the Government of India," and an ideal opportunity to expose "Pakistan's lies" on the global stage. In a separate remark, Giriraj Singh commented on the growing sentiment among Indian tourists boycotting countries like Turkey and Azerbaijan. "Pakistan has become a terrorist country recognised by the whole world today. The courage of the Indian Army has shown the entire world that no one can stop the destruction and devastation of this terrorist country. However, the people naturally feel anger towards any country that supports India's enemy, Pakistan," he said. "No country, whether it is an enemy or a supporter of the enemy, can ever be in India's interest, be it Turkey or any other." Bhubaneswar, May 18 : Odia YouTuber Priyanka Senapati has issued a public clarification after her name surfaced in connection with Jyoti Malhotra, a YouTuber recently arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan. Reports claimed that Senapati had visited Pakistan a few days ago and shared videos and posts on Instagram. Photographs of her with Jyoti Malhotra have also circulated on social media, raising questions about their association. In response, Senapati took to her social media stories to clarify her position. "Many people are asking me to clarify the matter. Jyoti was only a friend, and I came into contact with her through YouTube. I was completely unaware of the serious charges against her. Had I known she was spying for an enemy country, I would have never maintained any contact with her," she wrote. She further stated that her connection with Malhotra was purely professional, limited to content creation. "I am personally shocked to hear about this. If any investigative agency wishes to question me, I will fully cooperate," she added. "Nation comes first," Senapati concluded in her statement. Meanwhile, Priyanka's father, Rajkishore Senapati, on Sunday informed media persons that the Odisha Police have questioned the YouTuber from Puri over her links with Jyoti Malhotra. As per reports, the Intelligence Bureau(IB) officials also questioned Priyanka and her family in this regard. He further stated that Priyanka came into contact with Jyoti through social media and helped her during the latter's visit to Puri around seven to eight months back in 2024. Rajkishore revealed that Priyanka had visited Kartarpur in Pakistan four months ago. He said that Priyanka and his family will fully cooperate with the investigating agencies. The Haryana Police have arrested six people, including a Hisar-based YouTuber and travel blogger Jyoti Malhotra, on charges of spying and passing sensitive information to Pakistani operatives, officials said on Saturday. Young participants wearing traditional costumes sing songs at the National Art Museum of Belarus in Minsk, Belarus, on May 17, 2025. The National Art Museum of Belarus hosted a variety of activities to celebrate the International Museum Day which falls on May 18th. (Photo by Henadz Zhinkov/Xinhua) Children wearing traditional costumes sing songs at the National Art Museum of Belarus in Minsk, Belarus, on May 17, 2025. The National Art Museum of Belarus hosted a variety of activities to celebrate the International Museum Day which falls on May 18th. (Photo by Henadz Zhinkov/Xinhua) People visit the Museum Batik Indonesia in Jakarta, Indonesia, May 18, 2025. This year's International Museum Day falls on May 18th, with the theme "The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities." (Xinhua/Xu Qin) This photo taken on May 18, 2025 shows an interior view of the Museum Batik Indonesia in Jakarta, Indonesia. This year's International Museum Day falls on May 18th, with the theme "The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities." (Xinhua/Xu Qin) People visit the Museum Batik Indonesia in Jakarta, Indonesia, May 18, 2025. This year's International Museum Day falls on May 18th, with the theme "The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities." (Xinhua/Xu Qin) This photo taken on May 18, 2025 shows an exterior view of the Museum Batik Indonesia in Jakarta, Indonesia. This year's International Museum Day falls on May 18th, with the theme "The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities." (Xinhua/Xu Qin) A visitor is pictured at Lebanon's National Museum in Beirut, Lebanon, on May 18, 2025. On the occasion of International Museum Day, Lebanon's National Museum in Beirut opened its door to the public for free on Sunday, inviting visitors to discover the country's ancient civilizations and archaeological treasures. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich) A visitor poses for photos with an exhibit at Lebanon's National Museum in Beirut, Lebanon, on May 18, 2025. On the occasion of International Museum Day, Lebanon's National Museum in Beirut opened its door to the public for free on Sunday, inviting visitors to discover the country's ancient civilizations and archaeological treasures. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich) Visitors view an exhibit at Lebanon's National Museum in Beirut, Lebanon, on May 18, 2025. On the occasion of International Museum Day, Lebanon's National Museum in Beirut opened its door to the public for free on Sunday, inviting visitors to discover the country's ancient civilizations and archaeological treasures. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich) A visitor takes photos of an exhibit at Lebanon's National Museum in Beirut, Lebanon, on May 18, 2025. On the occasion of International Museum Day, Lebanon's National Museum in Beirut opened its door to the public for free on Sunday, inviting visitors to discover the country's ancient civilizations and archaeological treasures. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich) A visitor views an exhibit at Lebanon's National Museum in Beirut, Lebanon, on May 18, 2025. On the occasion of International Museum Day, Lebanon's National Museum in Beirut opened its door to the public for free on Sunday, inviting visitors to discover the country's ancient civilizations and archaeological treasures. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich) A visitor views exhibits at Lebanon's National Museum in Beirut, Lebanon, on May 18, 2025. On the occasion of International Museum Day, Lebanon's National Museum in Beirut opened its door to the public for free on Sunday, inviting visitors to discover the country's ancient civilizations and archaeological treasures. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich) Tourists visit the Bardo National Museum in Tunis, capital of Tunisia, May 18, 2025. Museums in Tunisia opened to the public free of charge on the International Museum Day on Sunday. (Photo by Adel Ezzine/Xinhua) A tourist visits the Bardo National Museum in Tunis, capital of Tunisia, May 18, 2025. Museums in Tunisia opened to the public free of charge on the International Museum Day on Sunday. (Photo by Adel Ezzine/Xinhua) Tourists visit the Bardo National Museum in Tunis, capital of Tunisia, May 18, 2025. Museums in Tunisia opened to the public free of charge on the International Museum Day on Sunday. (Photo by Adel Ezzine/Xinhua) People visit the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada, May 18, 2025. Opened in 1914, the museum is home to a world-class collection of 18 million artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens. International Museum Day, observed every year on May 18, is a global celebration recognized by the International Council of Museums. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) Visitors capture images of Chinese zodiac cases at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada, May 18, 2025. Opened in 1914, the museum is home to a world-class collection of 18 million artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens. International Museum Day, observed every year on May 18, is a global celebration recognized by the International Council of Museums. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) Visitors look at Chinese zodiac cases at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada, May 18, 2025. Opened in 1914, the museum is home to a world-class collection of 18 million artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens. International Museum Day, observed every year on May 18, is a global celebration recognized by the International Council of Museums. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) People visit the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada, May 18, 2025. Opened in 1914, the museum is home to a world-class collection of 18 million artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens. International Museum Day, observed every year on May 18, is a global celebration recognized by the International Council of Museums. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) A woman visits the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada, May 18, 2025. Opened in 1914, the museum is home to a world-class collection of 18 million artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens. International Museum Day, observed every year on May 18, is a global celebration recognized by the International Council of Museums. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) People visit the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada, May 18, 2025. Opened in 1914, the museum is home to a world-class collection of 18 million artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens. International Museum Day, observed every year on May 18, is a global celebration recognized by the International Council of Museums. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) A visitor captures images of a portrait bust at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada, May 18, 2025. Opened in 1914, the museum is home to a world-class collection of 18 million artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens. International Museum Day, observed every year on May 18, is a global celebration recognized by the International Council of Museums. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) People visit the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada, May 18, 2025. Opened in 1914, the museum is home to a world-class collection of 18 million artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens. International Museum Day, observed every year on May 18, is a global celebration recognized by the International Council of Museums. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) People visit the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada, May 18, 2025. Opened in 1914, the museum is home to a world-class collection of 18 million artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens. International Museum Day, observed every year on May 18, is a global celebration recognized by the International Council of Museums. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) Visitors look at a sheet of copper flecked with rock at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada, May 18, 2025. Opened in 1914, the museum is home to a world-class collection of 18 million artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens. International Museum Day, observed every year on May 18, is a global celebration recognized by the International Council of Museums. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) People visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt, May 18, 2025. International Museum Day, observed every year on May 18, is a global celebration recognized by the International Council of Museums. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Visitors view an exhibit at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt, May 18, 2025. International Museum Day, observed every year on May 18, is a global celebration recognized by the International Council of Museums. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Visitors view a Sphinx statue at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt, May 18, 2025. International Museum Day, observed every year on May 18, is a global celebration recognized by the International Council of Museums. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Visitors view an exhibit at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt, May 18, 2025. International Museum Day, observed every year on May 18, is a global celebration recognized by the International Council of Museums. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) People visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt, May 18, 2025. International Museum Day, observed every year on May 18, is a global celebration recognized by the International Council of Museums. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Visitors view the seated statue of ancient Egyptian pharaoh Khafre at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt, May 18, 2025. International Museum Day, observed every year on May 18, is a global celebration recognized by the International Council of Museums. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Visitors view a mummy coffin at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt, May 18, 2025. International Museum Day, observed every year on May 18, is a global celebration recognized by the International Council of Museums. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Visitors view the seated statue of ancient Egyptian King Djoser at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt, May 18, 2025. International Museum Day, observed every year on May 18, is a global celebration recognized by the International Council of Museums. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Seoul, May 18 : South Korean Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung on Sunday proposed an amendment to the nation's Constitution that would allow a president to serve two four-year terms. The proposal is expected to help reduce presidential powers because a president could be judged by voters when the first four-year term is over, Lee said in a Facebook posting. "By introducing the double-term presidency, a president's responsibility will be strengthened" because of mid-term elections, Lee said. Lee, who has kept a solid lead in opinion polls for the June 3 election, called for the National Assembly to form a special committee for the discussions for the proposed amendment, Yonhap news agency reported. South Korea's single, five-year term presidency was established in an amendment to the Constitution in 1987. Lee proposed a referendum on the amendment during the local elections next year or the general elections in 2028. He also called for introducing a runoff system for presidential elections to "minimise unnecessary social conflict," as well as requiring parliamentary recommendation when appointing prime ministers and parliamentary approval for heads of government agencies. In addition, Lee called for limiting presidential veto powers and making it necessary for the president to seek parliamentary consent when he or she seeks to declare martial law. "Even in an emergency, if it does not get parliamentary approval within 24 hours, it should automatically lose its effect," he said. After attending a ceremony marking the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy uprising, Lee told reporters the proposed constitutional amendment for the two-term presidency would not apply to the sitting president. "Our Constitution outlines that a constitutional amendment does not apply to the sitting president," Lee said. "If (the amendment) takes place right after the local elections, it would fit perfectly. "The issue of terms for the country's final decision maker must be considered carefully," he said. "What is more important than the constitutional amendment is stabilising the country and recovering the people's livelihoods, and it would be most rational to conduct the amendment along with the next local elections." Lee said that constitutional amendments cannot take place unilaterally and called for focusing on areas where a compromise can be reached rather than simply pushing for an all-out revision. New Delhi, May 18 : BJP MP Rekha Sharma, who is part of the multi-party delegation set to visit various countries to present India's stance on terrorism emanating from Pakistan, has strongly backed the initiative, calling it a "very important decision" taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking to IANS, Sharma said, "I believe this is a very important decision taken by PM Modi. All MPs from all parties will go to different countries and put India's point of view forward. As we have seen over the years, Pakistan has been promoting terrorism. But PM Modi, following the Pahalgam attack, made it clear that if such terror attacks happen again, India will take it as a war. We retaliated and destroyed many terrorist camps and bases." She further asserted that India has all the necessary proof and facts regarding its operations, unlike Pakistan, which she accused of consistently lying. "We have full proof and facts to show for our operations, unlike Pakistan, which keeps lying about facts. This is high time we exposed Pakistan, which has been involved in terrorism all the time. Even Osama Bin Laden was given shelter in Pakistan. So this is the time, and we will raise our voice against this on the global level," Sharma said. The delegation includes MPs from various political backgrounds and is being viewed as a diplomatic offensive to counter the global narrative shaped by Pakistan over the years. The mission aims to highlight India's firm stance against terrorism and its proactive countermeasures. Slamming the Congress party for its criticism of the delegation, Sharma said, "Congress is doing cheap politics. When it is a matter of India, we are not different, we are united. Congress should welcome this decision. They even took the names of people who speak against India. Such people are not part of this delegation. Congress is ending itself." The government's move has been described as a diplomatic push to build international consensus on India's counter-terror policy and to expose Pakistan's double standards on terrorism. Bucharest, May 18 : Romanian voters started casting ballots on Sunday in a decisive presidential runoff which pits George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians, against Nicusor Dan, the mayor of Bucharest. The election marks the second round of a rerun after the 2024 presidential results were annulled due to allegations of irregular campaigning practices and foreign interference. Simion, 38, won the first round earlier this month with 40.96 per cent of the vote, ahead of Dan's 20.99 per cent, which reflects growing public frustration with Romania's political establishment, Xinhua news agency reported. Simion, a vocal critic of the European Union, has pledged to halt military aid to Ukraine and advance a "Romania First" agenda, including tax cuts and deregulation. Dan, 55, is campaigning on a pro-European platform and has framed the runoff as a choice between continued Western integration and political isolation. He has since received endorsements from the Save Romania Union and the National Liberal Party. The Social Democrats, Romania's largest party, has not endorsed either candidate. The fallout from the first round led to the resignation of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and the collapse of the ruling coalition, adding further weight to Sunday's vote. Under Romania's constitution, the president holds significant powers in foreign policy, defence and judiciary, including the nomination of the prime minister. According to Romania's Permanent Electoral Authority, over 18 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at 18,979 polling stations across the country. Romanian citizens abroad can vote at 965 polling stations in other countries. Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) and will close at 9 p.m. (1800 GMT), with preliminary results expected late Sunday night or early Monday. Hyderabad, May 18 : Sunday's fire accident in a building near iconic Charminar that claimed 17 lives is the worst fire disaster to hit Hyderabad in recent years. Hyderabad, May 18 (IANS) Sundayas fire accident in a building near iconic Charminar that claimed 17 lives is the worst fire disaster to hit Hyderabad in recent years. The tragedy once again brought into focus the lack of fire safety measures in multi-storey buildings and failure to ensure adherence to safety norms despite announcements by authorities concerned after every such disaster. Eight children were among 17 people killed when the fire broke out, apparently due to a short-circuit, in a building in Gulzar Houz, a commercial hub, on Sunday morning. Like in most of the fire accidents in recent years, this G+2 building too had shops on the ground floor while families were residing upstairs. Sundayas disaster happened just two days after a fire broke out in the G+3 floor building in Afzalgunj, the busy commercial area not far from Charminar. This building also housed commercial establishments on the ground floor and residential flats above. Fortunately, there were no casualties as the firefighters rescued eight persons, including an infant trapped on the upper floors. An electrical short-circuit was suspected to be the cause. Hyderabad, its twin city, Secunderabad, and suburbs have seen a series of accidents in recent years, and after every accident, authorities promised action against those violating fire safety norms and illegally running commercial establishments in residential areas. In July last year, a 10-year-old girl died and five others were injured in a fire in a multi-storey building in the Jiyaguda area. The fire broke out in a furniture warehouse on the ground floor and spread to three floors of the building. Ten people were killed and 12 others injured after a fire broke out in a building in Nampally in the heart of Hyderabad city in November 2023. The fire started from the ground floor, which was being used to store chemicals used in making fibre bodies of air coolers. Six families living on rent in six flats on three upper floors were trapped in the fire. In March 2023, a huge fire in the famous Swapnalok complex in Secunderabad claimed six lives. The fire broke out on the 5th floor of the complex, trapping 13 people. While seven of them were rescued, six others, including four women, died of suffocation after inhaling smoke. Three workers were charred to death in a huge fire in a garment store on Nallagutta on Ministers Road, Secunderabad, in January 2023. The fire raged for two days in the six-storeyed commercial building. The municipal authorities later demolished the structure as it had become weak. Eight people were killed and nine others injured in a hotel in a fire that broke out in a multi-storey complex in Secunderabad in September 2022. Fire engulfed the Ruby Pride Luxury Hotel following an explosion in an e-bike showroom located in the basement of the five-storey building near the Passport Office. In March 2022, eleven migrant workers from Bihar were charred to death in a huge fire in a scrap warehouse in Secunderabad. The workers were asleep in rooms on the first floor while scrap material was stored on the ground floor. Following a series of accidents, the then BRS government had directed authorities concerned to take action against those illegally running shops, warehouses, and business establishments in the cellars or ground floor of multi-storey buildings and also those flouting fire safety norms. Politicians who visited the site of Sundayas tragedy reiterated the demand for action to prevent such incidents, while the government announced an inquiry. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, who is the MP from Secunderabad, said the authorities should take steps to prevent fire accidents. He wanted police, fire services, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and electricity departments to ensure compliance to fire safety norms. Patna, May 18 : The merger of former Union Minister RCP Singh's party with Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party has stirred the political pot in Bihar, with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav claiming a hidden agenda behind the move. The development comes ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, with political realignments gaining pace. RCP Singh, a former close aide of CM Nitish Kumar and ex-National President of Janata Dal (United), had floated his party after parting ways with JD(U). However, on Sunday, he merged his party with Jan Suraaj, founded by political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor. Reacting to this new alliance, Tejashwi didn't take names but dropped strong hints that the BJP could be "orchestrating" the development behind the scenes. "Both of them were in JD(U), one a national vice president, the other a national president. Who is getting all this done and how it is happening, people of Bihar know everything," Tejashwi said while interacting with the media persons in Patna. Tejashwi added, "If two rebels of JD(U) have come together, then everyone understands whose game this is. We don't need to say much. People are watching everything." Kishor and Singh alleged that contractors have "hijacked" the JD(U). Kishor called on JD(U) workers to desert the "sinking ship", claiming that it was being run by "five contractors" rather than seasoned politicians. The Jan Suraaj Party founder alleged that contractors with no political background make key decisions in the JD(U) and the state government. "Nitish Kumar neither runs the party nor the government. Ask the five people running JD(U) to name even a district president of their party - they won't be able to answer," he claimed. Tejashwi Yadav also took a jab at CM Nitish over his recent remark that there was nothing in Bihar before 2005. In response, Tejashwi said, "2005 has frozen in Nitish Kumar's mind. Before that, the voices of the people were heard, and bureaucracy didn't dominate. Retired chief ministers and officers didn't run Bihar." He added that international agencies like the United Nations had praised the work done in Bihar before 2005. Mumbai, May 18 : As "Kesari Veer: Legends of Somnath" nears release, the makers unveiled the film's latest song, "Kesari Bandhan", which captures the sacred bond of marriage. Mumbai, May 18 (IANS) As "KesariA Veer: Legends of Somnath" nears release, the makers unveiled the film's latest song, "Kesari Bandhan", which captures the sacred bond of marriage. The track features Sooraj Pancholi and Akanksha Sharmaas characters, aka Hamirji Gohil and Rajal, engaging in a marriage and promising a bond of a lifetime. Beyond the two, the song also gives a glimpse into Suniel Shettyas presence as Vegda Ji. "Kesari Bandhan" is soulfully rendered by Sonu Nigam, with music, lyrics, and production beautifully crafted by Monty Sharma. The song is released under the Panorama Music label. "Kesari Veer", a periodical war drama, tells a tale about the bravery and sacrifices made by unsung warriors to protect the Somnath temple. The recently released trailer features Shetty as the fearless warrior , Vegda Ji. He is joined by the unsung warrior Veer Hamirji Gohil, played by Pancholi, and debutant Akanksha as the fierce Rajal. Together, this powerful trio stands against the menacing villain Zafar, portrayed by Vivek Oberoi, who seeks to force religious conversions. Pancholi had to undergo a massive physical transformation to play Veer Hamirji Gohil in the biographical drama. He trained himself in archery, sword fighting, and endurance drills in order to play the 14th-century chieftain who fought valiantly to protect the Somnath Temple. Furthermore, Pancholi also learned the nuances of ancient warfare, including horseback riding and hand-to-hand combat techniques. With a starry ensemble cast led by Shetty, Oberoi, Pancholi, and Akanksha, "Kesari Veer" is directed by Prince Dhiman and produced by Kanu Chauhan under the Chauhan Studios banner. A Panorama Studios worldwide release, the film promises a stirring blend of action, emotion, and drama, and is set to captivate audiences globally on May 23. Initially, the project was scheduled to reach the audience on May 16, however, it was later delayed to May 23 due to unknown reasons. Hyderabad, May 18 : The Telangana government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of those killed in Sunday's fire accident in a building near historic Charminar. Hyderabad, May 18 (IANS) The Telangana government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of those killed in Sundayas fire accident in a building near historic Charminar. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka announced the ex-gratia after visiting Osmania Hospital, where the bodies of the 17 victims were kept. The Deputy Chief Minister consoled the families of the deceased and conveyed his condolences. Vikramarka, who cut short his visit to Khammam district to reach Hyderabad, was accompanied by the Hyderabad in-charge Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha. The Deputy CM gathered details about the accident from Police Commissioner C. V. Anand, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Commissioner Karnan and Fire Services Director General Y. Nagi Reddy. Talking to media persons, Vikramarka said the government would extend every possible assistance to the families of the deceased. Terming the incident as very unfortunate, he said that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and the entire Cabinet were shocked over the incident. He said the Chief Minister directed ministers and officials to provide relief to victims and monitor the situation. According to a preliminary investigation by the authorities concerned, a short-circuit led to the fire. The Deputy CM said the fire call was received at 6.16 a.m. and a fire engine from Moghalpura fire station reached the spot at 6.20 a.m. The firefighters rescued 17 people trapped in the fire and shifted them to hospitals. He said a total of 12 firefighting vehicles reached the spot to douse the fire. Eleven fire engines, one firefighting robot, 17 fire officers and 70 personnel participated in the operation to check the spread of fire. He also revealed that a fire officer suffered serious injuries while battling the fire and that he has been admitted to a hospital. Vikramarka said the state government would take all measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. He said a meeting would be held in 2-3 days to initiate serious measures to ensure that such incidents do not occur again. Patna, May 18 : Former Union Minister and ex-JDU National President R.C.P. Singh has formally merged his party Aap Sabki Aawaz (ASA) with Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj on Sunday ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. However, the ruling Janata Dal-United (JD-U) lashed out at R.C.P. Singh. JD-U Chief Spokesperson Neeraj Kumar branded both R.C.P. Singh and Prashant Kishor as "poisonous germs of politics" and accused them of betraying Nitish Kumar. "These are spent cartridges of politics. R.C.P. Singh was made personal secretary by Nitish Kumar and sent to the Rajya Sabha. Today, he is biting the very hand that fed him," Neeraj Kumar said. In a direct challenge, he added: "R.C.P. Singh should contest from any seat in Nalanda. If he secures more votes than a village chief (mukhiya), I will quit politics." Kumar also questioned the integrity of both leaders, accusing R.C.P. of "silent corruption" and Prashant Kishor of questionable corporate dealings in Telangana. BJP Spokesperson Arvind Kumar Singh also dismissed the merger as "irrelevant" to Bihar's political landscape. "After the by-election, Prashant Kishor is known as a lost leader. R.C.P. Singh is a spent force. Neither of them can mobilise caste votes. Upper castes are with the NDA, and so are Koeri-Kurmi voters," he said. The BJP reiterated confidence that the NDA's five-party alliance will return to power in Bihar, stating that the people have already rejected Kishor's outreach model and no longer see Singh as a credible community representative. During the merger event, R.C.P. Singh predicted the formation of a Jan Suraaj government in 2025 and launched a scathing attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Singh, once considered Nitish Kumar's close confidant, declared his political rebirth alongside Kishor and framed the new alliance as a challenge to the status quo. "The time has come for Bihar to embrace a new political culture. Jan Suraaj will bring that change," he said. Singh's political trajectory saw him rise from a trusted IAS officer in Nitish Kumar's team to JD-U national president and Union Steel Minister. However, tensions with Nitish led to his exit. Prashant Kishor, once Nitish's political strategist, too broke away and launched Jan Suraaj, aiming to establish an alternative, grassroots-based party. Ahmedabad, May 18 : Seven people have been arrested in connection with the conspiracy to seize the Trikamji Mandir land in Gujarat's Ahmedabad. The accused have been identified as Babu Bhai Dahyabhai Shah, Mohammad Asgar Abdul Hamid Pathan, Nizamuddin Abdul Rehman Sheikh, Mohammad Bilal Mohammad Hanif Sheikh, Zeeshan Zahid Hussain Qadri, Rohan Imtiyaz Ahmed Qadri, and Saddam Hussein Salimbhai Qureshi. Gaekwad Haveli Police arrested Bilal Sheikh, a builder and son of the notorious Hanif Dadhi, near the Kachchi Masjid area in Jamalpur. The arrest is linked to a serious land fraud case involving the alleged illegal acquisition of property belonging to the Trikamji Mandir. Sheikh and his associates are accused of fabricating false documents and conspiring to unlawfully seize the temple land. Following a complaint, the police registered a case under multiple sections, including cheating, forgery, using forged documents as genuine and criminal conspiracy. Authorities revealed that the accused allegedly created fraudulent documents to mislead officials and carry out their illegal plan. The case has drawn public attention because of the involvement of individuals with previous criminal backgrounds and the sensitivity around temple land disputes in Ahmedabad. Investigations are ongoing, and further arrests may be made as the police continue to probe the matter. The Gujarat Land Grabbing (Prohibition) Act, 2020, was enacted to curb unauthorised land occupations and empower the government to take stringent actions against offenders. Under this Act, special courts have been established to expedite the adjudication of land grabbing cases, aiming for resolution within six months. The Act also allows for the attachment of properties acquired through illegal means and mandates the creation of a seven-member committee in each district to evaluate land-grabbing complaints. Since the implementation of the Act, the state has received over 11,000 complaints related to land grabbing. Of these, approximately 5 per cent have resulted in the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs). A significant portion of these complaints pertains to private land disputes, with a smaller percentage involving government-owned land. Notably, the value of the land involved in these cases is substantial, with estimates running into hundreds of crores of rupees. Hyderabad, May 18 : Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has expressed grief over the fire accident in Hyderabad that claimed 17 lives. The Congress leader said in a social media post that the news of several people dying and many getting injured in the massive fire in Hyderabad, Telangana is extremely sad. "I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families in this difficult time and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured," he said. All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Mallikarjun Kharge has also expressed shock over the fire accident that occurred in Gulzar Houz area near Charminar. He spoke to Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. "I am deeply saddened by the devastating fire tragedy in the Charminar area of Hyderabad, which has claimed several precious lives. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims during this difficult time," Kharge said in a post on 'X'. "After speaking with the Chief Minister of Telangana, I am assured that the government is taking all necessary relief measures, including providing speedy and adequate compensation to those affected. I urge Congress workers to rally around the affected families and offer any assistance they can. Let us come together to support those in need and help them through this challenging period," he added. The Chief Minister briefed Krage on the incident. He also informed the AICC president that he was monitoring relief operations. Kharge was also told that ministers were visiting the spot to supervise relief operations. Meanwhile, Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma has expressed deep grief over the fire accident. The Governor conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. Describing the accident as deeply distressing, the Governor said, "It is heart-wrenching to learn of the precious lives lost and the injuries sustained in this tragic fire. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of immense grief." The Governor directed the authorities to extend all possible medical assistance to the injured. Jishnu Dev Varma prayed for the early recovery of those who were injured in the accident. Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy said he was shocked to hear about the fire incident at Gulzar House, Hyderabad. "My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the healing and speedy recovery of those injured in this unfortunate incident," Jagan said. RABAT, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Moroccan King Mohammed VI on Saturday announced the decision to reopen the embassy in Damascus, the official MAP news agency reported. In a speech read out by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita during the 34th Arab League Summit that kicked off in Baghdad, Iraq, the King described the move as "opening up broader prospects for the historical bilateral relations" between the two countries and peoples. Morocco closed its embassy in Damascus in 2012 after the country's civil conflict began. In a press statement following talks with Bourita, Syria's foreign affairs chief Asaad Al-Shaibani conveyed "thanks and gratitude" on Saturday for Morocco's decision to reopen its embassy in Damascus. Bourita announced that a technical delegation will visit Syria next week to assess preparations for the embassy's reopening. Al-Shaibani also announced the dispatch of a technical team to open the Syrian embassy in Rabat, MAP reported. Mehsana, May 18 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated the newly constructed building of K.K. Patel and Madhuben Patel Nursing College at Gozaria, Mehsana district of Gujarat. The institute is run by the Shrimati Samarth Chunilal and Sheth Dosabhai Madhavji Public Hospital, a long-standing community institution in the region. Addressing the large gathering at the inaugural ceremony, Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the revolutionary changes brought about in India's healthcare landscape under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014. "Today, 600 million citizens are receiving quality healthcare through the Ayushman Bharat scheme, with each Ayushman card providing up to Rs 5 lakh in medical coverage," he said. The Home Minister added that the transformation in public healthcare access is one of the Modi government's most impactful achievements. Shah elaborated on the array of welfare schemes that have contributed to improved health and hygiene among the population, including Poshan Abhiyaan, Swachh Bharat Mission, Fit India Movement, Har Ghar Jal, Mission Indradhanush, and Ayushman Bharat. "Earlier, India had a healthcare budget of Rs 37,000 crore. Today, under PM Modi's leadership, that figure has been increased to Rs 1.37 lakh crore, solely for public health," he said. He also emphasised the expanding infrastructure under the National Digital Health Ecosystem, which includes telemedicine services, Ayushman Mandirs (health and wellness centres), and more. Shah also highlighted the growth in medical institutions, citing the increase in AIIMS from 7 to 23 and in medical colleges from 387 to 780. "Earlier, India used to produce 51,000 medical graduates annually. Today, the number has surged to 1,18,000 doctors serving across the nation," he noted. The Home Minister further stated that in the last decade alone, Jan Aushadhi Kendras have distributed affordable medicines worth Rs 25,000 crore to the public. These initiatives, he said, have brought modern healthcare within reach of rural and underserved communities. In his speech, the Home Minister made a passionate appeal to the community: "It is the responsibility of society to modernise our legacy hospitals and transform them into centres of advanced medical care. With support from schemes like Ayushman Bharat, even charity-run hospitals are now functioning with renewed energy and impact." The newly built nursing college and the hospital campus are equipped with a wide range of modern departments, including surgery, gynaecology, internal medicine, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, paediatrics, dentistry, physiotherapy, and a kidney dialysis centre. Visiting specialist services include ENT, dermatology, psychiatry, sonography, gastroenterology, echocardiography, nephrology, neurology, and pulmonology. This comprehensive facility is expected to serve more than 50 nearby villages, becoming a hub for both education and treatment in the region. The institution aims to provide high-quality medical services backed by advanced technology and a human-centred approach. Member of Parliament Hari Patel called it a proud moment for Gozaria and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their commitment to healthcare and rural development. The event was also blessed by Param Pujya Vagishkumar of Kankroli, who offered prayers and acknowledged the contributions of donors and trustees. New Delhi, May 18 : India is on track to become a global drone hub by 2030, said BJP leader Amit Malviya on Sunday, hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the growth of the drone industry. He also underscored the stellar role played by drones during Operation Sindoor. The in-charge of the BJP's National Information and Technology Department also highlighted the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme of the government and the abolishment of the old drone rules for the current revolution in the sector. "These initiatives are now showing results in 2025, and India is on track to become a global drone hub by 2030. Trust Prime Minister Modi. Always," wrote Malviya in a post on social media platform X. "Drones are the future of warfare and business. Prime Minister Modi had the foresight to recognise this, which is why he introduced transformative policy changes in 2021," he said, in an oblique reference to the drone battles that India won during Operation Sindoor. Malviya highlighted the Modi government's steps to open up the sector and said, "The restrictive old drone rules were abolished, green zones were expanded, a PLI scheme was launched, drone imports were banned, export regulations were simplified, and multiple ministries and PSUs launched drone promotion programmes such as the Drone Didi scheme." Earlier last year, the Indian Army organised two drone events -- 'HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2' and 'HIMTECH-2024' -- designed to harness military technologies for operations in high-altitude areas. Envisaged as an opportunity for the Indian Drone Industry to showcase the capabilities of their drone solutions for high-altitude areas, HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 took place at Wari La, near Leh, on September 17-18, 2024. This event was followed by HIMTECH-2024 on September 20-21, 2024, to discuss, demonstrate and discover new avenues for development, incorporation and cross-pollination of technology, ideas and innovations with a focus on harnessing military technologies for high-altitude areas. A statement issued by the Defence Ministry after the event said that Major General C.S. Mann, Additional Director General of the Army Design Bureau, highlighted that the Indian Army is deployed from icy heights of the Siachen Glacier to the rugged Himalayas, where its soldiers face unparalleled adversities daily. For drone operations, rarified atmosphere results in reduced lift and degraded engine performance, which are further accentuated by extreme cold temperatures and high wind speeds, he said. These conditions are unique for the Indian Army and demand systems that can adequately perform in these conditions. Since such altitude battlefields are not prevalent anywhere else, tailor-made, indigenous solutions are the way forward, he said. If the indigenous industry succeeds here, it also opens vistas for them to the international arena and establishes India as a credible drone manufacturing hub, he said. HIM-DRONE-A-THON-2 focused on drone solutions for the Indian Army for high-altitude areas. The event was planned to be conducted under actual terrain and environmental conditions at an altitude of 4,000-5,000 meters. The event was open to all indigenous drone manufacturers and invited their participation for demonstration of Surveillance drones, Loitering munitions, Logistics Drones, Swarm Drones and drones with specific capabilities including Electronic Warfare, Synthetic Aperture Radar, Communication Intelligence and Electronic Intelligence. As many as 25 drone manufacturing firms registered for participation in the event. All the firms competed in a multifaceted competition in a super high-altitude area to prove their suitability and capabilities. HIMTECH 2024 was held for the first time in Leh, to highlight and focus on the development of technology and systems for meeting operational requirements along the Northern Borders. The event, being held in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), not only showcased industry partners and new generation equipment developed for high altitude areas but also projected Leh as the new business destination for new technology developers, industry and academia. Chandigarh, May 18 : Punjab Police have busted an international narco trafficking cartel with the arrest of its three operatives and recovered 10.2 kg heroin from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Sunday. The arrested drug smugglers have been identified as Akashdeep Singh (22) and Akash alias Mota (19), both residents of Cheema Kalan in Tarn Taran, and Sandeep Singh (30), a resident of Kotli Vasawa Singh in Tarn Taran. Apart from recovering a haul of heroin, police teams have also impounded their two motorcycles, which were being used to deliver the heroin. DGP Yadav said the preliminary probe has revealed that the accused, Akashdeep Singh and Sandeep Singh, remained in touch with Pakistan smugglers from across the border for the past six years. The latter were using drones to deliver heroin consignments across the border, which was then distributed at various locations for further distribution, he said. The DGP said further investigations are underway to trace linkages in the network. Sharing operation details, Commissioner of Police, Amritsar, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said acting on a tip-off, a team under the supervision of DCP (Detective) Ravinderpal Singh, ADCP (Detective) Jagbinder Singh and ACP (Detective) Harminder Singh Sandhu and led by CIA in charge Amolakdeep Singh, apprehended the accused Akashdeep Singh and Akash alias Mota from Gurudwara Bohri Sahib road along with 1.01 kg heroin and a motorcycle. He said that based on the interrogation of the accused, police teams have also arrested their accomplice, Sandeep Singh from Chabhal Road, along with 9.2 kg of heroin and a motorcycle. Bhullar said the accused Sandeep had been involved in supplying heroin since 2018-19 and is suspected to have smuggled over 200 kg of heroin so far. Police remand has been obtained to interrogate the accused and uncover their entire network, he said, while adding that more arrests and recoveries are expected in the coming days. --IANS vg/dan New Delhi, May 18 : India's pharmaceutical industry, which has emerged as the largest supplier of affordable generic medicines, is poised to grow at 7.8 per cent year-on-year in April 2025 driven by strong demand and new products, according to experts at India Ratings. The countryas pharma sector is now ranked 3rd in volume and 14th in value globally and contributes as much as 20 per cent of the worldas supply of medicines. The turnover of the Indian pharma industry touched Rs 4,17,345 crore in 2023-24 growing steadily at over 10 per cent annually for the past five years. "For the common man, this means more medicines at lower prices, better healthcare and jobs in factories and labs across the country. From small towns to big cities, Indiaas pharma growth is creating opportunities and saving lives," a government official said. India has also emerged as a key supplier of vaccines. The countryas pharma sector supplies 55-60 per cent of UNICEFas vaccines, meeting 99 per cent of WHOas DPT (Diphtheria, Whooping cough and Tetanus) vaccine demand, 52 per cent for BCG (Bacillus Calmette-GuArin is a vaccine primarily used against TB), and 45 per cent for measles. From Africa to America, Indian vaccines save millions. At home, these schemes create jobs for young Indians, from factory workers to scientists. Foreign investors are pouring in with Rs 12,822 crore in 2023-24 alone, because they see Indiaas potential. The government welcomes 100 per cent foreign investment in medical devices and greenfield pharma projects, making India a hotspot for global companies. The governmentas schemes have played a key role in promoting the pharma sector. The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) runs 15,479 Jan Aushadhi Kendras, offering generic medicines at prices up to 80 per cent lower than branded ones. A heart medicine that once cost Rs 500 might now cost Rs 100. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals with Rs 15,000 crore, supports 55 projects to make high-end drugs like cancer and diabetes medicines right here in India. Another PLI scheme with Rs 6,940 crore focuses on raw materials like Penicillin G, reducing the countryas need for imports. The PLI for Medical Devices, backed by Rs 3,420 crore, is boosting production of tools like MRI machines and heart implants, the official added. The Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks scheme with Rs 3,000 crore building mega hubs in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh to make medicines cheaper and faster. The Strengthening of Pharmaceuticals Industry (SPI) Scheme with Rs 500 crore, funds research and upgrades labs, helping Indian companies compete globally. These efforts mean medicines are made in India, for India and for the world keeping costs low and quality high. Chandigarh, May 18 : Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Sunday sought an all-party consensus to seek a special package from the Centre for "saving" the state's economy. Chandigarh, May 18 (IANS) Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Sunday sought an all-party consensus to seek a special package from the Centre for "saving" the state's economy. He urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to pursue the issue of a special package with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also appealed to all other political parties to unite for the sake of Punjab and press the Central government for a "bailout package". Warring's assertions come days after state BJP chief Sunil Jakhar had raised the pressing need for a special economic package for Punjab, keeping in mind losses it had been facing due to its status as a border state, not only in current circumstances but also historically. Jakhar raised this demand at the all-party meeting held in Chandigarh, which was attended by the Governor, the Chief Minister and representatives of all major political parties. Joining the issue, Congress President Warring offered his party's full support and cooperation in seeking a special package for Punjab, which is badly in need of it. Warring, who represents Ludhiana in the Parliament, said he has received disturbing feedback from the industry. Under the present circumstances, he said, "It is difficult for the industry and trade to survive and sustain in Punjab". He pointed out that Punjab's debt is mounting every year. "Let us not indulge in any blame game anymore and deal with the issue collectively," he urged the Chief Minister and other political parties, saying saving the state's economy may be the primary task and responsibility of the government, but its consequences will have to be borne by all. Warring warned against the consequences of a collapsed economy, which would lead to widespread unemployment that would eventually lead to the problem of law and order. He said the current campaign of the government against drugs will be meaningless if it is not coupled with the economic revival of the state. BJP leader Jakhar has specifically proposed that Punjab should be considered for a special status on the lines of what is extended to states such as Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, which would allow for long-term economic and developmental benefits. New Delhi, May 18 : Dornier aircraft and an Indian Naval Ship will be among the highlights of the Indian Pavilion at the 17th edition of Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025), being held at Langkawi, Malaysia from May 20 to 24, an official said on Sunday. Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth will lead an Indian delegation at the exhibition and inaugurate the country pavilion. Many Defence PSUs, including Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited, BEML, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Gliders India Limited and private defence companies will be participating in the exhibition, showcasing the Indian defence industry prowess. This year, Indian assets, including Dornier aircraft and an Indian Naval Ship, will also participate in LIMA 2025. On the sidelines of the exhibition, Seth will also call on Malaysian Minister of Defence Datoa Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin. The visit will further consolidate the bilateral defence cooperation and the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. India and Malaysia have a robust and multifaceted relationship which has expanded into several strategic areas, including defence and security. Both the countries are committed to work under the vision of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established during the visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia in 2024. LIMA, established in 1991 and held biennially, is regarded as one of the largest and most significant maritime and aerospace exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific region. In a separate development related to the Defence Ministry, Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary, concluded his two-day visit to Eastern Naval Command at Visakhapatnam on Friday. During the visit, the Defence Secretary interacted with Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. He was briefed on the Commandas operational capabilities and key activities. He was also provided a detailed overview of ongoing and planned infrastructure development projects on the East Coast that are aimed at further enhancing naval operational and strategic capabilities. New Delhi, May 18 : As Indian drones, bombs and missile strikes wreaked havoc in Pakistan from May 7 to May 10, under the Operation Sindoor, this not only exposed Pakistan's fragile air defence system but also showed the poor efficacy of Chinese fighter jets deployed by Pakistan for securing its borders. New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) As Indian drones, bombs and missile strikes wreaked havoc in Pakistan from May 7 to May 10, under the Operation Sindoor, this not only exposed Pakistanas fragile air defence system but also showed the poor efficacy of Chinese fighter jets deployed by Pakistan for securing its borders. As widely reported, Pakistan remains heavily dependent on Chinese defence imports, accounting for nearly 82 per cent of its total defence imports. As India struck deep inside Pakistan, in response to its escalation bid, the operation served as a real-world test for Chinese military technology and also went to show the gross underperformance of its aircraft as well as the failure to prevent air attacks. The failure and underperformance of Chinese systems, as reported widely, not only impacted Pakistan's military effectiveness but also China's reputation as a global arms exporter. Below are the details of how Chinese-powered jets and defence systems failed miserably: Air Defense Systems (HQ-9, HQ-16/LY-80): Chinese-made HQ-9 air defence systems were deployed by the Pakistan Army to intercept Indian aircraft or missiles during the conflict, but the Indian forces successfully bypassed and jammed Pakistani air defence systems, including the ones deployed near critical military installations. The ineffectiveness of HQ-9 and other Chinese air defence units has raised questions about their detection and response capabilities, especially against advanced Indian and Western systems. Though there was no official word from either side but many Chinese social media handles attributed the HQ-9's failure to inadequate training and operational inefficiencies on the Pakistani side, giving credence to the report that the Chinese air defence system was effectively breached by Indiaas niche weapons. Air-to-Air Missiles (PL-15): Chinese-made PL-15 air-to-air missiles were touted as a rival to Western counterparts like the American AIM-120D, but they failed to reach any intended targets. The Indian military officials also collected fragments of a recovered PL-15 missile in Hoshiarpur, which had landed without hitting anything. Fighter Jets (J-10C, JF-17): Despite Pakistan deploying Chinese-made J-10C and JF-17 Block III fighter jets, equipped with PL-15 missiles, they were unable to significantly impede or deter Indian airstrikes. While the two nations engaged in an intense military warfare, Pakistan initiated a propaganda war by claiming that it shot down multiple Indian jets, including Rafales. All these claims remain unsubstantiated till date, as no debris of any Indian aircraft has been presented by Pakistan. Mumbai, May 18 : Actress Avneet Kaur received a lovely compliment from gentleman Tom Cruise as she attended the premiere of "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning" in London. In a video dropped by Avneet on her IG, she was seen asking the Hollywood heartthrob, "How are you? Cruise said, "Great! Very nice to see you." Admiring the actress's look, he added, "So elegant, so elegant." Avneet also congratulated Cruise on the premiere of "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning". "Congratulations on the amazing premiere, well deserved," she said. Cruise replied to this with a "Thank you... thank you". Previously, Cruise agreed to take Avneet if he makes a Bollywood kind of film. Avneet dropped a video on social media in which Cruise is seen talking about his love for India, and Bollywood. He was heard saying, "I love Bollywood films, you know, when you're seeing the skill that it takes to do what you all do, that you naturally do. I love that you're in this drama or comedy and suddenly it breaks out in song. I love it." "It's something that, you know, I grew up with and I love musicals, I love dramas. Your culture in that way is something that I would like to be able to do. It's on my list of kinds of films to make," Cruise said. "And I would love to be a part of it," Avneet responded. Giving a nod, Cruise said, "Yeah, good. Yeah, it's good. That would be awesome. That would be amazing." Furthermore, Avneet shared a post of her and Cruise greeting one another with a graceful Namaste. "Namaste mere aur Mr Cruise ki taraf se poore India ko. Great to see you again @tomcruise @missionimpossible," she penned the caption. 'Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning' was released in cinema halls on May 17, releasing first in India. Ahmedabad, May 18 : The Narmada Police in Gujarat have sprung into action following serious concerns raised by a Member of Parliament, Mansukh Vasava, during the District Coordination Committee meeting regarding fraudulent income certificates being used in the district. The MP highlighted that several bogus documents were allegedly being created and used to claim entitlements such as old age pensions, widow pensions, and possibly even benefits under the Right to Information (RTI) scheme. The concern was not only about the false claims but also about the potential involvement of middlemen, private agents, or even government personnel who may be facilitating this fraudulent practice. The Superintendent of Police (SP) of Narmada district constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP), who is heading the SIT, confirmed that around 700 documents have been examined so far, and 100 individuals were questioned at Rajpipla Police Station as part of the ongoing investigation. "If the documents are found to be falsified, the individuals responsible for submitting them will be treated as accused in the case," said the DySP. Notably, some of the alleged accused have already applied for anticipatory bail in the district court. The Narmada Police have filed objections to these applications, and the matter is currently under judicial review. The SIT is also probing whether any government officials or private agents played a role in the creation of these bogus documents. If found complicit, their names will be added to the list of accused. Authorities are also investigating that if the forged documents were used to exploit government welfare schemes, such as old age pensions, widow pensions, or benefits under the RTI scheme. The police emphasised that there is no political interference in the investigation and that the force is committed to conducting the probe fairly and impartially. "The rule of law will prevail. No one, regardless of their position or connection, will be spared if found guilty," the DySP concluded. Chennai, May 18 : The Tamil Nadu government on Sunday reported substantial progress in agriculture, animal husbandry, dairying, and fisheries, attributing the achievements to the Dravidian Model of governance and targeted policy interventions under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's leadership. Chennai, May 18 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu government on Sunday reported substantial progress in agriculture, animal husbandry, dairying, and fisheries, attributing the achievements to the Dravidian Model of governance and targeted policy interventions under Chief Minister M.K. Stalinas leadership. In an official release, the state government stated that foodgrain production had reached 457.08 lakh metric tonnes, while agricultural growth rose to an average of 5.66 per cent between 2021 and 2024, marking a significant improvement over the 1.36 per cent growth recorded during the previous AIADMK regime. Highlighting its commitment to the agricultural sector, the government noted that it had presented five consecutive agriculture-specific budgets for the first time in the stateas history. These budgets allocated a cumulative outlay of Rs 1.94 lakh crore, enabling a wide range of initiatives such as reclaiming 47,286 acres of fallow land across more than 10,000 village panchayats and distributing mechanised equipment to over 62,000 farmers. Irrigation infrastructure also witnessed major enhancements. The irrigated area expanded by 2.26 lakh hectares, with 5,427 km of canals and 8,540 small ponds dredged. Additionally, 917 irrigation lakes and 814 minor lakes were renovated to improve water storage and distribution, directly benefiting over 2.10 lakh farmers. In the dairy sector, milk production increased to 10,808 metric tonnes in 2023a"24, while egg production hit a record 2,233 crore, reflecting strong support for livestock and poultry farmers. The fisheries sector saw a boost with the construction of 72 modern fish landing centres at an investment of Rs 1,428 crore, aimed at enhancing infrastructure and income for coastal communities. "With Tamil Nadu leading the nation in the productivity of several crops and continuing to modernise rural infrastructure, the government reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development," the statement read. "The Dravidian Model is proving to be a transformative force in rural progress." KHARTOUM, May 18 (Xinhua) -- A major power outage has crippled healthcare services in Sudan's Omdurman city, part of the wider Khartoum metropolitan area, medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said on Sunday. Omdurman, one of Sudan's most populous urban centers, is facing its fourth large-scale blackout this year. The MSF blamed the latest disruption on drone strikes allegedly carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), targeting three power stations in Khartoum State on May 14. The outage has left nearly all of Omdurman without electricity, impacting vital infrastructure, including two Ministry of Health hospitals -- Al Nao and Al Buluk -- both supported by the MSF. The facilities are currently operating without power, water, or oxygen, the group said. Al Nao Hospital, the main medical facility in the Al-Thawra district of northern Omdurman, serves communities across the capital metropolitan area, which includes Omdurman, Khartoum, and Bahri. "If its services stop, a critical lifeline will be cut," the MSF warned in a post on social media platform X. The organization condemned the attacks on civilian infrastructure, calling them a violation of international humanitarian law. "These strikes are compounding an already dire humanitarian crisis. They must stop immediately," it said. Sudan's state electricity company confirmed the May 14 strikes, saying three power stations in Omdurman had been hit by drones, triggering widespread blackouts and further disrupting essential services across Khartoum State. Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF since April 2023. The war has killed tens of thousands and forced millions to flee their homes, both within Sudan and across its borders. Islamabad, May 18 : After being isolated by the International community following Operation Sindoor, Pakistan Foreign Minister (FM) Ishaq Dar will travel to China on May 19 to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi where he is expected to hold bilateral talks following drubbing at the hands by India. The Pakistan Foreign Office said, in a statement, that Ishaq Dar is visiting China from May 19 to 21 on the invitation of his counterpart Wang to hold talks on issues of interest. "The Foreign Minister will hold in-depth discussions with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the evolving regional situation in South Asia and its implications for peace and stability," the Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement. This will be Pakistan Foreign Minister's first foreign trip after the ceasefire between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, which led to the escalation between the two South Asian nuclear powers. "Both countries will also review the entire spectrum of Pakistan-China bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest," said the Pakistan Foreign Office. The neighbouring countrie's Foreign Office said that the visit forms part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China that underscore the two countries' shared commitment to further strengthen the 'All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership'. Meanwhile, Geo News reported that Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi will also arrive in China on May 20 to attend a trilateral meeting with Dar and Wang. Dar will also participate in the trilateral meeting with his Chinese and Afghan counterparts. "Both foreign ministers of the three countries are expected to discuss the promotion of regional trade, enhanced security cooperation, and the evolving situation in the region, particularly in the wake of the recent Pakistan-India conflict," the report said. India carried out precision strikes under Operation Sindoor on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir early on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Visakhapatnam, May 18 : In a heart-wrenching tragedy, four children suffocated to death inside a locked car in Andhra Pradesh's Vijayanagaram district on Sunday. Visakhapatnam, May 18 (IANS) In a heart-wrenching tragedy, four children suffocated to death inside a locked car in Andhra Pradeshas Vijayanagaram district on Sunday. The tragedy struck Dwarapudi village under Vijayanagaram Cantonment. According to police, four children, all aged below 10 years, entered a parked car while playing. The car doors were locked, trapping them inside. The incident came to light after the parents of the children launched a frantic search for them after they were not seen since morning. Eventually, their bodies were found in a car parked near the local Mahila Mandali office. Uday, 8, Charumati, 8, Charishma, 6, and Manasvi, 6, had gone out to play on Sunday morning. Charumati and Charishma were sisters, while the two others were their friends. When they did not return home for a long time, their parents began searching for them. As the doors of the car parked in the area were not locked, the children opened them and sat in the vehicle. The doors then got accidentally locked, trapping them inside. All four died of suffocation. The death of four children plunged the village into a gloom. This is the second such incident in Telugu states in the last month. In April, two girls died of suffocation after getting trapped in a locked car in Telanganaas Ranga Reddy district. The incident had occurred in Damaragidda village in Chevella mandal. Two cousins, aged four and five, who had come to attend a relativeas wedding, entered a parked car while playing outside the house. The car doors accidentally locked, trapping the children inside for a prolonged period in the rising heat. Family members began searching for the girls after they had been missing for a long time. They were eventually found unconscious in the vehicle and rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared them dead. Meanwhile, in another tragedy in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, three children drowned in a pit filled with rainwater on Sunday. The incident occurred in Devarajapuram of Kuppam mandal. The deceased were identified as Shalini, 5, Ashwin, 6, and Gautami, 8. Nagpur, May 18 : Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday inaugurated the National Soil Spectral Library here, making Maharashtra the first state to have a soil map. The library includes data on soil pH Value, density and elemental composition collected using hyperspectral sensor technology by the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning here. Shivraj Chouhan also launched an AI-based Smart Trap technology for managing the pink bollworm pest affecting cotton crops. This technology will alert farmers about pest infestations in their crops. Making another big announcement, the minister said the Centre would set up a national level lab in Pune under the Clean Plant Program. This laboratory will be set up in Pune for research on the original species of plants. Emphasising on increasing agricultural production, Shivraj Chouhan said that the Clean Plant Program is being run to ensure pure and disease-free nurseries. To increase production, farmers should understand the need for good quality seeds, soil testing and reduction in production costs. Addressing the farmers convention- Krishi Samvaad organized under 'Vikasit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, the Chouhan also gave the call for "One Nation, One Agriculture and One Team" to make the countryas farmers self-reliant and increase their incomes. He said the Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry, State Agriculture Ministry, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Krishi Vigyan Kendra and all agricultural institutes should work together as a team. If all the institutions are connected, targets are set, roadmaps are made, then miracles can be made in agriculture, he added. During the event, Shivraj Chouhan said that ICAR has 113 institutes across the country, 11 of which are in Maharashtra. He announced that a meeting with heads of all ICAR institutes would be held at the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning in Nagpur to chart the course for agricultural development in Maharashtra. The Union Minister said the government is committed to bridging the gap between laboratories and farmlands. With 16,000 agricultural scientists under ICAR, scientists will visit villages as a team along with agricultural extension officers to educate farmers about new seed varieties and innovative farming practices. Shivraj Chouhan further stated that during the 15-day campaign from May 29 to June 12, agricultural scientists will visit villages to guide farmers on sustainable farming practices and plan for the Kharif season. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis provided details about the Wainganga-Nalganga river linking project, which will enhance irrigation capacity in Vidarbha. He clarified that the state government will fully cooperate with the inclusive policy outlined by Shivraj Chouhan for the entire nation. State Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate noted that labor shortages for cotton picking have become a challenge. Research and development are underway for battery-operated small tractors, and if successful, the results will be presented to the Agriculture Ministry. During the event, farmers from the Nagpur division excelling in natural farming, organic farming, and farmer producer organisations were felicitated by the Union Agriculture Minister and the Chief Minister. The programme saw a large attendance of farmers and agricultural officers from the Nagpur division. Kolkata, May 18 : Three illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators, residing in India after illegally entering the country, have been arrested by the West Bengal Police near the Indo-Bangladesh international borders in Nadia district. The accused were presented at a district court, which remanded them to police custody. The three arrested illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators include two men and one woman. They have been identified as Rupa Begum, Muhammad Alam, and Manira Sheikh. They are original residents of the Jhenaidah area in Bangladesh. Sources said that all of them entered India after illegally crossing the border almost four months back with the help of a local agent, who also arranged for illegal Indian identity documents. Thereafter, they moved to another state and started earning a livelihood by doing some odd jobs. However, due to the increased hunting operations launched against illegal Bangladesh infiltrators by the administration in different states, they decided to go back to Bangladesh. On Saturday night, when they again reached a village near the Dhantala international borders in the district, from where they entered India illegally, their whereabouts were tipped off by the local police by sources, leading to their arrest. "In the past, several illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators have been arrested from different villages near the international borders. However, during the last couple of months, mainly those illegal infiltrators have been arrested who are attempting to go back to their native land after spending some time on Indian soil illegally," a Nadia district police official said. New Delhi, May 18 : With the arrest of a criminal, the East District Police in Delhi on Sunday claimed to have successfully solved a case of criminal intimidation and extortion. The accused has been identified as Kartar Bhati, a resident of village Jamalpur, Police Station Kasana, Distt. Gautam Budh Nagar in Uttar Pradesh. Deputy Commissioner of Police, East District, Delhi, Abhishek Dhania, said, "On May 17, Ramkumar, aged 58 years, a resident of Sitaram Apartments, IP Extension, Delhi, approached the Police Station Madhu Vihar with a grave complaint. He reported that he runs a business under the name Singla Electricals in West Vinod Nagar, Delhi. On May 11, at approximately 6:50 p.m., two unidentified men entered his shop while he was present with his two sons. One of the individuals introduced himself as Kartar Bhati, claiming he was responsible for the murder of a person named Bhure. He produced a pocket diary containing the home and shop addresses of the complainant and threatened him, stating that he had recently been released from jail and knew the complainant was a wealthy man." The DCP stated that the accused demanded Rs 50 lakh and issued a chilling threat, saying the complainant would meet the same fate as Bhure if the demand was not met. On May 16, the complainant received a WhatsApp call from the same individual, identified on the app as Kartar Bhati, reaffirming the extortion demand. Based on this complaint, a case was promptly registered at Police Station Madhu Vihar on May 17 under section u/s 308(4)/3(5) BNS, and investigation of the case was taken up. Given the gravity of the threats and the criminal history involved, a joint team comprising members of the Special Staff, Anti-Narcotics Squad and Police Station Madhu Vihar was immediately formed. The joint team included the staff of the Special Staff in charge, Inspector Jitendra Malik, led by ACP/Ops; staff of the Anti-Narcotics Squad in charge, Inspector Arun Kumar, led by ACP/Ops and staff of Police Station Madhu Vihar, led by Inspector Arun Kumar, SHO/Madhu Vihar, under the supervision of ACP/Madhu Vihar, Tilak Chand Bist. These teams worked under the supervision of Vinit Kumar, Addl DCP-I/East, and under the overall supervision of the undersigned. Acting swiftly, the police team collected and analysed CCTV footage from the complainant's shop and surrounding areas. Two suspects were clearly seen conversing with the complainant and his sons in the footage. Using a combination of CCTV analysis, technical surveillance, and local intelligence, the investigating team identified the two accused. The main accused was identified as Kartar Bhati, and the other accused was identified as Nadir aka Sah Alam. Utilising real-time intelligence inputs and strategic surveillance, the police team successfully apprehended Kartar Bhati. "The police have also recovered the diary used to intimidate the complainant and the clothes worn during the incident from his possession. Further interrogation of the accused is underway to uncover additional details and connections," the DCP said. The accused, Kartar Bhati, is a habitual offender, previously involved in seven criminal cases, including offences under the Arms Act, robbery, snatching, and murder. He was recently released from jail in September 2024. During the investigation, it also came to light that the name Bhure, mentioned during the extortion threat, referred to Rahul aka Bhura aka Bhure, a resident of West Vinod Nagar, Delhi, who was murdered on June 3, 2020. The case was registered under Sections 302/392/397/34 IPC and 27 Arms Act at Police Station Mandawali. The reference was clearly an attempt to instil fear in the complainant. Rome, May 18 : In a significant diplomatic gesture underscoring renewed transatlantic dialogue, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hosted US Vice President J.D. Vance and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for high-level talks in Rome on Sunday. The meeting, held as a side event to the historic inaugural mass (formerly known as enthronement) of Pope Leo XIV the first American to hold the papacy marked a potential turning point in the US-EU relations, with trade, defence, and global security topping the agenda. Speaking to the press at the opening of the talks, Prime Minister Meloni emphasised the symbolic and strategic importance of the meeting. "I am proud to host two of the most important leaders representing the US and the European Union. There are many issues to address, many challenges to overcome, but above all, a shared recognition of how vital our transatlantic relationship is especially for a West that seeks to remain united and influential on the global stage," said the Italian Prime Minister. Meloni framed the meeting as a "new beginning" - particularly in the realm of trade, where tensions have persisted in recent years. While acknowledging that trade negotiations fall under the purview of the European Commission, she highlighted Italy's role as a facilitator of dialogue. "Today is about building bridges," she added. Meloni has been known as the "Trump whisperer" and was one of the only European leaders present at President Trump's inauguration. She visited Trump for a bilateral visit in April, where he accepted Italy's invitation as the venue for trade talks with the European Union. US Vice President J.D. Vance, representing the Trump administration, echoed Meloni's spirit of cooperation. Praising the solemnity and unity displayed at Pope Leo XIV's inaugural Mass, he lauded Italy's hospitality and reaffirmed the strength of the US-Italy alliance. "We're thrilled to be here on such a momentous day. This meeting is not just about resolving disagreements, though we have a few, especially on trade, but also about reaffirming our shared commitments. Europe remains a vital partner for the US, and we hope this dialogue sets the stage for long-term cooperation and mutual advantage," Vance said. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen struck a similarly collaborative tone, pointing to the scale and depth of existing economic ties. "We already share the largest trade relationship in the world, exceeding $1.5 trillion annually," she noted. While recognising that technical negotiations can be complex, "the devil is in the details," she quipped. She also expressed optimism that the discussions would yield a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement. Von der Leyen also raised two critical geopolitical concerns: the war in Ukraine and European defence readiness. She praised ongoing US-EU coordination on Ukraine and emphasised the need for sustained momentum toward a "just and lasting peace." On defence, she highlighted new Commission initiatives to boost military investment among EU member states, stating, "A stronger Europe always means a stronger NATO." The trilateral talks, though informal, represent a noteworthy attempt to recalibrate US-EU relations amid a shifting global landscape. That the discussions took place on the margins of Pope Leo XIV's enthronement only heightened the symbolism: a union of religious tradition and geopolitical renewal. Separately, it has been communicated that VP Vance met with the Ukrainian President Zelensky for 30 minutes. A historic informal Trump-Zelensky meeting made front pages when the men met alone in St. Peter's during Pope Francis's funeral. Meanwhile, the Italian Prime Minister Meloni concluded, "This is a first meeting but we hope it will not be the last." Agartala, May 18 : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday said that public representatives think of many plans, schemes and policies for the benefit of the public, but ultimately, these are implemented by civil service officials. After laying the foundation stone of the Civil Service Officers' Institute at Kunjaban on the outskirts of Agartala city, the Chief Minister urged the officials to work properly and to go in-depth on the issues and understand things accurately. "I never thought of becoming a doctor and then being appointed to many posts. I had no such targets. But you (officials) have to try, and if you have a desire to work for people, you will reach your destination," said Saha, a dental surgeon turned politician. He said that such Officers' institutes are located in various parts of the country. "Then I asked, why not here in Tripura? We must think of officers coming from outside the state. If I go outside the state and don't get proper accommodation and other facilities, then I would also want to come back here to Agartala." Saha also recalled that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel once said civil service officials are the 'steel frame' of India. Noting that officials' most important matter is relationships with the people, he said that public representatives and elected leaders think of many plans, schemes and policies to provide benefits to the public, but ultimately, these are implemented by officials. "After our government, the (BJP govt) came to power (in 2018), we never created pressure on officials, which was done in the earlier governments. If such things (non-pressure) continue, then only a healthy atmosphere would be created here. People are joining the civil services purely for work purposes. Due to transparent policies, talented people are joining the civil services in Tripura," the Chief Minister remarked. He informed that currently 59 IAS officers, 42 IPS officers, 40 IFS officers, 470 Tripura Civil Service (TCS) officers, 152 Tripura Police Service (TPS) officers and 50 Tripura Forest Service (TFS) officers are working. "Some IAS officers are posted outside the state. When I decided to hold the Plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC), it was successful due to the efforts of officials. Many Governors and Chief Ministers have come here and wanted the NEC Plenary to be held again and again in Tripura, and this credit goes to all of you," the Chief Minister pointed out. He said that during last year's flood-like situation, officials worked tirelessly and "I believe that if we work together, we can solve the basic issues of the people and help them by implementing central and state government projects." Successful implementations of all schemes are dependent on the civil service officials, because of whom people get benefits, he added. During the event, Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, Director General of Police Anurag, Secretaries Kiran Gitte and R.K. Shamal and other senior officials were present in the event. --IANS sc/dan Dehradun, May 18 : The delegation of the 16th Finance Commission on Sunday visited Uttarakhand and discussed various developmental issues with the Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami. "The delegation of the 16th Finance Commission, led by its Chairman, Arvind Panagariya, was welcomed at the Government House," Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami wrote on X. The Chief Minister further informed that various points related to the development of the state were discussed with the delegation. The financial team comprised Annie George Mathew, Manoj Panda, Soumya Kantighosh, Commission Secretary Ritwik Pandey, Joint Secretary K.K. Mishra, and Joint Director P. Amruthavarshini. An official said that the state government will present its proposals before the Finance Commission in a meeting to be held at the Secretariat on Monday under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, Pushkar Dhami. The Finance Commission will also hold a meeting with the representatives of the municipal bodies, panchayat representatives and political parties. Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu, Finance Secretary Dilip Jawalkar and officials of the Finance Department were present on the occasion. On May 8, the Maharashtra government also held a meeting with the 16th Finance Commission and raised alarm over a reduction in the proportion of grants from the Centre to the states. The grants in aid from the Central government in 2022-23 were Rs 51,414 crore, which fell to Rs 36,045 crore in 2023-24 and further reduced to Rs 31,830 crore in 2024-25. Agartala, May 18 : Two minor children of a family -- both brother and sister -- drowned to death near a school at Purba Chandmari area in West Tripura, police officials said on Sunday. A police official said that Prasenjit Debnath (11) and his younger sister Priyanka Debnath (7) had gone out to play near their home in the Purba Chandmari area on Saturday afternoon, but did not return home. Krishna Debnath, the father of the kids, told the police that after a thorough search, he did not locate the children. The anxious parents of the children looked for them in nearby areas and also informed the police. There was, however, no trace of the missing children until Sunday morning. "On Sunday afternoon, two workers engaged in the construction of a building near the school saw two dead bodies of the children in a shallow pit dug for sinking a water pump," the police official said. Then the police, accompanied by Fire and Emergency Service personnel, came to the spot after being informed and recovered the bodies. The parents identified the bodies of Prosenjit and Priyanka. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha expressed deep shock over the tragic incident. In a post on the X, the Chief Minister said: "I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Krishna Debnath's son Prosenjit Debnath (11) and daughter Priyanka Debnath (7) in an unexpected incident in Chandmari area of East Agartala. May Almighty God grant the bereaved family the strength to bear the pain of loss. We will do our best to stand by the family in this difficult time." Local people alleged that due to the negligence and inefficiencies of the construction company and the contractors, the ditch was created, and a huge waterlogged hole in the ground, which caused the drowning of the minor children. Chennai, May 18 : In a big political development, the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) on Sunday announced to contest the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections alone for the fifth time in Tamil Nadu. "We have contested and lost many elections, including Assembly elections, local body elections, and parliamentary elections. If we are going to stand alone for the fifth time again, then it is only Naam Tamilar Katchi in the history of Indian politics," said Senthamizhan Seeman, the party coordinator, at a public meeting in Coimbatore. A public meeting of the Naam Tamilar Katchi was held at Kodisia Maidan in Coimbatore on the occasion of the May 18 genocide. Thousands of people participated in this public meeting led by Seeman. Seeman added that there is no compromise on the party's stand. "We will create a new political history for the people in 2026 together with my people," he said. He further pointed out that NTK will stand in the election field under the same farmer symbol that you snatched away. "I have no connection with that farmer, but I have a connection with this farmer. My intention is not a symbol. I am the symbol. We will stand in this election with the premise that we will restore the relationship and save the world," said Seeman. He said that NTK will contest in 234 seats, 117 for men and 117 for women, out of which 134 seats will be reserved for youth. "This election is a war to save our land," he said. On May 10, NTK was officially recognised as a state party by the Election Commission of India (ECI). The recognition comes after the party met the necessary criteria based on its performance in recent elections, marking a milestone in its political journey. According to the ECI, the NTK fulfilled the conditions laid down under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, which stipulates that a political party must secure at least six percent of the valid votes polled in the state and win at least two seats in the legislative assembly, or satisfy similar criteria across multiple elections. While the NTK has not won assembly or parliamentary seats so far, its consistent vote share across constituencies qualified it for state party status. With this recognition, NTK will enjoy several electoral privileges. The party will have an exclusive reserved symbol across Tamil Nadu, access to free broadcast and telecast time on state-run media during elections, priority in the allocation of election facilities, and enhanced rights in interacting with the Election Commission. The status also boosts the party's legal standing in electoral disputes and administrative matters. Sri Lankan Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody has reaffirmed the nation's commitment to expanding its energy partnership with China, describing China as a "close friend" and outlining ambitious plans for collaboration across petroleum and renewable energy projects. Rome, May 18 : Carlos Alcaraz silenced the home crowd and halted Jannik Sinner's bid for a title on his return with a clinical 7-6(5), 6-1 victory in the final of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia on Sunday, capturing his seventh ATP Masters 1000 title in the process. In a highly anticipated clash between two of the brightest stars of the next generation, the 22-year-old Spaniard held his nerve in a tense first set, saving two set points before edging the tiebreak. From there, Alcaraz raised his level further, dominating the second set to snap Sinner's 26-match winning streak and secure his 19th career tour-level trophy. "I'm proud of myself, with the way I approached the match mentally. Tactically, I think I played pretty well from the first point until the last one. I didn't do a rollercoaster I maintained my good level throughout the whole match, so I'm really proud about everything I did today," said Alcaraz. Alcaraz's triumph in Rome sees him become the first man to win three ATP titles in 2025, adding to earlier triumphs in Rotterdam and Monte-Carlo. He now owns a Tour-leading 30 wins this season and is the fifth man in history to win all three clay-court Masters 1000 eventsjoining legends Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Gustavo Kuerten, and Marcelo Rios. The No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Sinner was competing in his first event since winning the Australian Open in January and was aiming to become the first male Italian champion in Rome since Adriano Panatta in 1976. Alcaraz's mixture of topspin, variety, and resilience was on full display throughout. He won 21 of 27 first-serve points in the first set and saved all break points faced, according to Infosys ATP Stats. In the second, his relentless baseline play and signature drop shots wore Sinner down, sealing a fourth consecutive win in their head-to-head rivalry. As the tour heads to Roland Garros, Alcaraz will arrive in Paris brimming with confidence and chasing a second French Open crown. "All eyes are on Paris right now, on Roland Garros," said Alcaraz. "Beating Jannik, winning Rome, both things mix together and give [me] great confidence going to Paris. I always say 'The final is not about playing, the final is about winning'. I just repeat [that] approach everytime I play a final." 'This helps the consumers secure more favourable terms from CIs.' Kindly note the image has been published only for representational purposes. Photograph: Pabitra Kaity/Pixabay Credit institutions (CIs) and credit information companies (CICs), or credit bureaus, have since January this year started updating data fortnightly, moving from a monthly format. This follows the Reserve Bank of India's nudge for fresher data, given the faster turnaround time in credit underwriting through digital means. Bhavesh Jain, managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of TransUnion Cibil, spoke with Raghu Mohan/Business Standard over the phone on the changes expected. Now that credit bureau data is upgraded on a fortnightly basis, how do you think this will change the lending culture? CIs get fresher data when underwriting or extending additional lines of credit. For consumers, if they've made a payment or updated their credit file, it's immediately reflected in their reports. This helps them secure more favourable terms from CIs. And how will this address the current issue facing lenders (and the regulator), which is over-leverage in the retail segment? On the credit bureau side, year-on-year, delinquencies in the retail portfolio have actually improved. Let me break it down into the secured and unsecured segments. On the secured side, delinquencies have improved across home and auto loans, and similar products. On the unsecured side, personal loans have remained stable in terms of delinquencies. However, despite multiple interventions and advisories, the unsecured product where delinquencies have increased is actually credit cards. Credit-card delinquencies have risen by 30 basis points. At the same time, their originations have decreased. So, the denominator effect has played a role in the increase of delinquencies for credit cards. When we look at micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), delinquencies and portfolio quality are stable. I think this stability is due to multiple factors: one, the prudence shown by credit institutions in underwriting borrowers diligently, ensuring proper practices is being followed when on-boarding customers. Two, consumer awareness has also increased significantly; they can check their free annual credit report on Cibil.com. And we've seen that borrowers who actively monitor their credit reports tend to perform better. In addition, we are also running multiple education initiatives, like the free annual credit report, to help consumers better understand the importance of good repayment history. How does the Account Aggregator (AA) framework come into the picture? It complements credit information by providing account balance and transaction data. This additional data helps CIs better understand cash flows and credit obligations. These data points can be integrated into the underwriting process as well as the consumer evaluation process, offering a clearer picture of credit obligations and cash flows based on bank statements coming through the AA. For CIs, this provides extra information that enhances their ability to assess risk and better understand their consumers. It allows them to underwrite more accurately, which is the main benefit that AAs bring to the table. For a layperson, a credit bureau is an entity that provides a score, and you use it to get a better deal. Can bureaus now offer more services to regulated entities and diversify their revenue streams? Firstly, CICs are governed by the Credit Information Companies (Regulation) Act (2005) or the CICRA Act, which defines the data that can be made available to them. In terms of services, the Act enables us to provide one free annual credit report to consumers. The credit score, which accompanies the credit report, helps consumers engage with credit institutions regarding their credit obligations. The credit report and score assist financial institutions in evaluating a borrower's ability to repay and help determine the terms of the loan. However, credit information is just one part of the broader underwriting process. There are other data points that go into evaluating a consumer, whether they are in the retail or MSME sector. The Act also outlines the data available to CICs and the services we can offer to CIs and consumers. How far are we from bespoke structuring of offerings and pricing? The CICRA Act defines the broader mandate for CICs, which involves reporting credit data from banks, non-banking financial companies, regional rural banks, and cooperative banks. CIs use this data at the underwriting stage. While the credit report and credit score become integral parts of the process, other information about the applicant, such as their financials, is also considered. Multiple data points go into underwriting a borrower and credit history and credit score are just components of the overall process. Similarly, when CIs re-evaluate credit limits or renewals, credit history and score are part of that subset. In summary, CIs rely on CICs for credit and risk management, and the data reported by CICs is submitted to the institutions on a fortnightly basis. The Act also defines the pricing structure available to CICs. It specifies the pricing for data reporting, the type of data available, and the overall pricing framework. The Act broadly outlines the responsibilities and guidelines for both credit institutions and CICs. Additionally, it defines consumer rights, such as the entitlement to one free annual credit report. In essence, the Act lays out the dos and don'ts, and the responsibilities of both parties. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com 'The Congress submitted four names to the government as the people who should accompany the delegation.' 'I don't know what happened to those names.' 'When I was approached, I told them to speak to my party.' 'I have no further involvement with this delegation.' IMAGE: Congress leader Salman Khurshid. Photograph: Ishant/ANI Photo Former external affairs minister and former CongressMP Salman Khurshid has declined to join the government's all-party delegation visiting various countries as part of the Operation Sindoor outreach. On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju posted a list (external link) on his 'X' handle that included Khurshid's name. 'One mission, one message. One Bharat, Seven All-Party Delegations will soon engage key nations under #OperationSindoor, reflecting our collective resolve against terrorism,' Rijiju wrote. According to the list, Khurshid was scheduled to be part of the delegation visiting Indonesia, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Singapore. However, Khurshid has now opted out of the delegation. Speaking to Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff, Khurshid explained why he is not accompanying the delegation. Your name has been included among members of Parliament selected to go abroad and spread the message of Operation Sindoor. What message would you want to convey on behalf of India? Let me clarify: My party, the Congress, submitted four names to the government -- Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Dr Syed Naseer Hussain and Shri Raja Brar -- as the people who should accompany the delegation. I don't know what happened to those names. When I was approached about the delegation, I told them to speak to my party. I have no further involvement with this delegation. Are you refusing to go? I'm not refusing. The party has already sent four names. Why would I need to refuse? My understanding was that the party would decide who should go. Once the government received those four names, the decision was theirs to make. I was not in the picture at all. So, did the government include your name without your consent? No. Please don't go into such things. They contacted me and suggested the idea, mentioning several other people who were included in the list. I told them I'd be happy to participate, but the decision should be made by my party. They then spoke with the Congress leadership. After that, my role ended. I am neither accepting nor refusing. I believe they intended to include me, but once I directed them to the party, the situation changed. The party gave its four names, and it's now up to the government to decide. I'm not in the picture anymore. Who from the government contacted you? Kiren Rijiju called. That's his responsibility. I told him to speak to the party, and they did. I am not independent of the party. I can only follow what my party decides. I informed the party that the government had contacted me, and after that, the matter was in the party's hands. I am not in the picture anymore. In 1994, then prime minister P V Narasimha Rao sent a delegation led by the then Leader of the Opposition, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva to counter Pakistan. You were part of that delegation, and India succeeded in defeating Pakistan's resolution. Don't you feel you were well-suited to represent India again on such a global diplomatic platform? That's not for me to judge -- it's for the Government of India to decide. But I am bound by my party, and the party has made its decision. We don't make private deals because we belong to a party. Whatever decision is taken, with or without me, is a party decision. The party will have considered the past, the present, and the future. It has submitted four names. The government should take those into account. Back then, Mr Vajpayee was in the Opposition, yet Mr Rao sent him to lead the delegation while you were a minister of state. Why can't there be a similar relationship between the Modi government and the Congress today for the national interest? This isn't about how good we were or how bad they are. That is not the way to go about it. The point simply is that while representing the nation is an honour, it must happen through proper party channels. A person who is a member of a (political) party cannot act independently. They must have party-to-party contact. This is on the party lever and I am not in the picture at all. The parliamentary affairs minister spoke with party leaders, the party responded, and it is now for the Government to act. Are you upset that your party did not consider you for such an important role? Who am I to be upset? The party is coordinating with the government. Why should I be upset and get involved in this? The question is for the government -- what did they do with the four names given by the Congress? The government felt that Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was better suited for this job, despite his name being conspicuously absent from the Congress list. Doesn't this indicate that national interest should supersede party preferences? My party is as committed to national security as anyone else. I cannot question my party's stance. Shashi, perhaps, is donning two hats -- I don't know. What I do know is that his name was not among the four recommended by the party and yet he is going. I've also heard other names from my party, like Manish Tewari, being included. I don't know the full details. I just saw Jairam Ramesh's press conference, where he announced the four names. That's the party's official stand. Don't you believe someone of your stature should have been included in the delegation? Not at all. And I cannot disclose what is discussed within the party forum. When I say the party decides, it means I am part of that decision. I am not separate from the party. Isn't the national interest more important than the Congress party's interest? This is not a question of national versus party interest. The Congress party is part of the nation. You cannot separate the two. The party is fully committed to the country. I cannot say that unless I'm part of it, the party's commitment is incomplete. We act as members of our party, guided by our leadership. We take a collective decision and the decisions are made public. I don't operate independently; my political actions align with my party's decisions. Two people have died and 19 people sustained injuries while two after a Mexican Navy ship carrying 277 passengers lost power and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge, Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, said on Sunday (local time). IMAGE: The Mexican Navy ship carrying 277 passengers lost power and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge, New York, May 17, 2025. Photograph: Courtesy NYC Mayor on X Sharing the details of the incident on X, the New York City Mayor said, "Earlier tonight, the Mexican Navy tall ship Cuauhtemoc lost power and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge. At this time, of the 277 on board, 19 sustained injuries, 2 of which remain in critical condition, and 2 more have sadly passed away from their injuries." Earlier, New York Police Department chief Wilson Aramboles said at a news conference Saturday that the ship lost power around 8:20 pm as the captain was manoeuvring the ship, which forced the vessel towards the bridge's pillar, and the ship's mast struck the bridge, CNN reported. CNN referred to a video which showed the Cuauhtemoc's mast hitting the underside of the bridge and breaking as the vessel passes through, with pieces falling down towards the deck. No visible damage could be seen on the bridge itself, which was open to traffic Saturday night after shuttering briefly. CNN reported that all lanes of the Brooklyn Bridge were briefly closed in both directions after the incident but had reopened as of 10:30 p.m., according to New York emergency officials. "While inspections will remain ongoing, there are no signs of structural damage to the Brooklyn Bridge at this time," according to Fabien Levy, a spokesperson for Adams. NYPD told residents to avoid the area of Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport in Manhattan, and Dumbo in Brooklyn. "Expect heavy traffic and a large presence of emergency vehicles in the surrounding area," the police said on X. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Sunday that indigenously developed BrahMos missiles destroyed Pakistani air bases while its air defence system, borrowed from China, remained unused, during Operation Sindoor, which exposed its lies on terrorism to the world. IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Photograph: ANI Photo Addressing a function here, Shah said while surgical strikes and the airstrike in the past were limited to the Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), India penetrated 100 km inside Pakistan's border under Operation Sindoor and eliminated terrorists and their hubs. "As our indigenously developed BrahMos (supersonic cruise missile system) worked to destroy Pakistan's air bases, its own air defence system, borrowed from China, remained unused. "Our Air Force carried out precise attacks and inflicted heavy damage on many places in Pakistan which were considered impregnable. Operation Sindoor will be written in golden letters when the history is written on the border safety," he said. Operation Sindoor was launched by the Indian armed forces in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed. The operations destroyed terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, from where terrorist attacks against India were planned and directed. "Pakistan used to tell the whole world that no terrorist activity happens there and accuse India of making false complaints. But, terrorists were finished with missiles under 'Operation Sindoor' and Pakistan was exposed to the world," Shah said. He said the next day, senior officers of the Pakistani army attended the funeral of terrorists and offered prayers, "which exposed the nexus of the Pakistani Army, Pakistan, and terrorism, and the whole world came to know that Pakistan runs bases for terrorists". Recalling PM Narendra Modi's speech in Bihar after the Pahalgam terror strike, Shah said, "Within few days, Narendrabhai's strong political will, the valour of the army, the accurate information of the intelligence agencies and the firepower of the Army destroyed the terrorist camps in nine places in Pakistan and razed them to the ground". He said the Modi government has given a befitting reply to terrorists who wiped off the vermilion from the forehead of women and created a new kind of history in the security of India and the protection of the borders. "PM Modi made it clear in his address to the nation after Operation Sindoor that the Indus River and blood will not flow together. If terrorism is not eradicated, then not even a drop of water from the Indus river will be available," Shah recalled. He said Modi conveyed to Pakistan that trade and terrorism will not go together, and if Pakistan shelters terrorism, the entire trade will end. "Modi said he is ready to hold talks with Pakistan, but the talks will be centred on taking back PoK and eliminating terrorism. Today, 140 crore people of India salute the valour of our armed forces, the accuracy of the intelligence agencies, and the strong political will of Narendra Modi," he said. He further said that Modi has undertaken a task to place India at the forefront by 2047 and has laid a strong foundation for the country's development in the last 11 years. Shah laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various developmental projects of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation after leading a Tiranga Yatra and inaugurating a nursing college building in Mehsana. Earlier in the day, Shah inaugurated the state-of-the-art, fully automated frozen potato products manufacturing facility of Falcon Agrifriz Foods in Mehsana. The group has invested approximately Rs 1,050 crore in Gujarat, intending to transform the state into a global hub for frozen potato-based products, a release stated. People along the Line of Control and International Border in the Jammu region continue to live under the shadow of death, with unexploded mortar shells fired by Pakistani troops still embedded in farmlands and residential areas even though hostilities have stopped for nearly a week. IMAGE: Armed forces recover six live mortar shells in the Arnia border area after heavy shelling from Pakistan, in Jammu on Sunday. Photograph: ANI Photo Despite the May 10 understanding between India and Pakistan, locals describe the border areas as a 'death trap'. Sixty-two-year-old Balvinder Singh, who returned to his home in Pargwal sector on May 14, recounted a narrow escape. "Two shells exploded in our compound, damaging our house. Three more landed on our farmland. We were terrified and told our family to stay away from the fields until the Army could help," Singh told PTI. Army engineers later came to the village and safely defused the unexploded shells, bringing a temporary sense of relief. "Fear is writ large on the faces of people to these death traps in border hamlets", he said. Scenes of destruction are evident rooftops torn apart, broken houses, windows punctured by shrapnel, and carcasses of cattle lying in pools of blood. The acrid smell of gunpowder still lingers in the air. Sardar Gurmeet Singh faced a similar ordeal. His family could not re-enter their home as a live mortar shell had sunk into the compound in a village close to the International Border. "The army's bomb disposal squad removed it after four days, allowing us to finally enter, back home," he said. Indian Army engineers have launched a sweeping clearance operation across border districts, defusing over 80 unexploded shells in the past five days -- including 6 in Pargwal, 19 in Rajouri, 42 in Poonch, and 12 along the IB. "These shells, mostly 120 mm calibre, have a range of 15 to 30 km and pose a serious threat to both civilian and military targets," an Army officer said. "Many of them were fired by Pakistan during recent hostilities." On May 7, the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor, conducting precision strikes on nine terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, most of them tourists. The subsequent retaliation by Pakistan pushed the region to the brink of war. From 7 to 10 of May, 27 civilians were killed and over 70 injured in Pakistani shelling in the Jammu region. Farid Din Gujjar, a resident near the border, expressed fear about returning to his fields. "Several shells created deep craters in our paddy land. We cannot resume work until all unexploded ordnance is cleared. It's a death trap," he said. Army units, in coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police, have evacuated high-risk zones and issued stern warnings to residents not to touch any suspicious objects or unexploded shells. In one major operation, 42 live shells were safely destroyed in the Poonch villages of Jhullas, Salotri, Dharati and Salani. "All safety protocols were followed. The shells posed a serious danger to local lives," an Army spokesperson said, calling the effort a 'continued commitment to protect civilians and restore normalcy'. Poonch saw the vast majority of deaths due to shelling. Security officials said that Pakistan used a mix of mortar shells, armed drones, and missiles during the shelling spree, specifically targeting civilian habitations and border towns in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch. As clearance operations continue, the border residents are slowly returning to their homes, but with caution, fear, and lingering uncertainty about shelling that may yet happen in the future. People along the Line of Control and International Border in the Jammu region continue to live under the shadow of death, with unexploded mortar shells fired by Pakistani troops still embedded in farmlands and residential areas even though hostilities have stopped for nearly a week. This photo taken on May 15, 2025 shows the Jiusuo seed museum in Jiusuo Village, Fuwen Township of Ding'an County, south China's Hainan Province. Located in Jiusuo Village, Jiusuo seed museum, home to a collection of more than 800 kinds of seeds and specimens, serves as a vivid learning platform for the public through displays, graphic explanation and interactive experiences. Together with facilities including a cafe and a restaurant, the seed museum has not only improved both rural cultural inheritance and economic development but also demonstrated as new practice of the integrated development of rural culture and tourism in Hainan. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) This photo taken on May 15, 2025 shows an interior view of the Jiusuo seed museum in Jiusuo Village, Fuwen Township of Ding'an County, south China's Hainan Province. Located in Jiusuo Village, Jiusuo seed museum, home to a collection of more than 800 kinds of seeds and specimens, serves as a vivid learning platform for the public through displays, graphic explanation and interactive experiences. Together with facilities including a cafe and a restaurant, the seed museum has not only improved both rural cultural inheritance and economic development but also demonstrated as new practice of the integrated development of rural culture and tourism in Hainan. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) People visit the Jiusuo seed museum in Jiusuo Village, Fuwen Township of Ding'an County, south China's Hainan Province, May 17, 2025. Located in Jiusuo Village, Jiusuo seed museum, home to a collection of more than 800 kinds of seeds and specimens, serves as a vivid learning platform for the public through displays, graphic explanation and interactive experiences. Together with facilities including a cafe and a restaurant, the seed museum has not only improved both rural cultural inheritance and economic development but also demonstrated as new practice of the integrated development of rural culture and tourism in Hainan. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) A boy experiences rice harvesting outside the Jiusuo seed museum in Jiusuo Village, Fuwen Township of Ding'an County, south China's Hainan Province, May 17, 2025. Located in Jiusuo Village, Jiusuo seed museum, home to a collection of more than 800 kinds of seeds and specimens, serves as a vivid learning platform for the public through displays, graphic explanation and interactive experiences. Together with facilities including a cafe and a restaurant, the seed museum has not only improved both rural cultural inheritance and economic development but also demonstrated as new practice of the integrated development of rural culture and tourism in Hainan. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) This photo taken on May 15, 2025 shows a cafe near Jiusuo seed museum in Jiusuo Village, Fuwen Township of Ding'an County, south China's Hainan Province. Located in Jiusuo Village, Jiusuo seed museum, home to a collection of more than 800 kinds of seeds and specimens, serves as a vivid learning platform for the public through displays, graphic explanation and interactive experiences. Together with facilities including a cafe and a restaurant, the seed museum has not only improved both rural cultural inheritance and economic development but also demonstrated as new practice of the integrated development of rural culture and tourism in Hainan. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) People visit the Jiusuo seed museum in Jiusuo Village, Fuwen Township of Ding'an County, south China's Hainan Province, May 17, 2025. Located in Jiusuo Village, Jiusuo seed museum, home to a collection of more than 800 kinds of seeds and specimens, serves as a vivid learning platform for the public through displays, graphic explanation and interactive experiences. Together with facilities including a cafe and a restaurant, the seed museum has not only improved both rural cultural inheritance and economic development but also demonstrated as new practice of the integrated development of rural culture and tourism in Hainan. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) This photo taken on May 17, 2025 shows the Jiusuo seed museum in Jiusuo Village, Fuwen Township of Ding'an County, south China's Hainan Province. Located in Jiusuo Village, Jiusuo seed museum, home to a collection of more than 800 kinds of seeds and specimens, serves as a vivid learning platform for the public through displays, graphic explanation and interactive experiences. Together with facilities including a cafe and a restaurant, the seed museum has not only improved both rural cultural inheritance and economic development but also demonstrated as new practice of the integrated development of rural culture and tourism in Hainan. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) People visit the Jiusuo seed museum in Jiusuo Village, Fuwen Township of Ding'an County, south China's Hainan Province, May 17, 2025. Located in Jiusuo Village, Jiusuo seed museum, home to a collection of more than 800 kinds of seeds and specimens, serves as a vivid learning platform for the public through displays, graphic explanation and interactive experiences. Together with facilities including a cafe and a restaurant, the seed museum has not only improved both rural cultural inheritance and economic development but also demonstrated as new practice of the integrated development of rural culture and tourism in Hainan. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) People are seen at a cafe near Jiusuo seed museum in Jiusuo Village, Fuwen Township of Ding'an County, south China's Hainan Province, May 17, 2025. Located in Jiusuo Village, Jiusuo seed museum, home to a collection of more than 800 kinds of seeds and specimens, serves as a vivid learning platform for the public through displays, graphic explanation and interactive experiences. Together with facilities including a cafe and a restaurant, the seed museum has not only improved both rural cultural inheritance and economic development but also demonstrated as new practice of the integrated development of rural culture and tourism in Hainan. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) A study tour group takes a class outside the Jiusuo seed museum in Jiusuo Village, Fuwen Township of Ding'an County, south China's Hainan Province, May 17, 2025. Located in Jiusuo Village, Jiusuo seed museum, home to a collection of more than 800 kinds of seeds and specimens, serves as a vivid learning platform for the public through displays, graphic explanation and interactive experiences. Together with facilities including a cafe and a restaurant, the seed museum has not only improved both rural cultural inheritance and economic development but also demonstrated as new practice of the integrated development of rural culture and tourism in Hainan. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) People visit the Jiusuo seed museum in Jiusuo Village, Fuwen Township of Ding'an County, south China's Hainan Province, May 17, 2025. Located in Jiusuo Village, Jiusuo seed museum, home to a collection of more than 800 kinds of seeds and specimens, serves as a vivid learning platform for the public through displays, graphic explanation and interactive experiences. Together with facilities including a cafe and a restaurant, the seed museum has not only improved both rural cultural inheritance and economic development but also demonstrated as new practice of the integrated development of rural culture and tourism in Hainan. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) This photo taken on May 17, 2025 shows an interior view of the Jiusuo seed museum in Jiusuo Village, Fuwen Township of Ding'an County, south China's Hainan Province. Located in Jiusuo Village, Jiusuo seed museum, home to a collection of more than 800 kinds of seeds and specimens, serves as a vivid learning platform for the public through displays, graphic explanation and interactive experiences. Together with facilities including a cafe and a restaurant, the seed museum has not only improved both rural cultural inheritance and economic development but also demonstrated as new practice of the integrated development of rural culture and tourism in Hainan. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) A blaze triggered by a suspected short circuit in a building near the iconic Charminar in Hyderabad on Sunday killed 17 people, including eight children, belonging to an extended family. IMAGE: A firefighter rescues a child after a fire broke out in a three-storey building, in Hyderabad on Sunday. Photograph: ANI Photo The fire broke out at a building in Gulzar Houz here, police said. "All 17 who were shifted to hospitals were brought dead," a senior police official told PTI. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the loss of lives and announced ex gratia. A narrow staircase was the only escape route for the inmates of the building, but they could not rush out, a Fire Department official said. The building housed jewellery shops on the ground floor and people were residing in a flat above, police said adding smoke spread and people suffocated. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi told reporters that the family has been residing there for 125 years, indicating that generations from the particular family have been living there for over a century. The family is said to be running a jewellery shop in the city. "Now only two members of the family are left. I want to offer my condolences. I was informed by DG Fire Services that most of the deaths happened due to asphyxiation and fumes...let the report come, it is very painful," he said. Hyderabad Police Commissioner C V Anand told PTI that most of the buildings, including the one that caught fire, at Gulzar Houz and surrounding areas are of 100 to 200 years old. Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services Director General Y Nagi Reddy, who inspected the spot, told reporters that the fire was reported between 6 and 6.15 am. During the rescue operation, one Fire official was also injured and admitted to hospital. There was a call to the fire department at 6.16 am and the fire engine was turned out at 6.17 am, he said. There were shops on the ground floor while the first and second floors were residential spaces, he said. "Prima-facie cause of the fire is short circuit in the mains in the shopping area," Reddy said, adding the victims were sleeping when the fire broke out. According to the relatives of the victims, some of the children had come to the house that caught fire for summer holidays, which ended in tragedy. A total of 21 people were in the building when the fire erupted, and of them 17 were shifted to hospitals by the fire department in an unconscious state. There was only one escape route, the staircase, which was very narrow and the inmates could not run to safety, he said. Telangana Fire Department in a statement said the fire broke out on the Ground floor ( G+2 building) and spread to the floors above. In a post on 'X', PM Modi expressed condoled the deaths. He announced Rs 2 lakh for the kin of those who died and Rs 50,000 to the injured. 'Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy in Hyderabad, Telangana. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon,' the post said. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the incident and directed senior officials to take all necessary measures to rescue those trapped in the building. Meanwhile, a separate release from CMO said Reddy has ordered an inquiry into the massive fire accident that occurred at Gulzar Houz. The CM stated that due to the timely response of the fire department, a major loss of life was averted. Praising the Fire Department officials, the CM said they were able to rescue nearly four people from a life-threatening situation. Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka told reporters said the state government has announced Rs 5 lakh ex gratia each to the kin of the deceased. Governor Jishnu Dev Varma conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident. Addressing reporters after visiting the spot, Transport and Hyderabad District in-charge Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said a short circuit caused the fire. "We will order an inquiry into the fire accident. There is no conspiracy angle in it... Four families related to one another were residing in the building and many of them came to spend their vacation," he added. Shortly after the fire broke out, Zahid, who is into bangles business in Gulzar Houz area and an eyewitness to the fire incident told reporters that at around 6.10 am when he along with friends were passing by, a woman told them about the fire that erupted in the building and there were family members with children inside. "As the main door of the building was engulfed in flames, we broke the shutter and also a wall and entered inside. As the blaze was high we went to the first floor. We found seven people in one room and six others in another room. We were not able to save them due to the fire. Had we saved them it would have been good," he said. He further said he saw a dead woman hugging some lifeless children. The Osmania Hospital mortuary, where bodies from different hospitals were sent for autopsy, wore a grim look as relatives burst into tears in shock. Union Minister G Kishan Reddy also visited the spot. He alleged that he was informed that fire tenders arrived late. The allegation was dismissed by Nagi Reddy. An official release from the CMO said directions were issued to immediately shift the injured to hospitals and ensure proper medical treatment. The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay has suspended all agreements with Turkish universities, following Turkey's support to Pakistan amid heightened tensions with India. IMAGE: File image of IIT Bombay. Photograph: ANI Photo In a post on its official X handle, the institute said, "Due to the current geopolitical situation involving Turkey, IIT Bombay is processing suspension of its agreements with Turkish universities until further notice." The institute currently has a faculty exchange programme with some Turkish institutions. The development has come following Turkey's support to Pakistan during 'Operation Sindoor' and the subsequent escalation of conflict with India. Earlier, IIT Roorkee formally cancelled a memorandum of understanding with Inonu University, Turkey. "The Institute remains committed to fostering global collaborations that reflect its academic priorities and uphold national interest," IIT Roorkee had posted on X. Private institutes like Chandigarh University have also severed their academic collaborations with 23 Turkish and Azerbaijani universities over support for Pakistan during 'Operation Sindoor'. Gwalior bizmen to boycott trade with Turkey, Azerbaijan In Madhya Pradesh, the traders in Gwalior have decided to boycott any form of trade relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan. Bhupendra Jain, president of the Confederation of All India Traders in Madhya Pradesh, said they have decided to end trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan for "helping Pakistan". He added that the CAIT has decided to conclude import-export business with Turkey while also opposing tourism to the middle eastern country. "We have decided to teach a lesson to Turkey and Azerbaijan, the countries that helped Pakistan. We helped Turkey in the earthquake through Operation Dost. Today, it helped our enemy and fired shells, drones and missiles at us," Jain told ANI. "Trade with Azerbaijan and Turkey has been stopped. Three decisions have been taken in CAIT. First, we will not import or export anything. Second, we are opposing tourism in Turkey. Third, national-level filmmaker, director, producer should not shoot films in Turkey or Azerbaijan," he added. In a strong retaliatory move against Turkey and Azerbaijan's open support to Pakistan, the Confederation of All India Traders on Friday announced a complete boycott of trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan. Speaking after a national conference of trade leaders, Bharatiya Janata Party MP and CAIT secretary general Praveen Khandelwal said, "A collective decision has been taken in the conference of trade leaders today to end all trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan. The reason is clear -- Turkey and Azerbaijan have openly supported Pakistan against India." Khandelwal said the boycott would take immediate effect, halting all imports and exports between Indian traders and the two nations. Meanwhile, the Bangalore Wholesale Cloth Merchants' Association announced that it will cease all textile trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan with immediate effect. The trade suspension will continue until further notice, and any changes will be announced by the Association's governing body, the letter stated. -- With ANI inputs Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Razaullah Nizamani Khalid alias Abu Saifullah Khalid, who was the brain behind the 2006 attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh headquarters, was killed by three unidentified gunmen in Sindh province of Pakistan on Sunday, officials in New Delhi said. Image used only for representation. Photograph: Victoria/Pixabay.com Khalid used to head the terror operations of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) from Nepal in early 2000 and had many aliases including Vinode Kumar, Mohammed Salim and Razaullah. He was involved in multiple terror strikes in India, they said. He left his residence at Matli this afternoon and was gunned down by assailants near a crossing at Badni in Sindh province, the officials said. A close associate of Abu Anas of Lashkar, Khalid was the mastermind of the attack on the RSS headquarters at Nagpur in which all three terrorists were shot dead. Besides the RSS attack, the Lashkar operative was involved in the Indian Institute of Science terror attack of 2005 in Bengaluru, in which IIT professor Munish Chandra Puri was killed and four others injured. The terrorists had escaped from the scene. Later, police investigated the case and chargesheeted Abu Anas, who is still at large. Khalid was also the mastermind of the 2008 attack on a Central Reserve Police Force camp at Rampur in Uttar Pradesh in which seven personnel and a civilian were killed. The two terrorists escaped under the cover of darkness. From mid-2000, Khalid was the in-charge of the Nepal module of LeT, responsible for the recruitment of cadres, providing financial and logistic support and facilitating the movement of LeT operatives across the Indo-Nepal border. Khalid was working closely with LeT's so-called 'launching commanders' -- Azam Cheema alias Babaji and Yaqoob (LeT's chief accountant). Khalid left Nepal and returned to Pakistan after Indian security agencies exposed the module. He later worked closely with several leaders of LeT and Jamaat-ud-Dawah, including Yusuf Muzammil, LeT commander for Jammu and Kashmir, Muzammil Iqbal Hashmi and Muhammad Yusuf Taibi. Khalid was tasked by the LeT and JuD leadership in Pakistan to undertake the recruitment of fresh cadres from the areas of Badin and Hyderabad districts of Sindh and collect funds for the organisation. According to media reports from Sindh, Khalid was declared brought dead at hospital after being shot. These reports also termed it a case of personal enmity. The Congress on Sunday said it was not stopping anyone from being part of diplomatic delegations to be sent to various countries following Operation Sindoor and that its leaders who have been named at the instance of the government must listen to their conscience and contribute to the exercise. IMAGE: Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh. Photograph: ANI Photo Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh accused the government of politicising the exercise of choosing leaders for the delegations and having 'malicious intent' with only one out of four Congress leaders nominated by the party making the cut. On Saturday, the Congress said it was asked by the government to submit the names of four leaders for the all-party delegations to be sent abroad to explain India's stance on Pakistan-backed terrorism. It nominated Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Syed Naseer Hussain, and Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. Of the four, only Sharma has been included in the seven delegations that will be visiting various countries. Four Congress leaders -- Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari, Amar Singh and Salman Khurshid -- who were not part of the list forwarded by the Congress have been included in the delegations by the government. "They included only one leader out of the four names we sent. Four other names were added by the government, who are senior MPs and leaders of our party, they should listen to their conscience and contribute in the delegations," Ramesh told PTI. "For the Congress, national interest is paramount. This matter should not be stretched and more politicisation is not appropriate in this regard," he said. The Congress has not stopped anyone and all our MPs named in the delegations will go and contribute, he said. The selection of Tharoor to head one of the delegations was frowned upon by the Congress, which accused the government of playing politics with a 'mischievous' mindset. Referring to Congress leader Salman Khurshid, Ramesh said the four names added by the government include a former foreign minister who is experienced in foreign policy. With just one of its four nominated leaders being accommodated in the diplomatic outreach delegations, the Congress has said it proves the 'complete insincerity' of the Narendra Modi government and shows the 'cheap political games' it plays on serious national issues. The opposition party, however, said the four eminent Congress MPs/leaders who have been included at the instance of the Modi government will go with the delegations. Fifty-one political leaders, parliamentarians and former ministers cutting across party lines will be part of the seven delegations travelling to world capitals to put across India's resolve to tackle terrorism against the backdrop of Operation Sindoor. In a statement on Saturday night, Ramesh said, 'On May 16th morning, the Modi government asked for four names of Congress MPs/leaders to represent the Congress in the delegations being sent abroad to explain India's stance on terrorism from Pakistan.' These four names were conveyed in writing by the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju by 12 noon on May 16, he said in the statement. 'Very late tonight (May 17th), the full list of members of all delegations has been officially released. Most regrettably, only one of the four names suggested by the INC leadership has been included,' he said. 'This proves the complete insincerity of the Modi government and shows the cheap political games it always plays on serious national issues,' Ramesh said. The four eminent Congress MPs/leaders who have been included at the instance of the Modi government will, of course, go with the delegations and make their contributions, he said. 'The Congress will not stoop to the pathetic level of the PM and the BJP. It will always uphold the finest traditions of Parliamentary democracy and not play partisan politics on national security issues, like the BJP does,' Ramesh said. The Congress wishes the delegations all the very best, he added. Ramesh said these delegations should not, however, divert attention from the Congress' demands to have all-party meetings chaired by Modi and for a special session of Parliament to reiterate the resolution adopted on February 22, 1994, while also taking note of developments thereafter. The seven delegations led by Baijayant Panda, Ravi Shankar Prasad (both Bharatiya Janata Party), Sanjay Kumar Jha (Janata Dal-United), Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena), Shashi Tharoor (Congress), Kanimozhi (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and Supriya Sule (Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar) will visit a total of 32 countries and the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. Each delegation comprises seven or eight political leaders and is assisted by former diplomats. Of the 51 political leaders, 31 are part of the ruling NDA, while the remaining 20 are from the non-National Democratic Alliance parties. 'One mission. One message. One Bharat. Seven All-Party Delegations will soon engage key nations under #OperationSindoor, reflecting our collective resolve against terrorism,' Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said in a post on X on Saturday. The delegations include former Union ministers Ghulam Nabi Azad, M J Akbar, Anand Sharma, V Muraleedharan, Salman Khurshid, S S Ahluwalia, who are not members of parliament at present. There is 'no expiry date' to the understanding reached between Indian and Pakistani Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) on cessation of hostilities nearly a week back, the Indian Army said on Sunday. IMAGE: BSF personnel and Pakistan Rangers lower their national flags at the India-Pakistan joint check post at the Wagah border, May 14, 2025. Photograph: Mohsin Raza/Reuters The clarification came following reports that the arrangement between the two militaries on stopping the hostilities is ending this evening. The Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan on May 12 decided to continue with the understanding of halting all military actions. The arrangement was originally reached for two days when the DGMOs held a conversation over the hotline on May 10. "As far as continuation of break in hostilities, as decided in DGMOs interaction of May 12 are concerned, there is no expiry date to it," the Indian Army said in a brief clarification. It also made it clear that there are no 'DGMO talks' scheduled for Sunday as reported in a sector of the media. The arrangement reached on May 10 came after four days of intense hostilities that saw the two sides targeting each other's military installations with drones, missiles and long-range weapons that raised fears of a wider military conflict. The DGMOs of India and Pakistan on May 12 again deliberated on ways to avoid "inimical" military actions and agreed on considering immediate steps to reduce troops of the two militaries from the borders and forward areas. In the conversation, the two officers focused on continuing the commitment that both sides must not fire a 'single shot' or initiate any 'aggressive and inimical' action against each other. Under Operation Sindoor, India carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure early on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Following the Indian action, Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10. The Pakistani attempts were strongly responded to by the Indian side, inflicting heavy damage to a number of key Pakistani military installations, including air bases, air defence systems, command and control centres and radar sites. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on May 10 evening announced that India and Pakistan reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea, with immediate effect. On May 15, Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told the country's Senate that the DGMOs of Pakistan and India talked over the hotline on May 14 to discuss the 'ceasefire'. However, the Indian military chose not to comment on Dar's claim. Dar said the two DGMOs in their conversation on May 10 had firmed up the "ceasefire" till May 12. "When the DGMOs spoke again on May 12, the ceasefire was extended until May 14. Further talks on May 14 led to the ceasefire being extended until May 18," the Pakistan foreign minister was quoted as saying by Geo News. Following Dar's comments, the Indian Army said it will pursue confidence-building measures to reduce the 'alertness level' in line with the May 10 understanding. With just one of its four nominated leaders being accommodated in the diplomatic outreach delegations, the Congress on Saturday said it proves the "complete insincerity" of the Narendra Modi government and shows the "cheap political games" it plays on serious national issues. IMAGE: Lok Sabha Lop and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, party president Mallikarjun Kharge, party general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal and party leaders during the CWC meeting, at party headquarters, in New Delhi, May 7, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The opposition party, however, said the four eminent Congress MPs/leaders who have been included at the insistence of the Modi government will go with the delegations and make their contributions. The Congress, earlier on Saturday, said it was asked by the government to submit the names of four MPs for the all-party delegations to be sent abroad to explain India's stance on terrorism from Pakistan. It nominated Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Syed Naseer Hussain, and Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. Of the four, only Sharma has been included in the seven delegations that will be visiting various countries. Four Congress leaders -- Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari, Amar Singh and Salman Khurshid -- who were not part of the list forwarded by the Congress have been included in the delegations by the government. Fifty-one political leaders, parliamentarians and former ministers cutting across party lines will be part of the seven delegations travelling to world capitals to put across India's resolve to tackle terrorism against the backdrop of Operation Sindoor. Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said, "On May 16th morning, the Modi government asked for four names of Congress MPs/leaders to represent the Congress in the delegations being sent abroad to explain India's stance on terrorism from Pakistan." These four names were conveyed in writing by the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, by noon on May 16, Ramesh said in a statement. "Very late tonight (May 17th), the full list of members of all delegations has been officially released. Most regrettably, only one of the four names suggested by the INC leadership has been included," he said. "This proves the complete insincerity of the Modi government and shows the cheap political games it always plays on serious national issues," Ramesh said. The four eminent Congress MPs/leaders who have been included at the insistence of the Modi government will, of course, go with the delegations and make their contributions, he said. "The Congress will not stoop to the pathetic level of the PM and the BJP. It will always uphold the finest traditions of Parliamentary democracy and not play partisan politics on national security issues, like the BJP does," Ramesh said. The Congress wishes the delegations all the very best, he added. Ramesh said these delegations should not, however, divert attention from the Congress' demands to have all-party meetings chaired by Modi and for a special session of Parliament to reiterate the resolution adopted on February 22, 1994, while also taking note of developments thereafter. The seven delegations led by Baijayant Panda, Ravi Shankar Prasad (both BJP), Sanjay Kumar Jha (Janata Dal-United), Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena), Shashi Tharoor (Congress), Kanimozhi (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and Supriya Sule (Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar) will visit a total of 32 countries and the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. Each delegation comprises seven or eight political leaders and is assisted by former diplomats. Of the 51 political leaders, 31 are part of the ruling National Democratic Alliance, while the remaining 20 are from the non-NDA parties. "One mission. One message. One Bharat. Seven All-Party Delegations will soon engage key nations under #OperationSindoor, reflecting our collective resolve against terrorism," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said in a post on X. The delegations include former Union Ministers Ghulam Nabi Azad, M J Akbar, Anand Sharma, V Muraleedharan, Salman Khurshid, S S Ahluwalia, who are not members of parliament at present. The selection of Tharoor to head one of the delegations was frowned upon by the Congress, which accused the government of playing politics with a "mischievous" mindset. Ashoka University's head of the political science department, Ali Khan Mahmudabad, was arrested on Sunday after two first information reports (FIRs) were lodged on stringent charges, including endangering sovereignty and integrity, for his social media posts related to Operation Sindoor, police and his lawyer said. Image used only for representational purposes. Photograph: Arora.prianca/Wikimedia Commons The arrest comes days after the Haryana State Commission for Women sent a notice to the associate professor questioning his remarks, though Mahmudabad had maintained that they were 'misunderstood' and asserted that he had exercised his fundamental right to freedom of speech. "Ali Khan Mahmudabad has been arrested in Delhi," Assistant Commissioner of Police, Rai, Ajeet Singh said over phone, adding the action came in connection with some comments related to Operation Sindoor. Deputy Commissioner of Police Narender Kadyan said two FIRs were lodged at the Rai police station here -- one based on a complaint from the chairperson of Haryana State Commission for Women, Renu Bhatia, and the other on the complaint of a village sarpanch. "On the Commission chairperson's complaint, the FIR has been lodged against Professor Ali of Ashoka University under BNS sections 152 (acts endangering sovereignty or unity and integrity of India), 353 (statements conducing to public mischief), 79 (deliberate actions aimed at insulting the modesty of a woman) and 196 (1) (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion)," Kadyan told reporters in Sonipat. "He has been arrested today...Two FIRs have been registered at the Rai police station," he said, adding police will seek remand of Ali on the basis of a complaint of the Commission. According to the DCP and one of Mahmudabad's lawyers, Kapil Balyan, another complaint against the associate professor was lodged on Saturday by a local sarpanch. Balyan claimed the sarpanch 'is also associated with state BJP Yuva Morcha'. "The case was lodged on Saturday and the next morning, the professor was arrested from Delhi. No notice was given to him and he was taken into custody by police," the lawyer said. They said the case has been lodged on sarpanch's complaint under BNS sections 152, 196 (promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language etc. and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), 197 (imputations, assertions, prejudicial to national integration) and 299 (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs). All these sections are non-bailable. In a statement, the Ashoka University said it was trying to ascertain details of the case and will continue to cooperate with the police and local authorities in the investigation. "We have been made aware that Prof Ali Khan Mahmudabad has been taken into police custody earlier today. We are in the process of ascertaining details of the case," it said. "The University will continue to cooperate with the police and local authorities in the investigation, fully," it said. The Communist Party if India-Marxist, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Asaddudin Owaisi and Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra were among those who condemned the arrest. 'Haryana police reportedly arrested him from Delhi, violating legal process. This targets an individual for his opinions; his post wasn't anti-national or misogynistic. A mere complaint by a BJP worker made Haryana police take action,' the Hyderabad MP said on X. In a post on X, the CPI-M said, 'We condemn the arrest of professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad for his social media post against hate. While hate-mongers like Vijay Shah (Madhya Pradesh minister) roam free, those calling for justice and peace are targeted in Modi's India.' TMC leader Mohua Moitra said they will move the court against the arrest. 'Horrified at arrest of distinguished scholar & academic Prof @Mahmudabad - has this bigoted govt & @police_haryana totally lost it? We are moving court asap (sic),' she said on X. The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers' Association (JNUTA), in a statement, expressed outrage at the 'wholly unwarranted arrest' and demanded that the charges against him be dropped. In its May 12 notice, the Haryana State Commission for Women mentioned that the panel has taken suo motu cognisance of the 'public statements/remarks' made 'on or about May 7' by Mahmudabad. Mahmudabad's remarks had been annexed to the Commission's notice, and in one of them, he said that right-wing people applauding Col Qureshi should demand protection for victims of mob lynchings and 'arbitrary' bulldozing of properties. The associate professor described the media briefings by Col Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh as 'optics'. "But optics must translate to reality on the ground, otherwise it's just hypocrisy," he had said. The Commission said an initial review of Mahmudabad's remarks has raised concerns about the 'disparagement of women in uniform, including Col Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh, and undermining their role as professional officers in the Indian Armed Forces'. Wing Commander Singh had briefed the media alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Col Qureshi on Operation Sindoor. Indian armed forces hit terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of May 7 under Operation Sindoor in retaliation against the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The associate professor had earlier said that the Commission has 'misread' his comment. '...I am surprised that the Women's Commission, while overreaching its jurisdiction, has misread and misunderstood my posts to such an extent that they have inverted their meaning,' Mahmudabad had said on X. He had said that he had exercised his 'fundamental right to freedom of thought and speech in order to promote peace and harmony and to applaud the Indian armed forces for their resolute action, while criticising those who preach hatred and seek to destabilise India'. Mahmudabad's lawyer has refuted the charges against him and said the remarks were within the bounds of academic and democratic discourse. On Saturday, Mahmudabad had on his X handle, reposted a purported 'open letter signed by over 1,200 people including academics, politicians, civil servants, and many others from all corners' that expressed support for the associate professor and demanded that the Haryana Women's Commission retract its summons to him and issue an apology. Pakistani intelligence operatives were allegedly developing Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested on espionage charges, as an asset, said a senior Haryana police officer on Sunday. IMAGE: Jyoti Malhotra. Photograph: @TravelwithJo/YouTube She was allegedly in touch with a Pakistani officer posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi during the four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan that followed the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, the officer said addressing mediapersons in Hisar, Haryana. Hisar Superintendent of Police Shashank Kumar Sawan said Malhotra did not have any direct access to any information related to the military or defence operations which could be said at this stage that she could have shared. But she was directly in touch with PIOs, he said. "Certainly, they were developing her as an asset. She was in touch with other YouTube influencers. They were also in touch with PIOs," the SP said. "This is also (a kind of) warfare, in which they try to push their narrative by recruiting influencers," he said. Hisar-based Malhotra (33), who runs a YouTube channel, 'Travel with JO', was arrested from New Aggarsain Extension on Friday, they said. She has been booked under relevant sections of the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, police said. She was sent to a five-day police remand after being produced before the court on Saturday. SP Sawan told reporters that Malhotra is being questioned by Haryana Police. "We are analysing her financial transactions, travel details, where she went and whom she met," he said, adding that the police are also in touch with the central agencies. The officer said Malhotra was in touch with PIOs, and that she has visited Pakistan 'multiple times' and China once. Asked about any information on her movements during the Pahalgam terror attack and whether she was in contact with the Pakistani officer posted at the Pakistani High Commission during Operation Sindoor, the SP said during the (India-Pakistan) conflict, she was 'in touch with the PIOs and the person who was declared persona non grata'. "We will do a forensic analysis of her laptop and other electronic gadgets. It will then be clear what information she shared," he said. On May 13, India expelled the Pakistani official working at the High Commission for allegedly indulging in espionage. Replying to a question, he said multiple teams of financial experts were analysing her financial transactions and travel details. In 2023, Malhotra came in contact with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish at the Pakistan High Commission where she went to seek a visa to visit the neighbouring nation, according to an FIR lodged at Civil Lines Police Station on May 16. Malhotra, who visited Pakistan twice, had met Danish's acquaintance Ali Ahwan who arranged her stay there, the FIR read. She met Danish several times at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi and was found to be in touch with PIOs, it said. Her arrest came days after Punjab Police arrested two persons, including a woman, from Malerkotla district in Punjab for their alleged involvement in espionage activities linked to the Pakistani official posted at the High Commission. A program Tuesday at Brooks Memorial Library provides an accessible, well-illustrated look at the life history of the resplendent quetzal, a dazzling, legendary bird of the highland forests of Central America. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today A mix of clouds and sun. High 83F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. Low near 60F. Winds light and variable. This photo taken on April 17, 2025 shows flags of the European Union in front of the European Central Bank (ECB) headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan) European Council President Antonio Costa expressed his dismay on social media, stating he was "shocked" by the developments in Gaza and demanding an end to the violence. BRUSSELS, May 17 (Xinhua) -- As Israel intensifies its military operations in the Gaza Strip, a growing number of European leaders have voiced deep concern over the worsening humanitarian situation, urging Israel to "reverse its current policy" and calling for urgent humanitarian intervention. On Saturday, European Council President Antonio Costa expressed his dismay on social media, stating he was "shocked" by the developments in Gaza and demanding an end to the violence. He urged the Israeli government to lift the blockade and ensure safe, swift, and unhindered access to humanitarian aid. "What's happening in Gaza is a humanitarian tragedy. A whole people is being subjected to crushing, disproportionate military force. International law is systematically violated," Costa said. He emphasized the urgency of a sustained ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. Norway, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Slovenia, and Spain made a similar stance in a joint statement issued on Friday. "We will not be silent in front of the man-made humanitarian catastrophe that is taking place before our eyes in Gaza," the statement read. A group of EU staff gather for a silent protest demanding peace and justice in Gaza in front of the Berlaymont building in Brussels, Belgium, on March 27, 2025. Surrounded by the European Commission and the Council of the EU, a group of EU staff quietly gathered in front of the Berlaymont building for a silent protest demanding peace and justice in Gaza. (Xinhua/Liao Lei) Highlighting that more than 50,000 people have died, the countries warned that many more could face starvation in the coming days and weeks without urgent intervention. They called on the Israeli government to "immediately reverse its current policy," fully lift the blockade, and allow rapid, unimpeded humanitarian access across Gaza. They also reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution and the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, pledging to work within the framework of the United Nations and in cooperation with regional partners to pursue a peaceful and sustainable resolution. Speaking at the 34th Arab League Summit in Baghdad on Saturday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for international pressure to stop what he termed Israel's "massacre in Gaza." He said Madrid plans a UN resolution requesting a world court ruling on aid access to Gaza. World leaders should "intensify our pressure on Israel to halt the massacre in Gaza, particularly through the channels afforded to us by international law," Sanchez said, emphasizing that the implementation of the two-state solution is the only path to peace. Displaced Palestinians are seen in Gaza City, as they flee with their belongings from Beit Lahia or Jabalia in northern Gaza Strip, on May 16, 2025. The Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks in the northern Gaza Strip has surpassed 100 during the past 12 hours, the Civil Defense in Gaza said on Friday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also criticized Israel's action. On Saturday, he reaffirmed Italy's commitment to a ceasefire and a two-state solution. "It is time to finally get to the ceasefire because the civilian population is exhausted, it can no longer resist continuous attacks," he added. Last week, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp stated that Israeli forces had seriously violated the European Union (EU)-Israel Association Agreement signed in 2000. He called on the EU to launch an investigation into Israel's compliance with the agreement as part of a broader review of EU-Israel relations. EU foreign ministers are set to meet on May 20 to discuss the Dutch proposal to review the agreement in light of Israel's actions in Gaza, according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. The Israeli military announced on Friday that it had stepped up its operations in Gaza, launching a wave of airstrikes and deploying additional ground forces to assert operational control in parts of the enclave. This photo released on May 16, 2025 shows Israeli troops operating in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military said on Friday it had stepped up its operations in the Gaza Strip, launching a wave of airstrikes and deploying additional ground forces in an effort to establish operational control in parts of the enclave. (Israel Defense Forces/Handout via Xinhua) Since Israel resumed its intensified military campaign on March 18, at least 3,131 Palestinians have been killed and 8,632 injured, bringing the overall death toll in Gaza since the war began in October 2023 to 53,272, with 120,673 people injured, according to health authorities in Gaza. According to Tom Fletcher, the UN under-secretary-general for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, who also urged a "rapid, safe, unimpeded aid delivery for civilians in need" in Gaza, some 160,000 pallets of humanitarian goods were ready for distribution in Gaza, however, alongside the military escalation, Israel has blocked the entry of humanitarian aid into the enclave. Turnout was high as Romanians flocked to polling stations for the second round of a presidential election run-off that could impact the country's political direction in Europe and its support for Ukraine. The May 18 vote pits ultranationalist candidate George Simion, who has called for an end of support to Ukraine, against centrist Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan. After months of political chaos and controversy, voters told RFE/RLs Romanian Service they wanted to cast their ballots at a "critical" moment for their country's future. As Ukraine marks the anniversary of Stalin-era deportations of Crimean Tatars more than eight decades ago, members of the ethnic minority group living on the Russian-occupied Black Sea peninsula are enduring a renewed campaign of repression. May 18 is known in Ukraine as the Day of Commemoration of the Victims of the Genocide of the Crimean Tatars. They are members of the Turkic-speaking, predominantly Muslim ethnic group that is indigenous to Crimea. Eighty-one years ago, over three days from May 18 to May 20, 1944, Soviet security forces rounded up at least 200,000 Crimean Tatars and sent them into exile in Soviet Uzbekistan and other remote places in the Soviet Union. Tens of thousands died during the deportation and under the harsh conditions of their first years in exile. The Tatar minority has again found itself being targeted since Russian forces seized control of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014, according to human rights activist Mumine Salieva. "There are already dozens of criminal cases, hundreds of administrative penalties; more than 100 children have been deprived of their fathers," said Salieva in RFE/RL Ukrainian Service's award-winning 2024 documentary, Silent Deportation. "All this shows that we're not witnessing isolated cases of discrimination. It is nothing else than the repression of the entire Crimean Tatar people," she said. Salieva's husband, Seyran, was among several Crimean Tatars convicted of terrorism in 2020 after documenting human rights abuses following Russia's illegal occupation of Crimea. "Basically, [he was arrested] because of his journalism, his coverage of the trials that took place in Crimea, and his participation in public campaigns to protect political prisoners," she said. Salieva's husband had been looking into reports of arrests, disappearances, and killings of Tatar activists. In May 2016, the crackdown intensified, with raids in Bakhchysaray, the couple's hometown. "The Bakhchysaray community got its first shocks when a massive wave of searches took place in the houses of a businessman, a builder, a well-known chef, and a dentist," said Salieva. As her husband serves a 15-year sentence, Salieva continues his work documenting human rights abuses and supporting people whose loved ones have been arrested. She is also raising four children. Her youngest is 7-year-old Safiya, who was a baby when her father was arrested. The girl only knew him from photographs until she met her father during an emotional prison visit. "She came up to him and hugged his legs. She looked up at him and said, 'So this is you, my daddy.' And he picked her up, started squeezing her, hugging her," recalled Salieva. "She was playing with his beard. He was crying. She kissed him and wiped away his tears." After generations of Crimean Tatars grew up far from their ancestral homeland, they were finally allowed to return to the peninsula in 1989 during the waning days of the Soviet Union. A new struggle for recognition and acceptance began two years later in the newly independent Ukraine as Crimean Tatars worked with the government establishing schools, mosques, and newspapers. But all that came to an abrupt halt in 2014, and many Tatars decided to leave Crimea rather than face persecution from the Russian-controlled authorities. A New Crimean Tatar Diaspora Rinat Paralamov is among a new Crimean Tatar diaspora scattered across Europe. He fled to Germany in 2022 after he said he was tortured by Russia's Federal Security Force (FSB). Paralamov was arrested in 2017 and was pressured to become an informant. He said he endured beatings and electrocution. "They tied my hands behind my back with tape. They laid me face down on the floor, pulled down my trousers, and connected two wires," he recalled. "They were twisting [a dial], and I was getting electrocuted. One [person] was pressing my head, the other my body. It was impossible to move. I was thinking, 'This is it. I'm done for.'" The torture only ended once Paralamov agreed to work as an informant. But he quickly decided to get out Crimea rather than collaborate with Russian authorities. Ernest Suleymanov is another Crimean Tatar who decided to flee. He owns a restaurant in the Polish capital, Warsaw, located across the street from the Russian Embassy. "This is our way of fighting back, so that they know it and see it every day. It is like a slap in the face," said Suleymanov. "Crimea is not theirs. Crimea is the land of Crimean Tatars, and Crimea is Ukraine." Suleymanov says he sees himself as an ambassador promoting Crimean Tatar culture around the world. But he's unsure if he'd ever want to return to his homeland. "I wonder if I could be able to live with those people who betrayed Ukraine, who contributed to the occupation," he mused. "Would I be able to live in such an environment? Would I be able to live alongside them? Do I have the right to expel them?" Pro-EU Nicusor Dan wins presidential election in Romania The centrist Nicusor Dan, the current mayor of Bucharest, won around 54,2% of the votes in Romania's presidential runoff, according to the vote count in 95% of polling stations Pro-EU Nicusor Dan wins presidential election in Romania Newsroom, 18.05.2025, 23:17 The centrist Nicusor Dan, the current mayor of Bucharest, won the second round of the presidential election in Romania on Sunday. He won approx. 54.2% of the votes, according to data released in real time by the Permanent Electoral Authority, after centralising the votes in over 98.5% of the polling stations in the country and abroad. Nicusor Dan outperformed the hard-right candidate George Simion, the leader of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, who came in second with 45.8%. As the polls closed, Nicusor Dan said that following Sundays election, standing to win is a community that wants a profound change in Romania, with less corruption, a prosperous business environment, and a society of dialogue rather than hatred. A total of about 11.6 million Romanian nationals went to the polls, accounting for 65% of the almost 18 million registered voters. A record number of around 1,650,000 voters was also reported abroad, which is unprecedented in post-communist Romania. Almost 19,000 polling stations were opened in the country, while Romanians abroad voted in 965 stations. Voters in Romania only vote on Sunday, whereas those abroad could vote over three days Friday, Saturday and Sunday. According to the Permanent Electoral Authority, 87 accredited foreign journalists and 159 international observers have monitored the election. (AMP) JAKARTA, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Mount Lewotobi in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province erupted multiple times on Sunday, prompting the country's Volcanology and Geology Disaster Mitigation Center to issue its highest aviation alert. The strongest eruption occurred at 14:05 local time, sending a massive ash column up to 6,000 meters into the sky. Thick gray volcanic clouds spread northward, northeastward, westward, and northwestward from the crater. Authorities raised the Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) to red level, the highest warning, advising aircraft to avoid flying below 6,000 meters near the volcano due to hazardous ash. Airlines were also cautioned about potential flight disruptions caused by the ash plume. To protect nearby communities, officials established a 6-kilometer danger zone around the crater, prohibiting tourists and visitors from entering. Residents on the slopes were warned of potential lahars (volcanic mudflows) triggered by heavy rains, as rivers originating from the summit could channel debris. Those in ash-affected areas were advised to wear face masks to reduce respiratory risks from airborne particles. Standing at 1,584 meters, Mount Lewotobi is one of Indonesia's 127 active volcanoes. SHANGHAI, May 18 (Xinhua) -- An ancient Egypt-themed exhibition at the Shanghai Museum has become the world's most visited paid special exhibition of cultural relics, museum officials said, marking another milestone in China's cultural tourism boom. The exhibition, titled "On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt," was the largest of its kind held outside Egypt over the past 20 years. Since its opening in July 2024, the exhibition has drawn over 2 million visitors and generated 580 million yuan (about 80.6 million U.S. dollars) in tourism revenue, museum officials announced ahead of the International Museum Day, which falls on Sunday. The museum estimates that visitor numbers will exceed 2.5 million and revenue could exceed 700 million yuan by its closing in mid-August this year. Co-hosted by the Shanghai Museum and Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, the exhibition features 788 artifacts from Egypt, including many unearthed at the site of the Bubasteion of Saqqara in Egypt, which was dedicated to the cat goddess Bastet. It also includes dozens of ancient Chinese artifacts to create a dialogue between the two millennia-old civilizations. Chu Xiaobo, curator of the Shanghai Museum, described the exhibition as an important cultural exchange program between China and Egypt, praising it as one of the world's most remarkable "super exhibitions" in recent years. The exhibition has previously made headlines with its innovative arrangements, including night events that invited audiences to bring pet cats, as well as a best-selling parallel virtual reality (VR) experience of the Pyramid of Khufu. The Shanghai Museum said it has released over 1,000 cultural and creative products themed on the exhibition, ranging from apparel to toys, leveraging China's strength as the world's largest toy designer and manufacturer. The exhibition on ancient Egyptian civilization was a great success and truly fascinating, said Egypt's top archaeologist and Egyptologist Zahi Hawass. The great success of the exhibition has taken place as China is experiencing a boom in the cultural and tourism sector, with museums drawing unprecedented interest from tourists. During the just-concluded 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. In 2024, Chinese museums received over 1.4 billion visits, a new record high after 1.29 billion visits in 2023, according to the National Cultural Heritage Administration. The Egyptian exhibition in Shanghai has seen nearly 70 percent of its visitors coming from outside the city. Local officials have hailed the exhibition for boosting cultural and tourism consumption in the metropolis. Egyptian officials have viewed the exhibition as a way to promote Egyptian tourist destinations in the Chinese market, emphasizing the appeal of cultural tourism to Chinese tourists. The exhibition is believed to have boosted Chinese interest in Egyptian travel. Egyptian authorities said the number of Chinese tourists to Egypt surged by 63 percent year on year in 2024. With fewer than 100 days remaining for the exhibition, the museum is expanding its outreach in other parts of the country, with Pharaoh-themed events scheduled to be held across Chinese cities, including Chengdu, Xi'an, Kaifeng, Hangzhou and Nanjing. In the final week, it will be open 24 hours a day, aiming to set another world record of non-stop opening for 168 hours. "The ancient Egyptian exhibition offers one of the most exciting dialogues of two ancient civilizations, which brings visual enjoyment and a rare cultural experience," said Poo Mu-chou, a retired professor with the Chinese University of Hong Kong. "The impact it brings is long-lasting and its significance goes far beyond simple data." CHENGDU, May 18 (Xinhua) -- A tourist train left Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on Sunday, marking the launch of the first train themed around the legendary Sanxingdui Ruins site. Departing from Chengdu East Railway Station, the train takes 18 minutes to reach the Sanxingdui Ruins and around two hours to reach Jiuzhai Valley, two of Sichuan's most prominent attractions. It operates daily with 13 round trips and is expected to carry about 30,000 passengers per day. Adorned with iconic bronze motifs and posters of the Sanxingdui Ruins, the train offers passengers a cultural journey through time. On board, a professional guide from the Sanxingdui Museum introduces the excavation history, key artifacts and cultural significance of the ancient site. Jointly developed by China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd. and the Sanxingdui Museum, the themed train aims to offer an immersive cultural experience for both domestic and international travelers, according to Peng Danlin with China Railway Chengdu Group. "This is so exciting," said Zhou Wen, one of the first passengers on board, as she eagerly took photos. "Every detail in the carriage makes me feel like I've traveled back to the ancient Shu Kingdom. It's a fulfilling and unforgettable experience." The Sanxingdui Ruins are believed to be the remnants of the Shu Kingdom, dating back 4,500 to 3,000 years. Jiuzhai Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is celebrated for its spectacular waterfalls, lush forests, serene plateau lakes and karst rock formations. Crew members aboard the Cuauhtemoc, a masted Mexican Navy training ship, gather on deck after the ship collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, Saturday, May 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) AP The Mexican Navy tall ship on a global goodwill voyage that collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night was docked off Staten Island days before the crash, according to the New York Post. The crash killed two crew members and injured at least 17 others, a spokesperson for the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information said. The ship, identified as the ARM Cuauhtemoc, had just disembarked from Pier 17 in Manhattan and was reportedly heading out to sea when it reversed course and collided with the bridges structure, the AP reported. The boat had to cross Staten Island underneath the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge on May 13 to reach Pier 17. The maritime incident Saturday left sailors suspended in midair and snapped the ships towering masts, according to the Associated Press. The vessel was carrying 277 people when it struck the bridge at approximately 8:20 p.m., a spokesperson for the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information said to the Advance/SILive.com. Police confirmed that 19 people required medical attention, including four who were critically injured. Two wounded people later died of their injuries, the spokesperson said. According to the Associated Press, the ships three masts snapped one by one when the vessel struck the bridge. No crew members fell into the East River, according to AP. The ship, which was flying a massive Mexican flag, drifted into a nearby pier after the crash, witnesses told the Associated Press. Emergency responders from the NYPD, FDNY, U.S. Coast Guard, and NYC Department of Transportation arrived on the scene, according to police. The Brooklyn Bridge sustained no major structural damage. Traffic was temporarily halted but resumed after an inspection, officials said. Although the cause of the crash remains under investigation, police say the ship experienced a mechanical issue that prompted it to turn around. A Gesture of Goodwill According to the South Street Seaport Museum, which welcomed the vessel to the city, the Cuauhtemoc was built at the Celaya Shipyards in Bilbao, Spain in 1981. This ship was acquired by the Mexican Navy to address the need for a unit dedicated exclusively to the training of captains, officers, cadets, and members of the class and seamen, reads the museums website. The ship, according to the outlet, had arrived in New York on May 13 as part of an eight-month global voyage. The boat was scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 countries, with 170 days at sea. Its visit to New York was also intended as a preview of the 2026 Sail4th celebration, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. In this file photo, the Empire State Building glows blue during dusk on Nov. 14, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson, File) AP Its National EMS week! In honor of the Emergency Medical Service workers who serve New York City and those who call it home, the Empire State Building will be lighting up blue, white, and yellow with their signature heartbeat effect Sunday night, according to a written statement. The celebration of lights comes as a collaboration between the Empire State Building and the New York City Fire Department. FDNY EMTs, Paramedics, and Officers respond to more than 1.6 million medical emergencies each year with skill and professionalism, FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said in the statement. EMS is the backbone of our Department. Emergency medicine is not easy, and it is vital to public safety in New York City. No matter the conditions, our EMS members are there for the New Yorkers who need them. We are grateful for the work they do every day and lighting up the Empire State Building in their honor is a great opportunity to thank them for their service. In New York, the 2025 EMS Week theme is, as the statement explains, We Care. For Everyone. The statement divulged that the collaboration between the Empire State Building and the FDNY is the 17th successive year that the two have honored those who work in EMS. There are over 4,400 EMS workers employed by the FDNY. The above Google Maps image depicts the 800th block of New Jersey Avenue where the deadly shooting occurred. Google Maps Police are searching for persons of interest in connection to a deadly double shooting in East New York Saturday night left an 18-year-old man dead and a woman wounded, according to AMNY. Gunfire erupted just before 10 p.m. near a home on the 800 block of New Jersey Avenue, according to the report. In this photo from 2023, a row of lottery tickets behind the counter at Honeybee Convenience store on Forest Avenue in Port Richmond. Recently, two winning Take 5 tickets were sold, including one in New York City. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) Two lucky winners are celebrating getting TAKE 5s top prizes, including one person in New York City. Two players each got $9,304.50 prizes from winning the top prize for the May 17 midday drawing. The first winner bought their ticket from the A&P Fried Chicken located at 2106 Linden Blvd. in Brooklyn. The second winner bought their ticket from the American Petroleum gas station on Knollwood Road in White Plains, Westchester County. The drawing is broadcast on television twice daily at 2:30 and 10:30 p.m. Take 5 players with midday and evening draws on the same ticket must check their numbers at nylottery.ny.gov to determine if they have the winning numbers for the corresponding midday or evening drawing. The odds of winning the TAKE 5 jackpot? One in 575,757. Players can securely check their tickets on the New York Lottery app. Jackpot.com brings the lottery to your fingertips. Order your official New York Lottery tickets online with ease and safety. The New York Lottery continues to be touted as North Americas largest and most profitable lottery, contributing $3.8 billion in Lottery Aid to Education for fiscal year 2023-2024 to help support education in New York state. New York Lottery revenue is distributed to local school districts by the same statutory formula used to distribute other state aid to education. It takes into account both a school districts size and its income level; larger, lower-income school districts receive proportionately larger shares of lottery school funding. Ever curious about how many complaints 311 gets for your neighborhood? Well, with the new NYC311 Monitoring Tool, you can now find out. The Office of the New York State Comptroller (OSC) announced that the new tool will be automatically updated daily and provides real-time insights on demand for government services, the website detailed. The Tool allows the user to identify certain agencies or complaint types experiencing a high public demand for service and geographical concentration of such service demands, the website explained. From illegal parking to noise in residential areas, the tool allows users to explore the Top Five Service Requests, a chart of the number of agency and service request[s] called in each month, and an overall New York City map by neighborhood, zip code, or borough. For example, Staten Island had 10,463 requests in March 2025 alone. The chart extends back to January 2019, with the highest number of requests recorded since that time coming in October of 2021 with 16,994 requests. Out of all the boroughs, Staten Island has the lowest amount of 311 requests, as seen on the website: Brooklyn: 5,300,882 Queens: 4,147, 482 Bronx: 3,901,067 Manhattan: 3,597,419 Staten Island: 691,135 The top five service requests in 2024 were as follows, as listed on the website: Illegal Parking (NYPD): 505,733 Noise Residential (NYPD): 379,297 Heat/Hot Water (HPD): 264,746 Blocked Driveway (NYPD): 170,192 Noise Street/Sidewalk (NYPD): 163,002 There is a note on the data, the office warns. The Tool presents the data as is, which could include multiple requests for a single issue that skew totals. The data also includes service requests from non-residents, which are labeled as such in the Tool. A masted Mexican Navy training ship, the Cuauhtemoc, sits stranded after colliding with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Viterbo) AP On Saturday evening, the U.S. Coast Guard and multiple agencies responded to an incident involving a Mexican tall ship that collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, the agency said in a press release. The vessel, a Mexican Navy training ship named the Cuauhtemoc, experienced significant damage to all three of its masts and reported multiple injuries on board as a result of the collision, the U.S. Coast Guard said. According to the Coast Guard, the 297-foot ship had 277 people on board at the time of the incident. Upon receiving the emergency call, Sector New York dispatched a crew from Coast Guard Station New York to the scene and established a safety zone spanning from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Manhattan Bridge, the press release detailed. The New York Vessel Traffic Services team also suspended commercial traffic in the area to help with response efforts, the Coast Guard said. Members of the crew who sustained injuries were transported to hospitals in Manhattan for treatment. Two crew members however, lost their lives as a result of the crash, an earlier report from the Advance/SILive.com said. According to the agency, the Cuauhtemoc is currently parked at Pier 36 on the East River in Manhattan as experts evaluate the damage and create a salvage plans for the ship. Sector New York has established a 50-yard safety zone around the ship, and vessels in the area have been requested to proceed at a lower speed, the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed in the press release. An investigation into the incident is underway, with coordination between the governments of Mexico and the United States; the National Transportation Safety Board and the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard sent their condolences to the loved ones of the crew members killed and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring port safety. Federal Investigation Launched Federal transportation officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the ships collision that resulted in the snapping of the vessels three masts, killed two crew members and left some sailors dangling from harnesses high in the air. The vessel could be seen in several eyewitness videos traveling swiftly in reverse toward the bridge near the Brooklyn side of the East River. Then its three masts struck the bridge and snapped, one by one, as the ship kept moving. The Cuauhtemoc was visiting New York on a global goodwill tour when the accident occurred Saturday evening. Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Maria Byrne, Leas-Chathaoirleach (deputy chairperson) of Seanad, the upper house of the Irish parliament, in Dublin, Ireland, May 15, 2025. Li paid a visit to Ireland from Wednesday to Saturday with a Chinese delegation. (The Houses of the Oireachtas/Handout via Xinhua) DUBLIN, May 17 (Xinhua) -- China's National People's Congress (NPC) stands ready to continue friendly exchanges with the Irish parliament, jointly create a legal environment conducive to promoting bilateral cooperation, and advance the development of China-Ireland relations, Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, has said. Li, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the statement during a visit to Ireland from Wednesday to Saturday with a Chinese delegation. During his stay in the Irish capital Dublin, Li held separate talks with Verona Murphy, Ceann Comhairle (speaker) of Dail, the lower house of the Irish parliament, and Maria Byrne, Leas-Chathaoirleach (deputy chairperson) of Seanad, the upper house. He also held discussions with teachers and students from the Confucius Institute at University College Dublin. Li said that the mutually beneficial strategic partnership between China and Ireland continues to develop in a healthy and sustainable manner under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Irish President Michael D. Higgins. Noting that the world is undergoing significant and accelerating changes, Li called on both sides to strengthen political mutual trust, maintain open cooperation, and deepen exchanges in such areas as trade, science and technology, education, culture, and local affairs to achieve shared development and prosperity. The Irish side said the government highly values developing relations with China, adheres to the one-China policy, supports open and free trade, and is willing to strengthen exchanges between the legislative bodies, contributing to mutual benefits and win-win cooperation between Ireland and China. Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Verona Murphy, Ceann Comhairle (speaker) of Dail, the lower house of the Irish parliament, in Dublin, Ireland, May 15, 2025. Li paid a visit to Ireland from Wednesday to Saturday with a Chinese delegation. (The Houses of the Oireachtas/Handout via Xinhua) Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, holds discussions with teachers and students from the Confucius Institute at University College Dublin in Dublin, Ireland, May 15, 2025. Li paid a visit to Ireland from Wednesday to Saturday with a Chinese delegation. (Xinhua/Li Ying) Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Verona Murphy, Ceann Comhairle (speaker) of Dail, the lower house of the Irish parliament, in Dublin, Ireland, May 15, 2025. Li paid a visit to Ireland from Wednesday to Saturday with a Chinese delegation. (The Houses of the Oireachtas/Handout via Xinhua) Support the Peninsulas only locally-owned newspaper. Subscribe! Subscribing annually brings you big savings. We also offer monthly and weekly subscriptions. Premium Subscription As low as $8.25 per week Premium Includes: -- Access to the Daily Journals e-Edition: a digital replica of our daily newspaper including crossword puzzles, games, comics, classifieds and ads. You can download a digital replica of the Daily Journal for offline reading. You can also clip & download articles or images from the e-edition to share with others The most recent 90 issues are available at any given time. -- Unlimited access to our award-winning online content -- Commenting access on all stories as a valued member of the DJ community -- NEW! Access to our online-only digital crossword puzzle. A new puzzle every day, seven days a week! We are manufacturing guided weapons, rocket assisted take-off for low-cost cruise missiles, and we have the capability to produce in-house and are able to deliver it within a couple of months, not in five years, Johnson told this masthead. The company, with a staff of 42, manufactures and produces solid rocket motors, as well as customised rocket-assisted take off assemblies, which can launch inexpensive cruise missiles vertically from the ground. Black Sky Industries regularly receives requests for proposals from democracies around the globe, Johnson says. The Anduril Barracuda-250. Credit: Anduril Australias government understands a shift towards missiles is taking place. The Albanese government is backing sovereign guided-weapon production, having landed a deal for Norway-based Kongsberg to assemble naval and joint strike missiles in Australia. A government deal with Lockheed Martin Australia will allow low-rate production of 300 GMLRS and a full-rate production of the 4000 GMLRS to Australia. But as Johnson explains, in a modern war a few hundred rounds are one day of activity not even a day, a couple of hours. Loading Black Sky Industries says its delivering capability for the Australian Defence Force and its allies with a focus on scaling for...continued geopolitical instability, Johnson says. Looking at whats happening in Ukraine and in the Red Sea, where Iranian-backed Houthis have launched inexpensive Tehran-supplied cruise missiles at passing ships, Johnson says arming for war wont be expensive in future. Sydney-based defence analyst Chris Flaherty said the new crop of cruise missiles used cheaper, more autonomous guidance and no longer required the complex infrastructure for deployment as in the past. What were actually seeing, which I think is causing surprise and shock strategically within the defence community, is how countries can actually come from nowhere and invent a weapon system that actually performs remarkably similar roles to cruise missiles. A Saudi military officer walks next to what was described as a misfired Iranian cruise missile. Credit: AP The lower cost means more cruise missiles can be produced and launched in swarms. The new strategy means mass-producing these weapons as quickly as possible and delivering onto the target to achieve overwhelming force, he said. The trend lines of inexpensive hardware and cheaper, more powerful electronics were in place even before February 2022, when Russia expanded its low-boil war on Ukraine to a full-scale invasion. Weapons-makers can now use off-the-shelf components, 3D printed, modular parts which reduce the complexity of the missile, and also lower labour costs. In turn, this lowers the overall production price, further enabling mass manufacturing of missiles. The cheaper cost of the technology lowers the bar for entry to the cruise missile business, which used to be the domain of great powers which relied on specialised access to satellites, intelligence and complex supporting systems. But Russias invasion of Ukraine and Irans supplying of the Houthis with cruise missiles and drones to harass ships in the Red Sea paved a new way. Firefighters put out the fire following a Russian missile attack on the countrys energy system in Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine, on Christmas Day. Credit: Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP Today, numerous companies are springing up or pivoting to these new cheaper cruise missiles. Anduril Industries, Zone 5 Technologies, CoAspire, Ares Industries, and Ukraines Trembita homemade cruise missile are examples. At the same time, Ukraine has ramped up its missile production since Russias invasion in early 2022. A few hundred missiles would only last a few hours: David Johnson of Black Sky Aerospace. After struggling at the start of Russias invasion to source cruise missiles, Ukraines minister for strategic industries said last month missile production had expanded eightfold over the previous year. Ukraines experience is instructive. Iran, China, North Korea have their own ambitious programs, which rely on mass quantities and low costs. It would be reckless for democracies to not follow suit. Anduril Australia says its exploring opportunities to test and build low-cost cruise missiles in Australia. Manufacturing affordable cruise missiles at scale is central to achieving resilience and a deterrence effect for the ADF, said Pete Quinn, vice president of strategy for Anduril Australia. He notes that Australia is an ideal testing location because of its world-class ranges and talented Australian workforce. Affordable mass Cheaper missiles mean more can be made and yet more required to win a battle. Lockheed Martin affordable mass director Scott Callaway says: With the strategic environment in the Pacific undergoing notable change, our customers are seeking a new class of low-cost missiles that can be manufactured fast and on demand, so their inventory never runs dry in combat. Callaway says the new class of missiles has been dubbed affordable mass, with the idea being they can put a lot more missiles (mass) on target. The companys common multi-mission truck, or CMMT missile, can be launched by fighters, bombers, airlifters and other air- and ground-launch platforms. The CMMT, also pronounced Comet, uses modular airframes that can be sized to accommodate a variety of payloads and engines - employing 3D printed or commercial parts to lower cost. Convergence The modular design, aided by cheaper electronics and 3D-printed parts, enables rapid modification in which new seekers, payloads and engines can be swapped in for whatever the mission requirements, Callaway said. The Shahed-129 Iranian-made drone. The Iranian Shahed drone, which demonstrated the ease with which unmanned vehicles, inexpensive guidance systems and explosives could be brought together, helped revolutionise the trend of affordable drones and missiles, a difference which has increasingly blurred. Flaherty says there has been a convergence between the concept of cruise missiles and the concept of drones in the past few years. If you think in traditional terms, a cruise missile is a particular weapon system arising from a certain date in history, he said, pointing to the complex launch systems used for Tomahawk missiles. Loading If you look now at whats happening in Ukraine, were starting to see rocket-powered drones that have considerable range capabilities with cruise missile-type qualities. Such weapons can navigate over terrain, lock on to targets and deliver warheads with precision the entire original concept behind the cruise missile. Now that these changes are afoot, they could trigger a repricing of whole swaths of weaponry. These shifts toward more information-driven manufacturing allow production itself to be spread across networks that can respond to needs of the war effort. Distributed production Callaway says Lockheed Martin can accelerate production and meet combat surge requests by duplicating production cells and standing up multiple production lines in the US and partner nations. Tapping multiple suppliers, missile assemblies can be built and assembled rapidly. We call this distributed production, said Callaway. The customer can buy a basic kit designed for rapid production that a specialised missile can be built around, Callaway says of the Comet. Changes for Australia As the economics of conflict change, so will threats for Australia. Last year, Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy gave a speech which outlined the altered world. In World War II, Nazi Germany used V-1 and V-2 guided rockets against Britain. Missiles soon became the subject of strategic thinking during the Cold War, he said, but they have evolved much further since. Analysts believe we are now on the cusp of a new Indo-Pacific missile age, Conroy said. China, North Korea, Russia (also a Pacific power), the US, South Korea are all investing in missile technology. Its been a hot minute since we checked in on colourful Sydney porn king, right-wing tour impresario and CBD favourite Damien Costas. The brash publisher of nudie magazine Penthouses Australian spin-off and promoter responsible for bringing conservative culture warriors to these shores has shrugged off years of court battles, cranky creditors and embittered former business partners to turn over a new page as an author. Self-published, of course. Damien Costas. Costas new book, What Happened to the Lucky Country (displaying in title alone, a profound ignorance of what Donald Horne really meant), was released last month. Its basically a lengthy rant about the sheer horror that is modern Australia, where good patriotic characteristics such as larrikinism have been lost to psychological frailty and slavish deference to rules as exemplified by COVID restrictions that happened years ago. In a century-old industrial warehouse in Richmond, Shelley Short sings a story twice as old. Through the old tin and timber rings Martha Hayes, a song about the innocent daughter of a transported convict woman, and the mother of Tasmanias first European child. Around her, a big band swirls. Mick Thomas, with smashing bushranger beard, leads members of Weddings Parties Anything and guitarist Jeff Lang and other local legends through rehearsals for Vandemonian Lags, a piece of musical-theatre that reckons with colonial Australias lesser-known past. Rehearsing at Bakehouse Studios for Vandemonian Lags, from left: Mark Wallace, Jen Anderson, Darren Hanlon, Craig Pilkington, Mick Thomas, Shelley Short, Jeff Lang and Ben Salter. Credit: Wayne Taylor She got pregnant to a lieutenant, Short says of the subject of the song. She was 16; too young. And she settled up next to the river and had the baby there. She didnt end up staying with the lieutenant because he had a family of his own back home. I love a story of a strong woman back in the 1800s. I love it when those stories are lifted up, because history is often told by big white men. The dangers of forever chemicals, known as PFAS, have been known for more than a quarter of a century, yet NSW water authorities could not join the dots to protect our water supplies. We now know for certain that some Blue Mountains residents may have been drinking water with elevated levels of the cancer-causing chemical for up to 32 years. Forever chemicals have been found at five times the incoming safe level at Jamieson Reservoir at Leura. Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong Further, authorities disconnected Medlow Dam and Greaves Creek Dam from the water supply only last August after initially claiming there were no known PFAS hotspots in the catchment in the wake of a damning Herald investigation. Yet concerns about PFAS in firefighting material were voiced in 1998. The worlds scientific community has been waving red flags since, and stringent new drinking limits are under consideration in Australia. Now an initial report prepared for WaterNSW by engineering firm Jacobs Group confirmed that the contamination could have occurred as early as 1992 when a petrol tanker crashed on the Great Western Highway near Medlow Bath. The WaterNSW report also suggests a 2002 vehicle crash and the Medlow Bath Rural Fire Brigade Station could be potential sources of the contamination. Loading The findings back up the work of Carrie Fellner, our investigative journalist who has covered the impact of the chemicals for more than 12 years. In August 2024, she reported Sydney Water confirmed forever chemicals had been detected across drinking water supplies. A week or so later, Sydney Water quietly closed a feeder dam in the Blue Mountains. She revealed this month the chemicals had been discovered in the Jamieson Reservoir on Cousins Lane at Leura and the Shipley Reservoir, near Blackheath. Following the initial report, the EPA has recommended a detailed site investigation should be undertaken consistent with the National Environment Protection Measure 1999. While the disconnections remain, NSW Health and Sydney Water have said drinking water in the Blue Mountains meets existing Australian drinking water guidelines and is safe to drink. They give this assurance knowing full well that new drinking water standards are on the horizon that will not be so generous. Jon Dee, convener of the local STOP PFAS action group and a former Australian of the Year for his environmental work including co-founding Planet Ark in the 1990s, said the report left key questions unanswered. They still cannot tell us when the PFAS contamination of our drinking water began, Dee said. They still cannot tell us how high the PFAS levels have been in the tap water that weve been drinking. They still cant tell us how long weve been drinking toxic tap water, and yet they insist that our tap water has been safe. The rift between the Liberal and Nationals parties over their commitment to nuclear energy wont just determine the energy policy the Coalition takes to the next election, it could either lock in or blow up Australias bipartisan support for reaching net zero emissions by 2050. Loading A split between the parties over nuclear would not just affect policy, it would force about nine senior Nationals to forgo about $58,415 a year in salary. If the Coalition splits, the Nationals would separate from the Liberals and exit the official federal opposition and the official positions that come with it. About nine or so Nationals MPs would be entitled to be selected as shadow ministers under the rule that divides official positions between the Coalition partners based on their number of seats which is unusually high this year for the junior party following the Liberals election wipeout. The ongoing commitment to nuclear and net zero policies is a live debate within the Coalition. Former opposition leaders Scott Morrison and Peter Dutton took a net zero commitment to the past two elections. Still, both the Liberal and Nationals party rooms are debating whether they will remain committed to net zero, while the Nationals have already signalled their continued commitment to nuclear. You can read more of Mike Foleys analysis here. Relentless. Thats how family law mediator Jasmin Newman describes Adam Whittingtons online vendetta against her. Whittington, a self-styled child recovery expert, was at the heart of a bungled 60 Minutes attempt to reunite two Australian children with their mother that led to the crew spending two weeks in a Beirut prison. He undertook a years-long online campaign that characterised Newman as variously sympathetic to paedophiles, a fraudster and misrepresenting her qualifications. Jasmin Newman at home after the Supreme Court verdict. Credit: Dan Peled 60 Minutes is broadcast by Nine, owner of this masthead. The harassment began in 2019, and as of the 13th February, he hasnt stopped, she told the Herald, speaking for the first time after the NSW Supreme Court in March concluded Whittington must pay more than $300,000 in aggravated damages and costs for the six years of inflammatory posts that spanned Facebook, Twitter and WordPress. International students and non-permanent residents have been targeted by fraudsters for access to their accounts, according to a report by the Fintel Alliance, a public-private partnership led by AUSTRAC. The mules can receive between $200 and $500 for use of their accounts, or may receive a commission of up to 10 per cent on the funds received into accounts they operate. Access to Australian bank accounts is being traded via several Facebook groups. Credit: Facebook This week, this masthead was able to find several Facebook groups offering Australian bank accounts to buy, rent or sell. In one of the online advertisements, an anonymous Facebook user claimed they were offering upfront payments of $350 to buy access to Bendigo or Up bank accounts, $200 for a National Australia Bank account or $150 for a Westpac, St George, Ubank, Bank of Melbourne or HSBC account. Brewer, AUSTRACs Fintel Alliance national manager, said advertisements were being detected seeking bank accounts to buy in different languages, and warned those considering taking part in the trade. It can be a crime, and its not a victimless crime, because this money has come from something that has a victim, so someones been hurt to get this money to then move through your account. Another Facebook user claims to offer money in exchange for access to Australian accounts. Credit: Facebook The Australian Federal Police warned that those convicted of participating in muling cash can face anywhere from 12 months to life in prison. Digital bank Ubank, owned by NAB, is one of several Australian banks that promote the ability to open an account within minutes. Last year, a retiree in her 70s discovered that fraudsters had opened two Ubank accounts in her name without the bank viewing any identification documents belonging to her. The third party provided the womans name, date of birth, address and Medicare card details, but the bank did not require or obtain a copy or record of the actual Medicare card, according to information provided to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (ACFA). You can join Ubank in minutes, according to the banks website. Anne, who did not want her last name used because of concerns about her privacy, discovered the identity theft when a beautiful pale blue card from Ubank arrived in the mail in late February last year. She said she was shocked to discover that it had been possible to open an account without any physical documentation confirming her identity. This all happened only with the Medicare number. I did not lose the card. Im appalled that Ubank could get away with such a lack of ID-checking. They received no photo ID, and the banking code didnt help me as a consumer. Loading Anne complained to AFCA, alleging that the bank had not provided her with satisfactory answers to her questions. AFCA found in favour of the bank, finding that it appropriately responded to the complaint once aware of the fraud. However, AFCA could not consider Ubanks conduct in opening the fraudulent accounts in the first place, as it falls out of the organisations jurisdiction. This is set to change next year as a result of new federal laws which could put banks receiving stolen funds on the hook for compensation. Currently and until the change comes into effect in March 2026 AFCA can only consider the actions of the bank that has the direct customer relationship with the person or entity who has lodged a complaint, so thats the sending bank, an AFCA spokesperson said. Ubank head of fraud Jacob Donohue described Annes case as an unfortunate example of identity theft, where personal information was compromised outside of the banking channel and used by a criminal without the customers knowledge. There is no evidence the accounts opened in Annes name were used for any scam transactions. Ubank no longer allows Medicare cards as the single identity document to onboard customers, but it does still allow customers to open accounts using a drivers licence or passport, without requiring a copy of the physical document. This masthead was able to set up multiple accounts with Australian digital banks without providing any photo identification. All of Australias major brick-and-mortar bank brands now require at least one biometric check (such as facial recognition) for new customers opening accounts online, as part of the Australian Banking Associations Scam-Safe Accord. The change was introduced due to recognition that gangs of scammers were opening bank accounts using drivers licence and passport numbers stolen in major data breaches. Dan Halpin, whose company Cybertrace specialises in cyberfraud investigations, said he was concerned about several Australian banks that allowed customers to open accounts online using drivers licence details without requiring a physical copy of the licence. Loading While this approach streamlines the onboarding process, it raises concerns about the ease with which identity fraud can occur, especially considering recent data breaches involving major Australian companies, Halpin said. Higher-level technology such as biometrics needs to be employed during the account opening process. Of the major banks, NAB and its subsidiaries, which include Ubank, closed the largest number of mule accounts in the 2024 financial year, shutting down 5669. The Commonwealth Bank closed almost 3000 accounts linked to fraud or scams over the same period, while Westpac closed 2200, a sharp annual rise that they attributed to improved detection capabilities, which drove a 29 per cent decrease in customer scam losses. Ken Gamble, executive chairman of cybercrime investigation firm IFW Global, said Australian bank accounts remained a critical component of many scams. Victims are very nervous about paying money overseas these days, but theyre very happy to pay it into an Australian account, so it gives credibility to the relevant scam ... and it lends credibility because its a major bank, and banks are trusted. He said he was aware of cases in which student money mules had been paid thousands to set up fraudulent corporate bank accounts, which have become more valuable as banks roll out account name verification technology. In one case detailed by federal authorities, $300,000 stolen from a Melbourne woman in a bank-impersonation scam was transferred into 11 mule accounts, and then withdrawn from ATMs soon after. Investigators established that most of the mule accounts used in the swindle belonged to Indian students who had opened the accounts using their legitimate identification details. However, the students had already returned to India when the stolen money was withdrawn, indicating someone else had control of the accounts. PHNOM PENH, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Amidst the fast-changing international situation, Cambodia and China should stand side by side to tackle the emerging complex challenges and ensure continued progress in the building of an enduring all-weather Cambodia-China community with a shared future in the new era, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said in a recent written interview with Xinhua. Cambodia and China enjoy excellent relations rooted in age-old history, he said. "This is an exemplary relationship that remains unbreakable despite the changing regional and international landscape." The two countries have enjoyed an annual double-digit growth for many years, and two-way trade has further accelerated after the entry into force of the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). He said Cambodia notes with satisfaction further acceleration of its economic and trade cooperation with China after the entry into force of the RCEP and the CCFTA. Hun Manet said since the implementation of the two agreements, Cambodia has seen a substantial increase in the export of Cambodian products into China, as the kingdom now has better access to the huge Chinese market. "Furthermore, the favorable trade environment created by RCEP and CCFTA has also enhanced Cambodia's competitiveness and positioned the country as an attractive investment destination for Chinese businesses, and those from other countries," he said. The prime minister said there is enormous potential and room for further growth of Cambodia-China economic and trade exchange. He said Cambodia is among the first to support the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) because its core principles are in line with those of Cambodia. "In fact, Cambodia has benefited significantly from the BRI, with energy, transport and other economic infrastructure projects having contributed to Cambodia's remarkable growth for the last two decades," he said. Hun Manet said that to name a few, Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway has enhanced transport efficiency for the movement of goods and people between the Economic Poles of Phnom Penh and the Sihanoukville, and the Sihanoukville Special Economy Zone (SSEZ) is another concrete outgrowth of the BRI project that supports hundreds of thousand employments in Cambodia, particularly in the garment industry. "Therefore, Cambodia is confident that the alignment of our national strategy, the Pentagonal Strategy Phase-I, with the BRI will create synergies for sustainable development and high growth as already proven earlier, leading to the achievement of Cambodia's 2050 vision," he said. Hun Manet said the Global Development Initiative (GDI) fosters collaboration on infrastructure projects, trade, connectivity, and sustainable technologies. "Cooperation under GDI will support the realization of our national development goals, as they are well aligned with those of the GDI," Hun Manet said. The Global Security Initiative (GSI) aims at promoting peace, stability, and cooperative security through dialogue and mutual respect. "Cambodia-China cooperation on promoting GSI would contribute to strengthening bilateral security cooperation, improve law enforcement coordination for counterterrorism and combating transnational crimes," he said. The Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) aims to enhance mutual understanding and respect for cultural diversity through the proliferation of cultural expression and preservation of cultural heritage. "It supports sustainable development through ecotourism, educational, technological and knowledge exchanges that aids modernization efforts while preserving its cultural and natural heritage," he said. The prime minister said that recently, he set up an Ad-hoc Commission comprising key institutions to provide coordinated and strategic guidance in combating cybercrimes and online scams, in ways that are both effective and sustainable. "Cooperation that led to the recent successful operations should be strengthened," Hun Manet said. "By combining China's cybersecurity resources with Cambodia's local insights, we can be even more effective in addressing the threat of cybercrimes." An inner west man accused of a weeks-long spree of spray-painting offensive messages has been charged with more than 50 offences. Felix Kiera was picked up by general duties officers patrolling Petershams Crystal Street in the early hours of Sunday morning. They allegedly came across the 21-year-old spray-painting over the top of decals supportive of Indigenous and gay communities. Felix Kiera at Newtown Court. Credit: Kate Geraghty He was arrested and taken to Newtown police station, where officers charged him. Police claim he had been damaging and spraying offensive messages on buildings and political posters in Erskineville and Newtown since before the federal election. He has allegedly targeted the Greens, the Indigenous community, the gay community and the Jewish community in that time. Queenslands Labor opposition will introduce legislative amendments to limit the use of good character references in court. Loading The Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council examined the controversial practice and in February gave the LNP government its recommendations, which Labor will move to put on the parliament agenda this week. An offender should not get a lighter sentence for something as horrific as sexual violence just because he claims he is a good bloke, Shadow Attorney-General Meaghan Scanlon said. Time and time again we see good character references used to minimise the actions of the perpetrator. These laws will ensure perpetrators are held accountable for their crimes and will empower victim-survivors. [Premier] David Crisafulli says his government will always put victims first, and if thats the case, the LNP must not stand in the way of these amendments because they are simply too important. Failings within the child safety system, including the case of Elizabeth Struhs, whose parents came to the attention of authorities before she died, will be investigated as part of a newly announced commission of inquiry. The Queensland government on Sunday announced that former Federal Court judge Paul Anastassiou, KC, would lead the inquiry into what it described as a broken child protection system. The appointment of Anastassiou was critical, the government said, given that he was from outside Queensland and would view the issues through an independent lens. Child Safety Minister Amanda Camm said the inquirys terms of reference were broad, and would look at individual cases such as that of Elizabeth Struhs. Credit: Queensland government The inquiry, which is expected to run for almost 18 months, will investigate how children interact with the system, including residential care, and how families receive support. It will also evaluate the effectiveness of the Child Safety Department and review Queenslands child protection legislation. The bureau classifies inactive dwellings as those that were opened as a residential address for income, welfare, or tax purposes from 2016, but as of mid-2021 were closed. But it warns the experimental PLIDA (Personal Integrated Data Asset) analysis must be interpreted with a degree of caution. The analysis was carried out in 2021, during the COVID pandemic, but it is the most recent available data. For inner Brisbane, the electricity data has uncommonly poor coverage and the ABS is still refining our understanding of the PLIDA measure, the bureau said in a statement. The statistics also show there about 55,000 dwellings classified as a non-primary residence in Greater Brisbane. Non-primary residences are those used as secondary homes, holiday homes, Airbnbs, short-term rentals, or that are empty because they are being sold. Legal or family disputes, the process of winding up deceased estates, or deliberate land banking are all reasons homes and blocks of land can be unoccupied. Delays in obtaining planning approval can also leave prime real estate sitting empty, as well as trouble securing the funds to get tools in the ground. This five-bedroom house in Bridgeman Downs has been empty for the best part of a decade and has been the subject of several subdivision proposals. This derelict house at 415 Beckett Road, Bridgeman Downs, has been empty for most of the past decade. Credit: Google Street View The derelict and fire-damaged house at 415 Beckett Road last sold in 2019 for $2.2 million. The most recent development application proposes dividing the 9820 square metre block into 20 house lots as part of a larger subdivision. New housing projects are too often bogged down in slow approval processes. The longer an application sits on the desk waiting to be approved, the longer it takes to build that home, said Matthew Kandelaars, group executive of policy and advocacy at the Property Council of Australia. We need to make it easier to get homes out of the ground. A yes mindset is needed to simplify and streamline planning processes to remove bottlenecks and boost the supply of new homes. Local councils and the state government have limited power to intervene to put underutilised properties to better use. Where rates or taxes are not being paid, they can take action, but that is often a long, drawn-out process. The Queensland government launched court action back in 2013 against Brisbane property mogul Edward Amos, who had refused to pay land tax on nine properties on the citys northside. After a protracted legal fight, the state revenue office was given the green light to seize and sell Amos properties in April this year over unpaid court costs, unless he pays up. At least two houses have been demolished and the blocks left empty. Others remain in a state of disrepair. One-third of people rent in Queensland and Brisbanes median rent for a house reached a new record high of $650 per week this year. The median unit rent hit a peak of $615 per week. Brisbanes median house price remains above $1 million. Amy MacMahon, former Greens MP for South Brisbane, failed in her push for an empty homes levy in Queensland before she was ousted at the last state election. She proposed legislation in 2022 that would charge owners of vacant properties a 5 per cent tax a move she said would bring thousands of vacant properties into Queenslands rental market and lower both rent and property prices. Victoria is the only state to have introduced a vacant land tax. It introduced the tax in 2018, initially targeting homes in inner and middle-ring Melbourne suburbs. This year, it was expanded to cover the entire state. Under the legislation, all vacant homes in Victoria will be taxed at 1 per cent of their value if they are unused for more than six months a year, with exemptions for holiday homes and renovations. We cant afford, really, to have vacant land in metropolitan Melbourne sitting idle. Our clear message to the landowners is to either develop land or sell it to someone who will, Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas said when he announced the expanded laws in 2023. It follows similar policies in San Francisco and Vancouver. The Real Estate Institute of Queensland does not support a vacancy tax, with chief executive Antonia Mercorella saying the state should not tax our way out of the housing crisis. Given the shortage of rental properties and recent escalation in property prices, its important to examine ways that existing housing can be utilised to its full potential, Mercorella said. However, the REIQ does not support a vacancy tax. We do not believe the solution is to pin the problem on property investors. The Property Council is also reticent. We need the right tax settings in place to spur investment, Kandelaars said. Additional property taxes increase holding costs and will deter investment in new housing at the time we need it most. Housing Minister Sam OConnor would not be drawn on a vacant land tax in Queensland but acknowledged it has never been harder to find a place to call home in Queensland. He said the state governments plans to abolish stamp duty for first home buyers on new homes would incentivise construction, among other measures. Weve also removed all barriers for first home owners to allow them to rent out a room which will increase the rental options in the market, he said. As Sussan Ley and Ted OBrien begin rebuilding a shattered Liberal Party, the right lessons must be learnt from the partys devastating loss. After its defeat in 2022, the necessary, difficult discussions were discouraged in the name of party unity. There can be no excuse for avoiding them this time. While the election was a triumph for Labor, the outcome had more to do with Liberal failures than Labor achievements. More than half the population told pollsters they did not believe the government deserved to be re-elected. Liberals cannot be content just to blame a mistake-ridden campaign; the seeds of defeat were sown in the three years before. They included poor policy choices, misreading the result of the Voice referendum, gratuitously offending large sections of the electorate and an overbearing leaders office that blindsided shadow ministers. Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley and her deputy, Ted OBrien. Credit: James Brickwood. Peter Dutton was not the worst leader the Liberal Party has ever had I can think of at least three other candidates for that sorry distinction but he was certainly the most unsuccessful. You dont suffer a defeat of that magnitude without getting a lot of things wrong. Just as Campbell Newman stands as a negative role model for Queensland Premier David Crisafulli of what not to do, there is much that Ley can learn from her predecessors mistakes. One striking deficiency was the failure to develop a clear, compelling vision of what the Liberal Party stands for. Missing was the overarching philosophy that links individual policies into a coherent whole, providing both underlying unity to specific policy narratives, and distinguishing the Liberal world view from that of Labor. The vision thing is sometimes derided by members of the partys populist right, who wear their anti-intellectualism with pride. Now the electoral cost of failing to offer a clear explanation of the partys values is plain to see. Its said you cant choose your neighbours, but Brendan Schroeder would have accepted almost anything over the Woolworths to be built right next door to his IGA. Schroeder and his wife, Jackie, own a long-standing West Footscray store thought to have first opened in the 1930s. They have preserved the landmark over their seven-year stewardship as one of the few independent supermarkets in Melbourne to maintain close community ties. Jackie and Brendan Schroeder, owners of the IGA in Barkly Street, West Footscray. Credit: Joe Armao The Barkly Street store was one of the last standing of the Sims supermarket chain that was once common in Melbournes west, and it is still affectionately referred to as Sims by locals and the business itself. Schroeder now fears that a recent decision at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal may mean the end of the store. A Melbourne primary school on the Australian Grand Prix track says its stuck in the financial slow lane while the state lavishes cash on the annual sporting spectacle. South Melbourne Park Primary School sits inside Albert Park, and is trackside to the race each March. Since the school opened in 2019, parents say theyve pleaded in vain for the state government to fund fixes to basic problems chief among them, a safe school crossing on a busy road. Parents Melissa Jones (pink top), with her twins, Lauren and Sophie, with Katrina Walker (black outfit), and her daughter, Scarlett, outside the South Melbourne Park Primary school. Credit: Eddie Jim The school council says the families of its 390 students are aghast at recent news that the state will spend $350 million on a new pit lane and on expanding the exclusive Paddock Club for wealthy race-goers. The Australian War Memorial will update the text accompanying its displays about Ben Roberts-Smith after the former soldier lost his bid to overturn a landmark decision that found he committed war crimes in Afghanistan. But a sensitive debate over how the institution acknowledges the behaviour of some Australian special forces soldiers in Afghanistan will continue, with Roberts-Smith seeking to challenge in the High Court Fridays judgment that upheld the findings of the original defamation trial. Ben Roberts-Smith outside the Federal Court this month. Credit: Sam Mooy The Full Court of the Federal Court unanimously dismissed Roberts-Smiths appeal on Friday, saying there was sufficient evidence to support findings that the decorated soldier was complicit in the murder of four unarmed prisoners while deployed in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. The allegations were first reported by this masthead. Australian War Memorial chair Kim Beazley said the organisation was still discussing its approach to displays featuring Roberts-Smith. But wording will be altered to reflect the decision, he said on Sunday. Last August, towards the end of her first year as premier, Jacinta Allan reached a fork in the road. A review of health services commissioned under her predecessor Daniel Andrews recommended the amalgamation of Victorias 76 providers into just 12 health services six for Melbourne and six for the regions. With the state confronting soaring government debt, forecast to reach $187.8 billion by June 2028, considering efficiencies must have seemed an obvious choice. After all, why does Victoria have 76 providers when NSW has 17 and Queensland 16? Premier Jacinta Allan on Sunday. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui Yet when The Age revealed the proposal, Allan was spooked and it became the reviews only recommendation to be knocked back. Instead, as we reported later, she promised hospitals $1.5 billion in additional funding that the government didnt have in its coffers. That marked a parting of ways for Allan and then-treasurer Tim Pallas. This years state budget, to be delivered on Tuesday, will be the first for new Treasurer Jaclyn Symes, and for the first time Allans priorities in government are laid bare. Symes has promised to address runaway growth in the size of the public service. But the review commissioned into the sector, headed by former top bureaucrat Helen Silver, will not report back until June 30, too late to be incorporated into Tuesdays announcements. The informal talks before the Mass gave Prime Minister Anthony Albanese time to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and others. He met the Pope soon after the Mass, shaking hands briefly along with other leaders within the Vatican. Albanese was due to meet Zelensky and von der Leyen in separate talks after the Mass, as the ceremony gives way to an informal leadership gathering in Rome. The Vatican said the Pope would meet with Zelensky the same afternoon. The pontiff took his first Popemobile ride through St Peters Square ahead of the Mass, waving from the back of the all-electric, open-back Mercedes truck to the crowd that waved flags and cheered Viva il Papa! Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets Pope Leo XIV. Credit: Vatican The bells of St Peters Basilica tolled as Pope Leo waved from the back of the truck, which looped slowly through the square. The crowd cheered, with some waving Peruvian, American and Holy See flags in recognition that the Pope, born in Chicago, had served as a bishop in Peru for more than two decades. While the funeral Mass for Pope Francis was a sombre ceremony on April 26, the inauguration of Leo began as a celebration for a new and by all signs popular Pope. Worshippers from around the world sang, waved national flags and mingled while they waited for the service to begin. The Mass filled St Peters Square, which has a capacity of about 80,000 people, and the crowd spilt into the streets beyond. The Vatican estimated 150,000 gathered for the Mass. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrives for the inauguration Mass for Pope Leo XIV at Vatican City. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen In a homily broadcast around the world, Pope Leo criticised the global economic system and said it exploits the Earths resources and marginalises the poorest. He emphasised love as the mission of the church, contrasting this with trying to capture others by force, religious propaganda or power. He said he would govern without ever yielding to the temptation to be an autocrat and acknowledged the decision by the College of Cardinals to choose him to lead the church. I was chosen, without any merit of my own, and now, with fear and trembling, I come to you as a brother, he said. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) and US Vice President J.D. Vance greet each other as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (centre) looks on. Credit: AP Pope Leo, born in Chicago in 1955, became the first North American to be made pontiff when the College of Cardinals elected him on May 8 to succeed Pope Francis, the first South American pontiff. Melbourne Archbishop Peter Comensoli, in Rome for the inaugural Mass, said the reaction to Leo suggested his first message had resonated with people around the world, including Australians. People of all kinds see Pope Leo as a leader of the world not just for Catholics, he told this masthead. Pope Leo XIVs popemobile. Credit: AP One example, he said, was the way Pope Leo spoke of new issues for humanity such as artificial intelligence, confronting ethical questions over the new technology. Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher, also in Rome, described the Pope as someone who wanted to ease differences between people. I think hes a very centred and centrist pope, and I think theres been lots of signs of that already, he said. Hes centred on Christ. Thats his big message, again and again, about what Christ brings. I think hes not going to be one to provoke storms. Hell be much more one to pour oil on troubled waters. Pope Leo XIVs holds Mass during his formal inauguration. Credit: AP In a very divided world, in a polarised culture and politics, hes going to be one for bringing people together. I think you see that in his messages so far, and I think that is very much his personality, too. Pope Leo prepared for the Mass by receiving a vestment known as a pallium to signify his elevation to the papacy. Shaped in a white band and woven from wool, the pallium is seen as a symbol of the lamb Jesus carried on his shoulders, and the role of the pope as shepherd of the faithful. The previous pontiff, Pope Francis, described the pallium as a symbol of those the shepherd looked after. In one of the most important moments during the Mass, Leo received the Fishermans ring, signifying the role of St Peter and all later popes as the fishers of men in church tradition. Pope Leo XIV wearing the Fishermans ring made for him as a sign of his office. Credit: AP While Pope Francis departed from custom by choosing a silver ring, the Vatican distributed images of the ring for Pope Leo showing St Peter on a gold background. Unseen by those in the square, Pope Leo prepared for the Mass by descending to the foundations of St Peters Basilica to venerate the bones of St Peter, who was put to death by the Romans in AD 68 because of his faith. Archaeological work at St Peters Basilica uncovered more of the necropolis beneath the building in the 1950s and 1960s, leading to the discovery of the bones of a man aged in his 60s. Pope Paul VI said in 1968 that these were the remains of St Peter. Well-wishers with an American flag before the Mass. Credit: Getty Images There is no coronation for the pope, but there has traditionally been a recognition that he is a head of state, given Vatican City is the worlds smallest country. The last pontiff to be crowned as a king was Pope Paul VI in 1963, who wore the triple tiara to represent the three roles of the pontiff as father of kings, governor of the world and vicar of Christ. Crowds during the Mass. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Pope Paul was given the tiara, which featured pierced silver and three gold bands set with precious gems, by the people of Milan. But he set it aside as a symbolic gift to the poor one year after his papacy began. No pope has been crowned since. The Mass ended with sustained applause across St Peters Square as Leo XIV returned to the Vatican, confirmed in office with the Fishermans ring. His next duty was to speak with leaders from an estimated 150 countries, ranging from presidents to princes. One by one, he shook their hands. with Reuters Under the frameworks of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative, China-Africa agricultural cooperation has yielded fruitful results in recent years. The Russian leader, for his part, has given no indication that hes ready to stop fighting as his troops slowly grind forward on the battlefield and that has fuelled concern in Kyiv and other European capitals that Ukraine could be pushed into giving up more ground. Unfortunately, where we are in the war, you dont see strong incentives for Russia to agree to a ceasefire, Michael Kofman, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment, said at a conference in Tallinn, Estonia, on Sunday. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome, on Sunday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Theres a growing sense that US efforts to impose a ceasefire are culminating and officials in Europe are unsure whether Trump will ramp up pressure on Russia or simply move on to the next challenge if they fail. Trump has promised to brief Zelensky and some of his NATO allies once he has finished speaking with his Russian counterpart. Despite all the talk about ending the fighting, Putin is ready for a protracted war if that is what is required to achieve his goals and he is sanguine about the prospect of further US sanctions, according to two other people close to the Kremlin. Trump wants Putin to agree to a truce but he absolutely doesnt want to, Sergei Markov, a political consultant with close ties to the Kremlin, said. But Putin isnt interested in a collapse of the talks. Hes trying to manoeuvre so that these negotiations continue alongside the military offensive. Loading Putin has been emboldened by his ability to make maximalist demands of Ukraine without experiencing any serious pushback from the Trump administration, Bota Iliyas, a senior analyst at Prism, a strategic intelligence firm in London, said. Putin doesnt trust Trump. But he will push Trump to align with Russias vision for a ceasefire. Russia on Sunday unleashed one of the biggest drone barrages against Ukraine since the start of the war as Zelensky was engaged in a flurry of diplomacy on the sidelines of a mass at the Vatican to celebrate the enthronement of Pope Leo XIV. He met with US Vice President JD Vance for the first time since their infamous blow-up in the Oval Office in February. It was all smiles as the two men shook hands at the Vatican and later sat down with senior aides at the US ambassadors residence. Trump, meanwhile, held a follow-up phone call on Sunday with Merz, Starmer, Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The leaders discussed the need for an unconditional ceasefire and for Putin to take peace talks seriously, according to a spokeswoman for Starmer. Putins confidence about Russias prospects on the battlefield is at odds with Western assessments. Having incurred massive casualties during more than three years of fighting, Russia lacks the capabilities to fulfil Putins goals, according to European officials. The probability of Russia achieving its objectives of conquering those four regions by the end of this year is very low, Ben Barry, a senior fellow for land warfare at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said. If Ukrainian defence collapses, then it would be very easy to gain such an advantage, but at the moment such a scenario seems very unlikely. That scepticism is also shared by many in the Russian military who are fighting in Ukraine, according to a person close to the Defence Ministry in Moscow. In particular, the person said, Ukraines drone forces have made it costly and ineffective for Russia to mount large-scale offensives. All the same, Russian negotiators set out Putins hardline position in Istanbul on Friday at the first face-to-face talks with Ukrainian officials in three years. They demanded Ukrainian forces withdraw from the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions that Russia claims as its territory but has never fully controlled. In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, firefighters put out the fire following Russias drone attack in the Kyiv region on Sunday. Credit: AP The risk for Putin is that he overplays his hand and prompts Trump to make good on his threat of more sanctions to end what the US president has called the bloodbath in Ukraine. US officials have privately signalled to European counterparts that Trump is considering allowing a sanctions bill prepared by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham to progress if Russia doesnt budge and he may tell Putin he cannot prevent that, according to European officials familiar with the matter. Weve advised the Russians repeatedly now for almost two months that this was coming if no progress was made, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an interview on CBSs Face the Nation on Sunday. So I think thats just coming to fruition now. Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who spent a day playing golf with Graham and Trump in March, said at the Tallinn conference that he is carefully optimistic that Graham will put forward his bill next week. It depends on how the conversation goes with Putin and Trump on Monday, he said. Bloomberg Jerusalem: Israel says it has launched a major military operation in the Gaza Strip to pressure Hamas to release remaining hostages, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a negotiating team to remain in Qatar for indirect talks with the militant group. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Operation Gideon Chariots was being led with great force. Netanyahu had vowed to escalate pressure with the aim of destroying the militant group that has ruled Gaza for nearly two decades. A Palestinian youth injured in an Israeli airstrike is brought to Al-Aqsa Hospital. Credit: AP The military operation in the Palestinian territory came a day after US President Donald Trump concluded his Middle East trip without a visit to Israel. There had been hope that his visit could increase the chances of a ceasefire deal or the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza, which Israel has prevented for more than two months. An Israeli official said Netanyahu was in constant contact throughout the day with the negotiating team in Doha, Qatar, and US envoy Steve Witkoff, and instructed the team to remain there. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasnt authorised to discuss the sensitive negotiations with the media. London, Kentucky: At least 27 people have been killed by storm systems that swept across part of the US Midwest and South, with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announcing that 18 of the deaths came in his state and 10 others were hospitalised in a critical condition. A devastating tornado in Kentucky damaged homes, tossed vehicles and left many people homeless. Seventeen of the deaths were in Laurel County, located in the states south-east, including Fire Department Major Roger Leslie Leatherman, a 39-year veteran who was fatally injured while responding to the deadly weather. The other fatality was in Pulaski County. Parts of two dozen state roads were closed, and some could take days to reopen, Beshear said. He said most of the victims were in their 60s and 70s and the death toll could still rise. A person looks through the damage at a destroyed home. Credit: AP Its hard to see, the governor said after touring the affected areas. Homes that there isnt a single wall left standing. Some homes that have all four walls yet lost the person inside. You can not only see the destruction but feel it. Global chip giants converge on Taiwan for Computex Taipei, May 18 (AFP) May 18, 2025 Global semiconductor chip giants will gather at Taiwan's top tech expo this week to showcase "the next frontier" for an industry dominated by artificial intelligence. Nvidia boss Jensen Huang will make a keynote speech on Monday, the eve of Computex, as the tech sector grapples with the impact of US tariffs and disrupted supply chains. The four-day event will draw computer and chip companies from around the world to Taiwan, whose semiconductor industry is critical to the production of everything from iPhones to the servers that run ChatGPT. Taiwan produces the bulk of the world's most advanced chips, including those needed for the most powerful AI applications and research. "I have many amazing announcements to make," Huang told reporters in Taipei on Friday. "We are at the heart of the technology ecosystem and so there are many partners of ours here and we're looking forward to announcing many collaborations, many new projects, many new technologies and initiatives together." Top executives from Qualcomm, MediaTek and Foxconn will also speak at Computex, where advances in moving AI from data centres into laptops, robots and cars will be in the spotlight. "From Agentic AI driving smarter personal devices to Physical AI reshaping autonomy, the show maps out the next frontier," specialist research firm Counterpoint said in a note. Tech expert Paul Yu told AFP the industry was at a "critical juncture" for AI hardware development. "Over the past two and a half years, significant investment has driven rapid advances in AI technology," said Yu, of Witology Markettrend Research Institute. "2025 to 2026 will be the crucial period for transitioning AI model training into profitable applications." - 'Taiwan to continue to thrive' - While US tariffs were the biggest issue facing the sector, most companies at Computex "will shy away from addressing tariffs directly as the situation is too uncertain," said Eric Smith of specialist platform TechInsights. Last month, Washington announced a national security probe into imports of semiconductor technology, which could put the industry in the crosshairs of President Donald Trump's trade bazooka and inflict potentially devastating levies. Since taking office in January, Trump has threatened hefty tariffs against many of America's biggest trade partners with the aim of forcing companies to move production to US soil. Export-dependent Taiwan has pledged to increase investment in the United States as it seeks to avoid a 32 percent US tariff on its shipments. But there are concerns the island could lose its dominance of the chip sector -- the so-called "silicon shield" protecting it from an invasion or blockade by China and an incentive for the United States to defend it. TSMC, the Taiwanese contract chipmaking giant, has unveiled plans to inject an additional $100 billion into the United States, on top of the $65 billion already pledged. TSMC-supplier GlobalWafers also announced plans last week to increase its US investment by $4 billion as the Taiwanese company opened a wafer facility in the US state Texas. But Huang was optimistic on Friday when asked about the impact of tariffs on Taiwan, saying the island would "remain at the centre of the technology ecosystem". "There are so many smart companies here, there are so many innovative and spirited companies," Huang said. "I fully expect Taiwan to continue to thrive... before, after, throughout." Mali army accused of killing 20 civilians: rights group Dakar, May 17 (AFP) May 17, 2025 At least 20 civilians were killed and buried in mass graves after being arrested by soldiers in central Mali, local sources and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) said on Saturday. The Malian armed forces arrested 22 people in Diafarabe during the weekly market last Monday before taking them across the Niger river to the village of Mamba, near the cemetery, where they were killed, a local official told AFP. "They dug a mass grave and slit all their throats before putting them in it," another local source told AFP. "Only one person escaped this fate. It was that person who informed the village that everyone had been killed." FIDH accused the Malian armed forces of the summary execution of the civilians in a statement published on X on Friday. Around 30 men were arrested in the area, but some were released, the statement said. "Twenty-five others were taken away in boats. Their decapitated bodies, buried in two mass graves, were discovered by their relatives on May 15," FIDH added. According to several witnesses, the men who were arrested were from the Fulani community, which is frequently targeted by accusations of links to jihadists. The army said it was taking these accusations "very seriously" and promised police would carry out an "investigation that will confirm or deny the allegations," according to a statement from army headquarters published on Friday. About 100 people marched in the streets of Diafarabe on Tuesday and Wednesday to demand news of the men seized by the military. "They are not here to protect us. They came to finish off all the men in the village," the brother of one of the victims told AFP. The Malian army and Wagner, a Russian paramilitary group reported to be operating in Mali, are regularly accused of committing abuses against civilians. Three weeks ago, bodies were found near a Malian military camp in the west of the country, a few days after the army and Wagner paramilitaries detained dozens of civilians, most of them from the Fulani community. In February, about 20 civilians were killed in northern Mali when their vehicles were targeted by the army and mercenaries, according to local sources. Since coming to power in coups in 2020 and 2021, Mali's military leaders have broken off the its old alliance with former colonial power France and turned towards Russia. Mali has been plagued since 2012 by jihadist groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and Islamic State, as well as violence by community and criminal groups. sd-mk-els/sba/srg/rlp Syria gives holdout armed groups deadline to join state forces Damascus, May 17 (AFP) May 17, 2025 Syria's defence minister on Saturday gave holdout armed groups a 10-day deadline to join the war-torn country's forces, in the latest push to unify ranks following Bashar al-Assad's ouster. Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra said all major armed factions had now been integrated into the defence ministry after the new authorities began working to bring them together, but he urged the remaining smaller groups to also join ranks. "We emphasise the need for the remaining small military groups to join the ministry within a maximum period of 10 days from this announcement," the statement said. The move was required "to complete the unification and organisation efforts", the statement said, adding "any delay will necessitate taking the appropriate measures according to the law". It did not identify which groups had not joined the ministry or elaborate on what measures might be taken against any that failed to do so. Syria's new authorities led by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa have dissolved the army and security agencies linked to the Assad government. The new administration also dissolved all armed factions including Sharaa's Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which led the lightning offensive that toppled Assad in December. Factions that agreed to dissolve were integrated into the defence ministry, and General Security, the country's new police, opened the door to recruits as part of both institutions' efforts to create a new army and security force. Factions from Daraa in the south, as well as Turkey-backed factions in the north and Islamist groups also joined the ministry's forces. These factions have retained their weapons and remain deployed in their areas of operation. But HTS and Islamist groups aligned with it remain dominant, especially in their original stronghold in Idlib in the northwest and in Damascus. Syria's new authorities face major challenges preventing them from asserting control over all of the war-torn country, including the presence of armed groups with varying loyalties. The main challenge for Abu Qasra, who as a rebel commander led the offensive that overthrew Assad, is building a new national army. HTS was known as Al-Nusra Front before it broke ties with Al-Qaeda in 2016. Several Western states still proscribe it as a "terrorist" organisation. On Monday, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani warned that postponing implementation of an agreement between Syria's new administration and Kurdish-led forces in the northeast would "prolong the chaos" in the country. The March deal with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to integrate the Kurdish administration's civil and military institutions is expected to be implemented by the end of the year. UK to strike new deal with EU in coming days: PM's office London, May 17 (AFP) May 17, 2025 UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to sign a new deal with the EU seeking to reset ties after Brexit, his office said Saturday ahead of landmark talks. Starmer will meet on Monday with EU chiefs for the first post-Brexit EU-UK summit aimed at agreeing steps towards a closer relationship between Britain and the 27-country bloc which it left five years ago after an acrimonious and knife-edge referendum. "This week, the prime minister will strike yet another deal that will deliver in the national interest of this country," Downing Street said in a statement, also pointing to recent trade deals with the United States and India. Starmer will welcome EU bosses Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa as well as top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas for Monday's talks at the storied Lancaster House venue in London. "The prime minister will set out how a strengthened, forward-looking partnership with the European Union will deliver for working people and lead to more money in pockets," the statement said. Talks looked set however to go down to the wire due to last-minute squabbling over long-standing issues, such as fishing rights and food checks. But negotiators were hopeful of at least signing a defence and security partnership. Starmer, elected Labour prime minister last July, wants a deeper relationship with the European Union than the one negotiated by the previous Conservative government. That deal "isn't working for anyone", Starmer's office said. The move is aimed at opening the door to closer cooperation as both the EU and Britain race to rearm in the face of the threat from Russia and fears the United States under President Donald Trump will no longer help protect Europe. That should mean more regular security talks, Britain considering joining EU military missions and the potential for London to fully tap into a 150-billion-euro ($167-billion) defence fund being set up by the bloc. But Starmer has several red lines he has said he will not cross, while sticking points remain over some EU demands that threaten to stall the rapprochement. - 'Significant moment' - In an interview with The Times on Saturday, Starmer said a deal would be a "really significant moment". Starmer has ruled out rejoining the customs union and single market but has suggested that the UK is ready for regulatory alignment with the EU on food and agricultural products. EU diplomats in Brussels have been working on getting Britain to keep its waters open for European fishermen in return for easing the checks on some food imports from the UK. And Starmer appeared to have made a key concession by agreeing to an EU demand and clearing the way to let young Europeans live and work in Britain under a youth mobility scheme. While freedom of movement was a "red line," he told The Times, "youth mobility is not freedom of movement". Starmer is approaching the scheme cautiously under pressure from rising support for Nigel Farage's anti-immigration and Euro-sceptic party Reform UK, which made huge gains in local elections earlier this month. Starmer said late Saturday in a statement that on Monday "we take another step forwards, with yet more benefits for the United Kingdom as the result of a strengthened partnership with the European Union". "In this time of great uncertainty and volatility, the UK will not respond by turning inwards, but by proudly taking our place on the world stage." Gaza rescuers say children among 33 killed in Israeli strikes Gaza City, Palestinian Territories, May 18 (AFP) May 18, 2025 Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli air strikes on Sunday killed at least 33 people, more than half of them children, a day after Israel announced an expanded military campaign in the besieged territory. Israel's military has said the expansion of its operations is aimed at "achieving all the war's objectives" including releasing hostages and "the defeat of Hamas". The intensified assault comes as international concern has mounted over worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza due to an Israeli aid blockade since March 2. Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP on Sunday that 22 people were killed and at least 100 others wounded in a predawn attack on tents sheltering displaced Palestinians in Al-Mawasi, in the southern Gaza Strip. AFPTV footage showed people sifting through the wreckage of ruined shelters and rescuers treating the wounded. At a hospital in nearby Khan Yunis city, young men mourned over the shrouded bodies of loved ones laid out on the ground outside. In northern Gaza, Bassal said seven people were killed in a strike on a house in Jabalia, while the Al-Awda hospital in the same area reported damage. Four more deaths were recorded in the central area of Al-Zawayda and in Khan Yunis in the south, according to Bassal. He said that the "series of violent Israeli air strikes" across Gaza overnight and in the early morning resulted in a total of "at least 33 martyrs, more than half of whom were children". There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. - 'Ceasefire, now' - The announcement of Israel's stepped-up campaign drew international criticism on Saturday. UN chief Antonio Guterres, addressing an Arab League summit in Baghdad, said he was "alarmed" at the escalation and called for "a permanent ceasefire, now". The summit's final statement urged the international community "to exert pressure to end the bloodshed". Italy urged Israel to stop the strikes, while Germany said it was "deeply concerned". European Council President Antonio Costa said he was "shocked by the news from Gaza". Israel resumed its operations in the territory on March 18, ending a two-month truce in the war. In Tel Aviv, demonstrators took to the streets on Saturday to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and demand it strike a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages. "Instead of bringing them all home by agreeing to the deal that is on the table, Netanyahu is dragging us into a needless political war that will lead to the death of the hostages and soldiers," said protester Zahiro Shahar Mor, nephew of slain hostage Avraham Munder. Of the 251 hostages taken during Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack that triggered the war, 57 remain in Gaza, including 34 the military says are dead. - Doha talks - Senior Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said Saturday that new talks on ending the war had begun in Doha "without any preconditions from either side". Previous negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States failed to secure a breakthrough, but the talks have been ongoing. Netanyahu's Likud party said he had been "in continuous contact" with the Israeli delegation and had ordered the negotiators "to remain in Doha for the time being". Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir argued against a deal, saying "now is not the time to pull back". Israel has faced increasing pressure to lift its aid blockade, as UN agencies warn of critical shortages of food, clean water, fuel and medicine. Marwan Sultan, director of the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, said that the situation there was "catastrophic" amid nearby attacks and "a severe shortage" of supplies. On Sunday, the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza accused Israel of laying siege to the hospital, where it said "a state of panic and confusion is prevailing... severely hampering the provision of emergency medical care". Hamas's October 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. The Gaza health ministry said that at least 3,131 people have been killed since Israel resumed strikes on March 18, taking the war's overall toll to 53,272. BEIJING, May 18 (Xinhua) -- In the predawn hours of Sunday, a commercial flight from Washington D.C. touched down in Beijing carrying an extraordinary cultural payload -- a collection of ancient Chinese silk manuscript fragments, dating back to the Warring States period (475-221 BC). Unknown to most passengers, their journey coincided with one of China's most significant cultural repatriations to date. Returned by the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art on Friday, the fragments are from "Wuxing Ling" and "Gongshou Zhan," the latter two volumes of the Zidanku Silk Manuscripts. Time has been kind to the first volume, which remains largely intact, albeit outside China. Collectively, the silk manuscripts, containing more than 900 Chinese characters, are the earliest examples of silk text discovered to date and the oldest classical Chinese book in the true sense. "Wuxing Ling" consists of lunar month illustrations paired with explanatory texts, recording seasonal taboos and auspicious practices throughout the year. "Gongshou Zhan" features texts arranged in a rare circular formation that are read clockwise, indicating the favorable and unfavorable directions, dates, and timing for attacking and defending cities. The Zidanku Silk Manuscripts predate the renowned "Dead Sea Scrolls" by over a century. These extraordinary texts provide a window into ancient Chinese cosmology, temporal philosophy, and interpretations of human existence. The documents hold pivotal significance for the study of ancient Chinese characters and literature, as well as Chinese academic and ideological history, said professor Li Ling from Peking University, who has spent over 40 years tracing the manuscripts' provenance. Tomb raiders stole the silk manuscripts from a Chu-state tomb at the Zidanku site in Changsha, Hunan Province, in 1942. Four years later, the silk manuscripts were smuggled out of China. The return of these manuscripts has been a source of inspiration for many Chinese. "Welcome home, national treasures. I hope more cultural relics lost overseas can be repatriated soon," commented a user on Chinese social media platform Weibo. The repatriation was facilitated, among other factors, by an intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between China and the United States, which imposes import restrictions on Chinese archaeological materials and cultural artifacts. First signed in January 2009 and renewed in 2014 and 2019, the MoU was most recently extended for another five years beginning Jan. 14, 2024. The MoU covers classified archaeological materials from the Paleolithic period through the end of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), as well as monumental sculptures and wall art over 250 years old. Between 2009 and 2023, it helped facilitated the return of 504 items or sets of Chinese artifacts from the United States. Nevertheless, the repatriation of cultural artifacts displaced throughout history that fall outside the scope of applicable international conventions remains a challenge in cultural heritage governance. After assembling a robust chain of evidence regarding the Zidanku Silk Manuscripts, China formally issued a memorandum to the Smithsonian Institution demanding the return of the "Wuxing Ling" and "Gongshou Zhan" on April 30, 2024. Following extensive consultations based on dialogue and cooperation, supported by thorough tracing research, the National Museum of Asian Art has agreed to return the cultural treasures to China. As the morning sun rose, "Wuxing Ling" and "Gongshou Zhan" were back home and on their way to the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA)'s repository. They will be shown at the National Museum of China in July, alongside other repatriated cultural artifacts. Remarkably, 2,310 items or sets of lost Chinese cultural relics have been repatriated since 2012, the year of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. A senior NCHA official noted that the administration will continue to work toward the early return of Sishi Ling, the first volume of the Zidanku Silk Manuscripts. Iran, Azerbaijan hold joint military drill Tehran, May 18 (AFP) May 18, 2025 Iran and Azerbaijan have launched a joint special forces exercise, state media in the Islamic republic said Sunday, weeks after Iran's president visited the neighbouring country. The "Aras-2025" exercise, running through May 21, involves Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Azerbaijani troops, the IRNA news agency reported. The drill was being held in areas of Karabakh previously disputed with Armenia before Azerbaijan regained control in September 2023. "This drill is a key step in boosting border security and confronting potential threats," said Brigadier General Vali Madani of the Guards' ground forces. Last month, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made a rare visit to Baku, where he met his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev. "Iran will make efforts to ensure that its relations with Azerbaijan are strategic across all spheres," Pezeshkian said at the time. Ties between the two neighbours were strained over Azerbaijan's close security cooperation with Israel and a deadly 2023 attack on its embassy in Tehran. Baku reopened the embassy in mid-2024 and the attacker was sentenced to death. Tehran has been strongly opposed to the so-called Zangezur corridor linking Azerbaijan to Turkey which would run along Iran's border with Armenia. In November, the two countries held a joint naval exercise in the Caspian Sea. Iran says ready to rebuild 'mutual trust' with Europe Tehran, May 18 (AFP) May 18, 2025 Iran's top diplomat said Sunday his country was ready to rebuild trust with European powers considering whether to reimpose UN sanctions on the Islamic republic under a 2015 nuclear deal. "Iran is ready, should it observe genuine will and an independent approach from the European parties, to begin a new chapter in its relations with Europe," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said. "If Europe possesses the necessary will to rectify this path, Iran sees no obstacle to rebuilding mutual trust and expanding relations," he told a diplomatic forum in Tehran. On Friday, senior Iranian diplomats met counterparts from Britain, France and Germany for talks on the status of US-Iran nuclear negotiations. Tehran has held four rounds of Oman-mediated nuclear talks with Washington, the highest-level contact between the two foes since the United States abandoned a 2015 nuclear accord. US President Donald Trump effectively torpedoed the deal in 2018 during his first term, by unilaterally pulling out and reimposing sanctions on Iran's oil exports and banking sector. A year later, Iran began rolling back its commitments to the agreement, which had offered sanctions relief in return for UN-monitored restrictions on its nuclear activities. The three European powers -- party to the 2015 accord -- are weighing whether to trigger the "snapback" mechanism, which would reinstate UN sanctions in response to Iranian non-compliance. That option expires in October. Araghchi earlier this month warned of "irreversible" consequences if Britain, France and Germany moved to reimpose sanctions. He had previously proposed visiting London, Paris and Berlin for discussions on the nuclear issue as well as other areas "of mutual interest and concern". In his speech on Sunday, he urged the Europeans to focus more on shared interests rather than differences. He said the Europeans should have a greater role in the US-Iran nuclear talks. "We want Europe to play its role, even if it has minimised its own role," the IRNA news agency quoted Araghchi as saying. The Oman-mediated nuclear talks aim to conclude a new deal that would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons -- an ambition Tehran has consistently denied -- in exchange for lifting the sanctions. Iran says to keep enriching uranium, even with a deal Tehran, May 18 (AFP) May 18, 2025 Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday his country would keep enriching uranium "with or without a deal" with world powers, despite ongoing negotiations over its nuclear programme. "If the US is interested in ensuring that Iran will not have nuclear weapons, a deal is within reach, and we are ready for a serious conversation to achieve a solution that will forever ensure that outcome," Araghchi posted on X. "Enrichment in Iran, however, will continue with or without a deal," he said. Iran currently enriches uranium to 60 percent, far above the 3.67-percent limit set in the 2015 deal but below the 90 percent needed for a nuclear warhead. Tehran says its nuclear ambitions are for civilian purposes only, and entirely peaceful. It also insists its right to continue enriching uranium for peaceful purposes is "non-negotiable", but says it would be open to temporary restrictions on how much uranium it enriches and to what level. On Wednesday, Iranian atomic energy agency chief Mohammad Eslami reiterated that Tehran "does not seek nuclear militarisation", and said enrichment was under the supervision of the UN nuclear watchdog. "The dismantling of enrichment is not accepted by Iran," Eslami said. Araghchi also said Sunday the country was ready to rebuild trust with European powers considering whether to reimpose UN sanctions on the Islamic republic under a 2015 nuclear deal. "Iran is ready, should it observe genuine will and an independent approach from the European parties, to begin a new chapter in its relations with Europe," he told a diplomatic forum in Tehran. "If Europe possesses the necessary will to rectify this path, Iran sees no obstacle to rebuilding mutual trust and expanding relations." On Friday, senior Iranian diplomats met counterparts from Britain, France and Germany for talks on the status of US-Iran nuclear negotiations. - 'Snapback' mechanism - Tehran has held four rounds of nuclear talks with Washington, the highest-level contact between the two foes since the United States abandoned the 2015 nuclear accord. US President Donald Trump effectively torpedoed the deal in 2018 during his first term, by unilaterally pulling out and reimposing sanctions on Iran's oil exports and banking sector. A year later, Iran began rolling back its commitments to the agreement, which had offered sanctions relief in return for UN-monitored restrictions on its nuclear activities. The three European powers -- party to the 2015 accord -- are weighing whether to trigger the "snapback" mechanism, which would reinstate UN sanctions in response to Iranian non-compliance. That option expires in October. Araghchi earlier this month warned of "irreversible" consequences if Britain, France and Germany moved to reimpose sanctions. He had previously proposed visiting London, Paris and Berlin for discussions on the nuclear issue as well as other areas "of mutual interest and concern". In his speech on Sunday, he urged the Europeans to focus more on shared interests rather than differences. He said the Europeans should have a greater role in the US-Iran nuclear talks. "We want Europe to play its role, even if it has minimised its own role," the IRNA news agency quoted Araghchi as saying. The Oman-mediated nuclear talks aim to conclude a new deal that would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons -- an ambition Tehran has consistently denied -- in exchange for lifting the sanctions. On the sidelines of the forum Araghchi met his Omani counterpart Badr Albusaidi and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani. An Omani foreign ministry statement said Albusaidi and Araghchi discussed ways of reaching "the desired agreement between the United States and Iran". bur-srm/ysm Where to live Golden Visas: the four European countries where you can still get citizenship by buying property Four European countries still offering golden visas to property buyers After denying a referendum to Scotland in the face of multiple pro-independence majorities while in Government, I welcome that Michael Gove has at long last seen sense and is now backing the right of the Scottish people to determine their own future, he said. URUMQI, May 18 (Xinhua) -- China opened two new museums in the northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Sunday, showcasing artifacts that highlight the region's rich history as a hub of ethnic integration and cultural exchange, as well as the diversity of Chinese civilization. One of the museums, the Museum of the Western Regions Frontier Command in Luntai County, stands on the site of a Western Han Dynasty (202 BC-8 AD) protectorate first established in 60 BC to govern the Xinjiang area, which marked the official incorporation of the area into the Chinese territory. Spanning 5,120 square meters of exhibition space with galleries divided into five sections, the museum features more than 460 artifacts (some grouped as sets) including pottery, bronze and iron wares and silk fragments. It uses immersive exhibits such as multimedia reconstructions of ancient scenes to illustrate how imperial Chinese authorities governed Xinjiang and fostered cultural exchange over two millennia. In 2018, with approval from the National Cultural Heritage Administration, a joint archaeological team from Peking University's School of Archaeology and Museology and the Xinjiang Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology launched excavations at the Zorkut site in Luntai. Professor Chen Ling from Peking University explained that the unique triple-walled structure of the Zorkut ancient city ruins, along with the discovery of Han Dynasty-style building materials and valuable artifacts, provided key evidence that it was the seat of the Western Regions Frontier Command. Through the latest archaeological findings and unearthed artifacts, the museum reveals how the Xinjiang area evolved under successive central governments amid enduring interaction, cultural exchange and integration among ethnic groups in the area, said Chen Ying, head of the bureau of cultural heritage of the Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, where Luntai is located. Turgun Jelili, a villager from the nearby town of Karabag, said he felt extremely proud to see such a modern museum in his home region. "The architecture is stunning, and the exhibits are truly impressive. It left a deep impression on me," he said, adding that he plans to bring his daughter to visit soon. Also on Sunday, Luntai inaugurated the Zorkut ancient city archaeological park, creating an integrated cultural experience for visitors to explore both museum treasures and the actual ruins. In Kuqa City, some 100 kilometers west of Luntai, the newly constructed Qiuci Museum commenced its public opening on the same day, housing 700 cultural relics (some grouped as sets), among which 96 fall under China's three-tiered heritage protection system, including a Tang Dynasty (618-907) stone Buddha carving, Qiuci manuscripts, a silver coral-beaded veil and a painted clay sculpture. The museum, named after the ancient kingdom of Kucha ("Qiuci" is its Chinese pinyin form), features galleries exploring Kucha's legacy through its history, urban development and Buddhist art displays, plus rotating special exhibitions. The ancient Kucha region, centered on present-day Kuqa City, spanned the mid-southern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains and the northern rim of the Tarim Basin. Since the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD), this strategic crossroads served as both a military-administrative hub for Chinese governance in the Western Regions and a cultural melting pot where Eastern and Western civilizations converged, according to Feng Wei, vice curator of the museum. The region preserves the extraordinary cultural heritage that embodies the enduring historical ties between the Western Regions and the central plain areas, once the heartland of ancient China, Feng noted. Statistics from the regional culture and tourism department show that Xinjiang's 150 registered museums received over 13 million visits in 2024, 3.5 million of which were from young people. More than 1,300,000 voters cast their ballots in the diaspora by Sunday by 3:00 PM in the second round of the presidential elections, according to data provided in real time by the Permanent Electoral Authority (AEP). According to the AEP, from the opening of the polls, i.e. from Friday (7:00 AM local time) until Sunday, at 2:00 PM, 1,301,443 Romanian citizens voted abroad, of whom 3,139 by post.The 965 polling stations in the diaspora organised for this year's presidential elections are open to Romanian citizens who are abroad on polling day, regardless of whether or not they have their domicile or residence abroad. The Mayor General of Bucharest, Nicusor Dan, an independent candidate in the presidential elections, was present on Sunday afternoon at a polling station in Regie district, (western part of Bucharest, ia place where student dormitories and facilities are concentrated, editor's note, to welcome the young people who went to the polls in large numbers. "This is an important moment for Romania and it is normal to be nervous. (...) I am very happy [about so many young people voting - editor's note]. It means that they have realised the turning point Romania is living today and I am very happy," Nicusor Dan told the press. "I urge them to go. Voting habits have changed. Some who used to go out in the afternoon, for fear of queues, came in the morning," he remarked. AUR (Alliance for the Union of Romanians) presidential candidate George Simion voted on Sunday at a polling station in Mogosoaia, with ex-presidential candidate [in the 2024 canceled presidential elections - editor's note] Calin Georgescu by his side. After exercising his constitutional right, Calin Georgescu stated that "what is happening today is more than a vote, it is a confession" and that he voted for a Christian Romania, "which is worthy of God's love.", agerpres reports. For his part, George Simion stated that he voted "against the injustices committed against the Romanian people." Capital City mayor Nicusor Dan, an independent candidate in the presidential elections, stated that he voted for a change that would bring prosperity, not one that would bring "adventure and discouragement of investments" in Romania. "I voted thinking of the many people who are quiet, honest, hardworking and who have not felt represented for a long time. Two weeks ago, Romanians voted for change. The question is how will this change look like. And I voted for a change that would bring prosperity, not one that would bring adventure and discouragement of investments in Romania. I voted for a European direction and for good collaboration with our European partners, not for Romania's isolation. And I voted for a society in which we can have dialogue, not one in which we are divided," said Nicusor Dan, who voted on Sunday morning in his native town Fagaras, agerpres reports. Nicusor Dan explained that he chose to express his option in Fagaras, in order to convey to the people that "there should not be two Romanias," one of the big cities and one of the rural environment.The independent candidate voted at the school in Fagaras where he attended secondary school. 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 Missouri Supreme Court Judge Mary Russell wanted to highlight a line at the end of the oath for new lawyers in the state. Russell, in her second stint as chief justice of Missouris highest court, was speaking to the 2025 graduating class of St. Louis Universitys School of Law. There are five promises made by new lawyers in the oath. Russell highlighted the last one: That I will practice law to the best of my knowledge and ability and with consideration for the defenseless and oppressed. Its a unique promise to make, Russell reminded the graduates, before they received their diplomas and headed off to celebrate with friends and family. Stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, the chief justice said. Stand up for the rule of law. Mike Lhotak thinks hes up to the task. At 38, Lhotak was among the oldest new lawyers to walk across the stage at Chaiffetz Arena on Thursday. His path to the law came through that last sentence of the oath. On Aug. 11, 2014, two days after Michael Brown was shot and killed by a police officer in Ferguson, Lhotak was arrested for the first time in his life. He was outside the Ferguson jail, exercising his First Amendment rights and waiting for other protesters to be released. At the time, Ferguson had a charge called failure to comply. It was a catch-all charge used against protesters to hamper their free speech rights, and the way it was applied has since been deemed unconstitutional. On that day in 2014, Lhotak was among many protesters taken to the ground by police and arrested. He was jailed for more than 24 hours. All he was doing, Lhotak says today, was standing up for the defenseless and oppressed. But he saw sides of the law he had never seen before the heavy hand of it, as well as the power of lawyers who take the oath to heart. Lhotak was represented by Michael-John Voss, one of the founders of the ArchCity Defenders nonprofit law firm. Lhotak was acquitted at trial. The seeds of a future law career were born. Im pretty proud, Lhotak told me after graduating in a ceremony in which Voss, now an assistant professor at SLU, placed the hard-earned purple, blue and white hood around Lhotaks neck. Im feeling determined to seek justice for the vulnerable. Lhotak grew up in Rock Hill and came into activism naturally. Two of his grandparents are retired Episcopal priests who fought for civil rights in the 1960s. Eight times between 2014 and 2020, Lhotak was arrested during protests. If it wasnt for all those arrests, I wouldnt be here, he said. Its an experience that Voss believes will help make Lhotak a better attorney. A lot of people go into the legal profession without having any contact with the law, Voss said. Mike has experience with the law and has seen how it can be oppressive and discriminatory. Lhotaks journey was a bit more complicated than most of his peers. To practice law, a graduate has to be accepted into the Missouri Bar. Part of that process involves an application that shows you have the requisite character and fitness to become a lawyer. In his application, Lhotak had to meticulously detail his arrests and their outcomes. It wasnt an easy task, as some were in small municipalities that dont have their court records online. But he got it done, putting his life out there for the Missouri Bars Board of Examiners to dissect. He passed. Now comes the bar exam and then finding a job. He hopes to become a public defender. Lhotak and his fellow graduates enter a profession that is going through its own exam on the national stage, with the rule of law being tested as the Trump administration and the judiciary bump heads over various constitutional issues. The foundations of civil society are under attack, the SLU law schools faculty member of the year, Professor Marcia McCormick, told the graduates at Thursdays ceremony. Lhotak has seen what that looks like in practice. He stood up for his constitutional rights and now, more than a decade later, hes ready to stand up for others. ADEN, Yemen, May 18 (Xinhua) -- A senior military commander affiliated with the Yemeni government forces was killed by gunmen in an ambush on Sunday in the southeastern province of Hadramout, a local security official told Xinhua. The official, who requested anonymity, said Ahmed Abdullah Shathan, a military commander in the Defense Ministry and an influential tribal leader from northern Saada province, was killed along with his bodyguard in Hadramout. He said a group of masked gunmen intercepted Shathan's vehicle while he was traveling in a remote desert area in Hadramout. Video footage circulating on social media platforms showed the commander's four-wheel-drive vehicle riddled with bullet holes, and its front seats, where the victims were seated, were blood-soaked. Shathan was one of the first prominent figures to fight against the Houthi group in Saada and other northern provinces, according to the security official. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which has not been confirmed by authorities yet. The incident highlighted the fragile security situation in Yemen, where military and pro-government officials remain at risk amidst the ongoing civil conflict and power struggle in the war-ravaged Arab country. Yemen has been mired in a civil conflict since late 2014 when the Houthi group seized control of several northern provinces and forced the Saudi-backed internationally recognized government out of the capital Sanaa. FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS Three police officers were shot, one in the face, after responding to a report of a suspicious person prowling near a residence Saturday night. A news release from the department said the officers were dispatched at 9:44 p.m. to Potomac Drive to investigate. When officers arrived on scene, they found a possible domestic situation, according to the release. They confronted the suspicious individual, who opened fire on the officers. Police arrested the suspect at the scene, and the weapon was recovered. The person currently is being held by Fairview Heights police, according to the release. There is no active threat to the community, Fairview Heights police Chief Steve Johnson said in the statement. The injured officers were taken to two area hospitals, where they are currently being treated. Police escorted an ambulance to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. The officer struck in the face underwent emergency surgery and is in critical but stable condition, Johnson said. A second officer was shot in the arm, breaking a bone, and is being treated. Another officer was hit in the back but was spared serious injury by a bullet-proof vest, the release stated. Johnson said two other officers were released from hospitals after being treated for injuries they sustained in a struggle with the suspect. If it is your way, we ask for prayers for these officers, Johnson said in the release. They went on a call for service to help people and keep people safe. They ended up being shot and fighting for their lives doing their job. Officers from multiple Metro East police agencies responded to the scene including the Belleville, Collinsville, East St. Louis and Washington Park police departments in addition to the St. Clair County Sheriffs Department and Illinois State Police. This remains an open investigation, so few details regarding the shooting have been released. ST. LOUIS To many residents of St. Louis Fountain Park neighborhood, she was just known as Ms. Pat. She seemed to always be there, at Centennial Christian Church, with her husband, cooking or packing lunches or giving out groceries to feed to anyone in need. She was tall, had a big smile and a booming laugh. And she was always inviting people in, or asking if they needed any help. She died in her beloved church, doing what she loved, her daughter, Alexis Dennard said in an interview Saturday. Patricia Penelton was killed Friday afternoon in Centennial church, at Fountain Avenue and Kingshighway, when a sudden storm brought the church bell tower and much of the church roof crashing down, trapping her and two other people. She is one of five who died in Fridays tornado. Friends and family have also identified Juan Baltazar, who ran a Mexican street corn food truck, killed by a tree that fell in Carondelet Park. Authorities had not identified any of the dead as of Saturday evening. Penelton, 74, of Ballwin was leading a group of volunteers preparing bagged lunches to hand out to those in need when the storm hit, her family said. The church had been her second home, and the outreach ministry she ran there, her labor of love, they said. Thats what gives us comfort in the midst of our unspeakable heartbreak, said Dennard, her daughter. She left this Earth in service to others. What better testament to God and her discipleship is there? Peneltons family, friends and neighbors of Centennial church described her as a driving force behind the congregation, itself a community lynchpin for Fountain Park, a historic neighborhood centered around a park next to the 121-year-old church. Fridays sudden storm caved the church in on itself, ripped apart the park and toppled a longstanding statue of Martin Luther King Jr., the citys only statue of the Civil Rights leader. Nearly every home surrounding the area was damaged. Trees and power lines were downed. Roofs and walls were torn out of buildings. Winds kicked up clouds of dust and debris. Lisa Simmons, who lives just across the street from Centennial church, was away when the storm hit Friday afternoon. She arrived to find her home, the second floor of a duplex, had disappeared. Everything is gone, said Simmons, 63. I dont know what Im going to do. Still, residents said they were just as concerned about the loss to Centennial, even if they werent congregants there. The church had served as a gathering place for holidays, cookouts, donation drives and health and vaccination clinics. Its a very important part of our neighborhood, said Carmelle Hall, 81, and a resident of 50 years. Were all proud of it. And Penelton had helped organized much of the churchs outreach, many said. She was selfless, Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard said. Peneltons husband, Harry, had been away at a store on Friday buying groceries to bring back to Centennial to make sandwiches to hand out the next day. When he got the call, he rushed back. The couple were close to celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary, after meeting in college at Texas A&M-Kingsville. She loved church. She loved the people. She loved her family and I loved her and she loved me, he said. They moved to the St. Louis area in 1986 and settled in west St. Louis County, but attended Centennial because it was the same denomination as their former church in Kansas City. Patricia Penelton retired from a career as a project manager for AT&T and Charter. She sang in Centennials church choir, volunteered at the churchs food pantry and taught Sunday school. When the coronavirus pandemic hit, she and her husband started making packaged lunches to give out to kids in the neighborhood. We saw a need, and we wanted to help, Harry Penelton said. That was just my wife. If it had a positive impact, we roll up our sleeves and do it. They soon started cooking hot meals for the homeless, too, every Wednesday and Friday. And the service project kept growing from there. Soon, other churches were pitching in and helping delivering food and clothing, and also helping people with other needs, like housing and healthcare. They helped file paperwork for benefits and work applications, and hosted classes teaching cooking or other life skills. His wifes friendliness invited people in, said Harry Penelton. People she helped feed later became volunteers helping her feed others. She did not know a stranger, he said. You would love her if you met her today not knowing her. You would have felt like you had known her for months. Dennard, their daughter, said she and her siblings would know to call the church whenever they couldnt reach their parents at their home, she said. She spent any time she had trying to be of service to others, she said. Outside of church, Patricia Penelton loved to dance, play bridge and play board games. She worked hard, but loved to be silly and make jokes. She just loved life, Dennard said. Patricia Penelton is survived by her husband, three daughters, son, and three grandchildren. Photos and video: St. Louisans sort through rubble a day after likely EF-3 tornado ravages area ATLANTA A pregnant woman in Georgia who was declared brain dead after a medical emergency has been on life support for three months to let the fetus grow enough to be delivered, a move her family says a hospital told them was required under the state's strict anti-abortion law. With her due date still more than three months away, it could be one of the longest such pregnancies. Her family is upset that Georgias law that restricts abortion once cardiac activity is detected doesnt allow relatives to have a say in whether a pregnant woman is kept on life support. Georgias so-called heartbeat law is among the restrictive abortion statutes that have been put in place in many conservative states since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade three years ago. Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old mother and nurse, was declared brain-dead meaning she is legally dead in February, her mother, April Newkirk, told Atlanta TV station WXIA. Newkirk said her daughter had intense headaches more than three months ago and went to Atlanta's Northside Hospital, where she received medication and was released. The next morning, her boyfriend woke to her gasping for air and called 911. Emory University Hospital determined she had blood clots in her brain and she was declared brain-dead. Newkirk said Smith is now 21 weeks pregnant. Removing breathing tubes and other life-saving devices would likely kill the fetus. Northside did not respond to a request for comment Thursday. Emory Healthcare said it could not comment on an individual case because of privacy rules, but released a statement saying it uses consensus from clinical experts, medical literature, and legal guidance to support our providers as they make individualized treatment recommendations in compliance with Georgias abortion laws and all other applicable laws. Our top priorities continue to be the safety and wellbeing of the patients we serve. Georgia's abortion ban Smith's family says Emory doctors told them they are not allowed to stop or remove the devices that are keeping her breathing because state law bans abortion after cardiac activity can be detected generally around six weeks into pregnancy. The law was adopted in 2019 but not enforced until after Roe v. Wade was overturned in the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization ruling, opening the door to state abortion bans. Twelve states are enforcing bans on abortion at all stages of pregnancy and three others have bans like Georgia's that kick in after about six weeks. Like the others, Georgia's ban includes an exception if an abortion is necessary to maintain the woman's life. Those exceptions have been at the heart of legal and political questions, including a major Texas Supreme Court ruling last year that found the ban there applies even when there are major pregnancy complications. Smith's family, including her 5-year-old son, still visit her in the hospital. Newkirk told WXIA that doctors told the family that the fetus has fluid on the brain and that they're concerned about his health. Shes pregnant with my grandson. But he may be blind, may not be able to walk, may not survive once hes born, Newkirk said. She has not said whether the family wants Smith removed from life support. Who has the right to make these decisions? Monica Simpson, executive director of SisterSong, the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging Georgias abortion law, said the situation is problematic. "Her family deserved the right to have decision-making power about her medical decisions, Simpson said in a statement. Instead, they have endured over 90 days of retraumatization, expensive medical costs, and the cruelty of being unable to resolve and move toward healing. Thaddeus Pope, a bioethicist and lawyer at Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota, said while a few states have laws that specifically limit removing treatment from a pregnant woman who is alive but incapacitated, or brain dead, Georgia isn't one of them. Removing the woman's mechanical ventilation or other support would not constitute an abortion, he said. Continued treatment is not legally required. Lois Shepherd, a bioethicist and law professor at the University of Virginia, said she does not believe life support is legally required in this case. But she said whether a state could insist Smith remains on life support is uncertain since the overturning of Roe, which found that fetuses do not have the rights of people. Pre-Dobbs, a fetus didnt have any rights, Shepherd said. And the states interest in fetal life could not be so strong as to overcome other important rights, but now we dont know. What is the fetus' prognosis? The situation echoes a case in Texas more than a decade ago when a brain-dead woman was kept on life support for about two months because she was pregnant. A judge eventually ruled that the hospital was misapplying state law, and life support was removed. Brain death in pregnancy is rare. Even rarer are cases in which doctors aim to prolong the pregnancy after a woman is declared brain-dead. Its a very complex situation, obviously, not only ethically but also medically, said Dr. Vincenzo Berghella, director of maternal fetal medicine at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. A 2021 review that Berghella co-authored scoured medical literature going back decades for cases in which doctors declared a woman brain-dead and aimed to prolong her pregnancy. It found 35. Of those, 27 resulted in a live birth, the majority either immediately declared healthy or with normal follow-up tests. But Berghella also cautioned that the Georgia case was much more difficult because the pregnancy was less far along when the woman was declared brain dead. In the 35 cases he studied, doctors were able to prolong the pregnancy by an average of seven weeks before complications forced them to intervene. It s just hard to keep the mother out of infection, out of cardiac failure, he said. Berghella also found a case from Germany that resulted in a live birth when the woman was declared brain dead at nine weeks of pregnancy about as far along as Smith was when she died. A spotlight on Georgia's abortion law Georgia's law confers personhood on a fetus. Those who favor personhood say fertilized eggs, embryos and fetuses should be considered people with the same rights as those already born. Georgia state Sen. Ed Setzler, a Republican who sponsored the 2019 law, said he supported Emorys interpretation. I think it is completely appropriate that the hospital do what they can to save the life of the child, Setzler said. Crew members aboard U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Calhoun (WMSL 759) wraps a pallet of illegal narcotics in Port Everglades, Florida, May 16, 2025. (Jessica Walker/U.S. Coast Guard) U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Calhoun offloaded approximately 19,055 pounds of cocaine and marijuana at Port Everglades in Florida on Friday, according to a service news release. The contraband is worth an estimated $140.9 million and was the result of five interdictions in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea by interagency partners. The resulting criminal investigations are linked to substantial amounts of transnational criminal organizations, including the foreign terrorist organization, Tren de Aragua, the Coast Guard said. Im incredibly proud of Calhouns role in continuing to disrupt the flow of illicit narcotics, said Capt. Matthew Hammond, Calhouns commanding officer. The Coast Guard and our partners work tirelessly to deny drug trafficking organizations access to smuggling routes bound for the United States and dismantle transnational criminal activity abroad, which threaten Americans here at home. Assisting the Calhoun with interdiction operations were: Joint Interagency Task Force-South; Seventh Coast Guard District watchstanders; and USCG Tactical Law Enforcement Team-South. Bales of illegal narcotics are offloaded by crew members of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Calhoun (WMSL 759) in Port Everglades, Florida, May 16, 2025. (Jessica Walker/U.S. Coast Guard) Bales of illegal narcotics are offloaded by crew members of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Calhoun (WMSL 759) in Port Everglades, Florida, May 16, 2025. (Jessica Walker/U.S. Coast Guard) The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Calhoun (WMSL 759) moors at Port Everglades for a drug offload, Florida, May 16, 2025. (Jessica Walker/U.S. Coast Guard) On May 7, a military patrol aircraft located two suspicious vessels approximately 155 miles off Dominican Republic. Calhouns crew intercepted both vessels, seizing approximately 3,580 pounds of cocaine. On May 6, Calhouns crew intercepted a suspicious vessel approximately 85 miles off Haiti. A law enforcement crew stopped the vessel, seizing approximately 3,135 pounds of cocaine and 14 pounds of marijuana. On May 5, a military patrol aircraft located a suspicious vessel approximately 80 miles off Dominican Republic. Calhouns crew intercepted the vessel, seizing approximately 825 pounds of cocaine. On May 1, a military patrol aircraft located a suspicious vessel approximately 100 miles off Colombia. A Coast Guard law enforcement detachment deployed on USS Minneapolis Saint Paul interdicted the vessel, seizing approximately 1,500 pounds of cocaine. On April 12, the Calhouns crew, under tactical control of Coast Guard Atlantic Area, detected a suspicious fishing vessel in international waters exhibiting behavior consistent with narcotic trafficking approximately 1,200 miles west of Las Palmas, Canary Islands. The crew intercepted the suspicious vessel, seizing approximately 10,000 pounds of cocaine. Macaques are common throughout most of Japan and inhabit forested mountain slopes right down to the fringes of Tokyo. (Pixabay) For the second time in less than a week, U.S. military officials in Japan have issued a warning about a wild monkey, urging base residents to stay away from the animal and report any sightings. Naval Air Facility Atsugi, about 28 miles southwest of central Tokyo, posted the alert Saturday after receiving reports of a Japanese macaque roaming an area off base. Please do not approach the monkey and please be safe during outdoor outings, base officials said in a message posted online. If you see a wild monkey, keep your distance, go indoors and please call NAF Atsugi Security at DSN: 264-3982. The warning comes days after a Japanese macaque or snow monkey was seen near Camp Zama and its neighboring city of Sagamihara, home to a U.S. military housing area. That animal, missing its left hand, was described by Zama officials as not friendly. Although Japanese macaques are generally not considered dangerous, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened. The species is common across much of Japan, including the Kanto region, and occasionally ventures into residential neighborhoods. The monkeys are not new to U.S. military installations in Japan. In September 2021, a macaque was seen near Camp Zama and the neighboring U.S. military housing area. A month later, in October, a macaque was spotted near the dental clinic at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo and was seen roaming the installations east side housing area for two days. Authorities warned children walking to school to avoid the animal. Last year in November, a macaque was reported in Ayase city, near NAF Atsugi. GOMA, DR Congo, May 18 (Xinhua) -- In Goma, a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where war has redrawn borders and scattered families, a hospital has emerged as a beacon of resilience amid the ruins. Now under the control of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels, the city bears the scars of mortar fire and displacement, but also quiet acts of courage. At CBCA Ndosho Hospital, doctors and nurses perform back-to-back surgeries, patients cling to life beneath bandages and resolve, and Red Cross workers brave checkpoints and shortages to keep the lifeline open. In a city trapped between fear and hope, the hospital stands not only as a place of healing, but as a symbol of endurance. LAST SOURCE OF LIGHT The resurgence of the M23 has plunged the eastern DRC into its gravest crisis in more than a decade. Once driven out in 2013, the rebel group reemerged in late 2021, steadily advancing across North Kivu Province. In January this year, after months of clashes with government forces, M23 fighters reached the gates of Goma, the provincial capital and home to more than 2 million people. For days, the city shook under relentless artillery fire. On Jan. 29, Goma fell. The Congolese government reported over 8,500 deaths. Humanitarian agencies described the collapse as catastrophic, with displacement camps shelled, hospitals overwhelmed, and aid depots ransacked. In a city battered by war and blanketed in darkness, CBCA Ndosho Hospital stood as the last fragile source of light -- flickering, but not yet extinguished. Also known locally as Bethesda, the hospital remained open despite bombardments and blackouts. The facility, originally designed for 80 beds, became a frontline triage center for hundreds. "We were admitting over 700 patients at the peak, but we only managed to expand our capacity to 148 beds," said Taoffic Mohamed Toure, a veteran with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), recalling the siege's most harrowing days. Patients spilled into corridors, courtyards, and tents. "We are the only hospital in this city equipped to treat war-wounded patients," said Witenene Kapinga Rita, the hospital's psycho-social agent. "Civilians and belligerents alike have no choice but to come to us. And we have a duty to heal them." The wounded arrived in waves -- shrapnel embedded in limbs, gunshot wounds to the abdomen, trauma from nearby blasts. "We had to perform improvised surgeries, at least two or three on the same patient," said Sidibe Abdou Raman, a frontline surgeon. Then, even the lifeline of supplies began to fray. In late January, the ICRC reported that one of its medical warehouses in Goma had been looted, along with several local health centers. Power was cut, and water lines were severed. Vital supplies, including medicines, surgical kits, and protective gear, were stolen. "We lost critical stock at a time when we were treating hundreds of patients each day," said Toure. HEALING ON EDGE Inside the hospital's trauma ward, survivors recounted stories of violence that shattered their homes and families. Amani Gerome lay quietly, recovering from abdominal wounds. "When the armed men broke into our house, my wife and seven children were there," he said. "After the shooting, my wife and four of the children were dead. I came here with the three who survived. One has been discharged, one is here with me, and the last was transferred to Bukavu (the provincial capital of South Kivu, also seized by M23 rebels)." In the next room, Melanie Rubandika cradled her bandaged shoulder. A bullet pierced her chest and shattered her arm, which was later amputated. "They kicked down the door, opened fire, and struck me with a machete on the head," she said. "All I want is peace. But now, young men dress in stolen army uniforms. Banditry is everywhere." Despite the M23's parallel governance, Goma descended into lawlessness. Residents reported widespread looting, carjackings, and break-ins, with little distinction between rebels, opportunistic bandits, and rogue fighters. "Criminals are everywhere. They even broke into one of our colleague's home the other night, which caused some panic here," said Rita. Not all stories end in despair. Kahindo Amina, who was shot seven times in the leg and hand during a night raid that killed her husband, smiled as she recounted her recovery: "I thought they would amputate my leg. But I can sit, eat a banana, and drink water. I'm still here. I'm hopeful." BEYOND WOUNDS In recent weeks, the number of new patients has declined and is now within the hospital's capacity. But the complexity of their wounds remains high. "We still do five bullet-related surgeries every day," Raman explained. "Some are infected. Many require multiple operations." The hospital's physical therapy wing is crowded with patients relearning how to walk. Psychological care is also in high demand. "Some patients came in with their intestines outside their bodies," said clinical psychologist Grace Muyisa. "They were in absolute shock. Many thought no one could save them -- not even the surgeons." Yet beyond the hospital's gates, the humanitarian mission itself is becoming more precarious. The ICRC, which has supported CBCA Ndosho Hospital since the early days of the conflict, faces mounting security risks across the eastern DRC. In militia-dominated areas like Masisi in North Kivu, where rival armed groups now control entire towns, humanitarian access is increasingly restricted. In February 2025, a staff member of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) was tragically killed in Masisi during a crossfire between armed groups. Still, the spirit of the hospital staff remains unshaken. "After this experience, I don't think I will ever be intimidated by any working conditions again. What we lived through here, with such an overwhelming number of patients, I doubt it has ever happened in any other hospital in the world," said Muyisa. Even as the trauma endures, so does the commitment. "Sometimes I feel discouraged, seeing and reliving the pain every day," said Rita. "But when I put on my uniform, I hold my head high. Because I know someone needs me to show up." William Lennon, of OMoore Road, Ballyfermot, appeared at Dublin District Court A 41-year-old man charged over a seizure of 120,000 worth of cannabis in Ballyfermot, Dublin, has been granted bail. William Lennon, of OMoore Road, Ballyfermot, appeared at Dublin District Court this week following his arrest two days earlier. He was charged with possessing cannabis and having it for the purpose of sale or supply at OMoore Road on February 14. Garda Mark Walsh told Judge Paula Murphy that the accused, who has yet to enter a plea, made no reply when charged. He did not object to bail, but due to the value of the seizure, he asked for conditions and a 5,000 lodgement. Defence solicitor Niall OConnor said the terms had been canvassed and agreed already, and his clients partner could lodge the sum requested. William Lennon News in 90 Seconds - May 18th After the bail money was paid, Judge Murphy ordered Mr Lennon to surrender his passport, not leave the jurisdiction, sign on three days a week at a garda station, provide his phone number and keep his phone charged and switched on at all times and notify gardai of any address change. Breaching the conditions could result in bail being revoked, the judge warned. Mr Lennon was granted legal aid and ordered to appear again in six weeks for the directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions to be outlined. The pair were charged with possessing cannabis, cocaine, MDMA and ecstasy for sale or supply on May 16 A barman and a delivery rider were caught with more than 10,000 worth of drugs when gardai raided their apartment in Dublin, a court heard. Brazilian housemates Anderson Junior, 30, and 28-year-old Ronaldo Eduardo da Silva, of Bradogue House, Wolfe Tone Street, D1, appeared before Judge William Aylmer at Dublin District Court on Saturday. The pair were charged with possessing cannabis, cocaine, MDMA and ecstasy for sale or supply on May 16. They made no reply to charges and faced objections when they applied for bail. Stock image News in 90 Seconds - May 18th Garda Gillian Slane said the duo were flight risks due to their lack of ties to the jurisdiction. She alleged that when gardai searched their apartment, she asked bar worker Mr Junior if there were any drugs there and he replied "no". His bedroom was searched, and 6,850 worth of various drugs were found in his bedroom desk drawer. The court heard he made admissions, telling gardai he had to pay for college expenses. Their barrister, Kevin McCrave, said the defendants, who had the assistance of a translator, spoke out of fear and a lack of English, which the garda did not accept. Some 4,000 worth of drugs were in the co-defendant's room The court heard Deliveroo driver Da Silva told gardai the drugs were his and the co-accused was selling them on his behalf. Paraphernalia, including scales and bagging, was recovered from both their rooms, and 910 cash from Mr da Silva's bedroom, the court heard. Judge Aylmer set Anderson Junior's bail at 500 and 1000 for his co-defendant, requiring lodgements of 100 and 500 respectively. After taking it up, they must obey conditions, including surrendering passports, not applying for duplicates, signing on daily at a garda station and having no contact with each other. They were remanded in custody to appear again next week. Legal aid was granted. Edmore Mwanza has been fined and given multiple driving bans A driver with a Waterford address who drove the wrong way on the M8 motorway in Tipperary after consulting Google Maps, has been fined and given multiple driving bans. Speaking at a hearing at Cashel District Court, Garda John Shanahan told Judge Brian OShea that on April 29, 2024, there were multiple reports of a vehicle travelling on the M8 motorway near Junction 11. Gda Shanahan arrived at the scene and the vehicle was located, facing the wrong way, at a layby. The location was in the townland of Raheenroe, Burncourt, Cahir, Co Tipperary. The garda spoke to the driver, Edmore Mwanza, of The Malt House, Mary Street, Waterford. Mr Mwanza was arrested and taken to a garda station where he provided a sample of breath. It showed a reading of 63 micrograms of alcohol per 100mls of breath. The legal limit is 22/100. Mr Mwanza was charged with a drink driving offence. He told the garda he had been using Google Maps at the time, and it told him to turn around and drive in the other direction directly on to the motorway, said Gda Shanahan. He has no previous convictions. Judge OShea said he would normally fine a driver 200 for such a drink driving offence, but in this case, he fined the defendant 500, and disqualified him from driving for two years. Mr Mwanza was also disqualified from driving for two terms of two years each, to run concurrently, in relation to no insurance and dangerous driving. Judge Patrick McGurgan told the pair their offending was so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence is appropriate Two former British soldiers who were selling cocaine from a car in Lisburn city centre were on Friday handed sentences totalling 38 months. Jailing Harry Phillips and Ashkin Naim at Craigavon Crown Court, Judge Patrick McGurgan told the pair their offending was so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence is appropriate because of the need not just to punish you but also to deter others. While 25-year-old Philips was handed a 20 month sentence, Naim (27) was given an 18 month sentence and the judge ordered them to serve half those terms in jail and half on licence. At an earlier hearing Phillips, with an address given as c/o Thiepval Barracks in Lisburn, admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possessing the class A drug with intend to supply and possessing criminal property, all committed on 1 August 2023. Phillips also admitted a further charge of being concerned in the supply of cocaine between 17 July and 2 August 2023. Harry Phillips Naim, from the Stone Road in Middlesbrough but who was also a soldier at the time, entered guilty pleas to being concerned in the supply of the class A drug and possessing criminal property, namely cash. In his sentencing remarks, Judge McGurgan said it was around 10pm when city centre CCTV alerted police to suspected drug dealing in the Graham Street area. The footage recorded two men getting in to the back seat of a Ford Focus but getting back out a few moments later. Philips was in the drivers seat and Naim was in the passenger seat with a large sum of cash on his lap but Judge McGurgan said when police opened the drivers door, Naim immediately opened his door and fled the scene. He took a flight back to England but he surrendered himself to police the following day. Inside the car cops retrieved 495 in cash as well as 24.5 grams of cocaine separated into separate deal bags while in a Skoda parked behind the Ford, officers found Naims military ID. Judge McGurgan said when officers examined Philips mobile phone, they uncovered messages where he claimed to have bought half a kilo of cocaine in London for 15,000 and that having transported it back to NI, he intended to sell it to double his money. Indeed, before the judge passed the sentence Phillip.s defence counsel Conor Lunny had conceded that rather than being motivated to feed an addictions, the actions of the disgraced soldier came about by greed. Harry Phillips. Photo: Sunday Life News in 90 Seconds - May 18th Naim had entered guilty pleas on the basis that he was directing his co-accused to customers addresses. Judge McGurgan said given the fact that both of you are directly involved in selling the members of the public in circumstances where drugs, and particularly class A drugs can cause untold misery, the pair had to go to jail. McAuley had been living a crazy chaotic existence at the time A judge has directed the Probation Services to carry out a risk assessment on a woman who faked her own death to avoid going to court to face theft and deception charges. Amy McAuley (35) of Connagh, Fethard-on-Sea, Co. Wexford previously pleaded guilty to one count of the use of a false instrument through submitting a false death notification form to Wexford County Council on January 19, 2023. She also pleaded guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice on January 23, 2023 and to a count of forgery of a medical report on November 23, 2022, both at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court at the Criminal Courts of Justice, Parkgate Street. McAuley also pleaded to a second count of using a false instrument, a medical certificate, at Pearse Street Garda Station on May 28, 2021 and attempted deception in 2018. She further entered guilty pleas to five counts of theft and one of possession of the proceeds of crime on separate dates between November 2015 and May 2023. McAuley has four previous convictions for theft and deception offences. She received a sentence of two years, suspended for 10 years in November 2015 for the theft of just under 111,000 from a former employer. She repaid 30,000 on the day of sentence but the balance is outstanding, the court has heard. McAuley admitted submitting a false death notification form to obtain a death certificate. She told gardai when interviewed in 2023 that she knew she was in trouble again, could not face coming to court and did not want to leave her young child. Amy McAuley. Photo: Collins On Friday, Judge Orla Crowe said this was a complex case and the court would welcome the assistance of the Probation Services, particularly to assess the defendant's risk of re-offending. The judge directed the preparation of a probation report and adjourned the case to October for finalisation. Defence counsel, Rebecca Smith BL, noted her client is now living in Dublin and asked the court to change the garda station where her client must sign on two days a week from New Ross to Blanchardstown. Judge Crowe granted the application and remanded McAuley on continuing bail. The court previously heard evidence that McAuley obtained a 10,000 personal loan from KBC Bank in 2018 using altered documents she had taken from her then employer. That year, McAuley also made a second unsuccessful application for a 5,000 loan using altered identification documents in the name of a woman she had been giving piano lessons to in Co. Meath. McAuley made admissions, apologised and accepted she had not repaid any of the 10,000 loan after her arrest in May 2019. She was charged and sent forward for trial before the Circuit Criminal Court on theft and fraud charges. Gardai contacted McAuley in May 2021 to interview her as part of a separate investigation into the theft of nine mobile phones from Three Ireland in July 2020. McAuley told gardai in late May 2021 that she was unwell and provided a medical report, which was later found to be forged. In December 2021, gardai were contacted by a woman claiming to be McAuley's sister who said the defendant was in treatment and would contact them afterwards. The following May, 'Winnie', who also claimed to be a sister of McAuley's, told gardai that the defendant had passed away. McAuley made both of these calls. McAuley also submitted a false death notification form to Wexford County Council on January 19, 2023 with death certificates later issued in McAuley's name and her name in Irish. The court heard that McAuley had been due to stand trial in January 2023 on the theft and fraud offences relating to the 2018 incidents, but this did not go ahead as it was believed she was dead. Evidence was also heard that a medical report from the Rotunda Hospital handed to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in November 2022 was a forgery. McAuley, pretending to be 'Winnie, rang gardai in May 2023 to get an email address to send a death certificate to and gave her telephone number. Later, a female solicitor contacted gardai and provided the same number. Both calls were made by McAuley, the court heard. A death certificate was later emailed to gardai by a firm of solicitors, who were unaware of McAuley's deception. During their investigation, gardai discovered three death notices for McAuley on RIP.ie. The first stated that McAuley had died in France, and was removed after her mother told the site the defendant was not dead. A second notice was uploaded to the site on January 4, 2023 by a fictional undertaker, created by McAuley. This notice stated that McAuley had died on December 26, 2022 and included details of a funeral and cremation, with gardai confirming no records existed that these had taken place. A third death notice appeared in McAuley's Irish name, saying she had died in Belfast. Gardai contacted the general registry in June 2023 and obtained two death certificates for McAuley, one of which used her Irish name. Doctors confirmed they had not signed the death notification forms, which had been used to obtain these death certificates. When interviewed by gardai on separate occasions, McAuley admitted wrongdoing. She told gardai she knew she was in trouble again, and believed everything would be okay if she was deceased because she could be with her young child. She also said she could not face going to court. The court heard that gardai became aware that McAuley was due to attend a wedding in Enniscorthy in June 2023, and identified her from CCTV footage at the venue. Gardai carried out a search of McAuley's home in Co. Wexford on June 24, 2023. She was living there with her husband, who was unaware of her activities, and her young child. A booklet of death notification forms were found during the search along with banking information and identification for 'Winnie' . McAuley admitted ordering the nine phones from Three Ireland in 2020 and sending a false medical certificate to gardai in 2021. She also confirmed a mobile phone number used during these incidents was hers. A payment of 9,000 to an AIB account in McAuley's name was also identified during the garda investigation. In January 2023, a Northern Irish company that McAuley had been working for was told she had died the previous month. The company contacted 'Charles' by email, who was listed on McAuley's employee records as her father, and he confirmed McAuley's death. While a claim for the company's death-in-service benefit of 96,000 was pending, 'Winnie' contacted them in May 2023. 'Winnie' said she was minding McAuley's infant child and needed money from the death-in-service benefit upfront to cover surgery costs for the child. The company made a goodwill payment of 9,000 on May 15, 2023 into McAuley's AIB account. This has not been repaid, the court was told Investigating gardai agreed with Rebecca Smith BL, defending, that her client's guilty pleas were valuable to the prosecution, that she has not come to recent negative garda attention and complied with bail conditions. It was accepted that when gardai arrived to search her home in June 2023, she told them she knew why they were there and that her husband was not involved. It was further accepted that McAuley acted alone, and there were no indications she had been living a lavish lifestyle. Ms Smith told the court this was an extraordinarily complex case in which her client had engaged in a significant period of offending. She said McAuley had been living a crazy, chaotic existence but this has now stabilised. Amy McAuley. Picture: Paddy Cummins News in 90 Seconds - May 18th Counsel said her client is apologetic, aware that her past is catching up to her and accepts she is facing a custodial sentence. McAuley married in 2022 and has a young child, who has health issues. Letters of apology, medical reports and other documents were handed to the court. McAuley herself has medical and mental health difficulties. Ms Smith submitted to the court her client will have no real prospect of future employment, suggesting that money could be deducted from social welfare payments to repay money owed. The court also heard that the Director of Public Prosecutions appealed the sentence imposed on McAuley in 2015 on the grounds of undue leniency. The Court of Appeal declined to change it, instead giving McAuley seven-and-half years to repay the money, but no further payments have been made. The court was told McAuley was working as an assistant accountant in 2015 when a colleague saw a media report about her conviction. When asked about this, McAuley confirmed it was her and immediately resigned. An internal investigation identified that McAuley had given her account details to some clients when her then-employer introduced a new electronic payments system. Affected clients believed they were making payments to the company. One affected client made electronic transfers of approximately 49,100 to her account, to pay invoices owed to McAuley's employer. This money has never been repaid to her then-employer, the court was told. A Tipperary co-op also paid around 6,500 to McAuley's account and she later forwarded on two payments totalling 6,550 to her then employer. McAuley also stole nine mobile phones, worth 3,199, from Three Ireland in July 2020, which were ordered online using were ordered online using false documents which claimed that the company's chief financial officer had placed the order. When interviewed, McAuley said she used the money from the theft of the phones to cover rent and medication. McAuley told gardai she had moved to Galway to run away from her troubles, but her life spiralled out of control. Details of the companies under the name Cian Sharkhin, and further background to the pseudonym, have been unearthed Cartel godfather Christy Kinahan Sr created two companies using a pen name he developed while writing fiction behind bars at Portlaoise Prison. Details of the companies under the name Cian Sharkhin, and further background to the pseudonym, have been unearthed by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). Decades before Kinahan Sr fled to Dubai, he dabbled in prison poetry and prose alongside criminals like Dessie OHare. He used the name Cian Sharkhin for his writing and editing work while he was incarcerated. Kinahan Sr was released from prison in 2001, but his pen name lived on. In April 2002, Cian Sharkhin Developments Limited was created in the United Kingdom, according to company records. It was dissolved five years later. Following an anonymous tip, ICIJ also discovered that Kinahan Sr used a small Cypriot accountancy firm to create a second company, called Cian Sharkhin Consultants Limited, in 2005. In a curious twist, records show that when creating the consultancy, Kinahan used the name Christopher Vincent Kinaham, swapping the n for an m. Both Kinahan and Kinaham share the same date of birth on company records, March 23, 1957, according to the documents, and the same UK passport number. The cartel boss used an address in Vysoudian Street, Paralimni, Cyprus and the phone number of accountant, Demetris Papademetriou, when setting up Cian Sharkhin Consultants Limited. Cian Sharkhin Consultants Limited has a LinkedIn page which names its owner as Vincent Kinahan. Mr Papademetriou has a family practice with an office in Paralimni, which is a city of 20,000 people in the south-east of the island state, 110km from the capital Nicosia. Mr Papademetriou is a graduate of Manchester University and Manchester Business School. His companys slogan is: Of course we can! Mr Papademetrious company, DPCA, has provided services for other Kinahan-related companies. Those include D&M Sun Dreams Investments Limited and AB Eureka Property Developers Limited. DPCA and Mr Papademetriou did not respond to questions from ICIJ. Christy Kinahan Sr Investigation links Christy Kinahan's literary pseudonym to money laundering companies D&M Sun Dreams was created in 2005 by Christopher Kinahans son and fellow cartel leader, Daniel, and his associate Matthew Dunne. AB Eureka Property Developers Limited was established the same year by a Christopher Vincent Kinaham, again with an m. Previously, ICIJ has reported how Kinahan abbreviated his name to Christopher Vincent to disguise himself and used his initials CVK when naming several companies, such as CVK Investments. He has lived in the United Arab Emirates, the UK, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Zimbabwe, Cyprus and elsewhere, and reportedly speaks Spanish, French, Dutch and Russian. He is married to a Turkish national, Neslihan Yildirim, whom he is believed to have first met in the Netherlands and reportedly lived with in Zimbabwe before settling in Dubai. In 2008, Christopher Kinahan and a business partner, Cornelius Fuchs, were arrested by Belgian Police and jailed for money laundering. At that time, Kinahan reportedly gave his address as Pernera in Cyprus, 6.4km from Paralimni, where he and his son set up separate companies at the same accountancy practice. The Kinahans are believed to be in Dubai, where authorities have frozen Kinahan assets and blocked the sale of property owned by Kinahan family members and companies under sanctions. But as ICIJ reported in May 2024, the sanctions do not include some spouses and partners, which renders them less effective. The work of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) can be found at www.icij.org Decades before the cartel boss fled to Dubai, he dabbled in prison poetry and prose alongside criminals including Dessie OHare Christopher Kinahan Sr edited an anthology called Prose and Cons while incarcerated in Portlaoise Prison You could call it the Deadly Poets Society. As he rose to become a cartel godfather, Christopher Kinahan Sr wrote and edited poetry and prose under a pen name. He was part of a high-security prisoners writing group that included a killer with mystical pretensions. And it emerged that Kinahan Sr later named two of his companies with the same nom de plume he had used, Cian Sharkhin, which is an anagram of Chris Kinahan. US authorities have offered rewards of up to $15m (13.4m) for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of Kinahan Sr and his sons, Daniel Kinahan and Christopher Kinahan Jr. They are accused of leading one of Europes most notorious gangs a narcotics, money laundering and arms-trafficking cartel with ties to Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. In 1999, while serving a sentence for receiving stolen travelers cheques, Kinahan Sr was moved to Portlaoise Prison. Kinahan Sr was housed on E1 landing with prisoners known as the heavies. While incarcerated, he edited Prose and Cons, a slim anthology of writings on loss, longing, love, admiration, addiction and rage by E1 landing prisoners. Under the guise of Cian Sharkhin, Kinahan Sr also contributed a dark short story, Dumbo the Elephant, and a sibilant poem called The Serpent to the poetry and prose pamphlet. A wanted poster of Christopher Kinahan Jr, Daniel Kinahan and Christopher Kinahan Forensic psychiatrists could pore over Cian Sharkhins varied musings. Dumbo the Elephant is a very different beast to Disneys animated classic. Kinahan Srs story recounts the frightening experience of a young boy named Christopher who is pinned underfoot by a lurching bark-skinned baby elephant with sad piggy little eyes. Young Christophers ordeal is compounded by his mother screaming at him while his foot is trapped under Dumbo, causing a zookeeper to thwack the elephant with his cane to free the boy. Christopher! Christopher! Her voice 10 decibels higher penetrated me, Sharkhin aka Kinahan Sr writes. The small crowd looked around at each other, all looking to see who Christopher was, I guessed. I joined in, ignoring my mother, not a good idea at the best of times She came striding towards me, or should I say that possessed creature that was once my mother and now like Mary the mad Maenad came bouncing towards the crowd, her hair was flouncing up and down That look said it all You Dare Defy Me! I stared back at the Maenad, I felt small, insignificant and terrified. The silence screamed in my ears, the spell was shattered by a squeaky little voice that rose up above the deafening silence. I cant move. The corner of one of her eyes began to twitch uncontrollably. She was poised to strike The Maenads merciless eyes kept me fixed, only her lips twitched and twisted into a grim unholy grimace, those eyes with their feral bloodlust were unhinging. The corner of one of her eyes began to twitch uncontrollably. She was poised to strike. Born in 1957, Kinahan grew up in a lower middle-class family in Dublin. Like the character in his short story, Kinahans real mother was named Mary. The character Dumbo was inspired by a 19th-century animal superstar, Jumbo, who drew crowds in their millions to Jardin des Plantes in Paris, London Zoo and PT Barnums travelling circus in the US. Christopher Kinahan Sr edited an anthology called Prose and Cons while incarcerated in Portlaoise Prison Investigation links Christy Kinahan's literary pseudonym to money laundering companies More reminiscent of Kinahans sombre elephant, Jumbo did not live a happy life separated from his mother by hunters, the elephant was routinely sedated with vast amounts of alcohol during his life in captivity. Hunters captured Jumbo, reportedly in Eritrea or Sudan, and separated him from his mother, who was slaughtered for her tusks and hide. During his life, Jumbo had to be routinely sedated with vast amounts of whiskey, port and champagne. After he died, hundreds of coins thrown by visitors were found in his stomach. But perhaps Kinahan Srs tale drew inspiration from another elephant, Sita, the star attraction at Dublin Zoo until a fateful summer morning in June 1903, when the elephant killed veteran zookeeper James McNally by crushing his skull under her foot. Though an inquest suggested that Sitas actions were more likely caused by pain than malice, the Zoo Society deemed her dangerous and ordered that she be shot. Appeals were made to pardon Sita to no avail. She was felled in a hail of bullets, including from a 12-bore elephant gun, by members of the Royal Irish Constabularys musketeers. Meanwhile, Kinahans poem The Serpent is a dark and alliterative ode to a svelte and shimmering reptile in the Swaziland savannah. The poem begins: Sliding through the swaying Savannah His presence is scarcely felt. Satans sacred servant Is slinking through the veldt. A glint, a gleam and shimmering sheen, His form so lithe and svelte. Christopher Kinahan Sr edited an anthology called Prose and Cons while incarcerated in Portlaoise Prison News in 90 Seconds - May 18th David McDonald, a former Portlaoise Prison officer, said Kinahan Srs gift with words and tactical nous made him stand out even among his feared prison contemporaries. He said Kinahan Sr, known as The Dapper Don, mostly kept to himself and never had an interest in prison hooch or drugs. Instead, he was an early adopter of the internet, which he accessed on a smuggled mobile phone. He was organised, intelligent and always impeccably dressed in shirts and slacks, as if he was going to a wedding, Mr McDonald, who is acknowledged by name in the Prose and Cons pamphlet, said. Kinahan studied Spanish, Russian and one other language while in prison and, remarkably, he refused early release because he wanted to finish his studies in prison where he had fewer distractions. Mr McDonald said other inmates would seek Kinahan Sr out for advice on their legal problems, describing him as a jail lawyer because he was in a totally different intellectual league. You wouldnt trust him as far as you could throw him but he wasnt trouble Back then, the man who now leads a cartel linked to numerous murders in several countries was not prone to the vicious outbursts. There was never any suggestion of violence with him, Mr McDonald said. You wouldnt trust him as far as you could throw him but he wasnt trouble. As Cian Sharkhin, Kinahan also edited the poetry of two of Irelands most infamous paramilitaries-turned-criminals: Dessie The Border Fox OHare and Eamon Kelly. Dessie OHare, the 'Border Fox' OHare was once Irelands most-wanted man and has been linked to 27 murders. In 1987, he kidnapped a dentist, John OGrady, and chopped off two of his fingers using a hammer and chisel. OHare had demanded a large ransom that was not paid. He said in a ransom call: Its just cost John two of his fingers. Now Im going to chop him into bits and pieces and send fresh lumps of him every f**king day if I dont get my money fast. After a 23-day manhunt, OHare was tracked down in Urlingford, Co Kilkenny, where he was shot several times by an Army sniper but survived. OHare earned his nickname, The Border Fox, for the way he slipped back and forth across the Border during his violent sprees in the 1970s and 1980s. OHare contributed a saucy limerick to the pamphlet, called Young Lady From Wooster. In a nod to his own bizarre mystical interests, OHare takes authorship of the limerick as D OH, from an Indian Guru. Kinahan Sr was also friendly with Eamon Kelly, a one-time paramilitary turned drug dealer and crime gang boss, whose closeness to OHare would ultimately endanger his life. Kelly, an armed robber and drug trafficker, chose the photos for Prose and Cons along with another gangster, Harry Melia. In December 2012, Kelly was shot dead near his home in the Dublin suburb of Killester. The New IRA, sworn enemies of Kellys friend OHare, claimed responsibility. OHare spoke at Kellys funeral and carried his coffin. Tommy McGrane was among former patients at Mater Hospital for celebration of anniversary Dubliner Tommy McGrane feared he would never see his children grow up when his lung disease left him so breathless he could hardly even shave. But 19 years after he became one of the first people in Ireland to have a lung transplant, he is now running after his grandchildren. Before my transplant I could barely breathe, walk or even shave, Mr McGrane, from Blanchardstown, said. Tommy McGrane News in 90 Seconds - May 18th His lungs were impacted by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which leads to 1,500 deaths in Ireland annually. I got to see my children grow up and now I can spend time with my grandkids, something that I dont think would have been possible without the transplant, Mr McGrane added. He was among a number of former patients who gathered at the Mater Hospital in Dublin yesterday to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Irelands first ever lung transplant. He spent three months recovering from the operation in the Mater Hospital in 2006, and nearly two decades later has no breathing difficulties. The former patients have all appealed for more awareness of the life-changing impact of transplants and the need for organ donation. Over those 20 years, 379 lung transplants have been performed at the Mater Hospitals National Centre for Heart and Lung Transplants. Before 2005, patients in Ireland who needed a lung transplant had to travel to Newcastle in northern England for treatment and it was a gruelling journey for people who were already very ill. We knew that bringing lung transplantation to Ireland would change lives, and it has Surgeon Professor Freddie Wood, who carried out the first lung transplant in Ireland, said: There was a sense of both urgency and possibility. We knew that bringing lung transplantation to Ireland would change lives, and it has. That first procedure 20 years ago was the cornerstone on which a nationally trusted programme was built here at the Mater and a network of healthcare providers interested in transplant continues to be developed and consolidated. The Mater Hospital in Dublin Also celebrating was Robert Sheahan (34), from Askeaton in Co Limerick, who was the first person in Ireland to receive a liver and lung transplant. He suffered from cystic fibrosis and had a major downturn in health in 2018, when his lungs collapsed three times. He was lucky enough to have the double transplant the following year, with teams from St Vincents Hospital and the Mater doing the surgery. He received his lung and liver transplant on the day that he was put on the active transplant list. I am working part-time and my health is improving all the time Being immunocompromised, he was hit hard by the Covid pandemic, and had to remain isolated for more than two years. But he said his health is now very good and he is able to do things that he loves, such as training in the gym and taking short trips abroad. I am working part-time too and my health is improving all the time, he said. He never forgets the generosity of donors and their families who have given him and others as second chance. Lyndsey Barrett, a mother of one from Clarehall, Dublin 13, received a double lung transplant last year. She had spent six weeks in hospital two years ago and by June 2023 was reliant on oxygen due to her autoimmune disease. She was discharged just a month after her operation. Ms Barrett said she feels like a new person, and is aiming to return to work in September. Former interior designer and architect Mohammed Abdulla, who is originally from Egypt and lives in Kingswood, Dublin 24, got a new lung in 2023. In order to be placed on the transplant list, he had to reduce his body weight and improve his overall health. He undertook a rigorous weight-loss regimen, losing 40kg in six months However, the Covid-19 pandemic delayed his surgery. He suffered post-transplant complications but is now enjoying good health. As part of the programmes 20th anniversary, the hospital is encouraging the public to consider the life-saving impact of organ donation. Delivering a lung transplant takes resources, skill, dedication and most of all, sacrifice Debilitating breathlessness affects thousands of people of all ages, Professor Karen Redmond, consultant thoracic and lung transplant surgeon at the Mater, said. It is horrible to recognise that some are actively dying. Organ donation is their only hope. Delivering a lung transplant takes resources, skill, dedication and most of all, sacrifice. The national transplant unit at the Mater is proud to celebrate 20 years of care today. This operation is truly life-changing. Mater Hospital chief executive Josephine Ryan Leacy said: What began as a bold step 20 years ago has become a world-class national centre, made possible by clinical excellence, compassion, and above all, the generosity of organ donors and their families. Fifth retention bid for dwelling built without permission has been refused The house owned by Chris and Rose Murray at Faughan Hill, Bohermeen, Co Meath, which was built without permission from the county council A planning consultant has accused Meath County Council of punishing a couple for building a rural house after their fifth bid for retention for a property they built without permission was refused. Rose Murray and Chris Murray have proposed a series of changes to their home in Faughan Hill, Bohermeen, which would reduce the size of the property from 526 sq m to 259 sq m. Their latest application sought to demolish a carport, an attached domestic garage area with a living area overhead, a single-storey living room projection and balcony. There would be an overall reduction of the floor area, while the plans also included permission for the construction of a new single-storey dining space. These modifications have been carefully considered to ensure the dwelling is more proportionate, context-sensitive, and respectful of its rural setting, the application form said. However, Meath County Council disagreed. It said the revised design fails to align with the Meath Rural House Design Guide. The council also viewed that the house has contributed to excessive development, which has eroded the character of this rural area. Ms Murray has now appealed to An Bord Pleanala, with a decision due by August 8. In an 82-page document, Brendan Buck of BPS Planning Consultants, who is acting as a consultant for Ms Murray, has put forward a series of arguments for the board to consider. He has stated that demolishing the Murrays home would have a catastrophic effect and cause the family to become homeless during a housing crisis. We do not consider there to be sufficient basis to warrant refusal BPS supports the retention of the existing dwelling on the basis that while design-educated planners may not like aspects of the house design and may feel our client should be punished for unauthorised development, we do not consider there to be sufficient basis to warrant refusal, the appeal document states. Mr Buck said the family have lived in the house for over 15 years and it is the only home they have ever had. He has submitted that demolishing 267 sq m of their property is a significant punishment for anyone to be subjected to. Over the years, the house has remained a family home, he said. While it may be argued that they have lived in an unauthorised dwelling, it is nonetheless the case that this is their home and Article 40 of the Constitution requires that An Bord Pleanala determine if in this case Meath County Councils decision [which would cause the loss of their home, homelessness and demolition] would represent a proportionate interference with their property rights. In its latest refusal, the council said the proposed development would give rise to excessive density of development in a rural area lacking public services. The house even with the alterations is considered to be out of keeping with and inappropriate in this rural environment. The council also had concerns that the subject site can cater for the safe effective treatment and disposal of effluent. The house owned by Chris and Rose Murray at Faughan Hill, Bohermeen, Co Meath, which was built without permission from the county council News in 90 Seconds - May 18th Concerns were also raised that granting retention would set an undesirable precedent for further unauthorised developments. However, Mr Buck submitted that the Murrays experience which has been well documented in the media would deter people from building a house without planning in the future. He argued that the house, if the proposed alterations are carried out, is compliant with the national planning framework, sustainable rural housing guidelines and the Meath County Development Plan. There is no unwritten rule against new rural housing at this location The council was also accused of granting permission to others in the area. Meath County Council has granted permission to others in this area since refusing permission to our client. Therefore there is no unwritten rule against new rural housing at this location and previous statements made by An Bord Pleanala that the area is possibly characterised by too high a density of rural housing must be viewed in this context, the appeal letter states. We trust that everything is in order, and we look forward to receiving a favourable decision from the board in due course. For the last two decades, the Murrays have been battling through the courts after building the house without permission. They also lodged a separate appeal after the High Court dismissed their bid to prevent the demolition of the property. In 2006, Mr Murray applied for permission for a dormer bungalow-style dwelling. Ms Murray previously told the Irish Independent that they were given assurances that there would be no problem securing planning before they bought the site. But their application was refused because the council had concerns about density and wastewater. It also referenced a sterilisation agreement which allegedly meant no other houses could be built on that land. Frustrated after having previous applications on two different sites also refused, the Murrays responded by building a house that was nearly twice the size of the original dormer they applied for. In the years that have followed, five bids for retention have been refused. Four of the applications sought to reduce the size of the house. Last year, An Bord Pleanala rejected another appeal by Ms Murray after she proposed reducing the size of the house by 166 sq m. The Murrays issued High Court proceedings against the council in 2022, where they sought to set aside previous orders mandating the removal of the unauthorised development. They had alleged there were procedural and substantive irregularities by the council. However, Mr Justice Conor Dignams judgment, which was published last November, stated that he was compelled to conclude that the claim should be struck out because he agreed with the councils argument that it was frivolous, vexatious and an abuse of process. The Murrays legal action sought to pause High Court and Supreme Court enforcement orders that would see their home demolished. They argued new evidence had come to light which invalidated the initial planning refusals for their home. Mr Justice Dignam did not agree and dismissed the claim. The matter was appealed to the Court of Appeal in January. In the meantime, Ms Murray again applied for retention. Following the councils refusal, an appeal was lodged with An Bord Pleanala. In a previous interview with the Irish Independent, Rose Murray said they regretted the decision to build the house without permission. She felt, however, that it would be ludicrous to knock down the property in the middle of a housing crisis. In 2020, the couple agreed before the High Court to settle. As part of the settlement, where it was alleged they were in contempt of a court order to demolish the property, they undertook to vacate the family home, and agreed it should be demolished by September 24, 2022. Weve had birthday parties, graduations, celebrations and wakes in this house However, at the 11th hour, they sought to halt the demolition in light of new evidence. The Murrays said they had only agreed to a settlement in 2020 as Mr Murrays mother was seriously ill at the time and they did not want to further engage in court proceedings. She passed away during the pandemic. Weve had birthday parties, graduations, celebrations and wakes in this house, Ms Murray said. It has been our family home for 17 years. Weve been farming the land and now have 30 cows and have been growing our crops. Its the only family home weve ever known. When contacted, Meath County Council said it cannot comment on this matter at this time as it relates to a planning application which is currently under consideration by An Bord Pleanala. A republican source in rural Monaghan told us: I know weve been down this road before, but I honestly believe this time we have Joe Lynskey Joe Lynskey with the Price sisters in Say Nothing This is the spot at Annyall Cemetery where Fragments of human remains were discovered by Independent Commission for the Location of Victims this week as the search continues for Joe Lynskey. This is the spot at Annyall Cemetery where fragments of human remains were discovered by Independent Commission for the Location of Victims this week as the search continues for Joe Lynskey Hopes were high last night that the remains of Disappeared IRA man Joe Lynskey have finally been found, the Sunday World has learned. On Tuesday, we were made aware that a convoy of Garda vehicles and a number of black Mercedes cars had assembled near the grave of the Comiskey family in a small Catholic cemetery at Annyalla, Co Monaghan. It came five months after six bodies were exhumed from the family grave of Bishop Brendan Comiskey. However, in March the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains (ICLVR) revealed that DNA tests confirmed that Lynskey was not one of them. The 40-year-old former Cistersian monk from Belfast was killed and secretly buried by the IRA in 1972. The Sunday World can reveal that human remains which were removed from the cemetery this week were 30 yards from the Comiskey plot, where Bishop Comiskey was buried earlier this month. This is the spot at Annyall Cemetery where fragments of human remains were discovered by Independent Commission for the Location of Victims this week as the search continues for Joe Lynskey Its a remote and silent spot, shaded yesterday by a lone hawthorn in full bloom of mayflower. Just a short distance away, boys and girls were inside the adjoining St Michaels church making their First Communion. And last night, a republican source in rural Monaghan told us: I know weve been down this road before, but I honestly believe this time we have Joe Lynskey. He added: Its in all our interests that we do all we can to facilitate the finding of the bodies of the Disappeared. Late on Friday afternoon And following an inquiry from the Sunday World, the ICLVR issued a statement to the press that partial human remains had been discovered. Eamon Henry, lead investigator of the ICLVR, said: Following the recent exhumation at Annyalla Cemetery in relation to the search for Joe Lynskey, information came to the ICLVR indicating another small area of interest within the confines of the cemetery. This was not another family grave site. The search continues for Joe Lynskey I want to emphasise that this information did not relate directly to the disappearance of Joe Lynskey and until we have positive identification or the elimination of the remains of Joe Lynskey, or any of the other Disappeared, we have to keep an open mind. Joe Lynskey News in 90 Seconds - May 18th Mr Henry also said he was aware the hopes of the Lynskey family had been raised once before, only to be disappointed. And he cautiously added: The process of identification could take some time and we will continue to offer the family what support we can. Garda officers remained at the graveyard on Tuesday and Wednesday, while specially trained experts brought in a small digger machine to begin a new search operation. Last December, Bishop Comiskey had personally given the go-ahead for the search to take place at his familys grave, bearing the bodies of his mother and father and other members of his family. And when Bishop Comiskey was buried there, the family plot was closed for good. It had previously been wrongly believed that the IRA had taken advantage of a tragedy at the Comiskey family farm to cover up the fate of Joe Lynskey. Lynskey had gone missing from his west Belfast home around the same time that Bishop Brendan Comiskeys mother Clare died in fire at the family farm at Tasson, near Annyalla. Former bishop of Ferns Brendan Comiskey pictured during a confirmation cermony in 1997 . Photo P.J.Browne When her elderly husband Patrick went off to summons help, Mrs Comiskey re-entered the blazing farmhouse in an effort to retrieve valuables. Lynskey went missing from his home in the Beechmount area of west Belfast in 1972. He was driven to Monaghan town by IRA volunteer Dolours Price. And on the journey, he shared with her the trail of debris he had left in his wake, which almost sparked a full-scale feud within rival factions of the republican movement. Lynskey had previously been in the IRA during the failed Border Campaign. And when violence erupted on the streets of Belfast in the early 1970s, he joined the Provisional IRA. As he was older and had some weapons experience, he was appointed to senior post with a number of younger men under his command. Soon afterwards, he became infatuated with the wife of a young IRA member. And in an effort to get rid of his love rival, he ordered another IRA volunteer to shoot the womans husband dead. The order was carried out, but it was botched and the targeted man survived. He approached a number of leading Provos and he told them Lynskey had ordered him to be shot because he was having and affair with his wife. But Lynskey had already told his IRA bosses that the shooting was the work of the Official IRA, which at the time was as powerful as the Provos. The Provo leadership had already ordered a number of retaliatory attacks on the Officials. Joe Lynskey with the Price sisters in Say Nothing But when the full truth emerged, Lynskey was court marshalled and ordered to travel to Monaghan until the IRA decided his fate. On the journey across the border, Dolours Price later revealed how she felt sorry for her passenger, even offering to leave him off at a cross-channel ferry terminal, but Lynskey insisted he had to take his medicine. The journey scene was re-enacted in the recent Disney+ series Say Nothing. In Monaghan, Lynskey was dropped off at the Park Street home of a well-known republican family related to legendary IRA figure Fergal OHanlon, who was shot dead in 1957 attacking Brookeborough RUC barracks in Co Fermanagh. We recently learned that although Lynskey was under IRA orders, he wasnt a prisoner and he was free to come and go as he pleased. In the evenings, Lynskey prayed a lot and he enjoyed discussions about Irish history with Einaghan OHanlon Fergals brother as they ate home-made bread and drank tea. We learned from republican members who knew Lynskey that he was resigned to his fate and he was fully aware that one day he would pay the ultimate price for trying to deceive the IRA leadership. Eventually, an order came from Belfast saying he was to be shot dead. But local volunteers who had come to know him and liked him refused to carry it out. In the end a number of IRA gunmen from Belfast were despatched to Monaghan to carry out dirty deed. According to our sources, Lynskey asked to be buried in consecrated ground. And his killers took him to the cemetery at Annyalla where they shot him dead. As DNA testing on the remains found there this week begin, many of Lynskeys old republican friends are praying and hoping the tests prove positive. As well as Lynskey, the commission is also tasked with finding three other victims County Tyrone teenager Columba McVeigh, British army Captain Robert Nairac and Seamus Maguire, who was in his mid-20s and last seen in a bar in Aghagallan, Co Antrim. Anyone with information on the four outstanding Disappeared cases, can contact the Commission on 00 353 1 602 8655 or by email to secretary@iclvr.ie or by post to ICLVR, PO box 10827, Dublin, Ireland. Charlie Ward was charged after police received a report of a motorist impersonating a police officer by using flashing lights to stop another vehicle Charlie Ward was charged after police received a report of a motorist impersonating a police officer by using flashing lights to stop another vehicle at the Crankill Road dual-carriageway near Ballymena. This is the Co Down driver accused of pretending to be a cop and flashing down another driver A man accused of posing as a cop and using flashing lights to flag down another driver has told this paper it was just a prank. Charlie Ward was charged after police received a report of a motorist impersonating a police officer by using flashing lights to stop another vehicle at the Crankill Road dual-carriageway near Ballymena last year. The 21-year-old, with an address listed as Downpatrick Road, Killough, Co Down, is charged with impersonating a police officer on December 28. During the alleged incident the driver of the other car pulled over believing Ward was the PSNI but grew suspicious when Ward was unable to provide any ID to confirm this. Ward was driving an Audi A3 and a police report at the time of the incident, which was released to the press, stated there were two other men in the back of his car. It also said that even after the person had driven off after becoming concerned, Ward continued to follow the driver. This is the Co Down driver accused of pretending to be a cop and flashing down another driver News in 90 Seconds - May 18th Speaking to the Sunday World this week, a sheepish Ward said: It was just a prank I didnt realise how serious it would turn out to be but here we are. He said hed be pleading guilty to the charges but didnt know when the next hearing was scheduled. And he added politely: I regret it big time dont suppose theres anyway you can keep it out of the paper? The particulars of the charge are with intent to deceive impersonated a member of the police force, or makes a statement or did an act calculated falsely to suggest that he was such a member, contrary to Section 67(1) Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998. Ward is further accused of driving dangerously on roads, according to the charge sheet, between Crankill Road and Sandyknowes on the M2 motorway on December 28. Court News NI reported the case was mentioned at Ballymena Magistrates Court this week. No details were given to the court about the background to the charges and the case was adjourned to later this month to get the defendants attitude to the charges he faces. Charlie Ward was charged after police received a report of a motorist impersonating a police officer by using flashing lights to stop another vehicle at the Crankill Road dual-carriageway near Ballymena. In December police issued a press release saying they received a report of a man impersonating a police officer in the Ballymena area. Chief Inspector Redmond said: We received a report at approximately 7.30pm on Saturday, 28th December that a dark-coloured Audi A3, driven by a man, used flashing lights to stop another car in the Crankill Road area. The member of the public believed this to be a police vehicle and pulled over. However, he became suspicious when the man could not produce any form of official police identification and was not wearing a uniform. We understand two other men were also in the back of the car. He subsequently drove off and was followed by the suspicious vehicle for a short time before reporting what happened to police. An extra $18,000 for kiwifruit growers and access to international funding to further develop a new line of sustainable sportswear. These are two Bay of Plenty results of the European Union-New Zealand free-trade agreement, signed one year ago. The EUs Ambassador to New Zealand, Lawrence Meredith, visited Rotorua with Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay this month, promoting the agreement (FTA) to businesses and marking its first birthday. A free-trade agreement is, at the end of the day, just a piece of paper, Meredith said. We wanted businesses in New Zealand to know what the benefits are. He said the deal had resulted in the kiwifruit industry netting an additional $18,000 a year, per grower, since it was ratified in Parliament last May. McClay, also MP for Rotorua, said exports of Kiwi goods to the EU surged by 28% in the first year of the FTA. In the last 12 months, our goods exports to the EU surged from $3.8 billion to over $4.8b. The FTA immediately removed 91% of duties on New Zealand exports, climbing to 97% after seven years. Wine, seafood and a range of other products also benefited from significant tariff reductions. Our growing network of trade agreements means exporters now have more choices about where to sell their world-class products, McClay said. While the FTA benefited agriculture and many of New Zealands primary industries, it also significantly focused on climate change and renewable energy. Meredith said: The European Union is globally leading on climate and renewable energies, an important part of the energy mix, much discussed here in New Zealand. Trade Minister Todd McClay with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at Parliament earlier this month. Photo / Marty Melville New Zealand was also seen as a big contributor in several industries, including finance and pharmaceutical technologies, leading the globe with rocket launches, he said. Ive been blown away by whats happening in aerospace and defence. He said the FTA would increase economic partnerships and offer exchanges of cultural and educational values. During Merediths visit to Rotorua, he visited Crown Research Institute Scion, which specialises in forestry, industrial biotechnology and advanced manufacturing. It will soon be merged into the new Bioeconomy Science Institute. Ambassador Meredith praised New Zealand's global leadership in rocket launches, led by companies such as Rocket Lab. Scion also hosted members of Team Europe, a group of investors interested in New Zealands bioeconomy, which derives products, services and processes from natural resources such as wood. Meredith said Scion scientists worked with five EU member states: Belgium, France, Italy, Portugal and Sweden. One innovation to come out of the international collaboration was Scion developing sustainable sportswear. It was made of electrically conductive textiles, creating high-performance clothing for biking, Scion chief operating officer Florian Graichen said. The Scion building in Rotorua. Photo / RNZ So that is abrasion and tear-resistant, waterproof and ultimately biodegradable. The FTA meant Scion could tap into the $179b (95b) Horizon Europe, a scientific research initiative to help develop sustainable living, Graichen said. Scion always had a wide international network that allowed it to run multimillion-dollar, multi-year projects because funding could move freely across borders. He said new opportunities arising from the FTA would allow New Zealand to contribute more. New European funding also meant classic Kiwi ingenuity could be taken to the world stage. The Government has announced a funding boost for Maori Wardens, recognising their long-standing role in supporting community safety and social wellbeing. Maori Development Minister Tama Potaka, Associate Police Minister Casey Costello and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters confirmed on Friday that Budget 2025 includes $1.5 million in new annual funding for the volunteer-led service, lifting total support to $2.7 million per year. Maori Wardens have been a trusted presence across Aotearoa for more than 150 years, often providing quiet leadership during some of the countrys most challenging times. Maori Wardens offer a friendly face when times are tough, Minister for Maori Development Tama Potaka said. Theyve supported whanau nationwide for more than 150 years, providing training programmes for youth, food to those in need, and help in tough times like COVID-19 lockdowns and recent flooding events. There are currently more than 500 Wardens active across New Zealand, assisting with everything from keeping rangatahi in school to de-escalating conflict in the community. These services rely heavily on volunteers, Potaka said. Today we are ensuring they receive extra support, including transport and training for volunteers, and greater administrative support for staff to manage service coordination and, in some areas, expanding services to help meet the need. Deputy Prime Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters said the funding honours a commitment made in the coalition agreement between National and New Zealand First, and recognises the unique role Wardens play in maintaining social cohesion. Maori Wardens are a huge asset to New Zealands social cohesion and the prevention of social dislocation before it happens, Peters said. Associate Police Minister Casey Costello highlighted the mana that Wardens carry within their communities. Maori Wardens hold significant mana in our communities and make an important contribution to community safety alongside Police and other groups, Costello said. Because they are so closely connected to their communities, they can be a familiar, caring and calming presence in sometimes stressful situations. The extra funding will also support Warden efforts at major national events, such as Waitangi Day and Poukai. Hundreds of close contacts of the measles case in Auckland have been contacted by Health New Zealand (HNZ) over the past week, in an attempt to contain the risk of the virus spreading in the city. On 11 May, HNZ announced that it had identified a measles case in Auckland which was linked to overseas travel. The case was first confirmed on 10 May. Measles is highly contagious and up to 90 percent of non-immune people (those who have not been vaccinated or have not already had it) will be infected if they are exposed to the virus. About 80 percent of New Zealanders are immune - well below the 95 percent coverage needed to prevent an outbreak. HNZ said it had reached out to 286 close contacts since, and 78 of those people are in quarantine as a precautionary measure. So far, 19 of the close contacts are waiting for blood test results to confirm their measles immunity status. HNZ said it had offered and encouraged MMR vaccinations to anyone identified in the process as non-immune. The agency said it had delivered 50 food packages to people in quarantine who could not access food. HNZ has confirmed 17 exposure events across Auckland - most of which took place on Fullers360 ferry sailings between Auckland CBD, Devonport, Rangitoto and Half Moon Bay on 5 May. Other locations include a CBD carpark on Customs Street, Unichem pharmacy in New Lynn, a Pak'nSave supermarket in Mt Albert, and a Woolworths supermarket in Kelston. The national clinical director of protection at the National Public Health Service, Dr Susan Jack, said their staff had been making phone calls, sending texts and emails, and in some cases door-knocking to follow up on close contacts. She said the virus was highly contagious and an infected person can infect as many as 12 to 18 other people on average. "Our teams have focussed on moving as quickly as possible to reduce the spread," she said. Jack said anyone identified as non-immune during the contact tracing process have been asked to quarantine. "Vaccination with two doses of the MMR vaccine remains the absolute best protection against becoming seriously unwell with measles. "The vaccine is 99 percent effective after two doses and for most people there's no risk in having an extra dose if it's needed. Now is the time for you and your whanau to check if you're protected against measles, and to get immunised if you're not, or if you're unsure." She said it was especially important for infants and young children, and adults who were born or lived in New Zealand between 1969 and 2004 (now aged between 21 and 56), who may not be fully protected, to check their immunisation status. Jack also encouraged anyone planning to travel internationally to make sure they were vaccinated against measles - given the risks over outbreaks in many countries. A family living in a rental significantly affected by mould desperately wanted to move out, but they were torn because it was the only house they had ever lived in with their baby, who died at the property. But when they found more mould in two of the bedrooms it was the final straw and they left the home in September. Moving out of the Waihi property was bittersweet, a woman told the Tenancy Tribunal at a hearing in March this year, where she claimed her former landlord failed to maintain the home to comply with all building codes and health and safety requirements. According to the subsequent decision, the womans baby daughter had died at the property in mid-2023. There was no suggestion in the decision that the death was in any way related to the ongoing issues at the property. However, the woman, who has name suppression, had another baby last year and was on high alert for any defects that could cause harm to her children. She told [the tribunal] that she was torn, she really wanted to leave the property, but it was bittersweet as that was the only house she had ever lived in with her baby who had passed, the decision stated. It said that because the woman was simultaneously grieving and adjusting to life with a new baby, making decisions like moving was even more difficult. Landlord fixed previous issues himself The decision detailed how the woman had previously made similar claims against the landlord, who cannot be named, to the tribunal. Following the earlier claims, she and the landlord settled in March last year after the landlord accepted that the house was leaking through broken cladding on the outside of the property and there was extensive mould growth throughout the house, walls, ceiling and carpet. At the time, the landlords property managers agreed to fix the defects. However, after the settlement, the landlord cancelled his agreement with the property managers and took over managing the property himself. He also set about completing the work that was agreed to. The landlord had fixed the cladding, removed the mouldy carpet, and relaid the flooring by the end of April last year. He also installed an extra concrete pile on the property. In May last year, a compliance officer confirmed the landlord appeared to have remedied the issues. The officer advised that, as the work was completed, the woman should start paying full rent of $610. The rent had abated to $490 while the landlord completed the work. But the woman was uncomfortable with how the work had been done. She was concerned it had not been completed to a tradesman-like standard and said there was still an issue with mould in one of the bedrooms. It grew on clothing hanging in the wardrobe and could be seen in the joins between the ceiling and the walls. She told the tribunal that when she raised concerns with the landlord, he said the mould had only come from leaks at the property and they had been fixed. He said the timber had dried out and had been treated with mould repellent and remover, and there should be no further issues. In June, she notified the landlord of cracks appearing in the lounge wall and questioned whether the house was shifting or if it was caused by a water leak. The landlord asked her to keep an eye on it. Two months later, the woman pulled away a dresser in a different bedroom, where her teenager slept, and discovered mould on the walls and carpet, and that the carpet had rotted. She decided that was the final straw and gave her notice to end the tenancy. House still required major work Meanwhile, the womans partner got on the roof and discovered water pooling in the same places as the leaks in both bedrooms. The landlord had a builder at the property two days before the tenancy ended. The woman told the tribunal at the recent hearing that the builder advised there were numerous problems at the property, including the leaking roof. The landlord did not provide the tribunal with the builders report but acknowledged the house required major work, which was yet to be completed. The tribunal, which could only consider the issues that arose since last years settlement, found the mould was caused by leaking in the roof and water coming in through rotten window frames. It ruled that the landlord had failed to address the leaks and issues with water ingress and mould. The previous claim illustrated that there were significant problems with mould and water ingress at the property, the decision stated. Given the nature and the extent of the issues at the property, [the tribunal considers] that a reasonable landlord would have conducted a thorough inspection of the property and obtained a builders report on the condition of the property at that time. It ruled that the landlord should not have taken a wait-and-watch approach, and that he was obliged to consider all the potential causes of the mould problem, not just what he thought was the cause. Several issues were taken into account when considering compensation, including the stress and inconvenience the property issues caused the woman, and that she had to take matters into her own hands, such as by checking the roof and windows. It also considered the constant anxiety she experienced by wondering what was causing the mould, if the landlord had correctly fixed the issues, and the effect it was having, or could have, on her and her children, especially her young baby. The landlord was ordered to pay the woman $900 in compensation, covering from March last year to when the tenancy ended. Tara Shaskey joined NZME in 2022 and is currently an assistant editor and reporter for the Open Justice team. She has been a reporter since 2014 and previously worked at Stuff covering crime and justice, arts and entertainment, and Maori issues. After more than three decades as a lifeline for many in the Tauranga area, the Hillier Centre in Mount Maunganui is closing its doors. The Gloucester Rd centre has been a vital hub for individuals and families facing financial hardship, social challenges, health issues, and behavioural concerns. Its closure marks the end of an era for one of the regions longest-standing community service facilities. The Hillier Centre. Photo/David Hall Established in 1986, the Hillier Centre has been home to a diverse range of organisations, from social service providers and health agencies to community-based charities and clubs. Over the years, it offered counselling, mental and physical health support, parenting programmes, community corrections services, and spaces for community groups to gather. The closure is a result of the building being sold by Perpetual Guardian, which manages The Hillier Bequest Charitable Trust, to Metlifecare in 2022. A Metlifecare spokesperson confirmed Metlifecare purchased the Hillier Centre in 2022 from Perpetual Guardian and has worked with the occupants to keep them informed throughout the process. Service relocations The closure has prompted several organisations to relocate. Tauranga Family Works, a key tenant, is moving its operations to 126 Eleventh Ave in Tauranga South. Their new premises will officially open on May 12, offering continued access to essential services such as counselling and social work services for children and families, Women Against Violence Education (WAVE), Social Workers in Schools, Parenting Through Separation and the Restore programme. Wairua a Hinuera stone and metal painted sculpture by Peter Crammond installed in 1989 stands three metres high in the grounds of the Hillier Centre. Photo/David Hall Enliven, which provides home-based support and individualised funding, will also move into the new facility, uniting the services in a more central, purpose-built location. Advantages of moving include a more central location for clients, ground floor access, greater service visibility, a purpose-built fit-out for our Family Works and Enliven teams and more opportunity for our teams to work together, said a spokesperson for Presbyterian Support Northern, which manages both Family Works and Enliven. Meanwhile, Headway Brain Injury Association BOP Inc. has already relocated to 53 Fraser St, co-locating with Breast Cancer Support Services. Dianne Beveridge, who worked for Headway Brain Injury Association BOP Inc. at the Hillier Centre for over 30 years. Photo/ David Hall. Headways longtime employee Dianne Beveridge, who retired last year after more than 30 years with the organisation, reflected on the transition. We were initially told in 2023 that the Hillier Centre had been sold, but it wasnt until later that the final move-out date was confirmed, she said. It was unsettling at first. We had to find another not-for-profit, charity-priced rental, which wasnt easy. But were very happy with the new space. Positive Spirit Lives, a 1986 three-metre papier-mache, acrylic and paua shell artwork by Peter Crammond in the foyer of the Hillier Centre. Photo/ David Hall. The Department of Corrections is also affected. Their Community Corrections service centre has been operating at the Hillier Centre since 2009, providing reintegration programmes and managing individuals serving community sentences. Corrections general manager Brent Reilly confirmed the current tenancy agreement, managed through Presbyterian Support Northern, expires on May 31. Although the department had hoped to renew the lease through September 2025, he said the building owner, Metlifecare, requested the space back. We are confident of securing space in the Mount Maunganui/Papamoa community before the end of May. If there were to end up being a temporary period between leaving our current property and moving to a new one, we will still be able to provide comprehensive support and oversight of the people we manage, in the community and through our three offices in Tauranga and our office in Te Puke. A legacy of love and community service The Hillier Centres origins lie in a love story that spanned continents and decades. The facility was established through a charitable bequest by Lieutenant Colonel Victor Florian Hillier and his wife, Hilda Helen Halliday Hillier. The couple emigrated to New Zealand from India in 1946 after long careers in military and civil service under the British Empire. Initially envisioned as a sheltered workshop for people with physical disabilities in the Mount Maunganui area, the Hilliers legacy evolved into something much broader. After their passing in the 1970s, trustees of the Hillier Trust partnered with the Tauranga Hospital Board and Presbyterian Support Northern to build a community-focused centre that opened in 1986. In 1995, the centre was renamed simply The Hillier Centre, and its mission was updated: To provide a safe place where people in our community can explore options and access resources that will enhance their health and wellbeing. A community pillar for decades The Hillier Centre stood as a uniquely independent, non-governmental and non-council funded facilityan increasingly rare model in New Zealands social services landscape. It accommodated many health and support organisations, offering office and consulting space, training venues, and meeting rooms for groups ranging from counselling services to fitness and card clubs. With space to host over 100 people across its meeting and interview rooms, the centre adapted to the growing needs of the community over time. Its last building extension was completed in 2001, and its strategic location close to bus routes - between Baywave TECT Aquatic Centre and Somerville Retirement Village - made it accessible to many. Hundreds of people passed through its doors each week. Whether seeking help for mental health, escaping violence, managing physical rehabilitation, or simply needing a place to belong, the Hillier Centre was a safe harbour. ADDIS ABABA, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has expressed "deep concern" over the recent deadly armed clashes in Tripoli, the capital of Libya. Noting the armed clashes that have resulted in loss of life and damage to property, the AU Commission chief, in a statement issued late Saturday, stressed the importance of demilitarizing Tripoli. Welcoming the recent cease-fire and the return of cautious calm, he urged all parties to refrain from actions or statements that could further destabilize the fragile security situation. Youssouf also reiterated the AU's support for efforts aimed at restoring civilian order and upholding the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression in line with international law. He called for national responsibility and engagement in a comprehensive political process to end Libya's prolonged transitional phase and achieve lasting peace and development. The chairperson reaffirmed the AU's strong support for Libya and urged all stakeholders to commit to the National Reconciliation Charter, signed in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa in February. On Thursday, Libya's Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) said the security situation in the capital has returned to stability, following two days of violent clashes between rival factions that left at least six people dead. Libya has remained divided since the 2011 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)-backed uprising, with rival governments in Tripoli and the east. Within Tripoli and other areas under the control of the GNU, armed factions continue to compete for influence, often violently, despite repeated calls for disarmament and the unification of security institutions. Eli Ricks #23 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field on December 8, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) Getty Images Ivanka Trump may be married to Jared Kushner, but shes not against staying friendly with her admirers, namely Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Eli Ricks. On Friday, President Trumps second-born child and former advisor toured the Eagles training base with her son, Theodore Kushner. During her visit, she seemingly was on the lookout for Ricks, who had vocalized his attraction to her on X last month. Donald trump daughter is beautiful d--m, Ricks wrote on April 28, the day the Eagles celebrated their Super Bowl win at the White House. In a follow-up post, he gushed over her even more, writing: After seeing her in person Ivanka is exactly my type. When Ivanka couldnt find him during her visit yesterday, she left him a note by his locker, which she shared photos of in an X post. Missed you today @eliasricks," she wrote alongside a photo of her handwritten note, which read, Stopped by to say hi! Sorry to miss you! Go Birds! She also included a snap of his locker, which was packed with clothes. Ricks responded to Ivankas post with, My apologies, I owe you a glass of wine now xx! Naturally, users on X couldnt help but make jokes about the cheeky interaction between the pair. Send her a bottle of wine wrapped in your jersey, wrote one fan to Ricks. Another advised the cornerback: Bro clean your locker. You dont have a shot with a chick like that if thats how your room looks. While Ivanka shares three children with Kushner, who shes been married to since 2009, Ricks seems to be quite literally playing the field. While hes never publicly commented on his political views, he posted pictures of himself alongside a portrait of Trump during his White House visit last month. A witness provided police with a video of the man before he went missing after jumping in the Oswego River early Saturday May 17, 2025, police said. Provided photo Update 8:29 p.m.: Police are still searching for Jomuel Rodriguez Fuentes in the Oswego River as of Monday, according to Oswego Police Chief Phillip Cady. His body has not been recovered at this time, he said. Original story: Oswego, N.Y. Oswego police have released the name of a 14-year-old boy they presume is dead after jumping into the Oswego River Saturday. Jomuel Rodriguez Fuentes, of Oswego, reportedly jumped from the Utica Street bridge into the river. His body has not been recovered, according to a news release from Oswego police. Officers said they were able to locate Jomuel just north of the Bridge Street bridge and threw him a life ring. He was pulled under by a fast-moving current before the fire department rescue boat could arrive, police said. Police are still utilizing search and recovery efforts in and around the Oswego River, harbor and associated shoreline, police said. Police said the search area is large and that their efforts have been hampered by multiple environmental factors. The police department clinician and Oswego City School District representatives have been working with the family to assist, police said. Police ask that anyone with information contact the Oswego Police Department at 315-342-8120. Staff writer Darian Stevenson covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at dstevenson@syracuse.com Syracuse, N.Y. More than 600 graduates crossed the stage for Onondaga Community Colleges commencement on Saturday. About 660 students were eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday at the SRC arena on campus, said Roger Mirabito, a spokesperson for OCC. Gov. Kathy Hochul dropped by last week to meet with the editorial board and syracuse.com editors and reporters. We peppered her with questions on a number of topics. Here are three takeaways from our discussion. Upstates new emergency room became a top priority. Hochul initially blanched at the State University of New Yorks budget request for $450 million to replace the overburdened emergency room at Upstate University Hospital, plus build a new burn treatment center and operating rooms. The governors budget proposal included $200 million to start the project, with a promise to come up with $250 million more in next years budget. Hochul said there was never a question that the entire project would be funded; it was a matter of doing it over one budget cycle or two. She changed her mind after visiting the hospital recently. Touring the facility and talking to patients lined up on gurneys in the hallways and the doctors and everybody, I went back, and I looked at my budget director and said lets just do it, she said. People get a little cynical. If you say its $200 million, theyll say, Well never get the other part. The local legislative delegation also lobbied hard for the funding, as did the editorial board. Now its on Upstate to execute an expansion plan -- pronto. When asked why its so hard to build things in New York, Hochul said: Im frustrated with the pace of things. I dont want to hear any more excuses about why things are taking so long. The governor promised she would provide oversight, requiring someone to report directly to her on the progress. She also could help by instructing her Health Department to move quickly on the regulatory approvals. Lets get the ER project moving. Federal money for Micron appears safe for now. During the campaign, President Donald Trump attacked the Chips and Science Act, which is providing federal incentives for Micron Technology to build a semiconductor complex in the town of Clay. In two meetings with the president, Hochul said she impressed upon him just how important the Chips Act is to New York. You talk about bringing businesses and manufacturing back to this country. This is what were doing, the governor said she told Trump. I need you to leave that alone. Hochul said the project hasnt encountered any roadblocks from federal agencies and that Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has spoken to Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra a number of times. The president is hearing from the right people about that. Thats one area I dont worry about right now. I think well be fine. That confidence is encouraging. Lets all hope Trump doesnt change his mind. New York governor Kathy Hochul sits down with the Post-Standard | Syracuse.com editorial board Monday, May 12, 2025. Left to right: Marie Morelli, Douglass Dowty, Marnie Eisenstadt, Chris Baker, Tim Kennedy, Hochul. (N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com) N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com NY wont do feds dirty work on immigration. Staff writer Marnie Eisenstadt reported that a state Department of Transportation inspector called U.S. Border Patrol during a routine Thruway inspection in January to turn in the drivers, who did not speak English. One trucker got deported. The other disappeared into the immigration enforcement system. Calling border patrol violated Hochuls executive order telling state workers not to help federal authorities round up immigrants with no other crime than their entry to the U.S. Its not their job. Its not their job to do that, the governor told us. Hochul said she had a lot of questions and would try to find out more about what happened. It sounds to us like NYSDOT needs to reinforce state policy on immigration enforcement and spell out the consequences of violating it. State Police, who were present at the inspection, did not get involved in referring the drivers to Border Patrol. They obeyed the governors immigration directive. Government employees with the authority to detain people whether they be local law enforcement or truck safety inspectors should not become an extension of federal immigration authorities. Nor should citizens deputize themselves to report people they suspect lack the proper documentation. The Constitution protects everyone, regardless of immigration status, from illegal searches and seizures. The consequences of being wrong can be dire for anyone caught up in Trumps immigration crackdown. About Syracuse.com editorials Editorials represent the collective opinion of the Advance Media New York editorial board. Our opinions are independent of news coverage. Read our mission statement. Members of the editorial board are Tim Kennedy, Trish LaMonte and Marie Morelli. To respond to this editorial: Submit a letter or commentary to letters@syracuse.com. Read our submission guidelines. If you have questions about the Opinions & Editorials section, contact Marie Morelli, editorial/opinion lead, at mmorelli@syracuse.com The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime. People visit the National Museum of Myanmar in Yangon, Myanmar on May 18, 2025. On International Museum Day, the National Museum in Yangon welcomed visitors with quiet excitement as people wandered through its storied halls. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) YANGON, May 18 (Xinhua) -- On International Museum Day, the National Museum in Yangon welcomed visitors with quiet excitement as children, families, students, and international travelers wandered through its storied halls. "This is my third time visiting," said Moe Thuzar, 35. "I've always had a deep interest in Myanmar alphabets and traditional handicrafts." Noting the museum's role as more than just a cultural archive, she said, "Museums help us understand our language, our identity, and they're also a powerful way to share Myanmar's heritage with the rest of the world." For Treasure, a 26-year-old visitor, said that "I brought my student here to help her understand our country's history and culture. It's one thing to learn from textbooks, but seeing actual artifacts brings the past to life," she said. "These items aren't just relics -- they're evidence of how people once lived. From the construction styles of ancient pagodas to the artistic detail in everyday objects, you see the skills and dedication of our ancestors. It's a powerful, emotional experience, like connecting with the spirit of the past through their art." Thin Maung, 36, brought his nieces and nephews along, hoping to inspire a deeper appreciation for national heritage at a young age. "Young people today aren't always interested in museums," he said. "That's why it's important to introduce them early. Once they understand what's inside and why it matters, they're more likely to value and preserve that knowledge." Bo Bo Kyaw, 43, said, "This is my first time entering the museum. I've passed by it many times but never went inside until I saw a video about it on TikTok that brought me here." "I explored the Natural History section, the Prehistoric Myanmar showroom, the Primate Gallery, the Royal Regalia, the Myanmar Ancient Civilization section, the Arts and Crafts exhibit, and the ASEAN Exhibition Room," he said. "Young people should visit and not just take a fleeting look, but observe carefully and reflect. Seeing the ancient inscriptions and sculptures in person. It feels different," he added. International guests also found meaning in Myanmar's museum treasures. A British traveler who only identified him as Reece, said he was struck by the intricate craftsmanship on display. "The lacquerware was beautifully done. You can really see how Myanmar's identity is woven into its art," he said. "The Lion Throne stood out to me the most. It's majestic. I've been traveling alone in Yangon for a few days, and this visit was one of the highlights." Myanmar is actively working to develop its museum sector to meet international standards. Museums are not only places to preserve ancient artifacts and historical relics, but also serve as educational centers, Aye Aye Thin, director of the National Museum (Nay Pyi Taw) said. School visits and teaching programs are regularly organized, helping students connect with history beyond the classroom, she said. International Museum Day, observed every year on May 18, is a global celebration recognized by the International Council of Museums. "To mark this occasion in our country, we are keeping museums open to the public free of charge," she said. This year's theme for International Museum Day is "The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities," she said, adding that "With today's youth growing up in a technology-driven world, museums must blend tradition with innovation to stay relevant." People visit the National Museum of Myanmar in Yangon, Myanmar on May 18, 2025. On International Museum Day, the National Museum in Yangon welcomed visitors with quiet excitement as people wandered through its storied halls. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) People visit the National Museum of Myanmar in Yangon, Myanmar on May 18, 2025. On International Museum Day, the National Museum in Yangon welcomed visitors with quiet excitement as people wandered through its storied halls. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) People visit the National Museum of Myanmar in Yangon, Myanmar on May 18, 2025. On International Museum Day, the National Museum in Yangon welcomed visitors with quiet excitement as people wandered through its storied halls. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) People visit the National Museum of Myanmar in Yangon, Myanmar on May 18, 2025. On International Museum Day, the National Museum in Yangon welcomed visitors with quiet excitement as people wandered through its storied halls. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) A girl visits the National Museum of Myanmar in Yangon, Myanmar on May 18, 2025. On International Museum Day, the National Museum in Yangon welcomed visitors with quiet excitement as people wandered through its storied halls. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) Mr.Perera BHPian Join Date: May 2020 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 111 Thanked: 2,025 Times From riding a Hero Honda CD100 to representing India at the 2024 BMW GS Trophy in Namibia A bit of my motorcycling history My name is Anand Dharesan and for me life has always revolved around motorcycles. During my early childhood, our family never had a car. My father used to have a Hero Honda CD 100 which was our primary mode of transportation. We used to travel everywhere together on that bike. Being the youngest in the family meant I used to get to sit on the fuel tank and enjoy the feeling of wind all over me. Probably those moments were what laid the foundation for the love for riding a motorcycle. That CD 100 was there in the family for almost two decades and I started to learn to ride on that very bike. The Hero Honda CD100 that taught me that happiness is two wheels Like how most items of the elder sibling gets inherited to the younger one, I got my brothers Pulsar 200 when I was 19. I started realising that motorcycling gave me so much freedom and happiness. Later on I moved to Bangalore for college. The best memory of my college life was the 40 odd kms bike ride from my home there to college. Bunking class and going for rides around Bangalore was a usual thing. It was during my second year in college KTM came to India and launched the Duke 200. I was madly in love with the Duke. Being a college student , my only option was to convince my parents to get me one and it turned to be really difficult since my parents were not too keen on my madness towards motorcycling. But I didnt give up and after a lot of effort, in 2012 I finally got the Duke. The real serious motorcycling in my life started after the Duke came. Those good old days with the Duke At that time I was part of the motorcycling group xBhp. There I met many people with the same passion and started going for rides with them. Later on few of us formed a smaller group. And we named our group ADV Souls. Little I knew these friends whom I met only for Sunday rides would become like my family. In 2013 when I got my first job, and my biggest motivation to work was to buy myself a bigger bike ! An inline 4 was my dream and around two years later I got myself a Kawasaki Z800. The Kawasaki Z800, my first 'Big' bike Around that point we were quite bored of the usual weekend rides and decided to try our hands on something new, Thats when we went to BigRock Dirtpark in Kolar to try off roading. And boy it was fun ! My first experience in the dirt was so good, that the off road bug bit me hard, like REAL hard. From one of the off road session at Big Rock Dirtpark 2016 was a very important year in my life with 4 major events. I got married, left my corporate job, went for a K2K ride with my group and later started my entrepreneurial journey. A Kanyakumari to Kashmir ride had been our dream since long and finally we planned to do it in August 2016. Around June that year I applied for a 21 day leave but it was rejected eventhough I had sufficient leaves. The manager told me they need more career focussed people and expected me to focus on my work more. Two months later I packed my bags for the trip, after serving my notice period and saying goodbye to my corporate life. Probaby a very bold decision, but I gave more importance to my passion over anything else. The 23 day trip from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and back was full of so many great memories. Next to Pangong Tso, this trip with our group ADV Souls is still one of the best rides we ever had. Once the trip was over, with no job in hand I moved back to my hometown in Trivandrum. It was really difficult to face my parents and relatives back home, since all of them came to know that I left my job to go for a motorcycle ride. But between all this, my wife always supported me for following my passion. I really didnt want to get into the corporate life back and wasnt too keen on working under someone and I always wanted to start a firm of my own. So later that year, me and 2 friends started a firm in the field of lighting in Trivandrum. During the K2K trip, I got to spend a lot of time with my friends Triumph Tiger 800 and I really loved the Tiger. I felt that the Tiger made so much sense for our roads and my kind of riding. So I decided that the next upgrade will definitely be a Tiger. During a weekend ride with the group, a friend told his plan to sell his bike and get a Tiger. I also got motivated by it and so did another friend. And eventually I sold my Z800, and on May 2017, 3 new Tigers rolled out together from Triumph Kochi showroom. Probably one of the most memorable days for our group. Even the better half was really happy since she could travel in comfort, which was a big problem in the Z800. 3 Tigers cubs joining the family Later on our group did rides to the Northeast and Bhutan in the following years. Since most of us in the group owned Tigers and other adv bikes, we used to regularly attend off road/ adv riding classes. Mainly so that we could improve our skills on handling these big adventure bikes when the terrain gets tough. It was for one such event I met Dev Venkatesh who came as our trainer. Dev is a national level Rally champion and a very skilled rider. The sessions by Dev was a big learning for me. Initially I was really scared to take the big tiger on difficult terrains, but with Devs training I got to learn a lot and slowly got a hang of it. Fear started going away and I began enjoying taking the Tiger off road. In the same year Triumph conducted a Tiger Trails in association with the School of Dirt at Vattavada where the training was done by Ouseph Chacko. All these sessions helped me a lot in developing the cofidence and skill to manage my Tiger off road. Slowly I started taking my Tiger to some serious off roading and that is when I found the limitations of my Tiger. With Dev Venkatesh during one of his training sessions. At Tiger Trails session by School of Dirt Taking the Tiger to places where only 4 wheel jeeps could go Riding up mountains and enjoying the view, cant get better than this The Tiger 800 is a very top heavy motorcycle, also the version I had was the base XR which didnt have the long travel adjustable suspension, nor spoke wheels and also had a very low ground clearance. So the itch to find a better off road ADV bike began. Somethings are meant to be Since the Tiger had its limitations, I was on the lookout for another motorcycle that could replace it. The main requirement was spoke wheels, long travel suspension and something that can do triple digit speeds effortlessly on the highways. The 3 options I had shortliseted were the Tiger 800 XCx, Africa Twin and the Ducati Desert Sled. With a limited budget in hand, I was looking only for pre owned options. Tried the 800 XCx and it still felt really top heavy. The Africa Twin looked like a good option, but the DCT gearbox didnt impress me much also the asking price of the bikes I saw were too high. The Desert Sled looked the part and had the kit, but the lack of any wind protection meant that I could not use it on highways. Around the same time a friend of mine was interested to buy my Tiger and I sold my bike to him. The next few months were quite hard without a bike. I really couldnt find any other options. That is when my friend Karthik suggested me to consider the BMW 1200 GS. Few years back when BMW Kochi showroom started and the good folks brought a 1200 GS Rallye to Trivandum and gave it to me for a day. Boy I was impressed on how effortless the bike was to ride. The way it handled and how it masked the size and weight really impressed me. But the 24 lakhs on road price meant that it was almost doube the price of my Tiger and the GS remained a distant dream. So when Karthik told about the GS, I knew the GS was way above my budget, but he asked me to wait and see if I can do some workaround and stretch my budget a bit. The BMW GS is the dream bike of any adventure motorcylist, and eventually a preowned 1200 GS Rallye came into the shopping list. I asked a friend Tanuj who owns a 1250 GS to check among his circle if any pre owned 1200 GS comes up for sale. After a few days he got back saying there is a 1200 Rallye in Hyderabad showroom up for sale. Its a pre owned bike and the owner exchanged it at the showroom for a new 1250. The next day I called up Mr Sundar, who is the showroom manager at JSP Motorrad Hyderabad and he shared the details of the bike. The bike eventhough had few minor scratches and scuff marks here and there , had an asking price which was well within my budget. Mr Sundar was so helpful and shared me all details, photos and service history of the bike. I spoke with the owner and decided to fly to Hyderabad to check out the bike. Upon reaching Hyderabad I went to the showroom to check the bike, wasnt too happy with the physical condition of the bike. But I was thinking I am getting it for a good price and eventually I can clean it up, change the panels and make it look like new. Took a short test ride of the bike and everything felt ok. The owner came to showroom by then and I transferred the amount and got the transfer documents signed from him. The plan was to ride the bike to Trivandrum from Hyderabad the next day. That evening I decided to take the bike from the showroom after an oil change to my hotel. I started the bike and I heard a loud knocking sound from the engine, which didnt seem right. Upon hearing the sound, the service head Adnan came to the bike and said it didnt sound right and took the bike inside. He inspected the engine, and found out the firing was not proper. He checked everything , but still couldnt find the reason behind it. I was really tensed since I paid full amount for the bike and now its having some serious issue. After a few hours Adnan and Sundar came to me and told me that the bike is showing some issue and they would need a few days to fix the bike. I was shocked ! Hyderabad is a new place for me and here I am stuck, all alone, paid lots for money for a bike that doesnt run technically. I called up the owner explained the situation to him and he was really kind enough to understand the seriousness and he promised to retun the full amount if I am not satisfied with the bike. Really devastated with the turn of the events, I went back to the hotel room and booked a flight ticket back to Trivandrum for the next day. The same night Sundar calls me and tells me that, he knows another GS Rallye in Hyderabad. He said the owner of the bike apparantly visited the showroom few weeks back and saw the RNineT Scrambler and loved it and said one day he will sell his GS and get the RNineT. So Sundar called up him and he agreed to sell his bike. The next morning me, Sundar and Adnan went to the owners house to check out the new bike. When I asked the details of the bike , Sundar said he doesnt have much idea since the owner doesnt ride much and Sundar has seen the bike only a few times. And at the same time Adnan tells that this bike has done really less mileage but dont know the exact number. Anyways we reached there, went to the basement and there under a cover was the bike that was going to change my life. Pulled out the cover and my eyes started to glitter ! A MINT condition bike, as good as she rolled out of the showroom just yesterday . The owners son handed over the key to Adnan and he started the bike and I looked at the Odometer and it read 674 KMS !. I crossed checked again and again if I missed a number and there was Adnan grinning and saying I told you so. I checked with him why its so less ridden and he said the owner doesnt get much time to take it for long rides, and only takes it for occassional Sunday morning coffee rides . And every year the Motorrad technician services it on time and parks it back in his apartment. At that very moment Sundar tells me this is the cleanest GS Rallye you can find in the country today and I couldnt disagree. I so badly wanted to get this bike but I was sure the asking price will be higher. And infact it came to almost 4 lakhs more than what I paid for the other bike. But after a few round of negotiations the owner reduced the price a bit and I agreed. I called up the bank , asked if they can readily disperse my pre approved personal loan , luckily for which they said yes. Also around the same time the owner of the first bike I purchased transfered back the amount. So everything looked like it was aligning back again. I went to the bank, instructed them to send the money to the owners account and came back and took delivery of the bike. I took the bike straight to the BMW service center to do a checkup and do a service before I ride it back home. On my ride to the service I couldnt stop admiring how smooth the bike felt compared to the other bike and all panels looked brand new, even the cover on the Navigator 5 screen was not removed. Did an oil change of the bike and gave her a good wash and I just couldnt get my eyes off her. All the misery I went through in the last 24 hours just seemed to fade away and here I have my almost brand new R1200GS Rallye ! I just stood there and stared at her ! That evening I get a call from Air India saying my flight is leaving in 30 mins. I didnt bother to cancel the flight since I got a better Jet to travel back home. Went back to the hotel room and the next day I rode to Trivandrum. A Huge thanks to Sundar and Adnan for helping me in getting this gem. I used to think, there was no need for them to do all this for me, I was not even buying a new bike from their dealership still they helped me. Also they could have easily kept hush about the first bikes issue and asked me to take it home, but still they made sure I dont feel cheated at the end of the day. And on 9th October 2021, me and my new 1200 GS Rallye had our first long 1500 km ride from Hyderabad to Trivandrum. That ride would have definitely got the Guiness recored for the longest time a man was grinning inside his helmet. The first ride from Hyderabad to Trivandrum was just magical Life after the GS came The GS is the perfect bike I could dream of. The Boxer engine has tons of torque and it makes you giggle like a toddler every time you open the throttle. The telelever suspension upfront makes sure there is no nose dive under hard braking and the bike handles as good as a sportsbike. I took it to few off road trails after reaching home and found out the stock Michelin Anakee tyres were really bad off road and changed them to Metzeler Karoo 3s. The bike definitely looks intimidatinng at first but when you sit on it, everything shrinks down and the bike feels so light and effortless. I couldnt find a single flaw with the bike. I started taking the bike to some hard core trails. At that point all my rides were majorly off roading. On Sunday mornings few of us friends used to go to a school ground nearby and do some training sessions on slow speed balance, basic off roading techniques etc. Never missed a chance to take the GS off road. The GS Experience event is one place where you can learn the basics of off roading from certified instructors It was around that time that BMW announced the GS trophy selections for the year 2022 for Albania. The GS Trophy is an event conducted by BMW Motorrad , where GS owners, from each country need to compete in their national qualifiers, where riders are tested based on their skills and the top 3 will get to represent the country at the International GS Trophy event. And the event happens only once every 2 years. Being a part of the GS Trophy team is such a prestigious thing, and to compete with so many riders in the country and finishing top 3 and become Team India is definitely a dream for any adventure motorcyclist. I had been following the GS trophy event for a few years and always wanted to be a part of it, but I knew I had to train more and was not confident enough to take part in the 2022 qualifiers. So I thought probably next time I can give it a try and I closely followed the 2022 Trophy event from the selections to the main event. In. 2023, Dev Venkatesh messages me saying he purchased an 850 GS and said lets both try for GS trophy qualifiers for 2024. Since Dev was also there I was really looking forward to try for the trophy qualifiers this time. Climbing the ladder one step at a time The regional qualifiers for the GS Trophy 2024 team was announed on 1st October 2023 at Tribal Adventure Cafe, Bangalore. Dev is one of the trainers at Tribal Adventure Cafe, so I checked with him if I can come there and do some training for which he said Come macha, Lets train together. So I packed my bags and rode to Bangalore a week before the qualifiers. I remember for 4 days straight I reached Tribal early morning and practised with Dev till the evening. The course for the qualifiers will be set by the BMW Marshalls who are the off road Instructors for BMW Motorrad India. Every time few drills like figure of 8, the garage, walking with the bike, crossing logs, brake slide, elephant turn etc are usual for the selection process so me and Dev kept doing and doing it until we perfected it. Falling and picking up the bike started becoming a usual thing during these trainings And finally the day for the regional qualifers came, during the regional qualifiers I met Shahaan, eventhough the guy was huge, he was just 21 years old and he even finished 4th in the 2022 qualifiers. Shahaan also used to train with Dev at Tribal and has been riding and rallying on his GS for few years. Once the Bangalore qualifiers was over, we waited for the Mumbai and Delhi qualifiers to get over after which they will announce the top 20 who will be selected for the main National qualifiers. I kept my fingers crossed and so badly wanted to be a part of the top 20. On November 9th after a tiring day at work , I came home and went to bed early. At around 10:30 pm I started getting so many message notifications. I woke up looked at my phone and see that so many people had sent me Congragulations. I suddenly opened BMW Motorrad India page and I saw my name in the Top 20 selected for the national qualifiers. The top 20 riders who qualified I was so happy that my eyes started filling with tears. I found that Dev and Shahaan were also in the list. I called up Dev and he says Man, now its time for the real training. The dates for the national Qualifier also was announed and it was supposed to happen on 25th November at Gurgaon. So for the next round of training, I rode to Bangalore to train with Dev. This time it was a more serious training and we trained till our fingers could no more hold the clutch. I remember my bike used to fall many times and I ended up picking up the bike atleast 30 times a day, which had taken a toll over my back and I was in deep pain. The next morning I literally was unable to get up from the bed due to back pain, but I took pain killers and rode to Tribal so that I didnt miss the training. Around 5 people who got selected for the nationals were from Bangalore so all 5 of us used to train together at Tribal under Dev. We trained for almost 5 days straight. And I still remember, on those 5 days it was mostly me, Dev and Shahan who used to train till night, and we used to dream of 3 of us making it to the top 3 together and becoming team India. Never can miss a chance to have fun with the bike when Dev is around Me, Dev and Shahaan during our training for the national qualifiers Finally the day came for the national qualifiers and we flew to Delhi. For the national qualifiers unlike in the regional qualifiers where we had to use our bikes, 1250 GS was provided by BMW India for competitors for the event. The event was so well organised that it made us feel like celebrities. Upon reaching the airport there was a designated driver on a BMW iX waiting for me, who took me straight to the hotel. Welcoming us for the national qualifiers Goodies waiting for us in our rooms That evening all 20 of us who qualified, people from BMW Motorrad India, the 3 instructors all got together for an introduction session and dinner. During that there was a team building exercise where we were asked to make teams of 2, and one person will be blind folded and needs to remove the rear wheel on a 1250 GS, take the wheel and walk around the bike and fit it back on the bike. The unblinded team mate can only help by standing 5 feet way and give instructions on what to do. It was a lovely evening where the history of GS trophy was told, also the stories from previous GS trophies were shared. The next day we reached the venue and it was only then we came to know about the track and the exercises planned for us. The course was divided to two sections. One section mimicced a trail ride where we had to ride through gravel, push the bike, ride up an incline, walk with the bike , ride through a slush pit, then drop the bike on both sides and pick it up, ride through rocks and take a small jump. The main motto of this was to test our endurance and make us tired. After this section starts the real test. We had to remove our helmet and gloves and keep in the bike. Once the timer starts we had to run to the bike, wear the hemlet and gloves, start the bike and ride straight to the garage. After the garage there was riding through a narrow log, then an elephant turn, followed by brake slide and hit the cone, then a brake -slide -powerslide section, a figure of 8 , a tight full lock circle in a box, then stop the bike and stand on a cone and finally stop at the finish and raise both the hands and thats when the timer stops. For all exercises except the elephant turn we were not supposed to put our foot down, also we are not supposed to cross the line or drop the bike if so we will loose points. I had a pretty decent run with zero dabs, no line crossing or bike falls. After this section was over, we all were taken for a small trail ride around the venue, the terrain was mostly sandy. Just to mimic the terrain in Namibia and the Marshalls evaluated us on how well we managed on that terrain. Once this was over we returned back to the venue for the results. The air was filled with tension and excitement to know who are the top 3 who get to represent team India. The stage was set, the trophies were revealed. It was time to announce the results. I remember Mr Abhinandan from BMW Motorrad India coming on the stage to announce the winners and saying so ladies and gentlemen the First place Qualifier is .. Anand Dharesan The world around me froze, tears filled my eyes, and my body was full numb. I couldnt believe if it was a dream or not, the only thing I could see was people around me hugging me and patting my back as I walked towards the stage. All the hardwork and trainings, the urge to follow my passion, the sarcasm I faced from people who said motorcycling will never take me anywhere, everything just flashed in front of me and here I am standing with the 1st place qualifier trophy in my hand. The best moment of my life ! While I was still getting back to reality, they announced the second place qualifier Dev Venkatesh , I was super happy to see Dev join me, we planned this together and here he comes as my team mate, the third place qualifier was Shahaan Khan and boy dreams do come true. We three couldnt ask for more, we dreamt together to be a team and here we are, Team India for the 2024 GS Trophy, Namibia ! We trained together, dreamt together and won together. The top 20 riders who cleared for the national qualifiers Preparing for the GS Trophy Getting selected for the trophy was one of the biggest surprises of my life. And after reaching back home, my friends and family threw a surprise party for me. It was so good to see my parents who once were not too supportive for my passion to motorcycling, now saying they are so proud of me and are really happy that I am going places due to my passion. With around 10 months to the main GS trophy event at Namibia, I decided we had to work on our riding skills and physical fitness. For physicial fitness, my friend Joseph, who owns Zero Performance fitness studio in Trivandrum, decided to do personal training for me and the goal was to focus on endurance and core strengthening. For motorcycle trainings the 3 of us used to meet at Tribal and train occasionally focussing more on enduro riding and fast trail rides. Endurance is something we had to work on because the main event at Namibia will have 6 days of continous riding. Chowde Gowda who was a part of the 2022 Trophy team joined us at Tribal and we trained hard. Training sessions at Tribal My name is Anand Dharesan and for me life has always revolved around motorcycles. During my early childhood, our family never had a car. My father used to have a Hero Honda CD 100 which was our primary mode of transportation. We used to travel everywhere together on that bike. Being the youngest in the family meant I used to get to sit on the fuel tank and enjoy the feeling of wind all over me. Probably those moments were what laid the foundation for the love for riding a motorcycle. That CD 100 was there in the family for almost two decades and I started to learn to ride on that very bike.Like how most items of the elder sibling gets inherited to the younger one, I got my brothers Pulsar 200 when I was 19. I started realising that motorcycling gave me so much freedom and happiness.Later on I moved to Bangalore for college. The best memory of my college life was the 40 odd kms bike ride from my home there to college.It was during my second year in college KTM came to India and launched the Duke 200. I was madly in love with the Duke. Being a college student , my only option was to convince my parents to get me one and it turned to be really difficult since my parents were not too keen on my madness towards motorcycling. But I didnt give up and after a lot of effort, in 2012 I finally got the Duke. The real serious motorcycling in my life started after the Duke came.At that time I was part of the motorcycling group xBhp. There I met many people with the same passion and started going for rides with them. Later on few of us formed a smaller group. And we named our group ADV Souls. Little I knew these friends whom I met only for Sunday rides would become like my family. In 2013 when I got my first job, and my biggest motivation to work was to buy myself a bigger bike ! An inline 4 was my dream and around two years later I got myself a Kawasaki Z800.Around that point we were quite bored of the usual weekend rides and decided to try our hands on something new, Thats when we went to BigRock Dirtpark in Kolar to try off roading. And boy it was fun ! My first experience in the dirt was so good, that the off road bug bit me hard, like REAL hard.2016 was a very important year in my life with 4 major events. I got married, left my corporate job, went for a K2K ride with my group and later started my entrepreneurial journey. A Kanyakumari to Kashmir ride had been our dream since long and finally we planned to do it in August 2016. Around June that year I applied for a 21 day leave but it was rejected eventhough I had sufficient leaves. The manager told me they need more career focussed people and expected me to focus on my work more. Two months later I packed my bags for the trip, after serving my notice period and saying goodbye to my corporate life. Probaby a very bold decision, but I gave more importance to my passion over anything else. The 23 day trip from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and back was full of so many great memories.Next to Pangong Tso, this trip with our group ADV Souls is still one of the best rides we ever had.Once the trip was over, with no job in hand I moved back to my hometown in Trivandrum. It was really difficult to face my parents and relatives back home, since all of them came to know that I left my job to go for a motorcycle ride. But between all this, my wife always supported me for following my passion. I really didnt want to get into the corporate life back and wasnt too keen on working under someone and I always wanted to start a firm of my own. So later that year, me and 2 friends started a firm in the field of lighting in Trivandrum.During the K2K trip, I got to spend a lot of time with my friends Triumph Tiger 800 and I really loved the Tiger. I felt that the Tiger made so much sense for our roads and my kind of riding. So I decided that the next upgrade will definitely be a Tiger. During a weekend ride with the group, a friend told his plan to sell his bike and get a Tiger. I also got motivated by it and so did another friend. And eventually I sold my Z800, and on May 2017, 3 new Tigers rolled out together from Triumph Kochi showroom. Probably one of the most memorable days for our group. Even the better half was really happy since she could travel in comfort, which was a big problem in the Z800.Later on our group did rides to the Northeast and Bhutan in the following years. Since most of us in the group owned Tigers and other adv bikes, we used to regularly attend off road/ adv riding classes. Mainly so that we could improve our skills on handling these big adventure bikes when the terrain gets tough. It was for one such event I met Dev Venkatesh who came as our trainer. Dev is a national level Rally champion and a very skilled rider. The sessions by Dev was a big learning for me. Initially I was really scared to take the big tiger on difficult terrains, but with Devs training I got to learn a lot and slowly got a hang of it. Fear started going away and I began enjoying taking the Tiger off road.In the same year Triumph conducted a Tiger Trails in association with the School of Dirt at Vattavada where the training was done by Ouseph Chacko. All these sessions helped me a lot in developing the cofidence and skill to manage my Tiger off road. Slowly I started taking my Tiger to some serious off roading and that is when I found the limitations of my Tiger.The Tiger 800 is a very top heavy motorcycle, also the version I had was the base XR which didnt have the long travel adjustable suspension, nor spoke wheels and also had a very low ground clearance. So the itch to find a better off road ADV bike began.Since the Tiger had its limitations, I was on the lookout for another motorcycle that could replace it. The main requirement was spoke wheels, long travel suspension and something that can do triple digit speeds effortlessly on the highways. The 3 options I had shortliseted were the Tiger 800 XCx, Africa Twin and the Ducati Desert Sled. With a limited budget in hand, I was looking only for pre owned options. Tried the 800 XCx and it still felt really top heavy. The Africa Twin looked like a good option, but the DCT gearbox didnt impress me much also the asking price of the bikes I saw were too high. The Desert Sled looked the part and had the kit, but the lack of any wind protection meant that I could not use it on highways. Around the same time a friend of mine was interested to buy my Tiger and I sold my bike to him. The next few months were quite hard without a bike. I really couldnt find any other options. That is when my friend Karthik suggested me to consider the BMW 1200 GS. Few years back when BMW Kochi showroom started and the good folks brought a 1200 GS Rallye to Trivandum and gave it to me for a day. Boy I was impressed on how effortless the bike was to ride. The way it handled and how it masked the size and weight really impressed me. But the 24 lakhs on road price meant that it was almost doube the price of my Tiger and the GS remained a distant dream. So when Karthik told about the GS, I knew the GS was way above my budget, but he asked me to wait and see if I can do some workaround and stretch my budget a bit. The BMW GS is the dream bike of any adventure motorcylist, and eventually a preowned 1200 GS Rallye came into the shopping list. I asked a friend Tanuj who owns a 1250 GS to check among his circle if any pre owned 1200 GS comes up for sale. After a few days he got back saying there is a 1200 Rallye in Hyderabad showroom up for sale. Its a pre owned bike and the owner exchanged it at the showroom for a new 1250. The next day I called up Mr Sundar, who is the showroom manager at JSP Motorrad Hyderabad and he shared the details of the bike. The bike eventhough had few minor scratches and scuff marks here and there , had an asking price which was well within my budget. Mr Sundar was so helpful and shared me all details, photos and service history of the bike. I spoke with the owner and decided to fly to Hyderabad to check out the bike. Upon reaching Hyderabad I went to the showroom to check the bike, wasnt too happy with the physical condition of the bike. But I was thinking I am getting it for a good price and eventually I can clean it up, change the panels and make it look like new. Took a short test ride of the bike and everything felt ok. The owner came to showroom by then and I transferred the amount and got the transfer documents signed from him. The plan was to ride the bike to Trivandrum from Hyderabad the next day. That evening I decided to take the bike from the showroom after an oil change to my hotel. I started the bike and I heard a loud knocking sound from the engine, which didnt seem right. Upon hearing the sound, the service head Adnan came to the bike and said it didnt sound right and took the bike inside. He inspected the engine, and found out the firing was not proper. He checked everything , but still couldnt find the reason behind it. I was really tensed since I paid full amount for the bike and now its having some serious issue. After a few hours Adnan and Sundar came to me and told me that the bike is showing some issue and they would need a few days to fix the bike. I was shocked ! Hyderabad is a new place for me and here I am stuck, all alone, paid lots for money for a bike that doesnt run technically. I called up the owner explained the situation to him and he was really kind enough to understand the seriousness and he promised to retun the full amount if I am not satisfied with the bike. Really devastated with the turn of the events, I went back to the hotel room and booked a flight ticket back to Trivandrum for the next day. The same night Sundar calls me and tells me that, he knows another GS Rallye in Hyderabad. He said the owner of the bike apparantly visited the showroom few weeks back and saw the RNineT Scrambler and loved it and said one day he will sell his GS and get the RNineT. So Sundar called up him and he agreed to sell his bike. The next morning me, Sundar and Adnan went to the owners house to check out the new bike. When I asked the details of the bike , Sundar said he doesnt have much idea since the owner doesnt ride much and Sundar has seen the bike only a few times. And at the same time Adnan tells that this bike has done really less mileage but dont know the exact number. Anyways we reached there, went to the basement and there under a cover was the bike that was going to change my life. Pulled out the cover and my eyes started to glitter ! A MINT condition bike, as good as she rolled out of the showroom just yesterday . The owners son handed over the key to Adnan and he started the bike and I looked at the Odometer and it read 674 KMS !. I crossed checked again and again if I missed a number and there was Adnan grinning and saying I told you so. I checked with him why its so less ridden and he said the owner doesnt get much time to take it for long rides, and only takes it for occassional Sunday morning coffee rides . And every year the Motorrad technician services it on time and parks it back in his apartment. At that very moment Sundar tells me this is the cleanest GS Rallye you can find in the country today and I couldnt disagree. I so badly wanted to get this bike but I was sure the asking price will be higher. And infact it came to almost 4 lakhs more than what I paid for the other bike. But after a few round of negotiations the owner reduced the price a bit and I agreed. I called up the bank , asked if they can readily disperse my pre approved personal loan , luckily for which they said yes. Also around the same time the owner of the first bike I purchased transfered back the amount. So everything looked like it was aligning back again. I went to the bank, instructed them to send the money to the owners account and came back and took delivery of the bike. I took the bike straight to the BMW service center to do a checkup and do a service before I ride it back home. On my ride to the service I couldnt stop admiring how smooth the bike felt compared to the other bike and all panels looked brand new, even the cover on the Navigator 5 screen was not removed.Did an oil change of the bike and gave her a good wash and I just couldnt get my eyes off her. All the misery I went through in the last 24 hours just seemed to fade away and here I have my almost brand new R1200GS Rallye !That evening I get a call from Air India saying my flight is leaving in 30 mins. I didnt bother to cancel the flight since I got a better Jet to travel back home. Went back to the hotel room and the next day I rode to Trivandrum. A Huge thanks to Sundar and Adnan for helping me in getting this gem. I used to think, there was no need for them to do all this for me, I was not even buying a new bike from their dealership still they helped me. Also they could have easily kept hush about the first bikes issue and asked me to take it home, but still they made sure I dont feel cheated at the end of the day. And on 9th October 2021, me and my new 1200 GS Rallye had our first long 1500 km ride from Hyderabad to Trivandrum. That ride would have definitely got the Guiness recored for the longest time a man was grinning inside his helmet.The GS is the perfect bike I could dream of. The Boxer engine has tons of torque and it makes you giggle like a toddler every time you open the throttle. The telelever suspension upfront makes sure there is no nose dive under hard braking and the bike handles as good as a sportsbike. I took it to few off road trails after reaching home and found out the stock Michelin Anakee tyres were really bad off road and changed them to Metzeler Karoo 3s. The bike definitely looks intimidatinng at first but when you sit on it, everything shrinks down and the bike feels so light and effortless. I couldnt find a single flaw with the bike. I started taking the bike to some hard core trails. At that point all my rides were majorly off roading. On Sunday mornings few of us friends used to go to a school ground nearby and do some training sessions on slow speed balance, basic off roading techniques etc.It was around that time that BMW announced the GS trophy selections for the year 2022 for Albania. The GS Trophy is an event conducted by BMW Motorrad , where GS owners, from each country need to compete in their national qualifiers, where riders are tested based on their skills and the top 3 will get to represent the country at the International GS Trophy event. And the event happens only once every 2 years. Being a part of the GS Trophy team is such a prestigious thing, and to compete with so many riders in the country and finishing top 3 and become Team India is definitely a dream for any adventure motorcyclist. I had been following the GS trophy event for a few years and always wanted to be a part of it, but I knew I had to train more and was not confident enough to take part in the 2022 qualifiers. So I thought probably next time I can give it a try and I closely followed the 2022 Trophy event from the selections to the main event. In. 2023, Dev Venkatesh messages me saying he purchased an 850 GS and said lets both try for GS trophy qualifiers for 2024. Since Dev was also there I was really looking forward to try for the trophy qualifiers this time.The regional qualifiers for the GS Trophy 2024 team was announed on 1st October 2023 at Tribal Adventure Cafe, Bangalore. Dev is one of the trainers at Tribal Adventure Cafe, so I checked with him if I can come there and do some training for which he said Come macha, Lets train together. So I packed my bags and rode to Bangalore a week before the qualifiers. I remember for 4 days straight I reached Tribal early morning and practised with Dev till the evening. The course for the qualifiers will be set by the BMW Marshalls who are the off road Instructors for BMW Motorrad India. Every time few drills like figure of 8, the garage, walking with the bike, crossing logs, brake slide, elephant turn etc are usual for the selection process so me and Dev kept doing and doing it until we perfected it.And finally the day for the regional qualifers came, during the regional qualifiers I met Shahaan, eventhough the guy was huge, he was just 21 years old and he even finished 4th in the 2022 qualifiers. Shahaan also used to train with Dev at Tribal and has been riding and rallying on his GS for few years. Once the Bangalore qualifiers was over, we waited for the Mumbai and Delhi qualifiers to get over after which they will announce the top 20 who will be selected for the main National qualifiers. I kept my fingers crossed and so badly wanted to be a part of the top 20. On November 9th after a tiring day at work , I came home and went to bed early. At around 10:30 pm I started getting so many message notifications. I woke up looked at my phone and see that so many people had sent me Congragulations. I suddenly opened BMW Motorrad India page and I saw my name in the Top 20 selected for the national qualifiers.I was so happy that my eyes started filling with tears. I found that Dev and Shahaan were also in the list. I called up Dev and he says Man, now its time for the real training. The dates for the national Qualifier also was announed and it was supposed to happen on 25th November at Gurgaon. So for the next round of training, I rode to Bangalore to train with Dev. This time it was a more serious training and we trained till our fingers could no more hold the clutch. I remember my bike used to fall many times and I ended up picking up the bike atleast 30 times a day, which had taken a toll over my back and I was in deep pain. The next morning I literally was unable to get up from the bed due to back pain, but I took pain killers and rode to Tribal so that I didnt miss the training. Around 5 people who got selected for the nationals were from Bangalore so all 5 of us used to train together at Tribal under Dev. We trained for almost 5 days straight. And I still remember, on those 5 days it was mostly me, Dev and Shahan who used to train till night, and we used to dream of 3 of us making it to the top 3 together and becoming team India.Finally the day came for the national qualifiers and we flew to Delhi. For the national qualifiers unlike in the regional qualifiers where we had to use our bikes, 1250 GS was provided by BMW India for competitors for the event. The event was so well organised that it made us feel like celebrities. Upon reaching the airport there was a designated driver on a BMW iX waiting for me, who took me straight to the hotel.That evening all 20 of us who qualified, people from BMW Motorrad India, the 3 instructors all got together for an introduction session and dinner. During that there was a team building exercise where we were asked to make teams of 2, and one person will be blind folded and needs to remove the rear wheel on a 1250 GS, take the wheel and walk around the bike and fit it back on the bike. The unblinded team mate can only help by standing 5 feet way and give instructions on what to do. It was a lovely evening where the history of GS trophy was told, also the stories from previous GS trophies were shared. The next day we reached the venue and it was only then we came to know about the track and the exercises planned for us. The course was divided to two sections. One section mimicced a trail ride where we had to ride through gravel, push the bike, ride up an incline, walk with the bike , ride through a slush pit, then drop the bike on both sides and pick it up, ride through rocks and take a small jump. The main motto of this was to test our endurance and make us tired. After this section starts the real test. We had to remove our helmet and gloves and keep in the bike. Once the timer starts we had to run to the bike, wear the hemlet and gloves, start the bike and ride straight to the garage. After the garage there was riding through a narrow log, then an elephant turn, followed by brake slide and hit the cone, then a brake -slide -powerslide section, a figure of 8 , a tight full lock circle in a box, then stop the bike and stand on a cone and finally stop at the finish and raise both the hands and thats when the timer stops. For all exercises except the elephant turn we were not supposed to put our foot down, also we are not supposed to cross the line or drop the bike if so we will loose points. I had a pretty decent run with zero dabs, no line crossing or bike falls. After this section was over, we all were taken for a small trail ride around the venue, the terrain was mostly sandy. Just to mimic the terrain in Namibia and the Marshalls evaluated us on how well we managed on that terrain.Once this was over we returned back to the venue for the results. The air was filled with tension and excitement to know who are the top 3 who get to represent team India. The stage was set, the trophies were revealed. It was time to announce the results. I remember Mr Abhinandan from BMW Motorrad India coming on the stage to announce the winners and saying so ladies and gentlemen the First place Qualifier is .. Anand Dharesan The world around me froze, tears filled my eyes, and my body was full numb. I couldnt believe if it was a dream or not, the only thing I could see was people around me hugging me and patting my back as I walked towards the stage. All the hardwork and trainings, the urge to follow my passion, the sarcasm I faced from people who said motorcycling will never take me anywhere, everything just flashed in front of me and here I am standing with the 1st place qualifier trophy in my hand.While I was still getting back to reality, they announced the second place qualifier Dev Venkatesh , I was super happy to see Dev join me, we planned this together and here he comes as my team mate, the third place qualifier was Shahaan Khan and boy dreams do come true. We three couldnt ask for more, we dreamt together to be a team and here we are, Team India for the 2024 GS Trophy, Namibia !Getting selected for the trophy was one of the biggest surprises of my life. And after reaching back home, my friends and family threw a surprise party for me. It was so good to see my parents who once were not too supportive for my passion to motorcycling, now saying they are so proud of me and are really happy that I am going places due to my passion. With around 10 months to the main GS trophy event at Namibia, I decided we had to work on our riding skills and physical fitness. For physicial fitness, my friend Joseph, who owns Zero Performance fitness studio in Trivandrum, decided to do personal training for me and the goal was to focus on endurance and core strengthening. For motorcycle trainings the 3 of us used to meet at Tribal and train occasionally focussing more on enduro riding and fast trail rides. Endurance is something we had to work on because the main event at Namibia will have 6 days of continous riding. Chowde Gowda who was a part of the 2022 Trophy team joined us at Tribal and we trained hard. The big picture: There have been 15 Windows versions released over the last three decades, but even today, some of Microsoft's oldest works continue to hum away in the background. All over the world, ancient versions of Windows are still keeping elevators moving, trains running, and even government systems functioning. A new BBC report uncovers some of the strangest real-world cases where outdated versions of Windows are still powering critical systems. One example is a hospital elevator in New York City, spotted this year, which still runs on Windows XP; the final version of that OS lost extended support from Microsoft in April 2019. Some ATMs run even older versions, powered not just by Windows XP but also Windows NT, which launched way back in 1993. As it turns out, XP's stability and deep integration with proprietary control systems make it ideal for setups that haven't changed in years. Moreover, an ATM technician in New Jersey told the BBC that the cost of upgrading these systems is steep, with new hardware, regulatory hurdles, and custom software rewriting all adding up. Germany had its own Windows throwback moment last year when Deutsche Bahn posted a job listing that required knowledge of MS-DOS and Windows 3.11. These relics still power display systems in a handful of trains, again largely because replacing them would mean ripping out hardware that could otherwise last decades. Then there's San Francisco's Muni Metro system, which, until recently, needed someone to pop a floppy disk into a DOS-based train control system to get it running each morning. In San Diego, massive LightJet printers still produce museum-grade photo prints using Windows 2000. John Watts, who runs the machines, says upgrading would cost tens of thousands of dollars in new software licenses. He did say he "can't stand" Windows machines, but they're the only way to run the printers. Perhaps the most extreme case is the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Doctors there have been using the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) to pull out patient records. It was introduced in 1997 but runs on top of an even older platform known as VistA, which dates all the way back to 1985 and was originally built for MS-DOS. And since it's DOS, it means that doctors use text-based interfaces that require typing out full file paths just to open a document. Worse, a psychiatrist told the BBC that booting up the computer could take 15 minutes, and any mistake, like forgetting a dash in a command, could eat up even more time. A modern replacement is promised, but full rollout won't be complete until at least 2031. Despite a recent spike in Windows 11 users and Microsoft's aggressive push, numbers have shown that Windows 10 is still the leading version of the OS, with a 53% market share. Meanwhile, Windows XP persists at 0.33%, highlighting the reliance on familiar platforms even as official support wanes. In a significant cybersecurity incident, Coinbase has confirmed that cybercriminals, aided by a group of bribed rogue overseas support agents, stole sensitive customer data in an attempt to extort the company for $20 million. The incident came to light after the attackers contacted Coinbase via email on May 11, 2025, demanding a $20 million ransom in exchange for the stolen data. However, the largest U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange refused to pay the ransom and instead opted to establish a $20 million reward fund for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the criminals responsible for the attack. What Happened According to Coinbases official blog post dated May 15, 2025, the breach occurred when a small group of rogue customer support contractors, based overseas, were recruited by cybercriminals through cash bribes to exfiltrate data for less than 1% of Coinbases monthly transacting users. Their goal was to compile a list of customers they could target by impersonating Coinbase, to deceive users into giving up their cryptocurrency. Subsequently, they attempted to blackmail Coinbase, demanding $20 million to keep the breach hidden. However, Coinbase refused the offer. What Was Stolen The stolen information includes: Name, address, phone, and email address; Masked Social Security numbers (last 4 digits only); Masked bank account numbers and some bank account identifiers; Government ID images such as drivers license and passport; Account data balance snapshots and transaction history; and Limited corporate data, including documents, training material, and communications available to support agents Cyber criminals bribed and recruited a group of rogue overseas support agents to steal Coinbase customer data to facilitate social engineering attacks. These insiders abused their access to customer support systems to steal the account data for a small subset of customers, Coinbase wrote in a Thursday blog post. No passwords, private keys, or funds were exposed and Coinbase Prime accounts are untouched. Security Measures Taken By Coinbase Coinbase has said that it is taking full responsibility for protecting affected users. Impacted customers, who were notified by email on May 15, will be reimbursed if they were fooled into transferring funds to scammers due to social engineering attacks. Further, the company is also implementing tighter withdrawal controls, as flagged accounts will now require additional identity verification for large transactions, along with new scam-awareness prompts. It is opening a new support hub in the U.S. and adding stronger security controls and monitoring across all locations. Additionally, to prevent future breaches, the company has increased investments in insider threat detection, security threat simulation, and automated response to identify similar security threats in its infrastructure. Standing Up To Extortion Rather than pay the ransom, Coinbase is offering a $20 million bounty to anyone who can help bring the perpetrators to justice. The company is also working with U.S. and international law enforcement and has already fired the exchange staff involved in the breach. It will press criminal charges. Working with industry partners, weve tagged the attackers addresses so the authorities can track and work to recover assets, the company added. Recommendation To Users Coinbase is urging customers to stay vigilant, as imposters may try to exploit the situation by posing as Coinbase employees. The company reiterated it will never ask for passwords or 2FA codes, or ask users to move funds to assets to a specific or new address, account, vault or wallet, or call or text users to move funds to a safe wallet. If this happens, the crypto exchange suggests users hang up on imposters, immediately lock their account in the app, and email at [email protected] to report suspicious activity. To protect against any potential data breach, Coinbase recommends that its users enable two-factor authentication (2FA) and turn on withdrawal allow-listing for secure transfers. To the customers affected, were sorry for the worry and inconvenience this incident caused. Well keep owning issues when they arise and investing in world class defensesbecause thats how we protect our customers and keep the crypto economy safe for everyone, Coinbase concluded. TASHKENT, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan has officially approved a national strategy to combat childhood cancer, local media reported on Sunday, citing the country's health ministry. According to the report, Uzbekistan has adopted a national strategy for 2025-2030 to fight childhood cancer, with support from the World Health Organization and other global partners. The ministry said that this initiative marks a new stage in the fight against childhood cancer and enhances the pediatric care system by promoting a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment. "The strategy opens the way to the modernization of healthcare, strengthens human and infrastructural potential and forms a unified approach to providing high-quality medical care to children at all levels," the statement said. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Were off to the races! declares Graham Norton as the camp action gets underway at Basels St Jakob arena in Switzerland. And thus it falls once more to Eurovision to sashay into the bloody-toothed geopolitical scrum, plonk down a boombox playing the Vengaboys and try to get a savage world to sing about saunas for four hours. The Vision, with its post-war ideals of unity through cheese-pop, wasnt made for violent division within its ranks, nor at all ready for it. In recent, turbulent years it has become as much an international PR exercise as song contest, pinioned by its supposed non-political ethos as its participants make it ever more overtly political. This year, as in 2024, the main source of controversy is Israels involvement in the event through contestant Yuval Raphael. You might call it war-washing. You might argue that a global TV audience of 180 million should sense the level of solidarity abroad for the suffering Palestinian civilians, even through the TV feeds audio-sweetened crowd noise. But theres a sour note to what Norton calls a mixed response of cheers and jeers for Raphael herself on the night a survivor of the 7 October terrorist attack on the Nova music festival who was selected by public vote as something of a national heroine. The song given to her by committee, New Day Will Rise, might even reflect the hopes of the general Israeli public for compassion, peace and renewal. Everyone cries, dont cry alone, Raphael sings amid much Broadway bombast and slashes of Middle Eastern strings. Life will go on darkness will fade, all the pain will go. That said, to sing it on an opulent, crystal-drenched staircase while our newsfeeds are full of emaciated Palestinian children in bombed-out homes still feels like a provocative move. New day will rise, great. But for everyone? Thankfully, producers have put Raphael on fourth, allowing plenty of time afterwards for viewers to pack their brains into cold storage and revel in the bombastic anguish and madcap pop schemes of the continents many regional The Voice rejects. Another major relief is that theres been a significant scaling back in the sort of occult folk horror presentations that, since Swedens xenomorph crossbreed Loreen won in 2023, have made recent Eurovisions prime recruitment drives for Golden Dawn. The only serious hold-outs are Latvias Tautumeitas, six fire goddesses full of smiling menace, singing of curses and hexes and nature consuming the modern world, then growing monkey tails. The title of their glitch pop chorale Bur Man Laimi might translate as A Chant for Happiness but it sounds like an ominous evocation for Dead Can Dance to rise again and claim our souls. open image in gallery Tautumeitas from Latvia perform during the grand final with the song Bur Man Laimi ( AP ) Instead, a sci-fi fantasy vibe prevails. Opening the evening, Norways Kyle Alessandro resembles Elliot Page starring in a musical Dune, roaming an Arabian pop volcano in post-apocalyptic warlord garb, flanked by hand-spinning mercenaries. Ziferblat, Ukraines elven village of an entry, resemble a Legends of Zelda game having come to life and become obsessed with the band Yes. And Polands Justyna Steczkowska and her crew of moon-worshipping S&M savages are even strafed by a fire-breathing dragon as she sings the song of the goddess Gaia herself, creator of your DNA, your souls destruction and your salvation. And an eternal deity whos made it here having previously placed 18th in 1995 and co-hosted Polish Dancing on Ice. The theme for 2025, it seems, is The Elements. Fire and ice pyro and visuals abound, and theres an entire nautical themed section an hour in. Austrias impressive soprano JJ looking to replicate the opera-pop success of last years winner Nemo sets sail into stormy ballad waters on a boat made from bedroom detritus, giving his Wasted Love big cologne advert energy. Then Icelands Vb dubbed the Viking Jedward offer up some cheerier, cheesier seafaring fare with a song about rowing to Greenland on a Minecraft boat beneath leaping Lego dolphins. Later, Greeces bespectacled chanteuse Klavdia sings of a mother mourning her daughter on the haunting Asteromasta while standing on a black pier above burning water. Ahab pop ahoy? open image in gallery Austrias JJ during his energetic performance of Wasted Love ( AP ) In more traditional Eurovision quarters, The Netherlands Claude is the sole representative of the once ubiquitous overblown soul-pop balladeer, his Cest La Vie a poignant tale of his asylum seeker mother singing to him as a child, performed to his younger self in a mirror. The pop divas put on a strong fem-power showing. Luxembourgs Laura Thorn, a marionette in a retro-futurist treehouse operated by giant CGI hands, delivers a superbly catchy cartoon twist on Sabrina Carpenters biting showgirl feminism. Maltas Miriana Conte might have had her cunning ploy to slip the queer culture phrase serving c*** into Eurovision foiled when the BBC insisted the easily-misheard original title of her entry Kant be changed to Serving, but she injects copious queen energy into its rap-pop celebration of forging ones own riotous path. And, who knows, maybe the line Why should we let other people decide when we could be having the time of our lives? might somehow further the Europe-wide case for Universal Basic Income. open image in gallery Malta performing during the 2025 Eurovision final ( BBC ) Denmarks Sissal seems to be singing the goth-flecked EDM of Hallucination from the depths of a K-hole meltdown all blurred vision, paranoia and lack of control. Yet, love being her drug, she trips jubilant balls throughout. And Erika Vikman, representing both Finland and the more specialist corners of OnlyFans, is a Teutonic rave rock dominatrix whose (ahem) rousing Ich Komme is basically a Euro-WAP. Having already promised my gates are open and Ill dance with you even a wedding waltz, but naked, she ends up riding a giant, spark-spewing golden microphone stand howling a simultaneous orgasm of a chorus like a phenomenally horny Andrew WK: I scream out loud Im coming and together we come. A harsh lesson in watching Eurovision with your parents and the subtitles on. After which, the understatement of Switzerlands Zoe Me seems a refreshing Eurovision revelation: just her, a beautiful swell of chamber ballad and an arena of phone lights. Frances Louane also knows that less is amour, singing her touching ode to finding purpose in motherhood Maman (having lost her own parents in childhood) from inside a simple egg-timer set. These are certainly welcome feminine contrasts to Armenias none-more-macho PARG, running across the stage to the Imagine Dragons-aping Survivor looking like he's fresh from a fight to the death atop Mad Maxs battle tanker. open image in gallery PARG from Armenia performing the song Survivor ( AP ) It's a premium year for rock entries too. Lithuanias Katarsis are probably the finest austere grunge goths ever to brave this arena of garish gimmickry. And Italys Lucio Corsi a cross between 1973 Brian Eno and a malnourished Scarlet Pimpernel brings probably the best song of the night in Volevo Essere Un Duro. Its a Ziggy Stardust glam rock cracker played on a mile-long piano. Theres even an enlivening rock-off between previous rave metal entrants Kaarija and Baby Lasagna in the pre-voting interval. A kind of Eurogonks Assemble. But what, you ask, of the nutters? Well, the less said about Estonias rubber-limbed, coffee-loving Tommy Cash and his flapper cabaret catalogue of Italian cliches the better, but Bara Bada Bascu from Swedens besuited sauna bros KAJ is hooky enough to stand a chance of becoming the first novelty track to ever win. Even our own Remember Monday do us proud, strutting around a wonky chandelier like Frozen doing a Queen medley about owning your most Hasselhoff-sized blackouts. open image in gallery The UK received zero points from the public ( AFP/Getty ) They hold their own in the jury voting too receiving douze points from a creepy Italian mouse puppet will rival Churchills most stirring speeches in our nations proud history even if the baffling public votes rob them of the showing they deserve. Against the odds, and thanks in large part to Switzerlands three mildly demented presenters being so proud of their country having invented LSD, for the best part of four hours the joyous Eurovision spirit prevails and the unruly world seems a glittering neon curtain away. Until, in what Norton describes as the most tense voting weve ever sat through, a huge public phone-vote turnout for Israel makes for a highly charged final stand-off between Israel and Austria, and politics once more intrudes upon this formerly big fun pop lark. Ultimately Austrias JJ prevails, the second successive opera-pop winner. Expect future Eurovisions to be awash with tracks resembling rave remixes of Tosca. And for the event to become ever more about optics than earworms. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Kevin Spacey will be presented the Award for Excellence in Film and Television by the Better World Fund at a gala in Cannes as he continues to return to the public spotlight after being cleared of sexual assault accusations in 2023 following a lengthy UK trial. The 65-year-old actor, who won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role as a con man in The Usual Suspects and a Best Actor Oscar for his performance as Lester Burnham in American Beauty, will be awarded at the Funds 10th Anniversary Gala dinner on May 20, Deadline reports. The fund told the publication that Spacey will be honoured for his artistic brilliance and impact on cinema and the arts throughout his career. We are truly privileged to welcome Kevin Spacey as our Guest of Honour and Honoree at the Better World Fund Gala, Manuel Collas De La Roche, the president and founder of the Better World Fund said in a statement. He continued: Kevins extraordinary contributions to the art of cinema have left a mark on audiences and filmmakers alike. His talent, depth and commitment to storytelling exemplify the transformative power of film. It is with great excitement that we celebrate his legacy and presence at this meaningful gathering. It comes after it was announced last week that Spacey has joined the cast of the conspiracy thriller, The Awakening, which also stars Justin Tinto (Just the Way You Are), Peter Stormare (Fargo, Dancer in the Dark) and Alice Eve (Star Trek Into Darkness, Before We Go Out). The film reportedly follows a couple who uncover a conspiracy theory about world domination, which plunges them into a race against time to expose the truth. Matt Routledge is directing the film, which is produced by Camelot Films, who also financed the movie along with Tinto. The film is currently in post-production with a screenplay co-written by Tinto, Routledge and Matt Hookings. Kevin Spacey will be awarded the prize for Excellence in Film and Television at a forthcoming Cannes Gala ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Since his acquittal, Spacey has starred in a number of small projects, including the 2024 thriller The Contract, where he played the Devil. The actor was exiled from mainstream Hollywood in 2017 after actor Anthony Rapp accused him of sexually abusing him in 1986. Spacey would have been 26 at the time, while Rapp was 14. Rapps allegations were later dismissed by a Manhattan court in 2022. Spacey has since faced several more allegations of sexual misconduct over the years, all of which he has either denied or insisted were consensual. In 2023, Spacey stood trial in the UK after four men alleged that he had sexually assaulted them in separate incidents over the period between 2001 and 2013. He was again cleared of all nine offences. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Wes Anderson has opened up about his fractious working relationship with the late actor Gene Hackman. Hollywood legend Hackman was found dead at his home in New Mexico earlier this year with his wife Betsy Arakawa. It later emerged that the French Connection star had died from complications from Alzheimers disease at the age of 95, while Arakawa had contracted hantavirus, a rare illness spread by rats. Looking back on his experience of working with Hackman on the 2001 comedy drama The Royal Tenenbaums, Anderson, 56, admitted that the veteran actor was furious about the fact that the cast all received a flat fee. Gene was very annoyed about the money, the director told The Times. He was furious. Also, he didnt want to do the film anyway. I talked him into it I just didnt go away. And everybody else said yes to the salary, so Gene just went with it and that just became our way. The Royal Tenenbaums was Andersons third feature film and starred Hackman as the eccentric patriarch of a dysfunctional, upper class family based in New York, with Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Stiller and Luke Wilson playing his children. open image in gallery Gene Hackman with on-screen daughter Gwyneth Paltrow at the premiere of 'The Royal Tenenbaums' ( PA ) Anderson, who was 32 years old at the time of the films release, said that Hackman didnt say goodbye to him after the production wrapped, and suggested that his comparative youth was probably annoying to the older star. Not a word in fact, he left without saying goodbye, Anderson said, when asked if he had kept in touch with the late star. He was grumpy we had friction, he continued. He didnt enjoy it. I was probably too young and it was annoying to him. open image in gallery Anderson admitted he and Hackman had friction on set ( Getty Images ) Anderson added that Hackman did eventually like the finished movie, but he told me he didnt understand it when we were shooting. I wish Id shown him 10 minutes, early on. Then, maybe, he would have said, OK, I get it. The directors frequent collaborator Bill Murray previously described Hackman as a tough nut who was really rough on Anderson while filming The Royal Tenenbaums. We can say it now, but he was a tough guy, Murray, who played Hackmans on-screen son-in-law in the film, said. Older, great actors do not give young directors much of a chance. Theyre really rough on them, and Gene was really rough on Wes. Andersons latest film The Phoenician Scheme is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival today (18 May) and will be released in UK cinemas on 23 May. Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Before Kim Kardashian, before Snooki or Molly-Mae, there was Heidi Montag. When we first met the reality star on screen, in MTVs The Hills, it was 2006 and a generically sunny day in Los Angeles. The 20-year-old bleach-blonde sunbathed by a sprawling pool, pretending to read a weekly fashion magazine from behind giant black sunglasses. She lit up with excitement upon spotting Lauren Conrad her then best friend for the cameras of the reality phenomenon that chronicled their attempt to make it in the glamorous city. At the time, reality TV was already home to the rebellious sprog of the rich and famous: Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Kelly Osbourne. But Montag represented something new: an ordinary girl given an extraordinary platform. She was filmed shopping, drinking, scrapping, and dating within Hollywoods most coveted circle of early twentysomethings, one of the first truly homegrown reality TV stars. But to be clear, Heidi Montag does not want to talk about The Hills. Shes driving through Malibu on the way to music rehearsals for her upcoming pop performance at the Mighty Hoopla festival in Brockwell Park, south London. Over a Zoom audio call, what she does stiffly admit is that filming the programme was a surreal experience and definitely one of the first for an ensemble cast of normal people becoming reality stars. Regardless of any current feelings about it, the shows enormity had her on the covers of Rolling Stone, Maxim and Playboy and helped her branch out into fashion and music. In the years since, shes been on reality shows such as Celebrity Big Brother, Celebrity Wife Swap and also a longtime wife to The Hills star Spencer Pratt (together they made endless tabloid headlines under the unparalleled couple name, Speidi), and mother to their two sons. Fast-forward to 2024, and Montag was living a slower family life in LA, assuming shed never make music again. I just financially couldnt, and with the kids, I just thought we were in a different place in life, she explains, adding that she fully self-funded her 2010 album, Superficial. The near $2m it took to create and promote was almost all the money she and Pratt had. Then, her 2010 pop single Ill Do It randomly went viral in China, generating more than a billion streams on TikTok. I thought this was a sign to go back into pop music and re-follow my dreams and be there for the next generation, she tells me. Montag was well into the process of writing and recording for a pop career relaunch in January this year when their family home in the Pacific Palisades burned down in the wildfires that raged through LA. While in the midst of that emotionally charged and dangerous situation, Montag and Pratt responded in the only way they knew how: they documented themselves. Were so immersed in social media its almost habitual to do so, explains Montag. Social media is, she says, my reality show, my full docuseries. In the hardness of things, its important to be able to share them, she continues. Sometimes you see things on the news and it doesnt resonate like [it does] when you know somebody who is going through that. It was just another important story for us to tell. In one video that was widely shared, she holds one of her sons and cries: I just want to go home. Of all the on-the-ground civilian footage of the fires, theirs was the most viewed and discussed; they did indeed put faces to the tragedy, illuminating how and why the fires spread and impacted both the privileged and less so. open image in gallery Spencer Pratt and Montag smooch at The Hills season three premiere in Malibu in 2007 ( Michael Buckner/Getty ) It currently doesnt look like Montag and her family will return to the city that made them famous. At present, theyre in a rental home in nearby family-friendly town Santa Barbara. Theyre saying its gonna cost five million to rebuild the house that cost a third of that; we just dont have the finances, and Im not sure we can keep our lot because you still have to pay a mortgage on it. Im not sure what were going to be able to do, she says sadly. Im just trying to work as hard as I can, as much as I can, to be able to afford any type of house or down payment on something for our kids. A surprise silver lining of the disaster was the response to the couples celebrity-style version of a GoFundMe: Pratt urged fans to stream Montags album Superficial. In a show of support, the public pushed it to No 1 on the US iTunes album chart. The single Ill Do It went viral globally and has since amassed over 100 million streams on Spotify. As listeners returned to the album, its once-dismissed elements Montags deadpan delivery and the ironic, materialistic themes of partying and self-glorification have been reappraised. Initially criticised as too shallow and inauthentic for a reality star attempting a pop crossover, Superficial now fits comfortably within the landscape of escapist, hedonistic club music. Alternative pop artists like COBRAH, Brooke Candy, and even Charli XCX, echo elements of Montags sound or energy. Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne has pursued a similar aesthetic, and electronic underground favourite Slayyyter has even cited Ill Do It as an inspiration. With this cultural shift, the second phase of Montags pop career is now underway; once again, on her own terms, but with more generous eyes watching her. As a child growing up in the small ski town of Crested Butte in Colorado, Montag always knew she was going to be famous. It was a smaller version of Aspen that was more exclusive, Montag says, Dolly Parton came there, [as did] Madonna and Michael Keaton and all these really big producers, so whenever celebrities came in, I just always felt this wind of significance and fate for myself. She undertook acting and dance classes, imagining a future of being seen by the masses. My mom always jokes that I was in a hot pink Barbie Ferrari one minute with my fake fur coat, and then next, I had a backwards hat on and I was playing in the mud. Ive always had two parts of myself and I felt called for Hollywood and for success. A year abroad in Italy further chiselled her dream into shape: fashion would be her gateway to fame. She lived with a very successful family whose generous mother loved to take Montag shopping and let her go out to clubs. I became friends with the grandson of Missoni, who took me to the fashion shows. Shes referring to the dynasty of the fashion label founded by Ottavio and Rosita Missoni in 1953. I was backstage with the family and met Margherita Missoni before she became the designer for it, Montag remembers. open image in gallery Pratt and Montag at a reality TV awards show in 2015 ( Rich Fury/Invision/AP ) But fashion wasnt the only viable option. Early on in The Hills, Montag was waitressing and taking voice lessons, dreaming of a pop career. A manager pitched her as the next Avril Lavigne, but Pratt introduced her to producer David Foster, who promised a Britney Spears-like future. He said, Ill get you a record deal, she recalls. But it was a 360 deal meaning theyd take a cut of everything she was already making for herself. I barely had any money, so giving more away was a non-starter. Instead, she and Pratt went indie, saving up and funding every aspect of the music, paying for promoters and producers themselves. It was right near the end of The Hills run that Montag would realise her musical ambitions. By that point, there had been increasingly dramatic seasons of the show where Montag and Pratt were concerned (the couple have since said this was encouraged by producers and staged by the pair themselves because the cast would receive bonuses if ratings went up). The press villainised Speidi, calling them the most hated couple in America. In January 2010, Montag revealed to media outlets that she had 10 cosmetic procedures done in a single day; among those were a brow lift, ear-pinning, a chin reduction, a second nose job and a second breast augmentation. She had almost died during surgery, and it would end up taking about a year to fully recover. That same month, Superficial was released, selling only 1,000 copies in first-week downloads, which led to it being slammed in the press. Montags surgery press tour courted enormous backlash from people; many called Montag fame-hungry, a typical product of Hollywood. But very few celebrities, if any, publicly claimed to have had work done at that time, despite it being widespread. For the few supportive onlookers, Montags act of honesty was refreshing. I definitely was breaking the barrier and the fourth wall of what everyone was secretly doing in Hollywood, reflects Montag. Part of being a trailblazer is when you are the first one to do something, youre usually the most criticised for it. Thats something I can accept because I never want to be a liar; thats not the way that Im built. Nowadays, celebrities and influencers are regularly emerging transformed, appearing 20 years younger, with young girls and women left to speculate on how other women can become unattainably perfect overnight. That is one of the reasons I thought it was important to be honest about it, says Montag, because so many people have bad self-esteem or look at these magazines and think: how are they just so naturally beautiful and perfect? I didnt want anyone to think that you just grow into a new nose or you just [start] anti-ageing. Thats just not the truth and the reality of what so many of these people were doing. I wanted to tell the story of, hey, this is what I did and what a lot of people do; to break that facade and that mirage of whats going on in Hollywood. Yeah, there are a lot of beautiful people, but theres a lot of unnaturally beautiful people as well, and it cost them a lot of money and time and being cut open and surgery. The open approach to cosmetic surgery combined with the reality TV drama and hedonistic bangers made for the gay club led to Montag becoming something of an LGBT+ beloved star, the sort of Mighty Hoopla performer the queer crowds of London are most excited for. For these communities, cosmetic surgery can be gender-affirming or an expression of freedom. Ive had a lot of people from the LGBTQ+ community tell me how thankful they were I encouraged them to be able to do what they want with their bodies and be who they are. You never really know how youre helping other people. open image in gallery Montag at The Hills: New Beginnings premiere in 2019 ( Invision ) Part of Montags recent revival and reappraisal by the press and public is down to her relationship with Pratt, still strong all these years later. We both love to laugh and find whatever is funny at the moment, but we just really prioritise each other and always have, and thats definitely the secret, she says of their longevity. Pratt is a public cheerleader for all Montags twists and turns, sharing and promoting her projects on social media. He once declined to manage Kim Kardashian, but, ever-entrepreneurial, was prompted to start his crystal jewellery business, Pratt Daddy, by Montag: He went to a gem show and said Im gonna buy crystals. And I said, absolutely not if youre gonna buy some, you need to sell some. He said, great, Im gonna start selling. Repeatedly, Montag mentions her self-belief and never-wavering knowledge that she would be a celebrity where does this confidence come from? I have a deep faith and I really pray hard about a lot of things, she says. I feel like where God is calling my life to go is where I go, and thats how I operate. When it came time to name her forthcoming dance-pop album some of which shell debut live at Mighty Hoopla Montag and a collaborator looked back to her short-lived, ultra-2000s fashion line: Heidiwood. The name felt fitting for a new era of tracks crafted with Chase Icon, Snow Wife, and other rising stars in the Hollywood pop scene. From bootcut jeans and micro miniskirts to glossy, hyper-produced Y2K-inspired anthems, its all part of Montags fame-obsessed, pop culturesaturated vision. Welcome to a world where theres only one name/ Plastered on the Walk of Fame, she talk-sings over the deliciously claustrophobic club beat of Heidiwood, her collaboration with Chase Icon. Montag still represents the most recent iteration of the American dream: wake up, create content and keep hustling. My sisters name is Holly and it was always Hollywood. Im like, No, its Heidiwood! remembers Montag, soon before the line goes dead and shes swallowed up by the demands of rehearsal. With the idea and that word Heidiwood, she says, I actually felt like I was manifesting my own world of fame, naturally gravitating towards Hollywood and success within it. Heidiwood is released on 30 May; Heidi Montag plays the UKs biggest pop music festival, Mighty Hoopla, on 1 June at Brockwell Park, London; mightyhoopla.com Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Bruce Springsteen and Stephen Graham posed for a photo with staff at a restaurant in Yorkshire after enjoying a low-key meal together. The musical legend, 75, and the Thousand Blows star, 51, had lunch at Normans Restaurant in Kirkburton, Huddersfield, on Friday (16 May), after Springsteen performed at Manchesters Co-Op Live the night before. Graham, who has recently earned widespread acclaim for his powerful performance in Netflixs Adolescence, will star as Springsteens father Douglas in Deliver Me From Nowhere, the upcoming biopic starring Jeremy Allen White as the musician. Normans shared a photo on Instagram showing Springsteen and Graham smiling alongside the restaurant team. Absolutely honoured to have these two absolute legends over for a spot of lunch, the caption read. Can think of worse ways to start the weekend! Restaurant owner Ollie Roberts told the Daily Mail that the staff were useless after [Graham and Springsteen] left, because everyone was just kind of floating around in a half daze. Stephen Graham was the one everyone was excited about, but I think thats largely because, how do you get your head around Bruce Springsteen coming for lunch? Graham has previously spoken about Springsteens reaction to his portrayal of Douglas, telling Soundtracking podcaster Edith Bowman that the Boss sent him the most gorgeous texts Ive ever had in my life after watching him perform. His text just said, Thank you so much. You know, my father passed away a while ago and I felt like I saw him today and thank you for giving me that memory, Graham revealed. Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial. Terms apply. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial. Terms apply. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. And I was crying reading the text, do you know what I mean? It was beautiful. You couldnt ask for anything more. Springsteen and The E Street Band performed at Manchester's Co-Op Live earlier this week ( Getty Images ) Springsteen hit out at Donald Trump several times throughout his debut Manchester gig on Wednesday (14 May), claiming that the United States is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration. His statements prompted a rant from Trump on his social media platform Truth Social, in which the president slammed the highly overrated Springsteen as a pushy, obnoxious JERK and a dried out prune of a rocker. ISLAMABAD, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan has recorded a significant reduction in the gender gap in mobile internet access, with 8 million more women coming online in 2024-2025, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Saturday as the country marked World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025. In a message released by the Prime Minister's Office, Sharif said the gender gap in mobile internet access had narrowed from 38 percent to 25 percent, the highest improvement globally, largely driven by increased digital inclusion among women in rural areas. He said the progress reflected Pakistan's commitment to creating a digital environment that empowers women and promotes equal participation. "Through targeted policies, skills development, and gender-sensitive infrastructure, we are ensuring that women and girls are not left behind in the digital era," Sharif said. The prime minister noted that the country's broader digital transformation included surpassing 200 million telecom subscriptions, 150 million broadband users, and 2 million fiber-to-the-home connections. He added that mobile manufacturing grew by 47.46 percent, while international connectivity was enhanced through high-capacity submarine cables. Sharif said Pakistan's mobile ecosystem now contributes 16.7 billion U.S. dollars to the national economy. He called on stakeholders from all sectors to champion gender equality in digital access and to work collectively toward building an inclusive and digitally empowered Pakistan. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Deaf actor Rose Ayling-Ellis has already smashed her share of glass ceilings, moving from a high-profile role on EastEnders to a victory on Strictly Come Dancing and then on to a wily appearance on Doctor Who. In her first leading television role, however, shes surpassed herself. In ITVs Code of Silence, a sexy, funny and edgy six-part crime thriller, Ayling-Ellis delivers a performance fit to rank alongside the best work of Saoirse Ronan, re-writing the rules, along the way, for how a heroine should look and talk. Code of Silence seems likely to boost her reputation in the States (it will be available on streaming service BritBox). I have two predictions. Ayling-Ellis will, one day, win an Oscar. And, when accepting the award, shell use BSL to crack a wicked in-joke. Plot-wise, Code of Silence has a familiar ring. Ayling-Ellis is Alison Brooks, a deaf woman working in a police canteen, who, thanks to her brilliant lip-reading skills, becomes part of an investigation into a jewellery heist, ultimately earning the respect of DI James Marsh and DS Ashleigh Francis (Andrew Buchan and Charlotte Ritchie). In the recent, cringeworthy Channel 4 series, Patience, an autistic woman whos brilliant at solving puzzles becomes part of a police investigation, ultimately earning the respect of the cops. Its the latest British underdog trope: the special-needs protagonist, with a special set of skills. Be patient, though. Alison is different in a way thats genuinely different. Alison lives in a council house in Canterbury, with her single mum (Fifi Garfield; fantastic), who, like Alison, is deaf, uses BSL as well as hearing aids, and keeps being fired from jobs. That the family are working class is a front-and-centre issue. Alison has recently split from her deaf, middle-class boyfriend, whose parents money and privilege, we learn, have given him a status Alison can only dream of. Alison develops a connection with Mancunian gang member, Liam (Kieron Moore; blazing with chippy charm), who grew up pinging between foster homes and has spent his entire life not being looked at. Poverty, in Code of Silence, is shown to be disabling. The point that keeps being underlined: to be disabled and poor is to be doubly sidelined. Gender roles, too, are explored, with the hair and costumes all part of the jolting package. Ayling-Ellis is happy to cut a pathetic figure (in the aforementioned Doctor Who episode, her character, Aliss, was so bedraggled she made Tiny Tim look like Thor). The actor is sticking with that non-glam aesthetic, often appearing here with no make-up and wearing a stripey tank-top that even The Killings no-frills Sarah Lund might deem too basic. Yet, Alisons gaze her sexual curiosity, her literal willingness to stare and act on her feelings dominates so many scenes, and her chemistry with Liam is off-the-charts (the air between these two fizzes and pops). Its a useful reminder that a disabled female lead can be lustful, and lustworthy, without being treated like a stereotypical object of desire. On top of all that, writer Catherine Moulton, who is partially deaf, finds room to correct myths about lip-reading (in a nutshell: its not all about the mouth). Moultons method to show whats happening when Alison goes into detective mode is ingenious. As Alison gathers gobs of information from the faces and entire bodies of her targets, subtitles pop up, in which the letters of the alphabet stretch and blur. It takes several seconds before the sentences settle into a crisp and intelligible shape. Used so inventively, the subtitles (as in Annie Hall and Trainspotting) encourage us to think about how even the simplest of verbal interactions are multi-layered. Theyre also fun. With each episode, you get quicker at re-sorting the letters. Is every second of this series satisfying? Nope. Ritchie who, in my opinion, is a total superstar isnt given enough to do. She basically spends six episodes handing out sound advice that everyone ignores. Visually, it feels like they blew the budget on hiring a Porsche; each establishing shot of picture-postcard Canterbury is shonkier than the last. Meanwhile, plot-holes abound, such as, what happened to all the experienced, law-abiding lip readers who normally work for the police? Are they on some kind of lip-readers retreat? As for the later episodes, theyre increasingly pulpy, convoluted and lacking in suspense (were provided with intel, in episode five, that makes it easy to guess a big reveal). Most aggravatingly of all, less and less room is given to Alisons interior life. Still, overall, Code of Silence is truly groundbreaking, and the first three instalments are sublime. Ritchie, Nathan Armarkwei Laryea and Ayling-Ellis in 'Code of Silence' ( ITV ) A few years ago, plans to make a film about deaf-blind icon Helen Keller were put on hold when activists took objection to deaf actor Millicent Simmonds being cast as Keller (it was felt the part should have gone to a deaf-blind actor). Members of the disabled community are no longer grateful to be noticed. Theyre not willing to tolerate half measures. Ayling-Ellis (an executive producer on Code of Silence) is part of this movement. Alison says of the jewellery thieves: They underestimate me. A lot of people do. Surely now, theres no one left who still underestimates Rose Ayling-Ellis. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice When a bomb exploded on 21 December 1988 onboard Pan-Am 103, it killed all 259 passengers and crew and another 11 people on the ground, near Lockerbie in Scotland. It must be strange, then, for the friends and family they left behind, to watch the last moments of their loved ones dramatised, not once but twice in the space of a year. A few months after Colin Firths Lockerbie aired on Sky, the BBC brings us The Bombing of Pan Am 103, a six-part, forensic deconstruction of the tragedy and its aftermath. This was an act of war, Scottish investigator DCS John Orr (Peter Mullan) announces gravely. And now we have to find out who were fighting. And so, this is how The Bombing of Pan Am 103 unfolds. On a cold December night, a broken-up Boeing 747 rains fire on the small Scottish town of Lockerbie, scattering debris over an 850-square mile crime scene. On the ground, a team of Scottish police officers including Orr and young DS Ed McCusker (Connor Swindells) attempt to hold things together. There are grieving families, trying to confirm the fates of their beloved, not to mention a landscape littered with potentially valuable information. And so, the wheels move into motion with one question in mind. I need to find out if this was an accident, says Orr, or if it was a bomb. While the sensitive Scots are emotionally supporting the bereaved, the bullish Americans are putting them through the interrogative wringer. Its a predictable dynamic, where the earthy local police feel they are being marginalised by the FBI. You want to see our evidence while you refuse to share your intel, Orr fumes. As the intercontinental investigation continues, relations thaw. Eddie Marsans sturdy Tennessean Tom Thurston (sporting a distractingly drawling accent) and Patrick J Adams urbane Dick Marquise humanise the American side of proceedings. As the inquiry evolves, more pressing questions emerge. Did the German authorities miss the chance to apprehend the bombmaker? Has the American aviation industry failed to meet safety standards? And who, ultimately, placed the bomb in the hold of Pan Am 103? The Bombing of Pan Am 103 is, at its essence, a true-crime show. Writer Jonathan Lee is an acclaimed novelist, having a first stab here at writing for television. But the series eschews an overly novelistic approach indeed, Colin Firths Lockerbie was more impressionistic preferring to prioritise the procedural element. The ensemble cast of British and American actors illuminate the struggle of these ordinary men and women dealing with extraordinary circumstances. They interact occasionally with grief that extreme, dramatic emotion but most of their time is spent poring over documents, analysing fragments of debris, or conducting stone-faced interrogations. I dont want you getting distracted by any of the images you see on TV, Marquise tells his team. No distraction, just dissection. It is unfair but inevitable that the BBCs series will be compared to Skys, just as Armageddon followed Deep Impact, or Volcano arrived hot on the heels of Dantes Peak. The difference here is subtle but relevant: Lockerbie was focused on the figure of Dr Jim Swire, a controversial activist and father of one of the victims, who campaigned for the freedom of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, who was convicted for the bombing. Here, it is not until the shows fourth episode that any connection to Megrahi is drawn. It allows The Bombing of Pan AM 103 to reconstruct the investigation as it unfurled for the eyes of these investigators, as they begin by clutching for any links and, in the end, zero in on their culprit. The Bombing of Pan Am 103 does not entertain the same ambiguities as Lockerbie, even if it covers much of the same ground. And the retreading of old material may prove underwhelming for some. After all, the disaster was one of the biggest news events in British history, and continued to receive headline coverage right through to Megrahis death in 2012. This show a co-production between the BBC and Netflix tries to find a new angle, grappling with the challenges of international cooperation, but, for all its elegance and sensitivity, ends up feeling like an unnecessary addition. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Jennifer Lawrence has opened up about her isolating postpartum experience after welcoming her two children. The 34-year-old actor, who earned her first Oscar nomination with her breakthrough role in Winters Bone in 2010, had her three-year-old son, Cy, in February 2022 and welcomed a second child, whose name and gender are unknown, earlier this year with her husband Cooke Maroney. In her latest project, Die, My Love, Lawrence plays a new mother, Grace, whose life unravels when she develops postpartum psychosis. The adaptation of Ariana Harwiczs 2017 novel is directed by Lynne Ramsay, with Robert Pattinson playing Graces husband, Jackson. Postpartum psychosis is a severe and debilitating mental illness that affects 1,400 women in the UK each year. Between one and five of those result in suicide. Symptoms often come out of nowhere, often within the first two weeks of giving birth, and range from low mood and mania to delusions and hallucinations. Speaking at a press conference promoting the movie at Cannes Film Festival, Lawrence candidly reflected on her postpartum experience. As a mother, it was really hard to separate what I would do as opposed to what [Grace] would do. And it was just heartbreaking, Lawrence said of shooting the film, according to Variety. I had just had my firstborn, and theres not really anything like postpartum. Its extremely isolating, which is so interesting. She continued: When Lynne moves this couple into Montana, she doesnt have a community. She doesnt have her people. But the truth is, extreme anxiety and extreme depression is isolating, no matter where you are. You feel like an alien. Postpartum depression is a common mood disorder that affects more than one in every 10 women within a year of giving birth, according to the NHS. Jennifer Lawrence has opened up about her postpartum experience following the birth of her two children ( Getty Images ) Lawrence also revealed she filmed Die, My Love while five months pregnant with her second child. Having children changes everything. It changes your whole life. Its brutal and incredible, she said. So not only do they go into every decision of if Im working, where Im working, when Im working, theyve taught me I mean, I didnt know that I could feel so much and my job has a lot to do with emotion. She explained: Its almost like feeling a blister or something like, so sensitive. So theyve changed my life, obviously, for the best and theyve changed me creatively. I highly recommend having kids if you want to be an actor. Read The Independents three-star review of Die, My Love here. If you have been affected by this article, you can contact the following organisations for support: mind.org.uk, nhs.uk/livewell/mentalhealth, mentalhealth.org.uk. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A suspect believed to have carried out the bombing outside a California fertility clinic on Saturday has been identified as 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus. Bartkus has been named as a suspect in the bombing outside a Palm Springs fertility clinic, two law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation told KCAL News. The bombing, just outside the American Reproductive Center in Palm Springs around 11 a.m., left one person dead and several others injured. The blast gutted the IVF clinic, which was housed in a single-story building. Authorities have described the suspect as having nihilistic intentions. It has been confirmed that Bartkus acted alone. His car was a 2010 silver Ford Fusion. Thats critical because we need the publics help in identifying the gaps in our investigation. We know where Mr. Bartkus was at about 6 a.m. We know the timeline of when he entered the city; However, we need the publics help for identifying where he traversed within the city before the explosion, Akil Davis, the head of the FBIs Los Angeles field office, said Sunday. open image in gallery The FBI issued this picture of suspect Guy Bartkus, 25, of 29 Palms, California ( FBI ) Sources told KCAL that Bartkus allegedly stated in writings and recordings that he was against bringing people into the world against their will. In one writing, Bartkus described being a pro-mortalist as someone who intends to bring about their own death as soon as possible in order to prevent your future suffering, and, more importantly, the suffering your existence will cause to all the other sentient beings. In addition to his writings, Bartkus also recorded a 30-minute audio clip describing his motives. I figured I would just make a recording explaining why Ive decided to bomb an IVF building or clinic. Basically, it just comes down to Im angry that I exist and that, you know, nobody got my consent to bring me here, he said in the recording. Bartkus went on to say that he was angry that IVF clinics exist. These are people who are having kids after theyve sat there and thought about it. How much more stupid can it get? he says. In an interview with The New York Times, Bartkus father, Richard Bartkus, said that he had not spoken to his son in more than ten years. The elder Bartkus also said that his son liked to play with matches, stink bombs and smoke bombs in his teens. open image in gallery The bombing outside a California fertility clinic on Saturday killed one person and injured several others. ( AFP via Getty Images ) Nothing major, nothing like a bomb bomb, but hed build rockets, shoot them in the air, he added. On another occasion, the suspect set fire to the family home, Richard Bartkus said in a separate interview with KTLA. After he had burned the house down, he started changing a little bit, hed light fires. I was too strict for him, so he wanted to stay with Mom until the divorce came through. Mom was lenient, he said. He added that his son was easily influenced by others. open image in gallery Law enforcement investigate a vehicle after an explosion on Saturday, May 17, 2025 in Palm Springs, California ( AP ) Dr. Maher Abdallah, who runs the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic where the explosion occurred, told The Associated Press in a phone interview that all of his staff were safe and accounted for. The explosion damaged the practices office space, where it conducts consultations with patients, but left the IVF lab and all of the stored embryos there unharmed. The incident is being investigated as an act of terrorism, officials said. The sources said Bartkus is a resident of Twentynine Palms, home to a large marine base about an hour from Palm Springs. The FBI and San Bernardino County Sheriffs deputies have also searched Bartkus home. Bartkus attempted to record or live stream, a source told the AP. According to several reports, the suspect died in the attack. Make no mistake: This is an intentional act of terrorism, Davis said Saturday. [This is] probably one of the largest bombing investigations that weve had in Southern California, Davis added. The FBI did not say how it determined the explosion was an act of terrorism, or provide details about the writings left behind, or a possible motive in the attack. An AK-47 and an AR-platform rifle were recovered from the scene of the explosion. Officials have said that the explosion damaged buildings several blocks away. The car's engine was blown onto the other side of the street. A local gallery owner, Tim Prendergast, told The Los Angeles Times that he thought the explosion was an earthquake. I was on Palm Canyon, and I saw the upper torso of a full body. There were a lot of body parts, but they were all radiating away from the explosion of the car. I also noticed the hundreds and thousands of pieces of car parts radiating in every direction from the car circular pattern that was only interrupted by the back facade of the American Reproductive Center, he told the newspaper. Authorities are set to provide more information during a news conference Sunday at 10 a.m. local time. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The man suspected of bombing outside a California fertility clinic expressed nihilistic ideations, authorities said on Sunday and had written a pro-mortalist manifesto, according to unverified reports. Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, was attempting to livestream the bombing attack on American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic in Palm Springs, authorities said during a Sunday press conference. Bartkus also expressed nihilistic ideations, and left writings still being reviewed by investigators, Akil Davis, the head of the Los Angeles FBI office, said. Sources told The Associated Press and KCAL News that in those writings, Bartkus expressed a belief that the world should not be populated. open image in gallery Guy Bartkus, the man suspected of bombing outside a California fertility clinic, described himself as pro-mortalist, according to reports. ( FBI ) According to reports and a website purportedly belonging to Bartkus, in some of the alleged writings, Bartkus described himself as a pro-mortalist and said he believed people did not give consent to exist. He described being pro-mortalist as being who intends to bring about their own death as soon as possible in order to prevent your future suffering, and, more importantly, the suffering your existence will cause to all the other sentient beings. He also allegedly wrote that his end goal was to begin sterilizing this planet of the disease of life on the site. Bartkus also allegedly left a 30-minute audio recording explaining his motive behind the attack. I figured I would just make a recording explaining why Ive decided to bomb an IVF building or clinic. Basically, it just comes down to Im angry that I exist and that, you know, nobody got my consent to bring me here, he allegedly said in the recording. Bartkus allegedly went on to say that he was angry that IVF clinics exist. These are people who are having kids after theyve sat there and thought about it. How much more stupid can it get? he says in the purported clip. The Independent could not immediately verify these reports, and authorities did not share details of Bartkus writings on Sunday. The bombing on Saturday morning, which authorities called an intentional act of terrorism, left four people injured in addition to killing Bartkus. The explosion damaged the clinics office space, where it conducts consultations with patients, but left the IVF lab and all of the stored embryos there unharmed. The incident is being investigated as an act of terrorism, officials said. Authorities said Bartkus is a resident of Twentynine Palms, home to a large marine base about an hour from Palm Springs. The FBI and San Bernardino County Sheriffs deputies have also searched Bartkus home. The FBI has not shared how it determined the explosion was an act of terrorism, or provided details about the writings left behind, or a possible motive in the attack. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Gov. Jeff Landry knows about political power. He cares about it. He has spent a good part of his first year-plus in office attempting to amass it, often successfully, including through legislation aimed at centralizing appointment authority in his office. PHNOM PENH, May 18 (Xinhua) -- China's Ruili Airlines on Sunday resumed its direct flight from Wuxi in east China's Jiangsu Province to southwest Cambodia's Sihanoukville after a hiatus of years, according to the Cambodia Airports. The first flight, carrying 126 passengers, landed at the Sihanouk International Airport on Sunday at noon. According to the Cambodia Airports, Ruili Airlines will operate a weekly regular flight to the coastal city every Sunday. The flight resumption is expected to bring more Chinese tourists and investors to Sihanoukville. China is the third biggest source of foreign tourists to Cambodia, following Thailand and Vietnam, according to the latest report from Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism. The Southeast Asian country attracted a total of 286,156 Chinese visitors during the first quarter of 2025, up 50.6 percent from 189,961 over the same period last year, the report said. There are effective tools to improve young peoples mental health, a new landmark study has found, but only with teachers, parents and school communities in it for the long haul. An academic analysis of the Resilience Projects schools program, Australias largest and one of its longest-running education mental health initiatives, has found clear benefits to the mental health and wellbeing of its young participants. But the Monash University study, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, also found it can take up to six years of immersion in the projects mix of gratitude, empathy, emotional literacy and mindfulness lessons for the full benefits to emerge. Monash Uni researcher Dr Roshini Balasooriya and St. Bedes deputy principal Mark Jones with students at the Mentone boys school. Credit: PENNY STEPHENS Researcher Roshini Balasooriya, who is also a psychiatric registrar, told The Age there was no shortage of programs designed to tackle the mental health crisis confronting schools, but the evidence base of their efficacy was thin. Rome: The European Union is seeking a defence pact with Australia to deepen military co-operation in a move that highlights fears of a sharp increase in global instability. The EU put the proposal to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Rome on Sunday in the hope of matching other defence partnerships that have cleared the way for closer intelligence work and joint exercises. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Rome on Sunday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed the idea in talks with Albanese after the inaugural Mass for Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, saying it could add to European military ties with South Korea and Japan. The move came as Albanese met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and pledged continued Australian support against Russia, including the delivery of Abrams tanks promised last October. A few years back, high over the Indian Ocean on an Air India flight from Delhi to Sydney, a fellow passenger slipped into the toilet cubicle and gargled most of his duty-free booze. When he reappeared in the row behind me, he was cheerful and chatty, sharing his views on life with all and sundry. He wasnt aggressive, just sociable, but the cabin crew werent taking chances. They zip-tied his wrists to the armrests, later removing him to the rear of the aircraft. When we landed in Sydney all on board had to remain seated for some time while security came on and removed him. Crew will apply rules for appropriate service of alcohol to limit drunken behaviour on flights, but it can be difficult to tell when someones had enough. Credit: iStock Disruptions, delays and even diversions to offload drunk and aggressive passengers became a problem in the skies long before 2008, when Naomi Campbell was dragged off a British Airways flight, kicking and screaming and under the influence, according to some reports. Subsequently charged with assaulting a police officer during the diva meltdown, she was later banned from all BA flights. The airlines most affected by drunk passengers are European low-cost carriers EasyJet and Ryanair. In April 2024, a Ryanair flight from Dublin to Lanzarote in Spain diverted and landed at Porto after a kerfuffle caused by a drunk and unruly passenger. Since the crew were at the tail end of their maximum working hours, they and the flights 160 passengers spent an unplanned night in Porto, costing Ryanair more than 15,000 for accommodation, food and sundry charges. The airline subsequently sued the passenger for all costs. What's Up with Compressed Air-Powered Vehicles? Get the Info Here - VIDEO ENHANCED Recently, we were asked "What companies make Air Powered Cars?" Given all the noise that surfaced about 10 months ago concerning the state of this amazing technology we thought an update was needed. There are at least three companies working on producing compressed air-powered vehicles. The most well-known is MDI, based in France. MDI is headed up by Guy Negre (www.mdi.lu). It is MDI's company that has, or had, an agreement with Tata Motors (India) to bring an air car to market. MDI (with an American affiliate) exhibited a working prototype of the car at last Spring's NY Auto Show, where it won an award for innovation. When Guy Negre originally made his deal with Tata Motors it was said that the vehicle would be ready for distribution in some global markets by 4th quarter of this year (2008). So far there's no sign of it, and the status of his relationship with Tata is unknown. Click PLAY to watch a MDI promo video For several years, Guy Negre had an associate in Spain, Miguel Celades Rex, but a business dispute ended their relationship. Miquel now runs Air Car Factories in Barcelona ( www.aircarfactories.com ).At the beginning of 2008 Air Car Factories also announced that they would have a compressed air vehicle ready for the public at the end of the year. We had planned to visit the company two months ago, in September, to test drive the vehicle, but we were informed that the vehicle was still just in design and that there were no working test cars. Click PLAY to watch a video about Angelo's engine and vehicles Angelo Di Pietro in Melbourne, Australia ( www.engineair.com.au has developed an air-powered rotary engine that he has put to work on small utility vehicles.Di Pietro had been a Wankel rotary engine mechanic in Stuttgart, prior to emigrating to Australia in 1971; hence his familiarity with rotary engines. While none of these innovators are really ready for prime-time, the concept and the technology appears to be more than just vapor-ware. Unfortunately, theres a lot more to bringing a new engine to market than just proving it works, you also have to have a manufacturing and distribution relationship with carmakers that are really interested in making it happen, and who arent concerned that the new technology will make your other technology too obsolete or irrelevant. NEW DELHI, May 18 (Xinhua) -- At least 17 people were killed and many others injured Sunday after a massive fire broke out inside a building in the southern Indian state of Hyderabad, officials said. After series of denials, Pakistan PM Sharif admits Indias missiles hit Nur Khan Airbase NEW DELHI : PAKISTANS Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif admitted that Indias ballistic missiles hit Nur Khan Airbase and other sites on May 10, a rare acknowledgement that contradicts Pakistans usual stance of denial when it comes to Indian military action. Sharif said Army Chief General Asim Munir called him around 2:30 am to report the strikes. Sharif mentioned the use of local technology and Chinese jets by Pakistans Air Force, but confirmed that Indias missiles hit their targets. While addressing a ceremony held at the Pakistan Monument on Friday, Sharif said, At around 2:30 am on May 10, General Syed Asim Munir called me on secure line and informed me that Indias ballistic missiles have hit Nur Khan Airbase and other areas. Our Air Force used homegrown technology to save our country, and they even used modern gadgets and technology on Chinese jets, Geo News reported. Meanwhile, BJP leader Amit Malviya also pointed to Sharifs admission that he was woken up at 2:30 am by Army Chief General Asim Munir, with the news that Indian missiles had hit Nur Khan Airbase and other key locations. Malviya noted that such a call reveals the precision and boldness of Operation Sindoor. Sharing a post on X, Malviya said, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif himself admits that General Asim Munir called him at 2:30 am to inform him that India had bombed Nur Khan Air Base and several other locations. Let that sink in -- the Prime Minister was woken up in the middle of the night with news of strikes deep inside Pakistan. This speaks volumes about the scale, precision, and boldness of #OperationSindoor. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. After the attack, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling across the Line of Control and Jammu and Kashmir as well as attempted drone attacks along the border regions, following which India launched a coordinated attack and damaged radar infrastructure, communication centres and airfields across 11 airbases in Pakistan. After this, on May 10, an understanding of the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan was announced. Army helps Poonch residents hit by Pak shelling JAMMU THE Army on Saturday reached out to the residents of several forward villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch that were hit by Pakistan shelling in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, a defence spokesperson said. The troops visited affected families in Khari Karmara, Jhallas and adjoining villages, and expressed solidarity and support to the people whose houses and livelihoods were impacted, he said. They interacted with the local residents to understand their immediate concerns and reassured them of continued assistance. Essential ration packets were distributed among the affected households, the spokesperson said. The Army reaffirmed its commitment to stand by the local population during challenging times and work towards restoring normalcy in the region, he said. He said the locals expressed gratitude for the Armys timely support, and the interaction strengthened the bond of trust and cooperation between the security forces and the people. Assault on Beed youth: Invoke MCOCA, Ajit Pawar tells cops CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR A YOUTH was allegedly abducted and brutally assaulted by a group of people in Maharashtras Beed district, following which police have arrested seven persons, an official said on Saturday. A video of the attack, which was carried out in Parali town, went viral on social media, prompting Deputy CM Ajit Pawar to ask the police not to hesitate to invoke the stringent MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act) if required. According to police, one Shivraj Divte was abducted around 4 pm on Friday while he was returning from a religious event. He was taken to the Ratneshwar temple and attacked with sticks and iron rods. A few locals intervened and saved him. Divte, who suffered injuries and was hospitalised, said, They were talking among them to make me Santosh Deshmukh Part 2. The police must take strict action against them. Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed, was abducted and murdered in December last year, triggering a massive uproar. It was alleged that he was killed for opposing an attempt to extort money from a wind energy firm operating in the area. Walmik Karad, a close aide of Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Dhananjay Munde, who represents the Parali constituency, was arrested in the extortion case weeks after the murder. Beed Superintendent of Police Navneet Kanwat said police have arrested seven persons so far in connection with the assault on Divte, a resident of Limboti village. Police have registered a case for attempt to murder and rioting. The victim has given the names of ten accused persons, of whom two are minors, the SP said. It was a spur-of-the-moment incident. No one should give it a caste colour, Kanwat told reporters. Referring to the video of the assault, Deputy CM Pawar told reporters in Pune that he had asked the police to press charges under MCOCA if needed. Pawar is the Guardian Minister of the Beed district. I have seen the viral clip. Six to seven persons have been arrested. Ive told the police that if any of them has a criminal past, do not hesitate to invoke MCOCA. Bail under MCOCA is usually not easily granted, and the court must be satisfied that the accused will unlikely commit another offence while on bail. We have all seen the kind of assault that was carried out. This is a dangerous tendency that must be crushed completely, he said. When asked about the speculation about the merger of his group and NCP (SP) headed by his politically estranged uncle, Sharad Pawar, he said there have been no such discussions. If any such meeting takes place, I will inform you first. I will consult with my workers and office-bearers before making any decision. To a question about the protests against the Purandar airport in Pune district, Pawar said, There is opposition from farmers and villagers, particularly concerning the village boundaries or their homes. The matter will be resolved. JANATA DARBAR CM accepts 1,051 complaints from citizens Staff Reporter ; About 1,051 complaints were personally accepted by Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis during his Janata Darbar at Hyderabad House in Civil Lines, on Saturday. The complaints from citizens varied from construction of roads to demanding release of fellowship amount for researchers. The programme started with distribution of title deeds to 21 residents from seven slums. Soon after, the Chief Minister started receiving the complaints from the citizens that include people from all age-groups. In one of the complaints, Shubhangi Chaudhari, a widow who works as a tailor in Ganeshpeth Colony, complained about her neighbour, who, allegedly, has encroached her land for construction of their toilet illegally. In another case, a group of researchers from OBC, VJ, SBC submitted a memorandum and demanded release of their fellowship amount by MAHAJYOTI that is pending for past two years. The Chief Minister told the aministrative officers during the Janata Darbar that no eligible person is deprived of their rightful home. He also urged slum-dwellers who meet the Government's criteria to contact the NMC and Nazul Department to claim their housing rights. The citizens were visibly haappy after visiting the Janata Darbar. A delegation from the National Health Mission Contractual Officers and Employees Adjustment Action Committee also submitted a memorandum of their demands. Additionally, a delegation from the Maharashtra Prantik Tailik Mahasabha, led by former MP Ramdas Tadas, met with the Chief Minister to discuss various issues, including the establishment of the Sant Shri Santaji Maharaj Economic Development Corporation and the revival of traditional oil mill industries. MLC Sandip Joshi, MLA Pravin Datke, Vijayalakshmi Bidari, Divisional Commissioner; Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari, Municipal Commissioner; CP Dr Ravinder Singal; Sanjay Meena, Chairman, NIT; Vinayak Mahamuni, CEO ZP; were present during the programme. Mumbai airport, Taj Hotel receive bomb threats MUMBAI : Afzal Guru mentioned in email MUMBAIS Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel, a key site of the 26/11 terror attacks, received fresh bomb threats on Saturday, sparking heightened security measures across the city. The threat, issued via email to the Mumbai Airport Police, referenced the execution of terrorist Afzal Guru and warned of imminent bombings at both high-profile locations. According to officials, the email claimed that the bombing would be carried out in retaliation for what it called the injustice of Gurus hanging, and also mentioned S Shankar, another executed convict. The police have launched a full-scale investigation, and security has been intensified at the airport and the hotel. Bomb detection and disposal squads have been deployed, and search operations are underway. This is not the first time Mumbai Airport has been targeted by such threats. However, the reference to Afzal Guru and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel which had come under siege during the 26/11 terror attacks has raised particular concern among authorities. The emails contents have brought back haunting memories of the 2008 terror siege, when armed militants targeted several landmarks, including the Taj hotels. On May 9, a bomb threat was sent to Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, causing a security alarm. The threat, received via email at around 9 AM, claimed that a bomb had been planted on the hospital premises. The email also instructed that patients should be evacuated immediately. However, later it turned out to be a hoax. Afzal Guru, a resident of Jammu and Kashmir, was convicted for his role in the December 13, 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament. He was accused of aiding the terrorists by providing logistical support and was executed in 2013. His hanging has been a subject of political and public debate, with opinions divided over the fairness of his trial and execution. While Mumbai Police have received several such threats in the past many of which turned out to be hoaxes authorities are treating this incident with utmost seriousness because of the importance of the two places targeted. Investigations are ongoing, and the source of the email is being traced. As of now, no explosives have been found. Further updates are awaited. Oppn leaders join Govts delegation abroad after Op Sindoor NEW DELHI : OPPOSITION leaders Shashi Tharoor and Kanimozhi will join members of the ruling alliance, including Ravi Shankar Prasad and Sanjay Jha, in leading seven all-party delegations to key partner countries to convey Indias message of zero tolerance against terrorism following Operation Sindoor. The other MPs picked by the Government to present Indias national consensus in fighting terrorism before the world, including to UN Security Council members, are NCP-SPs Supriya Sule, BJPs Baijayant Jay Panda and Shiv Senas Shrikant Shinde. A statement issued by the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry on Saturday said, The all-party delegations will project Indias national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations. They would carry forth to the world the countrys strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism. Sources said the delegations will be travelling to four of the five permanent Security Council members and not visit China, which has long been a Pakistan ally. While the delegation led by Congress MP Tharoor will visit the US, Pandas group, which includes AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi and BJPs Nishikant Dubey, will travel to western European countries such as the UK and France, both UNSC members. The delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi will travel to Russia, another UNSC member. The sources said the delegation led by BJP MP Prasad is expected to visit Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Algeria, while Sules team of MPs will be travelling to Oman, Kenya, South Africa and Egypt. The delegation led by JD(U) MP Jha is likely to visit Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population. Shindes team of parliamentarians are likely to visit some Gulf and African countries. Each delegation with six to seven MPs may visit around four to five countries, the sources said. The Government has made a careful selection of leaders who will head the delegations as they come from parties across the political divide and are considered articulate voices. The leaders -- four from the ruling National Democratic Alliance and three from the Opposition INDIA bloc -- include seasoned lawmakers with long stints in public life. The Congress, however, struck a discordant note, accusing the Government of playing games with a mischievous mindset by announcing names of the heads of delegations from outside the four MPs suggested by the party. With the party leadership turning wary of Tharoor, an eloquent voice who has been one of the staunchest champions of the governments tough response to Pakistan, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took a dig at his colleague, Congress mein hona aur Congress ka hona mein zameen-aasmaan ka antar hai (There is a difference between being in the Congress and of the Congress). An unfazed Tharoor said he is honoured by the Governments invitation to lead an all-party delegation to five key capitals. He added, When national interest is involved, and my services are required, I will not be found wanting. Jai Hind! The Parliamentary Affairs Ministrys statement said distinguished diplomats, including retired foreign secretaries, will be part of each delegation. In a post on X, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said, In moments that matter most, Bharat stands united. Seven All-Party Delegations will soon visit key partner nations, carrying our shared message of zero-tolerance to terrorism. Sharing the Ministrys statement, he said, A powerful reflection of national unity above politics, beyond differences. The statement said the proposed visits of the seven all-party delegations come in the context of Operation Sindoor and Indias continued fight against cross-border terrorism. MPs from different parties, including Anurag Thakur, Aparajita Sarangi, Manish Tewari, Amar Singh, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Samik Bhattacharya, Brij Lal, Sarfaraz Ahmad, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Vikramjit Sawhney, Sasmit Patra and Bhubaneswar Kalita, will be part of these delegations, sources have said. The Government also tapped Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay to join the exercise but he declined due to health reasons. The expansive diplomatic drive is aimed at driving home in global capitals Indias stand following the countrys aggressive response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead, amid Pakistans efforts to skirt the issue of terrorism while putting Kashmir at the centre of its discourse. Shinde said on X, We will firmly convey to the international community that terrorism has no place in India, and that it is Pakistan which continues to nurture terrorism on its own soil. When it comes to matters of national interest, there is no division, only duty. Pakistan with its long history of sponsoring terrorism has become a threat to humanity, Owaisi told PTI videos, affirming that this will be the heart of his message to the international community. The Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear that any future act of terror will be construed as an act of war, signalling Indias resolve to target Pakistan if it continues to abet terrorism on Indian territory. India has also insisted that it has merely paused Operation Sindoor following days of conflict with Pakistan and its actions will depend on the neighbouring countrys conduct. Signatureof IndiasSovereignty By VIJAY PHANSHIKAR : When a Gentleman State is pitted against a Rogue State, the result is always the same -- the victory of the gentleman and the defeat of the rogue. This is what human history has shown, and this is what future, too, will show. This is in the nutshell the story of the extended conflict between India and Pakistan -- which got endorsed in recent weeks once again -- in full public glare of the international community. Pakistan indulged in a habitual misadventure -- and got a terrible slap on its dirty face. But what happened actually beneath the surface was not just the decisive defeat of Pakistan in a short, but intense conflict of an entirely different nature. True, India showed to Pakistan its technological, tactical, strategic and diplomatic superiority. But it also showed to some other countries -- such as China, the United States, and Turkey, for example -- what India of today is. Those countries realised in clear terms the technological and tactical superiority India has achieved before the world could even realise it. No matter the propaganda war Pakistan launched as a last-ditch face-saving, the world saw all by itself how India established a clear edge over the Rogue State of Pakistan. Hence the Chinese concern. Hence the American worry. For, those two countries saw their weapons and technologies getting defeated decisively by the passionate Indian mix of offence and defence in a short war of just 96 hours. That Chinese and American realisation led Pakistan to seek an urgent ceasefire. Beijing and Washington realised that if the conflict continued, India would annihilate not just their weapons and defence systems but also their reputation. So precise were the Indian strikes -- and so purposeful. No Chinese or American weapons and systems and gadgets or Turkish war appliances could stop the Indian strikes even deep inside Pakistan. Within hours of the start of the conflict, Pakistan -- and the world -- realised that India had established a complete technological, tactical and strategic superiority over the enemy. So came, the tearing hurry with which Pakistans Director General Military Operations sought a telephonic meeting with Lt. General Rajiv Ghai, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) India. An immediate ceasefire was the only point on the Pakistani agenda. Responding to the Pakistani request, India took firm steps -- ceasefire could not be the issue, but stoppage of military action could be considered. Sure that any delay could further annihilate its assets and humiliate the country -- as well as its Chinese and American friends -- Pakistan said yes to the Indian approach. That urgent agreement was, thus, a face-saving measure. Factually, that was a moment that endorsed the Indian superiority, all right. Yet, unenamoured by that momentary enticement, India insisted that Pakistan first stop its attacks on Indian installations as well as civilians, and that any breach would invite a tough, no-nonsense ire from the Indian Forces. That happened, too, and Pakistan got the terse message ! And the world, too, understood that it was dealing with a different India. That messaging was as much as for the United States as it was for Pakistan. For, to the diplomatic hyperbole of US President Donald Trump, India had one clear response: Sorry, we agreed only for the stoppage of military action, and not a ceasefire per se ! Sorry, you did not broker the ceasefire -- since we do not accept any third-party intervention in Kashmir! Sorry, we make no promise of a discontinuance of Operation Sindoor -- which will go on ceaselessly, relentlessly. More of a deal-maker he is than a statesman, President Trump got his message in straight terms, though he may still keep blabbering about how he cobbled the so-called truce. To such a superficiality, all India could do was to offer only a wry smile that comes to a community elder if there is a boisterous youngster pushing things. N o matter those details -- which otherwise, too, India was never to admit or the US would never confess -- the American acquiescence came because (Indias precision strikes were described to have hit even Pakistans nuclear facility near its military headquarter Rawalpindi. That happened after the Indian strikes demolished the air defence systems given to Pakistan by China and the United States! If the Indians could pierce through the Chinese and the American systems, then they are bloody dangerous! For, earlier, the Indian strikes and defence systems were able to thwart every possible Pakistani overture through missile and drone attacks and even sent crashing as many as two Chinese-made JF-17 and one American-made F-16 fighter jets. That was not damaging just the Pakistani arsenal, but also the Chinese and American reputation. And that was possible with the completely Indian-made Akashteers and Bhargavastras and the Russian-made S-400 defence systems and the Pinakas ...! Indian Forces used whatever they had -- by way their legacyweapons as well as the new-gen appliances -- with stunning accuracy, shocking precision, and amazing sense of purpose. Nothing was shot in the dark. Every war appliance that left the Indian installations was fired with absolute focus -- not just technically and technologically but also as part of the Indian philosophy of not hitting any non-terrorist and civilian targets. India hit back at some military targets only when the Pakistanis tried to attack Indias military or other targets. Indian resolve was clear and visible right from the word Go. It took time to organise its thought and action after the Pahalgam terror attack. Once those were very properly and completely defined, the Indian forces went to wipe out as many as nine terror sites in Occupied Kashmir and deep inside Pakistan (which did not spare sites near even Islamabad --the political capital -- and Rawalpindi --the military capital). Very frankly, nobody -- even the Chinese or the Americans -- expected such a precision, such a clarity of purpose, such a sense of focus. Everything India did was almost like a text-book conduct of a short but deadly conflict: The engagement of Indias political, social, strategic, diplomatic and military leadership in the planning and subsequent execution, the complete involvement of Indias Army, the Air Force and the Navy in planning and precision-execution of Operation Sindoor, the complete psychological engagement of Indian people across the massive landscape in war-preparedness (the civil defence exercise et al)...! Everything was clinically planned and correctly executed. Everything was handled completely professionally -- without a trace of uncalled for emotion and political tall talk. Even the daily briefings -- led by none other than Foreign Secretary Vikram Misry -- were a precise affair. No-nonsense. Precise. Terse. Very purposeful. Initially even media questions were not allowed. But when the media was finally allowed to ask questions, the answers were to the point -- betraying no unnecessary emotionalism and propagandism. The story of how the national leadership prepared the nation for the eventual action is of immense maturity, of deep thinking, of longdistance planning, of dealing closely with every detail no matter how small or how big, of endless consultation among every segment of decision-makers, of taking into confidence every segment of opinion-makers, of full utilisation of the democratic advantage the country often enjoyed, of enlisting a complete and unflinching support of the entire country beyond any political divide or social faultlines... ! True, as part of the democratic discourse the country has always had, there were questioners who sought to know why the Government was delaying action in response to Pahalgam terror attack. Some of those questions were also rather thoughtless. But most of the people who raised questions were keen that India gave a hard blow to Pakistan the like of which it had not had in many decades. The beauty of the national leaderships maturity was that it did not react to any questions right or wrong, nor did it seek to explain what was happening under the wraps of official efforts. It knew that such expression of public opinion was integral to democracy. It knew fully well that once action began, the whole nation would get galvanised into the proverbial One Person. Everybody came on board -- including those who were stiff political opponents of those in power. Each forgot petty differences. Each felt elevated that he/she was part of the national effort to restore Indian pride and dignity -- no matter the differences of ideology or ideas. Achievement of such unity, such dignity has always happened in India -- and this time was no exception. Of course, there was one difference -- a major difference, so to say. And it was in the military domain: The famed Indian Armed Forces had kept themselves in full readiness even for a traditional, conventional warfare. But they finally chose to fight a hi-tech war (taking the fullest advantage of the green signal the national leadership had given them) and chose the method and manner and time of their own choosing to respond to the need of the moment. In sharp contrast, Pakistan actually did not know how to protect itself when India responded. Its military action, its political initiative, its diplomatic engagement -- everything looked in turmoil. And to make matters worse, it indulged in lots of nonsensical propaganda and lie-telling about how its Forces destroyed Indian assets. Offering pictorial evidence, the Indian spokespersons -- men and women -- proved every Pakistani word wrong and false. The calm confidence of the Indian spokespersons, their choice of words, the overall seriousness of their presentation -- yet tinged with a little smile -- communicated to the world that it was witnessing the picture of a New India, a different India. The repeated assertion by the Indian spokespersons that the Pakistanis could inflict no damage on the Indian infrastructure or assets got endorsed when Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed at the Adampur Air Force base where MiG 29 fighters and S-400 air defence systems offered a great backdrop against the leader stood and delivered his address. The Pakistani claims that its Forces had destroyed the Adampur base were proved totally wrong -- which the world would never miss noticing. The worlds recognition of Indian superiority also came through statements of experts that global media voiced prominently. Of course, Operation Sindoor will continue until India achieves its objective fully. But that decision will of Indias choosing -- no matter what anybody may have to say. For, the Operation Sindoor is not just a military operation, but an assertion of Indias unquestionable sovereignty! ISTANBUL, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Turkish museums are spotlighting the historical and cultural connections between Turkiye and China through artworks made of porcelain, stone, and silk that date back centuries. On the occasion of International Museum Day, which falls on Sunday, museums from Erzurum in the east to Istanbul and Bursa in the west are displaying artifacts that testify to the vibrant exchanges along the historic Silk Road, illustrating how Turkish and Chinese civilizations have influenced each other. In eastern Turkiye, the Erzurum Museum showcases the history of Silk Road trade, migration, and cultural exchange -- particularly with Chinese and other Asian civilizations -- through its collection of 24,000 artifacts, ranging from the Paleolithic period to the early Republic era. Husnu Genc, director of the museum, told Xinhua that many items in the collection demonstrate how these cultures became interwoven over centuries of exchange. Among the exhibits is the 2,500-year-old Tas Ata stele, discovered in Erzurum. "This rare anthropomorphic tombstone symbolizes deep cultural ties between Anatolia and the Eurasian steppe, especially regions like China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan," Genc said. Murat Kucukugurlu, a faculty member in the Department of History at Erzurum Technical University, emphasized Erzurum's rich cultural heritage and its importance as a key hub on the ancient Silk Road. "Erzurum's central role on the Silk Road and its emergence as a crossroads of trade and culture are made visible through the museum's collection," Kucukugurlu told Xinhua. In Istanbul, Topkapi Palace -- home to one of the world's richest collections of Chinese porcelain -- is preparing to unveil a new Porcelain Museum later this year, with a special focus on China. "We have around 22,000 porcelain pieces, 12,000 of which are Chinese. It's considered one of the most valuable collections globally," said Ilhan Kocaman, head of the Topkapi Palace Department. The museum, which preserves the rich heritage of Ottoman sultans, will exhibit artifacts obtained through trade and diplomatic exchanges spanning from the 13th to the early 20th century. Highlights include celadon and blue-and-white porcelain from China's Yuan and Ming dynasties, underscoring the longstanding historical connections between China and the Ottoman Empire. A silk museum at the Umurbey Silk Production and Design Center in northwestern Bursa province also bears witness to Turkiye's historic ties to the Silk Road and China. The museum showcases traditional handlooms, weaving equipment, silk threads, as well as historical photographs and documents. It also features artifacts that reflect cultural exchanges between China and Bursa, such as trade goods and textiles. "The museum highlights the cross-cultural exchanges between China and Bursa that shaped the region's textile heritage," Ayca Tayar, head of the Lifelong Learning Department at Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, told Xinhua. BUCHAREST, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Preliminary exit polls showed that Nicusor Dan, the mayor of Bucharest, holds a lead over his rival George Simion in Romania's presidential runoff on Sunday. According to an exit poll conducted by the AVANGARDE Socio-Behavioral Studies Group, Dan, an independent candidate, secured 54.9 percent of the vote, while Simion, the head of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), received 45.1 percent. A separate exit poll conducted by the Center for Urban and Regional Sociology (CURS) showed a similar outcome. Dan garnered 54.1 percent, compared to 45.9 percent for Simion. Both exit polls only covered polling stations within Romania. Over 1.64 million Romanian citizens cast their ballots from abroad by 9:00 p.m., according to real-time data from the Permanent Electoral Authority. Sunday's vote marked the second round of a re-run election, following the annulment of the 2024 presidential results due to alleged campaign irregularities and foreign interference. Simion, 38, led in the first round held earlier this month, winning 40.96 percent of the vote compared to Dan's 20.99 percent. A staunch critic of the European Union, Simion has campaigned on a "Romania First" platform, pledging to halt military aid to Ukraine, implement tax cuts, and push for deregulation. Dan, 55, has presented himself as a pro-European reformer. Under Romania's constitution, the president wields significant authority in foreign affairs, defense, and judicial appointments, including the power to nominate the prime minister. Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) and closed at 9 p.m. (1800 GMT). Preliminary results are expected late Sunday night or early Monday. Yes Significant efforts are being made No Much more needs to be done Some progress But there are still critical gaps Vote View Results TEHRAN, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said here Sunday that the United States has begun an "endless war" across the world to plunder other countries' resources and even human workforce, the official news agency IRNA reported. The West seeks to provoke conflicts in the Middle East to own the regional countries' resources at any price it wants, Pezeshkian said at the opening ceremony of the Tehran Dialogue Forum, a two-day event that has drawn 200 foreign delegations, including senior government officials and representatives of international organizations, to discuss regional and global challenges. Pezeshkian added that Iran has nothing to hide and will under no circumstances stop its "peaceful nuclear program." Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, talking about the Iran-U.S. indirect talks at the ceremony, said Iran wants "a fair and balanced agreement that would be formed within the framework of the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) and based on full respect for Iran's nuclear rights and guarantee the removal of sanctions in an objective manner." "Iran is committed to diplomacy and expects the cruel and unilateral sanctions, which have directly targeted our people, to be truly and tangibly lifted," he said. He added that Iran is ready to open a new chapter in its ties with Europe if the latter has a real determination and adopts an independent approach towards Iran. The Iranian and U.S. delegations have held four rounds of indirect talks on Tehran's nuclear program and the lifting of U.S. sanctions in the Omani capital Muscat and Italy's Rome. Meanwhile, Iran and three European countries -- France, Germany and Britain, collectively known as the E3 -- held a high-level meeting in Turkiye's Istanbul on Friday on the latest developments in the Iran-U.S. indirect talks, the sixth round of such talks between Iran and the E3 since September 2024, which have covered Tehran's nuclear program and the removal of sanctions, among other issues. This photo shows the site of Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtemoc's collision with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, the United States, May 17, 2025. A massive Mexican navy sailing ship making a festive visit to New York hit the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening, killing two people and injuring 19 others, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said. (Photo by Zack Zhang/Xinhua) NEW YORK, May 18 (Xinhua) -- A massive Mexican navy sailing ship making a festive visit to New York hit the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening, killing two people and injuring 19 others, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said. The vessel involved was the Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtemoc, carrying 277 people, with four of those injured in critical condition, said Adams. Adams attributed the collision to a mechanical mishap. "The pilot lost power of the ship," which left from the nearby Pier 17 earlier, he said. A police department official said that all of the injured were on board and no one fell into the water. Videos posted on social media reveal that the ship's 147-foot masts were clearly too tall to pass safely under the bridge. The ship was scheduled to return to New York in July 2026 to celebrate America's 250th birthday, according to media reports. Following the collision, New York Police Department warned on social platform X that people should avoid the areas around the Brooklyn Bridge due to the ongoing investigation, heavy traffic and a significant emergency response presence. As a result, all lanes of the Brooklyn Bridge are currently closed in both directions. This photo shows the site of Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtemoc's collision with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, the United States, May 17, 2025. A massive Mexican navy sailing ship making a festive visit to New York hit the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening, killing two people and injuring 19 others, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said. (Photo by Zack Zhang/Xinhua) This photo shows the site of Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtemoc's collision with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, the United States, May 17, 2025. A massive Mexican navy sailing ship making a festive visit to New York hit the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening, killing two people and injuring 19 others, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said. (Photo by Zack Zhang/Xinhua) This photo shows the site of Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtemoc's collision with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, the United States, May 17, 2025. A massive Mexican navy sailing ship making a festive visit to New York hit the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening, killing two people and injuring 19 others, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said. (Photo by Zack Zhang/Xinhua) Emergency response members work at the site of Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtemoc's collision with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, the United States, May 17, 2025. A massive Mexican navy sailing ship making a festive visit to New York hit the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening, killing two people and injuring 19 others, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said. (Photo by Zack Zhang/Xinhua) Emergency response members work at the site of Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtemoc's collision with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, the United States, May 17, 2025. A massive Mexican navy sailing ship making a festive visit to New York hit the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening, killing two people and injuring 19 others, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said. (Photo by Zack Zhang/Xinhua) In a 2024 article aimed at the industry it serves, the Bank Insurance and Securities Association (BISA) advised banks and credit unions to prioritize financial literacy because educated customers are empowered customers and empowered customers are good for business. Many financial institutions have seen the light and developed valuable programs, services, materials and tools designed to educate their clients and customers about managing, safeguarding and growing their money. Theres a good chance your bank offers free and helpful financial literacy resources that can guide you on your financial journey. Heres how to take advantage of them. Check Out: Fidelity Says This Is a Surprising Risk of Holding Too Much Cash Do You Have Too Much? Read Next: How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Every State? Start by Visiting Your Banks Financial Literacy Portal Nearly all big banks and many smaller ones offer a vast range of financial education resources, from primers on the basics of money management to in-depth tutorials on complex concepts like options trading. If your bank dedicates a section of its app or website to financial literacy, that should be your first stop for high-quality, concise and credible information on a variety of financial topics. For example, Bank of Americas Better Money Habits portal offers educational articles, videos and tips on: Budgeting Saving Investing Homeownership Debt Credit Paying for college Buying and financing cars Personal banking Taxes Income Retirement planning Learn More: If Youre Thinking About Getting a CD, Suze Orman Says You Should Do It Now Heres Why If Your Bank Doesnt Have a Podcast, Many Others Do Tune In Many banks offer fun and informative podcasts that cover general financial literacy or niche topics and you dont have to be a customer to tune in and learn. The following is a mix of examples from big banks, a small bank and a credit union: (If you cant listen on Apple Podcasts, most podcasts will also be on Spotify and other podcast platforms.) Take a Deeper Dive With Your Banks or Any Banks Webinars Webinars are virtual presentations or seminars that, like podcasts, some banks offer and others dont. Also like podcasts, anyone can take part no matter where they keep their money. For example, Chase offers its monthly Markets: In The Know with J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, which features experts who break down and explain various wealth management concepts and strategies. The four-day Indo-Pak War 2025, was the first war between two nuclear-armed countries. This war was unique for another reason also; troops of no country crossed the borders of the other, and the war was fought entirely with aircraft, missiles and drones. The short duration, and unusual character of hostilities, has resulted in myriad what if scenarios being passionately debated; for one, there has been intense speculation whether there would have been a nuclear war had the conflict continued for a few more days. The animosity between India and Pakistan dates back to the time of their creation. Following Gandhian principles, India trod a peaceful path, and ultimately became a military and economic power; contrarily, Pakistan took the path of militarism and religious extremism, and soon morphed into a rogue state openly sponsoring terrorism, and deploying terrorists as a part of State policy. At the time of the Cold War, Western powers, particularly the USA, viewed Pakistan as a bulwark against Russia, and deliberately shut their eyes to Pakistans shenanigans. Taking full advantage of the situation, Pakistan would often strike India directly, or through terrorists, and when India retaliated, like in Kargil, Pakistan would shamelessly play the victim card. Advertisement After the Cold War era, Pakistan has ceased to be a valuable asset for the West. Therefore, Western powers have often left Pakistan to fend for itself; no Western help was forthcoming after the Indian surgical strike, in 2016, or the Balakot airstrike, in 2019. While not abandoning America fully, a miffed Pakistan has wal ked into the Chinese camp. Sometimes, like the Mumbai bombers of 26/11, Pakistani terrorists have inadvertently, or otherwise, targeted US citizens. In such cases, Pakistan adopted a totally different approach ~ it cooperated fully with US authorities, e.g., in the case of David Headley and Tahawwur Rana. Advertisement More recently, Pakistan deported the dreaded terrorist Mohammed Sharifullah who was involved in the Abbey Gate suicide bombing during the 2021 withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan ~ an attack that took the lives of 13 US Army men, and also the suicide bombing at the Canadian embassy in Kabul in 2016. Sharifullah was also involved in the terrorist incident that killed 130 people in Moscow, in 2024. Therefore, Sharifullah was an invaluable asset for Pakistan, and his deportation to US, raises some fundamental questions, both for Pakistan and the US. On the other hand, no terrorist has ever been deported to India from Pakistan, which always keeps asking for proof. So far as the US is concerned, it deported Tahawwur Rana to India, sixteen years after he was apprehended in the US, but refused to extradite Headley, who was Ranas handler, and a much more valuable asset. Thus, there is something subterranean to the US-Pakistan relationship ~ which neither side is eager to disclose. In this context, there appears some credibility to a startling claim doing the rounds, that a) Pakistan is a nuclear base for the US, b) the nukes allegedly belonging to Pakistan are in reality owned by the US and meant for use against Russia. Ergo, the US halted the Indo-Pak war, because its nukes were under threat from Indian air attacks. Indias nuclear policy was formulated in 2003, by strategic analyst K Subrahmanyam, the father of Foreign Minister S Jaishankar. The policy is centred on four principles: a) No First Use (NFU), b) Credible Minimum Deterrence, i.e., Indias nuclear arsenal exists, so that other countries do not use nuclear weapons against India, c) Massive Retaliation, and d) Nuclear weapons will be used against countries attacking India, with biological or chemical weapons. Only the Prime Minister, as head of the political council of the Nuclear Command Authority, can authorise a nuclear strike. Pakistan has not spelt out its nuclear policy so far, giving it full flexibility in the deployment of nuclear weapons. However, the country seems to be following the four triggers nuclear policy laid out by Lieutenant General Khalid Ahmed Kidwai, in 2001. Briefly put, Pakistan will deploy nuclear weapons on the crossing of a) Spatial threshold i.e., after the loss of a large part of its territory. Since Pakistan lost East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in 1971, this would justify use of nuclear weapons against India; b) Military threshold ~ destruction or targeting of a large area of its air or land; c) Economic threshold ~ an attack that cripples the Pakistan economy, and, d) Political threshold ~ an attack leading to political destabilisation or large-scale internal disharmony. Later on, in May 2024, Lt. Gen. Kidwai added that Pakistan does not have a No First Use policy. Also, Pakistan has developed Tactical Nuclear Weapons, short-range nuclear weapons, specifically designed to be used on the battlefield against an opposing army, read India. As in the present war, after each misadventure vis-a-vis India, Pakistan runs to its patrons, saying that in view of Indian superiority in conventional warfare, it has no option but to deploy nuclear weapons. To avoid large-scale destruction and deaths, Western powers pressurise India not to retaliate. This was what prevented an Indian strike on Pakistan after the attack on Indian Parliament (2001) and the Mumbai attack (2008). There is also an inherent danger to the entire world if nuclear weapons are used in an Indo-Pak war. According to the Scientific American: A nuclear war between India and Pakistan would produce smoke from fires in cities and industrial areas. That smoke would rise into the stratosphere, the atmospheric layer above the troposphere where we live, which has no rain to wash out the smoke. Our research has found that the smoke would block out the sun, making it cold, dark and dry at Earths surface, choking agriculture for five years or more around the world. The result would be global famine. The International Campai gn to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), winner of Nobel Peace Prize 2017, agrees with this as ses sment. According to ICAN: Even a limited nuclear war between the two countries could trigger a nuclear winter, drastically disrupting global agriculture leading to famine that could kill more than two billion people. No country would be spared. No government could protect its people from the consequences. No official data is available, but according to the Federation of American Scientists, India has 180 nuclear warheads, ranging between 12 to 40 kilotons of dynamite, deployed on land and sea, while Pakistan has 170 warheads ranging between 5 to 12 kilotons. India, with Agni V, has a greater range of 7,000 to 8,000 km, while Shaheen of Pakistan has a range of 2,750 kms. Also, the K-4 submarine launched ballistic missile of India has a range of 3,500 kms. Thus both countries have the capability to send nuclear warheads deep inside the others territory. Even after knowing the ra bid Islamist leadership of Pakistan fully well, most analysts do not foresee the possibility of an Indo-Pak nuclear war. Rather, they point to the many decades of the Cold War, when nuclear armed US and USSR often confronted each other, but never pressed the nuclear button, because once a nuclear war started, both countries would be totally annihilated. Military analyst Donald Brennan coined the term mutual assured destruction, along with its derisive acronym MAD, for this state of affairs. We should remember, that there were moments when the US and USSR came close to an actual war, as at the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, when the sagacity of US President John F. Kennedy and his Soviet counterpart, Nikita Khrus hchev, saved the day. Acknowledging the close shave humanity had with annihilation, the US, USSR and Britain signed the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in 1963. The present Pakistani leadership boasts of no such astuteness. Rather, its policy of using terrorism as State policy, will bring it again into conflict with India ~ sooner rather than later. Instead of MAD, we will then be looking at SAD ~ self-assured destruction. Sadly, what the historian and author, William L. Shirer wrote, may come true in our lifetime: In our new age of terrifying, lethal gadgets, which supplanted so swiftly the old one, the first great aggressive war, if it should come, will be launched by suicidal little madmen pressing an electronic button. Such a war will not last long and none will ever follow it. There will be no conquerors and no conquests, but only the charred bones of the dead, on an uninhabited planet (The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany). (The writer is a retired Principal Chief Commissioner of Income-Tax) By Patrick Wingrove and Maggie Fick (Reuters) -As Denmark's Novo Nordisk shops for its next CEO to replace Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen, it should look across the Atlantic for a leader deeply entrenched in the United States, by far its largest market, analysts told Reuters. Novo, which manufactures the popular weight-loss drug Wegovy, said on Friday its current CEO will step down over concerns the company is losing its first-mover advantage in the highly competitive obesity drug market. Financial analysts Reuters spoke with said an American may be better placed to deal with a Trump administration, which is rewriting the rules on pharmaceutical trade, manufacturing, regulation and drug pricing. The Danish drugmaker became a world leader in the weight-loss drug market under Jorgensen's leadership, but in the U.S., the largest market for these drugs and where they are the most profitable, it has struggled against U.S. rival Eli Lilly. Novo has gone head-to-head with the Indianapolis company for customers, signing contracts with insurers and launching a direct-to-consumer offering to match Lilly's obesity drug Zepbound. But Zepbound prescriptions surpassed those of Wegovy this year by more than 100,000 a week. Clinical trials show the drugs offer weight loss of 15% to 20%, though a Lilly-run head-to-head trial found Zepbound was more effective than Wegovy across five weight-loss targets. The Danish drugmaker needs someone who understands the U.S. system better because they have "not competed to the same degree that Lilly has ... and it definitely feels like they are at a competitive disadvantage," said Barclays analyst Emily Field. Novo, Denmark's largest drugmaker, has only had five CEOs in its 102-year history, all Danish, and naming a CEO from the U.S. would be a departure. Jorgensen's predecessor, Lars Rebien Sorensen, who will now join the board in an observer role, had the top job from 2000 to 2016. Mads Ovlisen was in charge from 1981 to 2000. Lilly's CEO has met many times with President Donald Trump while Novo said it has not. Novo executives said on a call on Friday with investors they would look at both internal and external candidates and that the search is ongoing. When asked whether an American CEO was needed, Jorgensen told Reuters: I think we have a brilliant president of our U.S. organization who is an American and has been in the industry for long, and I think we are really well-covered there." He was referring to the head of the U.S. business, Executive Vice President David Moore, who replaced Doug Langa last year. At the time of writing, India and Pakistan have reached a ceasefire agreement. Nevertheless, anyone with even a cursory familiarity with subcontinental history since partition cannot help but be struck by a sense of deja vu at the fifth war between the two nations. In many ways, it was the same old Pakistani playbook: provoke India with a gruesome terror attack via proxies, scream innocence when India retaliates, escalate hostilities, threaten the nuclear option, compel the world to pay attention, but simultaneously lobby frantically for help to stop the war before being decimated. Its armys search for relevance, and a distraction from its own huge unpopularity at home, once again overshadowed any consideration of Pakistans own national interest. Clearly, the gradual return to normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir over the past six years was too much to digest for Pakistans army, which had plumbed new depths of unpopularity at home in recent years. Its chief Asim Munir had made that amply clear in his incendiary speech a week before the Pahalgam terrorist attack, asserting his intolerance for Hindus, in general, and commitment to stirring trouble in Kashmir, in particular. Imaging: Deni Lal Yet, in some ways there were important differences this time from the earlier wars. These had to do both with Indias economic stature, military capabilities and strategic thinking, and Pakistans updated tactics, such as extensive use of civilians as human shields. Ever since Kargil, and especially after Indias 2019 bombing of Balakot, it has become clear that there is plenty of headroom for India to make Pakistan pay for its support of terrorism without getting anywhere near the nuclear threshold. The only real issue has been how to maximise the cost for Pakistan while still providing pathways to limit the escalation spiral and end hostilities. A critical factor was Pakistans lack of resources for protracted hostilities. But, while India has far more staying power and can bleed the enemy dry, extended military engagement also acts as a dampener on investments and the economy at large. As the old saying goes, sustained high growth should be the core of Indias defence and foreign policies. It is telling that Indias GDP has gone from being seven times that of Pakistans when Kargil happened, to nine times by the time of the Balakot bombing, to 11 times now. And while India has become the worlds fastest growing large economy for the past several years, Pakistans economy is a sluggish laggard due to its generals skewed priorities. This trend will only keep tilting the balance more in Indias favour with every passing year. Of course, the bigger issue is how to permanently disincentivise Pakistans GHQ (army headquarters) from embarking on these periodic misadventures. The severe damage caused by Indias strikes on their military infrastructure should deter any rational country, but Pakistans generals thrive on an entirely different set of systemic incentives. Their chokehold on Pakistans limited resources, and thus periodic assertion of relevance, is far more critical to GHQ than their nations overall health and prosperity. Unlike what some woolly-headed Indians continue to advocate despite eight decades of failed attempts, talks are not going to yield a lasting solution. As someone who has participated in India-Pakistan track II dialogues more than two dozen times over the years, including in Pakistan, my experience has been dismal. Their continual cycle of blatantly denying support for terror attacks, followed by partial acknowledgment months later, regularly broken commitments, and insistence on continued talks even as they launch the next terror attack, is simply not worth entertaining. Indias new strategy of economically constraining Pakistan holds far more promise. Baijayant Jay Panda is National Vice President of the BJP and a member of the Lok Sabha. RECIPES AND DIPLOMATIC notes often confuse me. The language is only for practitioners and not for the public. And when you understand the language, you realise that some things are not as grand as they sound. Mulligatawny soup is an example. Nine times out of ten, it has tasted like the humble and wholesome pepper rasam to me. Gourmets may haul me over the coals for saying this. Diplomatese does the same. For example, translate this: We have some reservations regarding certain aspects of the proposal, and we believe that further discussion is warranted. Translation: We disagree. When I listen to President Donald Trump, I see a man who speaks without filters of any sort. Not that it is a good thing, as we saw in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. So, diplomatese is a good strategy sometimes. A better one would be to know when to keep ones mouth shut. On May 10, Trump promised that he will work with (India and Pakistan) to see if, after a thousand years, a solution can be arrived at, concerning Kashmir. The Kashmir issue is only 75 years old and not a thousand years old as he has said for the second time. But who will tell Trump? And, will he heed? India has traditionally maintained that talks with Pakistan will be bilateral. So, no one else has any formal role in that conversation until that policy is revised. To top it all, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it clear in his address this week that two core areas of that conversation will be terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This weeks cover was born in the background of these complexities. The main article was written by Senior Assistant Editor Sanjib Kr Baruah and Chief of Bureau Namrata Biji Ahuja, and we have expert voices in columns by former ambassador K.C. Singh and Turkish political scientist Nuray Mert and an interview with former Union minister and editor M.J. Akbar. Another major section in this issue is our annual special on Indias best universities, written by Principal Correspondent Abhinav Singh. The article looks at how universities are encouraging experiential learning and AI literacy. The article is bolstered by THE WEEK-Hansa Research Survey 2025 on Indias best universities and interviews with Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit of Jawaharlal Nehru University and Director Rangan Banerjee of IIT Delhi. An exclusive we have this week is an article by Fr Miguel Angel Martin Juarez OSA, who was the general secretary of the Order of St Augustine when Fr Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, headed the order. And another article where Correspondent Nirmal Jovial spoke to Fr Alexander Palliparambil, an Augustinian and an academic, who won a bottle of champagne in a bet over who would become the pope. Ill stop with @leisure, where the Malayala Manoramas Special Correspondent R.S. Santhosh Kumar has skilfully brought the equally poignant and inspiring story of writer Banu Mushtaq, whose anthology Heart Lamp has been shortlisted for the International Booker Prize 2025. In the interview, Banu, who is a year younger than me, narrates the fights with and the affection she has for her husband, Mushtaq Mohiyuddin. They clearly complete each other. Nevertheless, Santhosh writes that her plea to God in the last story of Heart Lamp is this: Come to Earth as a woman, Prabhu! Be a woman once, O Lord! I am sure that, for various reasons, many women would have echoed Banus prayer. Apologies, Matthew Arnold! Intelligent, not ignorant, armies have clashed by the night. Not on Dover beach, but over the Indus plains and Karakoram hills for three nights. There were three battles in the Sindoor war (I call it war because it was waged between two militaries)a battle of missiles, a battle of guns, and a battle of drones. The last may go down as historys least lethal war. It killed none; neither side claimed to have hurt humans nor suffered hurt to humans! Even the Anglo-Zanzibar war, historys shortest (44 minutes), killed a few. First about the battle of missiles. Indias opening shots were at nine terror holes from Muzaffarabad in Pak-occupied Kashmir to Bahawalpur in Pak-owned Punjab24 strikes delivered from war-jets in 25 minutes from 1.05am on May 7. Pakistan claims to have sent up fighters, shot down one or two of our birds. No proof. We may know once the fog of battle clears. This was the most lethal of the three battles. Took a few livesbad lives. Pakistan conceded their 11 soldiers and 40 civilians were killed. More, says India. We will leave the body-count alone as in the case of the birds downed. No prizes for guessing who the civilians were. Civilian terrorists get military funeral there. The damaged Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, Pakistan | Reuters Then there was the old border war along the LoC, fought on and off for eight decades. It usually stays cold, but turns hot when Pakistan has a fresh batch of terror graduates to be sent to our side. Their troops open fire, giving cover for the boys to sneak in. It can also turn hot when either side wants to have a photo-shoot (pun intended) or when the areas CO had had a bad breakfast. Most of these LoC firings end in local-level flag meetings or truces decided at higher level. One such truce had been holding since 2021, but sparks have been flying past few months. Perhaps that was when Pakistan was planning Pahalgam. Anyway, the shells and bullets fired from the other side are said to have killed about our 20 troops and civilians. Sad! But nothing new. These two were lethal battles. There was a third one. It lasted three nights along the LoC and the longer border. It killed none. It was a novelty. It hasnt yet been fought over South Asian soil or in its airspace. It started on Wednesday, the night after our missile strikes. Hundreds of drones swarmed across the border and the LoC like fireflies in the woodslighting up the night air but hurting none. We claim to have shot down every one. Probably yes, probably no. Either way, it hurt none. Except perhaps damagingnot destroyinga few air defence installations. Soon, it was our turn. We sent our drones to their air bases, including the ones near Islamabad and Lahore. They damaged the enemys air assets, but left its managers alive. Pretty decent. This drone war, decently non-lethal, went on till Pakistan upped the ante on Saturday morning. They sent a high-speed missile through the swarm of drones. India shot it down over Sirsa. Now the real game was afoot. We again scrambled our Rafales and MiGs, and shot missiles at close to a dozen air stations across the border and LoC, damaging Pak radars, installations and command-control consoles, but (hopefully) killed none. Pakistan sued for ceasefire. Now, why did the generals send drones to hit us? Three guesses. One, to tell the public of Pakistan that they were hitting India. Two, to scare usto tell us that they know where our air defence assets were located. Three, by hitting without hurting, they were pleading with us to pipe down. prasannan@theweek.in A staggering $24.14 billionthat is the value of smartphones exported from India in fiscal 2025 (FY2024-2025). This is a 55 per cent jump year-on-year from last fiscals 15.57 billion. And most of these smartphones went to the United States, the Netherlands, Italy, Japan, and the Czech Republic, according to the recently released government data. The US alone accounted for $10.6 billion in smartphones exported to the region in FY 2024-2025. This was double the exports to the US a year ago at $5.57 billion. An official from the Ministry of Commerce told agencies that the rapid ascent of smartphones as one of Indias top exported goods led to it overtaking traditional leaders like petroleum products and diamonds for the first time. Yes, India now exports more smartphones than petrochemicals and diamonds. Apart from the US, the Netherlands imported $2.2 billion of iPhones in the last fiscal. Exports to Italy were $1.26 billion and that to the Czech Republic stood at $1.17 billion. Japan also imported an impressive amount of smartphones from India. Exports to Tokyo surged to $520 million in fiscal 2025, from a mere $120 million in FY 2022-2023. In the past two fiscal years, exports of smartphones jumped on account of government efforts, including the much-talked-about Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Smartphone production units have sprung up in the country, attracting more investment, and bolstering Indias supply-chain capabilities in the sector. Major global names like Apple deciding to move manufacturing of iPhones from China to Indiadespite a 5 to 8 per cent hike in manufacturing costsadded to increased confidence in the country as a smartphone-making hub. Manufacturer of the famed single malt Rampur, Radico Khaitan, looks to import 250 crore worth of Scotch malt in this fiscal year. According to its MD Abhishek Khaitan, Radico Khaitan, which also brews Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin, is set to benefit substantially from the India-UK free trade agreement (FTA). According to the FTA announced earlier in May, India is set to slash duties on UK whisky and gin from 150 per cent to 75 per cent. And this would be slashed further to 40 per cent by year ten. The maker of Rampur single malt is Indias largest importer of Scotch whisky for use in blending. Moreover, a significant chunk of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) companieslike Allied Blenders & Distillers (ABD)import bulk Scotch for blending. This could mean blended drinks and spirits based on Scotch could become more affordable. Indian whisky drinkers are in for a treat, as these indigenous brands can now offer consumers more choices with better access to high-quality spirits. India drinks the most whisky by volume in the world. In fact, industry body Scotch Whisky Association said that the country imported 192 million bottles of Scotch in 2024. Yet, industry experts are cautious, raising concerns about whether the concessions might hurt the domestic alco-bev industry, but cutting manufacturing growth from agriculture to bottle. However, they are yet to determine the impact of the FTA since more details of the trade deal are yet to be finalised. The last available data about the overall national sales of IMFL is from fiscal 2023. In FY 2023, IMFL sales jumped 14 per cent by volume to 385 million cases. That year, sales of single malts from Indian brandsAmrut, Paul John, Indri, Rampur, Gianchand, etc.outpaced global names. Once the UK-India FTA is in place, lower-duty Scotch will flow to India, and it is expected to lift sales even further. Actor Wagner Moura, who attained international fame with the Netflix crime series Narcos and has been recently part of high-profile Hollywood films and shows, briefly returned to his native Brazil for Aquarius and Bacurau director Kleber Mendonca Filho's period political thriller The Secret Agent. Interestingly, the film is set in Filho's hometown, Recife, in 1977, at a time of intense political turmoil and military dictatorship. Moura plays an undercover agent who, in the hopes of putting his dark past behind him and looking for peace, shifts from Sao Paulo to Recife, only to find that the city doesn't quite offer the respite he desperately seeks, triggering more paranoia. At Cannes, Kleber Mendonca Filho said his intent with the film was to explore themes of "repression and resistance" and the lives of individuals functioning within an oppressive system. In an interview with Deadline, Filho clarified that his film is unlike the dictatorship stories we have seen before. Every time I told people the film would be set in 1977, the first word that comes out is dictatorship. Which is fine, but in Brazilian cinema, and Argentinian cinema as well, there is a sub-genre of the dictatorship movie. The challenge was to make a film about the logic of that time without ticking all the boxes of the dictatorship movie. Im not against those films. In fact, we just had a very strong and beautiful film in Brazilian cinema, Im Still Here, by Walter Salles, which did wonders for many young people who were not even aware of that moment in history. But with this film, its very much about the atmosphere, the fumes. The film seems tailor-made for Moura, who has been part of some politically-charged films with strong themes and, at times, ambiguous narratives, with notable examples being Jose Padilha's Elite Squad and its sequel (both from Brazil), Olivier Assayas' Wasp Network, and most recently, Alex Garland's Civil War. Meanwhile, Moura starred in the Apple TV+miniseries Dope Thief, with the last episode concluding on April 25. Directed by Peter Craig and executive produced by Ridley Scott, the crime drama co-starred Brian Tyree Henry ("Atlanta"). Singapore has been witnessing a significant surge in Covid-19 cases. The number of Covid cases rose to 14,200 in May compared to the 11,100 cases last month. The sudden surge in cases has raised concerns about the spread of a new variant. Not just in Singapore, several parts of Asia are reporting a spike in Covid-19 cases. Hong Kong, China and Thailand have reported a fresh surge. The Ministry of Health informed that, "LF.7 and NB.1.8 are the main Covid-19 variants circulating in Signapore." LF.7 and NB.1.8 are descendants of JN.1 variant that is used in Covid-19 vaccines. The health ministry has advised the public to be vigilant in the wake of the rising hospitalisations. What are the current Covid wave symptoms? The symptoms associated with the current Covid wave include sore throat, nausea, vomiting, cough, brain fog and conjunctivitis. Though the symptoms are mild, the experts have asked to monitor their health and seek medical attention in case required. In Hong Kong, experts warned that "the virus activity is quite high". Reportedly, as of May 3, 31 deaths were reported among 81 severe Covid cases. Also, 83 per cent of the people infected are those above the age of 65 years. The increase in the viral load was seen in sewage samples. An increase in respiratory samples testing positive for Covid-19 was also noted. Meanwhile, Thailand's Department of Disease Control also reported two cluster outbreaks in 2025. In India, though many are not undergoing the Covid-19 tests, data from the ICMR labs reveal that there are cases. However, health officials have advised people not to panic and adopt the basic steps of hygiene and avoid crowded places without a mask. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Sunday called out the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party for including Kerala MP Shashi Tharoor's name for the anti-Pakistan diplomatic mission, despite the party not suggesting his name. The Congress leader said the "delegates" must not divert attention from the opposition's demands regarding 'Operation Sindoor'. In a statement, Congress secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh said the Congress party suggested the names of four MPs after the Union government contacted Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and sought names for its diplomatic mission against Pakistan. "These 4 names were conveyed in writing by the LoP Lok Sabha to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs by 12 noon on May 16th itself. Very late tonight (May 17th) the full list of members of all delegations has been officially released." "Most regrettably only one of the four names suggested by the INC leadership has been included. This proves the complete insincerity of the Modi Govt and shows the cheap political games it always plays on serious national issues", Ramesh charged. The Congress leader said the party will not stop the MPs "included at the instance of the Modi government" and they will make their contributions. "The INC will not stoop to the pathetic level of the PM and the BJP. It will always uphold the finest traditions of Parliamentary democracy and not play partisan politics on national security issues, like the BJP does," Ramesh said. However, the Congress leader had a cryptic warning for the delegates. "These delegations should not, however, divert attention from the INC's demands to have all-party meetings chaired by the PM and for a special session of Parliament to reiterate the resolution adopted on Feb 22, 1994, while also taking note of developments thereafter." A huge row erupted on Saturday after the Centre named Tharoor as the leader of one of the delegations that would visit partner countries to present India's views on cross-border terrorism. However, Tharoor's name was not mentioned in the official list of the Congress party. Congress suggested the names of MPs Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Dr Syed Naseer Hussain and Raja Brar. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will embark on his three-nation tour on Monday, during which he is expected to highlight Indias fight against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism. In the six-day trip from May 19 to 24, Jaishankar will visit the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany. During the visit, EAM will meet the leadership of the three countries and hold discussions with his counterparts on the entire gamut of bilateral relations and regional and global matters of mutual interest, the external affairs ministry said in a statement. The minister is also expected to brief his counterparts in these countries about Indias decision to Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The three countries had expressed solidarity to India after the Pahalgam attack in which 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were shot to death by terrorists in the scenic valley of Kashmir on April 22. The visit comes at a time when India is actively bolstering its outreach to Europe, with an emphasis on trade, investment, digital cooperation, climate action, and shared security concerns, reported IANS. In 2024, India and Denmark had signed a Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement, facilitating a structured framework for Indian nationals to work in Denmark, particularly in the healthcare sector. The diplomatic relations between India and the Netherlands are 75-years-old. The MEA noted that the two countries enjoy strong political, economic & commercial relations. Meanwhile, India and Germany have a strategic partnership. Travel with Jo vlogger Jyoti Malhotra was arrested on Saturday from Hisar, Haryana, for spying for Pakistan intelligence agency ISI and sending sensitive information about India. It has now been revealed that Jyoti exposed herself in her YouTube vlog by posing with a Pakistani official who was expelled by India. In a 15-minute video posted in 2024, Jyoti Malhotra is seen attending an iftar party at the Pakistani embassy to mark the National Day of Pakistan. She also shared the invitation screen-grab that read: "On the occasion of the National Day of Pakistan Charge d Affaires, Mr. Saad Ahmad Warraich requests the pleasure of the company of Ms Jyoti at a Reception & Iftar dinner on Thursday, 28 March 2024." ALSO READ: Spying for ISI: YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra was close to Pakistani agents, passed info on key locations Once inside the embassy, a "super-duper excited" Jyoti meets Ehsan-ur-Rahim whom she refers to as Danish ji. From their conversation, it becomes clear that they had met previously. He introduces her to Pakistani officials, telling them about her vlog, 'Travel with Jo' and the number of subscribers she has. Danish who was a staffer at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi was expelled from India on May 13 after he was declared a persona non grata over espionage charges. It has been revealed that Danish had introduced Malhotra to several Pakistani Intelligence Operatives. The number of one of the ISI operatives, Shakir alias Rana Shahbaz was saved as Jatt Randhawa on her phone. She informed ISI about sensitive locations in India besides portraying a positive image of Pakistan on her social media. Some of her YouTube videos are titled, Indian girl explores Lahore and Indian girl crossing Wagah border. Danish also introduces his wife to Jyoti as they discuss about Pakistan's National Day. She asks Indians attending the party about their visits to Pakistan, expressing her excitement in travelling to Pakistan in the future. Hopefully Ill get a visa this time, she says. Danish reportedly lured Jyoti and several others by offering them visa and money. The video concludes with Jyoti bidding farewell to Danish, expressing concern that he has not eaten yet as he was busy organising the event. Jyoti was charged under BNS Section 152, Official Secrets Act, 1923 Sections 3, 4 and 5. Jyoti was remanded in police custody for five days for further investigation. She was among six people arrested for spying for Pakistan. The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO), in partnership with Adobe, has launched Project Fizzionan innovative design intelligence platform that reimagines traditional brand guidelines as smart, flexible assets. The Coca-Cola Company (KO) Launches Fizzion: A New AI Tool to Boost Creativity Worldwide This new system allows creative teams to generate content up to ten times faster while maintaining quality, originality, and brand integrity. Though still in its pilot stage, Fizzion reflects a forward-looking approach to scaling brand consistency without sacrificing creative control. The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) runs one of the most intricate marketing systems globally, making it challenging to consistently deliver creative content thats both brand-aligned and locally relevant. Fizzion aims to solve this by acting as a design-first AI tool that supportsrather than replaceshuman creativity. It learns from designers as they work within Adobe Creative Cloud tools like Illustrator and Photoshop, capturing their design choices and converting them into machine-readable StyleID. This allows brand guidelines to be automatically applied across various formats, platforms, and markets. Rapha Abreu, Global Vice President of Design, made the following comment about this development: With Fizzion, our design elements become smart. Logos, type, imagerybrand guidelines now live intelligently inside them. Each asset understands how it should behave, adapt, and scale across any context. This is about embedding AI at the heart of our brand system so creativity can move faster, without losing its soul. In addition to its commitment to innovation, The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) is also a financially healthy company. The companys sound financial position is reflected in its impressive 63-year history of increasing dividends. It pays a quarterly dividend of $0.51 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.83%, as of May 18. While we acknowledge the potential of KO to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than KO and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: 12 Best Mid-Cap Dividend Aristocrats to Invest in Now and Dividend Challengers 2025: Top 25 Disclosure. None. The Tamil Nadu government is all set to step up its fight against the Union governments proposed New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the three-language formula. The southern state, which has been vociferous against the Centre, will seek legal recourse in the Supreme Court. Releasing the book 'Madhayaanai' (The Rogue Elephant), authored by Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Stalin accused the Union government of trying to saffronise education. He said the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in the Centre is trying to erase the celebration of diversity in the country. The only way to stop the saffronisation is to start a campaign to bring education back to the state list, he noted. Stating that the state would soon approach the Supreme Court seeking to direct the Union government to release Rs 2,152 crore due to the state under the Sarava Sikhsha Abhigyan (SSA), Stalin said, The funds rightfully belonged to Tamil Nadu as recommended by the parliamentary standing committee on education. The first copy of the book released by Stalin was received by former Maharashtra chief minister and Congress MP Digvijay Singh. Singh heads the parliamentary standing committee on education. The NEP will destroy our pluralistic culture, and the BJP and RSSs sole aim is to dismantle Indias unity and impose a unitary, Sanskritised national identity. We are fighting because the NEP will undermine the reservations of the oppressed and the marginalised. Only as long as reservation exists, the oppressed and the backward communities will have access to higher education, Stalin said while speaking during the book launch. Criticising the Union government for withholding the funds under the SSA to the tune of Rs 2,152 crore, Stalin termed it as petty politics by the BJP. The Tamil Nadu government will certainly move the Supreme Court against this injustice. Just as we have secured landmark judgments protecting states rights, I am confident we will win this case too. Recalling Home Minister Amit Shahs statement that NEP 2020 will promote Sanskrit, the chief minister said the former's statement has only reaffirmed what the DMK has been warning in the past. This is an attempt to destroy languages like Tamil. We must intensify our struggle to bring back language to the state list from the concurrent list, he said. Speaking after receiving the first copy of the book, Singh said RSS was behind the formulation of the NEP 2020. Coming from the heartland of the RSS, he said, the RSS has been using education to poison and influence the minds of youngsters. He also noted that the NEP 2020 violates a number of articles in the constitution. He said the Congress will stand with the DMK and other like-minded parties in their fight to protect democracy and to stop the rogue elephant in its tracks. Earlier, former Supreme Court judge Justice Gopala Gowda said that the NEP 2020 ignores the federal features of the constitution by ignoring the role of state governments. He said the governors cannot bulldoze the legislature and lauded Stalin for securing a landmark judgement. An associate professor at Ashoka University in Haryana was arrested on Sunday for his alleged remarks on the media briefings conducted by two women armed forces officers on Operation Sindoor. However, the arrest sparked an outrage with several political leaders and a section of the academic community condemning the Haryana police action. Ali Khan Mahmudabad, the head of the political science department, was arrested after two FIRs were lodged on stringent charges, including endangering sovereignty and integrity, for his social media posts. The FIRs were filed based on two complaintsone based on a complaint from the chairperson of Haryana State Commission for Women, Renu Bhatia, and the other on the complaint of a village sarpanch. "On the Commission chairperson's complaint, the FIR has been lodged against Prof Ali of Ashoka University under BNS sections 152 (acts endangering sovereignty or unity and integrity of India), 353 (statements conducing to public mischief), 79 (deliberate actions aimed at insulting the modesty of a woman) and 196 (1) (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion)," Deputy Commissioner of Police Narender Kadyan told the media. In a social media post, Mahmudabad had described the media briefings by Col Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh as "optics". "But optics must translate to reality on the ground, otherwise it's just hypocrisy," he had said. Earlier, Haryana State Commission for Women had sent a notice to the assistant professor, saying his remarks has raised concerns about the "disparagement of women in uniform. Mahmudabad, however, maintained that they were "misunderstood" and asserted that he had exercised his fundamental right to freedom of speech. My statement re the summons that I received from the Haryana State Womens Commission. The posts that were misunderstood and objected to can be accessed on my Facebook page. pic.twitter.com/U4rZrAXhFx Ali Khan Mahmudabad (@Mahmudabad) May 14, 2025 "...I am surprised that the Women's Commission, while overreaching its jurisdiction, has misread and misunderstood my posts to such an extent that they have inverted their meaning," Mahmudabad had said on X. Political row erupts Several opposition leaders, including AIMIM leader Asaddudin Owaisi and Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, condemned the arrest and said they will move the court against the police action. "Haryana police reportedly arrested him from Delhi, violating legal process. This targets an individual for his opinions; his post wasn't anti-national or misogynistic. A mere complaint by a BJP worker made Haryana police take action," Owaisi wrote on X. "Horrified at arrest of distinguished scholar & academic Prof @Mahmudabad - has this bigoted govt & @police_haryana totally lost it? We are moving court asap (sic)," said Moitra. The CPI(M), too, criticised the arrest. "We condemn the arrest of professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad for his social media post against hate. While hate-mongers like Vijay Shah (Madhya Pradesh minister) roam free, those calling for justice and peace are targeted in Modi's India, it said. The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers' Association (JNUTA) issued a statement condemning Mahmudabad's arrest and demanding that the charges against him be dropped. "The JNUTA expresses its outrage at the wholly unwarranted arrest by the Haryana Police of Dr Khan. This arrest, purportedly on the basis of a complaint by a leader of the ruling party, follows soon after the Haryana State Commission for Women acted way beyond its jurisdiction in taking suo motu cognisance of some statements made by Professor Khan, it said. As many as 17 persons were killed in a massive fire near Hyderabad's iconic Charminar on Sunday. Firefighting operations are underway and at least 11 fire tenders are at the spot. A massive fire broke out in a building in Gulzar House near Charminar in Hyderabad on Sunday. According to hospital authorities, eight persons were brought dead to the facility. A devastating fire broke out in Gulzar House, under the jurisdiction of Mir Chowk Police Station in Hyderabad. The flames quickly engulfed the area, prompting a swift response from fire and rescue teams, who managed to save several people trapped inside. Sadly, three individuals pic.twitter.com/pi6POh8vNA Vishnu Vardhan Reddy (@SVishnuReddy) May 18, 2025 Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the incident and condoled the deaths. The chief minister said the situation is being monitored and senior officials have been directed to carry out necessary relief measures to rescue those trapped inside the building. A statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office said directions were issued to immediately shift the injured to hospitals and ensure proper medical treatment. According to a Telangana fire department official, they received a call at around 6.30am and rushed to the spot. Several people were found unconscious and shifted to various hospitals. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy visited the spot and reviewed the situation. Reddy said, "Police informed that eight people are dead in the fire accident. But the figure has to be confirmed by them only. Some children are among the dead." Reddy added he would speak with the Centre and the prime minister and try to get financial help for the kin of those who died in this incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths and announced solatium for the families of the deceased. "Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy in Hyderabad, Telangana. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," Modi said in a statement. The Indian Army on Sunday released fresh visuals of how it carried out strikes against Pakistan and terror launchpads in the neighbouring country as part of 'Operation Sindoor'. The Army said its military action was not revenge for the Pahalgam terror attack, but "justice". The Western Command of the Indian Army released fresh visuals of the operation it carried out as part of 'Operation Sindoor' on May 9. Indian armed forces carried out 'Operation Sindoor' in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. In the video, the Army shows how it razed down terror launchpads across the Line of Control. "The enemy was seen leaving his posts and running away", it said. "Operation Sindoor was a lesson for Pakistan that it had not learnt for decades," the Army said. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 and carried out precision strikes at terror bases at nine locations along the Line of Control to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack. As many as 26 persons, including 25 tourists and a local horse owner, were killed in the worst terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. While India maintained it does not wish to escalate the situation, Pakistan launched drone strikes targeting military assets along the International Border and LoC on May 8,9 and 10. India successfully thwarted the attacks. In retaliation, India struck 11 Pakistani air bases and destroyed 20 per cent of Pakistans air force assets. Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana-based YouTuber arrested on espionage charges, was being developed as an asset by Pakistani intelligence operatives, police said on Sunday. They said Malhotra had maintained ties with other YouTube influencers and Pakistani nationals. "She was in touch with other YouTube influencers, and they were also in contact with the Pakistan Information Officers (PIOs). She used to go to Pakistan, like on sponsored trips. She was in Pakistan before the Pahalgam attack, and the investigation is ongoing to establish any possible linkage," Shashank Kumar Sawan, Superintendent of Police (SP) Hisar, said. #WATCH | Hisar | "They were developing her (Jyoti Malhotra) as an asset. She was in touch with other YouTube influencers, and they were also in touch with the PIOs... She used to go to Pakistan, like on sponsored trips... She was in Pakistan before the Pahalgam attack, and the pic.twitter.com/OD2wD1vzic ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2025 According to police, Malhotra was in touch with a Pakistani officer posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi during the four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan. Sawan said Malhotra did not have any direct access to any information related to the military or defence operations, but she was directly in touch with PIOs. "This is also (a kind of) warfare, in which they try to push their narrative by recruiting influencers, he said. The 33-year-old YouTuber was arrested on Saturday under the Official Secret Act and BNS Section 152. A local court has remanded her in police custody for five days. During the preliminary investigation, the woman told the police that she went to the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi in 2023 to apply for a visa and met a man named Ahsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish. She also said that after exchanging numbers, she started talking to Ahsan-ur-Rahim and travelled twice to Pakistan. It was Ahsan-ur-Rahim who arranged for her stay and travel and arranged meetings with Pakistani security and intelligence agencies. "We are analysing her financial transactions, travel details, where she went and whom she met," Sawan said. Meanwhile, the Odisha Police have started an investigation into the alleged links between a Puri-based YouTuber and Malhotra. The police found that Malhotra had visited Puri in September 2024 and came in contact with a woman in the coastal town, who is also a YouTuber. The woman in Puri had also travelled to Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan recently. Although President Ahmad Al-Sharaa managed to clinch a surprise meeting with President Donald Trump in Saudi Arabia a few days ago, the political situation in Syria remains far from stable. The country faces chaos, civil strife and external meddling, and for its significant Kurdish minority, the future appears increasingly uncertain. Their prospects seem to be shaped by multiple overlapping regional conflicts, political fragmentation within the community and the ever-changing international dynamics. While the leading Kurdish militia, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and its political wing, the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), have managed to make major strides in building a decentralised governance model in the Syrian northeast, it faces strong resistance from the transitional government led by Al-Sharaa in Damascus, and also from neighbouring Turkey, which exerts significant influence over the new Syrian government dominated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a hardline Islamist faction once affiliated to Al Qaeda. Al-Sharaas recent rejection of federalism as part of Syrias post-conflict political order underscores the depth of this resistance. On April 27, the president explicitly dismissed the SDFs proposal for a decentralised state, describing it a threat to national unity and a violation of an earlier agreement between the two parties. His administrations decision to maintain Syrias name as the Syrian Arab Republic, reinforce Sharia and designate Arabic as the sole official language has alienated not only Kurds, but also other minority groups, who had hoped the transitional framework would reflect Syrias pluralistic reality. Despite signing a deal with the central government to integrate the SDF into state institutions, the Kurdish leadership continues to advocate for autonomy. Ilham Ahmed, a senior SDC figure, has stated that the self-administration model developed in northeast Syria could be a blueprint for the entire country. However, in the eyes of the Al-Sharaa government, such demands contradict the centralising tendencies of the interim constitution. The gulf between the two positions suggests that, for now, meaningful Kurdish participation in state reform is unlikely. On the ground, the Kurds remain under intense military and economic pressure. Turkish-backed forces are active in northern Syria, targeting Kurdish militias that Ankara believes to be working with the banned Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). But the PKK formally announced its dissolution on May 12, ending more than four decades of armed insurgency against the Turkish state. The announcement followed a call in February by imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan for the group to abandon its armed struggle. Though SDF commander Mazloum Abdi has publicly proposed ceasefires and demilitarised zones to reduce tensions, Turkey has maintained its hardline stance. Ankara sees any form of Kurdish self-rule on its southern border as a direct security threat and is unlikely to back down unless assured of the total dismantling of PKK-affiliated groups. The SDF continues to talk to the Al-Sharaa government as the Kurds try to broaden their political alliances and reduce hostilities, but it is also clearly a sign of desperation. The never-ending conflict and the economic isolation have taken a toll. Kurdish regions are now hampered by closed trade routes, limited oil sales and declining western aid. Escalating civil war has resulted in major damage to critical infrastructure like the Tishreen and Tabqa dams, exacerbating water and electricity shortages and endangering food security. Yet, the Kurds carry on with their political project, particularly in Rojava, experimenting with grassroots democracy and gender equality, a novelty in the region. The governance model in Rojava focuses on participatory democracy, ecological sustainability and womens rights. But as the Al Shara administration tightens its hold over Damascus, and with Turkey getting involved over Syrian affairs on a day-to-day basis, those achievements are becoming increasingly vulnerable. In areas like Idlib, where the transition governments conservative rule has stripped women of basic rights, Kurdish women fear that any rollback of autonomy would jeopardise the progress made since 2013. Internationally, support for Kurdish autonomy is going down quickly now that Assad is no longer a threat. The United States, once a key backer of the SDF in the fight against Islamic State, is now preoccupied with disengaging from Middle Eastern conflicts, especially under President Trump. Saudi Arabia, which is another key player, wants to use the Kurds as a counterweight to Iranian influence, but it has stopped short of offering them concrete support, as Riyadh is wary of jeopardising Syrias territorial integrity. This leaves the Kurds with few reliable allies. A ray of hope perhaps comes from neighbouring Iraq where Kurds have a stable presence at the moment. Iraqi Kurds have offered rhetorical and symbolic support, urging unity among their Syrian brethren and pointing towards their own autonomy which could be instructive. However, given the internal strife between the two major Iraqi Kurdish groups, the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, even Iraqi Kurdistan is struggling to maintain its autonomy. At the moment, the future of Kurds in Syria is fraught with uncertainty. While Kurdish groups have demonstrated resilience, the new government in Damascus is keen on centralisation and tight control. Another challenge is a hostile Turkey and dwindling international support. Unless the existing political situation shifts drastically, facilitating greater inclusivity and decentralisation, the Kurds may find their hard-won gains slipping away gradually. A series of Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip overnight has killed at least 100 Palestinians as efforts for a new round of ceasefire talks are ongoing between Israel and Hamas. Reportedly, Mohammed Sinwar and Zakaria Sinwar, brothers of former Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar were killed in the Israeli airstrikes on Gaza last week. The de facto commander of Hamas Mohammed Sinwar has been in charge of the remaining 58 Israeli hostages since his brother was killed by military forces in Rafah in October last year. THE WORLD IS NOW A BETTER PLACE Israeli defense officials have confirmed that precise Israeli Air Force attacks likely eliminated Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar and his brother Zakaria Sinwar. Arab sources have confirmed the news as fact. Both were forces of evil who were pic.twitter.com/Z3bZzSUsXm Dov Lipman (@DovLipman) May 18, 2025 Mohammed Sinwars body was found in a Khan Younis tunnel near Rafah crossing, reported Times of Israel. Defence Minister Israel Katz told Knesset Foreign Affairs that Mohammed was likely killed in the Gaza airstrike last week. However, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) is yet to confirm his death. Israel's overnight strikes hit a tent encampment housing displaced families in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, killing women and children, wounding dozens and setting several tents ablaze. Zakaria Sinwar, another brother of Yahya Sinwar was, reportedly, killed on Saturday in the overnight airstrike in Nuseirat in central Gaza Strip. He was killed along with three of his children in a strike on the tent where they were residing. Rafah Brigade commander Mohammed Shabanah was also killed in the strike. Zakaria was a history lecturer at a Gaza university. Meanwhile, Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied the deaths. Israel has blocked the entry of medical, food and fuel supplies into Gaza since the start of March to try and pressurise Hamas to release the remaining hostages. However, Hamas has maintained its stand that the hostages will not be released till a ceasefire is obtained. Amid the fresh round of airstrikes, mediators including Egypt and Qatar began a new round of indirect ceasefire talks between the two sides on Saturday. Gazas healthcare system is barely functional with the repeated bombardment by Israeli forces. Gaza Health Ministry on Sunday said that Indonesian Hospital, one of the largest partially functioning medical facilities in north Gaza, had stopped its operations following the Israeli fire near and at the vicinity. As the fragile ceasefire came into effect on May 10, Turkiye became the focus of the ire of several Indians over its support for Pakistan. President Recep Tayyip Erdogans open support for Islamabad and the latter using several Turkish drones angered many. Without much prompting or prodding, several non-political figures began calling for a boycott of trade and other forms of engagements with Turkiye. On May 13, JNUa premier institution in the countrydeclared: "Due to National Security considerations, the MoU between JNU and Inonu University, Turkey stands suspended until further notice. JNU stands with the Nation. This brief statement had a cascading effect across the country, and several higher education institutions joined the call for the suspension or termination of engagements with their Turkish counterparts. Furthermore, two days later, Indias aviation security regulator Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), emulated the securitisation logic and revoked clearance for the Turkish-based Celebi Airport Services India that was looking after ground-handling in nine airports across the country. While IndiGo, a major partner of Turkish Airlines, is still holding out, several professional bodies joined the chorus for a Turkish boycott. Who are they? Here is an ongoing list of entities that called for the suspension, termination or pause in ties with Turkiye over the latters support to Pakistan. Business/Professional Associations All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) Apple traders (Pune and New Delhi, Rajasthan, Azadpur Mandi, Delhi) Association of Indian Universities (AIU) Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) Tours and Travels Association of Andhra (TTAA) Udaipur Marble Processors Association Universities/higher education institutions Jawaharlal Nehru University Chandigarh University Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur IIT Bombay IIT Roorkee Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi Kanpur University Lovely Professional University, Chaheru, Punjab Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad Sharda University, Greater Noida, UP Service providers Revoking of security clearance for Celebi Airport Services (Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Cochin, Delhi, Goa (GOX), Hyderabad, Kannur, Mumbai airports) Tour operators/websites EaseMyTrip Ixigo MakeMyTrip PickYourTrail (pausing) Shopping sites Ajio Myntra Political organizations Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) The list is unfolding and will be updated periodically. The author teaches contemporary Middle East studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. As many as 19 sailors suffered injuries after a training ship of the Mexican Navy crashed into the iconic Brooklyn Bridge in New York on Sunday. The 142-year-old bridge did not suffer any major damage in the crash, authorities said. According to reports, the Mexican Navy ship, which was on a promotional tour in New York City, partially collapsed after it crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge. New York authorities said a probe is underway and the cause of the collision is being investigated. Videos captured by eyewitnesses show the ship with tall masts slamming into the iconic bridge. Videos showed heavy traffic on the span at the time of the collision. The New York fire department officials said that authorities responded to the injuries immediately. Sailors could be seen aloft in the rigging on the damaged masts. New York City Mayor Eric Adams said 19 people were injured in the crash, four seriously, but the 142-year-old bridge was spared major damage, AP reported. The cause of the collision was under investigation, he added. As per reports, at least 200 persons were onboard the Mexican Navys training vessel. In a post on X, the Mexican Navy confirmed its academy training vessel 'Cuauhtemoc' was damaged in an accident with the Brooklyn Bridge and it has disrupted its voyage. Mexicos foreign affairs ministry said that officials from its consulate in the US are in contact with local authorities and are providing assistance to the affected cadets. Eyewitnesses told AP that they saw the vessel strike the bridge and one of its masts snap. Looking closer, they saw someone dangling from high on the ship. We saw someone dangling, and I couldn't tell if it was just blurry or my eyes, and we were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least like 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them, they said. Over 1 lakh vehicles and an estimated 32,000 pedestrians cross the Brooklyn Bridge every day. The bridge, which was opened in 1883, has a nearly 1,600-foot main span supported by two masonry towers. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited soldiers in Adampur air base in Punjab, Pakistan decided to do a copycat move by sending PM Shehbaz Sharif to Parsur Cantonment in Sialkot. Now with New Delhi sending an all-party delegation to various countries to brief about Operation Sindoor, Islamabad also decided to do a monkey see, monkey do. India had earlier declared that it will send a delegation of MPs to the EU headquarters in Brussels and 32 countries in order to present India's resolve to counter terrorism following the deadly Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives. The global outreach will not just have NDA leaders, but also leaders from opposition, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, DMK MP Kanimozhi, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule and several others. One mission. One message. One Bharat Seven All-Party Delegations will soon engage key nations under #OperationSindoor, reflecting our collective resolve against terrorism. Heres the list of MPs & delegations representing this united front. https://t.co/1igT7D21mZ pic.twitter.com/3eaZS21PbC Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) May 17, 2025 Astounded by India's diplomatic outreach, Pakistan has decided to imitate the move to save its image in front of the world. Islamabad announced that former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto from the opposition party PPP will head the delegation. Bilawal said PM Shehbaz Sharif asked him to lead the team. "I am honoured to accept this responsibility and remain committed to serving Pakistan in these challenging times," he added. Bilawal who is educated abroad is seen as a counter to Shashi Tharoor, who was formerly an Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and later Minister of State for External Affairs. Currently, the MP from Thiruvananthapuram is serving as Chairman of Committee on External Affairs. This is not the first times that Pakistan is doing a monkey see, monkey do. PM Modi chaired several high-level meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Security and other panels to decide India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack. After Modi gave the armed forces "complete freedom to decide on the mode, timing and targets" of Operation Sindoor, Pakistan held a similar meeting of its National Security Committee and parroted similar statements. After India banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels like Dawn, SamaaTV and Geo News over propaganda, Pakistan also banned 16 Indian YouTube channels When the chiefs of Indian armed forces carried out a press briefing with evidences of Indian airstrikes, Pakistan also decided to do a similar press meet. However, the Pakistani military chiefs resorted to bragging without any actual proofs to show the world. Several media appearances of Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also put Pakistan in a state of embarrassment over remarks like "evidence is on social media". By Lisa Baertlein, Farah Master and Casey Hall LOS ANGELES/HONG KONG (Reuters) - Container ship bookings for China-to-U.S. cargo have surged since the countries declared a 90-day truce on punitive tit-for-tat tariffs last weekend, operators said, spawning traffic jams at Chinese ports and factories that could take weeks to clear. U.S. importers of sneakers and sofas to construction supplies and auto parts are racing to get goods in before the deadline resets tariffs again, setting the stage for disruptions that recall the global transport quagmire during the COVID-19 pandemic. The cargo surge at major trade gateways like Shenzhen's Yantian Port, which handles more than a quarter of China's exports to the United States, has ship owners scrambling to coordinate berths and adjust vessel schedules. "The demand is so high that we can only serve customers who have made long-term contracts with us," a spokesperson for German container ship operator Hapag-Lloyd told Reuters. "We have hardly enough space for spontaneous bookings." Container-tracking software provider Vizion said average bookings for the seven days ended on Wednesday soared 277% to 21,530 20-foot equivalent units from the 5,709 TEU average for the week ended May 5. Owners of factories that make toys to holiday decor told Reuters they are booking previously frozen cargo headed to U.S. stores, including Walmart. Lalo, for example, which sells its baby furniture online and through retailers like Target and Amazon.com, is among the companies that gave factories the green light to move their finished orders. "We had hundreds of thousands of units waiting to ship," said Lalo co-founder Michael Wieder. "These products can now get on the water." "Everybody is very busy from my company, at my friend's companies," said Richard Lee, CEO of NCL Logistics, in China's southern metropolis of Shenzhen. "They are preparing a lot of cargo, a lot of products, to be shipped immediately from China to the U.S." SECOND TSUNAMI? The shipping surge will translate into a rush of arrivals at U.S. West Coast ports in the coming weeks. Still, industry experts, including the executive director of the Port of Los Angeles - the busiest U.S. seaport and No. 1 for ocean shipments from China, do not foresee a COVID-level tsunami of cargo. Rather, they project a large, but manageable wave. On Thursday, the off-contract spot rate from Shanghai to Los Angeles shot up 16% from the prior week to $3,136 per 40-foot container, according to data from maritime consultancy Drewry. That is less than half than in April 2024, but could jump sharply on June 1 to about $6,000 per container if ship owners push through rate increases. Two shocking names were mentioned in the list of appointees in Donald Trump's White House Advisory Board of Lay Leaders recently. One is a former jihadist trained by Lashkar-e-Taiba and responsible for terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir while the other is an Islamic scholar charged by the NIA over provocative speeches. The move to appoint Ismail Royer and Shaykh Hamza Yusuf has not only sparked outrage in India but also within the US, including conservative Republicans. Far-right activists like Laura Loomer, who support President Trump, has called out the appointments as "insane and unacceptable". "A literal Muslim Brotherhood Hamas jihadist named Ismail Royer who was found by the DOJ to have trained in a terrorist camp and helped Islamic terrorists to attack America is now on the White House Advisory Board," Loomer posted on X. EXCLUSIVE: Islamic JIHADIST who traveled to Pakistan to train in an Islamic terror camp and served a 20 year prison sentence in the US for Jihadi terrorist activities has now been listed as a member of the White House Advisory Board of Lay Leaders, Announced Today on the pic.twitter.com/d1HHHGUFYX Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) May 17, 2025 "How did he pass any vetting?" she added, referring to Royer, and called it another example of what she describes as a 'White House vetting crisis'," she asked. The investigative journalist claimed the White House vetting team is endangering Trump. "What the hell is going on inside the White House 'vetting room' Truly indefensible. We need answers now. Someone at the White House is trying to sabotage President Trump and is actively trying to endanger his life by surrounding him with jihadist blood thirsty Islamists," Loomer added. Who is Ismail Royer? Before converting to Islam in 1992, Ismail Royer was known as Randall Todd Royer. He initially worked at non-profit Islamic groups. After 9/11, Royer became a part of the Virginia Jihadi Network. EXCLUSIVE: 2 jihadists have been appointed to the White House Advisory Board of Lay Leaders, Announced Today on the official White House website Ismail Royer and Shaykh Hamza Yusuf co-founder of Zaytuna College are both listed despite their affiliations with Islamic https://t.co/QdKMI5V3Md pic.twitter.com/L04Jq9JwwB Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) May 17, 2025 In the 2000s, he travelled to Pakistan and was trained by the Lashkar-e-Taiba. He was slapped with conspiracy to wage war against the US and providing material support to terror groups in 2003. He pleaded guilty to weapons and explosive charges in 2004 and later sentenced to 20 years in prison. Royer admitted to helping terrorists like Masoud Khan, Muhammed Aatique, Khwaja Mahmoud Hasan, Yong Ki Kwon and Ibrahim Ahmed Al-Hamdi enter the LeT training camp. Among these, Al-Hamdi conspired to carry out military operations against India. Royer currently is the Director of the Islam and Religious Freedom Action Team at the Religious Freedom Institute. Who is Shaykh Hamza Yusuf? Islamic scholar Shaykh Hamza Yusuf is the co-founder of Zaytuna College, the first accredited Muslim liberal arts college in the US. He was previously an advisor to the Center for Islamic Studies at Berkeley. The NIA charged Hamza with provocative speeches that influenced terror suspects in 2016. Secrets We Keep takes on a rarely explored in a serious manner, that too subject: au pairs. Rarer still, the subject of Filipino migrants hired in the role which requires them to support a 'host family' with child care in exchange for food and accommodation and a nominal sum for personal expenses. In Secrets We Keep, whose Danish title Reservatet refers to an Upper-Class neighbourhood north of Copenhagen, we are shown two such families from the area, with the au pairs of both sides known to each other. The hosts are affluent, living in mansions with interiors right out of the Ikea catalogue. There is Cecile (Bach Hansen), the show's lead female protagonist, who is married to Mike (Simon Sears), an attorney employed by his industrialist neighbour Rasmus (Lars Ranthe, Mads Mikkelsen's co-star in Another Round). Everything is tidy, polished, and eye-pleasing, but it doesn't take too long for us to get a sense of the invisible, sharply contrasting rot beneath them all. The pleasantness we see first is short-lived when Ruby, the au pair working for Rasmus and his wife Katarina (Danica Curcic, lead of the excellent Nordic series The Chestnut Man), lets Cecile know that something is not alright. And when she goes missing the very next day, both families are shaken by one unsettling development after another. Every family member, including their male children, seems to be concealing some terrible secret. The six-episode limited series, with episode lengths ranging from 30-45 mins, moves quite in a jiffy. The atmosphere is thick with peril and malicious intent, and every new information leads us to make a certain assumption about someone in a certain episode, only to break it in the next. The episodes are crisp, sure, but creator Ingeborg Topse and her efficient team of writers and directors manage to pack in enough thought-provoking twists, disquieting events, and significant character development in a short span. The team deserves a lot of praise for handling a heavy subject with a sensitive hand and keeping the story's most disturbing or violent moments off-screen. In one mortuary scene, for instance, we are spared the image of the bloated and disfigured body of the victim because that's not how the makers want us to remember this character. Though the Danish actors are supposed to be the "leads", it's evident that we are supposed to empathise with the Filipino characters who, I feel, get an equal amount of screen time as the others. Cecile, supposedly the so-called moral compass here, reveals herself as a disagreeable individual, to the point we are not quite sure if she deserves our full sympathy. Certain aspects of the nature of her relationship with her husband are, at times, revealed through their complex sexual dynamics, which begin to make more sense later. The makers leave enough details to our interpretation instead of opting to spell everything out for us, at the risk of, I reckon, offending sensitive viewers who might get triggered by their own traumatic pasts. Series: Reservatet (Secrets We Keep) Creator: Ingeborg Topse Cast: Bach Hansen, Simon Sears, Danica Curcic, Lars Ranthe, Sara Fanta Traore Rating: 4/5 Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his May 12 speech, officially called Pakistans nuclear bluff and spelt out the new normal. The Modi doctrine has three specific facets: A terrorist attack on India shall be seen as an act of war; India will not tolerate nuclear blackmail; terror sponsoring regimes and terrorists shall not be differentiated. Pakistan today wields the nuclear bogey even as it begs for alms. But, with the new doctrine, restricted trade, talks and water, it now fails to meet its objectives. This cannot be just rhetoric. For a start, it follows Operation Sindoor striking close enough to Pakistans nuclear infrastructure for its DGMO to call his Indian counterpart asking for a ceasefire. The prime ministers words also stand on substantial research and war gaming, following step by step progress on an escalation matrix over the years since 2016. From Uri and Balakot to Operation Sindoor, the trend is evident and, with the new doctrine, it can be extrapolated. Owing to Zulfikar Ali Bhuttos yearning for a nuclear bomb, even if it meant the nation went hungry, Pakistan today wields the nuclear bogey even as it begs for alms. But, with the new doctrine, restricted trade, talks and water, it now fails to meet its objectives. Therefore, it is in Pakistans best interest to trade in its nuclear arms for economic alms. Some might argue such a trade did not work out for Ukraine. But, Pakistans chronic economic instability, internal strife, vulnerability to nuke theft by non-state actors and the new aqua restrictions make its nuclear arsenal a much larger burden to itself. Moreover, Pakistan faces an adversary with a no-first-use nuclear policy which, with the bluff called, makes its nuclear arsenal redundant. As Mahatma Gandhi said, for a poor man, God resides in his bread. Thus, as hunger and thirst get the better of Pakistan, its focus as a nation might shift organically. In the past, the US has conveyed categorically to Pakistan that there was no war game scenario where it could win against India. Pakistans standard retort to this is: we will wage a war for 1,000 years. But that requires surviving for a 1,000 years, as famously pointed out by former prime minister Indira Gandhi. Pakistans current state does not instil confidence that it will be around for that long. Since 1998, Pakistan has tried to lower the nuclear threshold with its leaders nuclear sabre-rattling. Nevertheless, India has continued to create and expand the space for a sub-conventional or limited conventional war, below the nuclear threshold, starting from Kargil up till Operation Sindoor. From a war gaming perspective, the nuclear bogey can be dissected in a few ways. Here are a few primary scenarios. If it is a tactical weapon, the impact is small. With multiple asymmetries between India and Pakistan, from size to GDP to diplomatic reach and, above all, Indias submarine attack capabilities, mutually assured destruction is not a possibility, as former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had succinctly pointed out. A larger strategic strike is not a push-button that can be deployed instantly. From the political decision making to assembly for loading to eventual deployment, it provides enough opportunities for India to create a slip between the cup and the lip. India has proven this possibility with Operation Sindoor hitting close to Pakistans nuclear infrastructure. Lastly, actual use of nukes would instantly make Pakistan a global outcast, thereby accelerating its ruination. Thus, the prime ministers pronouncement of the new normal is not just rhetoric, but based on sound homework. One can only hope that Pakistan sees the writing on the wall before it again gives birth to a nation or two. The author was a member of the National Security Advisory Board. As the clock struck 1:30pm on May 10, a shrill ring pierced the U-shaped office of Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, the Armys director general of military operations (DGMO), at South Block in New Delhi. The call came on a designated hotlinemanned 24x7for instant, uninterrupted communication between the DGMOs of India and Pakistan. On the other end would typically be Maj Gen Kashif Abdullah, Ghais Pakistani counterpart. The American eye seems to be on Balochistan, which has massive copper and gold deposits. Normally, such calls take place on Tuesdays, serving to inform and coordinate routine military affairs. But this was no routine Tuesday. For the past three days, both militaries had been engaged in intensive operations involving fighter jets, missiles, drones and heavy artillerytriggered by the April 22 massacre of 26 civilians at Pahalgam in Kashmir by Islamabad-backed terrorists. India had launched Operation Sindoor and Pakistan responded with Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos (Iron Wall). When the call came, Ghai was unavailable, attending a meeting. The follow-up call came at 3:35pm, carrying a ceasefire offer. Islamabad had blinked first. By that point, India had already secured its strategic objectivesmilitary, political and psychological. On the night of May 6-7, India had precision-struck nine key terror hubs across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and deep inside Pakistan. New Delhi emphasised that the fight was not against the Pak military, but against terror. Pahalgam was a real escalation, it maintained; the counterstrikes were not. The operation demonstrated that India had the capability to strike at will anywhere in Pakistan, even when its military was on high alert. Pakistans retaliatory wave of drones and missile attacks was neutralised. Indias shield of sensors, missiles and jammers protected the airspace from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat as Pakistan fired a swarm of drones and missiles, said Maj Gen (retd) Jagatbir Singh, distinguished fellow at United Services Institute of India. Incoming threats were identified, tracked and neutralised by Indias Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and Air Defence systems. Picture of retribution: A man walks past a building damaged by Indias strikes in Muridke near Lahore on May 7 | AFP India responded by carrying out precision strikes on major Pakistani airbasesincluding Chaklala, near Rawalpindi. Though the government has not officially confirmed the use of the nuclear-capable BrahMos in its conventional mode, the scale of destruction, especially to military runways, strongly indicates it. The strikes showcased the evolution of modern warfare and the ability of Indian forces to carry out precision strikes using high-technology weapon systems, Singh said. The sheer scope, range and intensity have changed the matrix. Indias political objectives were achieved. The Pahalgam attack provided grounds for New Delhi to place the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance, sending a message: the cost of sponsoring terror would rise inexorably. In the past few years, India has made a strong case to revise IWT, signed in 1960 and based on outdated engineering practices. Climate change, melting glaciers, rising energy needs and demographic shifts made a compelling case to revisit the treaty. Tectonic shifts: The barren terrain around Makran Coastal Highway in Balochistan | Shutterstock Clearly, there is a case for looking at the distribution of rights and obligations under the treaty, a top government source told THE WEEK. We approached the Pakistanis for precisely that, but for the past two years they have been stonewalling. This stonewalling is, in some sense, a violation of the treaty. Psychologically, Operation Sindoor delivered a jolt. It was Indias deepest strike inside Pakistan since 1971, and India demonstrated that it can reach terrorists and their backers anywhere in Pakistan. There was no safe haven left. The impact will be profound and deterring, said Lt Gen (retd) Rakesh Sharma, distinguished fellow at the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) and at the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF). We are no longer going after small camps here and there. We will go for the jugular. Even before the DGMOs spoke on May 10, President Donald Trumpin his typical mercurial and unpredictable styletook to social media to claim credit for brokering a ceasefire. 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, Trump posted. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with Chief of the Army Staff (coas) of Pakistan Asim Munir on April 26, 2025 | Reuters He also offered to mediate on Kashmir. I will work with you both to see if, after a thousand years, a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir, he said. Indias stand, in accordance with the provisions of the 1972 Simla Agreement, has been to not allow external or third-party intervention on Kashmir. Its official position remains unchanged: the only pending issue is the return of PoK. Yet Trump doubled down. During his visit to Saudi Arabia on May 13, he repeated his claim: Just days ago, my administration successfully brokered a historic ceasefire to stop the escalating violence between India and Pakistan, and I used trade to a large extent to do it. Indias ministry of external affairs issued a quick rebuttal. After Operation Sindoor commenced, US vice president J.D. Vance spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 9, said an MEA official. US Secretary of State Rubio spoke to our external affairs minister on May 8 and 10, and with our national security adviser on May 10. These were all conversations on the evolving military situation. There was no reference to trade in any of these discussions. With the US presidents pronouncements grossly undermining India, it was clear that our well-accomplished military success was being hijacked. The question: was Trumps claim just impetuous, or a calculated move? The same week, Trump struck a trade deal with China, cutting tariffs on Chinese goods to 30 per cent from the peak of 145 per cent. China reciprocated with a 10 per cent tariff, down from the earlier 125 per cent. Meanwhile, trade talks with India remained stalled, with US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick attributing it to the complexity of covering all 7,000 tariff items under negotiation. A more serious concern is the US threatening secondary sanctions on Russia if the latter does not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. Given Indias reliance on Russian energy, such sanctions could hit India hard. President Trumps eager positioning to mediate between India and Pakistan may be driven by the fear that China may try to fill that geopolitical space. A close relationship between India and China can strengthen the BRICS platforma bugbear for Trump. BRICS can be undermined only when India and China remain at odds. In this backdrop, it is not just drones and missiles that start or end wars. Rather, it is deeply intertwined strategic business interests that use both war and peace to propagate hegemonyin this case the US led by Trump. The India-Pakistan conflict has an interesting subtext. On April 9, just days before the Pahalgam attack, a high-level US state department team landed in Islamabad. Among them was Eric Meyer, senior official of the US state departments bureau of south and central Asian affairs. This was part of a US push to secure critical minerals for its advanced technologies and entrench its economic footprint in South Asiapart of Trumps resources-for-peace approach. At the talks table was Pakistans army chief Asim Munir, who spoke not just about security, but minerals as well. Critical minerals are the raw materials necessary for our most advanced technologies, Meyer said at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum. President Trump has made it clear that securing diverse and reliable sources of these materials is a strategic priority. The US is now working with Pakistani officials and international partners to invest in and manage the countrys mineral wealthlithium, copper and rare earths. Munirs involvement signalled that the US plan to secure a foothold in Pakistans untapped resource base has the backing of the Pak military. On May 10, exactly a month after those discussions, the Trump administration rang New Delhi and Islamabad to hurriedly set the narrative of America brokering the ceasefire. The clincher came when Trump said he was ready to trade with both Pakistan and India, and hinted that Pakistan has agreed to American termsopen trade and dialled-down hostility with New Delhi. The framework for Washingtons mineral diplomacy had been complete, winning a battle against potential competitors without an actual battle being fought. What I am concerned about is how quickly the terror facilities in Pakistan have been brushed under the carpet, said Tara Kartha, director, CLAWS, who was formerly with the National Security Council Secretariat. Even more quickly, the narrative has shifted in Washington from terror to trade, which only reflects what has being going on under the Trump administration. What Islamabad and Washington possibly did not anticipate was how strongly India would react. The selection of the targets and the amazing restraint that was shown has displayed our military prowess and strategic messaging, Kartha said. As much as 80 per cent of Pakistans military imports are tied to Chinese credit. Therefore, the prospect of US arms sales to Pakistan is bleak, unless countries like Saudi Arabia help subsidise purchasesa scenario that looks improbable now. With its garment and cotton industry already eclipsed by Bangladesh, and its weaknesses in pharmaceuticals, chemicals and services, Pakistan seems to have limited trade potential. Trumps tactics have therefore provoked comparisons with the US approach to Ukraine, where minerals and resource access has played a defining role. The American eye seems to be on Balochistan, which has massive copper and gold deposits. Rich in natural resources and strategically located next to Iran, Balochistan offers a geographic advantage that few other regions can match, said a senior strategic expert in New Delhi. For the US, a presence in Balochistan would not only allow close oversight of Chinese activities in Pakistan, but also place it within striking distance of Irans Bandar Abbas port. A foothold would give US strategic leverage over key shipping lanes and energy routes in the Gulf, added the official. For Munir, the US foothold in Balochistan can serve two purposesstave off threats from insurgent groups and secure the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), helping feed the starved Pak economy. The US is using Pakistan to keep Chinese interests at bay, said Kartha. This conflict has forced Pakistan to bend. New Delhi may need to take a hard look at its relationship with Beijing in this backdrop. Indias trade relationship with China has only grown despite military tensions and diplomatic stand-offs. Over the past 10 to 15 years, the two economies have become intertwined through complex supply chains, and even as India talks of self-reliance, the reality is that certain technological and industrial dependencies on China remain. We need to look at our interest in trade and their business interest as well, said M.V. Rappai, China analyst at the New Delhi-based Institute of Chinese Studies. With China emerging as a hub of artificial intelligence, drone technology and space research, New Delhi cannot ignore Beijings growing role in shaping future economic and security architectures. Wars are increasingly driven by innovation rather than sheer military strength, Rappai said. India must take stock of these developments and assess its own capabilities. Also, triumphing over Trump may not be as difficult, as American adventures on foreign soil have been riddled with missteps. The post-9/11 War on Terror in Afghanistan being a case in point. According to K.P. Fabian, former ambassador to Qatar, Beijing can trump US interests this time, as China is actively pursuing its interests in mining and oil exploration. Beyond minerals, Beijing sees strategic value in Afghanistan, he said. It wants to prevent Uyghur rebels from finding sanctuary there and hopes to expand the CPEC to include Afghanistan. These moves show how quickly China has adapted to the new regional realities, where the US has retreated. The volatility of the South Asian region also underscores the volatility of the American political landscape. India cannot afford to base its foreign policy on personalities or short-term alignments, said Rappai. Through Operation Sindoor, Modi has not just delivered a stern message to Pakistan, but blunted the risk of aligning too closely with America for the time being. Or, possibly, until political winds shift in Washington. Karachi, May 18 (PTI) Bangladesh is easing its visa policy for Pakistani business leaders, the countrys top envoy in Islamabad has said, adding that the move aims to foster economic growth between the two countries and across the region. Speaking at a reception hosted by the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GTCCI) on Saturday, Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan Iqbal Hussain Khan said Dhaka views Pakistan as a gateway to Central Asia. We believe in stability and economic growth in the region, which is why we are easing the visa regime for Pakistan, particularly for businessmen, Khan said. "Both countries have started granting visas to trade delegations, he added. He also said bilateral trade between the two countries is expected to cross USD 1 billion this fiscal year, expressing hope that trade will continue to grow as both nations remain committed to strengthening cooperation. Speaking at the event, GTCCI President Bau Muneer said that Pakistan and Bangladesh, being the largest economies in SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) after India, should utilise regional trade opportunities for mutual benefit. He said that Bangladesh's GDP has reached USD 437 billion while Pakistan's GDP stands at USD 373 billion. "It is time we join hands to maximise the trade potential." After Sheikh Hasinas ouster as the prime minister of Bangladesh last year, the bilateral relations witnessed a thaw with high-level exchanges between the two nations. New Delhi, May 18 (PTI) Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Razaullah Nizamani Khalid alias Abu Saifullah Khalid, who was the brain behind the 2006 attack on the RSS headquarters, was killed by three unidentified gunmen in Sindh province of Pakistan on Sunday, officials here said. Khalid used to head the terror operations of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) from Nepal in early 2000 and had many aliases including Vinode Kumar, Mohammed Salim and Razaullah. He was involved in multiple terror strikes in India, they said. He left his residence at Matli this afternoon and was gunned down by assailants near a crossing at Badni in Sindh province, the officials said. A close associate of Abu Anas of Lashkar, Khalid was the mastermind of the attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters at Nagpur in which all three terrorists were shot dead. Besides the RSS attack, the Lashkar operative was involved in the Indian Institute of Science terror attack of 2005 in Bengaluru, in which IIT professor Munish Chandra Puri was killed and four others injured. The terrorists had escaped from the scene. Later, police investigated the case and chargesheeted Abu Anas, who is still at large. Khalid was also the mastermind of the 2008 attack on a CRPF camp at Rampur in Uttar Pradesh in which seven personnel and a civilian were killed. The two terrorists escaped under the cover of darkness. From mid-2000, Khalid was the in-charge of the Nepal module of LeT, responsible for the recruitment of cadres, providing financial and logistic support and facilitating the movement of LeT operatives across the Indo-Nepal border. Khalid was working closely with LeT's so-called "launching commanders" -- Azam Cheema alias Babaji and Yaqoob (LeT's chief accountant). Khalid left Nepal and returned to Pakistan after Indian security agencies exposed the module. He later worked closely with several leaders of LeT and Jamaat-ud-Dawah, including Yusuf Muzammil, LeT commander for Jammu and Kashmir, Muzammil Iqbal Hashmi and Muhammad Yusuf Taibi. Khalid was tasked by the LeT and JuD leadership in Pakistan to undertake the recruitment of fresh cadres from the areas of Badin and Hyderabad districts of Sindh and collect funds for the organisation. According to media reports from Sindh, Khalid was declared brought dead at hospital after being shot. These reports also termed it a case of personal enmity. At least 27 people have been killed by storms systems that swept across part of the U.S. Midwest and South, with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announcing Saturday that 18 of the deaths came in his state and 10 others were hospitalized in critical condition. A devastating tornado in Kentucky damaged homes, tossed vehicles and left many people homeless. Seventeen of the deaths were in Laurel County, located in the states southeast, including Fire Department Maj. Roger Leslie Leatherman, a 39-year veteran who was fatally injured while responding to the deadly weather. The other fatality was in Pulaski County. Parts of two dozen state roads were closed, and some could take days to reopen, Beshear said. He also said most of the victims were in their 60s and 70s and the death toll could still rise. Its hard to see, the governor said after touring the impacted areas. Homes that there isnt a single wall left standing. Some homes that have all four walls yet lost the person inside. You can not only see the destruction but feel it. State Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson said hundreds of homes were damaged, Kayla Patterson, her husband and their five children huddled in a tub in their basement in London, the county seat, as the tornado raged. You could literally hear just things ripping in the distance, glass shattering everywhere, just roaring like a freight train, she recalled. It was terrible. The family eventually emerged to the sounds of sirens and panicked neighbors. While their home was spared, others right behind it were demolished, Patterson said Saturday, as power tools buzzed in the background. The neighborhood was dotted with piles of lumber, metal sheeting, insulation and stray belongings a suitcase, a sofa, some six-packs of paper towels. Rescuers searched for survivors all night and into the morning, the sheriffs office said. An emergency shelter was set up at a high school, and donations of food and other necessities were arriving. Another resident, Chris Cromer, said he got the first of two tornado alerts on his phone around 11:30 p.m. Friday, about a half-hour before the tornado struck. He and his wife grabbed their dog, jumped in their car and sought shelter in the crawlspace of a relatives nearby home because their own crawlspace is small. We could hear and feel the vibration of the tornado coming through, said Cromer, 46. A piece of their roof was ripped off, and windows were broken, but other homes nearby were destroyed. Its one of those things that you see on the news in other areas, and you feel bad for people then, when it happens, its just surreal, he said. It makes you be thankful to be alive, really. The storm was the latest severe weather to cause deaths and widespread damage in Kentucky. Two months ago at least 24 people died in a round of storms that swelled creeks and submerged roads. In late 2021 another storm spawned tornadoes that killed 81 people and leveled portions of towns in western Kentucky. The following summer historic floodwaters inundated eastern parts of the state, killing dozens. Beshear said that since he became governor in 2019, he has dealt with at least 14 federally declared disasters, all but one of them weather-related. He called Fridays tornado and storms one of the worst. This seems to be the new normal that Kentucky is facing, he said. Missouri pounded by storms, with deaths confirmed in St. Louis About 1,200 tornadoes strike the U.S. annually, and they have been reported in all 50 states over the years. Researchers found in 2018 that deadly tornadoes were happening less frequently in the traditional Tornado Alley of Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas and more frequently in parts of the more densely populated and tree-filled mid-South. The latest Kentucky storms were part of a weather system that killed seven in Missouri and two in northern Virginia, authorities said. It also caused tornadoes in Wisconsin, brought punishing heat to Texas and temporarily enveloped parts of Illinois including Chicago in a pall of dust on an otherwise sunny day. Well that was..something, the weather services Chicago office wrote on X after issuing its first-ever dust storm warning for the city. Thunderstorms in central Illinois pushed strong winds over dry, dusty farmland and northward into the Chicago area, the agency said. In St. Louis, Mayor Cara Spencer said five people died, 38 were injured and more than 5,000 homes were affected. The devastation is truly heartbreaking, she said at a news conference. An overnight curfew was to continue in the most damaged neighborhoods. Weather service radar indicated a likely tornado touched down between 2:30 p.m. and 2:50 p.m. in Clayton, Missouri, in the St. Louis area. The area of Forest Park is home to the St. Louis Zoo and hosted both the Worlds Fair and the Olympic Games in 1904. Three people needed aid after part of the Centennial Christian Church crumbled, St. Louis Fire Battalion Chief William Pollihan told The Associated Press. Stacy Clark said his mother-in-law, Patricia Penelton, died in the church. He described her as a very active church volunteer who had many roles, including being part of the choir. John Randle said he and his girlfriend were at the St. Louis Art Museum and were hustled into the basement with about 150 other people. You could see the doors flying open, tree branches flying by and people running, said Randle, 19. At the zoo, falling trees severely damaged the roof of a butterfly facility. Staffers quickly corralled most of the butterflies, the zoo said on social media, and a conservatory in suburban Chesterfield was caring for the displaced creatures. A tornado struck in Scott County, about 130 miles (209 kilometers) south of St. Louis, killing two people, injuring several others and destroying multiple homes, Sheriff Derick Wheetley reported. Forecasters say severe weather could batter parts of the Plains The weather service said supercells were likely to develop across parts of Texas and Oklahoma Saturday afternoon before becoming a line of storms in southwest Oklahoma and parts of Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas on Saturday night. The biggest risks included hail up to 3.5 inches (8.9 centimeters) in size, along with damaging wind gusts and a few tornadoes. The conditions were expected to continue on Sunday across parts of the Plains. Be prepared to take action if watches and warnings are issued for your area, the weather service said. (AP) U.S. President Donald Trump said he plans to speak by phone Monday with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, followed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and leaders of various NATO countries, about ending the war in Ukraine. Trump said the call with Putin will be about stopping the bloodbath in Ukraine. Hopefully it will be a productive day, a ceasefire will take place, and this very violent war, a war that should have never happened, will end, Trump wrote Saturday in a post on his social networking site Truth Social. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed in comments to Russian media that preparations were underway for Mondays call. Trumps remarks came a day after the first direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv in years failed to yield a ceasefire. Putin had spurned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys offer to meet face-to-face in Turkey after he himself proposed direct negotiations although not at the presidential level as an alternative to a 30-day ceasefire urged by Ukraine and its Western allies, including the U.S. Also on Saturday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a phone call with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. During a visit to Rome, Rubio suggested that the Vatican could be a venue for Russia-Ukraine peace talks. In Ukraine, a northeastern town declared a period of mourning after a Russian drone hit a bus evacuating civilians from front-line areas, killing nine people, Ukrainian officials said. The strike came hours after the Russian and Ukrainian delegations left Istanbul, after agreeing to what would be the biggest prisoner swap to date between the warring parties. Zelenskyy faces a gamble as talks stall The talks in Istanbul on Friday broke up after less than two hours without a ceasefire, although both sides agreed on exchanging 1,000 prisoners of war each, according to the heads of both delegations. Ukraines intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, said on Ukrainian television Saturday that the exchange could happen as early as next week. But the Kremlin has pushed back against a proposal by Ukraine and its Western allies for a temporary ceasefire as a first step toward a peaceful settlement, and the parties remained far apart on key conditions for ending the fighting. Since U.S.-brokered talks began in March, Ukraines strategy has been to convince the Trump administration that Putin is unreliable, and that Kyiv is serious about peace. Trump has expressed frustration with the stalled talks and threatened to abandon his efforts if results arent achieved. He has also said that no peace would be reached until he held a face to face meeting with Putin. On Friday, Trump told reporters after boarding Air Force One to return to Washington from Abu Dhabi that he may call Putin soon. He and I will meet, and I think well solve it, or maybe not, Trump said. At least well know. The political theatrics are underscored by stark realities on the ground in Ukraine. In a war of attrition against Russias full-scale invasion, Ukraines position is poised to grow weaker as time goes on, unless powerful sanctions are imposed against Moscow and the U.S. continues arms deliveries. Zelenskyy said that he had discussed the outcome of the talks with Trump and the leaders of France, Germany, Britain and Poland. In an X post from a European leadership meeting in Albania on Friday, Zelenskyy urged tough sanctions against Moscow if it rejects a full and unconditional ceasefire and an end to killings. Peskov on Saturday held open the possibility of Putin holding talks with Zelenskyy, providing the agreed prisoner swap goes ahead, and if the Russian and Ukrainian delegations reached unspecified further agreements. Peskov also told reporters that Moscow will present Ukraine with a list of conditions for a ceasefire, but gave no timeframe, or say what needed to happen before Zelenskyy and Putin can meet. A town in mourning In Ukraine, nine civilians were killed and seven others were wounded when a Russian drone struck a bus evacuating people from Bilopillia, a town around 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Russias border, according to local Gov. Oleh Hryhorov and Ukraines national police. The Associated Press couldnt independently verify the reports. There was no immediate comment from Moscow. Zelenskyy described the attack as deliberate killing of civilians, adding in a post on the Telegram messaging app that Russians could scarcely not realize what kind of vehicle they were hitting. The local media outlet Suspilne said that the passengers on the bus were being evacuated from the town when the strike happened. Authorities are working to identify some of the victims, most of them older women. Local community chief Yurii Zarko called the day Black Saturday, and mourning was declared in the town through Monday. Zelenskyy lamented the missed opportunity from Fridays peace talks, saying that Ukraine has long proposed this a full and unconditional ceasefire in order to save lives. Ukraines European allies strongly condemned the attack. U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said that he was appalled by it. If Putin is serious about peace, Russia must agree to a full and immediate ceasefire, as Ukraine has done, he wrote on X. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking at a joint news conference with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, condemned Russia for continuing their attacks today with undiminished ferocity. He vowed to continue to increase the pressure on Moscow with added sanctions. (AP) The Supreme Court on Friday barred the Trump administration from quickly resuming deportations of Venezuelans under an 18th-century wartime law enacted when the nation was just a few years old. Over two dissenting votes, the justices acted on an emergency appeal from lawyers for Venezuelan men who have been accused of being gang members, a designation that the administration says makes them eligible for rapid removal from the United States under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. The court indefinitely extended the prohibition on deportations from a north Texas detention facility under the alien enemies law. The case will now go back to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which declined to intervene in April. President Donald Trump quickly voiced his displeasure. THE SUPREME COURT WONT ALLOW US TO GET CRIMINALS OUT OF OUR COUNTRY! he posted on his Truth Social platform. The high court action is the latest in a string of judicial setbacks for the Trump administrations effort to speed deportations of people in the country illegally. The president and his supporters have complained about having to provide due process for people they contend didnt follow U.S. immigration laws. The court had already called a temporary halt to the deportations, in a middle-of-the-night order issued last month. Officials seemed poised to carry out removals imminently, the court noted Friday. Several cases related to the old deportation law are in courts The case is among several making their way through the courts over Trumps proclamation in March calling the Tren de Aragua gang a foreign terrorist organization and invoking the 1798 law to deport people. The high court case centers on the opportunity people must have to contest their removal from the United States without determining whether Trumps invocation of the law was appropriate. We recognize the significance of the Governments national security interests as well as the necessity that such interests be pursued in a manner consistent with the Constitution, the justices said in an unsigned opinion. At least three federal judges have said Trump was improperly using the AEA to speed deportations of people the administration says are Venezuelan gang members. On Tuesday, a judge in Pennsylvania signed off on the use of the law. The legal process for this issue is a patchwork one The court-by-court approach to deportations under the AEA flows from another Supreme Court order that took a case away from a judge in Washington, D.C., and ruled detainees seeking to challenge their deportations must do so where they are held. In April, the justices said that people must be given reasonable time to file a challenge. On Friday, the court said 24 hours is not enough time but has not otherwise spelled out how long it meant. The administration has said 12 hours would be sufficient. U.S. District Judge Stephanie Haines ordered immigration officials to give people 21 days in her opinion, in which she otherwise said deportations could legally take place under the AEA. The Supreme Court on Friday also made clear that it was not blocking other ways the government may deport people. Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented, with Alito complaining that his colleagues had departed from their usual practices and seemingly decided issues without an appeals court weighing in. But if it has done so, todays order is doubly extraordinary, Alito wrote. In a separate opinion, Justice Brett Kavanaugh said he agreed with the majority but would have preferred the nations highest court to jump in now definitively, rather than return the case to an appeals court. The circumstances, Kavanaugh wrote, call for a prompt and final resolution. (AP) Irans president said his country will continue talks with the United States over its rapidly advancing nuclear program but will not withdraw from its rights because of U.S. threats. We are negotiating, and we will negotiate , we are not after war but we do not fear any threat, President Masoud Pezeshkian said during a speech to navy officials broadcast by state television Saturday. It is not like that they think if they threaten us , we will give up our human right and definite right, Pezeshkian said. We will not withdraw, we will not easily loose honorable military, scientific, nuclear in all fields. The negotiations have reached the expert level, meaning the sides are trying to reach agreement on the details of a possible deal. But a major sticking point remains Irans enrichment of uranium, which Tehran insists it must be allowed to do and the Trump administration increasingly insists the Islamic Republic must give up. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to unleash airstrikes targeting Irans program if a deal isnt reached. Iranian officials increasingly warn they could pursue a nuclear weapon with their stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels. Earlier on Friday, Trump said Iran received a proposal during the talks, though he did not elaborate. During his trip to region this week, Trump at nearly every event insisted Iran could not be allowed to obtain a nuclear bomb, something U.S. intelligence agencies assess Tehran is not actively pursuing, though its program is on the cusp of being able to weaponize nuclear material. Mohammad Eslami, the head of Irans atomic organization, stressed the peaceful nature of the program, saying it is under continuous monitoring by the U.N. nuclear watchdog, state TV reported Saturday. No country is monitored by the agency like us, Eslami said, adding that the agency inspected the countrys nuclear facilities more than 450 time in 2024. Something about 25% of all the agency inspections in the year. Meanwhile, Israel routinely has threatened to strike Irans nuclear facilities if it feels threatened, further complicating tensions in the Mideast already spiked by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. In his first reaction to Trumps regional visit, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Trump wasnt truthful when he made claims about creating peace through power. Trump said that he wanted to use power for peace, he lied. He and the U.S. administration used power for massacre in Gaza, for waging wars in any place they could, Khamenei said Saturday during a meeting with teachers broadcast on state television. The U.S. has provided Israel with 10-ton bombs to drop on Gaza children, hospitals, houses of people in Lebanon and anywhere else when they can, Khamenei said. Khamenei, who has the final say on all Iranian state matters, reiterated his traditional stance against Israel. Definitely, the Zionist regime is the spot of corruption, war, rifts. The Zionist regime that is lethal, dangerous, cancerous tumor should be certainly eradicated, and it will be, he said, adding that the U.S. has imposed a pattern on Arab nations under which they cannot endeavor without U.S. support. Surely this model has failed. With efforts of the regional nations, the U.S. should leave the region, and it will leave, Khamenei said. Iran has long considered the U.S. military presence in the region as a threat on its doorstep, especially after Trump pulled the U.S. out of a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran in 2018 and reimposed crippling sanctions. (AP) A ballistic missile fired at Israel by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen was successfully intercepted by Israeli air defenses on Motzei Shabbos. No injuries or damage have been reported. Sirens blared across central Israel, preceded by a five-minute early warning sent via push notifications to residents phones, alerting them to the incoming long-range missile. Since the IDF relaunched its campaign against Hamas in Gaza on March 18, the Houthis have fired 35 ballistic missiles and at least 10 drones at Israel, with several missiles failing to reach their targets. Your browser does not support the video tag. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) A new round of negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas has begun in Qatar, according to Israeli and Palestinian officials, as IDF operations intensify and diplomatic pressure mounts. The renewed diplomacy follows unconfirmed reports that Hamas has tentatively agreed to release half of the remaining living hostages and return the bodies of others, in exchange for a two-month ceasefire and international guarantees, particularly from the United States, to negotiate a permanent end to the war. Citing unnamed Arab diplomats, the report aired by Sky News Arabia claims that Hamas is seeking a firm U.S. commitment that negotiations during the ceasefire would lead to a comprehensive resolution, a demand Israel has consistently resisted. Though the report has not been independently verified, it has added urgency to the ongoing talks in Doha, which reopened just hours after the IDF launched a new offensive in central Gaza, dubbed Operation Gideons Chariots. Both Israeli and Hamas officials confirmed that negotiations were once again underway. Hamas spokesperson Taher al-Nono told Reuters that discussions were proceeding without preconditions. In Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed Israels negotiating team to remain in Qatar, while remaining in constant contact with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. According to one Israeli official, the military escalation had succeeded in bringing Hamas back to the table after weeks of stagnation. According to Kan News and Channel 12, the framework under discussion involves a phased truce lasting 45 to 60 days in exchange for the release of 10 hostages and a corresponding release of 200 to 250 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. A list detailing the condition of all remaining hostagesliving and deceasedwould be submitted by Hamas on the 10th day of the ceasefire. The Witkoff framework, first proposed in March, is reportedly being used as the basis for current discussions. However, Hamas continues to demand that Israel provide binding international guarantees that military operations will not resume after a hostage deal is completeda demand Israel thus far refuses to meet. U.S. officials have taken an increasingly prominent role in the talks. President Trumps regional visit is believed to have contributed to renewed momentum. Hamass release last week of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, reportedly as part of a separate agreement with Washington, set the stage for resumed engagement. Meanwhile, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, speaking at an Arab League summit in Baghdad, issued a rare public rebuke of Hamas. He called on the terror group to disarm and cede control of the Gaza Strip to the PA, framing the war as a threat to Palestinian national aspirations. Hamas and its allies are believed to be holding 58 hostages, including the remains of at least 35 individuals confirmed dead. Israeli officials say that some of the remaining hostages are in critical condition, and time is of the essence. Israeli officials have said that if negotiations fail to produce meaningful progress soon, ground operations in Gaza will expand further. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The body of Hamas leader Mohamed Sinwar was found in the ruins of a Hamas tunnel complex in Khan Younis, five days after it was bombed by the IDF, the Saudi Al-Hadath channel reported on Sunday. According to the report, the bodies of 10 of Sinwars aides were found alongside his body, including the Rafah Brigade commander, Muhammad Shabana. The IDF has not yet confirmed that Sinwar was killed. However, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said at a meeting of the Knessets Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Sunday that, according to all indications, Mohamed Sinwar was eliminated, Ynet reported. Last week, IAF fighter jets dropped at least nine heavy MK-84 bombs, weighing one ton each, on the underground complex where Sinwar was believed to be hiding with his aides. Sinwar, the 49-year-old younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, was one of the few people involved in the planning of the October 7th massacre and became the leader of Hamas after Israel eliminated Yahya in October 2024. He was considered the main opponent of any proposed hostage deal. Separate reports from Gaza on Sunday said that Dr. Zakaria Sinwar, the brother of Yahya and Mohamed, was killed in an IDF strike on Motzei Shabbos on the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, along with his three sons. Two days ago, Defense Minister Katz hinted at the possibility that Mohamed Sinwar had been eliminated: If the Houthis continue to fire missiles at the State of Israel they will be severely harmed and their leaders will also be harmed just as we did to Deiif and the Sinwars in Gaza, Nasrallah in Beirut, and Haniyeh in Tehran so we will also do to Abdel Malek al-Houthi in Yemen. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Senior Hamas officials held a high-level meeting in Gaza on October 2, 2023, during which Yahya Sinwar proclaimed that an extraordinary act must be carried out to sabotage the normalization process between Israel and Saudi Arabia, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday. Minutes of the meeting were found by the IDF in a Gaza tunnel and reviewed by the WSJ. During the meeting, Sinwar claimed, There is no doubt that the Saudi-Zionist normalization agreement is progressing significantly,a process he said would open the door for the majority of Arab and Islamic countries to follow the same path. According to the report, Hamas aimed for an action that would create a profound shock that would prevent any continuation of the reconciliation process between moderate Arab countries and Israel. The WSJ also reviewed another document uncoved by the IDF that showed that in October 2022, a job advertisement was published on behalf of Hamass Arab-Islamic Cooperation Department, seeking to recruit a person for a position whose purpose was to market the movements programs against normalization, including recruiting civil organizations in Arab countries to call for boycotts. Another document from September 2023 found in Gaza recommended the escalation of attacks in Yehuda and Shomron and Jerusalem in order to make an Israeli-Saudi deal more difficult. The report said that another meeting regarding the October 7 attack took place in Beirut, with the participation of Hamas representatives and Iranian security officials, during which Iran approved the planned attack. However, it should be noted that some Hamas and Hezbollah senior officials dispute this account, saying that the details of the October 7 attack were kept secret by Hamass military wing in Gaza. The documents show that Iran also provided Hamas with weapons, funding, and training for the attack, including combat training in the weeks leading up to October 7. However, both Iran and Hezbollah told Hamas that they do not want to reach a direct and full-scale war with Israel. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) A young Palestinian man in his 20s from the village of Hizma was arrested in recent days after he illegally infiltrated Israel, disguised himself as a Chareidi Jew, and carried out a violent burglary in the Neve Yaakov neighborhood of Jerusalem. The dramatic incident unfolded when the homeowner unexpectedly returned and found the suspect in the act of stealing valuables worth thousands of shekels. The intruder, armed with pepper spray and burglary tools, assaulted one of the residents in an attempt to flee. During the struggle, the homeowner managed to wrestle back the stolen items, which included car keys, NIS 8,000 in cash, jewelry, and expensive handbags. Jerusalem District Police immediately launched an investigation. Through forensic evidence and witness testimony, detectives were able to identify the suspect. In a targeted operation, undercover Border Police (Yamam) officers arrested the man in the Hizma area. According to the investigation, the suspect had entered the apartment using a screwdriver while dressed as a Chareidi man to blend in. After the assault, he stripped off the disguise and fled the scene. The suspect is now facing multiple serious charges, including unlawful entry into Israel, aggravated assault, and burglary. A Jerusalem court has extended his detention to allow police to continue their investigation. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) A resident of the central city of Yavne who carried out missions for Iranian terrorist elements was arrested last month, a joint statement from Israel and the Shin Bet announced on Sunday. Moshe Atias, 18, was arrested on suspicion of committing serious security offenses, including collecting intelligence at the cardiology department in a hospital in central Israel while former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett was hospitalized there. The investigation revealed that Atias maintained contact with Iranian terrorist elements and carried out numerous missions for them while fully aware of the potential harm to state security, in exchange for financial compensation. Among other things, at the request of his Iranian handler, he provided footage of the hospital floor where Bennett was being treated, including the room with his security guards. Bennett underwent a heart catheterization last month at the Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) A Chareidi man in his 80s was pulled from a pool in Tiveria in critical condition on Sunday, and his death was later pronounced at the scene. He was later identified as Rav Yitzchak Kalman, zl, 85, a resident of the Bayit VGan neighborhood of Jerusalem and the menahel of Beit Uplanah of Har Nof. Rav Kalman, zl, had spent Shabbos in Meron and on Sunday, traveled to the hot springs in Tiveria. MDA and Hatzalah paramedics who arrived at the scene tried to perform resuscitation efforts and stabilize his condition, but unfortunately, they were forced to pronounce him dead. The niftar was born in Budapest, Hungary. His parents were murdered in the Holocaust and he arrived in Eretz Yisrael as an orphan together with his siblings and aunt. During the Six-Day War, he found himself near Armon HaNetziv under heavy crossfire, where he promised himself that if he returned alive from the war, he would devote himself to helping others. Indeed, Rav Kalman, together with his wife Rivka, , established the Har Nof Ulpana (religious school) for immigrants from the Soviet Union and dedicated themselves to teaching them about Yiddishkeit. Rav Yitzchak was a well-known and respected educational figure who dedicated himself to establishing the Ulpana, which began in a small apartment in Beit Vegan and later moved to Har Nof, becoming a large and respected institution. He was close to the Amshinover Rebbe as well as to the Erlau Rebbes and was one of the first students of the Imrei Sofer, ztl. Rav Yitzchak was known as a baal chessed who opened his home to immigrants and baalei teshuvah. He left behind dor yesharim, sons and daughters, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His older brother was HaGaon HaTzaddik Rav Pinchas Kalman, ztl, a neighbor of HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, ztl, for decades before passing away in 2020. . (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The IDF has released documents claiming that Palestinian journalist Hassan Eslaiah, killed in a targeted Israeli airstrike on a hospital in southern Gaza on May 13, was a member of Hamass military wing. Eslaiah, who was injured in a prior strike on April 7, was accused by the IDF of being part of Hamass Khan Younis Brigade and operating under the guise of a journalist and owner of a press company. IDF international media spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani shared on X that documents recovered from Gaza reveal a list of operatives in the 3rd Battalion of Hamass Khan Yunis Brigade. Among them, Hassan [Eslaiah], listed by name, military number and unit: the so-called Media Platoon, Shoshani stated. Eslaiah, a freelancer for The Associated Press, had photographed a burning tank on the Gaza border and Hamas operatives entering Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7, 2023, attack, where dozens of civilians were massacred. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Diageo will be under the spotlight today after Donald Trump's trade war rocked the drinks industry. Investors will be keen to hear how the US President's tariffs will impact the London-listed drinks maker. The company, which makes Guinness, a favourite of the Princess of Wales, Johnnie Walker whisky and Gordon's gin, pulled its earning guidance in February amid economic uncertainty. Raising a glass: Diageo makes Guinness, a favourite of the Princess of Wales At the time boss Debra Crew warned that tariffs could knock the firm's turnaround efforts off course. Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at broker AJ Bell, said: 'The trading update is unlikely to be upbeat.' By Yantoultra Ngui SINGAPORE (Reuters) -At least five companies from mainland China or Hong Kong are planning IPOs, dual listings, or share placements in Singapore in the next 12 to 18 months, four sources said, as Chinese firms look to expand in Southeast Asia amid global trade tensions. The companies include a Chinese energy company, a Chinese healthcare group, and a Shanghai-based biotech group, said the sources, who have direct knowledge of the matter, but declined to be named or to name the firms as the plans are not finalised. The listings would give a boost to Singapore Exchange Ltd (SGX), which, despite being a popular venue for yield plays such as real estate investment trusts, has been struggling to attract mega listings and bolster trading volumes. SGX hosted just four initial public offerings in 2024, according to its website. That compares with 71 new company listings recorded by its rival regional bourse Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd. Chinese companies are looking to tap the Singaporean bourse as they look to enter, or expand business in, Southeast Asia amid a trade war with the United States, Jason Saw, investment banking group head at CGS International Securities, said. U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs of 145% on imports of Chinese goods, and China in turn raised tariffs on U.S. goods to 125%, before the two sides agreed a 90-day pause last weekend. But uncertainty remains, given the time limit and the Trump administration's unpredictability. Enquiries about listings on SGX "shot through the roof" after Trump ramped up his trade actions against China, Saw said. "For the next years and decades, gateways from China to the world are going to be more important," said Pol de Win, senior managing director and head of global sales and origination at SGX. "Singapore is an important gateway, whether it's trade (or) business activity from China to the outside world, and a listing in Singapore is an important component of that." De Win did not mention the listing plans of the Chinese and Hong Kong firms. 'GROWING INTEREST' CGS International, a unit of state-owned brokerage China Galaxy Securities, is working with at least two China-based companies to list on the SGX as early as this year, according to Saw. He declined to name the companies. Some of the mainland Chinese and Hong Kong companies could raise around $100 million via primary listings in Singapore, said one of the sources. SGX is usually not the first choice for Chinese companies eyeing an offshore market debut. Most of them prefer Hong Kong due to Beijing's support and a large pool of institutional and retail investors more familiar with Chinese brands. Tonight one last note regarding double homicide hits local newscasts and it's important to document the worsening violence. Depending on the ruling of the Medical Examiner, this latest spate of gunfire threatens to push the homicide count over 60 not even halfway into the year. For right now, here are the deets . . . "Officers found a man shot on the porch of the apartment building and a woman shot inside of the apartment units. "Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives are canvassing the area for information and CSI is processing the scene." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Jackson County Sheriff says 2 people found dead at KCMO apartment A man and woman were found dead at an apartment building at 40th and Troost. Man and woman found dead after reported shooting: County sheriff The Jackson County Sheriff, Darryl Forte, says two people are dead in a reported shooting in Kansas City, Missouri. Developing . . . This morning angel Behati inspires our almost daily peek at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Local Help Struggles Food banks, pantries facing triple threat of food insecurity, increased demand and federal cuts Harvesters, a regional food bank, is facing a triple threat: food insecurity, increased demand and federal cuts, all trickling down to its partner agencies and pantries. Tragic JoCo Dive One person dies in Lake Quivira boating crash, mayor says May 17, several law enforcement agencies were on the scene of a boating accident that left one person dead at Lake Quivira, Kansas. First Responder Perspective From The Dotte KCKFD and union blame slow emergency responses on old stations, hiring freeze KCFD's dated facilities, some of which are approaching 100 years old, are largely in what union and department representatives called "poor" and "deplorable" conditions. Old School Honors Building A memorial for a Pendergast? The legacy of 'Big Jim' in Kansas City James Pendergast, a Kansas City legend, rose as a businessman and politician, influencing the city's development during its formative years. Community Help Cont'd Firefighters, bystanders help rescue resident caught in KC apartment fire Firefighters rescued one resident from a burning apartment building in Kansas City with help from a few bystanders before their arrival. Angel Pop Song Tribute Adam Levine's "Priceless" New Career Update Is About His Wife: "It Instantly..." In an April interview, "The Voice's" Adam Levine reveals that his wife was the inspiration for Maroon 5's latest single, "Priceless." Read details here. MAGA Orders World's Biggest Retailer Trump warns Walmart: Don't raise prices due to my tariffs but do eat the costs from those taxes President Donald Trump has ripped into Walmart, saying on social media that the retail giant should eat the additional costs created by his tariffs. Show-Me Fair Warning Why the GOP shouldn't underestimate AOC While the GOP has acknowledged Ocasio-Cortez's prominence, it has often suggested she poses little threat to the MAGA movement's momentum. More Fighting Over Holy Land Israel airstrikes kill at least 100 in Gaza as negotiators seek ceasefire Israeli airstrikes killed at least 100 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip overnight, local health authorities said on Sunday, as mediators hosted a new round of ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas. Vlad Strikes Back Yet Again Ukraine reports largest drone attack from Russia since war began One person was killed in the Kyiv region, in an attack that came after peace talks between the two sides on Friday New Papa Plays Politics The right reviled Francis. How will Pope Leo XIV confront the schism in the US church? Some conservatives rejected Francis for his leftist leanings, but Leo could be able to realize his forerunner's visions Home Team Losing Streak Starts Three winners and three losers as the Royals fall to the Cardinals, 1-0 The Royals have lost four straight games and three straight series. Savor Cowtown Clapback Kansas (City) erupts with fury as rival state takes top BBQ honors Foodies were furious to learn that cities from a rival state beat Kansas City in Yelp's list of US cities with the best BBQ. Grigs Gives Us Warning Severe Thunderstorms possible Sunday Night Greater risk of severe weather on Monday The Byrds "Turn! Turn! Turn!" on The Ed Sullivan Show is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. During tax season, you probably expect to owe nothing extra or even receive a nice refund that helps you catch up financially. But if you were unlucky when you filed your 2024 tax return, you might have gotten a surprise IRS tax bill that left you wondering what happened. Read Next: Trump Wants To Replace Income Taxes With Tariffs: 2 Impacts on the Middle Class Explore More: 10 Unreliable SUVs To Stay Away From Buying In a recent YouTube video, George Kamel discussed six reasons you might have owed more taxes this year. He also spoke with tax lawyer Jasmine DiLucci about ways to avoid shortages next time. Income Changes A bigger tax bill often comes from changes to your income. A raise or promotion may have led to a higher tax rate. Or you might have joined the roughly 8.9 million Americans who worked multiple jobs, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These situations can lead to your employer not taking enough taxes out of your pay. Both Kamel and DiLucci recommended going to your employee portal or asking HR about updating your Form W-4, which asks questions about your tax situation and lets you adjust how much money is withheld. You can also use the IRS tax withholding estimator to figure out the right amount. When you update your Form W-4, keep in mind that Kamel advised aiming to have a tax balance of zero. While theyre a nice surprise, refunds arent necessarily a good thing for your money. If youre getting a refund, its because youve been overpaying and essentially loaning your money to the government interest-free, he said. Be Aware: Heres How Much Your State Collects on Every Type of Tax Tax Deduction and Credit Changes Losing tax breaks or qualifying for lower amounts can cut into your refund or leave you owing money. Kamel gave the example of Child Tax Credit, which was $3,600 for children under 5 in 2021 compared with $2,000 in 2024. Other scenarios include losing education credits if you completed school, getting a smaller Earned Income Tax Credit because your income went up or not qualifying for the Savers Credit if you didnt contribute to your retirement account. While you cant do much about some lost or reduced tax perks, Kamel and DiLucci discussed how deciding between an itemized and standard deduction is important for saving money. DiLucci said the standard deduction is usually better unless youve got high mortgage interest and/or high charitable deductions. Big Life Events If you got married or divorced, both of those things can change your filing status and your taxable income, and if you sold your home, you may owe taxes depending on how long you lived in the house, your profit from the sale and your filing status, Kamel said. A welcomed bit of news for locals . . . KANSAS CITY POLICE RAMP UP ARRESTS OF ILLEGAL STREET RACERS & SIDESHOW RIDERS!!! After years of complaints from locals . . . The police were out in full force by way of a sweep that sent nearly a score into lockup. For the record, what we've witnessed and for perspective . . . This power move is WIDELY SUPPORTED by the vast majority of residents, voters and biz owners with only a smattering of social media chatter in opposition. Check the basics . . . In a post shared to the KCPD Facebook page Saturday morning, it said officers arrested 19 suspects, towed 36 vehicles and issued 76 citations for stunts, sideshows, takeovers and other crimes late Friday night into early Saturday morning. The message from Mayor Q on this topic is also worth considering . . . "We aint playin." And well deserved praise for KCPD . . . "Strong work last night by @kcpolice arresting those causing harm on our streets, towing vehicles, and bringing calm to the community. Well keep it up until the activity subsides." Take a look at the latest photo collage . . . Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Fox4: 19 arrested, 36 vehicles towed in street racing, sideshow operation by KCPD KCTV5: We will not tolerate those who break the law, trying to hijack our streets, KCPD began in a May 17 Facebook post. Developing . . . Actually, it's not a bad thing that local faith leaders are able to reverse course every now and then . . . Accordingly, this write-up from the progressive National Catholic Reporter offers us more deets and insight into the new Catholic leader that replaces a cowtown conservative stalwart who was also the biggest election loser in recent memory . . . For the faithful, check the backstory . . . Last fall, Bishop Shawn McKnight of Jefferson City, Missouri, faced a backlash after he decreed that a dozen hymns could no longer be used at churches in his diocese. The most familiar one was Marty Haugen's "All Are Welcome." Within days, the bishop, now archbishop-designate of Kansas City, Kansas, backtracked. He essentially acknowledged his error and issued a new decree, in a move that revealed the kind of flexibility not often seen in leaders of American dioceses. McKnight worked his way out of a mess of his own creation by issuing another decree his third in six months on liturgical music in the diocese. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . NCR: Learning while leading, McKnight brings flexibility to Kansas City Archdiocese A recent reflection on the tragic state of Kansas City Public Schools looks to the past and offers a hopeless perspective on current challenges. Read this one closely . . . The only "bright side" is that Missouri schools are also doing worse by comparison . . . Check-it: "It was just too discouraging to think about how were going to shovel vast sums into deferred maintenance and new buildings for a district that, in terms of academic performance, long ago surrendered its claim to have an educational mission. A fresh tranche of evidence supporting this arrived last spring when the state released composite ACT stores for Missouri. "In Kansas City schools, that figure was a robust 16.2. Thats down nearly a full point from the previous year, which itself was down a tick from 2022. Have to give the district full marks for consistency, though: Its carrying on a proud tradition decades in the making. "The upside? The gap between Kansas Citys performance and the statewide average is closing! Statewide, students averaged a disappointing 19.8 for the second straight year. As recently as 2022, Missouri kids were outperforming national averages by more than 2 percentage points. No longer. Now, were tied. In terms of high school academics, the Show-Me State is becoming the Show-Meh State." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Ingram's -- Kansas City Schools: Wheres the Hope? Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Nationalistic Fervour Over Factual Reporting Analysts have noted that during the four-day conflict between India and Pakitsan, many media outlets prioritized nationalistic fervour over factual reporting Sunday May 18, 2025 8:08 PM , Mohd Ziyauallah Khan In the immediate aftermath of last weeks tense military standoff between India and Pakistan, Indian media reports proclaimed a string of overwhelming victories: Precision strikes on a Pakistani nuclear base, two enemy jets downed, and a major assault on Karachi port the heart of Pakistans oil and trade infrastructure. Each report offered detailed accounts. But none of it was true. A detailed article in the New York Times debated about this issue in detail, which also proclaims the status and credibility of Indian Media during the warfare times. In this article, we will be exploring how fake news or disinformation surged during the recent India-Pakistan conflict and how it established a narrative of fake and decisive elements in the media. A Crisis of Credibility in the Age of Social Media Disinformation overwhelmed both traditional and digital media platforms during and after the conflict. The volume of manipulated videos, AI-altered speeches, memes, and outright lies made it nearly impossible for audiences on either side of the border to distinguish fact from fiction. While propaganda has always accompanied warfare, social media has magnified its reach and impact exponentially. The spread of falsehoods was so vast and sophisticated that even professional newsrooms struggled to verify information in real time. Press Freedom Under Strain in India Indias media landscape has been shifting dramatically since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014. According to press freedom advocates, theres been a noticeable suppression of government-critical reporting. Many large television networks have aligned with state narratives, while only a handful of independent digital outlets continue to practice accountability-focused journalism albeit with limited reach. This has hampered Indian media in an adverse fashion especially over the free media index at the global level bringing down the country at the bottom for free speech and free media. Leading Journalist Apologizes for Broadcasting Misinformation Rajdeep Sardesai, a well-known anchor from India Today, issued a public apology for airing unverified news about Pakistani jets being shot down. He later reiterated on his YouTube vlog that certain reports were likely part of an orchestrated disinformation campaign by right-wing entities under the banner of national interest. In this YouTube channel called Straight Bat by Rajdeep, he has pointed out such incidents and shared videos as to how things were blown out of proportion to showcase fake news in the media. He claimed that how Even 24-hour news channels fall into this trap, which is a matter of big concern in a country like India where Democracy rules the land. Disinformation: A Tool of Emotional Manipulation Disinformation is deliberately crafted to provoke emotion, drive engagement, and sometimes obscure the truth, explained Daniel Silverman, a political science professor at Carnegie Mellon University. Given the long-standing hostility between India and Pakistan, audiences on both sides are especially vulnerable to emotionally charged false narratives. In Indian media, we have seen such fake news passing through great pace only to grab high TRPs by the channels and maximum number of views on the YouTube channels. However, amidst all this fake world, the fact-checkers played their part to debunk the falsehoods. Indian fact-checking platform Alt News identified numerous instances where national TV channels, including Aaj Tak and News18, broadcast fabricated or misleading stories. Among the most prominent was the claim of a radiation leak following a supposed Indian strike on a Pakistani nuclear facility a story that was thoroughly debunked. Yet despite these corrections, the false narratives had already spread far and wide even entering mainstream discourse. Jingoism in Newsrooms: A Dangerous Trend Analysts observed that during the four-day conflict, many media outlets prioritized nationalistic fervour over factual reporting. Anchors turned into cheerleaders, pushing unverified and sensational claims in the race for ratings. One example was the viral story that the Indian Navy had attacked Karachi port. Maps and visuals flooded TV screens and social media platforms. However, fact-checkers later traced the explosion images to unrelated events in Gaza. The Indian Navy eventually clarified that although it had been on high alert, no strike was conducted. Trusted Sources Becoming Disinformation Channels Dr. Sumitra Badrinathan, a political science professor at American University, called the shift disturbing: When previously trusted sources become disinformation outlets, its a really large problem. She noted that the 2019 India-Pakistan conflict also saw misinformation, but what was different this time was that major and credible news outlets actively ran fabricated stories. Thus we come across a broken information ecosystem. The information ecosystem is broken, said Pratik Sinha, co-founder of Alt News. Also Read: Lessons Indian TV Channels Should Learn from Operation Sindoor While fact-checking can combat misinformation, it comes at a cost including legal harassment. Alt News is currently fighting a defamation lawsuit and its journalists face continued threats. On the other hand, the TVs massive reach in India also adds to the problem. India has over 200 million TV-owning households and around 450 private news channels. Television remains a dominant source of information, which makes the unchecked spread of false narratives even more dangerous. Wrapping up -The Way Forward As Indias media struggles with political pressures, commercial competition, and digital disruption, the latest wave of misinformation underscores the urgent need for media literacy, robust fact-checking, and institutional safeguards for press freedom. Until then, the truth especially in times of conflict will remain increasingly difficult to find. (The writer, Mohd Ziyauallah Khan, is a freelance content Writer and Editor based in Nagpur. He is also an activist and social entrepreneur, co-founder of the group TruthScape, a team of digital activists fighting disinformation on social media.) Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Back in 2024, on May 14, Mad Moneys Jim Cramer reacted to Bidens 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles at the time, framing it as a major protective measure for U.S. automakers. He argued that Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), long viewed as vulnerable to low-cost Chinese EVs, was a clear beneficiary back then: "The biggest winners though will be the American automakers. Theres a widespread belief that our car companies are going to be roadkill once Chinas auto industry gets here. We got that from who? None other than the automakers themselves, especially Fords executive chairman Bill Ford. Hes been the most adamant about the existential threat of government-subsidized competition from the PRC [] Cramers call was incorrect, as Fords stock declined 14.39% over the past year, due to the tariff risks that automakers face. Was Jim Cramer Right About Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F)? Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) is one of the largest U.S. automakers, producing combustion engine, hybrid, and electric vehicles under the Ford and Lincoln brands. Cramer recently compared its position to that of its competitor, General Motors, saying: You know, listen, Phil, you had an amazing interview with Mary Barra, Ive got to ask you, it looks like that Ford has an edge on GM. When it comes to whats going on. In terms of tariffs. Because I think that Jim Farley for whatever reason makes much more in pure America than GM does. [Phil agreed] While we acknowledge the potential of F to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than F and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock. Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (centre), President of the China-Asia Economic Development Association, Mr Shunji Quan (right), and Minister of Health Dr Bounfeng Phoummalaysith (left) attend the handover of medical supplies in Vientiane on May 16. --Photo Pathetlao Daily newspaper China provides medical supplies to Laos worth CNY10 million The China-Asia Economic Development Association and Asia economic development and investment company have provided medical supplies and vaccines worth more than CNY10 million to the Ministry of Health. A ceremony to hand over the supplies, held in Vientiane on May 16, was attended by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Minister of Health Dr Bounfeng Phoummalaysith. The Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation for the donation of medical equipment and vaccines from the China-Asia Economic Development Association and Asia economic development and investment company, which he said were an important contribution to treatment and prevention services. The government and Lao authorities will use this equipment and vaccines to their maximum benefit, especially to reach the target group for universal vaccination, the Prime Minister said. He thanked the China-Asia Economic Development Association and Asia economic development and investment company for helping Laos and said he hoped to receive more assistance in the future, according to the Pathetlao Daily newspaper. The Prime Minister also informed those present about outstanding socio-economic developments in Laos, including investment incentives and important historical events taking place this year. He asked the China-Asia Economic Development Association to encourage more Chinese companies to invest in Laos, especially in areas of potential such as mineral and crop processing, and services. Also speaking at the ceremony, the President of the China-Asia Economic Development Association, Mr Shunji Quan, praised the strong and longstanding cooperative relations between China and Laos in past years. He gave a briefing on the importance and achievements of the China-Asia Economic Development Association, which has contributed to strengthening China-Laos relations and cooperation, as well as contributing to the continuous socio-economic development of the two countries. By Siladda Suliyong (Latest Update May 1 9 , 202 5 ) The first stock well look at, RingCentral, is well known in small- and medium-sized business circles. The company is primarily a UCaaS unified communications as a service provider, offering solutions for a wide range of communications issues relevant to the modern office environment. RingCentrals core products are centered around business communications phone systems, video calling and screen sharing, call forwarding, and other staples of business telecommunications, all routed through the customers computer servers. The companys communications packages are also made compatible with popular office software applications, and are accessible from individual desktop workstations and handheld devices. The result is a flexible and adaptable office communications system. So, lets take a closer look and with some help from the TipRanks database , we can find out if the general Street view aligns with Needhams take. The stock analysts at Needham are following this logic, pounding the table for two smaller stocks working in the AI and semiconductor fields. One is a cloud-based communications platform helping businesses streamline their workflows with AI-powered tools, and the other develops AI-enhanced human-machine interface chips used in touch, display, and voice technologies. But even though Nvidia leads the pack in AI returns, it is far from the only game in town. Plenty of other tech firms are building on AI, basing their growth on new products, or developing new modes of interfacing human operators with machine intelligence. The biggest winner in all of this has clearly been Nvidia. The chipmaker was ideally positioned for a stratospheric take-off when the AI boom began; as the company that popularized the GPU processors that made AI possible, Nvidia had a head start in providing the high-end semiconductor technology that was suddenly in huge demand. In the past three years, shares in Nvidia have gained more than 680%. Over the past several years, the big news in tech has swirled around the AI boom. AI especially generative AI, and now, agentic AI is changing the workplace in myriad ways, from streamlining data flow to speeding up content generation, to increasingly taking over online customer interactions. More and more businesses are using AI to handle at least one mundane task. And for investors, the semiconductor sector has been the obvious place to cash in. Story continues More recently, RingCentral has integrated AI technology into its communications packages. The company offers real-time AI assistance packages for support agents, designed to put the correct information at the agents fingertips no matter what the question. Agents can provide faster, more accurate responses to customer queries, and service centers can log better results. AI support is available for agent supervisors as well, providing real-time data insights to identify interactions that may require additional support. RingCentral is also offering an AI receptionist, capable of taking notes, writing and translating messages, and polishing provided texts. The AI can make sure that the user doesnt miss any details, and can even create personalized, context-appropriate SMS messages for more efficient communications. AI features are available for business phone plans, event planning, contact centers, and even offer data insights on conversational intelligence. Communications is a vital part of any business, and RingCentral has leveraged that to realize a steady increase in its revenues and earnings. In the last quarter reported, 1Q25, the companys top line came to $612 million, up almost 5% year-over-year and $1.37 million better than had been expected. RingCentrals Q1 bottom-line, an adj. EPS of $1.00, came in $0.04 ahead of the estimates. Two additional metrics bear mention here. RingCentral generated $130 million in free cash flow for 1Q25, equivalent to 21.3% of the total revenue. This compared favorably to the $77 million free cash flow in 1Q24. In addition, the company reported that annual recurring revenue, an important predictor of future business, exceeded $2.5 billion in the quarter. Covering this stock for Needham, analyst Joshua Reilly sees the companys strong position, solid products, and effective use of AI as important advantages and he cites the free cash flow and ARR as supportive of continued success. Reilly writes, We believe RNG is well positioned to expand their strong UCaaS market share in voice, while creating new AI based products that can sell into the SMB market, where they have the highest growth rate. Additionally, we believe the financial engineering underway including increasing FCF margins, while paying down debt and reducing net leverage to 2x and lower will lead to a higher multiple for shares. We expect new AI products can exceed $100mm in ARR exiting FY25, in-line with management guidance, while supporting the overall ARR growth rate of 7.3% for Q1/25. With a combination of improving growth and profitability, while decreasing leverage, we believe steady execution can lead to strong share performance in 2H/25. Reilly quantifies this stance with a Buy rating and a $36 price target that indicates a one-year upside potential of 28.5%. (To watch Reillys track record, click here) The Needham view is at the bullish end of the spectrum; overall, RNG shares get a Hold consensus rating, based on 16 recent reviews that include 5 Buys, 10 Holds, and 1 Sell. The shares are currently priced at $28.01, and the $32.38 average target price suggests that the stock has a gain of 15.5% waiting for it in the year ahead. (See RNG stock forecast) Synaptics (SYNA) Next on our list is Synaptics, a company that specializes in developing human-computer interfaces, the technologies that allow users to interact with machines in meaningful ways. Synaptics has over 2,600 patents and works with more than 470 original equipment manufacturers, and its product lines include wireless connectivity devices and touchpad modules. The company is particularly well-known for its involvement in IoT technology, and for its design and production of the integrated circuits that make touchpad controls, display drivers, video interfaces, and integrated touchpad/display units possible. Synaptics products are used in a wide range of applications, including laptop computers, PC accessories, AR/VR headsets, smartphones and smart displays, and even in on-board automotive interface systems. Among its product lines, Synaptics is developing new lines of microprocessor units, MCUs, essential in delivering high-performance, AI-native, multimodal computing capabilities for consumer, enterprise, and industrial applications. Prominent among these are the Astra SR100 series, created to deliver intelligence and to enable a new class of IoT devices that are context-aware. The Astra SR100 series is designed to support a wide range of AI-capable accelerators and peripherals, including cameras, image processing, and motion and voice activity detection engines. These features pre-adapt the series to support the next generation of IoT devices, with streaming vision and audio processing. The company is also collaborating with Google to develop Edge AI for IoT applications, a partnership that was announced in January of this year. And at the end of last month, Synaptics announced extensions to its Veros wireless portfolio, with the release of the first Veros WiFi 7 family of systems-on-chips (SoCs), specifically designed for use with IoT. The new WiFi 7 tech allows multi-link operations, by which devices can send and receive data streams via multiple frequency bands simultaneously, supporting low latency, high reliability, and high throughput. The new tech is particularly useful in real-time applications, such as video calls and high-end multi-player gaming. On the financial side, Synaptics reported $266.6 million in revenue for fiscal 3Q25, its last reported quarter. This figure was up 12% year-over-year and exceeded the forecast by $1.57 million. The company reported a non-GAAP EPS of 90 cents, 4 cents better than analysts estimates. What this comes down to, for analyst Nick Doyle, is that Synaptics has a solid position in the expanding combination of wireless networking and AI. The Needham analyst writes of the company, We believe Synaptics is executing well given their historical target market (IT enterprise spending) has been focused elsewhere (AI DC buildout). Recent moves in Core IoT (Google and Broadcom partnerships) position the company for stronger growth; we expect to see WiFi-7 devices later this year while Veros and Astra families should layer on in FY27. New products like UPD and Foldable OLED controllers support growth as well. Net, we believe SYNA will improve its revenue growth and operating margin profile as product mix shifts towards the higher growth Core IoT segment. Doyle goes on to rate SYNA as a Buy, and he gives the stock an $80 price target that suggests it has a 22% upside on the one-year time horizon. (To watch Doyles track record, click here) Overall, the Street puts a Moderate Buy consensus rating on Synaptics stock, based on 6 Buy and 3 Hold reviews. The shares have a current trading price of $65.38 and their $82 average price target is slightly more bullish than the Needham view, implying a one-year gain of 25.5%. (See SYNA stock forecast) To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment. Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue South East Technological University (SETU) has been awarded 224,508.10 in research funding by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) to lead the Irish contribution to EcoFABULAnds a groundbreaking international research initiative promoting sustainable, resilient landscapes through agroecological innovation. EcoFABULAnds is a co-funded programme, with financial support provided jointly by national funders in participating countries and the projects own consortium. In Ireland, DAFM has provided SETU with the full national funding contribution to advance this important work. Dr Imelda Casey, a researcher at SETU, is the lead co-ordinator for the Irish element of the project alongside Micheal OGrady at UCD. The team also includes Sam Browett, John Geraghty and Ultan McCarthy, and will be supported by local enterprise initiatives. Their work will focus on identifying and implementing best-suited agroecological practices, redesigning agroecosystems, and supporting the transition to more sustainable food systems. The initiative also aims to explore how successful solutions can be mainstreamed into national and European agrifood governance structures. Teagasc, who provide partial funding, will be supervised by Dr James Humphreys and Dr Laura Boyle. Dr Imelda Casey is part of the Department of Land Sciences and a member of the Eco-innovation research centre at SETU. The Irish Living Labs will be based in the south-east of the country. It represents a unique collaboration of multi-stakeholder groups engaging with an agroecological approach to farming. Resilient food systems Recent activity includes the co-writing of a powerful manifesto for resilient food systems and the development of a community-led portfolio of nature-based innovations to support transition to thriving futures. SETU is proud to lead Irelands involvement in this ambitious, cross-European effort, said Dr Casey. By working alongside communities and stakeholders in the south-east, we are helping shape resilient, inclusive, and ecologically sound approaches to food and land use. "This is research with strong regional roots and global relevance. Across Europe, each EcoFABULAnds Living Lab tells a distinct story of innovation and adaptation: In Berlin-Brandenburg, the focus is on strengthening urban-rural linkages to address land competition between food production and urban expansion. In South Hungary, efforts are revitalising traditional horticulture and orchards to counteract food deserts and enhance landscape biodiversity. In South Tyrol, organic farming and the sustainable use of traditional medicinal plants are helping preserve cultural heritage while responding to climate change. In Cyprus, circular production-consumption models are being trialled to promote sustainable agriculture through bio-based transitions. By empowering local initiatives and embedding them in governance frameworks, EcoFABULAnds is supporting a bottom-up agroecological transition across Europe. SETUs involvement further reinforces the universitys commitment to sustainable development and regional impact, aligned with national policy and the European Green Deal. The staff in a well known south east business showcased their charitable nature recently when they raised a substantial amount of money for a local community playground. The employees in Boston Scientific, in Clonmel, chose the Panda Playground project in Ballymacarbry, Co Waterford as their latest annual charity of choice. Members of the local community centre visited the business in Clonmel recently where they were presented with a cheque for a whopping 35,000 much to the delight of all concerned. A number of other great causes were also presented with smaller donations from the fund on the day. "It was great to hear from the companies employees about how the fund started off and how it has grown to its largest point ever in 2024," said one of those involved with the playground and community centre. "The passion for the cause among the fundraising committee was clear for all present to see," he added. The annual charity fund is entirely generated by the employees of Boston Scientific through a large number of employee-run events throughout the year. "We'd like to sincerely thank all in Boston Scientific Clonmel, especially all those wonderfully generous employees that voted for Panda Playground to be the chosen charity," said one of the Waterford committee members. Special thanks was also extended to local Boston Scientific employee, April OGorman, who nominated the Panda Playground as one of the potential beneficiaries and gratitude was also conveyed to all the other Ballymacarbry staff who championed the playgrounds cause throughout the voting phase. "This donation was a game changer in terms of the playgrounds quick development and helped us to be far more ambitious with the scope of the facility," said the committee member. "The legacy of the donation will live on for many generations to enjoy," he added. A historic event occurred in Waterford on Saturday, May 17, when, under a sunny blue sky, the mighty HEBO 9 floating crane arrived off the coast of Dunmore East. The arrives marked a very significant and important moment in the transformation of the Waterford North Quays development. HEBO Lift 9 floating crane being towed by Dutch Power barge into Waterford Harbour. Pic: Peter Grogan. Towed by the aptly named tug 'Dutch Power', the Hebo barge sailed into view with the colossal crane secured on deck. A spokesperson for Waterford City & County Council commented: "Towering and awe-inspiring, the Hebo 9 has now docked at Frank Cassin Wharf, where it awaits the arrival of additional barges carrying bridge sections." HEBO Lift 9 floating crane being towed by Dutch Power barge into Waterford Harbour. Pic: Peter Grogan "The crane will then begin the detailed task of lifting those sections into place over the River Suir, forming the new Sustainable Transport Bridge," said the spokesperson. The bridge will form a centrepiece of the North Quays Public Infrastructure Project. HEBO Lift 9 floating crane being towed by Dutch Power barge into Waterford Harbour. Pic: Peter Grogan. The HEBO Lift 9 is a seagoing floating sheerleg crane with a lifting capacity of 800 tonnes. Measuring approximately 67 metres in length and 27 metres in width, it is equipped with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing for precise manoeuvring during complex lifting operations. The superstructure for the new bridge is due to arrive in Waterford within the coming days. Artist Corina Duyn celebrated the launch of the paperback version of her latest publication, 'In Bed I Cut Words', as part of Arts In Nursing Homes Day, which took place on Friday, May 16. Corina has been living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) for 26 years, and 'In Bed I Cut Words' is her latest artistic response to having to surrender her independent life and move to full-time care at the relatively young age of 59, in 2021. The book is a beautiful collection that showcases the artist's collages along with poems, prose and thoughts from fellow artists, poets and health professionals. Copies of the book will be distributed free of charge to a variety of arts and health practitioners, arts offices and public libraries, thanks to the generous support of Waterford City and County Council and the Irish Hospice Foundation. An artist, writer and puppet designer/maker, Corina Duyn has been making puppets since she was 10, when she created her first rag doll. However, when she was 36 she became ill with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). The increasing limitations imposed by her illness took an increasing toll on her daily life and her creative endeavours and having finally accepted that she could no longer live independently, Corina moved to Signacare Nursing Home in Waterford. Realising that she needed to take action to somehow maintain her creative spirit and following the ethos of, 'there is always a way', Corina issued a plea to her friends and contacts to help her to continue her art practice. Artist Corina Duyn celebrated the launch of the paperback version of her latest publication, 'In Bed I Cut Words', as part of Arts In Nursing Homes Day That resulted in Waterford Healing Arts introducing her to artist, Caroline Schofield and so began a remarkable collaboration which culminated in the ground-breaking exhibition, 'I brought the dream of flying', at GOMA Gallery of Modern Art in Waterford, in 2023. The exhibition was supported by Waterford Healing Arts and Creative Waterford. The exhibition later moved to Creative Brain Week at the Naughton Institute, Trinity College Dublin. As Corinas ME continued to restrict her physical ability, collage became an essential means for her to continue making art and expressing herself creatively. A collection of collages on the theme of Home, which began as part of the 'I brought the dream of flying', exhibition, continued to grow, resulting in the self-published hardback edition of 'In Bed I Cut Words'. Such was the demand for this stunning publication, designed by David Murphy in Red Heaven Design, the decision was made to publish a paperback version. A spokesperson for Waterford City & County Council said: "'In Bed I Cut Words', is a visual and literary treat, but one which also poses important questions, challenging the concept of Home, and illustrating the impact of home being a place where someone must live when they cannot live where they wish." "Waterford City and County Council, along with the Irish Hospice Foundation and Waterford Healing Arts, have been delighted to continue to support this important work by this extraordinary artist," she added. Artist Corina Duyn celebrated the launch of the paperback version of her latest publication, 'In Bed I Cut Words', as part of Arts In Nursing Homes Day Katherine Collins, Creative Waterford Coordinator said: In Bed I Cut Words is a challenging work exploring the realities of being a creator in a care home setting, exploring what home means to the creative spirit and body amongst other considerations." "It challenges us, the audience, to consider what it is to be a younger person living in a space that cannot necessarily meet all her needs; to be able to create, to collaborate, to communicate," said Ms Collins. Waterford City and County Councils Creative Ireland Programme supported Corina's exhibition, 'I brought the dream of flying', in 2023 and the local authority spokesperson said: "We are delighted to continue this relationship by providing funding for the paperback print of her latest title." "The Creative Communities pillar of Creative Ireland strives to ensure that participation in and access to creativity and culture is equal in all aspects of life; by supporting Corinas work and bringing it to a wider audience we hope that a wider conversation can take place about how to support peoples creative expression in whatever settings they find themselves," she added. Meanwhile, Claire Meaney, Director of Realta, which manages the Waterford Healing Arts programme, said: It has been our absolute privilege to support Corinas work over many years, in particular since she moved into full-time care and developed the unique collaboration with artist Caroline Schofield." "The strength and clarity of Corinas artistic voice is inspiring on its own, but when we consider this determination in the context of her many challenges, it is abundantly clear that Corina is a true artist: she quite simply must make art in order to survive," she said. Further information about Corina and her work go online to www.corinaduyn.com The people of Waterford came out in force to support this year's Darkness Into Light initiative for Pieta. The city event was extremely well supported, however other areas of the county also held walks that were well supported. The organisers of the Darkness Into Light walk in Portlaw were delighted with the turnout and acknowledged those who gave their support to the initiative. The walk was supported by Electric Ireland and helps raise vital funds for Pieta every year and to support people affected by suicide and self harm. One of those involved in Portlaw commented: "Our walk started at 4.15am, down on the Riverwalk on Main St." "What a stunning morning we had for our walk," she said. Minister for Mental Health and Government Chief Whip, Mary Butler TD, officially kicked off what was a very special event. "Huge thanks to everyone who joined us and to the incredible volunteers who made it all happen," said one local resident. "From traffic stewards to candle lighters, tea makers, and sponsors and special appreciation to the local Red Cross and An Garda Siochana for their support," she added. Our village shone bright on this meaningful morning, raising awareness for a vital cause." I was surprised that there was such media interest in the election of the new pope. With images of white smoke billowing from the chimney in the Sistine Chapel flashing across the world, there was a palpable sense of hope and rejoicing: surely indicating that the world appreciates the spiritual and moral leadership, which is the gift that the papacy can bring to the world. Parishioners have recounted how spiritually uplifting it was for them. The new pope, Cardinal Robert Prevost, chose the name Leo XIV. He said he chose the name Leo as he was inspired by Pope Leo XIII, who in 1891 issued the first social encyclical of the Church that was viewed as a charter for workers. Subtitled, On the Conditions of Labour, it was a cry of protest against the exploitation of poor workers. It committed the Catholic Church to a rejection of the central thesis of liberal capitalism, namely that labour is a commodity to be bought at a market price, determined by the law of supply and demand rather than the human needs of the worker. Pope Leo XIII protested against the misery and wretchedness pressing so unjustly on the majority of the working class. A small number of rich people have been able to lay upon the teeming masses of the labouring poor a yoke little better than that of slavery itself. The encyclical goes on to champion the right of workers to a just wage, to enable them to live with dignity. It also recognised the right of workers to organise themselves and to join trade unions so as to protect themselves from exploitation. Leo XIII addressed the social question of his day in the context of the great industrial revolution. Faithful to this great tradition, Pope Leo XIV feels the Church should respond to another industrial revolution brought about by the developments in technology, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence, that pose new challenges to the defence of human dignity, justice and labour. But Cardinal Prevost has always sided with the poor. Bess Twiston Davies has written about his ministry in Peru. As bishop in the diocese of Chiclayo, his area was particularly impacted by the Covid pandemic. He organised and coordinated a series of life-saving initiatives in collaboration with local authorities, coordinating relief and mobilising solidarity. The people remember him for being there, for being unafraid to visit them and show them his closeness at a time of fear and loss. He is credited with opening emergency shelters near the shores of the Pacific Ocean for destitute families fleeing persecution in Venezuela. He coordinated the support efforts bringing together relief agencies, such as the St Vincent de Paul but above all he was there on the street reaching out to destitute families. He founded pastoral ministries for health, for prisoners, for the environment. When a cyclone struck in the area in 2023, Bishop Prevost could be seen wading through the water in his wellington boots, distributing bags of food. This was the lifestyle of a man totally committed to the poor and marginalised, a man, who having graduated in mathematics from Villanova University in Pennsylvania, was offered a place in Harvard Law School but opted instead to join the Augustinian Order and dedicate his life to serve Christ in the poor and downtrodden of the earth. And now he is called to serve as leader not just for the 1.4 billion Catholic Christians in the world but to serve as spiritual and moral leader to a world where power, greed, and violence corrupt the moral order. He will serve by calling to account leaders and political movements whose policies undermine human dignity, resulting in war and genocide. As Cardinal, Pope Leo has already challenged Vice President JD Vance on immigration policy in the US. Vance claimed that Christian teaching advocates for prioritising love first for family, then neighbours, community, fellow citizens and lastly the world. The Cardinal Prevost stated boldly, JD Vance is wrong. Jesus does not ask us to rank our love for others. Addressing the College of Cardinals after his election, Pope Leo proclaimed that his own pontificate would be a continuation of the precious legacy of Pope Francis. In particular, he emphasised missionary outreach in loving care for the least and rejected, and to embed the synodal process more fully in all aspects of ecclesial polity. He wants the Church to move from an experience where authority speaks and it's all over, to an experience that values the charisms, gifts, and ministries that are in the Church. He wants to revive the practice of the early Church whereby the people had a say in the selection of bishops. He would like to have more synodal structures in dioceses, which would allow bishops to hear from their people. Every diocese needs to have a pastoral council. In his opening statement to the world, Pope Leo called for peace at least four times. "Weapons can and must be silenced, for they do not resolve problems but only increase them. He has offered to mediate disputes in global wars. I am hopeful that he will succeed. MUSICAL THEATRE Beetlejuice Music and lyrics: Eddie Perfect, Book: Scott Brown and Anthony King Regent Theatre, until August 3 If you can only afford one ticket this musical theatre season, Beetlejuice is the show to see. The highly anticipated Australian premiere nailed it on opening night, with Eddie Perfect leading an offbeat triumph of camp gothic one that dives into a bottomless abyss of musical comedy and compulsively erupts into infectious mayhem. Its terrific fun. Karis Oka and Eddie Perfect in a scene from Beetlejuice. Credit: Joe Armao Perfect wrote the music and lyrics for this Broadway adaptation of the 1988 Tim Burton classic, keeping the dark cartoonish quality that makes Burtons work so distinctive, and tweaking the story to allow all the humour and havoc to play a greater role in rectifying emotional disorder. It is, as Beetlejuice sings with ghoulish glee from the outset, a show about death, and theres liberating excess in the black comic relish the musical takes in skewering the fakery of false positivity, or the denial and repression of sadness and rage. 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 Every day while filming Lego Masters, Hamish Blake and Ryan Brickman McNaught, host and judge of the Logie-award-wining show, ride bicycles together to get to work. Yeah, probably dont tell production that I ride my bike because Im a 50/50 chance of not making it, Blake says, laughing. City drivers dont love seeing a cyclist. I mean, the anger is palpable. McNaught grimaces with a smile. Dicing with death daily, he says. Lucky were not angry on this show. Hamish Blake and Ryan Brickman McNaught. Credit: NIGEL WRIGHT Indeed, Lego Masters Australia, returning for its seventh season with Grandmasters of the Galaxy, a global battle of 10 teams from Australia and overseas, is a bastion of family-friendly encouragement and kinship. Were definitely the light side, Blake says, laughing. Were Jedis, always trying to really harness that Jedi feeling. This season, 20 players from seven countries a mix of homegrown and international winners and finalists from Australia, Canada, China, Finland, Sweden, the US and New Zealand will tackle extraordinary challenges. This includes seeing if Lego can fly, building a car with a dash of movie magic, creating lifelike objects for a Chinese restaurant, and creating a monster from ancient civilisations. Advertisement Theres also the introduction of the magic brick a coveted large, glowing block that teams battle for to gain immunity from elimination in the next challenge. And TV personality Sophie Monk will return as special guest in four episodes. Past contestants Gabby and Owen return to Lego Masters Australia. Credit: NIGEL WRIGHT Returning Australian builders include fan favourite and season-five winner Owen, teamed up with Gabby, who came fourth in season three; season-one runners-up David and Gerhard (known as G); Henry and Cade, champions of season one; and Trent and Alex, who have come close to victory more than once. Loading The overseas teams include Dai and Jiayuan, from Lego Masters China; Oskari and Aura from Finland; New Zealand runners-up Emily and Sarah; and sibling duo Paul and Nealita from the US. There are also best friends and Lego Masters Sweden alumni Vidar and Albin; and Nick and Stacey, the first Canadians to win Lego Masters USA, who did so in their Lego bow-tie and hair bow respectively. These are all the best of the best, says Blake, who won the 2022 Gold Logie for most popular personality on television. Not only has everyone built on the show before, the only people that havent won are people that are back here because they just missed out. Theyre the elite. Advertisement On the day I visit the studio, which is housed in a hangar-style building at Disney Studios in Sydneys Moore Park, teams of production staff are sorting used bricks on an upper level while, below, a large bank of multiple screens shows 25 camera angles of the contestants, all metres away, constructing against the clock at their workbenches. Contestants on Lego Masters Australia: Grandmasters of the Galaxy. Credit: NIGEL WRIGHT The set, a red and gold Chinese restaurant, complete with tables and chairs, fills the end of the room. The teams are hunched over, building intently, and the sound of murmuring and clicking bricks fills the air. Every so often, someone will sprint to choose from 4 million bricks in the Brick Pit. Blake and McNaught hover between the tables, quietly observing between chats, jokes and advice with teams off- and on-camera. For all the fun of Lego Masters, the pair know how their presence can affect contestants. Dai and Jiayuan are some of the many international contestants this season. Credit: NIGEL WRIGHT You have to be cognisant of how much pressure theyre always under, Blake says. They want to put their best foot forward, the clock is always ticking and theres a real skill to what everyones doing on the show, I never want to be flippant about that. Advertisement But I still believe it helps people be at their best if you can keep a slight amount of cheerfulness in adversity. It keeps a pep in their step. As one of the worlds leading Lego brick artists, and the only Lego certified professional in the southern hemisphere, McNaught understands his influence. Loading My job, obviously, is to be a judge, but also I want them to be the best possible Lego builders they can be, he says. In some instances theres still 90 minutes on the clock, theyve done 95 per cent, theyve got capacity to finesse, make it that little bit better. In other instances, its hang on a minute, weve just gotta get you over the line. So you have to juggle both of these. After seven seasons, Blake says one of the challenges of Lego Masters is coming up with new build quests. I think we will have done close to 100 challenges by now, he says. Everythings new. You have to keep getting more and more creative to keep it novel, and that becomes the challenge. But thats all right. Thats what happens with any creative process thats seven years in. Advertisement In the past week, McNaught has already banked four ideas for future seasons. Once youve got your Lego brain on, its all, What about this wild thing? he says. I believe it helps people be at their best if you can keep a slight amount of cheerfulness in adversity: Hamish Blake. Credit: NIGEL WRIGHT Theres no doubt McNaught has a Lego brain. But what about Lego fingers? Does building trigger injuries? Absolutely yes, he says. [Just] working with your fingers for eight hours here is really hard. For instance, Gabby isnt used to operating with the big bricks shes using today, so her hands are throbbing. But it doesnt take long to get match-fit. McNaught himself has some pretty gnarly arthritis in his hands after manoeuvring Lego for years. At the end of a long day my knuckles swell, he says. No different to a bricklayer or a chippy. Advertisement The cost of treating some common pet ailments are increasing at an even higher rate: the price of treatments for gastrointestinal conditions, skin conditions and orthopedic and spinal injuries are rising by more than 35 per cent a year, according to PetSure. The insurers single largest claim last year was $80,653 for a Great Dane that underwent treatment for pneumonia. There are several factors driving the sharp rise in veterinary costs. Advances in technology have brought sophisticated and expensive medical equipment from human healthcare into vet clinics. At the same time, a post-pandemic surge in demand, combined with a shrinking workforce, is pushing up wages for veterinarians, who have long been underpaid. Venture capital is entering the industry. And pet owners who treat their animals like family members expect more and can afford to pay for it. Loading But a group of vets from around the world fear the profession has another problem that parallels human medicine: overdiagnosis and overtreatment. As in human medicine, I just see overdiagnosis and overservicing, says Dr Tanya Stephens, a long-time vet based in NSW and a fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. There is an awful lot of excess pathology done. There is very little evidence out there it is in the best interests of animals. And yet it is regularly used. Vets want to give the best possible care to animals, but some of the overservicing is being driven by the entrance of profit-driven corporations into the sector. They want to make money. They maximise profit in every consult. The only way to profit is overservicing and overcharging clients, and reducing wages for vets, says Dr Thiago Giraldi, owner of Newstead Vets in Queensland, who spent 3 years working at a corporate clinic. Thats where the gap is, where they can get the profit because its a very high-cost type of business. Whats the evidence? In the past 20 years, human medicine has taken big steps to crack down on overtreatment. Stephens, who is editor-in-chief of the upcoming book Veterinary Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas, written by 23 vets from around the world, believes the same reckoning is needed for animal care. She points to pre-anaesthetic blood testing as a case in point. This masthead found many Australian vets recommending the practice for all animals at a cost of between $90 and $180 despite it not being recommended in healthy humans because studies have shown the profiles rarely change clinical practice. In 1998, the American Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists voted to declare the tests unnecessary. The owner of an otherwise healthy cat with a blocked bladder was quoted $3000 for blood tests and an ultrasound and another $6000 to $8000 for ongoing care. Credit: iStock Stephens argues general blood testing, often called wellness profiling, of clinically healthy animals is also rarely useful and may be inaccurate. Yet blood testing is increasing sharply year-on-year, according to PetSures data. In one case shared with this masthead, the owner of a young, otherwise healthy cat with a blocked bladder was quoted $3000 for blood tests and an ultrasound, and a further $6000 to $8000 for ongoing care. The owner was unable to pay, so the cat was discharged and, despite the care of another vet, died the next day. What the cat really needed was instant pain relief and its bladder unblocked, the second vet said. Which should have cost a lot less without all the extras such as a blood test and ultrasound. The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) says Australians are getting a very high standard of care and many of the increased costs sit outside the control of individual vets. They want to make money. They maximise profit in every consult. The only way to profit is overservicing and overcharging clients, and reducing wages for vets. Queensland vet Thiago Giraldi Rising scrutiny over over-treatment often overlooks the fact that many veterinary clients now expect the same standard of care for their animal companions as they would for family members, says AVA president Dr Sally Colgan, who lives in Sydney. Growing rates of pet insurance add new layers of complication for vets, owners and pets. Evidence suggests pet owners are much less likely to economically euthanise their pets if they are insured, and insured owners tend to spend more on vet care for their animals. That can save some pets from treatable diseases. But it also makes customers more likely to plump for unnecessary scans and treatments and some vets are even concerned it may cause owners to prolong the life of a sick animal when the more ethical decision might be euthanasia. Loading What is driving the cost increases? Insurers and vets attribute increased costs to the arrival of new and expensive treatments for animals, like personalised anti-cancer vaccines being offered by Melbourne Animal Referral Services. Advances in pet medicine and a reduction in the number of animals killed by cars mean our pets are living longer and, just like elderly humans, old animals tend to need more medical care. The ethics of treating animals for cancer provoke significant debate among vets. Chemotherapy generally just prolongs life, rather than curing disease, at the cost of serious side effects, numerous painful procedures and time spent in isolation. In the past 20 years the care vets can offer animals has dramatically increased, but so has the cost. Now its very normal to have CT and MRI and specialised orthopaedic implants, says Dr Anne Quain, a senior lecturer at the Sydney School of Veterinary Science. Setting up a new practice might now cost several million dollars, she estimates, while everyone agrees consumables have spiked. Dr Anne Quain at her vet practice with patient Bentley. Credit: Louise Kennerley And the economics of veterinary medicine are changing. Vets have typically been poorly paid compared with doctors the average salary in the veterinary services sector is $70,633. But the COVID pandemic led to a spike in pet ownership, which is now creating an increased demand for vet services that the industry is struggling to meet. Job ads for vets averaged 18 a month between 2010 and 2020. In September last year alone, there were 190 new ads, according to government tracking data. Veterinary chain VetPartners blames that for sharp increases in average wages, which have been passed on to consumers. At the same time, a NSW parliamentary inquiry into the vet workforce heard many vets were struggling to keep their practice doors open. The industry is extremely labour-intensive, so it is hard for small practices to make big profits. They do OK, but they are certainly not earning super profits, thats for sure, says Patrick Flanagan, a vet industry consultant and partner at consultancy firm RSM Australia. Thats opening the door for corporatisation. About one-fifth of the industry is now owned by big corporates, VetPartners estimates. According to online listings, there are now hundreds of vet practices owned by the big two VetPartners and Greencross across Australia, but in many cases, customers wouldnt know, as clinics often retain their individual branding. The corporate players VetPartners and Greencross, the two largest players by market share, have both been bought by private equity firms in the past six years. When Pemba Capital Partners partnered with Vets Central, it described the industry as structurally high growth and defensive. Industry revenue was projected at $5.6 billion in 2025, up 3.5 per cent annually since 2020, and with even faster growth forecast, according to IBISWorld research. Giraldi, a Queensland vet, says that when he was working at a corporate clinic, he was constantly pressured to perform certain numbers of operations and exams every month, including body and dental X-rays. Thats all across the board. They were doing that from managers all the way down to the new grads: you need to do this much of this, this much of that, he recalls. You end up overservicing to achieve KPIs. Meeting KPIs was linked to bonus payments, he says. You wont do something harmful [to the animal]. But you will do something unnecessary. Greencross says its vets are salaried and do not have KPIs or commissions linked to treatments. Our KPIs are really based around patient outcomes. All our vets have clinical autonomy. They do what is necessary for that patient and that client that is in front of them, like any other vet, says Dr Magdoline Awad, the companys chief veterinary officer. (The other corporate vet practices declined to comment.) The rising cost of veterinary treatment has coincided with a steady stream of complaints to NSW Fair Trading. In the five years to December 31, 2024, the consumer watchdog received 21 complaints from consumers relating to veterinary practices pricing. A spokesman for the watchdog says 12 of these complaints were for overcharging or charging above the quoted price, six involved high or unknown fees and charges, and three related to services that were unsatisfactory or not provided. Consumer Affairs Victoria was unable to provide similar data. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) says businesses are free to independently set their own prices, but it is illegal for them to make false or misleading claims about prices, or agree to fix prices with competitors. Loading The ACCC encourages consumers to shop around for products and services to consider the range of prices available and determine the best value for them, a spokeswoman says. The vet providing a second opinion The cost of veterinary treatment has increased dramatically during Mark Tenenbaums seven-year career as a vet. He says this has coincided with pet owners expecting an almost human-level quality of care for their animals. When I started, a dental procedure or a stitch-up of a wound or a cut was easily under $1000, says the vet from Melbournes south-east. Now these procedures are between $1000 and $1500. And while a standard consultation used to cost about $70, it now costs almost $100, according to Tenenbaum. Improvements to veterinarian wages, increasing costs of materials (such as titanium implants, medications and pathology) and the growing corporatisation of the veterinary industry is also driving up these costs. When I started, a dental procedure or a stitch-up of a wound or a cut was easily under $1000. Now these procedures are between $1000 and $1500. Melbourne vet Mark Tenenbaum Theyre a business with shareholders and investors at the end of the day, and theres an expectation of growth and profitability, Tenenbaum says of corporate-owned clinics, which he estimates make up about 15 to 20 per cent of all veterinary clinics in Australia. With a privately owned clinic, if theres a bit of stagnation or a downturn an individual owner who is still making money wont be as concerned about having no growth that year. He estimates that about 30 per cent of pet owners refuse recommendations because they cant afford the treatment. When this occurs, Tenenbaum provides a cheaper alternative. But with the downgrading, comes gaps, he says. An owner might say, I cant afford the imaging, and I say, Thats OK, but youve got to accept that you might be missing something on those X-rays that might be the answer to why your pet is unwell. Angelica Pintos cat Ciccio has had some recent health issues. Tenenbaum recently launched a telehealth venture called Second Opinion by the Vet Society, which provides pet owners with an alternative view about the best course of treatment for their sick and injured animals. In many instances, the best course of treatment is not necessarily the most expensive. Specialists are charging $5500 to $7000 to repair a ruptured ACL, but there are alternative surgical options to stabilise the knee that are not nearly as expensive, he says, adding that these cheaper options are not always suitable for larger dogs. The charity helping pet owners in hardship After forking out $30,000 for spinal surgery for her border collie, Jennifer Hunt decided to set up a charity to help pensioners struggling with vet fees. While the registered nurse could afford treatment to save the life of her beloved dog Jed, she realised many others were not as fortunate. Her charity, Pet Medical Crisis, founded in 2010, receives about 40 applications a week from Victorian pet owners unable to afford their pets medical treatment. Pinto and her beloved Ciccio. Hunt says some vets propose leaving pets untreated, surrendering them, or even economic euthanasia when owners cant afford care. These pets are vital to their wellbeing, she says. They alleviate loneliness, keep people well and bring enormous value to the community. Shes often horrified by the fee discrepancies between different clinics for the same treatment. In one recent case, the owner of a Staffordshire bull terrier that had developed an infected uterus a life-threatening condition was quoted $8555 for treatment at a 24/7 specialist clinic. The costs were outrageous, Hunt says. Pet Medical Crisis stepped in and arranged for the sick dog to be treated at another clinic that charged $1098 for the same procedure. Angelica Pinto burst into tears when her vet told her it would cost about $5000 to treat her sick cat Ciccio. The ginger cat was experiencing a urinary blockage and the emergency vet said he needed a catheter inserted. I thought, I have to. He is my everything, Pinto recalls. The 29-year-old, who is on a disability pension and suffers from anxiety, drained her entire savings to fund the treatment. The first procedure took place on April 19, but less than a week later, Pinto and Ciccio were back at the vet with the same problem. This time, the vet recommended a more expensive surgery which involved creating a larger urethra for Ciccio to prevent more blockages. It would cost Pinto a further $6000. That was money she didnt have. To pay for the surgery, the North Melbourne resident has taken out two buy now, pay later loans, set up a GoFundMe page and is selling her furniture on Facebook Marketplace. While Ciccio is back home and recovering well, Pinto worries that she may not be able to pay her rent. I have listed my bedside tables, the TV unit, the buffet cabinet. Im trying to sell what I can, she says. John Panagiotopoulos only option with pet dog Max was to email Pet Medical Crisis to explain his plight. Loading Within days, the charity had arranged for Max to be operated on at Port Phillip Animal Hospital for $2750 a fraction of the price that the Panagiotopoulos had been quoted by the other clinic. Panagiotopoulos chipped in $1000, and the charity funded the rest. Max is now at home and tearing through the backyard on his recovered leg, which has been reinforced with steel pins. Nordstrom Inc. shareholders have approved the companys plan to go private. The green light by shareholders, which was expected, was disclosed in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing on Friday, following a special virtual meeting of shareholders held 9 a.m. Pacific Time. More from WWD Based on preliminary estimated results of the special meeting provided by the companys proxy solicitor, Innisfree M&A Inc., the merger agreement was approved by the companys shareholders at the special meeting, the filing indicated. The Seattle-based company expects the deal to be consummated on or around Tuesday. Last December, the board of directors of Nordstrom approved the deal for the Nordstrom family and Mexican retailer El Puerto de Liverpool to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Nordstrom not beneficially owned by the family and Liverpool. Its an all-cash transaction, with an enterprise value of about $6.25 billion, giving the Nordstroms a 50.1 percent controlling stake, and Liverpool 49.9 percent. Nordstrom common shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of common stock they hold. The deal represents a premium of about 42 percent to the companys unaffected closing stock price on March 18, 2024, which was the last trading day prior to media speculation about the potential transaction. Nordstrom is led by brothers Erik and Pete, chief executive officer, and president and chief brand officer, respectively, and their cousin Jamie, who serves as chief merchandising officer. Traditional department stores like Nordstrom and Macys have struggled to maintain market share as middle-income families have been shifting much of their shopping to discounters and e-commerce. Restoring the luster Nordstrom department stores once had, and getting out from under the glare of Wall Street, is the basis for Nordstrom going private. A privately held Nordstrom isnt expected to diverge much from its current priorities, notably its aggressive expansion of the Rack off-price chain, pursuit of greater digital growth and much-needed comp gains at the Nordstrom upscale department stores. So far, the strategy has born some fruit. For a long time, Wall Street has taken a dim view of Nordstrom and most department stores. Nordstroms Manhattan flagship has been gaining popularity, but the company spent far more than it initially expected on building the store, which had the unfortunate timing of opening just before the pandemic hit. Genetic testing is not a mandatory component of coronial investigations into unexplained deaths in any Australian state or territory, and each jurisdiction has its own triggers for including it. For instance, when there is some indication that a gene mutation may have contributed to a death, such as a family history of genetic conditions. This was despite nearly 90 per cent of couples at risk of having a child with a genetic condition having no prior family history of the disorder. The barriers to genetic testing Several state coroners offices and attorneys-general, including in NSW and Victoria, suggested that obtaining consent from next of kin was the main barrier to implementing routine genetic testing. None are updating current guidelines to mandate genetic testing under these circumstances. NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley said a coroner can order genetic testing based on advice from NSW Health Forensic Medicine, and the government was always considering ways the coronial process can be improved to provide answers to grieving families. Loading A spokesperson from the Victorian government said coroners can request the testing where it is considered relevant. Coroners Project co-founder Rachael Casella said even when there is an indication that a genetic condition is at play in a death, instead of conducting genetic testing on the deceased, the coroner or forensic pathologist will often recommend that the family pursue genetic testing for themselves. This requires navigating a complex system, potentially at a personal financial cost. She said placing the burden on grieving families to know about and seek genetic testing is wrong. If youre talking to a grieving family, most of the time theyre not going to think to go and do genetic testing. They dont know whom to contact Are there costs involved? Is English their second language? said Casella, whose daughter Mackenzie died of the genetic condition spinal muscular atrophy at seven months old and is the namesake of federally funded Mackenzies Mission, a genetic carrier screening trial for would-be parents. Professor Gina Ravenscroft, an expert in rare disease genetics at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and University of Western Australia, said restricting genetic testing to cases with a family history of genetic conditions was outdated and parents who consent to autopsies are likely to agree to genetic testing because they want to know what killed their loved one. I dont see that genetics is that different from any other test we do to try and find out what the cause of death is in an infant or a young person. Loading Professor Jodie Ingles, head of clinical genomics at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, said the cost of genetic testing was likely a deterrent because Medicare does not subsidise it. Forensic pathologists who order the genetic tests were also grappling with a backlog of autopsy reports amid a national shortage of the specialists. Kate and Tim Newman lost their two daughters, Olivia and Mia, to heart failure caused by a PPA2 gene mutation before their second birthdays. It was only after Mia died that doctors at the Childrens Hospital in Brisbane suggested they test her DNA and a sample kept from Olivias autopsy. Olivia and Mia Newman both died from complications of a variation of the PPA2 gene. Their experience makes it difficult for them to understand why consent and a lack of resources would be barriers to genetic testing, considering the tens of thousands of dollars it cost the healthcare system and the couple to test and treat their daughters over several distressing months, Kate Newman said. Consenting to the removal of Olivias brain seemed a far more traumatic request for Newman than if shed been asked for her consent to do genetic testing, though she said she was never asked. To think that there are blockages in terms of funding for genetic tests is crazy they took my kids brain out and sent it to America to try and test for certain things, and we didnt need to go through any of that if theyd just done a blood test and got DNA results, she said. Guilt, false accusations and the relief of a diagnosis Finding answers helped the Greens and Newmans with the overwhelming guilt attached to the sudden and unexplained deaths of multiple children. I was addicted to googling rabbit holes, reading every article, medical journal, anything I could get my hands on, Danielle Green said. I just held so much guilt. Did I not take gastro seriously enough? Did I allow him to get dehydrated? Was he showing symptoms of this months prior? Carola Vinuesa, a professor in immunology and genetics at the Francis Crick Institute in London, who was part of a team that analysed Kathleen Folbiggs DNA for genetic mutations, said having a diagnosis can also stop parents being wrongly accused of harming their children, especially when there is more than one child death in the family. Every post-mortem in a child should have a genetic test, Vinuesa said. Loading Newman said she was questioned by detectives and child protection service officers after Mias death. We were saying goodbye to Mia, we had her in the hospital room, and we got pulled out by a detective and child services, Newman said, becoming upset as she retells the story. Theyre protecting the children, but I must say that was really tough to be questioned. I remember he said Children dont just die and I took great offence to that. I hate to think that theres anyone else out there whos lost a child and doesnt have answers. The guilt that they may feel, not having known, and the potential that it could happen again. Rome: Australia is holding the line against calls to change the name of products ranging from prosecco to feta and parma ham under a mammoth trade deal with the European Union, arguing they are part of the nations migrant heritage. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed his concerns about the demands ahead of talks with EU President Ursula von der Leyen in Rome, as they try to negotiate a trade pact that could add billions of dollars to both sides. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is in Italy to attend the Popes inauguration on Sunday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Albanese named farm exports as a key obstacle to an agreement, saying the EU had not been willing to meet Australian demands for access to the European market, even as he talked up the importance of closer trade ties. He also skirted any mention of relaxing the luxury car tax on European vehicles, which is a key objective for EU member states such as Germany, as their vehicles incur a 5 per cent tariff in Australia while cars from other countries including electric vehicles from China face no tariffs. NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) is still in the "pole position" in the AI market, veteran investor Jason Snipe said yesterday on CNBC. Moreover, the firm's recent deal with the Saudis should boost the stock, Snipe believes. Snipe is the Principal of Odyssey Capital Advisors. Still a Top Name in AI During NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA)'s last earnings call, the company noted that it expected to benefit from "about $1 trillion of (capital spending) over the next few years on AI factories," the investor noted. As a result, Snipe believes that the company continues to be poised to benefit tremendously from the AI Revolution. "A Boost" From the Saudis Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund recently agreed to utilize hundreds of thousands of NVDA's AI chips in the data centers that it's building. NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) has gotten "a boost" from the news, said Snipe, adding that the deal "is going to be powerful" for the tech giant. Wapner Provides Background Information NVDA stock has climbed "above its 200 day moving average for the first time since February (and) its market cap is back above $3 trillion, "noted CNBC anchor Scott Wapner during the same segment in which Snipe spoke. "It's really been a remarkable comeback," Wapner said. While we acknowledge the potential of NVDA, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. There is an AI stock that went up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than NVDA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about this cheapest AI 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 Stephen Guilfoyle is not one to brag. Oh, hell, who are we kidding? Of course, he is, and given the success of Palantir Technologies (PLTR) , you can't really blame him. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter The big data analytics company's stock has surged 71% since January and skyrocketed nearly 500% from a year ago. Palantir's shares were also up 340% in 2024. "Both years, I gave you PLTR as my 'stock of the year' for the coming year in late December, the first time in my career that I had ever named the same stock as my stock for the coming year for two years in a row," Guilfoyle said in his recent TheStreet Pro column. Palantir stock closed at an all-time high of $130.18 on May 14, on day after hitting a record high of $128.10. In the words of the veteran trader, "this stock is hot as a pistol." Palantir co-founder and CEO Alex Karp was one several executives who accompanied President Donald Trump on his tour of the Middle East. Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir Technologies praised Saudi engineers while taking a swipe at Europe.Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images Palantir CEO accompanies Trump to Mideast The guest list included such tech A-listers as Nvidia (NVDA) CEO Jensen Huang, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Amazon (AMZN) president and CEO Andy Jassy, and of course Tesla (TSLA) CEO and top Trump campaign donor, Elon Musk. "The real action on Tuesday was in and across the generative AI space," Guilfoyle said. "Artificial Intelligence is what the Middle East is interested in right now and what the nations of that region are willing to spend on right now." More Palantir Palantir gets about 55% of its revenue from government agencies, a hefty chunk of which comes from contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense, particularly the Army, for its data analytics and software solutions. During the Saudi-U.S. investment forum on May 13th, Karp praised Saudi engineers for their meritocracy and patriotism, according to Business Insider. "You're seeing a receptivity in this region, especially in the Kingdom," he said. "But the receptivity is on the back of people who have a deep tradition in engineering excellence and quite frankly believe in their own future." Karp also didn't a pass up a chance to stick it to Europe. "Obviously, the great contradistinction here is Europe, where, you know, it's like people have given up," he said. "I really hope that turns around in Europe." In all fairness, Karp isn't the only one carping about Europe's lack of AI readiness. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit While the White House is trumpeting the Art of the Deal, some may say the recent U.S.-China trade deal is a chapter out of The Subtle Art of Getting Steamrolled. Don't miss Economist Peter Schiff recently took to X to blast the Trump administration for conceding the trade war without meaningful gains from China. How is this trade deal a win for Trump? he asked. China has agreed to nothing. The 145% tariffs we imposed have been reduced to 30%. The 125% tariffs they imposed in response have been reduced to 10%. If 145% tariffs were just a bargaining chip, China already called Trump's bluff and won. He continued in response to comments, So what have we won by agreeing to pause the war we started? We did not win a single battle in this war. Other economists echoed this view. "'Big beautiful tariffs' were intended to encourage reshoring and generate trillions in tax revenue to fund tax cuts," James Knightley, chief international economist, ING wrote in a note to investors reported on by Business Insider. But with tariffs lowered for 90-days, "most production remains cheaper in China than relocating it to the U.S." I think it's very clear that it's President @realDonaldTrump who blinked, Larry Summers, economist and former Treasury Secretary, wrote on X. We had said that we were determined to impose these policies for an indefinite period. China didn't make any consequential or significant change in its policies. Sometimes it's good to blink. When you make a mistake, it's usually best to correct it and retreat, even if it's a little bit embarrassing. America may not have gained much from its brief trade war, but it still stands to lose some economic battles in the months ahead due to its lingering impacts. Heres why. Higher costs and lower growth Despite recent trade deals with China and the UK, American consumers face an overall average effective tariff rate of 17.8%, the highest since 1934, according to The Budget Lab at Yale. It estimates the U.S. tariffs and foreign retaliation will lower real GDP growth by 0.7% over 2025, raise the unemployment rate by 0.35% by the end of the year and increase price levels by 1.7% in the short-run, the equivalent of a loss of purchasing power of $2,800 per household on average in 2024 dollars. Pat Flynn A member of An Garda Siochana has been hospitalised following a security incident at Shannon Airport on Saturday afternoon. Three women were arrested after they allegedly gained access to the airside area of the airport and caused criminal damage to an aircraft. It is the second security incident at Shannon this month. The incident is believed to have occurred at around 4:30pm. The last aircraft to land before the incident touched down at around 4:25pm. Once the security breach was detected, operations were brought to a standstill forcing three arriving aircraft into holding patterns. Flight crews were advised by air traffic controllers that there had been an incident at the airport. The Shannon-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter, which was preparing to depart on a training exercise, was also grounded once operations were suspended. It is understood this fire cover at the airport was reduced as a result of personnel from Shannon Airport Police and Fire Service responding to the security incident thus, without the required amount of fire cover, operations were halted. Three women are believed to entered the airport an approached an Omni Air International aircraft parked at Stand 42 at the end of the terminal building. They are understood to have thrown red paint onto forward section of an Omni Air International Boeing 767-330(ER) aircraft that was parked there. All three were detained and when it was confirmed there were no other persons at large, operations at Shannon resumed. The crews of the holding aircraft were advised shortly before 5:00pm that operations had returned to normal. Operations were affected for less than 30 minutes. A Garda spokesperson confirmed: "Gardai responded to an incident of criminal damage at Shannon Airport, Co. Clare that occurred shortly after 4pm this afternoon Saturday May 17th, 2025. Three females, aged between 20 and 50 years breached the perimeter fence and caused criminal damage. The three women were arrested at scene and are currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at Garda stations in Co Clare. During the course of the arrests one member of An Garda Siochana was injured and has since been taken to University Hospital Limerick for assessment. Her injuries are non-life threatening. Investigations ongoing." On May 1st, three people were arrested after they allegedly entered the airport grounds after crashing a van into a security fence. The van was stopped from entering an airport taxiway after it got stuck in a drain Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT)s CEO Doug McMillon received a verbal lashing on Saturday (May 17, 2025) by President Donald Trump on citing rising trade tariffs as a reason for declining future revenue. President Trump lashes out at Walmart Inc. (WMT) A manager standing in a hypermarket, pointing out items available for wholesale. Earlier in the week, Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) execs hinted at upcoming price hikes during the week, stating they were the result of tariff wars between the US and China. A significant portion of WMTs products are imported from various countries, including China. The President posted on the social media app, Truth Social: Walmart should STOP trying to blame Tariffs as the reason for raising prices throughout the chain. Walmart made BILLIONS OF DOLLARS last year, far more than expected. Between Walmart and China they should, as is said, 'EAT THE TARIFFS,' and not charge valued customers ANYTHING. Ill be watching, and so will your customers!!! A spokesperson for Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) responded in an interview: We have always worked to keep our prices as low as possible and we won't stop. We'll keep prices as low as we can for as long as we can given the reality of small retail margins. In late April, CEO CEO Doug McMillon was among other CEO from multiple industries to meet with the President to discuss the implications of trade tariffs. The stock has surged by over 9% since the start of the year. While we acknowledge the potential of WMT to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than WMT and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 Best Low Volatility Stocks to Buy Now and Starter Stock Portfolio: 12 Safe Stocks to Buy Disclosure: None. A masted Mexican Navy training ship, the Cuauhtemoc, sits stranded after colliding with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Viterbo) In a healthy economy, the Treasury yield curve slopes up and to the right. This is to say that longer-dated bonds maturing in 10 to 30 years sport higher yields than Treasury bills maturing in a year or less. The longer your money is tied up in an interest-bearing asset, the higher the yield should be. The New York Fed's recession predicting tool analyzes the spread (difference in yield) between the 10-year Treasury bond and three-month Treasury bill to calculate how likely it is that a recession will take shape over the next 12 months. Perhaps Wall Street's biggest concern at the moment has less to do with Trump's tariff policies, and everything to do with what the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's recession probability tool says comes next. There isn't any data point or forecasting tool on the planet that can guarantee what's going to happen next with the U.S. economy and/or Wall Street. But there are select metrics, forecasting tools, and events that have strongly correlated with directional moves in the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite throughout history. For instance, notable declines in M2 money supply have historically led to economic downturns and tough times for Wall Street. Although the economy and stock market aren't tied at the hip, corporate earnings often ebb and flow with the domestic economy. According to one recession forecasting tool, which hasn't been wrong in 59 years -- and has only been incorrect once when back-tested to 1959 -- things may not be as rosy for the U.S. economy and stock market as they appear on the surface. But it's fair to question whether Wall Street and the investing community are missing the bigger picture: The U.S. economy. Wall Street hasn't been hurting for catalysts of late. Following a nearly two-and-a-half-year climb in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI), S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC), and Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX: ^IXIC), which was spurred by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), investors have been hypnotized in 2025 by President Donald Trump's ever-changing tariff policies , wild swings in Treasury bond yields, and the return of stock-split euphoria. A predictive tool used by Federal Reserve Bank of New York paints a potentially troublesome picture for the U.S. economy. Though Wall Street is flush with catalysts, investors may be ignoring the biggest one -- the U.S. economy. Story Continues When the yield curve inverts is where trouble starts brewing. This is where short-term Treasury bills have higher yields than long-term Treasury bonds. It's typically an indication that investors are worried about the outlook for the U.S. economy. The New York Fed's recession probability forecast is updated on a monthly basis, with the May 2025 update pointing to a 30.45% chance of a U.S. recession taking shape by April 2026. While this is well off the 2023 high of a greater than 70% chance of a recession occurring -- this was the highest reading in four decades -- every probability reading above 32% since 1966 has eventually been followed by a U.S. recession. But there's more to this correlation than simply looking at recession probability percentages. More often than not, previous recessions didn't materialize until the yield curve un-inverted and began moving sharply higher. You can see this dynamic in the 10-year and three-month Treasury spread comparison below. Since we're coming off the steepest inversion of the 10-year/three-month yield curve in four decades, it's only natural that it's taken a bit longer for the yield curve to attempt to right itself. This un-inversion of the yield curve, coupled with the history behind the New York Fed's recession probability tool, strongly points to a U.S. recession taking shape. It's worth noting that the initial read of U.S. first-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) showed a 0.3% contraction in the economy. While this is notably better than what the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's GDPNow model had been forecasting, in terms of the U.S. economy shrinking, it still aligns with the New York Fed's recession indicator potentially being right. Based on an analysis from Bank of America Global Research, around two-thirds of the S&P 500's peak-to-trough drawdowns between 1927 and March 2023 occurred during, not before, U.S. recessions. Image source: Getty Images. Economic and stock market cycles aren't linear, which is actually fantastic news Seeing a highly successful predictive indicator forecast a recession may not be what you, as an investor and/or working American, want to hear. But the pendulum for economic and stock market cycles swings in both directions -- and quite disproportionately. Regardless of fiscal and monetary policy, recessions are normal, healthy, and inevitable aspects of the economic cycle. While higher unemployment and weaker wage growth often accompany recessions, economic downturns are perhaps best known for being short-lived. In the nearly 80 years since World War II ended, the U.S. economy has navigated its way through a dozen official recessions. The average length of these 12 economic downturns is just 10 months, with none surpassing 18 months in length. On the other hand, the typical period of growth for the U.S. economy is roughly five years over the same timeline. The economic boom-and-bust cycle is anything but a mirror image, and it explains why the U.S. economy has grown noticeably over the long run. This wide disparity between optimism and pessimism can also be observed on Wall Street. In 2023, the analysts at Bespoke Investment Group published a data set to social media platform X that compared the length of every S&P 500 bull and bear market dating back to the start of the Great Depression in September 1929. Bespoke found that the average bear market downturn in the benchmark S&P 500 lasted 286 calendar days, or approximately 9.5 months. The data set also shows that the lengthiest bear market on record was 630 calendar days during the oil embargo of the mid-1970s. On the other hand, the average bull market has stuck around for 1,011 calendar days spanning nearly 94 years. What's more, if the current bull market for the S&P 500 were extrapolated to the present day, more than half of all bull markets since September 1929 (14 out of 27) would have lasted longer than the lengthiest bear market. It simply doesn't make much sense for investors to become too preoccupied with short-lived downturns when historical data conclusively shows that the U.S. economy and stock market spend a disproportionate amount of their time in the proverbial sun. Should you invest $1,000 in S&P 500 Index right now? 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The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bank of America. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This Recession Forecasting Tool Hasn't Been Wrong Since 1966 -- and It Has a Clear Message for Wall Street was originally published by The Motley Fool Rhino Resources and Halliburton have delivered the first two exploration wells in Block 2914 within Petroleum Exploration License 85 offshore Namibia. This marks a significant milestone as these wells are the first to be completed entirely using in-country infrastructure, leveraging Halliburtons operational bases in Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Luderitz. The completion of these wells is evidence of the growing appeal of Namibia's offshore basins to international investors. Halliburton sub-Saharan Africa vice-president Antoine Berel said: This success is an example of what is possible when world-class technology, local collaboration and a shared long-term vision come together. Our newly established infrastructure across Namibia enabled this discovery, which will help unlock Namibias energy potential and build the capacity to support the countrys future as an energy hub in Africa. In February, Rhino Resources confirmed the presence of a hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir with the completion of the Sagittarius 1-X well at the PEL85 licence in the Orange Basin. The Sagittarius 1-X well was spudded on 18 December 2024 and reached its total depth on 6 February 2025, utilising Noble's Noble Venturer drill-ship. Rhino Resources, with a 42.5% interest, operates the PEL85 licence, alongside Azule Energy Exploration Angola, also holding a 42.5% stake. NAMCOR Exploration and Production and Korres Investments have a 10% and 5% interest, respectively. Additionally, Halliburton's collaboration with Sekal in February has led to the deployment of what is claimed to be the world's first automated on-bottom drilling system for Equinor in the North Sea. This innovative system combines Halliburton's LOGIX automation and remote operations with Sekals Drilltronics solution and the rig automation control system, aiming to optimise drilling parameters and enhance well placement accuracy in real time. "Rhino Resources, Halliburton complete two exploration wells in Block 2914 in Namibia" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. After winning prizes at Berlin with Summer 1993 and Alcarras, Spanish director Carla Simon is now in the main competition at Cannes with Romeria, a deeply personal story about family and memory set in Galicia. The film tells the story of 18-year-old Marina, who travels to the northwest of Spain to meet her biological fathers family. The girls journey is one of discovery, as she has never met her father, who died of AIDS when she was young. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Variety sat down with Simon to discuss the evolving Spanish film landscape, her latest creative choices and the emotional roots of her storytelling. Variety: Spanish films have gained recognition abroad in recent years, especially from new voices. What do you think is fueling this movement? Simon: I believe its partly generational. A lot of filmmakers are experimenting, taking risks and embracing different directions. Theres also a notable rise in female voices and a broader diversity of class backgrounds. People like me, from small villages or middle-class families, have found ways to study film and create work, even outside of formal cinema schools. Producers are trusting this new generation, and that momentum is creating something really special. Carla Simon One particularly striking trend is the number of successful female filmmakers from Catalonia. But in your latest film, you shift from Catalonia to Galicia. Why the change in setting? Its a personal one. My biological father was from Galicia, and my parents love story began there. The film is about memory and identity, so it made sense to revisit those places. Galicia is a place Ive visited many times, always in a kind of research mode. Its spiritually and visually unique, very different from inland Catalonia, and that contrast really helped shape the film. Galicia has a very distinct look and feel. How did that influence your approach to the films aesthetics? The landscape changed everything. Galicia is green and coastal, whereas the Catalan countryside is more arid and brown. We shot in Vigo, an industrial city near the sea but not facing it directly. That disconnection was fascinating. We also switched from mostly handheld camera work in my previous films to more structured, composed shots here. It reflects the emotional distance Marina has from this family, unlike the intimacy of the other two films. In Romeria, the family is clearly upper-middle-class, very different from the rural, working-class families of your earlier work. Why this shift? Again, its partially based on my real family, but theres a lot of fiction. I met my fathers side of the family as an adult, and they were quite different from the world I grew up in. The film explores what its like to be an outsider in your own family. Marina, the main character, connects most with another outsider, the younger brother. That tension, both emotional and class-based, gave the film a new dynamic. Marina experiments with filmmaking herself, capturing parts of her journey. How did you decide when to use her point-of-view footage versus the films own lens? Her footage had to feel raw and imperfect; shes still learning. That contrast with the rest of the film was intentional. Her desire to film wasnt in the original script, but it made sense. Shes looking for her own voice as a filmmaker. In a way, the story became partly about that process, why people film, what compels them to tell stories. For me, its my family history that led me to filmmaking. Her moms diary becomes a central piece of the story. Was that an intentional parallel with Marinas filming? Yes, absolutely. The diary is a generational portrait, it captures how people lived, loved and partied in the 80s. Its based on letters my own mother wrote to friends, which were very intimate. The film draws a parallel between that written account and Marinas visual diary. Shes searching for something through her lens, and eventually she starts filming not just empty spaces but her new family too. Theres an unreliable narrative element to the story. Everyone remembers things differently, and Marina uncovers contradictions as she goes. How did you approach the story structure? That was key. Memory is subjective; everyone reshapes it. When I researched my own family history, I realized no two accounts ever matched. That inspired the episodic structure of Marina meeting different relatives. Eventually, she understands that the truth might never be fully knowable. So she imagines it. That liberation, creating your own memories to form your identity, is at the heart of the film. Youve always worked with large ensembles, but the family in this film feels particularly authentic. Whats your rehearsal process like? We cast actors who naturally shared traits with the characters. Then we did extensive improvisations, scenes that wouldnt appear in the film but shaped the familys shared history. We even had the actors who played Marinas parents act out scenes from the 80s to help others understand their dynamic. The goal was to give them real, felt experiences of their roles. We rehearsed in the actual locations to lock in the physical and emotional space. It really comes through on screen. The family feels authentic, with all the unspoken tension and buried emotion. Thats the most important part for me, capturing those quiet dynamics, the things that go unsaid. Every look, every silence matters. Im glad that came through. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Pedro Pascal at the Cannes Film Festival is going viral for all the right reasons. Lyvans Boolaky / Getty Images On May 16, Pedro arrived at the 78th Cannes Film Festival for Ari Aster's A24 film Eddington, which received a five-minute standing ovation. Andreas Rentz / Getty Images But, based on the internet's thirsty reactions, there's a good chance that at least two minutes of that standing ovation were specifically for Pedro Pascal's arms. me liking every pedro pascal tweet since he arrived in cannes yesterday pic.twitter.com/rV9fUOUKvk tarrin (@peetaspascal) May 17, 2025 NBC / @peetaspascal / Twitter: @peetaspascal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the Eddington photo call, Pedro wore Calvin Klein black trousers, and a black muscle tank top that reveals his arms and a tasteful side view of his torso. Samir Hussein / WireImage Pedro's stylishly spikey shoes: Jill Sander Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images Here's a closer look: Lyvans Boolaky / Getty Images Pedro's arms instantly became a main character. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His biceps are the supporting characters. Related: "Rude, Crass, Entitled Piece Of Garbage": People Are Revealing Their Best And Worst Celebrity Encounters, And These Are Genuinely Soooo Fascinating And the production team behind the arms is receiving praise as well. It wasn't just Pedro's spicy style and bare arms that had the internet in a frenzy. The Last of Us actor's actions at the festival really have people talking, too. Lyvans Boolaky / Getty Images Speaking on a panel at the festival, Pedro took a moment to speak up for immigrants. "I want people to be safe and to be protected. I want to live on the right side of history," he began. Pedro Pascal at #Cannes: "I want people to be safe and protected. I want to live on the right side of history. I am an immigrant. My parents are refugees from Chile. We fled a dictatorship and I was privileged enough to grow up in the United States after asylum in Denmark. I pic.twitter.com/n9rpIVurSZ Variety (@Variety) May 17, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement @Variety / Twitter: @Variety "I am an immigrant," he continued. "My parents are refugees from Chile. I, myself, am a refugee. We fled a dictatorship, and I was privileged enough to grow up in the US after asylum in Denmark... I stand by those protections, always." IAN LANGSDON / AFP via Getty Images Related: Donald Trump's Apparent Baldness Is Going Viral In A New Photo On the flip side, he was being extremely playful, blowing kisses and constantly poking out his tongue at cameras. Stephane Cardinale - Corbis / Corbis via Getty Images, Lyvans Boolaky / Getty Images The twirl. the spinning out of frame has me laughing so hard pic.twitter.com/n3bn6R9Xr3 britt .* tlou spoilers (@pedxascal) May 17, 2025 @pedxascal / Twitter: @pedxascal the cameras collectively dropping as soon as he turns around is sending me pic.twitter.com/zKvJ8watZ8 dee (@everpascal) May 17, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement @everpascal / Twitter: @everpascal There's a moment when he had a beautiful embrace with Alexander Skarsgard after the premiere of Pillion, a 2025 British drama starring Alexander alongside Harry Melling, and written/directed by Harry Lighton. Lionel Hahn / Getty Images The internet is straight up thirsty for Pedro, and it's not even a joke. Dave Benett / The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images, @djarinspascal / x.com One person said, "anyway back to more important topics...Pedro Pascal definitely could have been in a 90s Boy Band," and that's so real. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another person said, "he makes me want to chew through my own arm," and that's also real. This person said, "I swear - every time I see this man I could drown a toddler in my panties," and that's wild, but also understandable in this internet climate. And finally, someone wrote, "every time someoone invalidates me for finding a 50 year old man hot, pedro pascal validates me by showing up even sexier and hotter than the day before," and that's facts. Pedro is a fan favorite. Dominique Charriau / WireImage Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Period. Also in Celebrity: 19 Celebrities Who Are Way Smarter Than You Thought They Were Like, One Is A Neuroscientist Also in Celebrity: Cassie Finally Broke Her Silence After Kanye West Decided To Publicly Support Diddy, And Her Response Is Exactly What Everyone Has Been Saying Also in Celebrity: 31 Celebrity Slip-Ups On Social Media That Revealed Wayyyy More Than They Ever Intended Saturday Night Live opened its Season 50 finale with the shows Donald Trump (James Austin Johnson) taking his seat in the audience and saying farewell until the fall. After tonight, you wont be seeing me here for a while, said Johnsons Trump. Well, not the fake, fun version of me that makes you smile. The real one will still be omnipresent. You cant escape me, right? Im everywhere, even in your dreams, like the late, great Freddy Krueger. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson was right: the real president has been posting on Truth Social throughout the evening, including an attack on ABC News for its report that he is planning to accept a $400 million plane from Qatar, to be used as Air Force One and later for his presidential library. That gift of a 747 was the subject of some of the quips earlier in the sketch, as Trump, speaking to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, relished in his deal-making trip to the Middle East and all the love and affection shown to him. The Qataris gave me a $400 million plane, can you believe that? And people said that it was some sort of a bribe. Not true, not true. Because they havent asked for anything in return. The crown prince chimed in, Well, not yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump responded, So its a pre-bribe. But now people are saying I should really be flying in an American plane. Ah, no thanks, sonny. Have you seen what is going on with our planes? About an hour before SNL, the real Trump was insisting this evening that the plane was not a gift to him personally. In a Truth Social post, he again appeared to be threatening ABC News, which broke the story on Sunday. The real Trump wrote, Everyone, including their lawyers, has been told that ABC must not say that Qatar is giving ME a FREE Boeing 747 Airplane, because they are not. Instead, and as Fake News ABC fully knows and understands, this highly respected country is donating the plane to the United States Air Force/ Defense Department, AND NOT TO ME. By so doing, they are saving our country, and the American Taxpayer, hundreds of millions of dollars. ABC Fake News is one of the WORST. The Qatar gift has drawn criticism not just from Democrats, but from some Republicans and those who have otherwise defended the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his weeklong trip in the Middle East, Trump also showered praise on MBS, even though U.S. intelligence concluded that he approved the 2018 murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a journalist for The Washington Post. I didnt make this trip for myself, SNLs Trump told MBS. I want to make that clear. I did this for the American people, and in many ways myself, my personal enrichment. I did that too. The sketch concluded with Johnson breaking the fourth wall by walking off the stage to the audience. Trump told MBS, Gonna have to leave. You know what? Because it is the SNL season finale. Season 50 worst one yet! Sitting down with a group of women, he told them, Its nice here, with all the young pretty people. Look at her wow. Sevens and more, sit on the floor, six and below to the bleachers you go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, Thats like a Gutfeld joke. Kind of rhymed, right? Watch it above. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The story ends with Ann Heads disturbing death. Unlike her fiction, her ending was never resolved, her daughter Nancy Thode writes in a biography of her mother that launched in Beaufort on Saturday. Ann Head is a little-known native of Beaufort who overcame personal fears to become one of South Carolinas most accomplished writers. At the time of her death in 1968, she was believed to be South Carolinas most widely-read novelist. Ann Head circa 1950-1960s They said a stroke or cerebral aneurysm ended Ann Heads life at age 52, only a day and a half after yet another night at home was torn apart by the rage of her husband, well-respected Beaufort doctor Stan Morse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He would not let Nancy see her mother in the hospital. And there was no autopsy. When the stabs of fate are more than plot lines on paper, they hurt for 57 years, and counting -- for Ann Heads two daughters who call their mothers last chapter the enduring unknown. Not knowing has haunted Stacey and me to this day, Thode writes in the last chapter of Ahead of Her Time: The Trailblazing Life and Literary Legacy of Ann Head from Evening Post Books in Charleston. Now the story can have a different ending. The world can now better appreciate the woman who was Pat Conroys first writing mentor when he was a Beaufort High School student. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It can read the correspondence between the two when Conroy was at The Citadel. It can see how Ann Heads four novels including the young-adult classic Mr. and Mrs. Bo Jo Jones and Fair With Rain came to be, and read samplings from her more than 50 magazine stories that have been unearthed to date through eBay and other searches. Ann Heads story involves one of Beauforts most historic families, a sudden marriage and divorce from the eventual inventor of the Head Ski, and the sad tale of the dream boat from hell that almost sank her second marriage. It traces family tragedy, a nervous breakdown at age 8, and plenty of sex and intrigue -- including a mention of Murdaugh madness of old. PUSHING BOUNDARIES Ann Head was born Anne Wales Christensen to Niels Christensen and Nancy Stratton in October 1915. The Christensens are a well-educated, cultured family that has contributed to Beauforts fabric in many ways since Ann Heads grandmother, Abbie Holmes Christensen, arrived in Beaufort with her abolitionist parents during the Civil War. The Strattons were proper Boston elites, and young Ann Head split her life between these two poles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beaufort historian Larry Rowland says Thodes biography offers a revealing description of mid-twentieth century Beaufort. But the crux of the story is that a divorced woman who smoked, drank and read The New Yorker had to support herself and her young daughter with a typewriter and empty sheets of paper. And she did it. She filled page after page with complex characters and subject matter that pushed the boundaries, much like her personal life that included affairs with married men, a pregnancy hidden through a tangled scheme, and a second marriage that brought her stability and standing, but also turmoil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ann Head tapped into the world of magazines, where she had to cater to the demand for soft endings, but her characters and Lowcountry settings could bring her decent money when America entertained itself by reading well-illustrated magazines instead of staring at cell phones. She sat at the typewriter every day, listening to the music of Broadway shows or opera, wearing little rubber finger tips. From there, often looking over the Beaufort River, she attracted an international audience, the moguls of Hollywood and the admiration of other writers on the world stage especially Samuel Hopkins Adams, a mentor who wintered in Beaufort. Boy, did she push the boundaries, said Harlan Greene of Charleston, the writer, historian and archivist who suggested the biography and mentored Thode through the five-year process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There seem to be no boundaries between her life and her writing, Greene said. Its like what came first, the chicken or the egg. HOW BRAVE SHE WAS Ann Head was loved and admired in Beaufort, where if people were offended by some of her ways, they got over it. The town showed her grace when she needed it most. Thode saw her mother as kind, and giving, and too modest about her writing accomplishments. Pat Conroy was perhaps the first to tell the world about her, calling her his first novelist in an essay published in his 2004 book, The Pat Conroy Cookbook. He placed a rose on Ann Heads tombstone in the St. Helenas churchyard every time he sold a book to a publisher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But even he had no idea about all of his mentors magazine stories, and how she supported herself and young Nancy through her art alone. In 2020, the family established the Ann Head Prize for Short Story Literature at Beaufort High School. And the Ann Head story came full circle when the Pat Conroy Literary Center co-sponsored the biographys local launch event. And it featured high school students. A year ago, Ann Head was inducted into the South Carolina Academy of Authors. But the newest chapter in the Ann Head story the biography has its own lessons to teach. I learned how scared she was, Thode said. I learned how brave she was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How she persevered through thick of thin, no matter what. Thode said that from the age 3 to 13, it was just the two of them. A team, led by a mother plagued with various phobias. She never conveyed that fear to me. She always made me feel things were an adventure, if we didnt have enough money or enough food. It was, No. Im going to do this. Im going to do this. Thode may try to get some of her mothers novels back in print. So perhaps one of Beauforts most remarkable stories will never end. David Lauderdale may be reached at lauderdalecolumn@gmail.com. Delaware high school seniors, what are you plans after graduation? Will you be going to college or a trade school, taking a gap year, joining the military, going to work or pursuing other endeavors? Let us know by showing us in photos. Share a photo of yourself dressed in a sweatshirt or T-shirt of your future school or with your acceptance letter. Share a photo of yourself outside your future employer. Be creative. Just keep in mind that we want to see you and a representation of what your future holds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PROM SEASON 2025: See all of our photos of students dressed to the nines Parents, grandparents and other loved ones, youre also invited to share a photo of your graduate representing their plans. Photos may be submitted here for possible publication by Delaware Online/The News Journal. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: High school graduates: Going to college, joining the military? Show us A lung cancer patient had no respiratory symptoms before his diagnosis just an odd swelling in his fingertips. Brian Gemmell, a fitness instructor from Scotland, went to see his doctor after noticing his fingertips had swollen a phenomenon called finger clubbing. That trip allowed medical professionals to get to the root of the issue: lung cancer. Now, Gemmell is urging others to err on the side of caution when it comes to their health. "Go and see your doctor if you've got anything that you're concerned about that's what a [doctor] is for," he told The Mirror UK. "Go as soon as you can." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finger clubbing, or nail clubbing, itself isn't a problem, per Cleveland Clinic. It's not painful and on occasion, it can occur without an underlying cause. However, clubbing is most often associated with lung cancer and infections, so it is worthwhile to be examined by a doctor, the clinic's post reads. To determine if you have nail clubbing, you can conduct what's called the Schamroth window test, per Medscape. Press two fingernails on opposite hands together and hold them up in front of you. If you can't see a sliver (usually a diamond shape) of empty space between your two fingers, there may be cause for concern. Getty Stock image of nail Stock image of nail 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. Gemmell shared his lung cancer journey in a testimonial for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, an organization for which he's a staunch advocate. He noted that he had no "common" signs of lung cancer, like breathlessness or restricted breathing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I googled it as you do and a respiratory problem flagged up," he wrote. "I went to my [doctor] and he sent me for a chest x-ray that same day." The x-ray technician then sought help from a radiographer, who sent Gemmell for a CT scan which showed an "advanced tumour in my right lung," he wrote. The medical professionals surrounding Gemmell had differing opinions, but a surgeon insisted on removing his right lung completely. Gemmell praised his doctor for his quick recognition of the symptom's cause, writing that his expertise coupled with his decisiveness "ultimately saved my life." However, awareness is just as crucial, Gemmell wrote, as doctors can only diagnose a problem if it's brought before them. "People think lung cancer is a death sentence. Thats not surprising with the current survival statistics," Gemmell wrote. "But it doesnt have to be. Im proof that it doesnt have to be. But its not going to just happen. The right people have to make it happen. They have to make it a priority." Read the original article on People Princess Charlene of Monaco and her husband Prince Albert attended Pope Leo XIVs papal inauguration mass on Sunday in St. Peters Square. While she had worn all-black to the inaugural mass of Pope Francis in 2013, she chose all white for Sundays eventshe is one of a few women who can wear all-white in the audience of the pope, holding to traditions steeped in historical protocols. Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco arrive ahead of the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV in St Peters Square on May 18, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost) presided over his inauguration mass in St Peters Square after his election on May 8th. Charlene chose a white midi-length dress from Elie Saab for the event. The dress included demure long sleeves as well as a scalloped hem. The fabric features white embroidery, giving the simple design depth and texture. She also carried a small clutch from Akris. She finished off the look with a customary white veil as well as a pair of classic pointed-toe stiletto pumps. More from WWD Princess Charlene of Monaco, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg pray during the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV in St Peters Square on May 18, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost) presided over his inauguration mass in St Peters Square after his election on May 8th. Only seven women in the world are allowed the privilege of the white while in the presence of the pope. While she did not exercise that right at the mass of Pope Francis, Charlene did later wear white to meet with him privately. Pope Leo XIV meets with I Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco at the end of the Inauguration Mass In St. Peters Square on May 18, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Leo XIV (formerly Robert Francis Prevost). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That same tradition is extended to Catholic queens and consorts. Charlene became the Princess of Monaco in 2011 through her marriage to Prince Albert and converted to Catholicism before her marriage. Prior to the inauguration of Pope Francis, Charlene wore white to a private meeting with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican in January 2013. She then wore the hue again for a 2016 meeting with Pope Francis. Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco arrive ahead of the late Pope Francis funeral ceremony at St Peters Square at The Vatican. Women are largely expected to wear a matching mantilla, a lace veil, while in the popes presence. Other attendees to the inaugural outdoor mass of Pope Leo included U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg as well as King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain. Usha Vance wore all-black, including her mantilla. Pope Leo made history on May 8 as the first American to hold the role. View Gallery Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Launch Gallery: Pope Leo Inauguration Mass Brings Usha Vance, Queen Letizia and More: Guest Arrivals Photos, Live Updates [PHOTOS] Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. UPDATE: Power was restored in southern Lewis County around 11:50 p.m. on Sunday, May 18. WESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) The estimated power restoration time for about 1,300 Mon Power customers in southern Lewis County has been pushed back again. Customers in Weston, Roanoke, Walkersville, Horner and several other small Lewis County communities have been without power since Saturday, according to updates shared by Lewis County Commissioner Agnes Queen. Map of Mon Power outages in Lewis County, WV as of 2:30 p.m. on May 18 (Image from Mon Power) According to Mon Power, as of 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, the outages in Lewis County were as follows: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crawford 111 Horner 135 Ireland 1 Orlando 63 Roanoke 435 Walkersville 181 Weston 365 Power was originally scheduled to be back on by 11 p.m. on Saturday, but that time was pushed back due to what Queen called a troubled area that needs significant repairs. Queen said Saturday that Lewis County officials are working with Mon Power and state government officials to find a permanent solution. See low-flying helicopters in West Virginia? This could be why In an update on Sunday, Queen said that Mon Power is dealing with a blown transformer and was awaiting a crane to come and fix the problem. The estimated time for power to be fully restored was 1 a.m. on Monday, as of the latest update provided by Queen and Mon Power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Updates are available on Mon Powers website and are being shared regularly by Commissioner Queen on social media. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. South Bow Corporation (NYSE:SOBO) released its Q1 2025 results on May 16th. Let's take a brief look at how the company performed during the quarter. South Bow Corporation (SOBO) announces its Q1 2025 Results South Bow Corporation (NYSE:SOBO) is an energy infrastructure company that operates over 3,000 miles of crude oil pipeline infrastructure, connecting Alberta crude oil supplies to U.S. refining markets in Illinois, Oklahoma, and the U.S. Gulf Coast. South Bow Corporation (NYSE:SOBO) reported an adjusted EPS of $0.47 for the first quarter, beating market expectations by $0.03, despite down 14.5% from the same period last year. The company's revenue also declined by 8.5% YoY to $498 million, mostly owing to the market volatility. The energy infrastructure firm faced operational challenges during the quarter, including an oil release on its Keystone Pipeline on April 8, 2025. The pipeline was restarted on April 15th with certain operating pressure restrictions. Still, South Bow recorded Q1 throughput of approximately 613,000 barrels per day (bbl/d) on the Keystone Pipeline and approximately 726,000 bbl/d on the U.S. Gulf Coast segment of the Keystone Pipeline System. The company also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.5 per share, in-line with the previous. South Bow Corporation (NYSE:SOBO) reaffirmed its 2025 normalized EBITDA guidance of $1.01 billion, plus or minus 2%, despite lower demand for uncommitted capacity on its pipeline systems. As of the writing of this piece, the stock has surged by more than 11% over the last year. While we acknowledge the potential of SOBO to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than SOBO and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 Cheap Energy Stocks to Buy Now and 10 Most Undervalued Energy Stocks According to Hedge Funds. Disclosure: None. A man arrested in Manor is accused of killing two people last month in Austin over a "child custody dispute," police say. Austin police announced in a news release Friday that Darius Sebastian Hatcher, 26, is facing a capital murder of multiple persons charge. The investigation began April 20 when APD officers responded around 9:30 p.m. to calls of a shooting in a parking garage in the 2600 block of Aldrich Street and found Kedrick Parker, 32, and Shamar Roach, 24, suffering from gunshot wounds. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene. The suspects fled but were later detained and witnesses were interviewed, police say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Preliminary investigation shows that this started as a child custody dispute between one group (Parker and Roach) and another group, which included a male and a female," the release said. "The altercation turned physical, and the male who was on scene with the female shot Parker and Roach." A suspect vehicle was identified by APD and stopped that night by the Manor Police Department. "Hatcher was transported to APD headquarters, where he was interviewed by detectives and provided a statement," the release said. "Through the investigative process, detectives gathered further evidence and issued an arrest warrant for Hatcher on May 12. The Texas Lone Star Fugitive Task Force assisted in locating him and arresting him two days later." Police said in the release they do not believe any other suspects were involved in the killings. It's unclear if Hatcher has an attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This case is being investigated as Austin's 18th and 19th homicide of the year, according to police. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin crime: Man arrested in double-homicide investigation Two people died and more than a dozen others were injured when a historic Mexican naval training ship struck the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City on Saturday night, Mayor Eric Adams said. Twenty-one people were injured, a Coast Guard spokesperson said early Sunday, and were taken to shore via small boat before being transferred to a hospital. Adams had previously said on X that 19 were hurt, two were in critical condition and 2 more have sadly passed away from their injuries. Others were checked out, and divers were probing waters at the scene as a precaution, three police sources with knowledge of the incident said earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams said at a news conference Saturday night that the tall ship with 277 people on board suffered a mechanical mishap that caused it to veer into the bridge as it had set sail from Pier 17 en route to sea. The pilot lost power of the ship, he said, adding that two crew members were on a mast and were injured in the collision. Chief Wilson Aramboles of the New York Police Departments Special Operations Division said the collision happened at about 8:20 p.m. Inspectors were immediately dispatched to assess the condition of the bridge, the police sources said. New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said the head of bridge division was at the scene, with a preliminary assessment concluding there were no signs of major damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams said the bridge was open. Commercial traffic in the area was suspended, and the Coast Guards Sector New York established a safety zone from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Manhattan Bridge, the Coast Guard spokesperson said. No one fell into the water, officials said at the news conference. The ship was ultimately headed to Iceland, Aramboles said. Video from the scene showed two masts from the ship, lit up in incandescent colors as night fell, striking the bridge, with people on the mast hanging on. Another video before the bridge strike showed around 80 people standing across the ships masts, seemingly secured via harnesses. The Coast Guard spokesperson said the boat lost all three masts during the crash. A boat's masts were broken after it struck the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday. (Maya Eaglin / NBC News) Witnesses interviewed by NBC New York said the boat, which at least one said was no stranger to the East River and local waters, appeared to have a party-like atmosphere with music. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On shore after the collision, paramedics were seen wheeling away some of the injured on stretchers, some wearing neck braces. Onlookers could be heard chanting, Mexico! Mexico! Esteban Moctezuma Barragan, a Mexican ambassador to the U.S., at the news conference identified the ship as ARM Cuauhtemoc, a historic Mexican Navy training vessel. Though its listed as a sailing ambassador for Mexico for next years Sail4th 250 celebrations, a spokesperson for the event said in a statement Saturday night that the Mexican Tall Ship Cuauhtemoc is not one of the ships committed thus far to participate in next years Sail4th 250 event. The spokesperson continued, Chris OBrien, President of Sail4th 250, is deeply saddened by what hes learning about this evenings collision and is following the news with the injured sailors in his prayers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The citys Seaport Museum on Pier 17 hosted the ship through Saturday, with public viewing scheduled during its five-day stay. The New York City-area Sail4th 250 events will celebrate Americas 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, with what is being billed as the largest-ever flotilla of tall ships from around the world. The U.K. nonprofit Sail Training International describes the vessel a being built in Bilbao, Spain, in 1981 and originally called Celaya. She was later acquired by the Mexican Navy as a training vessel for officers, cadets, petty officers and sailors, according to the group. Cuauhtemoc sailed the world for thirteen years and in 1995 underwent a major refit of the ship and rigging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NYPD said it was investigating the incident. Officials at the news conference said the National Transportation Safety Board would also probe the cause of the collision. Police asked people to stay away from the area of the bridge and nearby streets. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) One person was seriously hurt after a crash early Sunday morning, May 18, in far East El Paso, according to the El Paso Fire Department. The call came in minutes after 1:30 a.m. on May 18 along the 9700 block of Gateway East and exit 34, the Americas eastbound ramp. According to El Paso Fire, one person was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries (code 3). The El Paso Police Departments Special Traffic Investigations unit was called to the scene, El Paso Fire said. STI typically investigates serious crashes that involve injury or death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Texas Department of Transportation, Interstate 10 East at Loop 375, Exit 34A, was closed for nearly three hours. All lanes have since been reopened. This is a developing story and will update you once we learn more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) The Lexington Police Department announced that one of two teens who had gone missing on May 11 was found dead Saturday evening. The department announced in a news release just after 11 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, that a body had been found at the 1400 block of Russell Cave Road in Harrison County earlier that day. Just before noon on Sunday, LPD said the Harrison County Coroners Office had identified the body as Ali Haider Naqvi, 16. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 6:45 p.m. on Friday, department officials said Jesus Eduardo Reyes-Rodriguez, 47, was charged with tampering with physical evidence in connection with the search for the missing teens. A 17-year-old was charged with tampering with physical evidence as well. The search for Aoun Ismail Basboos, 15, is still ongoing, according to authorities. The department asked anyone with information to help find him to call 911 or local law enforcement at (859) 258-3600. 15-year-old Aoun Ismail Basboos (Lexington Police Department) Anonymous tips can be submitted to Bluegrass Crime Stoppers by calling (859) 253-2020 or online at www.bluegrasscrimestoppers.com. This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 56 News for updates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. DENVER (KDVR) After 10 years with still no answers. the FBI is searching for any information that could lead to solving the 2015 deadly shooting of a Windsor cyclist. On May 18, 2015, John Jacoby, a 47-year-old park caretaker for the city of Windsor and employee at King Soopers, was riding his bicycle on Weld County Road 15 about two miles north of Windsors Main Street when he was shot twice by an unknown person at around 10:15 a.m., according to the FBI. Jacoby died at the scene. 3 pedestrians killed in separate Denver crashes Sunday morning: police Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was a good kid. He didnt deserve this, a close family friend said after his death. Its just something that shouldnt have happened because he never hurt a soul. Jacobys death rocked the town of Windsor, as FOX31s reporting from the time showed it was the first homicide in the city in eight years. In a town that is very calm, something like this is unusual and certainly were going to take every step we can to get to the bottom of it and find out exactly what happened, a Windsor police lieutenant said back in 2015. But 10 years later, no one has been arrested or charged. Investigators do believe the shooting of Jacoby was connected to another shooting that happened less than a month prior on April 22, 2015, in Fort Collins. In that shooting, two rounds were fired at a woman driving around 11 p.m. at the intersection of Harmony Road and the southbound Interstate 25 on-ramp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 dead after small plane crash near Broomfield: North Metro Fire Rescue The woman survived after being shot in the neck, according to the FBI. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest, prosecution and conviction of the person or people responsible for Jacobys death. Anyone with information about this case can contact the Northern Colorado Shooting Task Force at 970-498-5595 or at taskforce@larimer.org. Tipsters can also contact any local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or through tips.fbi.gov. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. When Wilkeson town clerk Marie Wellock sent out an email on April 30, she had no idea that it would be the beginning of something big. Wellocks email was a race to beat the clock. The goal? Write as many letters as possible to U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier, (Democrat, WA-8) about the closure of the Carbon River Fairfax Bridge. Dave Morell, who represents District 1 on the Pierce County Council, was going to go to Washington D.C. to meet with Schrier later that week. One of his staff members reached out to Wellock and told her that Morell wanted letters to give to Schrier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said he would like some letters drafted that he could hand deliver to her regarding the bridge and the access, Wellock said in a recent interview. I immediately put together an email and sent it to all of the businesses here in Wilkeson and Carbonado as well as the people in the Carbon Canyon, just letting them know that this opportunity presented itself and that we should get as many letters as possible for him to hand deliver to D.C. Just 48 hours later on May 2, Morell had over 100 letters to give to Schrier. We dont want to be forgotten The Washington State Department of Transportation closed the State Route 165 Carbon River Fairfax Bridge on April 22 due to safety concerns. The 103-year-old, single-lane bridge is the only way for vehicles to access key areas of Mount Rainier National Park, such as the Carbon River Ranger Station, Mowich Lake, Spray Park, the Carbon Glacier Trail and Tolmie Peak. While there is a 9-mile detour for law enforcement and local property owners, WSDOT has said it is not open to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, Wilkeson and Carbonado have grappled with how to move forward. Businesses in Wilkeson previously told The News Tribune they are struggling to stay afloat without the tourist traffic from people visiting Mount Rainier in the summer. We know that were a small area, Wellock said. [It] really pushed a lot of travelers this direction not only our tourism, but just so people can see this northwest corner of the mountain and Wilkeson is the only way to get there. In an interview with The News Tribune, Morell said residents who live in the Carbon Canyon have struggled since WSDOT closed the bridge. Most of them are an older population a very hearty population, but they are an older population, Morell said. So concern was response times, because now you have to go through two gates and a gravel road, so there are definitely concerns about if they call 911. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wellock and Morell both told The News Tribune that the goal of the letter-writing campaign was to get federal eyes on this issue. We have thousands of acres of public lands that people cant access that we dont want to be forgotten, Wellock said. If access is never restored, a regular person loses the ability to go to this section of the park thats not the intent of public land. The intent of public land is to be open and accessible for all. After Wellock sent out her initial email requesting letters, Friends of the Carbon Canyon posted about the campaign on their Facebook page. The post got 334 shares. WE KNOW that the Fairfax Bridge will NOT be repaired or replaced, BUT it is VITAL that access to the Carbon Canyon remains through the Carbon River Corridor, continuing to support the Towns of Burnett, Wilkeson & Carbonado, the post said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wellock also crafted templates for people who just wanted to sign their names and addresses. Children from Wilkeson Elementary chipped in by drawing pictures of the bridge. Some of the pictures had short notes attached. [Theres] a lot of history up in that area and a lot of these folks that live in Carbonado and Wilkeson have lived there multi-generations, Morell said. And so their great-grandkids are going to Wilkeson Elementary and they know the stories. What now? Morell told The News Tribune that when he arrived in Washington D.C. later that week to talk to Schrier, he had all 100 letters in tow. There was someone, actually, who wrote a letter on the back of a napkin, so she had to read that one, Morell said. But she just got the biggest smile on her face, [that] the community would rally together that quickly and send those letters. Pierce County Council member Dave Morell hands a letter to U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier on May 2, 2025. The letter is one of 100 from residents of Wilkeson and Carbonado, two towns most impacted by the closure of the Carbon River Fairfax Bridge. The Washington State Department of Transportation closed the bridge in April due to safety concerns, leaving the public with no easy way to access key areas of Mount Rainier National Park. The News Tribune reached out to Schriers D.C., Issaquah and Wenatchee offices but did not get a response before deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morell said his conversation with Schrier was a step forward, especially when it comes to helping businesses impacted by the closure. We talked about maybe getting some grants from the Department of Commerce, Morell said. It would give them much-needed relief. Theres a lot of grants that are available to help struggling small companies that need help, especially in an emergency situation like this. Wellock said the community would continue to fight to get access restored. We want to keep the heat on them to either help WSDOT come up with the money [or] encourage the parks or the Forest Service to work with local agencies to maintain some level of access to these public lands, Wellock said. The Carbon River Fairfax Bridge, which connects State Route 165 to Mount Rainier National Park. The bridge is closing permanently due to safety concerns from the steel deteriorating. The rust is visible underneath the bridge in this photo. WSDOT previously told The News Tribune it is considering three options now that the bridge is closed: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keeping the bridge closed and not replacing it. Building a replacement bridge in the same area. Re-routing State Route 165 to the east or west of Carbon River Canyon. The agency also told The News Tribune it is in the process of scheduling an in-person open house for the public, tentatively scheduled for early June. WSDOT is aiming to have an online open house go live shortly after Memorial Day. On WSDOTs website, there is a page for the planning study that will help the agency examine its options. The website said the study is being paid for by $1.5 million in state funding. [This campaign] was a call of action to do something, Wellock said. We cant just let this go. Were certainly not going to go quietly. The News Tribune archives contributed to this report. In the Spotlight is a News Tribune series that digs into the high-profile local issues that readers care most about. Story idea? Email newstips@thenewstribune.com. PALMER, Mass. (WWLP) Its only May, but were already halfway to Halloween. 13th World Fright Park made its second appearance in Palmer, bringing a chilling experience for all who dared to enter. I just loved it last time I came, and I really wanted to come back, especially since its not Halloween time. Like, see what its like not around Halloween, said Layla Lempke of Wales. Hadley Asparagus Festival returns next month Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a chance for Halloween enthusiasts to preview the spooky surprises to come in October for one day only. One of the attractions is a maze filled with thick fog. Its a surreal sight as you navigate your way through these twisting passages. There is even a ride simulator that lets people feel firsthand what its like to be buried alive. And their biggest attraction is a haunted trail that takes you through a town called Moonlight Mayhem. 22News took a trip down the trail where 10 different buildings were set up, each with its own terrifying theme. Some of the eerie settings were an abandoned motel and a Sisters of Salem convent. We just love it, said Zeke Fortier, co-owner of 13th World Fright Park. We put the product together, people come out, they enjoy themselves, and thats when we get rewarded, when we actually see people enjoying what we put together. And a cast of monsters was found lurking around every corner, including a new face, Mayor John King, named after the first settler of Palmer. 22Newsspoke to one of the actors who helps to bring the scares to life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a great time, its fun, said scarer Brian Soucy. You know, I love doing it. Ive always loved doing it. The 13th World Fright Park is sure to bring even more terror and excitement come Halloween. The park expects to open again in September for the 2025 Halloween season. 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. CHICAGO (WGN) A 15-year-old boy was shot and killed Saturday evening on the citys South Side. Chicago police said the shooting happened just after 6 p.m. in the 400 block of West 110th Street in West Roseland. Teen boy among 4 injured in West Side drive-by shooting According to police, the victim was near the sidewalk when a dark-colored vehicle drove up. Thats when someone inside the vehicle fired shots at the victim, hitting him in the neck and abdomen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was taken to Comer Childrens Hospital where he died, according to investigators. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines No arrests have been made and area detectives are investigating. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. KEARNS, Utah (ABC4) A 17-year-old boy was killed in a shooting at Kearns High School early Sunday morning, according to Unified Police. At around 1:50 a.m. on May 18, police responded to the Kearns High School parking lot, located at 5625 South Cougar Lane, on reports of a shooting. According to Lt. Melody Cutler, Unified PD, the incident began as a robbery-gone-bad. An 18-year-old male had reportedly showed up at the parking lot to make a sale the contents of that sale are unknown at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another car with four individuals inside showed up to the parking lot. Two of those people got out of the car and brandished guns, police said. At that point, the 18-year-old ran to his car, grabbed his gun, and began firing. The 18-year-old shot one of those individuals a 17-year-old male. Police arrived at the scene and the 18-year-old reportedly flagged down an officer. The 17-year-old was then taken to the hospital where he was declared deceased. The 18-year-old has not been charged at this time, according to Unified PD. While this is still an active investigation, police are looking at this shooting as a possible act of self-defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unified Police are heading the investigation into this incident. The District Attorneys Office will ultimately decide on whether the 18-year-old will be charged. The three other individuals that were in the car that met at the parking lot are still at large, police said. If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact Unified Police at 801-840-4079. No further information is currently available. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Key Points Walmart executives warned about the negative impact of tariffs in the company's Q1 update. The retailer expects to absorb some tariff-related costs, which would put pressure on profits. Walmart stock could be volatile over the short term, but it remains a solid pick for long-term investors. 10 stocks we like better than Walmart Walmart (NYSE: WMT) easily beat Wall Street's first-quarter earnings estimates. But it didn't matter. The big story in the world's largest retailer's Q1 update was the impact of the Trump administration's tariffs. And that story wasn't great for investors or American consumers. Walmart is usually viewed as a stock that's resilient during times of economic uncertainty. However, the tariff turmoil raises the question: Is Walmart's share price set to slide? Image source: Walmart. Walmart's warning Many investors celebrated the agreement between the U.S. and China to relax trade tensions at least temporarily. Walmart's executives expressed some relief as well in the company's Q1 earnings call. CEO C. Douglas McMillon thanked President Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for lowering tariffs on Chinese imports. Despite the improvement, though, 30% tariffs will remain in place on Chinese products. McMillon said that Walmart won't be able to absorb all the price increases resulting from the tariffs even at reduced levels. CFO John David Rainey stated that Walmart thinks the tariffs are still "too high." He added that the prices for some products "are likely going to go up, and that's not good for consumers." What hurts American consumers could also hurt Walmart. The really bad scenario is if the Trump administration puts the previous steep tariffs back into place. Rainey warned, "[I]f we see a restoration of dramatically high tariff levels, the impact on our financials could be significant and even jeopardize our ability to grow earnings year over year." Chinese tariffs present the most significant challenge for Walmart, but they're not the only concern for the company. The retailer purchases products from countries around the world that now have tariffs levied on their products, notably including Canada, India, Mexico, and Vietnam. McMillon said in the Q1 earnings call, "The cost pressure from all the tariff-impacted markets started in late April, and it accelerated in May." What can the giant retailer do? More than two-thirds of products Walmart sells in the U.S. are made (or, in the case of some foods, grown) domestically. But while the company continues to increase the volume of products sourced in the U.S., it won't be able to reduce imports rapidly. So what can the giant retailer do to reduce the negative impact of the Trump administration's tariffs on its business? An 18-year-old high school senior was killed in a single-vehicle crash in Falmouth late Saturday night. According to police, officers, as well as the Falmouth Fire and Rescue Department, were called to the scene of a single-vehicle fatal accident on Acapesket Road. The driver was Ava Lodico, a senior at Falmouth High School, family said. Before the crash, Ava had spent the night with her best friends at the senior prom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of her dear friends, Jazzy Fernandes, told Boston 25 News that she got a call Saturday night about Ava. She raced to the scene of the crash, but it was blocked off by cops, so she went to the hospital to be near her friend before learning Ava had passed away. Fernandes said, It doesnt feel real. 18-year-old high school senior killed in single-vehicle crash in Falmouth Its just so upsetting that this happened and extremely surreal. We were all just dancing and having a great time at prom, said one of her close friends, Erin Barr. She was just the sweetest soul to everybody. On Sunday afternoon, friends and family gathered and prayed at the crash site. They set up a memorial filled with flowers and photos of Ava. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was on the Vineyard when I heard about this, and I just took the first boat that I could and came here, said one of her best friends, Bea Mariani. We were going to have our graduation party together, and we made a list of everybody we were going to invite. She was just looking forward to this so much. Loved ones told Boston 25 News that Ava had planned to attend UMASS Dartmouth this fall to study nursing. I think we all need to keep our heads high and hold the love she spreads with us, Barr explained. Police released few details, but said counseling support will be available today, Sunday, May 18, at the Falmouth High School Library from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will be additional counselors and therapists from the larger community available, including the Falmouth Police Department, Falmouth Human Services, and Sharing Kindness. An investigation into the crash is ongoing. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Two people were taken to the hospital after a crash involving a semi in Darke County Saturday evening. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Just before 5 p.m., crews were dispatched to the intersection of US Route 36 and Jaysville-St. Johns Road on reports of a two-vehicle accident. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The preliminary investigation revealed a semi tractor-trailer driven by 37-year-old Mohamed Abdela of Dallas, Texas, was stopped at the posted stop sign southbound on Jaysville-St. Johns Road at US Route 36. Abdela failed to yield the right of way to a pickup driven by 18-year-old John Troxel of Bradford heading westbound. Troxel then struck the drivers side rear of the semi. He and his female juvenile passenger were taken to Wayne HealthCare with minor injuries. Abdela was treated and released from the scene and cited for failure to yield after a clearly marked stop sign. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] NEW YORK CITY (WPIX) Two crew members have died after a Mexican Navy ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge as it was traveling through New York City on a global goodwill tour. Mayor Eric Adams announced the two deaths in a post to X late Saturday night. Some 22 people had been injured, 11 of whom were in serious condition and nine in stable condition, according to the Mexican Secretary of the Navy. Their conditions as of Sunday morning were not immediately available. As of Sunday afternoon, one of the victims has been identified as 20-year-old cadet America Yamilet Sanchez of Xalapa by Veracruz Governor Rocio Nahle Garcia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I deeply regret the passing of Veracruz cadet America Yamilet Sanchez. My love, support, and solidarity go out to her family, the governor said in a post to X Sunday afternoon. The crash happened around 8:20 p.m. Saturday, when the boat, carrying 277 people, struck the bridge, according to the FDNY. Several videos posted to social media, including one seen at the top of this story, showed the boat gliding along the East River before its masts hit the Brooklyn Bridge, causing them to snap one by one as the ship continued moving. There were sailors on top of the ship when the mast went right into the bridge, NYPD officials said Saturday. Slideshow: Mexican Navy training ship damaged after Brooklyn Bridge crash NEW YORK, NEW YORK MAY 18: The Mexican Navy sailing ship that crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge sits moored in lower Manhattan on May 18, 2025 in New York City. The ship, the Cuauhtemoc, which snapped all three of its masts as it collided with the New York City landmark bridge, killed at least two people and injured 19 others. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) NEW YORK CITY, USA MAY 17: People watch the Mexican navy tall ship being tended by the authorities after it crashes into the Brooklyn Bridge in Manhattan, New York, USA on May 18, 2025. The ship, which has a crew of 277, collided with the bridges road deck and left multiple crew members seriously injured, and two people passed away, according officials and sources. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY MAY 17: Broken mast of a disabled Mexican Navy tall ship is seen as the Mexican navy tall ship, making a festive visit to New York, crashes into the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, 2025 in New York City. A Mexican navy sailing ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, killing two sailors and injuring 19 others on board the craft as the tops of its masts were sheared off. (Photo by Liao Pan/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images) A masted Mexican Navy training ship, the Cuauhtemoc, sits stranded after colliding with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Viterbo) Tug boats assist the Cuauhtemoc, a masted Mexican Navy training ship, toward Pier 35 after it collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, Saturday, May 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) Railings at Brooklyn Bridge Park lean damaged after a masted Mexican Navy training ship collided with the Brooklyn Bridge and the waterfront walkway, Saturday, May 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) Pedestrians walking along Brooklyn Bridge Park look on as a masted Mexican Navy training ship sits stranded near the Manhattan Bridge after colliding with the Brooklyn Bridge, Saturday, May 17, 2025, in New York. (Nick Corso via AP) A Mexican navy ship sits in the water after it hit the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, May 17, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Kyle Viterbo) A New York Police Department harbor unit prepares to board the Cuauhtemoc, a masted Mexican Navy training ship that collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, Saturday, May 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) Sailors could be seen aloft in the rigging on the damaged masts but, remarkably, no one fell into the water, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ship, called the Cuauhtemoc, had a mechanical issue after departing from Pier 17, officials said. It was unclear what caused the ship to veer off course. New York Police Department Special Operations Chief Wilson Aramboles said the ship had just left a Manhattan pier and was supposed to have been headed out to sea, not toward the bridge. He said an initial report was that the pilot of the ship had lost power due to a mechanical problem, though officials cautioned that information was preliminary. Videos show a tugboat was close to the Cuauhtemoc at the time of the crash. The Mexican Secretary of the Navy said the Cuauhtemoc was a training ship. We deeply regret the passing of two crew members of the Cuauhtemoc Training Ship, who lost their lives in the unfortunate accident at the port of New York. Our solidarity and support go out to their families, said Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cuauhtemoc about 297 feet long and 40 feet wide, according to the Mexican navy sailed for the first time in 1982. Its main mast has a height of 160 feet. Each year, the Cuauhtemoc sets out at the end of classes at the naval military school to finish cadets training. This year, it left the Mexican port of Acapulco, on the Pacific coast, on April 6, the navy said. 1 person killed in explosion outside Palm Springs fertility clinic; police say act was intentional Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz told The Associated Press they were sitting outside to watch the sunset when they saw the vessel strike the bridge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We saw someone dangling, and I couldnt tell if it was just blurry or my eyes, and we were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least like 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them, Katz said. Just before the collision, Nick Corso, 23, took his phone out to capture the backdrop of the ship and the bridge against a sunset, Instead, he heard what sounded like the loud snapping of a big twig. Several more snaps followed. People in his vicinity began running and pandemonium erupted aboard the ship, he said. He later saw a handful of people dangling from a mast. I didnt know what to think, I was like, is this a movie? he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 142-year-old Brooklyn Bridge was initially closed in both directions but did not have structural damage, officials said. The Brooklyn Bridge, which opened in 1883, has a nearly 1,600-foot main span supported by two masonry towers. More than 100,000 vehicles and an estimated 32,000 pedestrians cross every day, according to the citys transportation department. Its walkway is a major tourist attraction. The Cuauhtemoc arrived in New York City on May 13, where visitors were welcome for several days, the Mexican consulate said. The ship was scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 nations over 254 days, 170 of them at sea. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Two drivers were killed and a passenger suffered life-threatening injuries in a head-on crash on Interstate 90 in southern Minnesota on Friday. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash happened around 3:30 p.m. on I-90 near mile post 244 in Fremont Township located in far southeastern Minnesota, specifically in Winona County. The state patrol says collision involved a westbound Buick Enclave and an eastbound Toyota Rav4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver of the Rav4, identified as 70-year-old Warren R. Hacker, of Appleton, Wisconsin, was killed in the crash. A passenger in the Rav4, identified as 71-year-old Patricia R. Hacker, also of Appleton, suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to St. Marys hospital in Rochester. The driver of the Buick also died. He has been identified as 83-year-old Hadley E. Thompson, of Pine Island, Minnesota. You can view the crash report here. A Mexican navy sailing ship on a global goodwill tour struck the Brooklyn Bridge in New York on Saturday, snapping its three masts, killing two crew members, and leaving some sailors dangling from harnesses high in the air waiting for help. New York City Mayor Eric Adams said the 142-year-old bridge was spared major damage but at least 19 people aboard the ship needed medical treatment. Two of the four people who suffered serious injuries later died, Adams announced on social media early Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the collision was under investigation. In a scene captured in multiple eyewitness videos, the ship, called the Cuauhtemoc, could be seen traveling swiftly in reverse toward the bridge near the Brooklyn side of the East River. Then, its three masts struck the bridges span and snapped, one by one, as the ship kept moving. Videos showed heavy traffic on the span at the time of the 8:20 p.m. collision. No one on the bridge was reported injured. The vessel, which was flying a giant Mexican flag and had 277 people aboard, then drifted into a pier on the riverbank as onlookers scrambled away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sailors could be seen aloft in the rigging on the damaged masts but, remarkably, no one fell into the water, officials said. Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz told The Associated Press they were sitting outside to watch the sunset when they saw the vessel strike the bridge. We saw someone dangling, and I couldnt tell if it was just blurry or my eyes, and we were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least like 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them, Katz said. Just before the collision, Nick Corso, 23, took his phone out to capture the backdrop of the ship and the bridge against a sunset, Instead, he heard what sounded like the loud snapping of a big twig. Several more snaps followed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People in his vicinity began running and pandemonium erupted aboard the ship, he said. He later saw a handful of people dangling from a mast. I didnt know what to think, I was like, is this a movie? he said. The Mexican navy said in a post on the social platform X that the Cuauhtemoc was an academy training vessel. It said a total of 22 people were injured, 19 of whom needed medical treatment. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum regretted the loss of the two crew members. Our solidarity and support go out to their families, Sheinbaum said on X. The Brooklyn Bridge, which opened in 1883, has a nearly 1,600-foot (490-meter) main span supported by two masonry towers. More than 100,000 vehicles and an estimated 32,000 pedestrians cross every day, according to the citys transportation department. Its walkway is a major tourist attraction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traffic was halted after the collision but was allowed to resume after an inspection, city officials said. It was unclear what caused the ship to veer off course. New York Police Department Special Operations Chief Wilson Aramboles said the ship had just left a Manhattan pier and was supposed to have been headed out to sea, not toward the bridge. He said an initial report was that the pilot of the ship had lost power due to a mechanical problem, though officials cautioned that information was preliminary. Videos show a tugboat was close to the Cuauhtemoc at the time of the crash. The Cuauhtemoc about 297 feet long and 40 feet wide (90.5 meters long and 12 meters wide), according to the Mexican navy sailed for the first time in 1982. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vessels main mast has a height of 160 feet (48.9 meters), according to the Mexican government. As midnight approached, the broken boat was moved slowly up the East River, going under and past the Manhattan Bridge, aided by a series of tugboats, before docking at a pier. Onlookers continued to gather on the waterfront to watch the spectacle. Each year the Cuauhtemoc sets out at the end of classes at the naval military school to finish cadets training. This year it left the Mexican port of Acapulco, on the Pacific coast, on April 6, the navy said. It arrived in New York City on May 13, where visitors were welcome for several days, the Mexican consulate said. The ship was scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 nations over 254 days, 170 of them at sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ Associated Press writers Michael R. Sisak and Jennifer Peltz in New York, Sejal Govindarao in Phoenix, Arizona, and Gene Johnson in Seattle, Washington, 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 WFLA. DENVER (KDVR) Aurora police are investigating a double shooting at a house party early Sunday morning. Officers responded to the shooting at a house in the 3600 block of South Andes Way just after 1 a.m. Sunday, according to a press release. They found two men shot inside the house, a 19-year-old with serious injuries and the other of unknown age with life-threatening injuries. 3 pedestrians killed in separate Denver crashes Sunday morning: police Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both are in the hospital, police said. Investigators believe a fight broke out during the house party and the suspect began firing shots. Police have not arrested anyone but are actively following up on leads. Anyone with information about this shooting can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. At least two people were killed and 23 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past day, regional officials reported on May 18, as Moscow launched its largest single drone strike since the start of the full-scale invasion. According to Ukraine's Air Force, Russia attacked with 273 drones overnight, including Iranian-designed Shahed-type suicide drones. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 88 drones, while another 128 vanished from radars, likely used as decoys to overwhelm the defense systems. In Donetsk Oblast, a resident was killed in Yablunivka, and eight others were wounded across the region, Governor Vadym Filashkin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person died and three more were injured in an overnight Russian drone attack in Kyiv Oblast, Governor Mykola Kalashnyk reported. Russian attacks also injured eight people in Kherson Oblast and damaged an apartment building and three houses, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, two women, aged 48 and 52, were injured in Russian strikes, according to Governor Serhii Lysak. Zaporizhzhia Oblast saw 343 Russian strikes on 11 settlements, wounding two civilians and damaging multiple infrastructure sites, Governor Ivan Fedorov reported. The attacks come as Moscow continues rejecting a complete ceasefire and escalates strikes targeting civilian areas across Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Russian tank losses in Ukraine Syrski claims 1,159 hit since start of year Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Late Saturday, May 17, those walking along the water near the Brooklyn Bridge watched in awe as Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtemoc crashed into the bridge and sheared two of its masts. The Mexican Navy issued a statement not long after the accident that revealed a "mishap" occurred with the training vessel that sent it cruising into the bridge. Sailors on the ship were seen dangling from the tattered masts as reports of more sailors in the water rang out. "During the sailing maneuver of the Cuauhtemoc sailboat in New York, a mishap occurred with the Brooklyn Bridge, causing damage to the training ship, preventing the continuation of the training cruise for the time being," the translated statement read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The status of personnel and equipment is being reviewed by naval and local authorities, who are providing support. The Navy reaffirms its commitment to personnel safety, transparency in its operations, and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Navy." Initial reports revealed three people were left in critical condition as a result of the accident with 17 others injured. However, on Sunday, May 18, the USA Today revealed a tragic update as two of the sailors injured in the accident passed away. 19 more were injured with two of the injured listed as in critical condition. "We are praying for everyone on board and their families and are grateful to our first responders who quickly jumped into action, ensuring this accident wasnt much worse," New York Mayor Eric Adams said on X. Authorities later revealed the ship, used for sail training and goodwill tours to other nations, lost power just before crashing into the bridge at about 8:20 p.m. ET. Related: Grocery Store Chain Suddenly Closes All Locations DES MOINES, Iowa Two Des Moines men have been arrested and charged with felonies in connection to a shooting that injured one person on Saturday afternoon. Just before 6 p.m. on Saturday, DMPD officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 1500 block of 32nd Street. 911 callers provided a description of an involved vehicle that was leaving the scene. Officers intercepted the vehicle, which led them on a short pursuit that ended when the vehicle crashed at MLK Jr. Parkway and Meek Avenue. DMPD officers found two males in the vehicle. The driver, 34-year-old Christian Goode, was detained at the scene. The passenger, 33-year-old Demetrius Miles, had a gunshot wound and was transported by DMFD rescue personnel to a Des Moines hospital. A firearm was recovered from the pursuit route. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Des Moines police arrest, charge man with attempted murder While officers were involved in the pursuit, police say the DMPD Communications Center received a call from an adult man who reported that he had been involved in a shooting, describing it as a self-defense situation. Officers responded and detained the man for detectives, who were responding to investigate. According to the DMPD, evidence indicates that Goode and Miles used their vehicle to block the victim as he drove on 32nd Street. Evidence then indicates that Miles, armed with a handgun, exited the vehicle and approached the victim. The victim, lawfully armed, fired at Miles and struck him. Following an investigation, Demetrius Miles is charged with, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Going Armed With Intent Felon In Possession Of A Firearm Assault While Displaying A Dangerous Weapon Following an investigation, Christian Goode is charged with, Going Armed With Intent Assault While Displaying A Dangerous Weapon Authorities say Goode also had an unrelated parole violation warrant at the time of the incident. The victim was interviewed by detectives and has been released without charges. The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Additional information will be shared as it 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 who13.com. After The Financial Times reported that Tesla, Inc. (TSLA)'s board was forming a special committee to address Elon Musk's compensation package, Schwab anchor Diane King Hall said the move suggests that the board "is still prioritizng keeping Elon Musk." On the same segment, another Schwab Network anchor, Nicole Petallides, asserted that Musk's compensation is"a thorn in the side" of the automaker. Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) Poised To Dominate Physical AI As Trade Tensions Ease With China More Information About the News Musk's huge pay package, which dates back to 2018, is still being evaluated by Delaware courts. Meanwhile, Tesla, Inc. (TSLA)'s board is reportedly considering implementing changes to Musk's compensation, including "stock based or alternative compensation," if the 2018 package"is not reinstated," Schwab stated. The network obtained the information from a report by The Financial Times. The Assertions by Schwab's Anchors The move by Tesla's board suggests that the panel wants to keep Musk as TSLA's CEO, King Hall said. And according to Petallides, Musk's compensation "is a thorn in the side" of Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) that will impact its "future plans." The Recent Price Action of TSLA Stock In the last month, the shares have jumped 42%, but they are down 4% in the last three months. While we acknowledge the potential of TSLA, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. There is an AI stock that went up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than TSLA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about this cheapest AI 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 MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) Two Myrtle Beach police officers were honored Friday by the South Carolina Police Chiefs Association for their heroic efforts to save a man who threatened to jump off a bridge. Officers Matthew Muterspaw and Michael Mercurio were recognized by the group during the departments promotions ceremony on Friday. Photo: Myrtle Beach Police Department Photo: Myrtle Beach Police Department Their quick and compassionate responses on February 19, 2025, undoubtedly saved the life of the suicidal male and prevented a tragic outcome, the department said in a Facebook post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man was in the median on a bridge that runs over Highway 501 and was threatening to jump off when officers arrived, police said. Muterspaw and Michael Mercurio built rapport with the male and were able to detain and transport him to the hospital without incident. If it was not for the quick and outstanding work by these officers, this suicidal male would have carried out his plan of ending his life, police said. Officer Muterspaw and PFC. Mercurio demonstrated what a true professional looks like and deserve to be awarded the life-saving award. * * * Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. One man has been arrested and a search is underway for another after a recent armed robbery at a South Carolina business where a toddler and her mother had guns pointed at them, according to the South Congaree Police Department. Nathaniel Wayne Thomas, 20, was charged with armed robbery with a deadly weapon, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a crime, criminal conspiracy and pointing/presenting a firearm at persons, police said Sunday in a news release. The robbery happened at a business in the Town of South Congaree, according to the release. Information about the name of the business, its location and when the robbery occurred was not available, but police said there were multiple victims including a 2-year-old child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No injuries were reported. While Thomas was taken into custody with help from the Columbia Police Department and the Lexington Medical Center Department of Public Safety, theres an ongoing search for fellow 20-year-old Antwan Sumter Jr., South Congaree police said. He will face the same charges as Thomas, according to the release. After being arrested Friday, Thomas bond was set at $23,000 and he has been released from the Lexington County Detention Center, police said. Anyone who sees Sumter, or knows where hes located, is warned not approach or make contact with him, but instead is asked to call 911 or local law enforcement. Tips can be made by calling CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or submitted online. NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) Two people have died after a Mexican Navy ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge, according to Mayor Eric Adams. Some 22 people were injured, 11 of whom are in serious condition and nine are in stable condition, according to the Mexican Secretary of the Navy. Adams announced the two deaths in a post to X early Sunday morning. More Local News The crash happened around 8:20 p.m. Saturday, when a boat carrying 277 people struck the bridge, according to the FDNY. The bridge was initially closed in both directions but did not have structural damage, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ship had a mechanical issue after departing from Pier 17, officials said. There were sailors on top of the ship when the mast went right into the bridge, NYPD officials said Saturday. The Mexican Secretary of the Navy said it was a training ship. We deeply regret the passing of two crew members of the Cuauhtemoc Training Ship, who lost their lives in the unfortunate accident at the port of New York. Our solidarity and support go out to their families, said Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in a statement. Officials say the ship suffered an apparent mechanical failure, which caused the captain to lose control of the ship as it was sailing to Iceland with 277 people on board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Transportation Safety Board will conduct a full investigation in the coming days. 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. Police are searching for a gunman after two people were shot on a MARTA train Sunday afternoon. At approximately 4:30 p.m., the shooting happened on a MARTA train traveling southbound toward the East Point Station. One of the victims was taken to a nearby hospital and the other was treated at the station by EMS. MARTA police said both victims are alert. East Point police are assisting MARTA police in the search for the suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MARTA police said trains used a single track from Lakewood Station to East Point Station while police investigate. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Two New York State troopers were stabbed by a suspected female car thief in a vicious attack in a quiet town near Buffalo Saturday afternoon, officials said. The violence erupted as the law officers approached the stolen car at Crosbys Gas Station in Bolivar around 3:25 p.m. and attempted to arrest the driver, who resisted, stabbing one trooper just above the eye and the other in the head, New York State Police announced. The troopers were stabbed in the eye and the head during the chaotic arrest. New York State Police One trooper fired their gun, but did not strike the suspect, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alleged carjacker was taken into custody with minor injuries. The trooper who was knifed in the eye was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester in serious condition. The investigation is ongoing. Bolivar is a small town in Western New York, south of Buffalo. MARION, Ohio (WCMH) A 27-year-old man died early Sunday morning after crashing his motorcycle into a field in Marion County. Truck driver found guilty of six counts of vehicular homicide in I-70 crash According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Seth Reece was driving a Suzuki motorcycle north on Caledonia-Northern Road early in the morning. As he approached the intersection of Emahiser Road, Reece traveled off the right side of the road and into field after OSHP said he failed to negotiate the curve. He overturned after crashing into the field and was pronounced dead by an investigator of the Marion County Coroners Office. OSHP said he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities will continue to investigate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. While it isn't the world's most widely consumed meat, beef reigns supreme in some parts of the world, including highly populated countries like India, despite beef being banned in the majority of India's states. Although it's not one of the globe's top producers, Argentina consumes the most beef per capita worldwide, at just over 100 pounds per person. It's no wonder that, according to Our World In Data, global consumption of all meats has been steadily increasing for decades. However, it turns out that the United States, China, and Brazil not only consume the majority of the world's beef, but they are also the top producers of the meat as well, in that same order. In the last decade, the United States has consistently supplied the most beef to the world, followed closely by Brazil. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. supplies 20% of the world's beef. Brazil comes in at a close second by providing 19%, and China supplies slightly less, taking up 13%. In total, that comes out to over half of the world's entire beef production. The USDA also notes that, on average, the total amount of beef produced globally has gone up 0.71% between the years of 2015 and 2024. This means that the average total over the same 10 years comes out to 58.21 million metric tons annually. Read more: The Absolute Best Finishing Salt To Elevate Your Steak Beef Is King In The United States Three Texan longhorn cattle on dry grassland - Bob Pool/Shutterstock In 2024, the USDA notes that the United States was responsible for supplying 12.29 million metric tons of beef. This is up from the 10.8 million metric tons that it supplied globally in 2015. A metric ton is equivalent to 2,204 pounds, making the United States' global supply weigh in at more than a staggering 27 billion pounds of beef. Surprisingly, beef was only ranked ninth on the list of top-produced commodities from the United States, with almonds taking first at a whopping 77% of global production in 2024, according to another report by the USDA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States houses over 27 million beef cows, most of which are grain-fed, with Texas taking the lead as the state that produces the most cattle. Oklahoma trails behind the Lone Star State, with Missouri next in line. According to a 2024 survey conducted by the USDA, Texas is responsible for over 14% of beef cows, while Oklahoma is home to less than half of that at 5%. The Texas Longhorn may be an image of classic American ranch life, but most of the beef in the U.S. comes from the Black Angus breed of cattle. Overall, the USDA reports that the number of cattle in the United States decreased by 2% from 2023 to 2024. In 2024, American consumers ate about 59 pounds of beef per person, a bit more than 2023's average and slightly higher than the average of the past five years. In addition to supplying its own beef-hungry population, the United States exports beef to countries like South Korea, Japan, Mexico, and even China, as well as many other countries around the world. Brazil's Extensive Beef Production Comes At An Environmental Cost A herd of white cattle in Brazil with a pink sunset - ADVTP/Shutterstock Brazil, famous worldwide for its particularly mouthwatering type of steakhouse, produced 11.85 million metric tons of beef in 2024. Just a decade ago, the South American nation supplied only 9.4 million metric tons to the world. Despite the United States being the largest producer of beef globally, the country is Brazil's second-largest purchaser of the commodity after China. Beef ranks sixth among Brazil's top-produced commodities in 2024, far below orange juice, which accounts for 70% of global production (via UDSA). Unfortunately, with the massive amount of beef production comes environmental impacts. Brazil is home to the Amazon, the largest tropical rainforest on the planet, which has been devastated by deforestation efforts, many of which are for the purpose of raising cattle. In fact, the government of Brazil even incentivized deforestation of the Amazon between the 1960s and 1980s, largely for cattle herds and the production of beef. While cattle production was always common in southern parts of the country, the rising demand for beef has driven cattle production into the Amazon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with the production of soy, cattle ranching has had a devastating impact on the Amazon rainforest. Thankfully, the last two decades have seen some new policies put in place to help curb the severe deforestation caused by cattle farming. Part of the land is now prohibited from being razed for cattle pastures, and advancements in farming technology are now aiding in lessening the industry's impact on the environment. China's Beef Production Can't Keep Up With The Nation's Demand Cattle grazing on grass near water in China - Zhaojiankang/Getty Images While less than the U.S. and Brazil, China was responsible for supplying 7.79 metric tons of beef globally in 2024. Despite placing third in the world's global production, beef doesn't even rank among the top 10 produced commodities in China. Instead, pears and citrus fruits, such as grapefruit, tangerines, and mandarins, account for the top three food items supplied globally by the country in 2024 (via USDA). Surprisingly, a large portion of China's beef production comes from smaller farms, as opposed to giant factories. The National Library of Medicine states that over 90% of Chinese farms that supply cattle slaughter no more than nine cows annually. Despite that, these small farms collectively account for more than half of China's beef supply, relying on a massive number of individuals rather than large factory slaughterhouses. Over the years, the amount of beef consumed in China has risen, and the country isn't able to produce enough to meet internal demands. It's no wonder the nation eliminated its ban on importing beef from the U.S. in 2017. Because of this, China has quickly become one of the biggest beef importers in the world for the sake of its 1.4 billion citizens. As the quality of life continues to improve in China, Chinese people are consuming more beef overall. However, according to the USDA, China's production of beef (and pork) is expected to decrease, despite the increasing demands for both meats. Read the original article on Tasting Table. Three people were killed and six were injured during a shooting at a bar in southwest Macon, according to the Bibb County sheriffs and coroners offices. A 911 call at midnight Sunday reported a shooting at Midtown Daiquiri Bar and Grill at 4376 Log Cabin Dr., a news release from the Bibb County Sheriffs Office said. Deputies found nine victims suffering from gunshot wounds at the scene. There were multiple shell casings everywhere, Coroner Leon Jones told The Telegraph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three victims had multiple gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene at 1:10 a.m., according to Jones. They were identified as Jedarrius Meadows Jr., 28; Javonta Faulks, 32; and Javarsia Meadows, 24. The sheriffs and coroners offices spelled Faulks first name differently. Their families were notified of their deaths. Six other people were injured and taken to Atrium Health Navicent. Paramedics took three victims, while three others arrived at the hospital in personal vehicles, deputies said. The shooting was still under investigation and anyone with related information was urged to call the sheriffs office at 478-751-7500, or Macon Regional Crimestoppers at 1-877-68CRIME. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Three Eastman School of Music students are celebrating after being named as the winners of the 2025 Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition. A representative from the competition says the national program recognizes exceptional young musicians across jazz, classical, and contemporary genres. Zachary Costello A saxophonist committed to bridging the gap between performers and audiences by bringing music to unconventional spaces and fostering cultural dialogue through performance, Zachary Costello has garnered national and international recognition for his artistry. Through many awards, Costello has proven his dedication to the instrument by incorporating elements of Korean folk music into new works. Kai Gray Originally from Japan, Kai Gray is a percussionist who has remained an active ensemble musician. Gray has put his skills to the drum in a variety of ensembles and world music groups. in his second year of undergraduate studies at the Eastman School of Music. Yanzuo Nicole Liu Born in China, Yanzuo Nicole Liu has been playing the piano since she was five years old. She moved to the United States at 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At sixteen, Liu got accepted into the Juilliard Pre-College and is now pursuing a Master of Music Degree at the Eastman School of Music. Liu has participated at recitals at prestigious venues, including Carnegie Halls Weill Recital Hall. All three winners will join a group of 11 winners from across the country this summer when they perform at the Bands of America Summer Symposium, receive national recognition, and participate in professional development workshops to help launch their music career. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Form 4 filing by UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH) shows that the new CEO, Stephen Hemsley, acquired $25 million worth of company shares at an average of $288.57 a piece on Friday, 16th May 2025. Mr. Hemsley took the helm of his new office on Tuesday of the same week. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH) CFO John Rex also purchased 17.2k of the companys shares on Friday, for $291.12/share for a total value of $5 million. UnitedHealth Group (UNH) CEO snaps up $25 million in Shares A senior healthcare professional giving advice to a patient in a clinic. The move follows three other Directors of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH), who collectively acquired $1.6 million worth of UNH shares, as reported on the Form 4 filing. Tim Flynn, Kristen Gil, and John Noseworthy bought about 5.5K shares across three transactions worth approximately $491.8K, $1.0M, and $93.6K, respectively. UNHs stock price shed from $307.95 on Wednesday to $274.11 on Thursday, following news of a withdrawal of its full-year outlook. The company has also been associated with a criminal investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ is conducting a criminal probe into UnitedHealth Groups (NYSE:UNH) Medicare billing practices, which led to the company's former CEO, Andrew Witty, abruptly resigning on Tuesday and raising investor concerns. The stock is down by over 42% since the start of 2025. While we acknowledge the potential of UNH to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than UNH and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 Best Low Volatility Stocks to Buy Now and Starter Stock Portfolio: 12 Safe Stocks to Buy Disclosure: None. Three European nationals pleaded guilty to stealing thousands of dollars from low-income Southern Californian residents. The widespread theft involved using ATM card skimmers to make counterfeit cards and steal funds from electronic benefit transfer (EBT) accounts, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. EBT cards allow recipients to access benefits from CalFresh, CalWORKs, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspects were identified as: Ionut Calciu, 31, of Romania Florian Serban, 51, of Romania Mohamed Hichem El Mabrouk, 35, of France The investigation began in February and involved around 70 law enforcement officers monitoring ATM locations across the Los Angeles region in connection with cash withdrawals using stolen EBT accounts. Authorities made arrests after determining that the suspects making withdrawals at the ATMs were not entitled to access funds that had been deposited into accounts belonging to legitimate EBT beneficiaries, prosecutors said. In his plea agreement, Calciu admitted to stealing at least $31,000 from EBT bank accounts. Serban acted as the driver and lookout while Calciu made the illegal ATM withdrawals, court documents said. Both are scheduled for an Aug. 29 sentencing hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Feb. 1, El Mabrouk illegally withdrew $25,480 from EBT accounts and the next day, stole an additional $2,420 from EBT accounts through ATM withdrawals. El Mabrouk and an unidentified accomplice were found with at least 32 fraudulently encoded EBT cards, prosecutors said. His sentencing hearing is scheduled on Sept. 5. The investigation has revealed that the fraudulent withdrawal of these benefits is done with cloned cards, which are debit cards, gift cards or other devices with magnetic strips that have been encoded with information from legitimate EBT cards, prosecutors said. Law enforcement believes at least some of those involved in the fraudulent withdrawals also possessed skimming devices that could be used to record personal identification information from victims. On May 9, each suspect pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorized use of access devices, a felony that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. All three have remained in custody since Feb. 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Three of the seven people who died in a violent crash at Yellowstone National Park have been identified by authorities as Southern California natives. The crash occurred on May 1 on U.S. Highway 20 near Henrys Lake, which is located just west of the Idaho-Montana state line, according to the Idaho State Police. Preliminary investigations into the collision, which involved a Mercedes van and a Dodge Ram pickup truck, indicated that the latter vehicle was traveling westbound when it crossed the center line and smashed into the van traveling eastbound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reason for the pickups movement remains under investigation, Idaho State Police said. The crash occurred on May 1 on U.S. Highway 20 near Henrys Lake, which is located just west of the Idaho-Montana state line, according to the Idaho State Police. (Photo credit: Roger Merrill) The crash occurred on May 1 on U.S. Highway 20 near Henrys Lake, which is located just west of the Idaho-Montana state line, according to the Idaho State Police. (Photo credit: Roger Merrill) The crash occurred on May 1 on U.S. Highway 20 near Henrys Lake, which is located just west of the Idaho-Montana state line, according to the Idaho State Police. (Photo credit: Roger Merrill) After collaborating with the Fremont County and Ada County, Idaho coroners offices, the identities of the decedents were released on Friday. Three of them are from Southern California: Li Nie, 64, of Arcadia Aifeng Wan, 53, of Arcadia Yu Zhang, 30, of Eastvale Zhang was identified as the vans driver, state police said. The driver of the Dodge Ram pickup, 25-year-old Isaih Moreno of Humble, Texas, also died. Person of interest in Palm Springs IVF clinic explosion is dead The other individuals who died in the crash were identified as: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ivana Wen, 28, of Milan, Italy Jianping Li, 71, of Guangxi, China Xiaoming Jiang, 66, of Guilin, Guangxi, China A prior press release issued by Idaho State Police incorrectly identified Jianping Li as Jian Shi of Shanghai; Shi, 56, sustained injuries but survived the crash. There were a total of 14 people in the van, 13 of whom were Chinese nationals. Survivors of the crash were taken to nearby hospitals. The location of the crash, U.S. Highway 20 south of West Yellowstone, Montana, is a primary north-south route to get between Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons in the spring before other routes are plowed and the park fully opens for the summer, according to the Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Seven people, including three teenagers, were injured in separate shootings in Milwaukee May 17 and 18, including one that was the result of a robbery. The weekend shootings are part of an uptick in gun violence this month. On May 2, four teenagers were shot in two separate incidents, and a 14-year-old died from their injuries. Still, data released by the Milwaukee Police Department showed a 15% drop in nonfatal shootings for the first three months of 2025, compared to the start of 2024. Crime statistics covering April, May and June should be released later this summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following shootings happened over the weekend: A 27-year-old arrived at a hospital for injuries after a May 17 shooting. It happened around 4:30 p.m. on the 2900 block of West Burleigh Street. A 16-year-old was transported to a hospital for injuries after a May 17 shooting. It happened around 5:17 p.m. on the 1600 block of East North Avenue. A 30-year-old arrived at a hospital for injuries after a May 17 shooting. It happened around 6:38 p.m. on the 4600 block of West Fond Du Lac Avenue. A 21-year-old victim arrived at a hospital for injuries after a May 17 shooting. It happened around 8:40 p.m. on the 2600 block of South 13th Street. A 17-year-old victim was transported to a hospital for injuries after a May 18 shooting. It happened around 12:14 a.m. on the 5300 block of West Maxwell Place. Another shooting happened on the same block around 12:38 a.m. A 20-year-old victim arrived at a hospital for injuries. It was unclear whether the shootings were part of the same incident. A 14-year-old victim was transported to a hospital for injuries after a May 18 shooting. It happened around 12:56 a.m. on the 9100 block of West Silver Spring Avenue. The shooting was the result of a robbery, police say. Police didn't detail the severity of the injuries. Typically, police share when the injuries are serious or life-threatening, and none of the shootings indicated that level of severity. Police are looking for unknown suspects in each of the shootings. The Milwaukee Police Department asks anyone with information to contact (414) 935-7360. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-Tips or P3 Tips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Youth crime in Milwaukee falling despite spree of high-profile incidents This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 3 teenagers among 7 people injured in Milwaukee shootings this weekend MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN) Between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, Mt. Juliet authorities said they discovered three wanted individuals all of whom were from other Middle Tennessee cities as a result of three separate traffic stops. The Mt. Juliet Police Department posted about the first incident shortly after 4:15 p.m. on Friday, May 16, saying an officer observed a window tint violation as a vehicle traveled from Golden Bear Gateway, which resulted in a traffic stop. Further investigation revealed the 29-year-old Clarksville woman was wanted in Nashville on a sealed indictment for bringing contraband into a jail and had an outstanding warrant for vandalism, according to officials. In addition, she reportedly had marijuana in her possession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Millersville officer helps Goodlettsville lieutenant chase down wanted man Several hours later, MJPD announced an officer had performed a traffic stop after noticing a dangerous lane change that almost caused a crash on S Mt. Juliet Road Friday afternoon. In addition to driving on a revoked license, the 37-year-old Nashville man was wanted in Nashville for theft, authorities said. Then, on Saturday, May 17, MJPD reported an attentive officer spotted a Jeep Patriot on Pleasant Grove Road with a temporary tag that not only expired in 2022, but also belonged to a Chrysler 300. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com After stopping the vehicle, law enforcement said they discovered the 38-year-old Nashville man behind the wheel had active warrants out of Robertson County for driving under the influence and driving on a revoked license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Great work by our team in keeping another wanted individual off the streets and our community safe, the department wrote on social media after Saturday mornings incident. No additional details have been released about these three incidents, including the identities of the wanted individuals. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Costco's biggest food recalls have involved everything from frozen produce to shelled nuts. While some of the big-box retailer's recalls were completely voluntary and enacted out of precaution, others occurred as a result of more serious issues. As a large wholesale retailer with an abundance of food and drink products, Costco is bound to recall items on occasion. In order to keep consumer trust high, it's important to keep recalls transparent and act quickly. Fortunately, Costco has a history of acting diligently. This vigilant conduct is crucial when handling canned goods. Despite generally being an extremely safe, long-lasting food, tinned goods may harbor harmful bacteria like Clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism, a rare but potentially fatal illness. Bloated, dented, or leaky cans are clear signs of a can that may contain dangerous bacteria. Though it's wise to stay independently informed of potential mishaps, Costco monitors recall notices from its suppliers and the FDA. Once a recall is confirmed, Costco contacts members directly, typically via text messages. From beans to coffee, here are Costco's most notable canned food and drink recalls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 15 Grocery Store Canned Tuna Brands Ranked Worst To Best Genova Tuna Can of Genova yellowfin tuna in olive oil - Kosoff/Shutterstock Though Costco's canned tuna is a great lunchtime staple, meal time was cut short in February 2025 when Tri-Union Seafoods initiated a voluntary recall of various canned tuna products under its Genova brand. The issue concerned the company's "easy open" canned goods, which allow consumers to pull cans open without a traditional can opener. The defect first came to light when one of Genova's suppliers noted a manufacturing error that compromised the can's integrity, thus increasing the risk of leaks, spoilage, or more seriously, Clostridium botulinum. The recall included 5- and 7-ounce cans, with "Best if Used By" dates ranging from December 2027 to January 2028. The 7-ounce cans, sold in packs of six, specifically affected Costco stock. These cans bore the universal product code 4800063267 and expiry dates of January 21, 23, and 27 of 2028. Customers were advised to dispose of the product or return the cans to the point of purchase for a full refund. The recall was geographically limited but affected Costco warehouses in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Puerto Rico. Genova reported on its website that the recall was done "out of an abundance of caution," and though no illnesses were reported post-recall, the incident did make our list of the the biggest tuna recalls in U.S. history. O Organics And S&W Organic Black And Chili Beans Can of S&W organic black beans against wooden background - Kyle Oster/Shutterstock In April 2021, Faribault Foods Inc. initiated a voluntary recall of its 15-ounce cans of O Organics organic black beans, O Organics organic chili beans, and S&W organic black beans, the latter of which was available in 8-packs at Costco warehouses nationwide. The company believed the cans' metal seals might have been jeopardized, running the risk of Clostridium botulinum contamination. The affected cans were distributed between February and April 2021. The bean manufacturer also shared the cans' lot numbers, as well as their expiration dates, which ranged from January 31 to February 4, 2023. They advised consumers to return the cans to the point of purchase in order to receive a refund or replacement and to avoid potential illness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than a month later, Faribault Foods Inc. significantly expanded its recall of its S&W organic black beans cans, citing distribution dates ranging from August 2020 to April 2021, with "best by" dates extending as far back as July 2022. The recalled beans were distributed to Costco warehouses across 11 states Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington making it one of the biggest canned vegetable recalls in history. Users on Reddit shared that Costco notified them about the incident, though the recall left some shoppers feeling wary. One user commented, "All kinds of recalls coming from Costco lately. What ... is going on?" Another user countered, "Lots of recalls everywhere all the time. Costco just notifies members of the issues." Kirkland Signature Colombian Cold Brew Coffee 12-pack of Kirkland Signature cold brew cans - Costco In March 2023, Costco supplier Berner Foods Inc., otherwise known as Berner Food & Beverage, initiated a significant recall of its Kirkland Signature Colombian Cold Brew Coffee due to the potential presence of metal fragments. The sizable recall affected approximately 231,071 cases, adding up to a whopping 2.77 million cans and resulting in one of the biggest coffee recalls in history. These cans were distributed across 13 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Texas, Utah, and Washington. The affected cases had "best by" dates ranging from October 19 to 27, 2023. The FDA categorized the recall as Class II, indicating potential health risks to consumers. Costco recommended shoppers return the canned coffee to their local warehouse for a full refund. The cold brew cans were sold under the Kirkland Signature label exclusively at Costco, making the recall especially impactful to the warehouse chain. Though Costco promptly removed the cans from shelves, as of May 2025, the cans are still available from the warehouse chain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Users on Reddit wondered about the size of the metal pieces and whether or not it was possible to ingest a small amount of metal without noticing. In a letter to affected consumers, Berner Food & Beverage assured Costco shoppers that the likelihood of receiving an impacted can was extremely low. The statement went on to explain, "Due to the bolt size, you would have heard the bolt inside the can. The likelihood of the bolt falling out of the opening of the can while drinking is slim (requires shaking to get the bolt out) and you would have felt it in your mouth." Thrive Life And Nutristore Baking Powder Glass bowl and wooden spoon filled with baking powder - Luis Echeverri Urrea/Shutterstock In May 2020, Costco issued a recall for Thrive Life baking powder and Nutristore baking powder due to instability within the cans. In separate letters to customers, Nutristore and Thrive Life shared, "It has come to our attention that over time a reaction may take place in our baking powder product which may cause cans to expand or bulge and increase the risk of sudden release of the powder when the can is opened and could pose the risk of injury." Both letters went on to describe a few instances in which added pressure caused a can's lid to suddenly release, triggering the voluntary recall. The recall affected 96-ounce containers of the baking powder cans, which were discontinued in August 2015. Though the letters emphasized that there was no consumption risk with the product, the companies strongly recommended throwing the cans away, preferably in an outdoor trash can with a lid in order to proceed with utmost caution. The recall only affected unopened containers, as open cans were no longer pressurized. Though most cans had already passed their five-year expiration date, Costco promised $10 gift cards regardless of expiry period, as long as shoppers properly disposed of their unopened cans. Read the original article on Mashed. Multiple people are dead after an apparent murder-suicide early Sunday morning, the sheriffs office confirmed. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Just before 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, the Tattnall County Sheriffs Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation were at the scene of an apparent murder-suicide on Baxter Durrence Road, just outside of Glennville. According to the TCSO, four people, two Hispanic males and two Hispanic females, including the suspected shooter, were found dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims have been identified as: Veronica Quevedo Torres, 51 Leslie Johana Marrufo Torres, 24 Edilberto Eddie Marin-Torres, 18 Octavia Chihuahua Castro, 42 The GBI said Castro was found with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officials said three more residents, including a six-month-old baby, were found at the home and were not injured. TRENDING STORIES: Authorities said there is no active threat to the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No word on a motive. Officials are working to learn the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities did not say if the victims and the suspected shooter knew each other. Please keep the families involved in your thoughts during this difficult time the sheriffs office said. The bodies will be taken to the GBI Medical Examiners Office in Pooler for autopsies. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Thanks for checking out this web extra. We didnt have time to bring you all of the panel discussion on 4 the Record. This part of the conversation focuses on the prospects of JB Pritzker serving a third term as Illinois governor. Governor JB Pritzker has yet to decide whether he will run for a third term in office. He gets a lot of attention as a possible presidential candidate in 2028 and recently made a trip to New Hampshire where he gave the keynote speech at a party fundraiser. Its fairly rare for governors to serve three terms. Pritzker conceded to CNN that third terms historically dont go well when they happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Host Jim Niedelman brings back Elesha Gayman and Kurt Whalen to discuss. I do think its interesting that hes acknowledging that it could potentially be some obstacles, Gayman said. JB Pritzker holding any office is incredibly risky, Whalen said. To hear more, click on the video. Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and public affairs program focused on the issues important to you. Its a program unlike any other here in the Quad Cities. Tune in each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as Jim Niedelman brings you up to speed on whats happening in the political arena, from Springfield, Des Moines, Washington, D.C. and right here at home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The 4Warn Storm Team is keeping an eye on severe weather into the state over the weekend. According to KFOR Meteorologist Emily Sutton, there is a marginal risk of severe storms in the Oklahoma City metro on Saturday and a slight risk in southeastern parts of the state. The storms are expected to continue Sunday and Monday with all modes of severe weather possible. 4Warn Storm Chaser Aric Dickson spots a brief spin-up near I-35 and Pauls Valley at around 5:15 p.m. Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can find a live blog below with updates: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. MANSFIELD, Mass. (WPRI) Five people were rushed to the hospital after a crash involving multiple vehicles happened early Sunday morning on I-95 South in Mansfield. Massachusetts State Police said they were called around 1:30 a.m. for reports of a disabled vehicle in the middle lane. When troopers got there, they found six cars in the center lane, with one rolled over, according to state police. All of the lanes were reopened by 3:15 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NEXT: 16-year-old arrested in Fall River shooting Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Two helicopters collided midair near an airport on May 17, leaving no survivors There were a total of five people on board the helicopters, which were registered outside of Finland and traveling from Estonia The investigation into the collision is ongoing, and it could take up to a year, authorities said Multiple people are dead after two helicopters collided and crashed near an airport, leaving no survivors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A total of five people died in the incident which took place in Kauttua, Eura, near the Eura Airport in southwestern Finland on Saturday, May 17, according to an official news release from Finlands National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). According to flight plans, there were two people on board one of the helicopters and three in the other, Finnish police said. Both aircraft were destroyed in the collision and subsequent crash. An emergency call reported the collision to police at around 12:35 p.m. local time, and first responders arrived quickly at the scene of the accident, according to the NBI. All five passengers were pronounced dead at the scene, authorities later revealed in a press conference held on Sunday, May 18, per Estonian Public Broadcasting. The NBI did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Sunday, May 18. PETRI HAKOSALO/Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Authorities at the site of the May 17 helicopter crash that killed five people in Finland Authorities at the site of the May 17 helicopter crash that killed five people in Finland The crash site, a wooded area, has since been isolated, police said, adding that the helicopters were located a little over 300 feet apart from each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both helicopters involved in the crash were civil and registered outside of Finland, police said. They were traveling from Tallinn, Estonia, to Piikajarvi in Kokemaki, according to the NBI. (The Piikajarvi Airport is located about 9.3 miles from the Eura Airport.) Finnish and Estonian authorities are now working closely together in response to the accident, Johannes Siirila, detective chief inspector of the NBI, said in an official statement. The NBI is also cooperating with the Southwestern Finland Police Department on the investigation, the bureau said. Police are currently investigating the details of the helicopters and the crash itself. The Safety Investigation Authority is also conducting its own investigation at the crash site, per the NBI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NBIs Robin Lardot said that the investigation is currently focused on the distance maintained between the two aircraft, as well as their altitude at the moment of the fatal May 17 collision, Estonian Public Broadcasting reported. PETRI HAKOSALO/Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Authorities at the site of the May 17 helicopter crash that killed five people in Finland Authorities at the site of the May 17 helicopter crash that killed five people in Finland What is left of the two helicopters which were revealed to be Robinson R-44 models have been sent to the city of Turku for investigation, according to the Estonia outlet. Autopsies of the five victims will also take place in the Finnish city. 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 Finnish authorities declined to comment on the identities of the deceased, Estonian Public Broadcasting identified three of the crash victims as businessmen Oleg Sonajalg and couple Priit and Lilit Jaagant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the cause of the crash, Tiina Bieber with the Finnish Safety Investigation Authority said investigators cannot say whether it was human error or malfunction, per Estonian Public Broadcasting. Bieber also said that the investigation could take nine months to a year. Read the original article on People CAPE KENNEDY, Fla. (WHNT) 56 years ago today, the Apollo 10 dress rehearsal mission launched into space to set up the Apollo 11 moon landing mission a month later. Apollo 10 launched from Cape Kennedy on May 18, 1969. This flight was the first flight of a complete crewed Apollo spacecraft to operate around the moon, NASA said. Objectives included a scheduled eight-hour lunar orbit of the separated lunar module, or LM, and descent to about nine miles off the moons surface before ascending for rendezvous and docking with the command and service module, or CSM, in about a 70-mile circular lunar orbit. Pertinent data to be gathered in this landing rehearsal dealt with the lunar potential, or gravitational effect, to refine the Earth-based crewed spaceflight network tracking techniques, and to check out LM programmed trajectories and radar, and lunar flight control systems. Twelve television transmissions to Earth were planned. All mission objectives were achieved, NASA said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Below are pictures from the Apollo 10 dress rehearsal mission, provided by NASA. Teams lift the first stage of the Apollo 10 Saturn V rocket by crane inside High Bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Dec. 3, 1968, in preparation for stacking on the mobile launcher. The 138-foot-long stage generated 7.5 million pounds of thrust when it launched Apollo 10 astronauts Thomas P. Stafford, John W. Young, and Eugene A. Cernan. The mission launched on May 18, 1969, and was the first flight of a complete, crewed Apollo spacecraft to operate around the Moon. (Credit: NASA) S69-32613 (April 1969) The prime crew of the Apollo 10 lunar orbit mission sits for a photograph while at the Kennedy Space Center for preflight training. Left to right are astronauts Eugene A. Cernan, lunar module pilot; Thomas P. Stafford, commander; and John W. Young, command module pilot. (Credit: NASA) S69-34328 (17 May 1969) Ground level view of the 363-feet tall Apollo 10 (Spacecraft 106/Lunar Module 4/Saturn 505) space vehicle on Pad B, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center. The Apollo 10 crew will be astronauts Thomas P. Stafford, commander; John W. Young, command module pilot; and Eugene A. Cernan, lunar module pilot. (Credit: NASA) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Astronaut Gordon Coopers secretary, Jamie Flowers, holding Snoopy plush figure, as astronaut Tom Stafford ( followed by astronauts John Young and Gene Cernan ) walks to elevator from crew quarters in MSOB, on May 18, 1969. (Credit: NASA) S69-34327 (13 May 1969) Aerial, high-angle, view of the Apollo 10 (Spacecraft 106/Lunar Module 4/Saturn 505) space vehicle at Pad B, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The crew of the Apollo 10 lunar orbit mission will be astronauts Thomas P. Stafford, commander; John W. Young, command module pilot; and Eugene A. Cernan, lunar module pilot. (Credit: NASA) The Apollo 10 (Spacecraft 106/Lunar Module 4/Saturn 505) space vehicle with crew members Eugene Cernan, John Young and Thomas Stafford on board is launched from Pad B, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center at 12:49 p.m., May 18, 1969. (Credit: NASA) After dropping down to 47,400 feet above the moons surface, Thomas Stafford and Eugene Cernan aboard the ascent stage of Apollo 10 lunar module, return to John Young in the command module on May 22, 1969. (Credit: NASA) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Apollo 10 command module with John Young aboard, named Charlie Brown, is seen from the lunar module Snoopy with crew members Thomas Stafford and Eugene Cernan aboard, after separation in lunar orbit. (Credit: NASA) A view of Earth from 36,000 nautical miles away as photographed from the Apollo 10 spacecraft during its trans-lunar journey toward the moon. The crew members on Apollo 10 are astronauts Thomas P. Stafford, commander; John W. Young, command module pilot; and Eugene Cernan, lunar module pilot. (Credit: NASA) S69-36593 (26 May 1969) The Apollo 10 astronauts Thomas P. Stafford (center), John W. Young (left) and Eugene A. Cernan (waving) are greeted by Donald E. Stullken (lower left) of the Manned Space Centers (MSC) recovery operations team. The Apollo 10 crew splashed down in the South Pacific recovery area to conclude a successful eight-day lunar orbit mission. Splashdown occurred at 11:53 a.m. (CDT), May 26, 1969, about 400 miles east of American Samoa and about four miles from the prime recovery ship, USS Princeton. (Credit: NASA) The crew for this flight included Commander Thomas P. Stafford, Lunar Module Pilot Eugene A. Cernan and Command Module Pilot John W. Young. About Stafford Stafford was selected among the second group of astronauts to participate in the Projects Gemini and Apollo. He has flown on four space missions, logging a total of 507 hours and 43 minutes in space. He has flown over 127 different types of aircraft and helicopters and four different types of spacecraft. He was selected to be a NASA astronaut in September 1962. General Stafford was cited in the Guinness Book of World Records for the highest speed ever attained by man, which occurred during Apollo 10 reentry when the spacecraft attained 24,791 statute miles per hour. About Cernan Cernan flew on three missions over his NASA career: Gemini 9A, Apollo 10 and Apollo 17. Cernan was also named as the backup spacecraft commander for Apollo 14. He logged 566 hours and 15 minutes in space, of which more than 73 hours were spent on the surface of the Moon. Cernan was a Captain in the U.S. Navy and was also selected to be a NASA astronaut in October 1963. About Young Young is the first person to fly in space six times from Earth, and seven times counting his lunar liftoff. He flew on Gemini 3, Gemini 10, Apollo 10, Apollo 16, the first flight of the Space Shuttle (STS-1) and was the Spacecraft Commander of STS-9. He has logged more than 15,275 hours flying time in props, jets, helicopters, rocket jets, more than 9,200 hours in T-38s, and six space flights of 835 hours. He was selected as a NASA astronaut in September 1962. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rocket that took the three men into space was a Saturn V, designed at the Marshall Space Flight Center here in Huntsville. In addition to the design of the rocket being Huntsville-made, the Instrument Unit was also made here in Huntsville by IBM at the Space Systems Center. For this mission, the rocket sent the lunar lander to the moon. People would not land on the moon until the Apollo 11 mission, one month after the Apollo 10 mission. The payloads for this mission were the CSM-106, named Charlie Brown, and the LM-4, named Snoopy. Highlights of the Apollo 10 mission The first live color TV transmissions to Earth began three hours after launch when Apollo 10 was 3,570 miles from Earth and concluded when the spacecraft was 9,428 miles away. Only one of four midcourse corrections was needed. Stafford and Cernan entered Snoopy and prepared for the undocking maneuver on the 12th revolution, a little more than 98 hours into the flight. At about 100 hours into the mission, on May 22, the vehicles separated and briefly flew a station-keeping lunar orbit of 66.7 by 71.5 miles. To achieve a simulation of the future Apollo 11 landing, the Snoopy descent engine fired for 27.4 seconds, with 10 percent thrust for the first 15 seconds and 40 percent thrust for the rest. Snoopy flew over Landing Site 2 in the Sea of Tranquility. During this run, the Snoopy landing radar was tested for altitude functioning, providing both high gate and low gate data. With Young in Charlie Brown taking on an active rendezvous role, the vehicles were re-docked on May 23, slightly more than 106 hours into the mission. The Snoopy ascent stage jettisoned and its engine fired to depletion. On the 31st orbit, the SPS restarted. Apollo 10 was on the back side of the moon when it was injected into a trans-Earth trajectory. After a midcourse correction and command and service module separation, Apollo 10 re-entered Earths atmosphere on May 26. Apollo 10 completed a flight of 192 hours, three minutes, 23 seconds one minute, 24 seconds longer than planned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The astronauts splashed down in the Pacific Ocean around 12:52 p.m. Eastern and were recovered onto the USS Princeton. You can learn more about the Apollo 10 dress rehearsal mission 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 WHNT.com. 6 Mississippi tales of triumph in the face of natures odds Stories by Biloxi SunHerald journalists, with AI summarization Mississippis outdoors enthusiasts have battled wild weather, tough odds, and long waits to achieve amazing feats. Emma Claire Starkeys relentless pursuit of a 150-class buck named Kicker finally paid off after two years. Jacob Moscos trophy velvet buck came thanks to smart scent-control tactics and the bad luck of Hurricane Francine. Susannah Stewarts rainy morning gamble landed her family their long-sought "Bag Buck." On open waters, Easton Barrett and friends survived a harrowing boat sinking off the Biloxi coast, clinging to coolers for hours before rescue. Each story highlights the grit and resilience needed to overcome natures challenges. The United States Coast Guard rescued Easton Barrett, pictured fifth from left, and four friends on Saturday after their boat sank and currents carried them to waters off of Dauphin Island, Alabama. NO. 1: WHAT DO WE DO? BILOXI MAN RECOUNTS HARROWING HOURS AFTER BOAT SANK WITH 5 ON BOARD The man took a video on his phone for his family. Soon, it earned him millions of views on TikTok. | Published May 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Martha Sanchez Jacob Mosco of Cleveland had an unusual chance to hunt due to Hurricane Francine and it produced a giant buck in full velvet. By Jack Westerfield NO. 2: MISSISSIPPI HUNTER BAG A TROPHY BUCK IN VELVET. PATIENCE & HURRICANE FRANCINE HELPED HIM I thought I was about to black out I was so nervous. He was right out from under me. It was 10 yards at the most. | Published October 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Brian Broom Emma Claire Starkey, 16, of Eudora, harvested a buck scoring 156 1/2 after hunting him for two seasons. By Jordan Starkey NO. 3: AFTER TWO YEARS, SHE FINALLY GOT HIM. HOW MS TEEN BAGGED GINORMOUS 150-CLASS TROPHY BUCK I thank Jesus for this day and experience constantly, young hunter says of harvesting buck that was bigger than he was in pictures. | Published November 16, 2024 | Read Full Story by Brian Broom Susannah Stewart of Raymond harvested this 140-class buck after she, and other members of her family, hunted him for three seasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NO. 4: ONE FAMILYS YEARS OF CHASING ENDS WHEN MS HUNTER BAGS INCREDIBLE BUCK WITH 300-YARD SHOT Despite miserable weather, Raymond hunter harvests 140-class buck. | Published January 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brian Broom Workers shuck oysters at Crystal Seas, an oyster processing facility in Pass Christian, on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. By Hannah Ruhoff NO. 5: SOUTH MISSISSIPPI FISHERMEN FEEL FORGOTTEN AS OYSTER TASK FORCE LOSES INFLUENCE STATEWIDE Group was once a vital platform where oyster fishermen, environmental groups and policymakers collaborated to guide decisions. | Published January 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Justin Glowacki Glace Rone of Kosciusko bagged this rare turkey on March 15, 2025. NO. 6: MISSISSIPPI HUNTER BEATS THE ODDS TO BAG TURKEY SO RARE THERES NO EXACT NUMBERS Its like hunting a unicorn, Kosciusko hunter said of the incredible gobbler he harvested. | Published March 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brian Broom 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. TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) Israel has retrieved thousands of items belonging to the countrys most famous spy after a covert operation in Syria. On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared some of the 2,500 items from the Syrian archive relating to Eli Cohen, an Israeli spy who infiltrated the political echelon in Syria, with Cohens widow. Sunday marked 60 years since Cohen was hanged in a square in Damascus. The items recently spirited into Israel include documents, recordings, photos, and items collected by Syrian intelligence after his capture in January 1965, letters in his own handwriting to his family in Israel, photographs of his activity during his operational mission in Syria and personal objects that were taken from his home after his capture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suitcases of items brought to Israel included worn folders stuffed with handwritten notes, keys to his apartment in Damascus, passports and false identification documents, missions from the Mossad to surveil specific people and places, and documentation of all the efforts of his widow, Nadia Cohen, begging world leaders for his release from prison. Cohens success in Syria was one of the Mossad spy agencys first major achievements, and the top-secret intelligence he obtained is widely credited with helping Israel prepare for its swift victory in the 1967 Middle East War. Eli Cohen managed to forge close contacts within the political and military hierarchy of Israels archenemy in the early 1960s, ultimately rising to become a top adviser to Syrias defense minister. In 1965, Cohen was caught radioing information to Israel. He was tried and hanged in a Damascus square on May 18, 1965. His remains have yet to be returned to Israel, where he is regarded as a national hero. In 2019, actor Sacha Baron Cohen portrayed Eli Cohen (no relation) in a six-episode Netflix series called The Spy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We conducted a special operation by the Mossad, by the State of Israel, to bring his (Eli Cohens) archive, which had been in the safes of the Syrian intelligence for 60 years, Netanyahu told Nadia Cohen on Sunday in Jerusalem. Ahead of viewing the items, Nadia Cohen told Netanyahu that the most important thing was to bring back Cohens body. Netanyahu said Israel was continuing to work on locating Cohens body. Last week, Israel recovered the body of an Israeli soldier from Syria who had been missing for more than four decades, after he was killed during a clash with Syrian forces in Lebanon in 1982. Eli is an Israeli legend. Hes the greatest agent Israeli intelligence has had in the years the state existed. There was no one like him, Netanyahu said. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) May has shaped up to be a wind-filled month and the Borderland region is not done yet with seeing dusty afternoons. For Saturday night, El Paso is looking at a low near 64 with winds decreasing to 10-15 mph after midnight. Gusts will still be in the lower 30s range along with partly cloudy skies. On Sunday, the day will begin sunny but as wind speeds gain strength, much of the area will experience hazy, dusty conditions in the afternoon. A high near 92 is expected along with gusts near 40 mph. Temperatures will drop near 62 overnight and wind speeds will decrease to 15-20 mph after midnight. Gusts will still be near 40 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch for Monday due to the strong winds the area will see for the start of the workweek. Along with a high near 87, blowing dust will pick up in the afternoon with winds blowing 20-25 mph, and gusts reaching speeds near 40 mph. Overnight, conditions will clear up as the temperature drops to the upper 50s and wind gusts reduce to the lower 30s range. The rest of the week is on the calmer end, with lighter winds expected on Tuesday. The day will be sunny with a high near 86 and a low around 62. Winds will come from the north around 5-10 mph, becoming west around noon. Wednesday is shaping up to have similar, but warmer conditions high near 92 and low around 66 along with mostly sunny skies. Calm winds will blow in the 5-10 mph range. Thursday forward, El Paso is heating up on its way to the first possible 100 degree high of the year. A high in the upper 90s will begin the hot streak with a low near 68. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friday through Sunday, the highs can potentially hit and even go slightly higher than 100. Lows will be in the upper 60s to lower 70s range with sunny to mostly sunny skies. Be sure to stay hydrated on these days and wear sunscreen if youre heading outdoors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Its been nearly two months since we first told you about the backlash Gulf World Marine Park is facing due to growing concerns over their treatment of the animals. On Saturday, a second protest was held in partnership with Empty the Tanks. Empty the Tanks is a worldwide nonprofit dedicated to the protection of marine animals in captivity. Members of the organization held protests across the globe last Saturday, but Panama City Beachs event was rescheduled for today due to weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FDEP conducts search warrant on Gulf World Marine Park and Marine Institute In the past year, Gulf World has had four dolphins die and has removed all their sea lions and seals from the property. They are under investigation by several state agencies, including Florida Fish and Wildlife and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection but those investigations remain active. A local animal activist says its important to keep the movement alive for the sake of the animals still in their custody. We have reached out to the dolphin company and Gulf World, but have not received a response. The company is still undergoing bankruptcy hearings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. May 17After almost two months in her role as Freeborn County's new administrator, Melanie Aeschliman has hit the ground running and says she is excited to continue to work through the challenges facing the county. The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners hired Aeschliman to fill the vacancy left when former Administrator Ryan Rasmusson resigned in October for a new opportunity. She comes to Freeborn County after working as administrator for the city of Blooming Prairie and also working in a few different positions with assessments in North Dakota and Alaska. Aeschliman lives in Waseca and drives to Albert Lea for the position, though she noted she may eventually look to move to the county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When she arrived in Freeborn County, she said she felt there was a disconnect between the Board of Commissioners and the staff, so she felt it was important to meet with all of the department heads and the board to better understand needs for the departments. She said she has also worked on helping all of them understand that there needs to be a give-and-take. She also noted the high turnover in some of the departments, which she said is never good for those departments or for the county as a whole. With the vacancy in the assessor role, she said another one of her tasks and priorities has been communicating with the state and keeping them apprised of efforts the county is taking to fill the position. She thanked the staff in the assessor's office, who have stepped up to cover the vacancy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aeschliman said Minnesota has strict requirements about qualifications for assessors, and while the county has had some quality candidates apply with years of service and internationally recognized courses, they did not meet the state criteria. It is also challenging to recruit someone from the Twin Cities because of the local pay scales. The state has given the county multiple extensions to fill the position. Aside from these tasks, in the coming months, Aeschliman said she hopes to focus on updating county policy and flushing out some of the problematic policies, particularly regarding new laws in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also pointed to clearing up policy regarding the county's core hours, depending on department, which she hopes will clear up a lot of uncertainty for staff. "I don't think policy has been at the forefront here in our mindset," she said. She also hopes to bring some training regarding workplace environment, develop more unified documentation for resolutions and begin connecting more with leaders from the city of Albert Lea and the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency. "I will say from day one, though, we've been hitting the ground running," Aeschliman said. "I've really been booked up." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She looks forward to going out and learning about other needs in the community. She also hopes to implement new budgeting software to ease the transparency and understanding during the budget process. "I knew there was challenges coming in," Aeschliman said. "They shared that in the interview process. I'm a person who likes challenges. It's been fun and I'm excited to help put those challenges back in perspective and we can get going in the right direction." She reminded residents that she has the best interest of the taxpayers in mind. She also pointed out that despite the upheaval in the Assessor's Office, the state's review of appraisals recently came back positive, which analyzes sales and other numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the county will soon be looking at a more in-depth commercial reappraisal. As she continues forward in her role, Aeschliman also continues to work through classes to obtain her doctorate. She said education is important to her, and she will continue to encourage staff to continue their education, as well, balancing all of their responsibilities and continuing to keep maintaining services as the top priority. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to be here," she said. An air-raid warning was in effect for 8 hours and 54 minutes in Kyiv as a result of a Russian attack on the night of 17-18 May. Source: Kyiv City Military Administration on Telegram Details: The attack caused damage to windows in an apartment within a residential building in the Solomianskyi district. The roof of a non-residential building was also damaged in the Holosiivskyi district. No casualties were reported in the capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: Russian forces attacked the Obukhiv district of Kyiv Oblast on the night of 17-18 May, killing a woman and injuring three people, including a child. Residential buildings were damaged. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! High-ranking members of designated terrorist groups in the U.S. are among those who pay Elon Musk for X subscriptions, a study has found. Included in the group are an Al-Qaeda advisor, one of the founders of Hezbollah, the leader of a militia group in Iraq known to attack American troops, and a top official with the Houthi rebels, according to the investigation by the Tech Transparency Project. The Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) enforces regulations that forbid American companies from taking part in transactions with people or entities the U.S. government has sanctioned unless licensed or authorized by the government. Xs policies say that its premium benefits cannot be used by users who are under OFAC sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the Tech Transparency Project found several terrorists and others under sanctions who have premium blue checkmark accounts on X. A number of these accounts also had a badge stating that they had been ID verified, which means that X has confirmed their identity after they sent in a government-issued ID and a selfie to the social media platform. Multiple users used money-generating features put forward by X, such as a button to receive tips. In February last year, the Tech Transparency Project initially raised questions regarding sanctioned groups' use of premium services on X. Just hours after the initial report was released, X removed checkmarks from all the accounts cited in the report and subsequently suspended many of those accounts. The X Safety account said in a post the same day, directly responding to the report, that the platform has a robust and secure approach in place for our monetization features, adhering to legal obligations, along with independent screening by our payments providers. Elon Musk has said that any company uses controls to make sure payments dont end up in the wrong hands (Reuters) Several of the accounts listed in the Tech Transparency Report are not directly named on sanction lists, while some others may have visible account check marks without receiving any services that would be subject to sanctions, they added. Our teams have reviewed the report and will take action if necessary. Were always committed to ensuring that we maintain a safe, secure and compliant platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even so, the new investigation conducted between November 2024 and April 2025 by the Tech Transparency Project found many checkmarks on accounts seemingly held by individuals sanctioned by the U.S. Several appeared to have resubscribed to premium services or created new accounts. The platform, formerly known as Twitter, previously distributed checkmarks to verify notable figures; however, after Musk took over the company, he made it a paid product and encouraged users to buy a premium subscription to access such services. Xs transactions with people sanctioned by the U.S. government come as Musk has been leading President Donald Trumps Department of Government Efficiency to slash the federal workforce. Musk, who has since stepped back from the day-to-day running of DOGE, criticised the Treasury Department in February for not having basic controls to track payments and to make sure they dont end up in the hands of terrorists and other recipients the payments werent intended for. Musk said that such controls are used by any company as he appeared alongside Trump in the Oval Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xs rules state that users must be subscribed to X Premium or Premium+ to get a blue checkmark. At $8 per month or $84 per year, X Premium is significantly cheaper than Premium+, which costs $40 per month or $395 per year. To become a verified organization, you can either choose the Basic option for $200 per month or $2,000 per year, or the Full Access option for $1,000 per month or $10,000 per year. X states that premium accounts can get a checkmark after a review to ensure subscribed accounts meet all eligibility criteria. However, the platform does clarify that users under U.S. sanctions, including OFAC sanctions, cannot use the premium service. Subscribers to the premium service can edit posts, post longer texts, and create communities focused on specific issues. Premium users can also earn a portion of ad revenue and charge subscription fees. The Independent has contacted X for comment. May 17JUNEAU A bill meant to update Alaska's election laws has stalled in a House committee, casting doubt on whether the measure can pass before the end of the session, House leaders said Saturday. Senate Bill 64 is a compilation of voting-related measures that passed the Senate along caucus lines on Monday, giving the House just 10 days' time to parse the 33-page bill before the end-of-session deadline. The legislative session must end on Wednesday. The package includes measures to allow Alaskans to correct mistakes on absentee ballots, a process used in two-thirds of states; it removes the requirement for witness signatures on absentee ballots; it speeds up the ballot counting process; and it streamlines the process of removing ineligible voters from the rolls, among other changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would ensure that the Division of Elections is staffed with rural liaisons, in an effort to address repeat instances in which polling places in rural Alaska do not open due to missing election materials or understaffing. The measure would also require the state to offer prepaid ballot postage for absentee ballots, and allow voters to opt-in to receive absentee ballots every election year, rather than having to request an absentee ballot ahead of every election. If the bill does not pass this year, lawmakers could take it up again when they reconvene in January, but that may make it difficult for the Division of Elections to implement the changes ahead of the 2026 election. Sen. Bill Wielechowski, an Anchorage Democrat who took the lead on crafting the bill, said this was the top issue he worked on this session. "This has been my No. 1 focus," Wielechowski said Saturday. "I've had dozens of meetings on it with everybody all caucuses, the governor's office." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But ultimately, none of the Senate Republican minority members voted in favor of the bill, and in the House Finance Committee, the bill faced question after question about the bill's implications for election security. The bill includes provisions introduced by Gov. Mike Dunleavy earlier this year, but the governor has remained silent on it. The House Finance Committee spent several hours debating the bill on Wednesday and Thursday, before Foster said Friday that he would not take up the bill again in committee before the end of the session. "I'm going to be setting that aside," Foster said during a Friday committee hearing. "We gave it a shot, thinking that we might be able to arrive at some consensus, but we just simply can't do it in the short amount of time that we have, to give it the proper due diligence that we need to get through introduction all the way through passage." Foster later said that minority members had indicated they would introduce up to 100 amendments to the bill, which would take up more than a day's worth of committee work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Jeremy Bynum, a Ketchikan Republican who serves on the Finance Committee, said his questions were not intended to stall the bill, but rather to ensure it received sufficient consideration. The measure is supported by several Alaska groups, including the Alaska Federation of Natives, which sent out a message on Friday urging its members to call lawmakers and push for the bill's passage. Alaska Native voting advocates have long said that the state's voting system does not provide adequate support for voters in the state's rural communities, and many of the fixes they have requested are included in the bill. The reform efforts are motivated in part by a special election conducted in 2022 by mail, in which thousands of absentee ballots were rejected due to deficient witness signatures, impacting rural communities disproportionately. The 2024 election also saw hundreds of absentee ballots rejected, many for lacking a witness signature. This would not be the first time that an omnibus election bill fell apart in the final days of a legislative session. In 2022, a last-minute deal to restore Alaska's campaign finance laws fell through in the last day of the session, tanking with it other pieces of election-related legislation. The following year, a bill to update Alaska's election laws was again introduced but failed to pass both the House and Senate before the 2024 session concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A separate piece of election-related legislation is still poised for consideration in the Senate before the session concludes. House Bill 16, which has already passed the House, would impose campaign contribution limits for state-run elections for the first time since a federal judge in 2021 invalidated the state's previous limits. Wielechowski said some pieces of the election bill could still pass this year, as he works on paring down the measure and selecting the pieces of it that can garner broad support. "This is not going away. It's been a decade in the making," he said. Photo: Justin (Getty Images), Stephen Maturen (Getty Images), Thomas Peter-Pool (Getty Images), Apu Gomes (Getty Images), Justin Sullivan (Getty Images), Win McNamee (Getty Images), Justin Sullivan (Getty Images), Andrew Harnik (Getty Images), Justin Sullivan (Getty Images), Stephen Brashear (Getty Images) Photo: Justin (Getty Images) For many, a Costco (COST) membership is as good as gold. And, for some, a membership means buying gold. Just not too much of it. The retailers gold bars have garnered much attention since their June 2023 launch. And now, the gold has proven so popular that the chain recently placed a one-bar limit on purchases. Read More Photo: Stephen Maturen (Getty Images) UnitedHealth Group (UNH) shares cratered more than 13% Thursday morning after The Wall Street Journal reported that the Department of Justice is conducting a criminal investigation into the companys Medicare billing practices. Read More Photo: Thomas Peter-Pool (Getty Images) If you blinked, you might have missed the president who built his economic agenda on tariffs quietly turning the page on the U.S.-China trade war for now with barely a whisper of the fire and fury that he launched it with barely more than a month ago. No fanfare. No victory parade. Read More Photo: Apu Gomes (Getty Images) Tesla (TSLA) has formed a special committee to review Elon Musks pay, a move that could lead to the creation of a stock option package or another workaround to reward the CEO, whose previous $56 billion compensation deal was struck down in court earlier this year. Read More Photo: Justin Sullivan (Getty Images) Spirit Airlines, long known for its low prices and no-frills airfare, is suddenly leaning into passenger comfort. The airline announced Tuesday that it will begin offering two premium options. They include, perhaps most surprisingly, seating with extra legroom. The new seats will be available on May 15 for flights taking off July 9 and later, and will roll out across the majority of Spirits fleet sometime that month, the company said in a press release. Theyll offer 32 inches of space between seat backs, compared with the usual 28 inches. A ticket will include a carry-on bag, no change or cancel fees, Priority Boarding, reserved overhead bin space, a snack, and a non-alcoholic beverage. Read More Photo: Win McNamee (Getty Images) President Donald Trump said Friday that his administration doesnt have time to negotiate individual trade deals with scores of countries, so the administration will decide what the tariff rates will be over the next two to three weeks. Read More Photo: Justin Sullivan (Getty Images) Walmart (WMT) posted a solid first quarter Thursday with a big in this economy caveat as digital sales, membership fees, and ad revenue all delivered double-digit growth. But after weeks of tariff anxiety, chief financial officer John David Rainey is making headlines with a clear warning: Higher prices are coming if new duties on Chinese goods take effect. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Some may think living the American Dream is a relative term, but one local restaurant owner is making it a reality, and he is thanking NATO for helping to pave the way. You may not recognize Mo Jusufis name, but theres a good chance you know his food. As the owner of both Jimmys Italian Kitchen on Woodman Drive in Kettering and Jimmys Italian Cuisine and Bar on East 5th Street, he has helped feed the Dayton area for years. More on the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring 2025 Session Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Years before that, though, he was a man caught in the midst of war. Im from Kosovo, said Jusufi. And in 1999, NATO came to help my people and my country. So today, enjoy your freedom. Caught in the middle of the Bosnian War more than 30 years ago, Jusufi made a difficult decision and moved to a refugee camp in Amsterdam. It was really hard because, when I left home, I left my mom, my dad, my brother back home, he said. And war was all over the Kosovo. Finally: a breakthrough, thanks to the Dayton Peace Accords in 1995. Was very hard the whole time till we figured out that NATO goes there and they save the people to save the country, said Jusufi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the time he was told he could go home to Kosovo, Jusufi was married with a child, so he and his wife decided to move to the U.S. My wife got the visa, and after a year, I got the visa and came here in Dayton, he said. Once an immigrant who knew no one, Jusufi is now a grateful U.S. citizen. When you wait every morning when police comes knocking on your door or kill somebody and you dont have it, no freedom, youd have very much nothing, he said. And here: You wake up in the morning and you can go at 8 in the morning to work, or you can go 5 in the morning. Nobody bothers you. Just if you want to work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And it is American Dream for me. The NATO Parliamentary Assembly set for later this week will honor the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords, including a performance by the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) says it stands "in solidarity" with Bruce Springsteen as his war of words with Donald Trump wages on. The Boss has long been an outspoken critic of the 45th and 47th President of the United States. But he made headlines with his latest comments about "treasonous" Trump at his show in Manchester, England. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Springsteen, performing with the E Street Band on their Land of Hope and Dreams tour, told the audience at the Co-op Live Arena this week: "The America I love is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration. "Theres some very weird, strange and dangerous shit going on out there right now. In America, they are persecuting people for using their right to free speech and voicing their dissent. This is happening now. "In America, the richest men are taking satisfaction in abandoning the worlds poorest children to sickness and death. This is happening now. "Theyre rolling back historic civil rights legislation that led to a more just and plural society. They are abandoning our great allies and siding with dictators against those struggling for their freedom. They are defunding American universities that wont bow down to their ideological demands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The America lve sung to you about for 50 years is real and regardless of its faults is a great country with a great people. So well survive this moment." Unsurprisingly, Trump did not remain quiet when news of Springsteen's comments reached him. On his Truth Social account, Trump referred to Springsteen as a "dried out prune of a rocker" and said he is "not a talented guy". Seemingly the President's thoughts on the musician's talent have changed, since he has used Springsteen's song Born In The U.S.A on multiple political campaigns in the past. Trump has also been critical of pop megastar Taylor Swift, and his latest outburst against The Boss has led the AFM to release a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The union says: "The AFM will not remain silent as two of our members Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift are singled out and personally attacked by the President of the United States. "Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift are not just brilliant musicians, they are role models and inspirations to millions of people in the United States and across the world. "Musicians have the right to freedom of expression, and we stand in solidarity with all our members." Safe to say that as the Land of Hope and Dreams tour continues, the chances of Springsteen responding to Trump's comments are high. An explosion at American Reproductive Centers in Palm Springs, CA, left one person dead and at least four others injured on the morning of May 17, 2025. The suspect, who was believed deceased at the scene, has been identified by the FBI as Guy Edward Bartkus of California. Authorities are investigating a possible pro-mortalist manifesto. "We are fairly confident that Mr. Bartkus is our primary suspect," said Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBI in Los Angeles, in a May 18 news conference. He said Bartkus had "nihilistic ideations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just before 11 a.m., an unexpected blast came from the parking lot of the American Reproductive Center located on North Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, CA. The explosion damaged several other buildings and claimed the life of one person, injuring five others. The identity of the deceased individual and the possible motive for the attack have not yet been disclosed, according to ABC News. American Reproductive Centers says on its website that it offers a variety of services, including surrogacy, egg freezing, and in vitro fertilization. "This explosion was significant, covering several blocks," Akil Davis, Los Angeles field office assistant director of the FBI, said in a news conference. Davis said the evidence encompassed 250 yards. Davis called the incident one of the largest bombing investigations weve had in Southern California. Davis said authorities are "working to confirm the identity of the deceased," but right now they aren't releasing it "in order to protect the integrity of the investigation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism, he said. "The FBI is investigating it as such." He said the FBI "@PSPD is working in a unified command for an explosion at 1199 North Indian Canyon. The blast appears to be an intentional act of violence, and the blast field extends for blocks with several buildings damaged-some severely," Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said in a statement. The FBI is currently investigating the deadly explosion, searching for other possible bomb plants and threats in nearby areas, though Mills claims the explosion appears to be isolated. Local law enforcement is urging residents to leave the area until safety can be reinstated. ATF members arrive in Palm Springs, Calif., fertility clinic was damaged on Saturday in what the mayor called "an apparent explosion." Reports of a loud boom and images of broken glass and billowing smoke began to be shared on social media around 11 a.m. local time. in American Reproductive Centers on Saturday, May 17, 2025 in Palm Springs, CA. Gina Ferazzi/Getty Images "Asst. Director Davis of the FBI is on scene working closely with PSPD. The agents and officers on scene will make a determination as to who takes the investigative lead. There has been one fatality, the persons identity is not known," the statement said. "If residents find potential evidence, leave it in place and call the non-emergency number. Agents or officers will collect the evidence. Our first priority is to make the scene safe for our community. Thanks for your patience. The incident appears to be isolated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Facebook post, The American Reproductive Centers in Palm Springs wrote that the explosion erupted from a vehicle in the facilitys parking lot near the building. The post also reports that no members of the ARC team were harmed, and our labincluding all eggs, embryos, and reproductive materialsremains fully secure and undamaged. "We. Choose. Hope. This morning, an unexpected and tragic incident occurred outside our Palm Springs facility when a vehicle exploded in the parking lot near our building," the Centers wrote. "We are heartbroken to learn that this event claimed a life and caused injuries, and our deepest condolences go out to the individuals and families affected." According to the Centers, "We are heavily conducting a complete safety inspection and have confirmed that our operations and sensitive medical areas were not impacted by the blast." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our mission has always been to help build families, and in times like these, we are reminded of just how fragile and precious life is. In the face of this tragedy, we remain committed to creating hopebecause we believe that healing begins with community, compassion, and care," the statement added. "Out of every tragedy, there is an opportunity to come together with deeper purpose. While todays events have shaken us all, they also shine a light on the strength of our community, the bravery of our first responders, and the resilience of the families we serve," it adds. North Indian Canyon Drive is home to several other medical facilities serving residents. In their statement, The American Reproductive Centers in Palm Springs said the facility will be up and running again on Monday morning. Related: Britney Spears' Name Dropped at Sean Diddy Combs Trial May 18Residents of the Fairview neighborhood near downtown Anchorage are fighting to protect their access to grocery stores and pharmacies after the historic Carrs on Gambell Street closed this month, leaving an empty, boarded-up building. Many people in the diverse, low-income neighborhood don't own a car, and the closure makes it hard for them to reach other stores outside the neighborhood, said S J. Klein, a board member with the Fairview Community Council. "Pulling the store out really rips the heart out of the neighborhood," Klein said. "So we'd really like to see that site reactivated as a grocery store, even if it's on a smaller scale." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In just one of their efforts, Fairview residents helped convince the Anchorage Assembly to pass a preemptive ordinance that aims to prevent the creation of food deserts in Anchorage, high-poverty areas with limited access to affordable and nutritious food. The measure prevents certain grocery stores that are closing from using restrictive language in sales or lease deals to prevent another grocery store from moving into the same spot. Lower 48 stores, including those owned by Safeway and parent company Albertsons, have used such terms to prevent competition, according to news accounts. "If no one could ever put a store there, that's doing twice as much damage as the store just pulling out," Klein said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sara Osborne, a spokesperson with Carrs-Safeway, did not respond to a question about whether the company would attempt to pursue restrictive language in a future sales agreement. In other steps, the neighborhood has won support from Anchorage leaders for programs to facilitate trips for needy residents to grocery stores and pharmacies in the Midtown Mall area. The plans consist of redirecting a People Mover bus route later in the year, and providing short-term shuttle service for households, following a $75,000 budget revision by the administration of Mayor Suzanne LaFrance. The shuttle will "provide temporary harm reduction so that people from Fairview who maybe don't have access to a vehicle can still get to the grocery store or the pharmacy for their life-sustaining medications," said Daniel Volland, the Assembly's representative for the district that includes Fairview, along with Chair Chris Constant. Volland said he brought the idea forward at the request of Fairview residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LaFrance said in a statement that she's "deeply concerned by the impact of the Carrs closure" on the community of Fairview and the nearby neighborhoods of Government Hill and downtown, which also relied on the store. "People need access to food and medicine, and these neighborhoods have supported this business for decades," she said. "We're talking to Albertsons/Safeway about potential options for the site. And we're doing everything we can to ensure the community has continued access to food and medicine, including rerouting transit." 'A huge blow' The Carrs store on Gambell was built in the 1950s, launching a homegrown Alaska chain that would grow to consist of more than 15 stores. It was later bought by national giants Safeway and then Albertsons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The store at Gambell played a big role in civil rights in Anchorage in the 1960s, hiring the first Black person to work in retail in a public-facing position in the city, after picketing by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The store also survived the disruptive decision by road planners to connect the Seward and Glenn highways through the neighborhood in the 1960s, even as the the highway corridor caused business closures and hurt neighborhood appeal and investment. Carrs-Safeway announced the store's closure last month, giving Fairview residents little time to react. The grocery chain said in a statement the store was "perpetually unable to meet financial expectations." The property is now encircled with a chain-link fence. The 43,000-square-foot building and the lots are on the market for $5 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Resident Kyle Mielke said the announcement "was a huge blow" to his family. He and his wife, Rhianna Murphy, had moved to Fairview only days earlier. They'd intentionally found an affordable apartment near the store so they could walk or bike there. Their old Toyota Prius is an unreliable, "last-ditch" option, he said. Murphy is pregnant with their first baby, a girl. She has gestational diabetes with the pregnancy, so they needed to be near the store's pharmacy, he said. "Being able to get refills as quickly as possible is dire for her and for the baby," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But what was once a six-minute walk now takes 30 to 45 minutes to reach the Carrs in the Midtown Mall, he said. "It's pretty disappointing that something we were relying on got pulled out from under us," he said. Mielke, a member of the municipality's Public Transit Advisory Board, proposed rerouting a People Mover route in Fairview and downtown Route 11 so it also loops into the Midtown Mall area. Bart Rudolph, director of Anchorage's Public Transportation Department, said that's viewed as a long-term solution that the department was already considering. It's looking to implement the rerouting in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As soon as we heard that the Carrs was closing, we started thinking about how we can adjust service," he said. More immediately, Rudolph said, the money the city is providing for a shuttle would pay a third-party entity to drive Fairview residents to the Midtown Mall area, perhaps in a van that makes multiple trips on weekends. "We're trying to find a community partner that has some ties to Fairview, so they already have a sense of what the needs are there," he said. 'A very long mile' Maria and Chris Crawford, who operate a small food pantry in Fairview, said they're hearing "a lot of uncertainty and a lot of stress" from residents who don't have an easy way to make it to the grocery store. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It may be only a mile from the old Carrs location, but that's a very long mile when you are trying to bring groceries back," Maria Crawford said. They launched the pantry last year, privately funding it themselves along with food donations. Now they're looking at creating a voluntary ridesharing network to help residents get to a store if needed, she said. With the Carrs closure, the couple expects to see more people coming to the pantry, which currently operates two days a month out of the Fairview Recreation Center. They provide three days of meals to households, and some chocolate or candy to "lift spirits," she said. "People are wondering how they're going to make this work," she said. "I think that the effects are going to be pretty drastic." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The closing of a grocery store in a low-income neighborhood has many negative consequences, said Tina McKim, a founder of the Birchwood Food Desert Fighters in Bellingham, Washington. The Albertsons store in her Birchwood neighborhood in Washington closed in 2016 after 35 years, she said. "It caused the loss of jobs, the loss of a community gathering space and the loss of access to fresh produce," she said. The store also created "noncompete clauses" to prevent another grocery store from moving in for 20 years, she said. Albertsons removed the restrictions after the state of Washington opened an investigation into them. Fairview resident Harrison Smith said he didn't want to see a restrictive covenant placed on the Gambell site. His research on the topic led him to examples in the Lower 48 of grocery stores like the one that closed in Bellingham using sales or rental agreements to block new grocery stores from moving into the same spot. "The hope was just to prevent a situation to make that impossible," Smith said. "We believe the neighborhood is worth investing in and we continue to want a grocery store." Smith's work was instrumental in the Assembly's decision to pass the ordinance, Assembly Chair Constant said in an interview. The measure passed on a vote of 10-2, just days before the Carrs was closed. Assembly members Keith McCormick, representing South Anchorage and Girdwood, and Scott Myers, representing Eagle River, voted against it. Constant said that some people are concerned that the measure is an "overreach" that limits transactions between private parties. But the ban ensures that certain grocery stores in Anchorage cannot prevent competitors from moving into the same spot, he said. In the case of the Carrs at Gambell, it could help mean that the property continues as a grocery store, if a future store operator wants to move in. "That property has been a grocery asset for the neighborhood for generations, and it has value in that capacity," Constant said. "It has endured long before and probably will long after endure in that function, because that's what the neighborhood use is there," he said. KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) A major community effort on Saturday brought hundreds of volunteers to the Kalamazoo River. Not just to clean it up, but to reconnect with it. Armed with gloves and trash bags, volunteers spent hours collecting debris from the water and riverbanks. Among the items pulled from the river were scrap metal, discarded needles and even a large stuffed animal. The annual event is part of a growing initiative to restore the Kalamazoo River and reestablish it as a shared public resource. It was organized by the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, the Rotary Club of Kalamazoo, LINK Kalamazoo, and several local environmental groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its important because the river is a critical quality of life asset, said Doug McLaughlin, executive director of the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council. Its important for our community. Its important for all of the communities up and down the river and for the region. The event also aimed to highlight decades of environmental recovery along the river. Once heavily polluted, the Kalamazoo River has seen significant improvement in water quality and habitat restoration in recent years, though advocates say there is still a lot more work to be done. Were out here trying to clean up the environment, help the ecosystem and we are looking to activate the river for this community, said Kalamazoo resident Andrew Hopson, who volunteered Saturday morning. Garrett Bruns, another participant, said events like this demonstrate the communitys investment in creating a more livable city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I love living in a city where people can come together with a common goal and really help something that benefits us all, Bruns said. Information on how to get involved is available at kalamazoorivercleanup.org. Last years cleanup brought out about 300 people and removed more than 8,000 pounds of debris. This years final total is still being calculated. Organizers say theyre already planning next years event and hope to expand it further. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. In the first few days after Donald Trumps election in November 2024, purchases of emergency contraceptives spiked, with two companies reporting sales about 1,000 percent higher than the preceding week. Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood reported a 760 percent increase in appointments for IUDs the day after his win. Many Americans are fearful that the incoming administration could further curb reproductive rights, 2.5 years after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion. Today, roughly one-third of states ban the procedure almost entirely or after the first six weeks of pregnancy before many women and girls realize that theyre pregnant. Several nominees for Trumps second administration oppose abortion rights. But some of his allies have suggested that not having children is itself a moral failing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 2019 speech, for example, VP J.D. Vance said that people become more attached to their communities, to their families, to their country because they have children. In 2021, he tweeted that low birth rates have made many elites sociopaths. During a Trump rally in 2024, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said her children are a permanent reminder of whats important and keep me humble. Kamala Harris who has two stepchildren, but no biological children doesnt have anything keeping her humble, Sanders said. Beyond politics, many people hold similar views. People from New York Times columnist Ross Douthat to Pope Francis have described decreasing birth rates as a sign of self-centered cultures. Plenty of childless people want children but cant have them. Other people may not want kids for personal or economic reasons. But advocates for anti-natalism, a relatively new social movement, argue giving birth is immoral. The anti-natalists Ive interviewed push back against the idea that childlessness is selfishness. They believe they are protecting their unborn children, not neglecting them: that childlessness is the ethical choice. Then and now In the 1970s, the word anti-natalism referred to policies designed to reduce a countrys fertility rate, such as the campaign to sterilize millions of men in India during the state of emergency from 1975 to 1977. Such policies were designed to address concerns of overpopulation and poverty, spurred in part by growing environmental awareness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the following decades, niche environmental movements such as the Voluntary Human Extinction Movement were influenced by this trend and encouraged people to stop having children for the sake of the planet. However, anti-natalism first came to denote a moral philosophy in 2006, when two key books were published: The Art of Guillotining Procreators, by Belgian activist Theophile de Giraud, and Better Never to Have Been, by South African philosopher David Benatar. Rather than emphasize the damage new humans cause to the planet, this new anti-natalism emphasizes the harm life brings to the unborn. By not having children, these philosophers argue, people help the unborn avoid the inherent painfulness of life. The unborn cannot experience lifes pleasures, either but as Benatar writes, those who never exist cannot be deprived. Anti-natalism took off among a collection of online communities but reached a broader audience in 2019, when Raphael Samuel, a Mumbai businessman, attempted to sue his parents for giving birth to him without his consent. The stunt sparked public conversation about the ethics of procreation and prompted the formation of the activist group Childfree India. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Various anti-natalist groups have formed across the globe since, including a subreddit with about 230,000 members. Stop Having Kids, founded in the U.S. in March 2021, has hosted demonstrations spanning Canada, Bangladesh, and Poland. That same year, Asagi Hozumi and Yuichi Furuno created Antinatalism Japan and have been holding frequent outreach events in Tokyo since 2023. In early 2024, an Israeli activist named Nimrod Harel planned a European tour to promote anti-natalism in more than 30 cities. Stake in the future Criticism of anti-natalists comes in many different flavors. Most frequently, however, anti-natalists complain that they are called selfish: that critics assume they are prioritizing their own freedom over raising the next generation. I never understood people who say not having children is selfish, one anti-natalist wrote in their community group chat. Name me one reason you are (having children) for the childs sake. Deciding not to have children can be motivated by a desire for freedom and self-actualization, but it doesnt have to be. Often, among the anti-natalist online communities I study, the point of not having children is precisely to protect them. Shyama, an anti-natalist from Bengaluru, India, used to teach low-income children. After witnessing the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on her students, she hopes to pivot toward a career in mental health research for children and adolescents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She speaks about her own children, but only in hypothetical terms, having vowed not to have kids. When she reads about bad news, she feels relieved that her children never have to suffer like that. She refuses birth for their sake. When her friends accused her of challenging other peoples right to have a child, she told me that this was less unfair than bringing another life into this world and imposing an entire lifetime of inevitable suffering on it. Some critics respond that having children gives parents a stake in the future. Philosopher Samuel Scheffler, for instance, argues that having children personalizes the future, anchoring parents to a community that extends beyond their own lifetimes. Anti-natalists, however, refuse to equate children with a stake in the future. Anugraha Kumar, a Marxist anti-natalist, told me that most leaders within the Communist Party of India are childless. Without needing to support a family, they are free to fight for a better future. Secularizing birth Throughout history, catastrophic events have provoked reflection about the ethics of reproduction. After the Holocaust and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Jewish and Japanese writers documented some survivors apprehensions about giving birth. According to anthropologist Jade Sasser, anxieties about climate change, the economy and political turmoil have fueled current questions about whether to have a family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But I have argued that this narrative downplays deeper shifts in how many modern societies understand birth. Traditionally, birth was often considered entwined with religion: something predestined, or even shaped by divine intervention. In many of the societies where anti-natalist groups have formed, however, parents have far more control over whether to give birth, when and to whom and birth is viewed in a more secular way. Birth is less often viewed as part of divine order but often likened to a lottery: a game of chance where parents roll the die and their children suffer the consequences. Japanese anti-natalists, for example, sometimes compare their birth to gachapon: vending machines that spit out a toy at random each time someone inserts money. Parents choose to spin the wheel of life, an anti-natalist from Philadelphia told me, without knowing what kind of life they will create. Without a way to acquire consent from the unborn, he added, This is not a risk that is ours to take. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The post What Is Anti-Natalism? The Controversial Movement Against Having Children appeared first on Katie Couric Media. Armenia and Azerbaijans leaders held a brief discussion in Tirana on Friday during the European Political Community Summit. The Armenian government then issued a statement saying that both sides underlined the need for continued progress towards signing the peace agreement between the two countries. The parties mutually emphasised the importance of finalising the text of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement. They discussed the current situation and underlined the need for continued progress toward signing, the Armenian government press release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A video from the EPC summit shows Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressing Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev in the corridors of the EPC summit in what appears to be an impromptu encounter. In the video, Pashinyan says, Lets go have a coffee, to which Aliyev replies, Ill come by after the talks. Another video shows the two leaders having a seated conversation afterwards, surrounded by officials from both countries. The meeting signals a continuing momentum after the two South Caucasus rival neighbours announced in March that they had finalised the text of a historic peace agreement to end decades of war over the Karabakh region. The timeline for the conclusion of the agreement and its signing by both countries remains to be defined. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The Oregon Council for the Humanities doing business as Oregon Humanities has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Government Efficiency, claiming that when DOGE gutted the National Endowment for the Humanities they did so with no reasoned analysis and with total disregard for the Congressionally mandated role of councils: To ensure that humanities programs reach every part of the United States. According to a complaint filed on May 15, the National Endowment for the Humanities helps to fund humanities councils across the country and has done so for the past half-century with broad, bipartisan support. In March and April 2025, the complaint said that DOGE terminated almost every grant that NEH issued during the previous administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon Transportation Commission: How to best address speedbumps in transportation revenue In response, the lawsuit is seeking to restore funding from Congress that has been in place since 1965. We ask the Court to stop this imminent threat to our Nations historic and critical support of the humanities by restoring funding appropriated by Congress, the complaint said. This lawsuit challenges the disruption and attempted destruction, spearheaded by DOGE, of the congressionally established federal-state partnership between the NEH and the fifty-six state and jurisdictional humanities councils created under federal statutes and funded by Congress. In a statement, Adam Davis, executive director of Oregon Humanities, shared that they work to provide opportunities for all Oregonians, and he looks forward to the restoration of the federal-state partnership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon Humanities has been proud to serve as the Oregon affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities for over fifty years, said Davis. Weve tried to be a bridge between Washington, D.C., and every county and community in Oregon. We work to provide opportunities for all Oregonians to think and talk together about our state and our nation. Were looking forward to the restoration of the federal-state partnership that has meant so much to so many people here in Oregon and across the country. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) The man whos been elected four times as South Dakota auditor and twice as state treasurer has decided to share some of his thoughts about spending of tax dollars, public records and transparency. Rich Sattgast has, at times, been in the news in recent months for his decision to release information about the use of official credit cards by former and current governors of South Dakota. On Friday, Sattgast sat for an interview with KELOLAND News. He spoke about his decision to provide the records to several news organizations, as well as changes in the makeup of the Legislature that suggest lawmakers have become more interested in openness for state government finances. He also talked in greater depth about possible steps that lawmakers could take to hold governors and other state elected officials more accountable for their travel spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kristi Noem resigned as governor on January 25, after the U.S. Senate confirmed her as the new federal Homeland Security secretary. Her decision to step aside made her running mate, Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden, South Dakotas new governor. Records released by Sattgasts office in February showed that Noem and her staff, during the six years she was governor, charged approximately $750,000 of purchases, including large amounts for out-of-state travel, on the governor offices two official credit card accounts. The political fall-out from the credit-card controversy was on display May 8, during a meeting at the Capitol of the Legislatures Government Operations and Audit Committee. Sattgast was in the room, as were various other state officials involved in the procurement process, including the governors budget director, state Finance and Management Commissioner Jim Terwilliger. After Commissioner Terwilliger finished his prepared testimony, the panels vice-chair, Republican Rep. Marty Overweg, raised a series of questions. One was about the process of submitting a governors credit-card expenses to the state auditor as a necessary step to get them paid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So when you get done with the bill and you send it over to the auditors office, does the auditor know which individual spent the money for each transaction? Overweg asked. Not necessarily, Terwilliger answered. Likely not. There was a long pause. Overweg shook his head. Then Terwilliger added, But I would clarify that. It all has to be related to travel related to the governors office, and so theres very few folks that have these cards, and thats reviewed very closely, not only when the purchase is made, right theres got to be a determination, were spending taxpayer dollars here, and with the finance officer, they have to review that and verify that these charges are related to conducting state business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overweg replied, I get that commissioner, but what Im saying is youre using taxpayer money to travel, your oversight is not you, your oversight is the auditors office. So if you work for me and you turn your credit card bill into me to pay for it, I know whos turning the bill in, and I know who Im paying back for a transaction. So Im saying there should be, the auditor should know which individual working for the state is making each individual purchase. That makes good business. Maybe the auditor can speak specifically to that, Terwilliger responded. But theres a card assigned to a specific person. I would assume that there is a trail to who made that purchase. Republican Sen. Taffy Howard is the new chair of GOAC. She had tangled with then-Gov. Noem in 2021, when Howard brought legislation that sought to make a governors or any other state or public officials security expenses public record, including including costs of meals, lodging, travel, and compensation. A House committee killed Howards bill, after then-Public Safety Secretary Craig Price, who had been appointed by Noem, and retired South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice David Gilbertson testified against the proposed changes. A similar measure in the Senate later failed after its first committee hearing, again after Price and Gilbertson spoke against it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Howard was candid at the May 8 meeting about why GOAC was now looking at how governors use their offices credit cards. One of the reasons we wanted to have this on the agenda is, and Ill be honest the elephant in the room the previous governor did a lot, a lot, of traveling, Howard said. Noting that the expenses have to be determined as allowable, Howard pointed out there were purchases made on the cards during Noems time in office such as several $500 charges for Sirius XM radio. The taxpayers have an issue with that. I have an issue with that, Howard said. So where can we find in statute what are these allowable expenses? Commissioner Terwilliger, who had been appointed by Noem, didnt refer to a specific state law. He indicated instead there is an inherent understanding between South Dakota voters and the candidates they choose for state office. The governor is elected by the people. Theyre accountable to the people, he said. So at this level, I think theres certainly another level of accountability that when it comes to travel expenses, the governor is really accountable at that level, too because he or she is elected by the people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Howard asked why The Dakota Scout had to sue to get the records. Terwilliger answered that the payment amounts had been publicly available at open.sd.gov for a number of years. I think there is a significant amount of transparency as it relates to this, Terwilliger said. KELOLAND News checked and found Terwilligers statement to be accurate, at least as far as monthly lump amounts paid to the credit card operations of Citibank and First Premier Bank. But the next sentence from Terwilliger to the legislators that afternoon reflected what cant be found on open.sd.gov. I think where theyre coming from, Terwilliger said, is they want specific, more detail, the actual statement itself. That is what Dakota Scout and KELOLAND News eventually got. Those records, known as vouchers, are what the governors office and other state government offices submits as requests to the state auditor for payment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Open.sd.gov was created in 2009 at the same time that the Legislature established South Dakotas new public-records laws. Those laws include a statement saying they shall be liberally construed whenever any state, county, or political subdivision fiscal records, audit, warrant, voucher, invoice, purchase order, requisition, payroll, check, receipt, or other record of receipt, cash, or expenditure involving public funds is involved in order that the citizens of this state shall have the full right to know of and have full access to information on the public finances of the government and the public bodies and entities created to serve them. That liberally construed portion was part of the argument Dakota Scout made in seeking the governors credit-card vouchers from Auditor Sattgast. On Friday, during the interview, Sattgast acknowledged that he initially resisted that request. Sattgast said his decision to at first say no was based on a ruling from the state Office of Hearing Examiners that all of the governors credit-card vouchers should be withheld, because they included some information about the governors security, and state law says that information is exempt from public disclosure. Dakota Scout then sued for the vouchers. In a settlement, Sattgast turned them over, because Noem no longer held office. The next week, KELOLAND News requested and received the vouchers, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the interview, Sattgast said that open.sd.gov doesnt provide the more detailed financial information which was being sought about the credit-card charges. I would say that open.sd just gives you a broad oversight, a very broad oversight, of the spending, the level of spending thats going on, Sattgast said. It may categorize it but doesnt break it down into individual expenditures or anything like that. I think it in its original conception when open.sd was being put together, I think the Legislature when they were funding that project, I think they thought it would be a little more transparent than it currently is, Sattgast explained. From the standpoint of being a state auditor, I would like to see more transparency come about through open.sd, in some ways much like what has occurred in other states. During the GOAC meeting, Republican Rep. Julie Auch was next to speak. Addressing Commissioner Terwilliger, Auch said, Even though the governor did make these charges, she too has to answer to the people. And you are in charge of those cards. So wheres the accountability for the $500 charges for Sirius XM radio and all those charges. You keep referring to the auditor, but actually it comes through your office first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Terwilliger responded by discussing some of the review process that he said was conducted after then-Lt. Gov. Rhoden became governor in January, following Noems resignation to accept an appointment as the federal Homeland Security secretary in U.S. President Donald Trumps second administration. Weve looked at a lot of this, Terwilliger said. Weve looked at the different policies that are in place. Weve looked at the decision-making tree, if you will. Weve developed internal policies to clarify that, so its more clear. Id also tell you that weve also canceled subscriptions as it relates to Sirius XM radio and what have you. The other thing that has been done to really what I say improve transparency or make it a little bit better I want to be clear, this has been reported, its talked about these have all been charges from one individual, thats not the case, Terwilliger continued. A lot of these, actually the vast majority of these costs, travel costs, are related to the security and the security detail to making sure that our governor is safe and secure when he or she travels. Next, Terwilliger explained the changes that Gov. Rhoden has made. Weve separated and created, instead of having just one account, theres actually now two accounts. One where the governor will have all of his or her personal travel expense and another that has the security detail. That will be expensed in two separate accounts so we can track that better, as well as be more transparent with some of those things in the future, Terwilliger said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Auch asked how many credit cards exactly of this type are in state government. Terwilliger declined to be specific. One of the reasons that this has been an issue, if you will, is, weve had a position as a state that all the details as it relates to travel expenses related to the governor, which includes a significant amount related to security detail. If that falls into the wrong hands, theres a security risk there for our governor. Terwilliger said that the first week Gov. Rhoden was in office someone was arrested for threatening him. Responded Auch, By all means I am not belittling that at all, but I do, as an elected official of the people of South Dakota, we need to be accountable. And no we cant be accountable for every penny, but this is serious money. She added, I just think we need to be a little bit more accountable to the taxpayers money. This is their money. So that is why Im asking these specific questions. By all means Im not trying to be disrespectful. Howard followed up. I think we all, we all want to make sure our governor is safe. Theres no question about that. But I think part of the issue is at what point do taxpayers have to pay when were paying for security details for travel that is not state related. Is there a requirement that travel be state related? Is there anything in state law regarding campaign versus state related? Terwilliger said hes not an expert on campaign finance law but said to his knowledge theres no expense that was campaign related, aside from providing security. Howard then asked why a campaign such as Trumps wouldnt pay for the security. Terwilliger again said he doesnt know all those rules. All I know is that South Dakota Highway Patrol, their mission is to provide adequate security for our governor all the time. And so, wherever the governor travels, its their mission to provide that security, and what comes along with that is some travels costs related to that security. A state law specifically includes a provision that no state officer or employee shall be paid travel for attendance at any political meeting. In the interview, Sattgast said Terwilligers description of Gov. Rhodens different approach of separating security expenses from his own travel expenses was accurate. Weve seen that come through. From the standpoint of being able to determine what the governor has performed as far as travel and everything, makes it a little more clear for our office and a little more detailed, Sattgast said. Sattgast was asked in the interview why security costs would be charged to the governors credit card, rather than submitted through the state Department of Public Safety, the agency that oversees the budget for the Highway Patrol. I think because in the past there typically had been only one credit card. That was probably the reason why. But thats an internal function. We dont set the rules on how the credit cards are handled. We just audit them for accuracy, Sattgast said. The governors office is the only one in state government that has its own credit card accounts. Other offices use state governments procurement-card system. Sattgast said the Noem administration was the first during his two decades in state elected office to have credit card accounts with more than one company. They had the regular credit card that previous governors have had and they had taken out a second one which was with First Premier. And I dont know the internal reasoning for that, Sattgast said. KELOLAND News searched on open.sd.gov for the payments made to Citibank and First Premier, the two credit card accounts for the governors office. Those can be found under the subheading Vendor Checkbook. For First Premier, the state payments began on Feb. 15, 2019, roughly five weeks after Noem took office as governor. The largest to First Premier was $29,708.60 on April 9, 2024. For 2025, through May 15, state payments to First Premier totaled $116,738.85. For 2024, payments to First Premier were $174,616.40. And for 2023, they were $184,947.12. For comparison, the Citibank account shows no payments for 2025; $6,983.31 for 2024; and $8,390.17 for 2023. During the GOAC meeting, Rep. Overweg, referring to Gov. Rhoden, told Terwilliger, I dont think theres anybody up here that worries about this governor. Thats not the case. We look back, because we have to move forward. Whos going to be the next governor and the next governor? And its our job as legislators to set up parameters, just like we talked about this morning for everything. So your answer cannot always, when the legislative process asks for an explanation, the answer cannot just be hiding behind security all the time, Overweg continued. We have to figure out a way how we can ask questions and get them answered on charges without someone just saying, Thats security. You cant know. That doesnt work for me. There has to be a way. Terwilliger said Rhodens approach of separating travel from security into two accounts will be more transparent. It makes perfect sense, Overweg replied. Im just saying, moving ahead, what if the next governor says, No, Im not doing it that way. You know we have to set the rules. There has to be somebody in the state whether its the auditor who can be trusted with security issues and go through everything. The word security doesnt appear under any recent First Premier invoices shown on open.sd.gov, although the governor was traveling frequently accompanied by a security team. The phrase Lodging-out of state does, repeatedly, and carries some big dollar amounts. A $22,386.69 payment made Feb. 6, 2025, on the governors First Premier account shows $16,035.02 for lodging out of state. A $16,212.14 payment on Jan. 16, 2025, to First Premier shows $10,151.88 for lodging out of state. A $11,794.24 on Dec. 20, 2024, to First Premier shows $3,485.89 for lodging out of state. A state rule says state constitutional officers and public utilities commissioners shall be paid actual expenses for out of state travel. The same rule caps the amount a state government employee can spend for one night of out of state lodging at $175 plus tax, unless the employee has permission to spend up to an additional $100. Terwilliger told GOACs legislators that the payment invoices on open.sd.gov for First Premier show every transaction. KELOLAND News looked but didnt find that level of detail. The invoices instead list lump amounts for broad categories of purchases. The May 5, 2025, invoice for example shows $1,247.02 for NON-TAXABLE MEALS/IN-ST and $122.67 for LODGING/IN-STATE but doesnt list where the meals or lodging were charged, nor who charged them. An official voucher number is listed with each payment. Seeing a voucher requires contacting the auditor office. In the interview, Sattgast said his office doesnt have the staff to post on open.sd.gov all of the approximately 280,000 vouchers received each year. The office has seven people on auditing staff including four to four and a half who handle the individual vouchers, according to Sattgast. He said that breaks down to 250 vouchers per day for each. Being able to post all of these, we would have to be selective in it I think, because these are not digitized documents, these are all paper because we need actual receipts when were auditing these vouchers. From that standpoint I think it would be quite laborious for us to do that, and with the level of staff wed have to increase our staff to perform those functions, Sattgast said. Sattgast was asked during the interview about governors using security when they travel. Bill Janklow for example didnt have security during his two terms as governor from 1995 through 2002. Nor did the governor who lost to Janklow in the 1994 Republican primary. To kind of put a little historical premise on this, I remember a story of Governor Walter Dale Miller attending a conference in Washington, D.C. and he just pulled up in a taxi. And the other governors looked at him and said, wheres your security detail? Sattgast said. And he said, Security detail? He said, I drive my pickup to work by myself and I dont have a security detail. Sattgast didnt recall that U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, who had followed Janklow as governor, having a security detail either. Dennis Daugaard followed Rounds as governor. Thats when Sattgast said he started noticing security at some events. Noem, who was South Dakotas first woman to serve as governor, took security to a new height. She had an iron fence installed around the Governors Mansion and had security personnel almost constantly travel with her. Sattgast won his first term as auditor in 2002. That gave him an inside seat to see spending patterns by the Rounds, Daugaard and Noem administrations. In the interview, Sattgast said those patterns changed. I think were taking a look at a little bit of apples and oranges in that respect, Sattgast said. In my first term as state auditor the state of South Dakota was not quite as financially flush as it has been in the last six years due to COVID influx money coming through. And so I think there was a little bit more of the idea that we need to conserve on how were performing our travel. And then during the Gov. Daugaard years, the state was looking at ten percent cuts and so everything was really being scrutinized, Sattgast continued. In 2020 when all of a sudden we started having a large influx of federal dollars and the state became very flush with funds, I think overall in state government and not just in the governors office but in agencies across the board you saw more expenditures going on and a little less scrutiny going on at agency levels. Theres the difference weve seen, the level of scrutiny. Sattgast noted another difference in how some leaders of some of the state agencies approached spending. Also I think in the past in those previous administrations youd had people in the executive branch that had been in state government for a number of years and had not come from the private sector. And so when you see private sector individuals coming into state government they have a little different mentality on the spending allotment of what goes in state government, he said. I would say on the corporate level theyre used to having expense accounts and things like that. And so the switching in the idea that these are taxpayer dollars that were trying to conserve and use in the best way that the taxpayers would feel comfortable in, is a little bit different than corporate leaders that are probably a little used to have a little bit finer or luxury way of spending in their accounts, he said. When Sattgasts turn came to testify at the GOAC meeting, he suggested that legislators could hold governors and all elected officials more accountable. In the interview, he was more specific. This body in the Legislature is taking a look at this a little more seriously, Sattgast said. He referred back to 2021 when lawmakers killed the two measures that sought to make security expenses public records. They were working at probably bringing greater transparency to the travel of the governor. Both of those were rejected by the Legislature. But from the sound of the GOAC meeting that we attended last week, it sounds like the Legislature is a little more in favor of possible either putting greater restrictions or a little more openness. What would those be? One of them could be a little bit greater oversight by the Legislature itself, maybe actually reviewing those governors transactions or maybe every elected officials transactions, because currently the way the rules are written, all the elected officials get actuals, at least those that are within the executive branch, Sattgast said. The Legislature sets its own rules for reimbursing lawmakers expenses, and the South Dakota Supreme Court chief justice sets rules for the state court system, according to Sattgast. His ideas for steps lawmakers could take? What they could do is, number one, is have greater scrutiny, maybe request those records so they could see what elected officials are spending their resources on. The other thing they could do is maybe require a report or something like that from each elected official, he said. Those reports could be annual or quarterly. Just giving the Legislature an update, Sattgast said. I think that would be something that would be fairly simple to do. Regarding the Dakota Scouts request for the vouchers, Sattgast said the initial denial was based on a hearing examiners finding that the records shouldnt be disclosed for safety reasons. Then my office was sued for those records. I thought that was the right thing to do. And we were moving forward with the court case, but all of a sudden that became moot, when that governor was no longer the governor. I would have liked to have seen it gone, go to court, because then we would have had a definitive answer. Either that, or the Legislature really needs to define in this area what should be released or not released, he said. Sattgast served in the U.S. Army and was a military bodyguard for Lt. Gen. William Pagonis during Operation Desert Storm, the air and ground operation conducted by a US-led coalition against Iraq in the Persian Gulf War in 1991. He said that experience showed the value of not revealing security information. When youre dealing with personal safety, thats something we take very seriously, Sattgast said. So thats why we sided with the Office of Hearing Examiners, because they had the legal responsibility to make those determinations. And then beyond that, going to a judge would have helped push toward a final decision on that. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Warren Buffett says Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK) (NYSE:BRK) waited too long to hand the wheel to Greg Abel, calling his longtime lieutenant "a natural" and admitting it would have been "unfair" to deny him the top job any longer. What Happened: Buffett, 94, told The Wall Street Journal that he will step down as chief executive in December, ending a six-decade run that turned his investing vehicle into a $900 billion conglomerate. Abel, 62, will move up from vice chairman, where he already supervises the company's non-insurance giants spanning railroads, utilities and manufacturing. Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share. Buffett, 94, told The Wall Street Journal that he will step down as chief executive in December, ending a six-decade run that turned his investing vehicle into a $900 billion conglomerate. Abel, 62, will move up from vice chairman, where he already supervises the company's non-insurance giants spanning railroads, utilities and manufacturing. "He's a natural," Buffett said. Buffett conceded that aging finally caught him. "I didn't really start getting old ... until I was about 90," he said, noting balance issues and fading eyesight. "The difference in energy level and just how much he (Greg Abel) could accomplish in a 10-hour day compared to what I could accomplish... the difference became more and more dramatic," Buffett said. Buffett heaped more praise on Abel, saying hes a lot like him in the way he doesnt get fearful when there's a panic in the market. "He will have ideas about where money should be invested," Buffett said. See Also: The team behind $6B+ in licensing deals is now building the next billion-dollar IP empire invest early at $2.25/share. Why It Matters: At Berkshire's May 3 annual meeting, Buffett told shareholders "the time has arrived where Greg should become the chief executive of the company at year end," cementing the long-telegraphed hand-off to Abel. Meanwhile, in an interview, Berkshire Hathaway board lead director Sue Decker's has said that Abel is "much more involved in capital-allocation decisions," proof the transition is already happening behind the curtain. Buffett has been equally blunt about rumors he's hoarding Berkshire's record $348 billion cash pile to give his heir an easy victory, joking, "I wouldn't do anything nearly so noble as to withhold investing myself just so Greg could look good." He added that he's still prepared to deploy "$20 billion, or even $100 billion" whenever opportunity knocks, pointing to the fact that the CEO switch won't clip his own investing wings. SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese played down prospects of securing a breakthrough on a free trade agreement with the European Union, when he meets with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Rome. Australia in October 2023 rejected EU proposals for a free trade agreement that the two sides negotiated since 2018 - a move that was expected to foreclose prospects of a deal for several years. Albanese, set to meet von der Leyen on the sidelines of Pope Leo XIVs inauguration, said it was unlikely that the talks would lead to much movement on progressing a deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I wouldn't expect any big announcements," Albanese said, according to a transcript of comments to media in the Italian capital on Saturday. "What we will be able to do is to renew that liaison at a leader level between myself and Ms. von der Leyen," he added. The previous proposal was opposed by some Australian farm groups and failed to meet the government's expectations on agricultural products like beef, sheep, dairy, sugar. Albanese's comments come after Australia in April said it was working with other nations on a possible joint response to shore up free trade in the face of a barrage of recent U.S. tariffs. (Reporting by Sam McKeith in SydneyEditing by Shri Navaratnam) Illegal mining along the Black Volta River in the Wa West District of Ghana has led to the arrest of seven people. According to MyJoyOnline and GhanaWeb, the culprits were arraigned on April 13, 2025. Five men and two women were held in custody as police investigated. After a raid, authorities confiscated items including "10 Changfang mining machines, two unregistered PNE and Apsonic tricycles, and four motorbikes," MyJoyOnline reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This illegal mining crackdown is part of structured efforts to protect local waterways. The Black Volta River runs through Burkina Faso for over 800 miles (over 1,300 kilometers) before merging with the White Volta River in Ghana. Residents have complained about encroachment and water pollution linked to these mining activities. The illegal gold mining, also known as galamsey, per the BBC, has turned a once vibrant river brown. As a result, livelihoods are at risk, particularly the fishing industry, since the pollution has reduced the fish population, per the Fourth Estate. People are also finding it difficult to access clean water reliably. "This is also our only source of drinking water, so you can imagine the health hazards we are exposed to," local washer and mother of five Rose Morklah told The Fourth Estate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the planet's surface is over 70% water, most of it isn't drinkable due to its salt content, NASA explained. Polluted fresh water poses a health risk to people and wildlife. According to Unicef, Ghana's water access has improved, but at least 11% of people drink from unsafe sources, while one in 10 people must travel at least 30 minutes away to find a suitable source. Contaminated drinking water in Ghana has exposed locals to waterborne diseases like diarrhea, cholera, and dysentery, a study published in the journal Water, shared by MDPI, observed. How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Illegal mining isn't a problem that authorities and locals can afford to ignore anywhere. A Canadian mining company faced a fine of over $114,750 for dumping cobalt waste into a local river. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over in Nagpur, India, police seized over $7,000 in excavation tools after arresting a man mining sand from a river. In the United States, mining sites have been found dumping millions of gallons of water contaminated with lead and arsenic into nearby streams and ponds, the Associated Press reported in 2019. 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. Jackson Township police released this photo of a firearm that was allegedly brought to school by a third grader on May 16. JACKSON TWP. A Sauder Elementary third grader was charged with two felonies after being accused of bringing a loaded .45-caliber handgun to school in a bookbag and making threats against another student and the school resource officer, authorities said. The 10-year-old was charged May 16 with inducing panic, a second-degree felony, and illegal conveyance of a deadly weapon, a fifth-degree felony, and taken to the Stark Attention Center, Jackson Township police said. Authorities said the investigation is continuing and additional arrests may occur. The Canton Repository isn't naming the student because of their age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to parents, Jackson Local Superintendent Chris DiLoretto said a student alerted authorities. Police arrived at the school around 12:30 p.m. at 7503 Mudbrook St. NW. According to police, the school resource officer confronted the student and took control of the firearm. The weapon was secured by the school resource officer without harm to any students or staff. More: Police chief: Student brought ammunition to Perry Local Schools building "Thanks to the swift and responsible actions of those involved, all students are safe," DiLoretto said in the statement. "This is now a law enforcement matter, and we are working in full coordination as they conduct a thorough investigation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DiLoretto encouraged parents to have age-appropriate conversations with their children about the importance of speaking up when they feel unsafe. "We know that hearing this news is distressing. We want to reassure you that the safety and well-being of your children is our highest priority," he said. "Our district's safety protocols were followed and worked as designed. We appreciate our student seeing something and saying something." This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information is available. Contact Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com. More: Stark Sheriff: Lake High student arrested after loaded gun found in backpack This article originally appeared on The Repository: Jackson Local third grader brings loaded gun to school, makes threats May 17"South Dakota saw extensive action during World War II; immediately upon entering service in mid-1942. ... she was sent to the south Pacific to reinforce Allied forces waging the Guadalcanal campaign. ... taking part in the Battle of Santa Cruz in October and the Second Naval Battle of Guadalcanal in November. During the latter action, electrical failures hampered the ability of the ship to engage Japanese warships and she became the target of numerous Japanese vessels, sustaining over two-dozen hits that significantly damaged her superstructure but did not seriously threaten her buoyancy. South Dakota returned to the United States for repairs that lasted into 1943, after which she was briefly deployed to strengthen the British Home Fleet, tasked with protecting convoys to the Soviet Union. In mid-1943, the ship was transferred back to the Pacific, where she primarily operated with the fast carrier task force, contributing her heavy anti-aircraft armament to its defense. In this capacity, she took part in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign in late 1943 and early 1944, the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign in mid-1944, and the Philippines campaign later that year. In 1945, she participated in the Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa and bombarded Japan three times. Following the end of the war in August 1945, she took part in the initial occupation of the country before returning to the United States in September. She later moved to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, where she was laid up in the Atlantic Reserve Fleet until 1962, when she was sold for scrap." The South Dakota, built by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation, was 680 feet in length, had a beam (width) of 108 feet, and could reach a speed of 27.5 knots (31.6 mph). She had a crew of 1,793 officers and enlisted men during peacetime and 2,500 officers and enlisted men during war time. She carried 3 x "Kingfisher" floatplanes. South Dakota's crew suffered heavy casualties, with 40 killed and 180 wounded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USS South Dakota (BB 57) is honored with a museum and mock-up of the ship in Sioux Falls, located on Kiwanis Avenue and West 12th Street. The mission of Battleship South Dakota Memorial is to preserve the history of USS South Dakota (BB 57) and its crew. The museum's goal is to educate current and future generations on the most decorated battleship of World War II. Linda Oster, Researcher WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) All residents safely returned to their units after an apartment fire was rapidly contained Saturday night in West Hartford. Firefighters responded to the Bishops Place Apartments on 2432 Albany Avenue just before 9:00 p.m. after a neighbor reported seeing flames coming from a third-story window. At the scene, officials encountered an active fire coming from a third-floor balcony. It took firefighters 13 minutes to contain the flames, confining the damage to the exterior of the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No injuries were reported, and all residents returned to their unit. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the fire marshals office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. (KRON) Hundreds of teachers, parents and concerned citizens gathered at San Franciscos Embarcadero Plaza Saturday to protest proposed cuts to public education by the Trump administration. The protest was part of the statewide Fight for our Schools protest organized by the California Teachers Association. The Trump administrations upcoming federal budget proposal contains a $12 billion cut to the U.S. Department of Education. Booming fireworks rattle San Francisco Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Antioch School District teacher Bob Carson told KRON4 that hes frightened by the proposed cuts. We cannot afford these cuts that are coming for our students, Carson said. [The cuts] are going to harm our students: special ed students, English learners, free and reduced lunch [programs]. Its going to hurt all of them. Watch Lindsey Fords full report in the video above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. A day of celebration was also a day of remembrance. Bentley University graduates celebrated their hard work while honoring a senior who died suddenly while on a class trip. On Saturday, undergraduates held white roses in honor of Gaurav Jaisingh. Bentley President Brent Chrite addressed the tragedy, saying that, Gaurav was supposed to cross the stage today, lift his degree high, and celebrate an accomplishment many years in the making. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the ceremony, the school shared that Jaisingh was a finance and computer information systems major, a university tour guide, and a good friend. Those who were able to know Gaurav, and to count him as a friend, are richer for it. President Chrite said. Jaisinghs parents were called on stage to accept their sons diploma, the first to be given out. Nassau police say that Jaisingh died in a senior trip to the Bahamas following a fall from an upper-level balcony. According to Bentley University, he accidentally fell. Despite police saying his death is thought to be an accident, the investigation into how it happened continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW MBTA bus driver Patty Hardy wasnt sure why the passenger was threatening to kill her. Sitting in the drivers seat as she steered a bus up the 22 route, through Bostons Dorchester and Roxbury neighborhoods, Hardy was doing her job. Yet here was an unruly passenger who told her she was in the wrong area and pledged to shoot her. It wasnt the first time. Increasingly, bus and train operators, customer service agents and other transit staff are being verbally abused, doused with coffee or other fluids, and threatened with more serious violence, most often because passengers are frustrated over fare collection, said Bill Berardino, vice president of the Boston Carmens Union, a labor group representing MBTA workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hardy said she has seen the full range, from a passenger who spat in her face to another who pulled a knife and threatened to stab her. That day, she asked herself, Is this how Im going to die? the widowed mother of two testified to a state Legislature committee last week. Whats going to happen to my children? The Legislature is weighing a proposed bill to crack down on verbal and physical assaults of public transportation workers and expand the definition of assault to include the discharge of fluids or bodily substances, covering saliva, urine and more. It would also extend protections to employees of private transit companies such as Peter Pan and Keolis, which operates MBTA Commuter Rail services. A similar bill failed last year, passing the state House of Representatives before running out of steam and time in the Senate, Berardino said. He hopes it will have a better shot in this legislative session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assaults and batteries on MBTA staff numbered more than 600 last year. Roughly three-quarters were verbal assaults. Another 72 were physical attacks, 33 were assaults with weapons and 38 were assaults with bodily fluid or beverage, Berardino said. These incidents happen every single day, Hardy told legislators. Thats not a way to live. The figures are likely a severe undercount, Berardino said, since more minor incidents of verbal abuse or spitting often go unreported. He was driven to pass the bill after the stabbing of another union member, York Makonnen, while she drove an MBTA bus in Lynn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Testifying alongside Hardy on May 6, Makonnen described to state lawmakers how she heard a commotion from the back of her bus late one night. As Makonnen pulled the bus to the side of the road and opened the doors, fearing for her passengers safety, a man rushed to the front and thrust his knife into Makonnens neck and back. A fellow passenger stepped between them, threw the assailant to the floor and wrestled the knife away before other passengers subdued the man. The bill has the backing of the MBTA and Keolis. Abdellah Chajai, Keoliss CEO and general manager, told state lawmakers that his employees should enjoy the same protections as standard public transit workers, since the private company is operating a public service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The T has responded to the rise in assaults by instituting de-escalation training, forming an employee assault task force and making it easier for drivers to log every assault with dispatchers to generate a prompt response from Transit Police, Berardino said. His union also wants lawmakers to make it easier for police who dont witness an assault to arrest suspected assailants on the word of transit workers, rather than taking the suspects names and issuing a summons to appear in court. They see current practice as ineffective, relying on suspects to show up in court. We want an automatic arrest, Berardino said. You throw something or verbally or physically assault someone, youre getting arrested. Rep. Joseph W. McGonagle Jr., D-28th Middlesex, who filed the bill, said nearly half of all injuries to transit employees occur because of assaults. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For many public transit staff, this is a reality, he said in 2023, when the legislation was last raised, according to the Boston Herald. Riders who are agitated, under the influence or unwell can become physically aggressive with the operator, which not only leaves the operator at risk of being injured, but everyone else who is riding as well. Hardy and Makonnens testimony echoed the horror stories their colleagues told lawmakers two years ago, according to the Herald. Cheryle Bradley, an MBTA bus driver, recalled one episode that began with an innocuous request that a boy stop vaping on the bus. He complied. But when he later exited the bus, the boy blew a cloud of smoke in Bradleys face and called her an obscenity. His companion punched the window of the bus as she closed the door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then he brandished a gun, Bradley said. Looked right at my face, smiled and he pulled the gun out of his jacket. She said she had never been so terrified. More MBTA news Read the original article on MassLive. Key Points Boot Barn held its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings release on Wednesday. While overall headline numbers "missed" expectations, management's guidance for fiscal 2026 was better than feared. Boot Barn remains one of the best stories in apparel retail, but its stock is no longer cheap. 10 stocks we like better than Boot Barn Shares of Western-style retailer Boot Barn (NYSE: BOOT) rocketed 34% higher this week through 2 p.m. ET Friday, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. Boot Barn not only got a lift from the relaxation of tariffs on Chinese-imported goods announced Monday, but also held its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings release and call on Wednesday. While reported results actually missed expectations, Boot Barn's forward guidance for the year ahead and its encouraging commentary on tariff mitigation led to a massive recovery, following a three-month sell-off. Investors look past a miss For the quarter ended March 29, Boot Barn grew revenue 16.8% to $453.7 million on the back of 6% same-store sales growth. Earnings per share of $1.22 grew 27%, showing nice operating leverage. Image source: Getty Images. While those numbers seem really strong, especially in the apparel space, they actually fell short of analyst expectations. Likely, analysts had anticipated consumers rushing to buy boots and Western shirts to get ahead of higher tariffs. However, management's forecast for the upcoming fiscal year appeared to encourage analysts and investors alike. CEO John Hazen guided for 65 to 70 new store openings, which would be above last year's 60 store openings and increase Boot Barn's store count by just under 15%. Hazen also stated he sees the opportunity for the company to double its store count over just the next "several years." While management forecast just flat overall same-store sales at the midpoint for the year ahead, that was likely better than anticipated, given the low consumer confidence readings and fears of a tariff-induced recession. Moreover, Hazen said the company would be able to halve its exposure to China in the upcoming fiscal year, with the 24% of exclusive brands sourced from China in fiscal 2025 falling to just 12% in 2026, while exiting the year at an even lower rate. While the Trump administration and China agreed to roll back their retaliatory tariff rates for the next three months earlier this week on Monday, the tariff on Chinese-imported goods will still be 30%, down from 145%. So, the mitigation of exposure to China may have also helped sentiment. Boot Barn is a winner, but comes at a price Even after Boot Barn's rally, it's still about 12% below its all-time highs set back in January. So does that still make the stock a buy? Treasury Department Secretary Scott Bessent defended the Trump administrations decision to accept a $400 million luxury jet from the Qatari government, comparing it to the French gift of the Statue of Liberty in 1886 in a CNN interview Sunday morning. The French gave us the Statue of Liberty; the British gave us the Resolute Desk, Bessent told CNNs Jake Tapper. Im not sure they asked for anything in advance. Bessent pivoted to what he called the more important airplane deal that came of President Trumps trip to the Middle East this week the announcement that Qatar Airways will purchase 160 jets from Boeing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the biggest order in the companys history, so, you know, I think that that plane deal is much more important than this other one, he said. Trump earlier this week seemingly endorsed comparisons of the new Qatari stand-in for the U.S.s aging Air Force One fleet to the Statue of Liberty, which Congress authorized in 1877 nearly a decade before then-President Grover Cleveland accepted it upon its arrival. He reposted several messages on his Truth Social website highlighting past gifts from foreign countries. Be truthful, it is ONLY because it is President Donald J. Trump that you are spewing your idiocy! one user wrote in a post Trump shared. The plane is NOT President Trumps!!! It is a gift to AMERICA and the DOD Get over it! The Resolute Desk, one of the furnishings available to presidents for use in the Oval Office, was gifted to then-President Rutherford B. Hayes by Queen Victoria in 1880. It has remained at the White House and been used by most presidents since its arrival, including during Trumps previous administration and current one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has faced pushback from Republicans and Democrats regarding security and ethical concerns surrounding the plane arrangement, under which the Defense Department was given the pricey present to be used as the presidents official aircraft until two Boeing jets are completed. It will be decommissioned to Trumps future presidential library after Trump leaves office. Trump recently compared the deal to the arrangement made by former President Ronald Reagan, whose most-used Air Force One plane was decommissioned to the Reagan Foundation in 2001, 12 years after he left office. It is now on display at the Reagan library in California. This goes to the United States Air Force for whoever is president, and at some point, itll be like Ronald Reagan. Itll be decommissioned, because they wont want it, Trump told Fox News anchor Bret Baier in an interview earlier this week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Treasury Department Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday warned that tariffs on trading partners could go back to the rate slapped on them on Liberation Day last month if they dont engage in good-faith negotiations. I think that it would be the April 2nd level, Bessent said on NBCs Meet the Press with Kristen Welker when asked if future rates would be higher than 10 percent. He added, Some countries were at 10 percent, some were substantially higher. And the negotiating leverage that President Trump is talking about here is if you dont want to negotiate then it will spring back to the April 2 level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Welker asked Bessent about Trumps recent comments that trading partners should expect letters from administration officials outlining what the tariff rate will be and whether that signals negotiations are over. This means that theyre not negotiating in good faith. They are going to get a letter saying, Here is the rate. So I expect that everyone would come and negotiate in good faith, the secretary said. Trump paused reciprocal tariffs on trading partners for 90 days a week after Liberation Day amid pressure from Wall Street and Republicans because of the turbulence in the stock market. When he initiated the pause, Trump imposed a 10 percent tariff on all foreign nations other than China. He had imposed a 145 percent tariff on China and last week lowered those tariffs to 30 percent, de-escalating the ongoing trade war with Beijing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration has been in talks with other officials since the 90-day pause took effect, and Bessent has been at the helm of those negotiations. The administration struck a trade deal with the United Kingdom earlier this month, which includes billions of dollars of increased market access for American exports. Despite the lower tariff rate on China, Walmart this week warned they will have to start raising prices on some items. Trump on Saturday called out Walmart for making billions of dollars last year and told the company to not charge customers anything extra. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The 32 speakers referred to the Bible 297 times at Aprils international general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They referenced the Book of Mormon 226 times, according to citations found in talk transcripts and footnotes published on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. The Savior is the Prince of Peace, President Russell M. Nelson said, for example, a reference to Isaiah 9:6. We are to be his instruments for peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In all, messages at the two-day conference were rooted in holy writ. They included 702 quotations from, allusions to and mentions of scripture. The citations sorted out this way: New Testament 229 Book of Mormon 226 Doctrine and Covenants 145 Old Testament 68 Pearl of Great Price 34 The Bible, then, made up 42% of the scriptures cited by Latter-day Saint leaders. Restoration scriptures comprised the other 58%. A historian said the count is interesting in a world of increasing scriptural illiteracy and in the context of how Latter-day Saint scriptural preferences are viewed inside and outside the church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scripture references in the April conference track in interesting ways with historical scriptural usage in the churchs general conferences and an increasing emphasis on scripture reading and study in the church. Clearly, a dividing line between those who hear the music of faith and those who are tone deaf or off key is the active study of the scriptures, a senior church leader, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said earlier this month at BYU Womens Conference. How conference speakers referred to scripture New Testament references centered on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. For example, President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency, led the conference through much of Luke 24, the report of the third day after Christs Crucifixion and burial, when his disciples learned Christ was resurrected and had appeared to his disciples. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The footnotes to one paragraph in another talk illustrate how some scriptural references were made. The first counselor in the churchs children organization, Sister Amy A. Wright, of the Primary General Presidency, described the Christ that parents and teachers should share with children. She said, showing scriptural footnotes only: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her reference to John 3:16 was one of 10 by conference speakers For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Speakers also used footnotes as a call to action for further scripture study. One suggested 11 chapters of Old Testament reading. Elder Gerrit W. Gong spoke about Joseph saving his family in Egypt and added a footnote for Genesis 37-47 that said, Josephs bringing his father, Jacob, and his family to Egypt represents the tender reuniting of a long-separated son and father. It also becomes the means by which Jacobs family and covenant posterity, who will include Lehi and his family, are preserved. How scriptural citations from April conference compare with the past Scripture reading and study has been a major emphasis of Latter-day Saint leaders for more than half a century, with one major landmark the 1986 conference talks of the churchs new president, Ezra Taft Benson, who called for more emphasis on the Book of Mormon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sales of the English Book of Mormon jumped 700,000 over the previous year, according to a 1999 study by Noel Reynolds in BYU Studies Quarterly. President Benson also emphasized the Book of Mormon in his first instructions to the churchs general authorities, according to a 1989 BYU devotional delivered by Elder James A. Paramore of the Quorum of the Seventy. Deseret News archives Brethren, Ive read many of your talks again, and they are wonderful, but you dont use the Book of Mormon enough, President Benson said, according to Paramore. May I ask you to know it and use it more, to testify of it to the world, and to have it go into every corner of the world. The number of Book of Mormon scriptures used in general conference spiked from about 15% of citations in 1981 to 40% in 1987, according to data compiled by Richard C. Galbraith and reported by Reynolds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Book of Mormon references made up 32.2% of references in April 2025. The findings may be of interest to church members and outside observers, even though American culture has grown less biblical, said Nathan Oman, a church member, historian and professor of law at William & Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Virginia. I will say one of the things that I think is striking is that among most people today, scriptural illiteracy is pretty high, he said. Not very many people know the Bible particularly well, even people that go to church I dont necessarily think know the Bible or the scriptures really well. April 2025 general conference speakers referenced John 64 times, Matthew 55 times, Luke 32 times and Mark, Isaiah and 1 and 2 Corinthians 16 times each. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The April 2025 data that general conference speakers cited the Bible an average of 9.3 times challenges any remaining stereotypes among evangelical Protestants that Latter-day Saints dont believe or pay enough attention to the Bible, Oman said, though he believes thats a small number of people. A Samaritans Purse staffer displays one of the Bibles that are given out to aid recipients at the organizations warehouse in North Wilkesboro, N.C., April 9, 2025 | Jennifer Graham, Deseret News Aprils speakers referred to the Book of Alma in the Book of Mormon most often, 55 times, followed by 35 citations each for 2 Nephi and Mosiah and 28 for 3 Nephi. The history of Book of Mormon curriculum The Reynolds study showed that Latter-day Saints in the 1830s revered what they considered as the miraculous coming forth of the Book of Mormon. However, the Bible was the core of their teachings because all of the churchs members were converts steeped in it, and there had been no time to build a curriculum around the Book of Mormon. While some leaders called for emphasizing it in the 1800s, major shifts toward it waited until the 1900s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reynolds found that Book of Mormon study at BYU grew when the first significant increase in sections of a class on it began in 1948. The next big jump came in 1961, when the Book of Mormon became a required freshman course. Deseret News archives The church made the Standard Works the curriculum for an eight-year cycle of study in 1972 and condensed it to a four-year cycle in 1981, with one year each dedicated to the Old and New Testaments, the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants/Pearl of Great Price. President Bensons re-emphasis was a key, and the curriculum for the churchs Seminaries and Institutes, religion classes at its colleges and universities, and its Preach My Gospel manual for missionaries are steeped in all of the Standard Works. Latter-day Saint leaders led the way last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one interesting example, seven speakers referred to Matthew 25 a total of 17 times as they led the church through three of Christs major parables. Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson shared the 13 verses about the parable of the 10 virgins. Elder Steven D. Shumway, a General Authority Seventy, spoke about 15 verses on the parable of the talents. Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles completed the chapter in his message on the lessons of those two parables and the concluding parable of the sheep and the goats. The best advice ... for you and for me is to follow the Saviors teachings, Elder Renlund said. His instructions are neither mysterious nor complex. When we follow them, we do not need to fear or be anxious. Former President Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, his office said Sunday, a devastating development after having dropped his bid for reelection last summer over widespread concerns over his age and health. Bidens personal office said he was examined last week after the president reported a series of concerning symptoms. "Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone," the office said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians," the statement added. The former president, 82, had been making his first public appearances since leaving office in recent weeks, including a public address and a lengthy sit-down on ABCs The View, and also hired a communications strategist to help burnish his legacy amid the publication of a series of books critically examining his time at the White House. Biden has a tragic personal history with cancer, losing his son, Beau Biden, to glioblastoma in 2015, when he was serving as vice president. At that time, he launched the "cancer moonshot," a government-wide push for improved cancer treatments that he relaunched during his presidency. Read more: Nodule found in former President Bidens prostate during routine physical exam Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spread of cancer to the bones will make Bidens cancer difficult to cure. But its receptiveness to hormone treatments could help his medical team inhibit the cancers growth, at least temporarily. Biden dropped out of the 2024 race in July under immense pressure from leadership in the Democratic Party after a disastrous debate with the Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, laid bare concerns over his age and acuity. Within hours of dropping out of the race, Biden endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, to run in his place. She quickly coalesced the party around her nomination and avoided a primary battle, but lost to Trump in November. In a post on X, Harris said she and her husband, Doug Emhoff, were saddened to learn of Biden's diagnosis. "We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time," she wrote. "Joe is a fighter and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week on "The View," Biden said he took responsibility for Trump's return to power, because he was in office at the time. "I do, because, look, I was in charge and he won. So, you know, I take responsibility," he said. But he continued to reject criticisms that he and his team worked to conceal the effects of his age on his performance as president, saying he was not surprised by Harris' loss and suggesting he still believes he could have beaten Trump had he stayed in the race. "It wasn't a slam dunk," he said, referring to President Trump's victory. "Let me put it this way. He's had the worst 100 days any president's ever had. And I would not say honesty has been his strong point." Trump expressed concern about Biden's condition in a Truth Social post Sunday. "Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Bidens recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery," he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California Gov. Gavin Newsom was among the many politicians from both parties who posted their warm wishes and prayers for the former president. "Our hearts are with President Biden and his entire family right now. A man of dignity, strength, and compassion like his deserves to live a long and beautiful life. Sending strength, healing and prayers his way," Newsom wrote on X. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) wrote on X: "This is certainly sad news, and the Johnson family will be joining the countless others who are praying for the former President in the wake of his diagnosis." Biden was spending the weekend in Delaware with family, an aide said. Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox twice per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. May 18 (UPI) -- Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an "aggressive form" of prostate that spread to his bones but is treatable, his office said Sunday. Last week, Biden, 82, was evaluated after a small nodule was found on his prostate, which doctors told him required further examination. "Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms," his office said in a statement to CNN and CBS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "On Friday he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone," his office said. "While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians." The Gleason score is a grading system from 6 to 10 that assesses the aggressiveness of prostate cancer based on cancer cells under a microscope, according to the Cleveland Clinic. A Gleason score of 9 means his illness is classified as "high-grade" and that the cancer cells could spread quickly. Two cancer cells are graded on a scale of 1 to 5. The two numbers are added together to come up with the combined Gelason scores, such as 4 and 5 equal 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden, who left office as the oldest president in U.S. history, is at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, this weekend, according to CNN source. President Donald Trump, who defeated Biden in November, posted on Truth Social: "Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden's recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery." Former Vice President Kamala Harris also reacted after the news from Biden. "Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time," Harris, who ran for president after Biden dropped out of the race, wrote on X. "Joe is a fighter - and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doctors removed a cancerous skin lesion from his chest while he was president in February 2023. Biden underwent a physical at Walter Reed National Military Center in February 2024, and his physician Dr. Kevin O'Connor said there "no new concerns" and he was "fit for duty." Biden's son Beau died from brain cancer in 2015 at age 46. Biden established the "Cancer Moonshot" initiative after Beau's death as vice president. The program was reestablished in 2022 with the goal of "ending cancer as we know it." "We're mobilizing the whole country effort to cut American cancer deaths in half by 20, 25 years and boost support for patients and their families. I'm confident in our capacity to do that. I know we can, but it's not just personal - it's about what's possible," Biden said last August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prostate, a small gland in the male reproduction system, is below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death of men behind lung cancer with about 1 in 44 men dying from it. One in eight men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, with 6 in 10 cases among men 65 and older while cases in men under 40 are rare. The American Cancer Society estimates this year about 313,780 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. And about 35,770 will die from the cancer. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, hormone therapy and other methods. Dr. Benjamin Davies, a professor of urologic oncology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, said because it has spread to the bone "is very serious and not curable." But he said: There is some good news here in the newer hormonal and chemotherapy therapies into this space in the past few years which have shown impressive results and extended the longevity of patients significantly." Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, his office said Sunday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Biden was seen last week by doctors after urinary symptoms, and a prostate nodule was found. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer on Friday, with the cancer cells having spread to the bone. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management, his office said. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians. Prostate cancers are graded for aggressiveness using whats known as a Gleason score. The scores range from 6 to 10, with 8, 9 and 10 prostate cancers behaving more aggressively. Bidens office said his score was 9, suggesting his cancer is among the most aggressive. When prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it often spreads to the bones. Metastasized cancer is much harder to treat than localized cancer because it can be hard for drugs to reach all the tumors and completely root out the disease. However, when prostate cancers need hormones to grow, as in Bidens case, they can be susceptible to treatment that deprives the tumors of hormones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outcomes have improved in recent decades and patients can expect to live with metastatic prostate cancer for four or five years, said Dr. Matthew Smith of Massachusetts General Brigham Cancer Center. Its very treatable, but not curable, Smith said. Most men in this situation would be treated with drugs and would not be advised to have either surgery or radiation therapy. Many political leaders sent Biden their wishes for his recovery. President Donald Trump, a longtime political opponent, posted on social media that he was saddened by the news and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bidens vice president, Kamala Harris, said on social media that she was keeping him in her familys hearts and prayers during this time. Joe is a fighter and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership, Harris wrote. The health of Biden, 82, was a dominant concern among voters during his time as president. After a calamitous debate performance in June while seeking reelection, Biden abandoned his bid for a second term. Harris became the nominee and lost to Trump, a Republican who returned to the White House after a four-year hiatus. But in recent days, Biden rejected concerns about his age despite reporting in the new book Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson that aides had shielded the public from the extent of his decline while serving as president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February 2023, Biden had a skin lesion removed from his chest that was a basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer. And in November 2021, he had a polyp removed from his colon that was a benign but potentially pre-cancerous lesion. In 2022, Biden made a cancer moonshot one of his administrations priorities to halve the cancer death rate over the next 25 years. The initiative was a continuation of his work as vice president to address a disease that had killed his older son, Beau, who died from brain cancer in 2015. His father, when announcing the goal to halve the cancer death rate, said this could be an American moment to prove to ourselves and, quite frankly, the world that we can do really big things. The Associated Press contributed to this report. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Former president Joe Bidens diagnosis of what his office calls an aggressive form of prostate cancer is the latest in a long line of health woes and scares that have followed the 82-year-old throughout his political career. As president, Biden had regular physical examinations at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, that were conducted by Dr. Kevin OConnor, a former U.S. Army physician who began treating Biden during his time as vice president in the Obama administration. Though he was the oldest person to serve as commander-in-chief, OConnors reports from those annual exams downplayed his age and invariably pronounced him fit to serve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One February 2024 memorandum from OConnor, following Bidens final annual physical as president, described him as a healthy, active, robust 81-year-old male, who remains fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency, to include those as Chief Executive, Head of State and Commander in Chief. US President Joe Biden addresses a press conference at the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow on November 2, 2021. (AFP/Getty) Yet subsequent events have called into question whether OConnor and other top Biden administration aides were forthcoming about the then-presidents health and fitness. Four months after his final physical, Bidens performance at a June 2024 debate with Donald Trump was so dismal that he was forced to exit the race just five weeks later. During the 90-minute televised session, he appeared frail and was unable to form coherent sentences at times, leading to questions over whether he was suffering from any sort of degenerative condition. Last July, then-White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre denied that he was suffering from Alzheimers, a form of dementia, or another degenerative illness that would explain his rambling, meandering performance. And no evidence has emerged that Biden has been diagnosed with any condition that would have had such an effect on his mental acuity other than the normal aging process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet this is not the first time he has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. In March 2023, the White House announced that Biden had undergone a procedure to remove a common type of skin cancer from his chest. A memorandum from OConnor released to the press at the time said a biopsy confirmed that the small lesion removed from the then-president was basal cell carcinoma. U.S. President Joe Biden (R) and Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump participate in the CNN Presidential Debate at the CNN Studios on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. President Biden and former President Trump are facing off in the first presidential debate of the 2024 campaign. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) All cancerous tissue was successfully removed. The area around the biopsy site was treated presumptively with electrodessication and curettage at the time of biopsy. No further treatment is required, OConnor added. The former president also battled Covid-19 at two different points during his term, once in 2022 and a second time in July 2024, days before he decided to stand down from his re-election bid after his disastrous debate with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before his first bout with Covid, the most serious health problem he had faced since winning the 2020 election had been a broken foot, endured while playing with one of his German Shepherd dogs. But his health was not always so robust. Twice in the 1980s, Biden had near-death experiences that required him to undergo brain surgery two times within five months. He described them in a speech delivered at a Jerusalem hospital during a February 2023 visit to Israel. I was making a speech and I had a terrible headache this was years ago and I did a very stupid thing: I got on an aircraft and I flew home. It turned out I had two cranial aneurysms, and I got rushed to a hospital in the middle of a snowstorm for a nine-and-a-half-hour operation that saved my life, he recalled, describing the February 1988 trip to Walter Reed Army Medical Centre, then in Northwest Washington DC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plane ride Biden spoke of came after hed passed out in a hotel following a speech at the University of Rochester. In his 2007 memoir, Promises to Keep, Biden wrote that he recalled having "lightning flashing inside my head, a powerful electrical surge and then a rip of pain like I'd never felt before. At Walter Reed, he was told he needed surgery, with only a 50-50 chance hed live through the procedure. "Maybe I should have been frightened at this point, but I felt calm," he wrote. "In fact, I felt becalmed, like I was floating gently in the wide-open sea. It surprised me, but I had no real fear of dying. I'd long since accepted the fact that life's guarantees don't include a fair shake." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he did survive, and three months later he underwent a similar procedure to fix another, smaller aneurysm on the opposite side from the first. According to The Daily Beast, the then-senator made a last-minute request of the surgeon, Dr Neal Kassell, as he was being wheeled in for the procedure. He looked me in the eye and said: Doc, do a good job, because someday Im going to be president, Dr Kassell said in November 2020, just days after Bidens prediction finally became reality with his victory over Trump. HAWAII, Hawaii (KHON2) Big Island authorities have launched a negligent homicide investigation after a deadly traffic collision involving a male pedestrian in Kurtistown on the evening of May 16. The victim was identified as 21-year-old Maxwell Robertson Sherwood of Keaau, according to authorities. Fresh flower lei prices soar as graduation season is in full swing Police say that a 30-year-old driver was operating an SUV when he struck Sherwood who was in the roadway, not in a marked crosswalk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say witnesses reported seeing vehicles in the area swerving around Sherwood to avoid hitting him in the street. As a result of the collision, Sherwood was taken to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where he died later that evening. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The driver was not injured, but was arrested for operating a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant and first-degree negligent homicide, Hawaii Police Department said. He remains in custody in Hilo and has not been charged. This marks the 13th traffic fatality of the year for the Big Island, compared to 16 at this point last year. Those who have information regarding the incident are asked to contact Officer Joshua Rodby-Tomas at (808) 961-2339 or at Joshua.Rodby-Tomas@hawaiicounty.gov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. Chicken pot pie is often a comforting dinnertime staple warm, savory, and satisfying, whether served fresh or pulled from the freezer. With roots tracing back to ancient Rome, this creamy, vegetable-studded dish has evolved into a beloved American classic. Over the years, it has become a go-to meal in many households. However, like with many processed or packaged meals that line store shelves, not every pot pie is created (or handled) safely. From bacteria to foreign materials to labeling issues, some chicken pot pie products have posed serious health risks, leading to major product recalls over the years. This roundup highlights major U.S. recalls involving chicken pot pie and similar items, including crustless versions, soups, and empanadas. While these events are relatively rare given the vast number of products sold, they highlight the importance of strict food safety protocols, especially for frozen or canned meals with multiple ingredients. Read more: Canned Ham Brands Ranked From Worst To Best Atkins Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Was Pulled From Shelves As Part Of A 12-Million-Pound Listeria Recall In 2024 Atkins Crustless Chicken Pot Pie - Atkins/Walmart In October 2024, federal food safety officials issued a sweeping recall affecting nearly 12 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, including Atkins Low Carb Living Crustless Chicken Pot Pies, after routine testing revealed potential listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall was initiated by Bellisio Foods, the manufacturer behind several popular pot pie brands, including our favorite, after tracing the contamination to chicken supplied by BrucePac. The recall expanded repeatedly as investigators uncovered more affected products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The contaminated items were distributed nationwide to major grocery chains like Kroger, restaurants, and schools, though officials note the products were not part of USDA school meal programs. Unlike many foodborne pathogens, listeria can survive freezing temperatures, making frozen meals like the recalled 9-ounce Atkins pot pies particularly concerning. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) classified this as a Class I, high-risk recall, warning that the bacteria poses severe threats to pregnant women (risking miscarriage), older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. Symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, and even meningitis, may take up to 70 days to appear. No confirmed illnesses were linked to the outbreak at the time of the FSIS announcement. Frozen Fresh N Lean Recalled Over 2,000 Chicken Pot Pies Due To Listeria In 2024 Chicken pot pie - Lauripatterson/Getty Images Months before the Atkins pot pie recall, another crustless chicken pot pie product faced similar food safety concerns. According to an FDA release, in April 2024, Nutrition Corp voluntarily recalled 2,119 Fresh N Lean brand Crustless Chicken Potato Pot Pies after potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination was detected. The frozen meals, packaged in 9-ounce vacuum-sealed plastic trays with a May 8, 2024, expiration date, had been distributed nationwide to consumers. Initially unclassified when first announced on April 25, the FDA upgraded the recall to Class II status on May 29, indicating the products could cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences, though serious outcomes were unlikely. The incident highlights how listeria contamination has triggered some of the largest meat recalls in U.S. history, as evidenced again by subsequent 2024 chicken pot pie recalls. Nutrition Corp, based in Moosic, Pennsylvania, initiated the voluntary action through email notifications, though neither the company nor the FDA ever disclosed how the contamination occurred. Aunt Kitty's Foods Recalled Nearly 16,000 Pounds Of Chicken Pot Pie Soups In 2023 Hanover chicken pot pie soup - Hanover Foods When it comes to food safety, an unlabeled ingredient isn't just an oversight it can be life-threatening. In October 2023, New Jersey company Aunt Kitty's Foods recalled over 15,000 pounds of ready-to-eat Hanover Soup Classics Chicken Pot Pie soup due to misbranding and undeclared soy protein. The 15-ounce canned soups, with a September 2026 best-by date, were distributed to retail locations in Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. While canned pot pie products can be an easy alternative, the FSIS classified this as a high-risk Class I recall its most serious designation because even trace amounts of undeclared soy can trigger anaphylaxis (an allergic reaction) in sensitive individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this issue is typically avoided with homemade soup recipes, where ingredients are fully controlled, the allergen warning was missing due to a production error. The company used soy-containing chicken without updating the label. Aunt Kitty's Foods discovered the mistake during an internal inventory review, prompting immediate action to pull the products from the shelves. While no allergic reactions were reported, the recall affected multiple retail chains across five states before officials successfully recovered about 30% of the affected products. Great American Cobbler Company Recalled Over 4,000 Pounds Of Pot Pies In 2022 Great American Cobbler Company Creole-style chicken pot pies - Instacart Even a pot pie with Southern flair isn't immune to food safety pitfalls. The FSIS issued a Class II recall for over two tons of frozen Creole-style chicken pot pies in February 2022 after discovering an undeclared soy allergen. The Great American Cobbler Company, based in Homerville, Georgia, pulled its Handcrafted Premium Creole Style Chicken Pot Pie products following routine FSIS label verification that revealed missing soy declarations. Distributed to retailers in Georgia, Wisconsin, and Virginia, the products posed a significant risk to consumers with soy allergies. The company recovered about half of the affected products (2,126 pounds) following the discovery. This incident marked another case where routine regulatory oversight identified potentially dangerous labeling omissions before consumer illnesses occurred. The recall preceded later, larger pot pie safety incidents, but shared similar concerns about accurate allergen disclosure in frozen convenience foods. Molly's Chicken Pot Pie Empanadas Recalled Twice Over Plastic And Listeria Contamination Empanadas - German Alvarez/Getty Images Chicken pot pie empanadas have faced multiple serious recalls over the years. In 2011, Windsor Quality Food voluntarily recalled 11,390 pounds of Molly's Kitchen Mini Chicken Pot Pie Empanadas. The Class II recall was initiated after customers reported finding plastic fragments in the product, debris from broken manufacturing equipment that contaminated batches produced on August 30, 2011. These empanadas, packaged in 10-pound cases containing 108 individual pies, had been distributed nationwide to food service operations before the hazard was discovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The story took a more alarming turn in 2014 after Windsor's acquisition by Japanese food giant Ajinomoto. The same empanadas became entangled in one of the largest frozen food recalls in U.S. history - a staggering 47 million pounds of frozen products potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This Class I recall stemmed from tainted vegetables supplied by CRF Frozen Foods and affected empanadas produced between May 2014 and May 2016. The products had reached consumers and food service providers across North America before being pulled from distribution. Park 100 Recalled 19,200 Pounds Of Chicken Pot Pie In 2010 Due To Metal Contamination Chicken pot pie - Iko636/Getty Images In January 2010, the FSIS announced that Park 100 Foods Inc., based in Kokomo, Indiana, had recalled approximately 19,200 pounds of frozen Market Day Chicken Pot Pies due to potential contamination with foreign materials. The issue was came to light when a customer reported discovering metal pins in the pot pie. Although no injuries were reported, the presence of such foreign materials obviously posed a significant health risk. In case it wasn't obvious, the FDA notes that hard pointy objects like metal pins could cause serious damage to a person's mouth, throat, or digestion system. FSIS urged consumers who had purchased the pot pies not to eat them and to either discard the product or return it for a refund. The items were made in early October 2009, and sold to customers across 15 states through Market Day's website and catalog. These states included much of the Midwest and East Coast, such as Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida. ConAgra Recalled All Varieties Of Its Frozen Pot Pies Due To Salmonella Poisoning In 2007 Banquet Chicken Pot Pie - Conagra Foodservice In October 2007, ConAgra issued a massive recall of all varieties of its frozen pot piesincluding chicken, turkey, and beefafter they were linked to a widespread Salmonella outbreak affecting at least 139 people across 30 states. The recall impacted multiple major store brands, including Banquet, Kroger, Great Value, and Albertson's. Over a decade before the USDA began its extensive efforts to reduce salmonella contamination, the outbreak led to 20 hospitalizations, though no deaths were reported. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments traced the illnesses back to the pot pies, prompting ConAgra to voluntarily shut down production while federal investigators worked to pinpoint the exact source of contamination. The products were distributed nationwide, as well as in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, amplifying the scope of public health risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recall highlighted critical gaps in food safety oversight, as the pot pies had been labeled as "cook and serve," requiring consumers to fully cook them to eliminate pathogens a step many may have skipped. The USDA issued a public health alert days before the recall, but the delay in identifying the source of the contamination left consumers vulnerable. The incident spurred calls for clearer labeling and stricter manufacturing controls, particularly for frozen foods that blur the line between pre-cooked and raw. ConAgra said a reintroduction of its pot pies would include revised cooking instructions and enhanced safety measures. Read the original article on Mashed. Jim Vondruska / Bloomberg / Getty Images Traders working in the S&P Index options pit at the Cboe exchange in Chicago last month. Key Takeaways Between April 10 and May 12, the Cboe Volatility Index declined from above 40 to below 20 at the fastest rate on record. The Trump Administration's various tariff pauses have given investors confidence that tariffs will ultimately settle well below the rates proposed in early April. Strong first-quarter earnings have also reassured investors concerned that tariffs will drag on growth. Its been a year of such extremes on Wall Street that even volatility measures have been historically volatile. The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), otherwise known as the fear index, closed above 40 for the first time since 2020 in early April when President Trump sent the stock market into a tailspin with his Liberation Day tariffs. Then, starting on April 9, when Trump paused most of those tariffs for 90 days, the VIX began a rapid descent. From the close on April 10 to May 12, the VIX slid from 40.72 to less than 20, the level that many consider the delineator between normal and elevated volatility. The 21-day slide was the fastest the VIX has settled back into normal territory in its history going back to 1990, according to a recent analysis from Bespoke Investment Management. Easing trade tensions has been the primary driver of the VIXs decline in recent weeks. U.S. and Chinese officials agreed last weekend to slash their respective tariff rates for 90 days while the two countries discuss a more lasting end to their tit-for-tat trade war. When officials announced the agreement on Monday, the VIX fell below 20 and the S&P 500 erased the last of its Liberation Day losses. The VIX closed Friday at 17.24, down more than 20% from a week earlier. Trumps various tariff pauses gave a lot of portfolio managers the confidence that the off ramp was there, said David Kostin, chief U.S. equities strategist at Goldman Sachs Research. But the "off ramp" hasn't returned tariffs to their former levels; it's put them on a new path entirely. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Sunday wrote off the possibility of lowering tariffs below 10%. The effective U.S. tariff rate is currently 17.83%, up from 2.42% at the beginning of the year and only slightly below the 22.44% rate set on Liberation Day. A solid first-quarter earnings season has helped to smooth over some lingering concerns about the drag tariffs could have on economic growth. Heading into this week, the S&P 500 was on track to report earnings growth of more than 13%, well above the 7% expected at the end of March. Plenty of uncertainty about the outlook remains. Liberation Day tariffs are set to resume in early July, right around the time companies begin reporting earnings for the quarter in which the bulk of tariffs took effect. That period could see a return to April's volatility if the White House can't reach agreements with the dozens of countries it has threatened with tariffs. Read the original article on Investopedia As a retired teacher and a great-aunt of two children in schools, I am concerned about the passing of House Bill 193. This bill allows some teachers and volunteers to carry concealed weapons in private school classrooms. Concealed weapon permit holders are only required to have 8 hours of safety training. School resource officers are required to complete more than 800 hours of basic training, plus at least 40 hours of specialized training. In 2016, a private Christian school teacher in Pennsylvania left a loaded gun in a unisex bathroom. Four children used the restroom and saw the gun. One reported it to his parent who reported it to the school. A similar incident occurred at Faith Christian Academy in Goldsboro in 2024. Fortunately, these situations did not end in the tragedies that they could have. Please allow teachers to do what they are trained to do teach and allow law enforcement to handle the rest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheryl Block, Cary Griffin As a 14-year precinct official, I am appalled at the North Carolina Republican Party and the six judges who supported Jefferson Griffins attempts to change the outcome of his race against Allison Riggs. Appellate judges Fred Gore and John Tyson as well as State Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby and associate justices Trey Allen, Tamara Barringer, and Phil Berger Jr need a constitutional law refresher class. Theyve apparently forgotten the U.S. Constitutional guarantees equal protection. Federal District Judge Richard Myers II, appointed by President Donald Trump, reminded his North Carolina counterparts about it in his decision. I assure our states Republican judges, lawmakers and election officials who believe Trumps fraud claims our states precinct election workers are required to take thorough training and an oath to support the U.S. Constitution and the North Carolina Constitution provisions not inconsistent with the federal one. As a chief precinct judge I gave that oath to my staff during four elections in 2021 and 2022. Judge Griffin does not deserve the appreciation of every North Carolinian for pointing out appalling mismanagement by N.C. Board of Elections staff as the N.C. GOP claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark Rodin, Morrisville Energy and Environment Regarding Duke Energys proposal to increase rates to cover construction of new power plants, I think the wrong customers are being asked to do this. The article states that the increased demand is coming from data centers, mainly to support new AI-driven capacity. I suggest that Duke Energy add a surcharge to their corporate data center customers to cover these costs. Homeowners tend to do what they can to reduce their power consumption. We should not bear the burden of supporting corporations jumping on the latest computing fad. John Price, Cary Medicaid Medicaid covers over 40% of births in the U.S. Medicaid covers 15 million Americans with disabilities. Medicaid helps so many school children in need of health services. Do not cut Medicaid. Invest in family health and those with disabilities for a better nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deb Levin, Chapel Hill Reform This administration aims to eliminate fraud, abuse and waste within Medicaid. Medicaid is in need of reform. Originally intended to support the poor and those who couldnt obtain insurance, it has gradually evolved into a de facto universal healthcare program. Back in 2000, Medicaid covered around 30 million people. Today, that number has grown to 80 million about 25% of the U.S. population. This expansion goes far beyond Medicaids original mission! Mike Howard, Waxhaw Deportations Millions of our tax dollars are being spent by the federal government to deport non-criminals to prisons outside the U.S. Their right to due process is being ignored and flagrantly abused. To base these deportations on the tattoos someone has would be laughable, but its no joke to tear people, including U.S. citizens, away from their families and jobs. These illegal removals must be stopped. Susannah Smith, Chapel Hill YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) On Sunday, more than 100 couples renewed their vows at St. Columba Cathedral. Its part of a special annual Mass celebrating couples wedding anniversaries. Bishop David Bonnar celebrated the Mass with the couples who were celebrating anniversaries ranging from 25 to 67 years together. In total, adding to over 5,000 years of wedded life being honored, 28 of the couples in attendance had been married over 50 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. CAIRO (Reuters) -At least three people were killed when a blast targeted a police station in the eastern Syrian town of Al-Mayadeen on Sunday, the state news agency said, citing a security source. The explosion also injured several people, the report said, without providing further details. (Reporting by Ahmed TolbaEditing by Peter Graff) SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) The 5th annual Flying for Life blood drive wrapped up Saturday with a record breaking total. The Flying for Life Blood Drive involved a friendly competition between Avera Careflight and Sanford AirMed the winner being the team with the most blood donations. Sioux Falls graduation day Donors were encouraged to cast their donation vote for either Sanford or Avera, and both organizations put it on to strengthen the local blood supply heading into the summer months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The winner receives bragging rights for the year and possession of the traveling trophy. The competition was close, with Sanford AirMed winning by merely two votes at 471 donations. Avera Careflight collected 469 donations, bringing this years total to 940 which exceeds all previous records for the blood drive, according to a press release. This event has surpassed all expectations, and we are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming community support, says Ken Versteeg, Executive Director of Community Blood Bank. The Community Blood Bank says these donations will go toward the community blood supply, which could save about 2,800 local lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While life is unpredictable, blood donors help us provide consistency in maintaining an adequate blood supply for our community. Versteeg said. Those who werent able to attend this years event can still schedule a donation by visiting the Community Blood Bank website or calling (605) 331-3222. Ink, tattoos and mental health awareness Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. bluefield Bluefield officials are still hoping to rehabilitate an old church located on Duhring Street. The former church, which is on the states historic preservation list, has been vacant for a number of years now. It was founded in 1907 as the First Baptist Church. The structure is currently owned by the city of Bluefield, which is seeking to renovate the church as part of a larger vision for the area. That vision also includes new housing construction for first-time home buyers in the neighborhood near the church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city does own the church outside of city hall. The Duhring Street Church, City Manager Cecil Marson said. Its an old, old church. It has stained glass windows. It is a super nice church. Marson said the citys goal is to rehabilitate the old church and find a new use for it, possibly as a job training site or small business incubator. The vision also includes new housing construction in the Duhring Street area, which also connects to Roger Street near city hall. The city is still searching for funding to complete the work. While the city was approved for an initial grant for the project, the funding agency that would have provided the grant was later terminated. Thus the city didnt receive the funding. The old First Baptist Church on Duhring Street isnt to be confused with the nearby Immanuel Lutheran Church, which is still an active congregation and is located at 103 Duhring Street. Both the old First Baptist Church and the Immanuel Lutheran Church are located adjacent to the municipal hall facilities in Bluefield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marson said the search for new funding continues not just for the church renovations but also for the housing project. Our focus is around it (the church) and a potential housing area for a first-time home buyer, Marson said. Housing has been an issue of concern in the city in recent years. The Bluefield Board of Directors launched a study in 2024 on the citys housing needs in cooperation with Virginia Tech. That 2024 study identified a housing shortage in Bluefield and focused on housing needs in the city over the next five to 10 years. The church itself wouldnt be used for housing, but it could be utilized for job training or other purposes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of its designation as a historic structure, Marson said the city is limited in what changes can be made to the church itself. You cant make major changes to the facade, Marson said. There is restrictions on what you can do. They have to have oversight of it. For example, the city will have to contract with a professional firm to make repairs to the stain glass windows inside of the old church. We would need to bring in a professional to look at those, Marson said of the stain glass windows. They would need to be cleaned and redone. It would have to be kind of a professional stain-glass person who can restore that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it may appear unusual for a city to own a former church, Marson said it really isnt pointing to a similar situation in Northern West Virginia. I dont think it is unusual, he said. Cities inherently get a lot of property that is in bad shape. Im sure there are tons of cities across the country that have churches in their portfolios. The city has owned the church for a number of years. Marson said the old church went through different owners throughout the years, and was associated with the Baptist denomination. Finding additional funding to renovate the former church, and to launch the new housing project, is the next step for the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are working on stuff right now, different grants, putting some stuff together, Marson said. We are working to try to get the funding so we can start this project. We are actively working on it right now. The old church isnt the only historic structure owned by the city, or a city-affiliated commission. Marson said the Bluefield Arts and Revitalization Commission also owns the old Travelers Hotel, which is located near the Raleigh Street Cinemas. The old hotel was originally a Green Book property offering lodging to Black travelers during the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. In 1950 it was converted into an office building and offered some dining in the 1980s and 1990s. It is currently vacant although BARC is hoping to revitalize it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bluefield Arts and Revitalization Commission also owns the Granada Theater, a historic structure that was brought back to life by the commission a number of years ago. The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia, the statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the states historic places and properties, recently announced the recipients of the 2025 West Virginia Historic Preservation Awards, and the Bluefield Arts and Revitalization Commission, or BARC for short, was one of the recipients. BARC received the Adaptive Reuse Award for its efforts to revitalize the old Granada Theater, along with the adjoining Raleigh Street Cinemas and Education Center. The Granada Theater originally opened in 1927 at its current location on 537 Commerce Street. It was originally used as a Vaudeville and movie theater, and at one time was even a dance club. The venue is currently used for cinema and live performances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Granada Theater was recently added to the West Virginia Historic Theatre Trail. That statewide trail was designed to promote cultural tourism by showcasing the states diverse theatrical heritage Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com PARKE COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) SECOND UPDATE: The Park County Coroner has identified the man as 57-year-old Maximo Disla-Garcia of Grand Rapids, MI. FIRST UPDATE: The body of a 57-year-old male has been recovered from Turkey Run State Park. The male was identified from Grand Rapids, Michigan. No name has been released at this time. Assisting at the scene were Parke County Deputies, Indiana Conservation, Bellmore Fire Department, Marshall Fire Department, Montezuma Fire Department, Bloomingdale Fire Department and Montezuma Deputy Town Marshal. Original: Multiple agencies are on scene at Turkey Run State Park as officials are attempting a recovery of a possible drowning Saturday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Parke County Sheriff Jason Frazier, the Parke County Sheriffs Office, Indiana Conservation Officers, and several fire departments are at the suspension bridge of the local state park attempting a recovery of a possible drowning. This is an ongoing investigation with limited information. WTWO will continue to update you as we receive 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 MyWabashValley.com. NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK) The Nacogdoches Citizens Bond Advisory Committee has recommended a new jail bond for the 2025 November elections. Jones Elementary students refresh campus with vibrant colors Since they were established in June 2024, the committee has toured several Texas jails in Smith and Houston counties. Upon their research they were able to recommend the initial planning and funding of a new jail to the Nacogdoches County Commissioners Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Citizens Bond Advisory committee recommends that the new facility be designed with a capacity of at least 500 to 576 beds, accommodating the estimated population growth of the county and thats what we think were probably going to need, Citizen Bond Advisory Committee member Dr. James Standley said. The current Nacogdoches County Jail facilities were formed in both 1990 and 1994 and can only hold up to 324 people. The city of Nacogdoches has had to spend $1.5 million to house 80 inmates in outside facilities because of overcrowding. Residents would be able to vote for a bond in the November elections for $70 million to $80 million to go to the new facilities, if the county commissioners officially propose the bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the unforgivable violence against a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, Calif., where one person was killed on Saturday. I have been briefed on the explosion at a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California that took place today. Federal agents are on the ground now responding alongside local law enforcement, Bondi said in a Saturday post on the social media platform X. We are working to learn more, but let me be clear: the Trump administration understands that women and mothers are the heartbeat of America, Bondi added. Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said on Saturday that the vehicle explosion appears to be an intentional act of violence and that the blast extended for a block with several buildings damaged, some severely. One person was found dead, whose identity is unknown, according to Mills. The explosion occurred just before 11 a.m. local time. The FBIs office in Los Angeles confirmed it has deployed investigators, bomb technicians and an evidence response team. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) said he also has been briefed on the explosion. Jen and I are keeping everyone affected in our hearts, Newsom wrote Saturday on X. The state is working closely with local and federal authorities as the investigation unfolds. Please avoid the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The act is being probed as a possible car explosion, The Associated Press reported Saturday, citing two law enforcement officials briefed on the matter. We are heartbroken to learn that this event claimed a life and caused injuries, and our deepest condolences go out to the individuals and families affected, The American Reproductive Centers in Palm Springs said in a Saturday statement on Facebook. The center said that none of the staffers were harmed and that the IVF lab, along with eggs, embryos, and reproductive materials, have remained fully secure and undamaged. We are heavily conducting a complete safety inspection and have confirmed that our operations and sensitive medical areas were not impacted by the blast, the clinic said, adding that it will be operational on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Borderlands Mexico is a weekly rundown of developments in the world of United States-Mexico cross-border trucking and trade. This week: Cargo crime continues to disrupt Mexican transport sector; Bulkmatic plans $250M intermodal terminal near Monterrey, Mexico; Automotive supplier announces $84M expansion in Mexico; and Amazon plans new delivery station in South Texas. Cargo crime continues to disrupt Mexican transport sector Cargo theft remains one of the biggest challenges affecting the trucking industry between Mexico and the United States, transportation stakeholders said. Mexicos National Public Security System (SNSP) reported first-quarter cargo theft cases dropped 20% year over year to 1,636 compared to the same period in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SNSPs claim of a reduced number of cases has been disputed by the Mexican Association of Private Security and Satellite Industry Companies (AMESIS), which said there were more than 2,000 cargo thefts incidents in just the first two months of the year. In robberies, we have one every 33 minutes so we have a problem there, Rodrigo Larracilla, secretary for AMESIS, told Reforma. While the number of cargo thefts across Mexico in 2025 is disputed, SNSP said 81% of reported cases in the first quarter involved violence against drivers. Cargo theft continues to be one of the main problems affecting logistics chains in the country, supply chain visibility firm Overhaul said in its Mexico: Q1-2025 Cargo Theft Report released on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overhaul said 77% of cargo theft incidents in the quarter took place in the central (61%) and western regions (25%) of the country. The central states of Mexico and Puebla each accounted for 19% of the total cargo theft cases in the quarter. The states of Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi and Veracruz all showed increases compared to the first quarter of 2024. The three most stolen product types from trucks in the first quarter of 2025 were food and beverages (34%), building and industrial (10%), and auto parts (9%). The auto parts category increased by 4% year over year, with the most stolen products being Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement transport cars, tires, and electrical auto parts, Overhaul said. Cargo theft from trucks in transit was the main tactic used by criminals in the first quarter, accounting for 62.6% of the cases. Theft from parked trucks was the second most common cargo crime, accounting for 36.8% of the incidents. Most of these events occurred in high-risk areas for cargo theft such as rest areas or fueling stations. To protect cargo, Overhaul said transporters should use tracking and monitoring devices that provide real-time visibility into the location and status of loads. In this way, companies can take immediate action to address potential security threats, Overhaul said. Bulkmatic plans $250M intermodal terminal near Monterrey, Mexico Bulkmatic de Mexico recently began construction of a new intermodal terminal in the municipality of Pesqueria, Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The terminal has an initial investment of $250 million and is expected to generate more than 2,300 jobs. Pesqueria is on the northern outskirts of Monterrey. The terminal will handle bulk materials, such as grain, along with food and beverages, plastics, chemicals, and energy, according to a news release. It is expected to begin operations in 2026. Monterrey-based Bulkmatic de Mexico, founded in 1965, is a transportation and logistics company that operates 14 rail terminals connecting with more than 40 destinations in the country. Automotive supplier announces $84M expansion in Mexico China-based Kingfa plans to invest $84 million to expand operations in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investment includes building a manufacturing, research and development complex in the Logistik III Industrial Park in the municipality of Villa de Reyes. The expansion, scheduled to be completed in 2027, will create 500 direct jobs and enhance the local production chain by attracting more suppliers, officials said. Kingfa is a global supplier of plastic injection and molding parts for the automotive and consumer products industries. The company operates 20 manufacturing sites across China, India, the U.S., Europe, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam. Amazon plans new delivery station in South Texas Amazon plans to build a 62,000-square-foot delivery station in Brownsville, Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The facility will serve as a last-mile delivery hub, receiving packages from fulfillment and sorting centers for final delivery to the local area. Construction began earlier this month, but officials did not provide a timeline for the facilitys completion. The delivery station is expected to create about 100 jobs. Amazon recently announced it will spend $4 billion to build more than 200 delivery stations by the end of 2026 to triple the size of its rural delivery network in order to speed up delivery times in more parts of the country. The post Borderlands Mexico: Cargo crime continues to disrupt Mexican transport sector appeared first on FreightWaves. Key Points Analysts wasted little time publishing bullish updates following the retailer's latest earnings release. Investors clearly took this positive outlook to heart on the final trading day of the week. 10 stocks we like better than Walmart The market wasn't so hot on Walmart (NYSE: WMT) stock on Thursday following the company's latest quarterly-earnings release, but sentiment changed the following day. Thanks in no small part to a clutch of positive analyst updates on the company, investors snapped up Walmart again, sending it to a 3% gain on the day. With that performance, it eclipsed the 0.7% increase of the S&P 500 index. Delayed praise As a titan in the U.S. retail sector, Walmart is closely tracked by a platoon of stock analysts. More than a few of them weighed in on the company with updates, the bulk of which had quite the bullish tone. Several even raised their price target on the shares. Image source: Getty Images. One of the raisers was Truist Securities's Scot Ciccarelli, who bumped his fair value assessment on the stock to $111 per share from his preceding $107. He also maintained his buy recommendation. According to reports, the pundit felt that Walmart's opening quarter of its fiscal 2026 was a strong one, especially with its nearly 5% increase in U.S. same-store sales. He also flagged the company's reiteration of its full-year guidance despite concerns about the effect of tariffs on its fundamentals. Thinking about tariffs Tariffs were the key reason why Walmart's stock slumped in the immediate aftermath of the earnings release. While I feel that investors are right to be concerned about the almost-certain detrimental effect on company finances, in the long term this company is one of the best buys in the retail sector. Management consistently proves it can grow the business -- as strongly evidenced by that nice lift in same-store sales. Even in a worst-case tariff scenario, it should find a way to thrive. Should you invest $1,000 in Walmart right now? Before you buy stock in Walmart, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Walmart wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $635,275!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $826,385!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 967% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 171% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks Boston Police are searching for a man who allegedly attacked a victim and their car with a hatchet following a crash late Friday night in Brighton. The incident occurred around 11:42 p.m. on Friday, May 16, near 1032 Commonwealth Avenue. According to Boston Police, the suspect reportedly chased the victim at high speed, causing the victim to crash their vehicle. BPD Community Alert: Detectives Assigned to District D-14 Seek the Publics Help to Identify The Following Individual in Relation to an Aggravated Assault/ Road Rage Incident https://t.co/i8SotY7IwS pic.twitter.com/n8uhNMraVG Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) May 18, 2025 The suspect then exited their vehicle (gray pickup truck) with a hatchet, assaulted the victim, and vandalized the victims vehicle after they fled, breaking the windows and windshield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect fled on Babcock Street in the direction of Brookline. Police describe the suspect as a white male, approximately 25 years old, with a slight build, medium-length brown hair, and a short beard. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt with lettering on the back, blue jeans, and brown sneakers. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact District D-14 Detectives at (617) 343-4256. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on May 18, following the pontiff's inauguration mass, he said in a post on social media. "For millions of people around the world, the Pontiff is a symbol of hope for peace. The authority and voice of the Holy See can play an important role in bringing this war to an end," Zelensky said. "We appreciate the support for Ukraine and the clear voice in defense of a just and lasting peace," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The visit marked Zelensky's first in-person meeting with the new pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, who was elected head of the Catholic Church on May 8. During their meeting, Zelensky presented Pope Leo with a special icon, "Mother of God with Child," painted on a fragment of a box that held heavy artillery. The icon was brought from Izium, a Kharkiv Oblast town located about 50 kilometers (30 miles) from the front line. A pregnant woman was killed in a Russian missile attack against Izium in February of this year. The gift represents children "who suffered from the war, who were deliberately kidnapped and deported by Russia and who are very much awaited at home in Ukraine," Zelensky said. The return of Ukraine's forcibly deported children was among the issues Zelensky and Pope Leo discussed during their first phone call on May 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the inauguration mass, Zelensky was accompanied by First Lady Olena Zelenska and Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak. The event drew 250,000 pilgrims and 156 foreign delegations, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who met Pope Francis shortly before his death. President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. Vice President JD Vance (r) greet each other in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on May 18 (Michael Kappeler/picture alliance via Getty Images) A day before the event, Rubio said that the Vatican could serve as a neutral venue for future peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow. Speaking in Rome before his meeting with Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Vatican's envoy on Ukraine, Rubio noted that "both sides would be comfortable" holding talks there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 11, during his first public address, the pope said he carried the "suffering of the beloved people of Ukraine" in his heart and called for an "authentic and lasting peace." Zelensky had his first phone call with Pope Leo XIV on May 12, describing the conversation as "warm" and "substantive." On May 18, the pontiff received a list of Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia. Before becoming pope, Leo XIV denounced Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine while serving as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru. In a 2022 interview, he described it as "a true invasion, imperialist in nature, where Russia seeks to conquer territory for reasons of power." Read also: Russia launches record 273-drone attack on Ukraine ahead of planned Trump-Putin call Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The chief executive of British Gas has warned that Britains biggest gas storage facility will be shut down unless ministers agree to help fund the loss-making sites redevelopment. Chris OShea, the chief executive of British Gas-owner Centrica, warned that the Rough facility in the North Sea, which represents half of UKs natural gas storage capacity, would be decommissioned unless the government agreed to underwrite its 2bn overhaul. Centrica is seeking to redevelop the 40-year-old site to be able to store hydrogen alongside natural gas. The company has asked ministers for a so-called cap-and-floor mechanism to help fund the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Centrica would provide the investment up front, the mechanism would effectively mean guaranteed funding underwritten by a levy on consumer bills. Without state support, Mr OShea said Rough would face closure. Centrica has already stopped filling the facility off the Yorkshire coast amid concerns about the sites financial viability, prompted by a fall in wholesale gas prices. Mr OShea told the BBC: Inevitably what will happen is this asset will be decommissioned. It will be shut down, well remove everything that weve got here, it will be like it was never here, and then well lose this resilience. The site, which lost 100m last year year, can hold enough gas to meet Britains needs for six days half the total 12 day capacity the nation has overall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If upgraded, Rough could provide up to 30 days of supplies. If it shuts, the nations reserves could drop to just 6 days, compared with around 100 in Germany, France and the Netherlands. The closure of Rough would therefore raise the risk of Britain running out of gas in a crisis, threatening possible blackouts. Gas is envisaged to comprise up to 5pc of the UKs energy demand by 2030, even under the Governments plan to shift to a clean power system by the end of the decade. Chris OShea, the chief executive of Centrica, says the Rough storage facility will close without state support - Dominic Lipinski/Bloomberg A government spokesman said: The future of Rough storage is a commercial decision for Centrica, but we remain open to discussing proposals on gas storage sites, as long as it provides value for money for taxpayers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr OShea also warned that Ed Milibands plan to establish a clean power grid by the turn of the decade risked failing. He said achieving the 2030 target will be very challenging. The Centrica chief said: Its not impossible but its not easy. I cant say, hand on heart, that well get there. While the target might be attainable if we all pull in the same direction, it represented the sort of extremely ambitious goal that Centrica sometimes sets for its own people without certainty of success. He said: The reality is it might not be just where we want to be by 2030. But probably by having that very stretching target we will be a lot closer than we would otherwise have been. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doubts over the achievability of the Governments net zero targets are adding to pressure the Energy Secretary faces to temper the pace of Britains transition to renewables. Analysts at consultancy Cornwall Insight warned in January that just two thirds of the solar and onshore wind power needed to achieve Mr Milibands goal would be ready by 2030. The Energy Secretary has already diluted other green policies, including a ban on new non-electric cars by 2030, amid a growing backlash from voters, unions and Labour MPs. Mr Miliband is also reviewing plans to erect thousands of pylons across the countryside, The Telegraph has revealed. Mr OSheas warning about the risks to the 2030 target comes days after he said the shift to net zero would not cut household energy bills, despite promises from the Labour Government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The British Gas chief wrote on LinkedIn that the shift to renewables will NOT materially reduce UK electricity prices from current levels. During last years election campaign Mr Miliband promised that the shift to clean energy would save households 300 per year by 2030. Speaking on the BBCs Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Mr OShea reiterated his concerns about such price promises. He said: The thing that frustrates me is that we will have people who give sound bites, but it might not be backed up by fact. You see this become a Left versus Right thing. New renewable development will not bring down the price. If we have a clean energy system that people cant afford to pay their bills, we will have failed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A government spokesman said: As shown by the National Energy System Operators independent report, our mission for clean power by 2030 is achievable and will deliver a more secure energy system, which could see a lower cost of electricity and lower bills. 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 Kate Holton, Andrew MacAskill and Alistair Smout LONDON/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Britain agreed the most significant reset of defence and trade ties with the European Union since Brexit on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump's upending of the global order pushed the two sides to move on from their acrimonious divorce. Nearly nine years after it voted to leave the bloc, Britain reached a wide-ranging deal with the EU including a security and defence pact, fewer restrictions on British food exporters and visitors, and a contentious new fishing agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's tariffs, alongside warnings that Europe should do more to protect itself, forced governments around the world to rethink trade, defence and security ties, bringing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer closer to European leaders. Starmer, who backed remaining in the EU in the Brexit referendum, also bet that offering benefits to Britons such as the use of faster e-gates at EU airports will drown out the cries of "betrayal" from Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage. Flanked by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa at London's Lancaster House, Starmer said the deal marked "a new era in our relationship". Von der Leyen said it sent a message: "At a time of global instability, and when our continent faces the greatest threat it has for generations, we in Europe stick together." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Britain said the reset with its biggest trading partner would reduce red tape for agricultural producers - making food cheaper - improve energy security and, by 2040, add nearly 9 billion pounds ($12.1 billion) to the economy, which is about 2.6 trillion pounds in size. It is the third deal Britain has struck this month, after agreements with India and the U.S., and while it is unlikely to lead to an immediate economic boost, it could lift business confidence, drawing much-needed investment. At the heart of the reset is a defence and security pact that will let Britain be part of any joint procurement and pave the way for British companies including BAE, Rolls-Royce and Babcock to take part in a 150 billion euro ($167 billion) programme to rearm Europe. On fishing, British and EU vessels will have access to each other's waters for 12 years - removing one of the UK's strongest hands in any future talks - in return for a permanent reduction in paperwork and border checks that had prevented small food producers from exporting to Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In return, Britain has agreed to the outline of a limited scheme to let young EU and British people live and work in each others' territories for periods, with the details to be hammered out in future, and it is discussing participation in the Erasmus+ student exchange programme. The agreement was denounced by the opposition Conservative Party - which was in power when Britain left the bloc and spent years negotiating the original divorce deal - who said Britain will now have to accept EU rules. Nigel Farage, head of the right-wing, pro-Brexit Reform UK party, called the deal an "abject surrender - the end of the fishing industry". The Scottish Fishermen's Federation called it a "horror show" because EU fishermen will be able to access British waters for far longer than had been expected. IMPROVING RELATIONS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chris Curtis, a Labour member of parliament, said the deal would correct some of the problems created by the Conservatives' original deal agreed after Brexit and said he believed most people wanted improved relations. "It is very easy to pretend that there are no tradeoffs, that you can get everything you want, and you don't have to give anything away, but that is clearly baloney," he told Reuters. Britain's vote to leave the EU in a historic referendum in 2016 revealed a country that was badly divided over everything from migration and sovereignty of power to culture and trade. It helped trigger one of the most tumultuous periods in British political history, with five prime ministers in office before Starmer arrived last July, and poisoned relations with Brussels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polls show a majority of Britons now regret the vote although they do not want to rejoin. Farage, who campaigned for Brexit for decades, now leads in opinion polls in Britain, giving Starmer limited room for manoeuvre. But collaboration between Britain and European powers over Ukraine and Trump has rebuilt trust. Rather than seek a full return to a pillar of the EU such as the single market, for fear of angering Brexit voters, Starmer sought to negotiate better market access in some areas - a move that is often rejected by the EU as "cherry picking" of EU benefits without the obligations of membership. Removing red tape on food trade required Britain to accept EU oversight on standards, but Starmer will argue that it is worth it to grow the economy and cut food prices. Trade experts said breaking the taboo of EU oversight for something that would benefit small companies and farmers was good politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the agreement, Britain's economy will remain significantly different from before it left the bloc. Brexit cost London's financial centre thousands of jobs, has weighed on the sector's output and reduced its tax contributions, studies show. ($1 = 0.8958 euros) ($1 = 0.7464 pounds) (Writing by Kate Holton; additional reporting by Andrew Gray and Philip Blenkinsop in Brussels; Editing by Aidan Lewis, Ros Russell and Andrew Heavens) (CBS) Two people died and more than a dozen were hurt when a Mexican navy training ship hit the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday in New York City, officials said. In a news conference, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said 277 were on board the vessel sailing the East River when it collided with the bridge just before 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Adams said 19 people were hurt and four suffered serious injuries. He later announced two of them died. No one fell into the water, they were all hurt inside the ship, NYPD Special Operations Chief Wilson Aramboles said. The ship, from what I was informed by the supervisors of the ship, it was disembarking and going to Iceland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York City Department of Transportation reported in a post to social media that bridge inspectors had so far found no signs of structural damage to the Brooklyn Bridge. The Mexican navy said in a post on social media that the Cuauhtemoc was damaged during a sailing maneuver. Videos posted online showed the ships mast hitting the bridge and breaking apart. I guess it was, the pilot that is assigned to navigate, you know, the boat out of the water, I believe there was some mechanical issues that probably caused the ship to hit the water, Aramboles said. Witnesses reported hearing a loud crunch followed by screams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of the sudden we heard tons of screaming coming from this massive crowd that was here, Torrey Leonard said. Our hearts were skipping a beat because it was just horrible, how it sounded. We heard like this wood crunch. We then stood up from dinner right here and looked at the bridge and we saw what everybodys already seen happen. Which was just horrifying. Adams said in a social media post the Cuauhtemoc lost power before it crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge. Esteban Moctezuma Barragan, Mexican ambassador to the U.S., told reporters the ship has been sailing for about 20 years and was headed from Cozumel, Mexico, to Iceland. Police urged people to avoid the area around the bridge, including the South Street Seaport in Manhattan and DUMBO in Brooklyn. The bridge had been temporarily shut down to traffic, but has since reopened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. Chase and Derek Herzog are one of 15 sets of twins graduating from Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School in Plainview, New York on June 22 The twins tell PEOPLE they never thought their situation was unique until their graduating class became the focus of multiple news stories When they go off to college, the brothers who have always shared a bedroom will live apart for the very first time, but both say they're ready and excited for the change Brothers Chase and Derek Herzog are just one of 15 sets of twins in their graduating high school class and growing up, they didn't think that was unusual. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Plainview, N.Y., school's 2025 graduating class is made up of 447 seniors 30 of whom have a twin sibling. Chase and Derek's dad, Jeff Herzog, tells PEOPLE, "Its pretty remarkable." The Herzog brothers say theyve been friends with most of the other sets of twins since elementary school and they all happen to be in the same friend circle. In fact, the brothers, who are both 18, say they never really thought much about how many of their classmates also have a twin that is, until a series of news stories made them realize "how unique we are," Derek says. Peter Belfiore Graduating twins from Plainview-Old Bethpage school district Graduating twins from Plainview-Old Bethpage school district Lately, the twins been recognized in public, even without their siblings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its blown up around here. I walked into a pizza place and theyre like, 'Oh, youre one of the twins,' Chase says. The Herzog brothers both run track, and are on the honor roll and the National Honor Society. Chase says his brother is his "best friend," and tells PEOPLE the pair "do everything together," including volunteering to help seniors with technology. Derek thinks sharing a bedroom has kept them extra close over the years. "It's an amazing experience just throughout our lives that we have someone with us all the time, because high school can be really rough," he says. Thanks to their bond, the brothers say they always "support" each other through hard times. Courtesy Jeff Herzog Derek Herzog (L) and Chase Herzog (R) Derek Herzog (L) and Chase Herzog (R) This fall, Derek plans to attend Ohio State University and major in psychology. His brother will be about two hours away at Miami University of Ohio, where he plans to study public health and business so that he can work in health care administration one day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement College will mark a new chapter for the brothers' relationship; the longest they've spent apart was seven weeks, when Derek went to summer camp. Derek tells PEOPLE he and his brother are "ready" for their new phase in life, while Chase says hes very very excited about graduation and going to college. So many things are going to change, and I love it, Chase says. I'm so excited. Read the original article on People HYDERABAD, India (AP) At least 17 people were killed and several injured in a fire that broke out at a building near the historic Charminar monument in southern Hyderabad city, officials said Sunday. Several people were found unconscious and rushed to various hospitals, according to local media. They said the building housed a jewelry store at ground level and residential space above. The accident happened due to a short circuit and many people have died, federal minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader G Kishan Reddy told reporters at the site of the accident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Director general of Telangana fire services Y Nagi Reddy told reporters that 21 people were in the three-story building when the fire started on the ground floor early on Sunday. 17 people, who were shifted to the hospital in an unconscious state, could not survive. The staircase was very narrow, which made escape difficult. There was only one exit, and the fire had blocked it, he said. The fire was brought under control. Prime minister Narendra Modi announced financial compensation for the victims families and said in a post on X that he was deeply anguished by the loss of lives. Fires are common in India, where building laws and safety norms are often flouted by builders and residents. Indiana State Police officers responded to a report of burglary in progress just before 10 a.m. Monday. Additional reports indicated gunshots had been fired inside the Peru home, located in the Woodland Hills neighborhood. According to a press release from the State Police, officers found during their preliminary investigation that 30-year-old Michael A. Marr and 26-year-old Halie M. Thomas had discharged the firearm multiple time believing there were intruders present. Further investigation by the State Police officers found there were not any intruders. There were, however, two children inside the home at the time according to the press release. No injuries were reported, but officers reportedly found multiple rounds had struck nearby unoccupied buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marr and Thomas were taken into custody without incident and brought to the Miami County Jail. Each were preliminarily charged with Criminal Recklessness with a Firearm, a level 5 felony; two counts of Neglect of a Dependent, a level 6 felony; and a class A misdemeanor charge for Criminal Mischief. The Miami County Sheriffs Office, Peru Police Department and the Miami County Department of Child Services assisted in the call. The investigation is ongoing. State Police officials have said they will not release further details at this time. May 18COLFAX The smell of garlic sauteing on the stove permeated the dining room of Wild Ember Kitchen in Colfax at midday. The staff was preparing garlic to season tacos the restaurant had planned for a special Cinco de Mayo dinner that evening. The tacos are among the many dishes Colfax High School graduate Trevor Miller has developed for the restaurant with fellow chef and significant other Amanda Packer since the business's debut about a year ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't like to lean toward anything specific," Miller said. "I just like to have freedom to do whatever food I would like. So that's what I like about the name. It doesn't make you think of any one thing." Often that freedom leads him to put tacos on the menu. Street tacos ($18) with seared pork belly are one of the biggest sellers. They come in corn tortillas with cabbage, corn salsa, jalapenos, cotija (a type of cheese) and aji verde (a Peruvian sauce). For Cinco de Mayo, Miller was trying a new taco with beef tongue, curious to see how it would be received. "We've got a pretty good following," he said. "People come here and try new things they might not try anywhere else because they know it's going to be good." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The innovation at Wild Ember Kitchen extends beyond the food. The Colfax Downtown Association renovated the former bank in a single-story, 3,521-square-foot building into a restaurant incubator. The majority of the money for the upgrade came from a $2.26 million grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce. Miller and Packer earned the opportunity to use the space through a competitive process and are leasing it at a subsidized rate. I spoke with Miller and Packer about how they developed the restaurant, what their plans are for the venture and what led them to Colfax. An edited version of our conversation follows: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elaine Williams: The availability of an incubator restaurant space with subsidized rent prompted you to scrap your plans for a food truck and open here. Could you share more about how that happened? Trevor Miller: We moved to Colfax because our oldest son was 5 years old and we wanted him to attend school here. We were going to open a food truck. I started doing food at The Cellar Wine and Beer Bar in Colfax. The downtown association kept hounding me to apply for this. This is a dream. I always wanted to have a restaurant like this in Colfax, but it's expensive. The buildings are old. It's just a daunting idea to come in with a few million dollars to remodel. But since it's a downtown association that owns and it was a government grant, I was like "All right. Now I'll give it a shot now because there's not a whole bunch on the line." We just order the food, the plates and the liquor and get all the licensing for it. If we had to come in and buy a building and remodel it I love Colfax, but I wouldn't have picked Colfax. EW: Let's switch gears and talk about your career backgrounds. Trevor, you discovered your love of cooking at Arby's in Colfax and completed your training at Le Cordon Bleu of Culinary Arts in Portland, Ore. Amanda, you earned your culinary credentials at the Le Cordon Bleu of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale, Ariz. How did your paths first cross? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daily headlines, straight to your inboxRead it online first and stay up-to-date, delivered daily at 7 AM TM: We were both working at a high-end resort about 45 minutes north of Missoula. The average vacation there is about a quarter of a million dollars for high-end clientele. I was a line cook because I wasn't going to stay more than one summer. When I met her, she kept me there. Amanda Packer: I was the private chef for any clients that wanted a private dining experience. I'd create a menu either to their specifications or I would surprise them. When I was doing that, I was the pastry chef. Working at that resort was one of the assignments we had over about five years. EW: That sounds glamorous. How did you decide to return to Colfax? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TM: It comes with its own headaches and very little time off. We were in a high-demand side of the industry. It was fun, but once you have two boys, you just kind of take a step back and make it easier to have more of a work-life balance. EW: Let's talk more about what you're doing at Wild Ember Kitchen. Besides tacos, what can diners expect? TM: We serve a lot of hamburgers. The Whitman County burger is a sirloin, brisket patty with seared ham, American cheese and garlic aioli. I try to keep the ingredients as simple as possible and make sure they work well together. We have a full bar. We have about a dozen drinks that we change seasonally. One is the Golden Paradise with bourbon, house-made pineapple simple syrup, cardamom bitters and orange peel. EW: You mentioned this business plays a broader role than just being a restaurant. What do you mean by that? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TM: It's pretty diverse. We get a lot of locals. We get a lot of people from all over, including Lewiston and Spokane. They come and meet. We had four ladies sit here that hadn't seen each other in 10 years. They sat and chit-chatted for five hours. They love that there's a new place they can come in and sit and have some good drinks and good food. EW: Now that you're hitting your stride, how long do you think you'll be here? TM: I don't know. We're planning to do catering. We could extend the lease as long as five years or stay longer if no one is interested in the space. My parents live 15 minutes outside of town on a farm. Our two sons spend a lot of time with them in the summer. There's no rush to decide. Williams is the business editor of the Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News. She may be contacted at ewilliam@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2261. About Wild Ember Kitchen Address: 102 N. Main St., Colfax Hours: 3-9 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Wednesday; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. (FOX40.COM) Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit has released a list of counties that are suspending burning due to a Red Flag Warning. Video above: Fire season is starting to heat up in Northern California Cal Fire said that due to the gusty winds, dry vegetation, and a Red Flag Warning, all burning in the state responsibility areas of Amador, El Dorado, Alpine & Sacramento counties have been suspended starting at midnight on Sunday. FAA investigates plane crash leaving two injured near Yuba County Airport Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire authorities said the suspension will last until Monday. Crews will monitor conditions and provide an update on Tuesday. El Dorado County officials said, No vegetation burning allowed tomorrow and Monday. High winds & a Red Flag warning pose fire threats. Please heed this. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A Calexico man has been sentenced to prison for orchestrating a years-long scheme to smuggle and distribute illegal pesticides and veterinary drugs from Mexico into the United States, federal prosecutors in San Diego announced Wednesday. Ruben Montes, 60, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison and ordered to forfeit $12,710 after pleading guilty to a conspiracy charge related to the distribution of more than $3 million in unapproved products. According to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of California, Montes coordinated the illegal importation and sale of chemicals and drugs not approved for use by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Authorities say the operation began in 2020 and spanned multiple states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ecuadorian drug trafficker pleads guilty in San Diego federal court Bringing in and selling pesticides and veterinary drugs illegally puts both people and the environment at risk, said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. These unregulated products can be harmful to animals, insects, and humans. Our office is committed to holding accountable anyone who chooses profit over public safety. The unapproved pesticides, primarily Taktic and Bovitraz, contain amitraz a chemical toxic to bees and potentially dangerous to humans if it contaminates honey or beeswax. The veterinary drugs involved including Tylocet, Terramicina, Tetragent Ares, and Catarrol are not FDA-approved for use in the U.S. Federal officials said Montes directed co-conspirators to smuggle the products into the U.S. by hiding them during border crossings. Once across, the illegal products were stored in units in Calexico before being distributed across the country. Montes also shipped around 150 packages of the unapproved substances to an accomplice in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of Montes co-defendants, identified as Gutierrez, remains at large. Montes and Gutierrez supplied most of the illegal substances to individuals charged in a separate case, United States v. Toledo, according to court documents. A secure border is vital to ensuring the health and safety of Americans, said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Department of Justices Environment and Natural Resources Division. The Justice Department is committed to prosecuting those who violate our environmental and customs laws and jeopardize the health and safety of our citizens. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office in collaboration with the Justice Departments Environment and Natural Resources Division, and with support from the EPA and FDA. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Clean-truck regulations are too hard to meet California Air Resources Board Member Dean Florez writes that California has designed flawed air quality rules that have failed to put affordability at the center of the clean-air fight. He emphasizes the need for a more sensible approach to transitioning the trucking industry to zero-emission trucks, and he deserves praise for this. Unfortunately, Florez does not extend his criticism to the states Advanced Clean Trucks and Omnibus rules, which have an even greater impact on small businesses and the working families that depend on them. Truck manufacturers are not producing heavy-duty electric trucks that meet basic performance and safety standards. The regulations are so burdensome that sales of new, low-emission trucks are nearly non-existent, creating a catch-22 for trucking and towing companies. This situation significantly impacts family-run trucking businesses, affecting their ability to transport products and provide essential services that consumers need. This is why other states that once viewed Californias clean truck rules as a national model are abandoning them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Gov. Newsom is serious about affordability and economic survival, the first step is to listen to sensible regulators like Dean Florez. Ryan Ormonde, Firebaugh Democrats are no better than Trump The unjust, destructive laws President Trump is pushing prove unquestionably he is the classic bully, racist and thug. Yet, I must declare, how dare Kamala Harris criticize him for the ills of this country. Democrats have been riding Republicans coattails and following their policies shamelessly over the years. They lacked the guts to even stop the appointments of government members with questionable principles and track records. Opinion Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former President Carter did incredible hard work to unveil egregious ethnic cleansing in Palestine, and Democrats slapped him in the face by ignoring him; and went on to stab him in the back by giving billions of dollars to Israel for their genocide/holocaust, killing thousands of Palestinians, children and women and shamelessly starving them. It is time for Democrats to get out of government and let the Green Party run this country with real justice and progressive policies to unite this country, instead of dividing it with racism, bullying and thuggery, with legislators maliciously pushing the use of nuclear weapons. Again, Democrats are no better than Trump. I agree with St. Paul when he said: Some, by rejecting conscience, have made a shipwreck of their faith. I say, Yes, and our country. Jovita A. Harrah, Fresno Gratitude for Liberty Elementarys staff My youngest child graduates Liberty Elementary in Fresno this next month, and as I reflect back on our familys experience at that school with those educators, I cant help but be filled with gratitude and love. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is something special and lucky as a parent to be able to drop your kids off at their public school and know for certainty they are in good hands. The atmosphere and culture Liberty has produced is one of community, academic excellence and self-betterment. Our family went through quite a bit personally during the past nine years we spent at the school. Looking back, I found Liberty to be a safe haven for me as a parent to socialize, make friends and improve our community. It was also a safe haven for my children. Of course, nothing is perfect, and there were at times bumps along the way, but Liberty is a great example of what public school in this great country can really be at its best. The leadership of its principal George Petersen and other incredible educators there, along with the parents, prove it takes a village. It takes the whole damn village. Lucy Brown, Fresno Republicans in Congress make Valley air dirty again On May 1, the House, under the Congressional Review Act, blocked approval of the Clean Air Act. This prevents California from fully implementing laws related to clean air, including the Advanced Clean Cars II legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before catalytic converters were mandated, smog choked California cities, contributing to the highest asthma rates in the country. The inversion layer blanketing Los Angeles and Fresno could be seen for miles, fed by factories and gasoline-burning cars. In the 1950s and 60s, pollution control laws required car manufacturers to curb tailpipe emissions. Air quality improved but not enough, especially for those who live near highways or in valleys like ours. The Advanced Clean Cars II regulations tackle this by limiting gasoline vehicle sales, requiring zero-emission cars and trucks by 2035. This twofold approach, accessibility and reduced manufacturing, helps California transition from smog to a cleaner, zero-emission future. Given the threat of climate change, promising more heat waves and hindering air circulation along Californias coast, blocking these regulations could worsen pollution and decrease public health. Californians have never known snow days in the Valley, but we will continue knowing smog days if the House dictates how our legislation is implemented. Carlos Garcia, Fresno Unfair judgment of Misty Her Misty Her of the Fresno Unified School District recently became the first Hmong superintendent in Californias history. I anticipated the unfair criticism shed encounter; I was not wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some public officials have expressed dissatisfaction with the selection, despite Hers extensive experience. Studies have consistently shown that women of color face compounded biases and get held to higher standards than their white male counterparts. Women of color report a lack of trust and respect from colleagues and face racism and gender bias at higher rates than others. Prior FUSD superintendents have received near unanimous support. I believe it is important for us to name this treatment in order to avoid repeating it. I choose not to ignore this double standard. Many in Fresno support Superintendent Her and eagerly await her inclusive and equitable leadership. Her appointment is a signal of progress for our communities of color, reflecting how they can rise up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are talented women-of-color educators in Fresno County. They are watching someone they have never met but admire suffer unfair treatment during a time that should be joyous. They see Her standing tall and firm. In five, 10, 15 years I know they can do the same, I just dont think they should have to. Diego Ochoa, Sacramento California has long stood as a progressive stalwart in the United States. During the first Trump administration, our communities and elected officials rallied together to put forth a progressive agenda that was equal parts unifying and galvanizing. However, the states response to Trump 2.0 may jettison critical opportunities to support the legal protection and due process needs of vulnerable communities and fail to meet the urgency of the moment. This includes failing to rally around populations that are being targeted by the new administration, including unaccompanied immigrant children whose legal support is in jeopardy following devastating funding cuts at the federal level. The Acacia Center for Justice has developed and supported various programs that ensure unaccompanied children have access to needed legal and social services. In California, we partnered with the state to pilot the Childrens Holistic Immigration Representation Project (CHIRP), which provides holistic legal advocacy for unaccompanied children at risk of deportation, with an emphasis on trauma-informed intervention to ensure that unaccompanied minors have legal services and appropriate wrap-around support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion Despite the success of the model, it has yet to receive permanent support from the state of California. This means it will run out of funding on June 30. CHIRPs uncertain future has been exacerbated by the fact that the new federal administration terminated existing funding allocated to support immigrant children in California, leaving thousands of children on their own in the middle of their deportation proceedings. In the wake of this crisis, we hope the California legislature and governor recognize this as an opportunity to exercise critical leadership to protect thousands of children across our communities. Several offices are meeting the moment to address some of the most pressing challenges our communities face. In February, Assemblymember Mia Bonta, D-Oakland, introduced Assembly Bill 1261, a bill that seeks to codify the right to counsel for unaccompanied children. This bill is an important step in the right direction, but it must be paired with an investment in existing programs serving unaccompanied children like CHIRP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without a committed investment, this well-meaning effort will fall far short of accomplishing its goal of protecting vulnerable children forced to face a judicial process on their own. For years, the California Department of Social Services has invested in programs like CHIRP to develop a patchwork of safety and support and set the groundwork for a right to counsel for unaccompanied children. Ensuring that CHIRP gets the support it deserves is essential to making sure the promise of a right to counsel for children can become a reality. Without funding, that 7-year old boy sitting on the wooden bench in the courtroom, waiting for his case to be called, will have to continue to defend himself in immigration court without an advocate by his side. Protecting due process for these children presents an important opportunity to showcase leadership and strategic vision that would galvanize an exhausted and disillusioned base working to protect their communities from frightening enforcement efforts. California can draw an important line in the sand about what values we seek to uphold, and how we can stand in solidarity with the most vulnerable members of our state. Unfortunately, Gov. Gavin Newsoms May Revise failed to include a much-needed increase in funding for immigration legal services. However, the opportunity remains for the legislature to exercise this leadership by ensuring that programs like CHIRP have the funding they need to continue, and that there is a sustainable plan to provide legal support for unaccompanied children and all vulnerable individuals at risk of deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This investment will not only pay off for the state of California and its residents, it will also give California lawmakers and our communities a much needed win. Shaina Aber is executive director of the Acacia Center for Justice. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney reaffirmed his country's "steadfast and unwavering support" for Ukraine in a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky, which took place on May 17 in Rome. This was the first meeting between Zelensky and Carney, the President's Office reported, and was one of several high-level meetings in the Italian capital, where world leaders gathered to attend Pope Leo XIVs inaugural Mass. During the meeting, the Canadian prime minister expressed his admiration for Ukraine and its people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We admire what you are doing. We admire your commitment to peace, which you have demonstrated again this week. And let me underscore that there can be no peace without the full support and participation of Ukraine and that you have our absolute support, Carney said. Following the meeting, Zelensky voiced his gratitude for Canada's support on X. "We truly value having Canada as a real friend of Ukraine," Zelensky wrote. Zelensky also shared the details of what was discussed during the meeting, naming the conditions needed for a lasting peace in Ukraine. "We discussed what is needed to bring a lasting peace closer. The key priority is to apply pressure on Russia in a way that compels real steps toward ending the war," Zelensky asserted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just a day earlier on May 16, Ukrainian and Russian delegates met in Istanbul for peace talks, speaking for less than two hours without reaching a breakthrough. Zelensky emphasized the need for additional sanctions on Russia as well as defense cooperation between Ukraine and its allies. "We spoke in detail about which sanctions can be effective including secondary sanctions, energy-related measures, and sanctions against the shadow fleet. We also discussed defense cooperation and the development of the Coalition of the Willing." Carney confirmed Zelensky's invitation to the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in June, which will be hosted by Canada as current G7 president. Zelensky also invited Carney to visit Ukraine, writing that he looks forward to "welcoming the Prime Minister to Ukraine." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: It was my duty to step down Former US Ambassador to Ukraine confirms resignation over Trumps policy Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Last fall, Dr. Brendan Kelly became the third president of the Arkansas State University System, which covers campuses from Jonesboro to Mountain Home and Malvern. Capitol View host Roby Brock met with Kelly to find out the appeal for him to come to Arkansas and what his vision for the future is for the A-State system. Roby then talks with Arkansas Democrat-Gazette columnist John Brummett to discuss this weeks most high-profile political movements in the Natural State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Capitol View airs on Sundays at 8:30 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 KARK. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Police are investigating three separate crashes that happened Sunday morning in Youngstown. Youngstown Police were called just before 2 a.m. Sunday after a car hit a house. It happened on the corner of Himrod and Truesdale avenues. Police are unsure exactly how it happened, but a car ended up on the homes porch, causing damage to the roofs support beams. First News is working to learn what happened and if anyone was hurt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While our crew was there, another crash happened nearby where a car hit a police cruiser at the intersection of Loveless and Himrod Avenues. Car into police cruiser Officers say a man was being chased by police when he went through a stop sign and crashed into a parked patrol car. The man was taken away in handcuffs in an ambulance. There were no severe injuries. Drugs and alcohol were not involved. Later in the morning, a driver nearly hit his own house with his car. It happened around 11:30 a.m. on Idlewood Avenue in Youngstown. There was damage to the car and fence, but not to the house itself. No one was injured. Andrew Peterson contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. The bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln on the south lawn of the Kansas Capitol in April 2025. The statue, by Topeka sculptor Merrell Gage, was dedicated in 1918. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector) One afternoon not long ago, I walked the south lawn of the state Capitol at Topeka, camera in hand, seeking inspiration. I wasnt looking for photographic subjects exactly, but something deeper, some sign or cypher that might be a key to hope in the early months of 2025. Simply put, I was bone tired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American carnival of politics had left me numb. During the five years Ive written this column, Ive shared my concern, anxiety, and outrage over state and national politics. I have at times warned of uncharted terrain and at others admitted fear, but now I must convey an existential cultural exhaustion. It is something that reaches down to the personal. A week or so before driving the 58 miles from my front steps to roam the Capitol lawn, as we got into the Jeep to run some errand, Kim paused and pointed to the roof of our house. A course of shingles, about the size of a door, was missing on the south side, exposing the wood decking beneath. She had found the wind-ripped shingles on the ground on the other side of the house, but we hadnt known where they had come from until that moment. The bare patch of wood deck was over the center of the house. Below it was our second-floor bedroom, and below that was the living room where I played acoustic guitar a couple of times a week. The house is more than 100 years old, but the roof was rather new, and as I looked up at where the shingles had been, I imagined rainwater pouring into the heart of the house. Im handy with tools when Ive a mind to, but Im afraid of heights. I muttered something to Kim about not worrying, that I would find somebody to climb up and fix it, but inside me something was shrieking like a stall alarm on a Cessna 172. There had been a series of weather-related challenges at home over the past two years, including a favorite maple tree blowing down on the garage. Due to professional setbacks, money was tight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The missing shingles felt personal. Those shingles were still on my mind when I went to Topeka for lunch business. I had placed a call to the contractor who originally put on the roof but had not yet received a response. At least the sky was clear that afternoon. After lunch, I drove over and parked at the meters on the other side of the street from Capitol Police headquarters. I plugged the meter with four quarters, enough for an hour, and then slung my old Canon DSLR camera over my shoulder. There were a few people on the sidewalk, bags over their shoulders coming to or from work, and a handful of workman at the east entrance to the Capitol. But when I followed the sidewalk to the south lawn I found myself alone, amid green lawns, a few statues, and the immensity of the copper-domed building rising before me. The solitude was restful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I passed a sculpture of a seated Abraham Lincoln on my journey, then approached the Capitol and photographed a number of architectural features, steps, columns, pediments. I circled the flower beds. I went over and examined a ground-level replica of the Ad Astra statue atop the statehouse dome, an eight-foot Kansa warrior with drawn bow. Then I wandered back to the Lincoln statue, which I found oddly comforting. The seated Lincoln faces away from the Capitol. One hand rests on a lanky knee. The face is of the bearded Lincoln, the one familiar to us from the profile on our pennies and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington and Alexander Gardners 1865 cracked plate photograph. But while Gardners portrait carries a hint of a smile, the Lincoln on the state Capitol lawn is full of care and sorrow. This sorrowful Lincoln offered wisdom. Im no Lincoln scholar. I cannot tell you anything about the flawed and fated man who led the nation through its greatest trial that you cannot read in a dozen biographies. Doris Kearns Goodwin, the Pulitzer Prize-winning historian who wrote Team of Rivals, has said that Lincoln suffered from depressive episodes so severe that his friends removed all razors and scissors from his room. Jon Meacham, another presidential historian, author of There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle, has said Lincoln was a politician but a politician ultimately driven by conscience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knowing that Lincoln went through dark periods of depression and managed to redeem the soul of America gives me hope. It isnt an expectation that I am personally destined for greatness, but it is proof that seemingly overwhelming burdens can be endured. I sometimes declare in my weaker periods that I cant stand things anymore. Kim observes: And yet there you stand. Indeed, here we all stand. We may be frightened, anxious, at the end of collective or individual ropes, but as long as we remain standing we are not yet beaten. The primary task before us is to endure. To help others, we must ourselves remain on our feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bronze statue of Lincoln at the Kansas Capitol was the first public commission by Merrell Gage. It was unveiled Feb. 12, 1918. Gage, a 1911 graduate of Topeka High School, later studied sculpture with Gutzon Borglum, a bigot who carved Mount Rushmore. Gage, who taught for 33 years at the University of Southern California, considered Lincoln an inexhaustible subject. In 1955, Gage was the subject of a short documentary in which he sculpted the head of Lincoln from clay while talking about the presidents life. The film won an Oscar. Gage died in 1981. Gage was an artist of his time, an era when poet Carl Sandburg produced a hagiographic biography of Lincoln that is now recognized as being more literature and less fact. But it is Sandburgs Lincoln, perhaps more than any other single work, that shaped the perception of the 16th president as a benevolent and martyred father. Each American generation interprets Lincoln anew. While Gage likely had Sandburgs Lincoln in mind, my interpretation of Lincoln has been shaped by Goodwin and Meacham and others, including Steven Spielberg. It has also been skewed by Richard Nixons manic and impromptu visit with anti-war protestors at the Lincoln Memorial one night in May 1970. Lincoln continues to evolve in my understanding, as the dangers facing democracy have deepened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These dangers have sharpened so fast that it is worth a moment to recount. It is the most grotesque freak show of any carnival midway. Eighty years of global leadership has been endangered by the clumsy authoritarian urges of a president drunk with self-importance and enabled by a Congress controlled by a Quisling majority. The hunt for DEI in government is the new McCarthyism with a bigoted twist, due process is trammeled by mass deportations that send some detainees to a notorious foreign prison, and the U.S. turned its back on longtime military and commercial allies. The rolling crises lurch from the catastrophic to the absurd, from a tariff war that few credible economists understand to an apparatchik-worthy declaration that Veterans Day would be known as Victory Day for World War I. And then there is DOGE, the revenge-driven wrecking ball dismantling the federal government in the name of cost-saving efficiency. All of this was predictable. Anybody who had paid attention to Donald Trumps insane ramblings or was familiar with Project 2025 knew where we were headed. We are in the midst of a radical transformation of America into a bizarro-world of opposite values. The grifting of the presidency, from Trumps crypto scam worth billions to the Qatari gift of a $400 million luxury jet to replace Air Force One, should dismay all but surprise none. What has surprised me is the apparent inability of Democrats to mount a coherent political response. Oh, there have been scattered strong voices Bernie Saunders, Cory Booker, AOC, Elizabeth Warren but these seem like cries in the wilderness. Mass political protests, including the May Day event in Topeka, seem to have the most momentum. But at some point, to be effective, protest has to coalesce around a leader with a conscience who is able to articulate the case for democracy and a path forward to a better America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, we must remain standing. We do not need another Lincoln our allotment was one but we do need a human being and not a seated statue. Where will this individual come from? I have no idea. But they are surely already among us, if only we take the care to recognize them, flaws and all. This is a time not only for resisting, but for knowing why we resist. American greatness, in the Trumpian sense, is antithetical to American goodness. What is best for democracy that is, what benefits the most fortunate as well as the least fortunate is not efficiency but empathy. Governments are not businesses because the goal should be to serve all of the people, not the monied few. Nobody wants waste. But the touting of cost-cutting efficiencies is a canard to distract us from the unchecked kleptocracy of oligarchs and the influence of foreign princes. To repair this rot, we must engage in a vigorous campaign to restore fundamental American values of dignity, equality, and robust democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I finally reached someone who agreed to come take a look at our roof. He was a young man named Brian who took a couple of days to show up, but who was cheerful and talkative when he did. He extended a ladder above our gutter and climbed up on the roof, walking about as easily as I would in my living room. He inspected the damage with a practiced eye. No problem, he declared. The repair was made in half an hour. Brian promised to send a bill, but I never got one. My weariness will likely continue for a while longer. But I am helped by the knowledge that I dont have to remain standing forever. I will stand today, and after that I will stand tomorrow. For the places in which I am afraid, there are others who will stand for me. In the places in which others are afraid, I will stand for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Statues belong to the past and the future. The present belongs to the living. Max McCoy is an award-winning author and journalist. Through its opinion section, the Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. Thomas Barwick/Getty Images Reproductive health advocates are sounding the alarm over the case of a pregnant woman in Georgia who was declared brain dead months ago but must now stay on life support, according to her family, because of the states strict abortion ban law. Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old nurse from the metro Atlanta area, experienced a medical emergency in February that involved blood clots in her brain. Smith, who was about nine weeks pregnant at the time, was declared legally dead, her mother, April Newkirk, told Atlanta TV station 11Alive Action News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This report was originally published by The 19th. The Illuminator is a founding member of The 19th News Network. Newkirk said that staff at Emory Universitys network of hospitals told her they cannot remove the devices that are helping Smith to breathe because of the states six-week abortion ban. The staff said they are legally required to keep Smith breathing until the fetus reaches viability, Newkirk added. Shes been breathing through machines for more than 90 days, Newkirk told the television station of Smith, who also has a 5-year-old son. Its torture for me. I see my daughter breathing, but shes not there. And her sonI bring him to see her. The case puts a spotlight on the consequences of restrictive abortion bans following the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade, which had guaranteed a federal constitutional right to an abortion. Georgias abortion ban has an exception for a pregnancy that threatens the life of the pregnant person. But Smiths case doesnt fall under those exceptions, her family said. Since Smith is brain-dead, the pregnancy no longer poses a risk to her life. And because Smiths fetus still has a heartbeat, the family said that she must still be kept on life support to comply with Georgias abortion ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Nikema Williams, an Atlanta-area Democrat, said in a statement Friday that Smith and her family deserve better. Everyone deserves the freedom to decide whats best for their families, futures, and lives. Instead, anti-abortion politicians like Donald Trump and Governor Brian Kemp are forcing people through unimaginable pain, Williams said. Adrianas story is gut-wrenching. Its also a painful reminder of the consequences when politicians refuse to trust us to make our own medical decisions. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Smith initially sought medical treatment in February for intense headaches, according to her mother. She went to Northside Hospital, where she was given medication and sent home. The following day, at her home, her boyfriend found her gasping for air. Representatives for Northside Hospital did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith was then seen by and sent to different doctors throughout the Emory University hospital system, including Emory University Hospital, where she worked as a nurse. A CT scan showed blood clots in her brain. She was subsequently declared brain-dead, which means she is considered legally dead. Smith is now 21 weeks pregnant. Newkirk said the hospital staff told her they plan to keep her daughter breathing until she is at least 32 weeks pregnant. Representatives for Emory told the Associated Press that the hospital network could not comment on an individual case because of privacy rules but said in a statement: Emory Healthcare uses consensus from clinical experts, medical literature, and legal guidance to support our providers as they make individualized treatment recommendations in compliance with Georgias abortion laws and all other applicable laws. Our top priorities continue to be the safety and wellbeing of the patients we serve. Alicia Stallworth, director of Georgia campaigns for the reproductive rights advocacy group Reproductive Freedom for All, called Smiths condition a devastating tragedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But what makes it even more unconscionable is that her family has been denied the space and dignity to grieve, said Stallworth. Instead of being allowed to say goodbye, they are being forced to endure an agonizing limbo because of the states extreme abortion ban. This is not care. This is not justice. It is a cruelty rooted in a system that refuses to see Black women as fully human, even in death. Newkirk told 11Alive Action News, Georgias NBC affiliate, that the states strict abortion laws have robbed her family of the choice about whether to continue Smiths pregnancy and the ability to make decisions on their own terms. Theyre now left in limbo and facing the prospect of paying for several more weeks of expensive medical care. I think every woman should have the right to make their own decision, Newkirk told the station. And if not, then their partner or their parents. Smiths fetus also has fluid on his brain, Newkirk said, carrying unknown implications for his health and future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes pregnant with my grandson. But he may be blind, may not be able to walk, may not survive once hes born, she said. This decision shouldve been left to us. Now were left wondering what kind of life hell have and were going to be the ones raising him, she said. Members of the House Reproductive Freedom Caucus, co-chaired by Democratic Reps. Diana DeGette of Colorado and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, said in a Friday statement that there is no desensitizing to the horror of this moment. Adrianas mother spent Mothers Day watching her daughter undergo unconscionable medical torture by orders of the state, they said. Her young son spent Mothers Day thinking his mom was just asleep and will soon wake up to hold him again. There are no words that can provide clarity or comfort. There is only the promise that we will say her name until her family sees peace and justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black women face higher maternal mortality rates in the United States and in Georgia, a public health crisis that has been underscored by the loss of federal abortion rights. Smiths case is the latest instance in which Georgias six-week abortion ban and its impacts on Black women have made national news. In 2024, the investigative newsroom ProPublica reported on the cases of two other Black women, Amber Nicole Thurman and Candi Miller, who died of infections after seeking to end their pregnancies in the state. The states maternal mortality review committee determined that both deaths were preventable, the outlet reported. Monica Simpson, the executive director of SisterSong, an Atlanta-based reproductive justice organization focused on women of color, is also the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging the states six-week abortion ban. In a statement Wednesday, she noted that Smith, a registered nurse, knew how to advocate for herself and navigate the medical system. Still, she didnt get the treatment she needed until it was too late. Black women, she said, must be trusted when it comes to our health care decisions. Weve sounded the alarm for years, Simpson said. Yet, after the devastating and preventable deaths of multiple Black women, the message still rings clear: our lives are on the line, and our human right to bodily autonomy has been violated. Our bodies are not battlegrounds for political power plays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE This story was originally reported by Grace Panetta and Barbara Rodriguez of The 19th. Meet Grace and Barbara and read more of their reporting on gender, politics and policy. Open Cockpit Day, an opportunity to learn about the history of U.S. aviation, will be held at Castle Air Museum in Atwater on May 24. Attendees can get an up-close view of more than 30 aircraft, some of which saw military use from before World War II to modern day. New this year to the museum is the F-4S Phantom II Black Bunny, a variant of the McDonnell Douglas F-4S Phantom II. First flown in 1969, this aircraft was used for night testing and evaluations of its weapons, radar and navigation systems at the Naval Air Station in Point Mugu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Painted primarily black, the aircraft has the Playboy magazine emblem on its tail in white. The iconic bunny with a bow tie makes the plane kind of part of American pop culture said Joe Pruzzo, executive director of Castle Air Museum. You know thats going to receive a lot of attention. The aircraft will be at the northeast end of the museum. In 2016, the museum inquired with the Navy about obtaining the F-4S variant. It received approval and paid a one-time fee of $65,000 for its use. Pruzzo said it took seven years for the museum to raise the money and for the Navy to demilitarize the plane and prepare it for public view. Admiral Merchant, a Minnesota-based trucking company, picked up the plane at Pima Air & Space in Tuscon, Ariz., in July 2023. Four highway patrol cruisers surrounded the truck during its drive from Arizona to Atwater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aircraft is being refreshed with a paint job at the museums enclosed restoration facility after being at Davis-Monthan Air Force base in Arizona for more than 30 years. Pruzzo said the museum can keep the aircraft as long as its kept in stable condition. Opened to the public in 1981, Castle Air Museum is a nonprofit organization that focuses on preserving military aviation heritage for future generations. The museums first Open Cockpit Day was in 1996 with a small gathering. From that point, the number of attendees grew with the help of on-air and print media promotion. At one point, upward of 4,500 people attended the event. Attendees come from the Bay Area, the Monterey Bay area, Sacramento, Fresno, Visalia, and, of course, up in the foothills in the west Valley, Pruzzo said. Its a well-attended event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the museum, volunteers help in various ways. Among them is Alvin Osborn, who served in the Air Force for 26 years. Osborn started in the Reserve Officer Training Corps and later took pilot training. Alvin Osborn, a volunteer at Castle Air Museum, stands near a Boeing B-52D Stratofortress Strategic Bomber. Osborn served in the Air Force for 26 years. His most memorable moment in the Air Force was being involved in Operation Arc Light, he said. In June 1965, the Air Force deployed a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress to strike locations in South Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and southern North Vietnam. Osborn recalled using the bomber to deliver conventional bombs to Southeast Asia for several years. It was a challenge for maintenance to keep the airplanes up. It was a challenge for the crews to adapt to that schedule, he said. Now as a volunteer, Osborn informs newer generations about the importance of these aircraft and the roles they have served. The museum is about the only way that we have now to educate those generations, young and old, that either come here to this country that dont understand how we got where we are or that grew up in this country but were never taught that. And so we find the opportunity here to do that, to teach [and] explain, Osborn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Open Cockpit Day will begin at 9 a.m. Attendees can purchase tickets in front of the museum for $25. For an additional fee, helicopter rides are available. There will be two entry gates, the first near the front parking lot and the other close to the Castle Air Family Health Centers parking lot. A new initiative is giving Latina women across the Pikes Peak region the foundational tools they need to launch their businesses and empower them to know that whatever their business goals, "ella puede" (she can) reach them. Centro de la Familia, a nonprofit that provides a range of advocacy and support programs to the local Hispanic and Latino communities, and the Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in early April launched Ella Puede, a support group that offers weekly learning sessions and other resources to help aspiring Latina entrepreneurs who are just starting their business journeys. The informal program was designed specifically for beginner-level Latina entrepreneurs, many of whom do not have formal business education or training, and may not yet have a fully formed business idea, representatives said. "It's informal and it's open entry," said Jackie Jaramillo, executive director of Centro de la Familia. "People are welcome to come and glean the information they need. There is no formal curriculum, requirements or graduation." Ella Puede instead adapts to the lived experiences, fears and goals of the Latina women they teach, the organizations said in a joint news release last month. Program facilitators meet the women many of whom are monolingual Spanish speakers where they are; they can build confidence and skills at their own pace. "Sometimes they do not understand U.S. institutions, plus the language barrier is huge. Second to that are cultural barriers," Jaramillo said. "There was not a way for us to access those different ecosystems in the community and we are still outside of it. (Through Ella Puede), we're trying to bridge that gap so Latinas can become a more integrated part of the business community." Two-hour weekly sessions in Spanish, held on Tuesdays at Sand Creek Library in southeastern Colorado Springs, focus on foundational skills, including how to correctly use email and search engines like Google; smartphone basics for selling and marketing; pricing, payments and organizing business ideas; communications and decision-making skills; insurance basics; and others. "This gives us a lot of information, strategies and tools," Enna Ortega said through a translator. Ortega is an aspiring social media influencer in fashion or home cooking who has taken introductory business classes through Ella Puede for about a month. "This helps a lot, because Latina women don't have a lot of opportunities available in general. It's very difficult to learn in other languages; it expands the mind and your communication when you are learning in your own language," she said. Ella Puede's program facilitator Monserrat Macias added: "Accessibility is huge. Many agencies and organizations ... say they have Spanish-speaking resources but then they don't guide (Spanish-speaking clients). Sometimes that can be discouraging. There are many barriers, so people may not know where to look for their resources." Sign up for free: Gazette Business Receive a weekly roundup of business news around El Paso County. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Featured Local Savings Joe Aldaz, president and CEO of the Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber, said the Colorado Springs community must support the Latinas who contribute so much to the local and national economies. He pointed to the inaugural U.S. Latina GDP report released in August that found Latinas contributed $1.3 trillion to the U.S. gross domestic product in 2021. This is up from $661 billion in 2010, and the growth rate over this decade outpaced that among non-Latinos by nearly three times, the report found. The study was conducted by professors at UCLA and California Lutheran University and funded by Bank of America. "Latina entrepreneurs are now the driving force of our economy," Aldaz said. "It's important for us to lift up a culture that is marginalized in our community. ... I think we have the tools to do that." Aura Herrera, an entrepreneur who has attended a handful of Ella Puede learning sessions and wants to open her own business doing housecleaning or selling food, said she has found Ella Puede's marketing and networking resources the most helpful. "And, when you're motivated to learn something new, you will learn it very quickly. You just need someone to teach you," Herrera added, speaking through a translator. Ella Puede is part of the broader Latina Initiative, a joint effort between the Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber and Centro de la Familia that provides tools, mentorship and access to business essential programs. Once Ella Puede participants gain necessary skills and are ready to take the next steps to open their businesses, program administrators encourage them to transition into other structured entrepreneurial programs, including the Hispanic Chamber's Avanzar Business Accelerator or other similar resources. "One misconception about immigrants is they're here for a handout," Jaramillo said. "That's untrue. They have a lot of perseverance. We hope what we accomplish with Ella Puede will give (the women) tools for economic stability and growth." For more information on the Latina Initiative or Ella Puede, visit the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's website at cshispanicchamber.com/latina-initiatives. A Mexican navy training ship hit the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City Saturday, killing two people and injuring 19. The sailing ship Cuauhtemoc was supposed to leave the city and sail out to sea when it struck the bridge Saturday evening. Its three masts snapped when it smashed into the world-famous bridge, with witnesses describing the sudden chaotic scene. There were 277 people on board the vessel when it collided with the bridge. In videos of the incident, crew members were seen standing atop the rung of the mast could be seen clinging to the mast. Others were left dangling from ropes waiting for help, while some were left hanging from harnesses high in the air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 142-year-old bridge suffered no significant structural damage, the National Transport Safety Board confirmed at a Monday press briefing. Heres everything we know so far: A Mexican naval ship collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, killing two people and injuring 19 others (Getty Images) What happened? The incident unfolded shortly before 8:30 p.m. Saturday on New Yorks East River. The Cuauhtemoc training vessel was on a goodwill tour and supposed to head out to sea after stopping in New York City to refuel. But instead of sailing south, the ship headed in the wrong direction toward the Brooklyn Bridge, city officials said. Bystanders on the Brooklyn waterfront caught the moment of impact on camera, with footage showing crowds fleeing from the waters edge as the ships towering masts collided with the bridge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ship appeared to strike what appeared to be scaffolding or gantry on the underside of the bridge, which was seen swinging. Debris fell toward the deck of the ship, including portions of the masts, lights and rigging. Crew members, standing on the masts, clung to it as it braced for impact. Some were lurched forward but none fell into the water, contrary to earlier reports. The New York Coast Guard said the Cuauhtemoc lost all three masts. The historic bridge did not suffer any major damage and was reopened after a preliminary inspection. The moment the masts snapped was caught on video. Crew members were seen standing atop the rung of the mast could be seen clinging to the mast. (Getty Images) What do we know about the victims? The two people killed in the crash were both crew members. At a press conference, New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed their deaths and that 19 others were injured, five critically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement America Yamilet Sanchez, 20, of Veracruz, Mexico, was identified as one of the deceased cadets by the governor of Veracruz. I deeply regret the passing of Veracruz cadet America Yamilet Sanchez, Rocio Nahle wrote on X. My love, support, and solidarity go out to her family. The second victim has been named as Adal Jair Marcos of Oaxaca. Marco was known as Tyson to his friends and had been living on the boat for the last nine months of his life, reports El Universal. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum mourned the loss of the two crew members. "Our solidarity and support go out to their families," Sheinbaum said on X. The National Transport Safety Board said at Mondays briefing that it would release a preliminary report within 30 days, adding that it was too early to speculate or determine the cause. (Nick Corso) What caused the crash? Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing. The National Transport Safety Board said at Mondays briefing that it would release a preliminary report within 30 days, adding that it was too early to speculate or determine the cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams said the boat had a mechanical mishap that caused it to veer into the bridge, after it set off from nearby Pier 17. The Cuauhtemoc was seen on Saturday moving rapidly in reverse toward the Brooklyn side of the East River, heading straight for the bridge. Brian Young, the boards lead investigator, said that the ship requested assistance for tugboats at 8:24 p.m. Saturday and hit the bridge soon after. The NYPD was on the scene by 8:30 p.m. The captain of the ship told authorities he lost power of the ship, forcing it to head for the bridge abutment on the Brooklyn side. The safety board said it had not interviewed the ships captain or the crew as of Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cuauhtemoc's mast height was 158 feet but the bridge has a 135-foot clearance at its center. The Cuauhtemoc was due to complete a 200-day trip, visiting 22 ports in 15 countries, including Jamaica, Cuba, Scotland, Spain, Barbados, Iceland and the U.K. The trip was unexpectedly cut short in New York. (AFP via Getty Images) What do we know about the ships journey? Each year, the Cuauhtemoc, a Mexican naval training ship for the Mexicos Heroic Naval Military School, sets out at the end of naval military school to finish cadets training. It planned to spend more than 200 days away visiting 22 ports in 15 countries including Jamaica, Cuba, Scotland, Spain, Barbados, Iceland and the U.K. but the trip was unexpectedly cut short in New York. This year, it left the Mexican port of Acapulco, on the Pacific coast, on April 6, the navy said. The Mexican consulate said it arrived at Pier 17 on May 13 and invited people to visit through May 17. The ship, which measures approximately 297 feet long and 40 feet wide, was about to leave New York City for a goodwill tour to Iceland when the incident happened. CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) The Chesapeake Fire Department is responding to a working fire at the Indian River Shopping Center Sunday, May 18. Firefighters responded to the fire around 4:11 a.m., with reports of flames appearing from the back of the shopping center. Norfolk Fire-Rescue and the Virginia Beach Fire Department assisted in putting out the fire. The fire was ruled to be under control around 4:41 a.m. No injuries have been reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unit under fire was under renovations and the fire was ruled as accidental. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. On Sunday morning, the Chesapeake Fire Department was dispatched to 4323 Indian River Road at about 4:05 a.m. The response came after multiple 911 calls reported flames at the rear of the shopping center, according to a release. The first fire engine arrived on scene at roughly 4:11 a.m. and found an active fire along the roofline. With aid from Norfolk Fire-Rescue and the Virginia Beach Fire Department, the Chesapeake Fire Department deployed hose lines both inside and outside the structure, according to the release. The fire was found to be located at a main power feed, which required crews to control the fire until Dominion Energy could disconnect power. The fire was controlled at about 4:41 a.m. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire has been ruled accidental. The building was undergoing renovations at the time of the fire. VATICAN CITY The Archdiocese of Chicago will celebrate the historic election of Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV on June 14 at Rate Field, home of the White Sox. The program will include music, film, in-person testimonials and prayer. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated afterward. Born Robert Francis Prevost, newly installed Pope Leo XIV is a longtime White Sox fan. Video of Prevost attending a White Sox World Series game in 2005 went viral. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Column: If Pope Leo XIV is a die-hard Chicago White Sox fan, can he pass this pop quiz? On May 8, Prevost made history as the first American-born pope in the Catholic churchs 2,000-year history. The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary was raised in south suburban Dolton and earned his masters in divinity from Chicago Theological Union. The new pope presided over his inaugural Mass in St. Peters Square on Sunday. Pope Leo XIVs message of peace, unity and the key to a meaningful life have touched hearts across the globe, the archdiocese event statement said. This celebration is an extraordinary opportunity for people from the city and beyond to come together in shared pride for one of our own. Additional event details and ticketing information will be released soon, according to the archdiocese. CHICAGO Adrienne Nelson was living with her sister in a studio apartment in the Uptown neighborhood. They were comfortable, getting by on their dual incomes, paying off bills both old and new. Their monthly rent and utility costs were around $1,200. They called that studio home for nearly 10 years. But then, in a matter of months, Nelson found herself homeless and sister-less, she said. She lost her job, her sister died and she could no longer afford to pay the rent. She wound up couch surfing with friends and in a homeless shelter for about a year and a half. Nelson said she felt desperate and lost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While living at the shelter, she got a call to let her know that she would be receiving a subsidized housing unit. I said Yahoo! at the top of my voice, Nelson said. The nervousness of how am I going to survive eased. Now 68 and retired, Nelson has lived in a subsidized one-bedroom unit for about 10 years in Uptown and relies on her roughly $1,000 monthly Social Security payments to afford her approximately $230 monthly portion of rent and other expenses. Nelsons housing subsidy comes from the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund, an organization in charge of funding and administering more than 3,000 rental subsidies for individuals and families to use in the private market, including migrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trust fund is staring down an estimated $10 million shortfall for its $14.1 million 2025 budget as two of its funding streams have dried up. That number represents subsidies for about 600 units. The trust fund said it has sufficient reserves to fill the budget hole for this year. It has also begun a subsidy attrition plan for units that are or will become vacant as of Jan. 1 (the start of its new budget cycle) to reduce costs. About 16% of those subsidies will not be subject to attrition as they are part of a special program serving those with specific needs. But questions loom large for the future of the nonprofit, which has recently experienced significant board turnover, lost its executive director and is struggling financially as the city and state face serious fiscal challenges that are being exacerbated by a federal government focused on big budget cuts. Other area housing agencies such as the Housing Authority of Cook County are experiencing funding issues, causing them to pull back from their own housing subsidy programs. Founded in 1989, the trust fund gives landlords subsidies for specific units to rent to low-income residents, with a focus on serving those making 0-30% of the area median income. In 2024, according to the trust funds annual report, the maximum eligible income for a single individual and for a family of four was $23,550 and $33,630, respectively. Renters in trust fund units pay a heavily subsidized portion of rent based on their annual income and unit size. The nonprofit receives half of the citys Affordable Housing Opportunities Fund, dollars supplied by developers who pay in lieu of building the affordable housing required at their project sites by the citys Affordable Requirements Ordinance. Since the state passed a 2021 law incentivizing developers to build affordable housing on-site by offering property tax abatements, the in-lieu fee pot has significantly diminished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While trust fund leaders, city and state officials and housing advocates support the increase in affordable housing development, they say rental subsidies such as the trust funds program need to be sustained because they support the lowest income people in the state. The trust fund also relies on the states recordation fees charged when properties are bought and sold. While the state doubled the recordation fees charged in 2023 from about $9 to $18 with the goal of providing more cash to groups like the Chicago trust fund in the statewide rental subsidy program, the real estate market has slowed significantly in recent years as mortgage rates have risen and housing inventory has shrunk, causing those fees to diminish. We have prepared for this moment, said Monica Watson, the trust funds interim executive director and chief of staff. We will continue to provide affordable housing for the citizens of Chicago. Were going to do everything we can to make sure there is no displacement. The Chicago Department of Housing did not make Commissioner Lissette Castaneda available for an interview. In response to written questions from The Chicago Tribune, the department said, We appreciate CLIHTFs diligence in prioritizing that no one is being actively displaced by these changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Funds budget has fluctuated over the last 10 years, ranging from as low as $9 million to as high as $31 million. It has always relied on unsteady funding streams and survived a lawsuit against the state that caused its state dollars to be inaccessible for a couple of years about a decade ago. In an effort to help with the budget issues, the city has allocated $5 million in corporate funds to the trust fund every year since 2020. Asked if more could have been allocated, the Department of Housing said it could not speak to funding decisions before 2024 but that in a particularly challenging budget year, we were proud to preserve the full $5 million allocation. The trust funds 2025 budget was approved with the projected $10 million loss because of a reduction in city dollars from the developer fees fund and increases in rental subsidy payments to keep their rates competitive with the market, said Andy Geer, the trust funds board chair. The nonprofits state funding did increase between 2023 and 2024 thanks to the doubled recordation fees but has still been stymied by a lukewarm real estate market. The state also recently conducted its five-year recalculation of the distribution of funds, based on U.S. Census Bureau data for population estimates, for the statewide rental subsidy program, which led to a decrease in the percentage of cash flowing to the Chicago trust fund, Geer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the trust fund has been aware that its funding streams have been particularly unstable in the last few years, it still was growing its subsidy program until last year. The group has not spent all its money, Geer said, and instead built up its reserves from around $32 million in 2020 to about $70 million at the end of 2024. The trust fund has about $56.8 million in cash reserves, with the rest taking shape in the form of loans offered to developers and owners who provide affordable housing. So far this year, the nonprofit has dipped into its reserves for roughly $2.7 million. In 2024, the trust fund created a five-year strategic plan that included prioritizing securing options to diversify its revenue streams to ensure financial stability. The housing department and the trust fund agreed, Geer said, that by the 2026 budget process, the nonprofits structural deficit created by the lack of city funds needed to be addressed. They have now been meeting on a monthly basis to work through what is going to be a longer term solution, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of those solutions has been to take back unused subsidies from property owners and managers. So far, the nonprofit has taken away 37 subsidies this year. Other remedies could come from philanthropic sources, the legislature and/or through further attrition. The housing department said it is in the very early phases of working with the trust fund to approach philanthropic sources for funding support. If the trust fund does need to start fundraising to maintain its budget, Geer said the nonprofit would need to hire additional staff. The trust fund retains a Springfield lobbyist and has spent $20,000 through April of this year on those efforts. The lobbyist was initially hired around the time of the lawsuit and was kept on to lobby for the recordation fee boost, Geer said, as well as other relevant legislative issues to the trust fund. Geer said the trust fund will not be advancing anything legislatively this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. Will Guzzardi, a Democrat who was the housing committee chair when the property tax incentive and recordation fee bills passed, said he was surprised by how successful the tax incentive has been at getting developers to build affordable housing. He said an effort is underway to look for a solution to the revenue issues. Its a real challenge, Guzzardi said. And we dont want to undo the really successful affordable housing incentives that weve passed. But we do need to make sure that very low-income families get the subsidies they need to stay stably housed. The budget struggles come as the trust fund recently lost its eight-year executive director and as Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed an almost entirely new board last month. Annissa Lambirth-Garrett, who served as executive director of the trust fund before her departure in March, declined to comment on the organizations financial standing. She said her departure did not have to do with the organization or its budget; it was simply a better opportunity. She is now the CEO of a housing nonprofit in Columbus, Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watson told the Tribune she would like to become the permanent executive director to ensure leadership continuity to support staff as the nonprofit is already undergoing a significant transition at the board level. The trust funds 15-person board has gone without a full slate of members since 2022, said Geer, who has been on the board for about four years and will stay on the board until the 15th board member is appointed. He said the organization had been asking the city to appoint new board members since then. It did not receive new board members until April when 13 new individuals were appointed and one reappointed. Asked about the delay, the housing department said it worked diligently with the mayors office to to identify strong leaders for the organization during this critical time, collaborating with Alderpeople to ensure appropriate representation from across the City. The nature of the turnover reflects a strategic move to ensure CLIHTF is well-positioned to meet its goals and serve the community, the housing department said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board transition, Geer said, has made it difficult to move quickly on the trust funds financial issues as the new members are getting up to speed. But, he said, residents and their housing stability remain at the top of the groups priority list. Housing advocates and providers are concerned about the future of the trust fund. The majority of the trust funds subsidies are used on the citys South and West sides. Some advocates are worried about what the loss of those subsidies would mean to those historically underinvested in communities. If we diminish resources for this program, we are diminishing resources for the Black community, both tenants and landlords, said Mary Tarullo, director of city policy with Chicago Coalition to end Homelessness. As of this month, the trust fund works with 655 landlords in its rental subsidy program. Trent Anderson, who owns and manages hundreds of units, is about to lose two of his 143 trust fund subsidies spread across the South and West sides. It sucks for me because I have partnered with the trust fund for a long time, Anderson said. (The subsidies) provided a certain amount of stability for the building, which is going away. Mark Angelini, the president of Mercy Housing Lakefront, a nonprofit housing provider that also offers support services, subsidizes 120 of his 5,000 Chicago-area affordable units with trust fund dollars. Most of the subsidies are in buildings in Uptown, such as Nelsons apartment. Mercy Housing Lakefront has worked with the trust fund for at least 20 years, Angelini said, and has not lost any units to attrition yet. In the event that his organization does lose trust fund subsidies, Angelini said it could tap into lines of credit to keep units affordable and maintain building operations in the shorter term. The organization is also in conversation with its other subsidy partners to see if they could help cover costs for the longer term. Watson, the trust funds interim executive director, said she is concerned but optimistic about how to get the organization out of its financial plight. We will not be deterred in any way. The Israeli military has announced the start of extensive new ground operations throughout northern and southern Gaza on a day it has killed at least 144 people in waves of relentless strikes across the Palestinian enclave. At least 36 people were killed and more than 100 wounded when Israeli warplanes bombed a tent camp sheltering displaced Palestinians in the al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, medical sources told Al Jazeera. Verified videos from the scene showed many bodies, including some on fire. The dead and wounded were taken to a nearby field hospital and the Nasser Medical Complex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 135 people were killed on Sunday morning, including 42 in the heavily bombed northern parts of Gaza, medical sources told Al Jazeera Arabic. Five journalists were also among the victims when their homes were bombed. At least 464 Palestinians have been killed in the past week as the Israeli military prepared to significantly intensify its ground invasion of the Palestinian territory despite international criticism. At least 53,339 Palestinians have been killed and 121,034 wounded since the start of the war in October 2023, according to Gazas Ministry of Health. The Israeli army on Sunday confirmed the start of Operation Gideons Chariots, which will involve regular and reserve soldiers of the Southern Command leading the ground invasion of both northern and southern Gaza, backed by the air force. It reported attacking more than 670 places in Gaza over the past week and claimed all were Hamas targets located both above and beneath the ground. Israel has been accused of disproportionately targeting civilians in Gaza, including displaced families. Thousands of sick and wounded could die Among the targets have been three major hospitals, adding to the systematic targeting of healthcare facilities across the enclave that has now put three hospitals out of commission this week alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza was rendered nonoperational on Sunday after the Israeli army laid siege to it beginning at dawn. Marwan al-Sultan, the director of the facility, which was the last functioning public hospital in the north, described the situation as catastrophic and called on international organisations to press for medical teams safety. Dr Muhammad Abu Salmiya, director of al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza, told Al Jazeera that the bombing of the Indonesian Hospital is severely impacting chances of survival for those in need of medical care. Thousands of sick and wounded people could die, he warned, adding that blood donations are urgently needed. Dr Muhammad Zaqout, the director general of hospitals in Gaza, condemned Israels systematic measures against hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel deliberately kills wounded people by preventing them from reaching hospitals and directly targets patients, the wounded and medical staff inside hospitals, he told Al Jazeera. He said al-Awda Hospital in northern Gazas Jabalia and European Gaza Hospital in southern Gaza have also been bombed, endangering patients and medical staff. Hamas said in a statement early on Sunday that the attacks on displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis marked a brutal crime that was a flagrant violation of international laws and norms. By granting the terrorist occupation government political and military cover, the United States administration bears direct responsibility for this insane escalation in the targeting of innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip, including children, women, and the elderly, the Palestinian group said, also condemning the ongoing persecution and killing of media workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Israels expanding operation in Gaza. I am alarmed by reported plans by Israel to expand ground operations and more, he said on X on Saturday. A picture released by the Israeli army shows expanded military operations in a location given as northern Gaza on May 17, 2025 [Handout: Israeli army via Reuters] Israel: Deal to end war must include exile of Hamas On Saturday, both Israel and Hamas confirmed that more mediated talks were under way in Qatar. Israel emphasised that the talks are being held with no conditions, including the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, which it has completely blocked since March 2 despite looming famine. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signalled on Sunday that his government may be open to either a partial or a comprehensive agreement but only under strict conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even at this very moment, the negotiation team in Doha is working to exhaust every possibility for a deal whether according to the Witkoff framework or as part of ending the fighting, which would include the release of all the hostages, the exile of Hamas terrorists, and the disarmament of the Gaza Strip, his office said in a statement, referring to White House envoy Steve Witkoff. His office also slammed former Israeli negotiator Oren Setter, who resigned from the team in October and said in a February interview that Netanyahu had squandered two opportunities last year that would have released captives in exchange for ending the war. Setter, a retired brigadier general, criticised Netanyahu on Sunday, telling the public broadcaster Kan that he is concerned the government will once again miss the opportunity of a comprehensive agreement in favour of a potential partial deal. Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on Sunday called on Netanyahu to pull the negotiating team back from Doha and refrain from signing any deal with Hamas. He insisted that Hamas must be completely defeated, fulfilling a war goal set out by Israel from the start. CHICAGO (WGN) There are new beginnings on the corner of 79th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue. What used to be a corner associated with violence now houses a building called Corner of Life. Members of New Life Covenant Church Southeast spent Saturday morning ringing bells on Chicagos South Side. They welcome over 1,000 people to the churchs annual Prayer on the 9 rally. Pastor Hannah teaches us about the sound that is released in the atmosphere and how it can shift things and change things, Emiko Pope said. The bells symbolize victory, and it symbolizes a promise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years march shifted from its traditional path down 79th Street to recognize transformation in the neighborhood. Pastor Hannah and New Life, thank you for believing in our community and standing shoulder to shoulder with our alders, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said. The church celebrated its recent purchase of Happys Liquor Store. Weve been walking past this for 15 years, and today we stand in front of it and say we own it, Pastor John Hannah said. The building has been long associated with violence, including a deadly shooting one year ago. Back in May, three young men were gunned down in front of this building. One of them lost his life, Hannah said. His mother is here with us today. Were going to dedicate a part of the building in memory of her son. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hannah says a part of the building will turn into a grocery store. It will also house medical offices and essential community services he feels are lacking on the South Side. The church says this is just the beginning of the change. They hope to transform more buildings on the street. Officials say renovations have already begun at Corner of Life. We will pay cash for each of these buildings. Everyone says we got a cash anointing. After we buy it, we just need your help to help us build it, Hannah 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 WGN-TV. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday how to make donations for the family of fallen deputy Micah Flick. About fifty works of colorful and thematic student art lined the walls and tables of Detroits Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurships new headquarters during its opening at the Butzel Family Recreation Center, 7737 Kercheval Ave., on Friday, May 16. Lacey Holmes, ACEs project manager for arts initiatives, said ACE solicited submissions from schools, art teachers and community organizations throughout Detroit. What youre seeing is some of the brilliance thats happening in schools across the city, ACE Director Rochelle Riley said about the gallery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kresge Foundation and the Hudson-Webber Foundation sponsored the city gallery and work with ACE to engage the citys next generation of artists, Riley said. Art by Ema Aguilar Moreno, 10, displayed at the City of Detroit's Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurships new headquarters on Friday, May 16. The gallerys youngest student artist Ema Aguilar Moreno, 10, attends Achieve Charter Academy. She said her art was inspired by hard workers who stay up from sunrise to sunset. The gallerys oldest students included seniors in high school. Art by Detroit School of Arts senior Cy Proctor displayed at the City of Detroit's Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurships new headquarters on Friday, May 16. Detroit School of Arts senior Cy Proctor had two pieces in the show. One piece meshes robots and machines with Japanese culture, while his other less-calculated piece depicts an octopus, he said. Detroit School of Arts junior Kamren Barnett sits by his art displayed at the City of Detroit's Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurships new headquarters on Friday, May 16. Detroit School of Arts junior Kamren Barnett said his piece conveys oneness and tapping into creation, as the man in his painting touches the milky way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was a whole experience trying to find the best way possible to express myself, Barnett said. I am trying to convey there is no difference between us and creation itself. 'Art is business' Riley said the department aims to show Detroits youth the importance of art and encourage them to pursue dreams, including careers as poets, historians or Broadway performers. Friends and family of artists and ACE supporters browse art displayed and mingle at ACE's new headquarters at the Butzel Family Center on Friday, May 16. Everything we do is to show our children the things they can do and be, Riley said. What they must understand is that art is business, and we're going to make sure that people understand that the creative arts industry is an industry. It is not a hobby. Artists Dana Hansen and Zirrea Brown plan to study art in college. Work by Detroit School of Arts senior Dana Hansen displayed at the City of Detroit's Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurships new headquarters on Friday, May 16. Hansen, a senior at Detroit School of Arts, plans to major in painting at Wayne State University next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hansen said her art teacher picked out which pieces to submit to the gallery and that her three pieces were a part of her Advanced Placement Art portfolio with a hair theme. More: Theaters, arts organizations across Michigan facing crisis after Trump's NEA cuts More: Detroit's College for Creative Studies to mark 100th student exhibition Brown, a junior at Cass Tech High School, said her dream schools include Georgias Savannah College of Art and Design and Detroits College for Creative Studies. Brown said she created her piece in the show for an art class assignment with a vampire theme. Cass Technical High School junior Zirrea Brown stands next to her work displayed at the City of Detroit's Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurships new headquarters on Friday, May 16. I wanted to make sure that you looked at some of the artists who came out tonight because their work is being recognized, Riley said to the families and ACE supporters at the opening ceremony in a sparkling cider toast to the artists. Remember their names so when they are rich and famous, you should say, I knew them when ACE launches mural project ACEs newest project will provide 43 artists mural space in nine different Detroit allies, Riley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were taking these really torn up allies that are behind peoples houses in nine neighborhoods and turning them into these beautiful outdoor museums with art, new concrete, new sewer work, Riley said. Its almost like having special parks and plazas right behind your house. City of Detroit's Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurships Director Rochelle Riley makes a sparkling cider toast to the student artists with work displayed at ACE's new headquarters at the Butzel Family Center on Friday, May 16. Outside of the mural project and art gallery, ACE awards creative stars who have given at least 25 years of service to the Detroit arts. Previous ACE honoree Debra White-Hunt, artistic director and co-founder of Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy, attended the ACE headquarters launch. We do as much as we can (with ACE). Arts are who we are, White-Hunt said. Dance shoes decorated by Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy students displayed at the city of Detroit's Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurships new headquarters on Friday, May 16. Dance shoes decorated by Detroit-Windsor Academy students were among art displayed in the gallery. White-Hunt said her students decorated shoes because of a display of painted shoes in the studio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ACE began in 2019. It currently has a three-person staff, and its previous location was in the Marygrove Conservancy. Its third annual ACE Honors Ceremony will take place on Friday, May 23, at the Bedrock Tower. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit students display artwork in City's ACE headquarter launch CLEVELAND (WJW) The Cleveland Division of Police is asking for the publics help locating a teenager and her infant son last seen Saturday. Flags to fly at half-staff in honor of firefighter cadet who died after medical emergency According to police, 17-year-old Aireonia Wilkerson is a ward of the state and was reported missing May 17. Police believe she took her 9-month-old son DaMari Davis without authorization. (Credit: Cleveland Division of Police) (Credit: Cleveland Division of Police) The child was last known to be in the care of a neighbor prior to their departure, police said. Aireonia Wilkerson was last seen near the 13500 block of Glenside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is information suggesting that Wilkerson may have taken the child to a relative, police wrote in a Sunday news release. Man shot, killed inside doorway of Lorain home Saturday morning Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Aireonia Wilkerson or DaMari Davis is urged to contact the Cleveland Division of Police at 216-621-1234 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Less than six months into his second term as president, Donald Trump has initiated or proposed more than 150 actions that experts say are detrimental to the environment, which range from cancelling climate grant programs to loosening regulations that govern air and water quality. Many of these actions have been part of the president's larger goals of reining in government spending, increasing energy independence and restructuring federal agencies. But some also appear to target one state in particular: California. Read more: Trump makes sweeping move to undercut state climate laws, including California's Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Long known as a nationwide leader in climate and environmental policy, the Golden State has been in Trump's crosshairs since his first administration, when he sparred with Gov. Gavin Newsom over issues such as forest and water-supply management. In recent months, Trump has escalated his California-specific efforts, including vowing to block the state's ability to set strict tailpipe emission standards a battle that has wound all the way up to the Senate. Many of the president's actions in the first 100 or so days of this administration have not only called out California by name, but also disproportionately targeted it. A leaked list of pending program cuts from the Department of Energy includes 53 projects in California more than any other state as well as more projects in blue states than red ones. In April, the president named California in an executive order directing the Department of Justice to seek out and " stop the enforcement of " state laws that address climate change, in which he described California's first-of-its-kind cap-and-trade program as an unfair means of punishing businesses for their use of fossil fuels. In July 2017, then Gov. Jerry Brown held up a climate bill after signing it as former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, third from left, looks on, keeping alive California's signature initiative to fight global warming, which puts a cap and a price on climate-changing emissions. (Eric Risberg / Associated Press) Experts say it's not surprising that the president is coming for California's environmental progress. Trump received record donations from oil and gas companies during his campaign. Meanwhile, California, a Democratic stronghold, has set aggressive climate targets that seek to limit those industries and transition the state to carbon neutrality by 2045. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "One hundred percent, California is targeted," said Mary Creasman, chief executive of the nonprofit California Environmental Voters. "It's along the same lines as everything we have seen from this president: political retaliation at every turn toward anybody who disagrees with him on anything and California disagrees with him on a lot." Read more: Trumps Department of Energy targets California and other blue states for budget cuts, according to internal documents But California also has the tools, means and motivation to to fight back, Creasman and others said, including through litigation and legislation. Already, the state has filed or joined nearly 50 legal actions against the current administration, at least seven of which pertain to the environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among them is a lawsuit challenging the president's declaration of a national energy emergency , which calls for for increased fossil fuel production, waived environmental reviews and the fast-tracking of projects in potentially sensitive ecosystems and habitats. "These procedures misuse authorities meant for disaster response and bypass important health and environmental protections for the benefit of the fossil fuel industry," California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta wrote in a statement about that case. Bonta has also joined a lawsuit against the administration's plans to freeze federal funding for a number of programs that Trump has disparaged as "woke," including environmental measures. Other suits challenge attempts to claw back funding for the construction of electric vehicle charging stations across the country; wind energy development; and the AmeriCorps program that deploys young people to disaster-relief organizations. The California attorney general has also joined a motion to defend the Environmental Protection Agency's chemical-accident safety rules from state and federal efforts to weaken or repeal it, and has signed onto an amicus brief opposing mass federal layoffs at agencies such as the EPA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State lawmakers including Sens. Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla have thrown their hats in the ring as well, penning letters to the heads of various agencies in opposition to climate grant cuts at the EPA, the closure of the federal disaster tracking system and other issues. Read more: Trump, congressional Republicans seek to block California's 2035 ban on gas-powered vehicles Such challenges are a critical line of defense for California and other states working to preserve climate progress, said Pete Maysmith, president of the League of Conservation Voters, a D.C.-based nonprofit advocacy group. "We have to litigate, we have to organize, we have to win elections," Maysmith said. "We need our champs in Congress many of whom call California home to stand up and fight against things like trying to revoke the clean air waiver that California has had for 50 years." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, the battle over clean air waivers is among the state's most ferocious fights so far. For decades, California has been granted special authority to set its own vehicle-emission standards by utilizing waivers issued by the EPA. Clean Air Act waivers have been fundamental to the state's efforts to limit greenhouse gases and transition to electric vehicles, such as its ban on the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. But Trump has moved to block the state's authority to do so, and earlier this month, the U.S. House of Representatives agreed with him. Now the battle is set for a vote in the Senate, which could happen as soon as this week. Cliff Rechtschaffen, a member of the California Air Resources Board, believes the president is targeting the state in part because of its special authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think California stands out because we are the leader on so many things, including our clean car and zero-emission vehicle standard," Rechtschaffen said. Should California lose the Senate battle, the state will challenge it in the court system, he said. California can achieve a similar outcome without the waivers, Rechtschaffen said, such as raising registration fees or imposing taxes on heavily polluting vehicles a tactic deployed in Norway that resulted in nearly all new cars purchased there last year being electric vehicles. California could also consider instituting a statewide "indirect source" rule that would require ports and other facilities to limit pollution in the surrounding area, which could, for example, compel trucking companies using those ports to deploy low- or no-emissions vehicles. Read more: Fate of California's auto standards will come down to Senate battle Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Clean Air Act issue is complicated, other battles may be simpler. That includes Trump's bid to halt the state's cap-and-trade program, which sets limits on companies' greenhouse gas emissions and allows them to sell "credits" for unused emissions to other companies. Experts say he does not actually have the authority to end California's program. "It's not really something that Trump or the attorney general can do. If you want to stop the enforcement of state law, you have to go to court, and that's the jurisdiction of the court," Maggie Coulter, a senior attorney with the Climate Law Institute at the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity, said about the executive order. Rechtschaffen agreed, noting that the state does not need federal authority to maintain a cap-and-trade program. Neither the EPA nor Congress has created a national cap-and-trade program that preempts state programs, "so it's completely lawful under state law, and I don't see anything under current federal law that would threaten our program," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: California unveils plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2045 Beyond defending itself in the courtroom, California can also use legislation to go on the offensive, according to Creasman, of California Environmental Voters. The state is already flexing its legislative strength with two 2023 laws slated to go into effect next year. Senate Bills 253 and 261 will require large corporations that do business in California to measure and publicly disclose their carbon emissions. Creasman said the laws leverage California's market size to help push national policy, and could be a model for similar efforts in the future. Another law winding through the state legislature, Senate Bill 684 known as the "Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act" would require fossil fuel polluters to pay for their share of damages and disasters caused by their emissions. The funds would be put toward projects and programs to prepare for and respond to climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As we see the federal government starting to shrink resources, 'Polluters Pay' is a really important mechanism," Creasman said. Should the federal government succeed at rolling back protections under the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and other rules, California could also consider a concept known as "trigger laws" to restore state standards set under the previous administration, Creasman said. Trigger laws become enforceable only by specific events or conditions. One recent prominent example was when several states used the laws to trigger immediate abortion bans in the wake of the Supreme Court overturning Roe vs. Wade. This combination of weapons in California's arsenal litigation, legislation and a large economy mean California can mount a good defense when it comes to the environment, Creasman added. "It is dangerous to not approach this moment with the gravity and reality of what we're in and what we're in is a fight for our lives," she said. Times staff writer Kevin Rector contributed to this report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. CLINTON, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) The Clinton community is mourning the loss of their beloved mayor. Mayor Jack Gilfoy Jr. passed away on Saturday afternoon according to the city. Gilfoy has served the city of Clinton since 2011. The City of Clinton wrote online Saturday: It is with deep regret and sadness, per the notification of Mayor Jack Gilfoy Jr.s wife, that we are informing our community that Mayor Gilfoy passed away today at 2:10PM. We ask that you please respect the wishes of his wife and give them privacy during this difficult time. We appreciate your prayers and positive thoughts. Thank you. City of Clinton Facebook page Arrangements for Mayor Gilfoy have not been announced. WTWO will continue update you as 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. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on March 27 that Moscow has "enough forces and means" to bring its war against Ukraine to a "logical conclusion" without making any meaningful concessions, it has been revealed in new clips from a documentary released on May 18. "Russia has enough forces and means to bring what we started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the result Russia needs," Putin said while recording the film "Russia. Kremlin. Putin. 25 Years." "This result is the elimination of the causes that led to this crisis, the creation of conditions for long-term sustainable peace, and the security of the Russian state." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The documentary aired on May 4 but made only passing references to the U.S.-led peace process ongoing at the time of the interview. The latest comments publicly withheld until now and posted on Telegram by the interviewer come nearly four months into U.S. President Donald Trump's push for a ceasefire which has been repeatedly rejected by Russia, and two days after the first direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations since 2022, in which Moscow reiterated its maximalist demands. A source in the Ukrainian President's Office told the Kyiv Independent that Russia's delegation in Istanbul on May 16 reiterated demands for Ukraine to retreat from all annexed territories. The development comes ahead of a scheduled May 19 phone call between Putin and Trump, who continues to attempt to broker a ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the new comments, Putin said a priority is securing Russian-speaking populations in territories Russia claims as its own a reference to Crimea and the partially occupied Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts. The Kremlin declared its annexation of the four regions in 2022 after sham referenda, despite not fully controlling any of them. A map showing Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine as of 2025. (The Kyiv Independent) Moscow also insisted Ukraine abandon NATO ambitions, forgo reparations, and accept a neutral status with no foreign military support demands Kyiv has categorically rejected. Despite initiating the Istanbul talks, the Kremlin dispatched only mid-level officials. President Volodymyr Zelensky had called on Putin to attend personally, stressing that only the Russian president could authorize a ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, who has not imposed new sanctions on Russia to pressure it into establishing a ceasefire, plans to speak with Putin on May 19. He said he would then speak with Zelensky and NATO leaders. Kyiv and European governments continue to push for an unconditional truce, which Ukraine accepted in March. Moscow has ignored the offer and intensified its strikes on Ukrainian cities, including the largest drone attack of the war on May 18. Read also: Russian tank losses in Ukraine Syrskyi claims 1,159 hit since start of year Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Columbus police are on the lookout for the driver of a minivan believed to have left the scene of an eastside crash about two months ago. According to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, police were called to the Mount Vernon neighborhood near Saunders Park, where a person riding a minibike was struck by a 2012 Nissan Quest Minivan on the evening of March 13. Columbus ranks among top 10 cities in downtown apartment construction Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the Nissan was traveling west on Mount Vernon Avenue, turned north onto Graham Street and approached the intersection of Graham Street and Hildreth Avenue. There, a person operating a minibike failed to yield to the minivans right of way. The minivan struck the minibike, throwing the driver from the minibike. The operator of the minibike, a juvenile, and an adult passenger suffered serious injuries from the crash, which occurred at 7:40 p.m. The driver of the minivan reportedly stopped after the crash, walked around the area for a short time, then drove away in the minivan, which police said was reported stolen. A neighborhood safety camera at Mt. Vernon Avenue and Graham Street recorded the minivan as it turned, and police are looking for any additional videos or witnesses to this crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for any information leading to the arrest or indictment of the person(s) responsible for this crime. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrime.org and submit your tip. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. The Rogers County Commissioners heard two controversial zoning requests at their Monday meeting, approving one and shooting down the other. The approved request allows a Sequoyah-area family to put up a manufactured home on 1.05 acres of their 16-acre property; the denied request would have made way for a mini storage facility in a rural neighborhood just north of the Inola schools. Both requests received at least one vote against recommending their approval when the Rogers County Planning Commission board considered them May 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Terri White and Tina Taylor had asked the county to carve 1.05 acres out of their RS-25 tract along 450 Road, just south of the Sequoyah schools. White, during public comment, told the commissioners she wanted to rezone the parcel to RST-40 so her son's family could move into a manufactured home there. "We as a family want to make sure this land stays in the family," White said. "That's why we're doing this. My son wants to get out of the city life, be in the rural area where he was raised, and to raise his son." White said her mother, Pat Sorenson, has lived in a house on the property more than 60 years. Gene Haynes, a neighbor who sits on the Sequoyah Public Schools Board of Education, opposed the change. Haynes said it was difficult for him to speak out against a cherished Sequoyah community member Sorenson is a library assistant at Sequoyah High School but manufactured homes don't suit the neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the area carries agricultural or RS-25 zoning. An 8.45-acre RST-40 parcel sits around the corner from White's property, but Planning Commission Deputy Director Brittany Senters said that's too small for a manufactured home. District 1 Commissioner Dan DeLozier, in whose district the parcel falls, made the motion to approve the change. All three commissioners voted to approve the change, which had passed the planning commission by a 2-1 vote. "I respect everybody's opinion on this," DeLozier said. "I've really looked at this hard because I know the Hayneses well, and then I know the Sorensons and the Whites ... and how they take care of their properties. I can't say that this would be a bad thing in any way." The Inola zoning change drew more opposition. Senters said she'd received several phone calls and emails urging the commissioners to reject the measure, and eight neighbors advocated against it the commissioners' Monday meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The planning commission tied 2-2 on recommending approval. Brian Miller of Inola had sought to convert his 3.65-acre parcel on East 590 Road from AG to C-2 to build a storage facility. The neighbors who spoke Monday said Miller's proposed facility would lower their property values and clash with the pastoral setting. Others pointed out Inola's Vision 2025 Comprehensive Plan, which recommends only residential zoning in the area. Neighbor Carrie Rochelle took to Facebook before Monday's meeting to encourage Inola residents to speak at the meeting in opposition. Rochelle said she'd moved to Inola two years ago in search of a pleasant rural environment, and a storage facility on East 590 Road would disrupt that harmony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We already have five separate mini storage facilities in the town of Inola, all within close proximity," Rochelle said. "We don't need a sixth. Inola is a small community that is beginning to grow, which makes it crucial that the growth is planned well." Miller said he knows many of the people who operate Inola storage facilities, and they've told him they have little vacancy. He said real estate agents he's spoken to "respectfully chuckled" at the assertion that a storage facility would tank nearby property values. "My wife and I, this is not something that we're looking to build and move and jump town and have some big corporation come in and take over," Miller said. "This is for ourselves, for our personal investment. We're investing in the community." District 3 Commissioner Ron Burrows, whose district encompasses Inola, said though Inola is growing, that stretch of East 590 Road isn't ready for commercial development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District 2 Commissioner and Chairman Steve Hendrix seconded Burrows' motion to deny Miller's request, but he said Inola residents should be prepared for growth. Hendrix said there are projections Inola could get as large as Owasso in the next 20 years as U.S. Highway 412 becomes Interstate 42, stimulating local economic drivers like Sofidel and the Port of Inola and creating more jobs in the area. "People, I can assure you it's going to change at some point in time, however much you resist," Hendrix said. Also at Monday's meeting, the commissioners accepted bids for its maintenance facility project. The county is refurbishing an old auto repair shop on Cherokee Street to house the Rogers County Maintenance Department, which is vacating the Rogers County Courthouse as part of that building's remodel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stava Building will supply materials for $2,948.63, Cunningham Plumbing will do the plumbing work for $49,500 and COP Hometown Service Inc. will install the HVAC system for $34,157. Justin Sessions of Lyle Building Group, the project manager, said the county received no valid bids for glass and glazing. But he said the cost of that work would be low enough that it could be added to the package at a later date. SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A community celebration along the Lackawanna River on Saturday brought attention to local conservation efforts. Riverfest marked its return to spring for the first time since the pandemic. Paddlers made a five-mile journey down the Lackawanna River from Riverfront Park in Dickson City to Sweeneys Beach in Scranton. A post-paddle event was held, featuring live music, food vendors, and educational exhibits promoting environmental awareness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brooklyn man dead after Carbon County crash We definitely love to support efforts of conservation, especially in our own communities, and it sort of speaks to this bigger picture of what were doing here and teaching about some of the environmental history and resources here in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Steamtown National Historic Site Park Ranger Jessica Nielsen stated. Our community roots program reminds people to plant native species, its part of our reminder to care about the environment. And really just enjoy natures beauty, and caring about the environment is very important to us, PPL Lead Environmental Professional Meg Welker told 28/22 News. Riverfest supports the Lackawanna River Conservation Association (LRCA). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event is their biggest fundraiser of the year, and all proceeds go to the LRCAs efforts to protect and preserve the river. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. Colorado Springs Philharmonic will end its season with a full-length, theatricalized performance of Puccini's tragic opera, "Madama Butterfly," with guest conductor Louis Lohraseb of Los Angeles Opera, guest vocalists from the Pikes Peak region and around the U.S., and the Colorado Springs Chorale. It's Saturday and Sunday at Pikes Peak Center. NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) People from all over western Massachusetts came together to support a local man in his battle with kidney failure. Friends, family, and the community gathered at Look Park on Sunday for Adams March for a Match, walking to support Adam Gagne as he battles Stage 5 kidney failure. Groovin with Garrett fundraiser for local man who was paralyzed in skiing accident I created a video telling his story and what we needed, and then I worked with two of his really good friends, longtime friends, Sue and Eric Dibrinkisi, said David Jeffway, Adams March for a Match organizer. We decided we needed to rally the community behind him because he has been such a big part of this community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adam was unable to be in attendance, as he has been in the hospital due to complications, but he was present on a video call. People were able to speak with Adam, sharing how he impacted their lives and adding written messages to his support board. Adam Gagne made a huge impact on his community, as he served as Scout Master for over 30 years. Now his scouts throughout the years are giving back to him. Scouting and obtaining that rank of Eagle is all about giving back and helping other people at all times, which is part of the Scout oath, said Jeffway, who served as an Eagle Scout under Gagne. This is all of that on display. It is not just through the words, its exactly what we learned in scouting. The event was also catered by Jakes in Northampton. The restaurants owners, Christopher Ware and Alexander Washut, were also Eagle Scouts under Gagne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was like an older brother, more so than a Scout Master, if you will, Ware said. It was really a great time in our lives, so when we heard he needs this kidney, we thought we want to help him any way we could. Jeffway said the goals of the event are to find a living donor, raise money for Gagne and his family, and show him just how many people care about him. For more information on how you can become a living donor and test to see if you are a match for Adam, visit baystatehealth.org/living-donor. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. NEW JERSEY (PIX11) There is still no deal to resolve the NJ Transit strike despite more than three hours of negotiations on Saturday afternoon. It is the first time both sides have met since Thursday evening, when a deal could not be reached and locomotive engineers walked off the job. New Jersey Transit trains stopped running at 12:01 a.m. Friday. More Local News Tom Haas, the General Chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, told PIX11 News said of Saturday afternoon, It was a constructive discussion, its a very cordial atmosphere, Im hopefully that were close. Haas then added, I do feel hopeful going into tomorrow that we may be able to get something resolved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri issued a statement Saturday evening saying, Todays discussions continued to be constructive. Weve mutually agreed to adjourn formal discussions for the day, but will continue talking and look forward to resuming discussions tomorrow. Before the negotiations wrapped up on Saturday, David Estes with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen told PIX11 News, We understand that the commuters and the riders deserve to have the trains operating, but we deserve fair pay and thats what were looking for. Kolluri stated Saturday morning, We want a fair deal that will not break the bank. That is our principle. We are not moving from that. Estes said their wage demands would not break the bank, adding, Its completely doable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the strike, NJ Transit announced contingency plans that included increased bus service and additional alternatives on PATH, Amtrak, and Metro-North trains. Transit and union leaders have a prescheduled meeting Sunday afternoon with the National Mediation Board. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Every year, pharma and medical device companies spend billions paying doctors in speaker fees, meals, gifts and trips. Research shows that payments like these are pervasive, with more than half of doctors in the U.S. accepting an industry payment over the past decade. If you're worried that these payments are affecting your doctor's medical advice, what can you do? Some doctors will tell you about their industry payments. Dr. Jonathan Thompson, Cincinnati's third highest paid doctor in industry payments, issues a conflict of interest disclosure form to his patients, according to records obtained by The Enquirer, that allows them to opt out of using equipment developed by Thompson's company in their surgery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have a serious ethical concern about your doctor that you'd like to discuss with someone else, you can contact your hospitals compliance and business ethics department. (Each hospital has its own conflict of interest policy, with some academic hospitals and private practices limiting what physicians can receive from companies, and others going as far as to ban drug reps entirely.) And if you're worried about your doctor improperly prescribing or dispensing drugs, the State Medical Board of Ohio handles those complaints on its website, med.ohio.gov. For anyone whos concerned about getting the most accurate medical advice possible, its always good to seek out a second opinion, said Genevieve Kanter, an economist from USC who researches conflict of interest in medicine. This is especially important for expensive treatments and serious diagnoses. Dr. Charles Rosen, an orthopedic surgeon from UC Irvine, recommends that patients wait between three to five years before trying out new treatments. That way, youll have access to more data on long-term complications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When reading research on a medical device or drug, he recommends seeking out publications like The Spine Journal, which require authors of studies to disclose any industry payment higher than $100. And for studies in other journals, use the Open Payments database to see if the authors have been paid by the manufacturer. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Concerned that your doctors being paid off? What to do RUBAYA, Congo (AP) Nestled in the green hills of Masisi territory in Congo, the artisanal Rubaya mining site hums with the sound of generators, as hundreds of men labor by hand to extract coltan, a key mineral crucial for producing modern electronics and defense technology and fiercely sought after worldwide. Rubaya lies in the heart of eastern Congo, a mineral-rich part of the Central African nation which for decades has been ripped apart by violence from government forces and different armed groups, including the Rwanda-backed M23, whose recent resurgence has escalated the conflict, worsening an already acute humanitarian crisis. As the U.S. spearheads peace talks between Congo and Rwanda, Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi has sought out a deal with the Trump administration, offering mineral access in return for American support in quelling the insurgency and boosting security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While details of the deal remain unclear, analysts said Rubaya might be one of the mining sites which fall under its scope. Eastern Congo has been in and out of crisis for decades. The conflict has created one of the worlds largest humanitarian crises with more than 7 million people displaced, including 100,000 who fled homes this year. The Rubaya mines have been at the center of the fighting, changing hands between the Congolese government and rebel groups. For over a year now, it has been controlled by the M23 rebels, who earlier this year advanced and seized the strategic city of Goma and Bukavu in a major escalation of the conflict. Despite the country's exceptional mineral wealth, over 70% of Congolese live on less than $2.15 a day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Metals for 'modern life and military preparedness For the men working in the Rubayas mines, who rely on the mining for their livelihoods, little has changed over decades of violence. One of them is Jean Baptiste Bigirimana, who has worked in the mines for seven years. I earn $40 a month, but thats not enough," he said. "Children need clothes, education and food. When I divide up the money to see how I will take care of my children, I realize its not enough, he said, adding that he doesnt know where the minerals he mines go once they leave Rubaya. The mines produce coltan short for columbite-tantalite an ore from which the metals tantalum and niobium are extracted. Both are considered critical raw materials by the United States, the European Union, China and Japan. Tantalum is used in mobile phones, computers and automotive electronics, as well as in aircraft engines, missile components and GPS systems. Niobium is used in pipelines, rockets and jet engines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congo produced about 40% of the worlds coltan in 2023, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, with Australia, Canada and Brazil being other major suppliers. The National Energy Emergency executive order, issued by Trump, highlighted the significance of critical minerals including tantalum and niobium and called for securing U.S. access to ensure both "modern life and military preparedness. A 'murky' global supply chain According to a U.N. report, since seizing Rubaya in April last year, the M23 has imposed taxes on the monthly trade and transport of 120 tonnes of coltan, generating at least $800,000 a month. The coltan then is exported to Rwanda, U.N. experts said. But even before M23 seized control of the mine, analysts said that the mineral was sold to Rwanda, the only difference being it was done through Congolese intermediaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts say that it is not easy to trace how coltan arrives in Western countries. The global coltan supply chain is pretty murky, said Guillaume de Brier, a natural resources researcher at the Antwerp-based International Peace Information Service. From eastern DRC, coltan is bought by traders, mostly Lebanese or Chinese, who will sell it to exporters based in Rwanda. Exporters will then ship it to the UAE or China, where it will be refined into tantalum and niobium, and sold to Western countries as metals from UAE or China. The M23 has previously controlled Rubaya for periods of time, and the U.N. asserted that, even before the takeover of Goma, the group was facilitating the smuggling of these minerals to Rwanda. Since M23 took control of the mine, Rwandas official coltan exports have doubled, according to Rwandan official figures. At times the mines were also under control of the Wazalendo, a militia allied with the Congolese army. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexis Twagira said he feels some things have improved under M23. Ive been working in this mine for 13 years, and Ive worked under the Wazalendo. When they were here, they would harass us, sometimes taking our minerals and demanding money, he said. The U.N. has accused both the Congolese army and the M23 rebels of human rights abuses. We cant continue like this' Congo is the worlds largest producer of cobalt, a mineral used to make lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and other products, but U.S. access is complicated by the fact that Chinese companies control 80% of its Congolese production. Congo also produces gold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent weeks, two U.S. companies opened doors to production in the region. Nathan Trotter, a U.S. firm, signed a letter of intent with Rwanda-based Trinity Metals, which owns Rwanda's largest tin mine. And KoBold Metals, which uses Artificial Intelligence to further energy transition and is backed by billionaire Bill Gates, brokered a deal to buy Australias AVZ Minerals interest in Congo's Manono lithium deposits. Analysts warn that the implementation of a minerals deal in eastern Congo, if one was to materialize, will face many hurdles especially with U.S. investors largely abandoning Congo in the last two decades. Turning a headline announcement into sustainable progress will require resolving deep suspicions between Rwanda and the DRC, Chatham House, a research institute, said in a recent report. A deal will also need to account for complex local political problems of land access and identity, wider security challenges in a region that hosts myriad non-state armed groups, and issues of asset scarcity. If the deal were to include Rubaya, where all mining is currently done manually, U.S. companies would have to contend with both security concerns and a severe lack of infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With coltan, youre dealing with hundreds of thousands of miners, and not just M23, but other so-called auto-defense armed groups and individuals who rely on mining for survival," said de Brier from the International Peace Information Service. "You have to build all the infrastructure, you have to start from scratch. You will even have to build the roads. Bahati Moise, a trader who resells coltan from Rubayas mines, hopes that, regardless who controls the mines, the workers who labor to extract the minerals will finally be valued as much as the resources themselves. The whole country, the whole world knows that phones are made from the coltan mined here, but look at the life we live, he said. We cant continue like this. ___ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pronczuk reported from Dakar, Senegal. ___ The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. 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. CORNING, N.Y. (WETM) College graduates celebrated their time at Corning Community College in the 66th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 17. Around 200 graduates received applause and cheers when they walked out into the gymnasium and waved to people in the stands. Most of the students will be receiving Associates degrees in Arts, Science, and Applied Science. A couple of the students 18 News spoke with shared their plans about entering the workforce and continuing their education. Ethan Kiser, who graduated from CCC (Corning Community College) in one year with an Associates in Science and Business Administration, said he plans to attend SUNY Geneseo to major in Accounting and minor in Finance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heathers Home 5K aims to raise money for orphans Do what you want to do, at the end of the day. Do what makes you happy. Once you go into the workforce, you want to enjoy what youre doing, Kiser said. Alyssa Allison mentioned that she plans to work as a critical care nurse at the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) of Arnot Medical Center and plans to pursue a bachelors degree in Nursing. No matter your background, no matter your profession, I think that you can do it. I didnt think Id be standing here so if I can you will, said Allison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. When Democratic lawmakers last December accidentally leaked their plans to increase taxes this legislative session, they said they needed to identify the villain a villain they assured Washingtonians was the ultrawealthy and some of the biggest, most profitable corporations on the planet. Now that Democrats have passed their $9.4 billion tax increase the largest in state history its clear who their villain is, but its not the ultrawealthy or big business as advertised. After all the Democrats talk about who needs to pay what they owe, it turns out they were talking about you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a time when Washingtonians cite the unaffordability of housing, gas, child care, health care and groceries as their top concern in poll after poll, Democrats new taxes will increase the cost of housing, fuel, child care, hospital care and will add $100 million to the cost of Washingtonians food. Making food more expensive is especially cruel: Essentials like food cannot be cut from household budgets. Thats why, as representatives of local grocers and restaurant owners, we strongly urge Gov. Bob Ferguson to veto the Democrats tax increase on food, which will be devastating to lower-income households. It represents an unfathomable abdication of concern for working families on the part of the governors Democratic colleagues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How did this happen? Democrats said they intended to make our extremely bad, regressive tax system better than it is now, using chart after chart to show how little Washington taxes wealthy individuals, broadcasting data from the Institute of Taxation and Economic Policy. Yet when it came time to evaluate who would bear the burden of their tax proposals those at the top or the bottom of the income scale Democrats quickly turned a deaf ear to their friends at the Institute of Taxation and Economic Policy. A recent post reminded Democrats not to settle for a more regressive revenue raiser, warning that, with unwise choices, the state risks backsliding and moving further away from a tax system designed with equity and sustainability in mind. So what were Democrats tax equity ideas? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Achieving tax fairness by taxing wealth greater than $50 million? Democrats abandoned that idea. Achieving tax fairness by adding a payroll tax on income for employees at large companies who earn more than $176,100? They abandoned that idea, too. Both ideas were rejected after an intense lobbying campaign on the part of Washingtons corporate leaders, including from Amazon, WaFd Bank, Weyerhaeuser and dozens more. Microsoft, leading the way, even pledged $1 million to defeat a payroll tax at the ballot. Democrats then said they could achieve tax fairness by raising the B&O tax on businesses large and small including more than doubling the tax on business with revenues over $250 million per year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Institute of Economic Tax Policy called this idea fundamentally different from a tax fairness perspective from the payroll tax proposal, which would only impact the top 20% of income earners. The B&O tax proposal would burden the bottom 80% of income earners. Democrats chose this one. Now (paying close attention to the corporations mentioned above), Democrats did create some exemptions in their plan. These include computing, financial services and timber as well as airplane sales and the sale of oil. Democrats declined to clarify their rationale for these exemptions. But, for the very same reasons cited by the Institute of Economic Tax Policy namely, that the B&O tax is a sales tax by another name we urged Democrats to exempt food wholesalers and distributors, too, offering amendments on five separate occasions. Democrats rejected them. Restaurants and independent grocers play a vital role in ensuring access to fresh food for Washingtons communities. But we cannot pledge $1 million to beat this tax increase at the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When suppliers costs go up, our members costs go up, and they simply dont have the margins to absorb these costs themselves. The average restaurant in Washington operates on a 1.5% margin, while the average independent grocer operates on a 1.1% margin. Washingtons menu prices are 12% higher than the national average. Our grocery costs are the fourth highest in the nation. Democrats tax increase on our industries represents one-third of the average restaurants margin and nearly half of the average independent grocers margin. This is neither equitable nor sustainable. Lawmakers missed their chance this year to rein in runaway spending, choosing instead to add to out-of-control costs already overburdening Washington families. Yet its not too late to undo their most unconscionable decision of all making food more expensive for Washingtonians. Gov. Ferguson, please act. Anthony Anton, of Tacoma, is president and CEO of the Washington Hospitality Association. Tammie Hetrick, of Olympia, is president and CEO of the Washington Food Industry Association. Crafton Police are looking for a man they say attempted to kidnap a woman. Officers say Christian Spruill, 35, originally from the North Carolina area, has been terrorizing a Crafton woman for the past month. He escalated last night, investigators say, when he tried to kidnap her. According to a criminal complaint, police responded to a crash at the intersection of Fountain Street and Sycamore Street at 10:27 p.m. on Saturday. A red Toyota 4 Runner had crashed through a fence, over a hillside and outside a house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the victim was forced into that vehicle by Spruill but was able to escape after the crash. She waved down officers for help. K-9s, drones and officers searched a nearby wooded area for Spruill but could not find him. He is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs about 160 pounds. He is 35 years old. Police say he is homeless, so they believe he is wandering around the Pittsburgh area. Anyone with information on Spruills location is asked to call 911 or the Crafton Police Department at 412-921-2016. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW LONDON (Reuters) -Elton John on Sunday accused the British government of "committing theft" by proposing that tech firms could train artificial intelligence models on the UK's music and creative output without guaranteeing proper recompense. Creative industries globally are grappling with the legal and ethical implications of AI models that can produce their own work after being trained on existing material. Britain, which Prime Minister Keir Starmer wants to become an AI superpower, has proposed relaxing copyright laws to allow AI developers to train their models on any material to which they have lawful access. The proposal would require creators to proactively opt out to stop their work being used. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The biggest names in the industry, including John, Paul McCartney, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Ed Sheeran and others, have urged the government to change course, saying the proposal will make it even harder for young people to make a living in the creative industries. "The danger is for young artists, they haven't got the resources to keep checking or fight big tech," John told the BBC. "It's criminal and I feel incredibly betrayed." "A machine ... doesn't have a soul, doesn't have a heart, it doesn't have human feeling, it doesn't have passion. Human beings, when they create something, are doing it ... to bring pleasure to lots of people," he said. John has sold more than 300 million records over a six-decade career. A supporter of Starmer's Labour Party, he said he had always sought to support young artists and would continue to fight against the changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government says it is seeking a solution that will enable creative industries and AI companies to flourish. It said on Sunday it was consulting on measures, would publish an assessment on the economic impact of any move, and will not sign off on anything unless it is "completely satisfied they work for creators". Britain has long outperformed in the creative industries, with thousands employed in sectors including theatre, film, advertising, publishing and music. (Reporting by Kate Holton; editing by Barbara Lewis) Before sunrise in Baltimore on Friday, the Rev. Robert Turner, senior pastor of the Empowerment Temple AME Church, set out to walk 43 miles from his church to the Smithsonians National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Turner, who has made the trip from Baltimore to D.C. more than 30 times to call for reparations for Black people across America because of the consequences of slavery, made the 14-hour journey this week to protest what he says is an attempt by the Trump administration to erase important American history. For him, the future of the museum that he and many other Black people lovingly call the Blacksonian is worth every step. If you dont know the horrors that we went through, the hell, then you might not see the need for repairing, Turner said. Its important for President Trump to know this issue of saving the Blacksonian and the issue of repairing America, and creating a culture of repair is very important to saving the soul of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The context: Decades-old artifacts related to slavery and civil rights are rotating out of exhibits at the museum as a potential White House review looms. In late March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order demanding in part that the museum take down any exhibits that divide Americans based on race. But now, the White House says it is not involved in any changes at the museum, while Democrats in Congress are sounding the alarm, signing a letter and introducing legislation to protect civil rights landmarks. NBC News went inside the museum and found at least 32 artifacts that were once on display have been removed. They include Harriet Tubmans book of hymns filled with gospels that she is believed to have sung as she led enslaved people to freedom through the underground railroad, as well as a cloth made by enslaved people and a photo of the hip-hop group Public Enemy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also removed was the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, the memoir by one of the most important leaders in the abolition movement. Both items were gifted to the Smithsonian. In a statement, White House spokesperson Lindsey Halligan said, The White House had no involvement in removing any exhibit from the National Museum of African American History and Culture or any other Smithsonian institution. They did this on their own accord. The museum pushed back on criticism, saying on its website that claims that objects have been removed for reasons other than adherence to standard loan agreements or museum practices are false. It also listed 11 new artifacts coming on display later this month, including a photograph focused on how mass incarceration impacts Black people, a painting depicting a Ku Klux Klan figure, and artwork dedicated to Emmett Till, a 14-year-old Black boy from Chicago murdered by white men in 1955 while visiting family in Mississippi after the teen was accused of trying to flirt with a white woman. In an email to NBC News, the museum reiterated that rotating objects is normal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Turner isnt convinced. We have to now say enough is enough, and America is better than this, Black and white, he said. We are stronger than this. If our children can endure being lynched, then white children can endure a classroom that teaches that America used to lynch kids. Liz Brazelton, the owner of a diary connected to the Oscar-winning film 12 Years a Slave, isnt convinced either. Shes the great-great-granddaughter of the lawyer who helped free Solomon Northup, a free Black man who was kidnapped and forced into slavery. I grew up with the diaries, Brazelton said. The most important thing in his diaries was the fact that he did help free this man who was a free man of color. And its just an amazing story. And in central Louisiana, its quite a prominent story. And Im very proud of it. She gave one of her great-great-grandfathers diaries to the museum in September 2015 on a 10-year loan. The museum sent her a letter in March, before the end of the term, saying, We have decided to move ahead with the return a bit early to coincide with our internal gallery rotation schedule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter was sent two weeks before Trump signed the executive order targeting exhibits at the Smithsonian, which raised a red flag for Brazelton. When I saw the executive order, I wondered if they maybe knew something was going to happen and they rotated it out early because it was about slavery, that entire exhibit, she said. The Smithsonian declined NBC News request for an interview. But it repeated in an email that the diary move was a scheduled rotation to allow for necessary rest following an extended display period. Brazelton said she was never told between 2016 and 2025 that her familys diary was ever taken off of exhibit or rotated out. She believes it had stayed in the exhibit until recently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Rev. Amos C. Brown, a prominent pastor and civil rights leader, lent two of his books to the museum when it opened in 2016. The items included his fathers Bible, which is more than 100 years old and was carried by Brown during protests with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as well as a book on the history of Black people that was written in the 1800s. I was feeling that through this museum, America will see me, will see Black people, Brown said. We have been and are architects, designers of great things. We took a negative and turned it into a positive, and telling the story of how people achieved great things in spite of oppression, in spite of those evil things that were done to us, thats what that museum represents. Earlier this year, the Smithsonian sent him an email saying it would return his books. The museum called it a standard practice, adding that the loan expired in May. Still, Brown called that explanation an excuse, noting to NBC News that the museum has always chosen to renew the loan until now. I feel it to be very much inhumane, disrespectful and downright unjust, he said of the decision to end the loan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his public pushback, the museum offered to keep the books permanently, according to a letter reviewed by NBC News. The broader controversy is becoming increasingly political. House Democrats are demanding Vice President JD Vance, who now sits on the board of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, not take steps to overhaul the museum. In a letter, the lawmakers said, This flagrant attempt to erase Black history is unacceptable and must be stopped. Rep. Terri Sewell, an Alabama Democrat who sits on a House committee that conducts oversight of the Smithsonian Institution, was among the lawmakers who signed the letter. To tell the truth means to share the good and the bad. And if we dont tell our stories, who will tell our stories? she said. Meanwhile, Turner plans to continue making his monthly, hourslong pilgrimage from Baltimore to Washington, D.C., to shine a brighter spotlight on the museums artifacts getting pulled from displays and to demand reparations for Black people across the nation. Our story cannot die, no matter whos in the White House, he said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com UPDATE: SATURDAY 5/17/2025 6:04 p.m. (EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) According to CSFD, crews have successfully rescued the patient by taking him up the cliff face to the ridge. He reportedly fell about 40 feet and has minor injuries. Crews are evacuating him down a trail to Bear Creek Road, where he will be loaded into an ambulance and taken to the hospital. Courtesy: Colorado Springs Fire Department SATURDAY 5/17/2025 5:57 p.m. The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) reported that crews responded to a high-angle rescue near Bear Creek Road near Gold Camp Road on Saturday, May 17. According to CSFD, as of 4:45 p.m., crews were on scene on Bear Creek Road, near Bear Creek Pull Off #3. Courtesy: Colorado Springs Fire Department Bear Creek Road is closed in both directions as crews work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. (COLORADO SPRINGS) A man was shot in the foot during a road rage incident, leading to an arrest on Friday, May 16, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD). According to CSPD, around 9:30 p.m., when officers arrived at the scene in the area of Hancock Expressway and South Chelton Road, they learned that a man had been shot in the foot as a result of a road rage incident involving a firearm. The suspect, identified as Jajuan Jones, had remained on the scene and was taken into custody. The victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect was booked into the Criminal Justice Center for assault and harassment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. The impact of staffing cuts to the National Weather Service was tested on Friday when an eastern Kentucky office had to use surge staffing and nearby offices to ensure the public received timely information about incoming deadly storms. Bracing for thunderstorms, damaging winds, flooding, hail, and tornadoes, the National Weather Service office in Jackson, Kentucky, had to pre-plan staffing schedules to ensure round-the-clock coverage. The office recently lost its overnight forecaster, one of several in the country to face staffing shortages due to the Department of Government Efficiencys cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, with the impending severe weather, the office had to rely on nearby offices in Louisville and Paducah to provide overnight coverage. It also staggered its staffs schedules on Friday. The National Weather Service office in Jackson, Kentucky, had to seek staffing assistance before a string of deadly storms hit the state (Getty Images) We saw the risk many days ago, Christian Cassell, one of the offices meteorologists, told the Washington Post. We were already planning how we would staff days in advance. A spokesperson for NOAA told The Independent that neighboring offices provided staffing support to Jackson, allowing it to remain fully staffed through the duration of the event. The National Weather Service offices in Louisville, Jackson, and Paducah provided forecast information, timely warnings, and decision support in the days and hours leading up to the severe weather on May 16, the spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents of the area still received timely reports on the weather through their usual means. Even with warnings, the severe weather tore apart neighborhoods and left at least 18 people dead in Kentucky. Reports said the town of London, which the Jackson weather service office serves, was hit especially hard. The town of London, Kentucky was hit particularly hard by tornadoes on Friday (AP) This time, the Jackson office had advanced notice about the storms, which allowed it to prepare. Had it not, the Jackson office would not have had an overnight forecaster. Nearly 600 people have left the National Weather Service in recent months through layoffs or retirements. In March, the Trump administration told NOAA to eliminate 1,000 workers, in addition to the nearly 1,300 workers who had already left. Those cuts have trickled down to the National Weather Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, at least eight of the 122 offices around the U.S. that typically provide 24/7 weather coverage cannot do that. Cuts to NOAAs staffing has trickled down to the National Weather Service, leaving some offices with fewer meteorologists (Getty Images) The office in Jackson would typically have 13 meteorologists, but is currently operating with nine. Tom Fahy, the legislative director for the National Weather Service Employees Organization, told the Washington Post that it's also missing two management positions and three technical specialists. The Independent has asked the White House and the National Weather Service Employees Organization for comment. Nee Jackson, the director of emergency management for Pike County, told the Lexington Herald Leader that nearby offices are covering for Jackson during overnight hours, but it may not be sustainable. Its working for now. It is concerning. I dont know how long they can keep this up, Jackson said. On this date in history: In 1896, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down the Plessy vs. Ferguson decision that determined "separate but equal" racial policies are constitutional. While the ruling was never explicitly overruled, many high court decisions over the ensuing decades have effectively nullified it. In 1917, President Wilson signed the Selective Service Act of 1917 by which the United States raised an army for service in Europe during World War I. File Photo by Library of Congress/UPI In 1927, the legendary Grauman's Chinese Theatre opened in Hollywood with the premiere of The King of Kings. The iconic theater -- a favorite for major studio openings -- was renamed the TCL Chinese Theatre in 2013. On May 18, 2018, 10 people -- eight students and two teachers -- died after a fellow student opened fire at Santa Fe High School, near Houston. File Photo courtesy of the Harris County Sheriff's Office In 1933, the U.S. Congress created the Tennessee Valley Authority for flood control and rural electrification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1944, Allied troops captured Monte Cassino in Italy after one of the longest and bloodiest battles of World War II. Mount St. Helens emits a plume of steam and ash from an area of new crevasses in the crater glacier south of the 1980-86 lava dome on October 1, 2004. The volcano erupted on this day in 1980, blowing the top off the mountain and killing 57 people. Photo by Scott Taylor/U.S. Navy In 1969, Apollo 10 blasted off into space to perform a test run of what would become the Apollo 11 moon landing, coming to within 51,200 feet of the moon's surface. The mission also sent back the first televised color images of earth. File Photo courtesy of NASA Performers of the "Vampire Circus" prepare for their U.S. debut at the Bayfront Park in Miami on October 17, 2012. On this day in 1897, Bram Stoker published "Dracula." File Photo by Joe Marino-Bill Cantrell/UPI In 1979, a U.S. court jury in Oklahoma City awarded $10.5 million to the estate of Karen Silkwood, a laboratory technician contaminated by radiation at a Kerr-McGee plutonium plant in 1974. In 1980, Mount St. Helens in southwestern Washington state erupted, blowing the top off the mountain and killing 57 people. Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Randy Johnson works against the Florida Marlins on May 23, 2004, at Pro Player Stadium in Miami. On May 18, 2004, the 40-year-old pitched a perfect game in a 2-0 win over Atlanta. He was the oldest major league pitcher to accomplish the feat. File Photo by Michael Bush/UPI Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1990, East and West Germany signed a treaty for economic, monetary and social union. West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl said the pact marked the "birth of a free and unified Germany." In 1991, chemist Helen Sharman became the first Briton in space when she blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome aboard a Soviet spacecraft. In 2004, Randy Johnson, Arizona's 40-year-old left-hander, pitched a perfect game in a 2-0 win over Atlanta. He was the oldest major league pitcher to accomplish the feat. In 2018, 10 people -- eight students and two teachers -- died after a fellow student opened fire at Santa Fe High School, near Houston. In 2022, President Joe Biden invoked the Defense Production Act to address a nationwide shortage of infant formula. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Officers are investigating after a man arrived at a D.C. hospital with gunshot wounds early Sunday. Details remain limited; however, the Metropolitan Police Department told DC News Now that at around 4 a.m., officers responded to a local hospital for the report of a walk-in shooting victim. There, they found a man who had been shot. Police noted that he was conscious and breathing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man found shot multiple times in Northeast, DC police investigating As of Sunday morning, there is no word on the mans condition, and it is unclear where exactly the shooting took place. Investigators were looking for a black BMW with tinted windows in connection with the shooting, police said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Friday morning, the 365 members of Daviess County High Schools Class of 2025 spread out across the city, to provide help to 35 nonprofit groups and schools during the schools annual Senior Serve Day. Although some of the outdoor projects were called off by the rain, there was still plenty of work for the graduating seniors to do. In the space of just a couple hours Friday, groups of students painted, cleaned, organized supplies and donations, picked up trash and played games with residents in a local assisted care facility. Megan Nicodemus, Youth Service Center coordinator for DCHS, said the school has had a community service day with its senior class for 15 years. The idea came as a collaboration between the school and Volunteer Owensboro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The day of service is required, Nicodemus said. To walk the line (during commencement), we have to do our service, Nicodemus said. Some of the organizations where students were working Friday included St. Benedicts Homeless Shelter, Carmel Home, Daniel Pitino Shelter, the Help Office of Owensboro and Theatre Workshop of Owensboro. At Saving Paws Animal Rescue of Kentucky on East 18th Street, seniors Elizabeth Mayfield, Adysen Kinsey, Lauren Stacy and Sammy Wells were helping socialize dogs and cats, while also doing some of the less pleasant tasks that are part of a shelters daily routine. We just cleaned the cat cages, Stacy said, but, we love it, its okay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im allergic (to dogs and cats), but it was well worth it, Kinsey said. The organizations helped are suggested by Volunteer Owensboro, with Nicodemus reaching out to each to see if there are tasks the students can do. A list of participating students is then sent to the seniors, who pick where they will help. Spaces for volunteers are limited at some locations, such as SPARKY. The four seniors grabbed up the spots at SPARKY as quickly as they could, Wells said. With Animal in the name, I was on it, Wells said. We played with the puppies, to let their energy out. The pre-graduation events havent been all work: The class met for the traditional senior breakfast and the schools first Senior Signing Day earlier in the week, and will have a field day and senior picnic on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the day of service is important, Nicodemus said, because it provides needed help to community groups, while also teaching the students about community involvement. My son graduated last year, and it took on a different feeling when I saw him giving back to the community, Nicodemus said. The community supports Daviess County (High School) so much. Its important for our students to feel they are a part of the community, Nicodemus said. Whether the students decide to live in Daviess County as adults or go elsewhere, the hope is they take the drive to serve the community with them, Nicodemus said. (Its) learning to build community wherever you are, Nicodemus said. The newly confirmed Secretary of the Air Force will speak this year at the Air Force Academy's graduation. Denmark's Ministry of Defence has unveiled the details of its 26th military aid package for Ukraine, totalling approximately DKK 4.2 billion (about US$628.4 million). Source: Danish Ministry of Defence, as reported by European Pravda Details: The 26th package, which is planned for the period 2025 to 2028, is funded by Denmark's Ukraine Fund and the EU's European Peace Facility. Under the package, Ukraine will receive additional artillery systems and shells financed as part of the Czech-led ammunition procurement initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Danish Defence Ministry stated that additional funding allocated to the Czech-led initiative in 2025 could finance another batch of artillery shells, helping Ukraine ensure stable artillery ammunition supplies. In addition, Ukraine will receive equipment for combat aircraft, expanded training support and other forms of assistance. "Unfortunately, Ukraine's need for aid and support has not diminished," said Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen. "I am pleased and proud that we can again provide funding for assistance that will make a difference on the battlefield both in the short and long term." Denmark has allocated a total of 66.1 billion kroner for military aid to Kyiv under the Ukraine Fund for the years 2023-2028. Background: The previous, 25th military aid package valued at US$970 million was announced by Denmark in early April. In early May, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed further investments in Ukraine's defence industry with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Denmark has prepared its 26th military aid package for Ukraine, worth 4 billion Danish kroner (approximately $598 million), the Danish Defense Ministry announced on May 17. The package includes additional artillery and shells via the Czech ammunition initiative as well as equipment for fighter jets, the ministry said. A portion of the funds will also go towards increasing training capacity for Ukrainian forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Unfortunately, Ukraine's need for help and support has not diminished. I am happy and proud that we can once again allocate funds for donations that will make a difference on the battlefield in both the short and long term," Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said. Denmark's latest military aid package is financed under the country's Ukraine Fund and the European Peace Facility (EPF). The assistance covers the years 2025-2028. The additional funds to the Czech initiative will allow Ukraine to better plan for a stable supply of ammunition, the ministry said. "Denmark is doing what we can to give Ukraine the best possible hand both on the battlefield and in the negotiating room," Danish Foreign Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Denmark has pioneered efforts to support Ukraine by investing in its defense industry, creating the so-called "Danish model" of purchasing arms for Kyiv from Ukrainian producers. Copenhagen has provided around $9.8 billion in military aid under its Ukraine Fund for the years 2023-2028. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia launches record 273-drone attack on Ukraine ahead of planned Trump-Putin call Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. President Donald Trump boosted a wild conspiracy theory that accuses the Clinton family of murdering seven people. Trump posted the clipwith the title THE VIDEO HILLARY CLINTON DOES NOT WANT YOU TO SEEto Truth Social on Saturday. The president offered no commentary of his own on the video. The video attempts to link two of Trumps most bitter political rivals, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, to the deaths of John F. Kennedy Jr., DNC staffer Seth Rich, former White House lawyer Vince Foster, and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement JFK Jr. died in a plane crash in 1999. The video claims that when he died, Kennedy was frontrunner for a New York Senate seat that Hillary Clinton would go on to fill, insinuating that she somehow orchestrated his death. However, Kennedy had already decided he was not going to run, according to a 2019 biography. Trump posted a preposterous video that accused Bill and Hillary Clinton of being involved in numerous murders. / STEPHEN JAFFE / AFP via Getty Images The video also alleges that the Clintons were involved in the murder of Mary Mahoney, a former White House intern under Bill Clinton, in 1997. Mahoney was gunned down at the Starbucks where she worked by a robber who also shot two other staff members before fleeing. The killer was eventually apprehended and pleaded guilty. Foster, the one-time deputy counsel for Bill Clintons White House, died by suicide in 1993. Five different investigations determined that there was nothing suspicious about his death. John F. Kennedy Jr. died in a plane crash in 1999. / Bettmann / Bettmann Archive Richs murder in 2016 remains unsolved, but investigators believe it was the result of a botched robbery. There is no evidence that the Clintonsor any other Democratplayed a role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For each of the deaths highlighted in the video, investigations have determined that they were caused by accidents, suicide, or a killer with no link to the Clintons. The video, which has often circulated on social media, pushes a theory (dubbed The Clinton Body Bags) that has been repudiated by fact-checkers since the 1990s. The provenance of the video is unclear. Hillary Clinton faced off with Trump for the presidency in 2016. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images The White House, the Clinton Foundation, and representatives for Bill Clinton did not immediately return the Daily Beasts requests for comment. Trump beat Hillary Clinton for the presidency in 2016. She and her husband have remained among the presidents favorite targets, as public figures to disparage. He long accused the couple of being corrupt criminals. On the campaign trail in 2016, Trump insinuated that they could have played a part in Fosters death. DES MOINES, Iowa The Des Moines Police Department announced the arrest of a man involved in a shooting early Sunday morning. According to the DMPD, shortly before 3 a.m., 26-year-old Christian Sanchez Castillo taken into custody by Des Moines police officers near the 6500 block of Bloomfield Road. Christian Sanchez Castillo was later arrested and charged with attempted murder, a Class B felony. He is currently booked in the Polk County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That arrest came several hours after officers were initially called to the 2800 block of 6th Avenue around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday. Police say that once the first responders arrived, a man was found with a gunshot wound to the leg. Officers discovered that the man was providing a security service at the business where he was located. The man was taken to a Des Moines hospital by Des Moines Fire Department rescue personnel, with no update yet on his condition or identity. Des Moines Police Department detectives continue to investigate the shooting and will share more information when it 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 who13.com. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A Sikh soldier at an Indian Army base camp in Kashmir's Shamshabari mountains, along the border with Pakistan, in 1995. | Credit: Robert Nickelsberg / Getty Images Nestling at the point where the borders of India and Pakistan meet in the Himalayas, Jammu and Kashmir is the only Muslim-majority state or territory in Hindu-majority India (excepting the tiny Lakshadweep archipelago). It has been a flashpoint between India and Pakistan since Partition in 1947, partly because of its geo-strategic importance. The glacial waters flowing through Kashmir provide water and electricity to tens of millions of people in India; Pakistan's biggest river, the Indus, also passes through it. But to both sides it is also a symbol of pride, a land famed for its beauty. "If there is a heaven on Earth," the Mughal emperor Jahangir once remarked, "it's here, it's here, it's here." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its mountainous landscape appears often in Bollywood films and on restaurant walls across the subcontinent. There are also significant Muslim and Hindu shrines in Kashmir. How did Kashmir end up largely under Indian control? In the mid-19th century, Kashmir's Sikh rulers ceded the Valley of Kashmir to the British, who in turn sold it to the Hindu rajah of neighbouring Jammu. Srinagar, Kashmir's summer capital, became a holiday resort for the British. Upon independence a century later, the princely states in theory had the right to choose whether to join India or Pakistan, but the decision was largely determined by religious demographics and geographical location. Kashmir's playboy maharaja, Hari Singh, could not decide, as his state adjoined both nations; he pondered turning it into an independent "Switzerland of Asia". But his hand was forced when, after Partition, Muslims in northwest Kashmir, backed by a Pakistani tribal army, rose up against the Hindu population and massacred them. Independent India's new PM, Jawaharlal Nehru, a Kashmiri Hindu by descent, sent in troops to quash the revolt in return, Singh ceded Kashmir to India, in October 1947. How did Pakistan react? Pakistan has (like India) always claimed the whole of Kashmir, and its regular forces entered the conflict soon after. The resulting First Indo-Pakistani War ended in 1949, with a UN-brokered ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the region was left under Indian control, except the northwestern third, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad ("Free") Kashmir, which is controlled by Pakistan. In 1948, the UN called for both sides to withdraw troops and let the people of Kashmir vote on their future status. This referendum never took place, essentially because Nehru realised that it would not be decided in India's favour. Instead, the countries went to war over Kashmir again, first in 1965 and then in 1971. The ceasefire line agreed in the Simla Agreement in 1972 became the de facto border, known as the "Line of Control". How did the Kashmiris react? From the 1950s on, popular movements emerged in Kashmir demanding either independence or a merger with Pakistan. India responded with repression, while Pakistan provided support for militant groups. In the late 1980s, growing opposition to Indian rule was fuelled by a rigged election and the killing of peaceful protesters. The Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front, a pro-independence group backed by Pakistan, launched an insurgency against the Indian authorities. India responded with a massive counterinsurgency operation, flooding the region with troops, and making Kashmir one of the most highly militarised areas in the world. About 41,000 people were killed over the following 27 years. Extrajudicial military killings were rife; at least 8,000 Kashmiris "disappeared". Nearly all the Hindus in the Valley of Kashmir, known as the Pandits about 100,000 left following a series of terrorist killings. What has happened since? The insurgency was largely brought under control by the early 2000s, but there have been regular eruptions of violence since. Pakistan's military intelligence service, the ISI, has encouraged the growth of radical Islamist groups that focus on the Kashmir issue, though their members are often not Kashmiris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The usual pattern is that an atrocity takes place (the killing of 40 paramilitary police by a car bomb in 2019, for example); India then holds Pakistan responsible, and attacks alleged terrorist camps in Pakistan, which denies responsibility and counter-attacks. But the latest atrocity was different, since it hit tourists, not a military target. What is PM Narendra Modi's policy on Kashmir? All Indian governments since 1947 have taken a hard line on Kashmir, but Modi's Hindu nationalist BJP has been particularly unyielding. In 2019, it revoked Article 370 of India's Constitution, dating from 1949, which had guaranteed Kashmir a degree of autonomy, and restricted property rights to "permanent residents". Instead, Jammu and Kashmir is now ruled directly from Delhi. His government had also claimed that militancy in the region was in check, and encouraged the resumption of tourism. What do Kashmiris want? This is hotly contested, and there is no simple answer. An authoritative poll, conducted by Chatham House and Mori in 2010, found that in India-administered Jammu and Kashmir, 43% said they would vote for independence, while 28% would vote to stay with India, and only 2% to join Pakistan. However, this varied strongly by region: of some 13 million people in the state, eight million live in the Kashmir Valley, which is now over 95% Muslim; upwards of 74% there supported independence. But in Jammu, where five million people live, 68% of them Hindu, support for independence was only 1%. In Azad (Pakistani) Kashmir, 50% thought Kashmir as a whole should be part of Pakistan, and 45% thought it should be independent. Robert Bradnock, who ran the poll, concluded that the referendum envisaged by the UN would now fail to resolve the conflict. In our Reality Check stories, Herald-Leader journalists dig deeper into questions over facts, consequences and accountability. Read more. Story idea? hlcityregion@herald-leader.com. National Weather Service officials said an Eastern Kentucky weather service office was fully staffed Friday when severe weather and at least one tornado hit the state, killing at least 19 people. The National Weather Service is dealing with staffing shortages across the country after more than 600 staffers were either terminated or took early retirement since January amid federal spending cuts by President Donald Trumps administration, according to a union that represents weather service staffers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, some offices, including the Jackson office, no longer have an overnight staff from roughly midnight to 7 a.m. The Jackson office is short seven staff members, and the other two offices in Kentucky Paducah and Louisville are short-staffed too. There is no meteorologist in charge at any of the three offices. Acting meteorologists in charge, who often have other job duties, are now running those offices. However, National Weather Service and state officials said the Jackson office, which covers hard-hit Laurel and Pulaski counties, was staffed overnight on Friday when strong winds and likely tornadoes barreled through much of southern Kentucky. Other offices have stepped up to help when extreme weather is predicted, a spokesperson for the National Weather Service said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service offices in Louisville, Jackson and Paducah provided forecast information, timely warnings and decision support in the days and hours leading up to the severe weather on May 16, said Erica Cei, a spokeswoman for the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, which oversees the weather service. As planned in advance, neighboring offices provided staffing support to the office in Jackson, KY, CEI said. Additionally, the Jackson office remained fully staffed through the duration of the event using surge staffing. Weather forecast offices in the Central Region continue to evaluate storm damage and other impacts from this tragic event. At a Saturday news conference in Laurel County, Gov Andy Beshear said he had not been alerted to any problems with weather alerts Friday night. I have big concerns with cuts to the National Weather Service. I dont see any evidence that it impacted this one, said Beshear, a Democrat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson echoed Beshears comments. During a Saturday press conference, Gibson said the weather service provided a staffer to help the emergency management agency prepare for and predict the severity of Friday nights storms. An RV was overturned, with a tree on top of it, in the Sunshine Hills area of Laurel County after significant overnight storms on May 17, 2025. Jackson is one of 8 NWS offices with no overnight shifts Jackson is not the only office that no longer has enough staff to cover midnight to early morning shifts. According to the union that represents weather service employees, other National Weather Service offices that no longer have 24-hour staffing include: Goodland, Kans., Northwestern Kansas .Sacramento, Calif., North Central California. Hanford, Calif., South Central California. Cheyenne Wyo. (starting 5/18) Southeast Wyoming. Marquette, Mich. (starting 5/18) Michigans Upper Peninsula. Pendleton Ore. (TBD) Northeast Oregon and South-Central Washington State. Fairbanks, Alaska (starting 6/1/25) Central and Northern Alaska. From 2010 to the end of 2024, about 600 people left the National Weather Service, which has roughly 4,200 employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year alone, amid cuts to federal spending, another 600 people have left amid staffing reductions and early retirements, said Tom Fahy, legislative director of the National Weather Service Employees Organization, the union that represents weather service staff. For the first time in several decades, not all NWS Weather Forecast Offices will not be 24/7, Fahy said. The move is part of a much broader effort by President Donald Trumps administration to slash the federal workforce. In addition, Trump signed an executive order in January freezing all new hires across the government. That means the understaffed National Weather Service cant hire new people to plug staffing shortages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The service is giving existing personnel bonuses to move to understaffed areas, Fahy said. But that plan is untenable long term, he said. The tasks of the National Weather Service are complex and can take months and years to master. The staff is essential for modeling all types of weather events and outcomes, including flooding, Fahy said. Transferring employees is not enough. The National Weather Service must be allowed to recruit new employees to fill critical positions most especially meteorologist and hydrologist positions, Fahy said. The administration and Congress must provide authorization to bring back probationary employees and employees hired under special hiring authorities, Fahy said. These former NWS employees are already trained and prepared to meet the mission. There would be no learning curve for these employees, and it would contribute to the efficiency of the agency. Sean "Diddy" Combs ex-girlfriend Misa Hylton explained why she attended the opening of the disgraced moguls trial in New York City on Monday, May 12. Diddy, 55, is being tried at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution. (The rapper pleaded not guilty to all charges and has denied the allegations against him.) Some were surprised to see Hylton, 51, joining her and Diddys son, Justin Combs, born 1993, at Mondays hearing. Hylton was using a walker due to a recent leg injury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, May 17, Hylton posted an explanation via Instagram for both her recent injury and her decision to appear in court with son Justin, who has offered public support for his father. A Timeline of Diddys Legal Troubles and Accusations: From Cassie Lawsuit to Multiple Arrests God is good all the time! Yes, I'm good everyone I'm on my healing journey, she wrote via Instagram. When I suffered my injury I had chosen to heal privately but when my son said Mommy I need you I was right there for him, walker and all. I'm a MOTHER FIRST, FOR REAL and I am my son's strength and thats just what it is. Plain and Simple. She went on, Whoever doesn't understand that just simply isn't in alignment with me or anything that I'm about in life. I'm cool with that. I have a purpose filled life that I live daily. I make impact. I'm not concerned with insecure people attempting to project their insecurities on to me. EVER. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hylton encouraged anyone who disagrees with her stance not to let this app [Instagram] rule your life. ohn Lamparski/Getty Images Every moment isn't a glamour moment, your best highlight reel, some moments are as down to the bone as you could ever in your life imagine. Layered and complex, she added. To all of my temporarily disabled and disabled people, don't ever be ashamed of your condition or the need to use the medical tools created to assist in your healing or the way you need to move around in this world. Her statement concluded, If you have God in your heart, pray for us all. Be kind, use critical thinking and hold your head high. Hylton previously offered public support to Diddys ex-girlfriend Cassie in 2024 after CNN aired hotel security footage from 2016 of Diddy assaulting her in the hallway of a hotel including dragging her by her neck and kicking her repeatedly. Diddy later publicly apologized via an Instagram video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why Isnt the Diddy Trial Being Broadcast or Livestreamed? Why Some Court Cases Are Private Its difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, sometimes you gotta do that, Diddy, 54, told Instagram followers. I was f**ked up. I mean, I hit rock bottom but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. Im disgusted. At the time, Hylton wrote that she was heartbroken for Cassie (real name Casandra Ventura), 38, having to relive the horror of her abuse with the release of the security footage. My heart goes out to her. I know exactly how she feels, and through my empathy, it has triggered my own trauma, Hylton wrote via Instagram in May 2024. These young people [Diddys children] were raised by women that want the best for them we put God and education first and have always been united in our mutual effort to support their dreams. Two of the youngest do not have their mother here and it has been our duty to support them. Leonardo Munoz / AFP She added, Their father needs help and I am praying that he truly does the personal work and receives it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to Diddys current New York trial, Cassie filed a lawsuit against him over allegations of sexual and physical abuse throughout their on-off 11-year relationship in November 2023. The mogul, 55, denied her allegations in a statement shared by his attorney and has maintained his innocence in his current court case. Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations, Diddys lawyer Ben Brafman said in response to Cassies lawsuit. One day after the suit was filed, Diddy and Cassie settled out of court for $20 million. Cassie said in a statement that she chose to resolve this matter amicably on terms [where she had] some level of control. Every Celebrity Mentioned During the Diddy Trial: Kanye West, Michael B. Jordan and More Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cassie appeared as a star witness for the prosecution in Diddys sex trafficking trial over four days in New York City this past week. She testified about allegedly enduring emotional, physical and sexual abuse throughout her 11-year on-off relationship with Diddy. Following the conclusion of her testimony on Friday, May 16, Cassies attorney Douglas Wigdor read a statement on her behalf outside the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse. Tise week has been extremely challenging but also remarkably empowering and healing for me, her statement read. I hope that my testimony has given strength and a voice to other survivors and can help others who have suffered to speak up and also heal from abuse and fear. Her statement continued, For me, the more I heal, the more I can remember. And the more I can remember, the more I will never forget. Since his arrest, Diddy has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. His four requests for bail were denied by Judge Arun Subramanian. 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. Utah Republican Party Chair Rob Axson defeated former gubernatorial candidate Phil Lyman to secure reelection as leader of the state GOP during the partys Saturday convention. A majority of the 2,560 delegates repeatedly voted against taking a more combative approach to party politics, including by rejecting an amendment that would have penalized signature gathering candidates. Axson received 1,340 votes compared to the 1,215 received by Lyman. Axsons winning vote share of 52.4% highlighted the existing division among party delegates over the 2024 gubernatorial election and the direction the party should take. Rebecca Duncan, a state delegate from Salt Lake County, casts her ballots during the Utah Republican Partys state organizing convention held at the UCCU Center in Orem on Saturday, May 17, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News Axson made party unity the core of his message to delegates, emphasizing his endorsements from President Donald Trump, Utah Sen. Mike Lee and other party leaders as evidence of his ability to create successful coalitions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump celebrated Axsons win in a social media post on Truth Social Saturday. Donald J. Trump Truth Social 05.17.25 06:28 PM EST pic.twitter.com/sHaZGDh6Tu Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) May 18, 2025 Its time to build, Axson said after the election results were announced. Weve got to be building something that is of value to our fellow Utahns. Im committed to doing that with all Republicans. Focus on SB54 Throughout the convention, delegates returned to last years race between Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Lyman, rehashing Lymans victory among delegates at the convention followed by Coxs victory in the primary election among all of Utahs registered Republicans. At the heart of these complaints was Utahs 10-year-old election law requiring the states major parties to recognize a signature gathering path to qualify for the primary ballot. Axson and Lyman both believe the law, known as SB54, should be eliminated but disagree on how. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We must repeal SB54 but we cannot unless we are united. We cant beat SB54 if we spend all of our time beating one another, Axson said during his prepared speech. But there is a clear difference between me and others: I am not willing to break the law. In transitioning from his campaign for governor to one for GOP chair, Lyman made his top priority putting an end to the partys dual-pathway to the primary ballot as required under state law. Phil Lyman, candidate for chair of the Utah Republican Party, speaks during the Utah Republican Partys state organizing convention held at the UCCU Center in Orem on Saturday, May 17, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News On Tuesday, Lyman said this could be done through nullification, a theory that argues that laws deemed unconstitutional can be ignored. The Utah GOP believes that it is subject to the legislature. It is not, Lyman said in his campaign materials passed out to delegates. We are a private organization with all the rights of association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Axson has maintained that SB54 must be repealed by the Legislature for the party to take action. He said the state House already has the votes to overturn the law but that there is insufficient support in the state Senate. After taking the stage to introduce Axson, Lee spoke to delegates a second time, asking Cox to return the state to a caucus-only nomination system. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, speaks during the Utah Republican Partys state organizing convention held at the UCCU Center in Orem on Saturday, May 17, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News Mr. Governor, I implore you, tear down that wall, Lee said. I ask you to convene a special legislative session as soon as possible, bring together the Legislature and ask the Legislature to restore the caucus and convention system. Delegates amended party rules on Saturday to support the caucus-convention system while rejecting a change that would penalize candidates who gather signatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A majority of delegates voted to remove a proposed constitutional amendment from the agenda that would have revoked the party membership of a candidate who sought the primary ballot by gathering signatures. However, delegates voted in favor of a resolution that would allow Republican votes cast for Lyman as a write-in candidate during the 2024 general election to be counted toward a calculation that apportions the number of GOP delegates for every county. Delegates also supported an amendment that would insert language in the party platform in support of Utahs unique caucus system based on neighborhood precincts and delegate conventions. What did Lyman say? Lymans speech reflected on his entrance into politics, interpreted a biblical parable and compared the partys political climate to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Phil Lyman, candidate for chair of the Utah Republican Party, speaks during the Utah Republican Partys state organizing convention held at the UCCU Center in Orem on Saturday, May 17, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News You can say were not going to have any of that in this day and age, were not subject to the Salem witch trials, but I will tell you, as I have looked through the social media posts, and just like the Salem witch trials, these girls who felt like they had been afflicted by a specter, Lyman said. When I look at social media, I see the same kind of feeling, people telling horrific stories about how theyve been afflicted by the specter, usually the specter of Casey Gale, by the way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This so-called specter which Lyman suggested was not a real source of concern was divisiveness coming from some Lyman supporters, particularly one Casey Gale, Lyman told delegates. Lyman hired Gale as a campaign consultant during his gubernatorial bid, paying him $20,000 for his services, according to public documents. But in his work as one of Lymans most public and prolific supporters, Gale has come to be known among delegates as a personally threatening force in Utah politics. Over the previous few months, Gale insulted dozens of conservative delegates in the state in social media posts viewed by the Deseret News, calling them names like cowardly do nothing RINO, and leftist psycho neoconservative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a free country, people should be able to say what they believe, Gale told the Deseret News, saying he still stood by his comments. On Friday, Gale posted on X that, Only the RINOs dont like party purity tests. Lyman closed his speech with his own call for unity, saying he would stand behind Axson, Trump and Lee despite their differences on the election. What does it mean for the party going forward? For Jeff Schoell, a state delegate from Uintah County, Lymans loss represents a fundamental setback for Utah conservatives seeking to root out corruption in the government. Axson was not vocal enough in criticizing weaknesses in the election system or demanding transparency from public officials, according to Schoell, who said Lymans campaign highlighted needed changes to the system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All that corruption would never have been exposed if it hadnt been for his efforts to fight for what was right, Schoell said. As for Bill Hoster, the mayor of Leeds, Saturdays election represented a divide over how to treat people in the party who disagree with one another. He said he voted for Axson because he had developed the relationship with delegates, legislators and the governor to get things done for the party. We cant have someone in there throwing grenades and separating people from the party who dont march in step with others who have similar opinions, Hoster said. Axson, as well as party secretary Stafford Palmieri Sievert who was also reelected emphasized that during his first term the party raised record amounts of money, gave record amounts to convention nominees and supported the national Republican Party with an unprecedented get-out-the-vote effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, according to Axson, the role of the chair must focus on investing in the infrastructure for future generations of conservatives, not just on the next election cycle. Strength comes from learning and it comes from building, not through burning, Axson said. We must find converts to the cause, rather than chasing away people through purity tests. Utah needs this party to be firm, and it needs it to be united. 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? Colorado Springs police were searching for a suspect who stole merchandise and threatened to shoot an employee at a business on the city's north side on Saturday. The robbery occurred around 4:15 p.m. in the 5500 block of East Woodmen Road, according to an online blotter entry. Police did not release a description of the suspect. In a cold, breezy Lakeville parking lot, the new food truck from Matts Bar made its official debut on Saturday. More than 25 people were already in line at 10:55 a.m., five minutes before the festival opened and an hour before most people would consider putting down a burger. In a sense, the excitement showed that we all own Matt's Bar. In a more real sense, basically none of us do. The opening day line for Matt's Jucy Lucy food truckPhoto by Dustin Nelson Still, when a place is such a beloved institution, there's a certain ownership felt by the community. That might most noticeably take the form of defending its honor from detractors and decrying the grinding gears of capitalism that can change the way things are supposed to be done in the hallowed ground of a dive bar. So, when Matt's Bar announced it would open a food truck, the news was met with a mix of elation and trepidation from the very unrepresentative sample of people I personally talked to and from commentary online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The consensus seemed to be that having easier access to a Jucy Lucy is unequivocally a good thing. However, the truck is bright and shiny (decidedly un-Matts Bar), and its kitchen isnt old enough to collect social security, which seems to be an important piece of the Matts Bar recipe for fans. "Respectfully, is it still really a Matts Jucy Lucy if its not cooked on the same back bar griddle that has decades of seasoning on it?" one commenter wrote on Bring Me The News' Facebook page. While the bar obviously hasnt had the same griddle since the Eisenhower administration, theres a belief that the taste of a Jucy Lucy is tied to being in that corner bar with the red awning. So, I trekked out to the Lakeville Food Truck Fest to see if a truck can recreate that magic alchemy. Jucy Lucy from the Matt's Jucy Lucy food truckPhoto by Dustin Nelson It was quickly apparent that despite the trucks newness, it was channeling a dive bar on wheels. The menu features a $15 Jucy Lucy with the option to add fries for $3. (That's $4.50 more than a Jucy Lucy in the bar.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's it. Like the menu, the burger remains unfussy. Add onions and pickles if you want, but that's the only alteration available. The burger is dropped into a paper tray, and your number is called out through a speaker. You've been served. Naturally, I burned my mouth on the first bite, which helps it feel like I'm truly eating at Matt's Bar. Maybe I'm projecting the belief that there's some magic je ne sais quoi behind the bar the food truck and the restaurant were a 30-minute drive from one another on Saturday, preventing a true side-by-side taste test but the burger and onions arrive a little less greasy than what is served at the bar. Maybe thats a result of a fresh kitchen and arriving right around the time the griddle is fired up for the day. Maybe it's my imagination. Dustin Nelson/Bring Me The News Ive eaten a lot of Jucy/Juicy Lucys, and its hard to talk about what makes a good one without talking about what makes a bad one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having experience in the kitchen matters. You can't specify the cook you want on most because it requires a balance between getting the cheese properly melted and not overcooking the meat. There's also the issue of cheese distribution. It needs to be spread around the inside of the patty and not just packed in the middle. Each bite needs access to some cheese. Though, not too much or too little. Matts Bar not only has a claim on being an original, but its one of the best around because it nails all these things. The burgers have char but aren't dry. The cheese and meat strike a friendly balance. With so many years of practice, it shouldn't be surprising that the truck delivers the same burger fans have ordered for decades on Cedar Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if there's a different feel to eating a Jucy Lucy outside, and I wondered about some subtle differences, it's unmistakably a Matt's Bar burger. You get a nicely cooked Lucy on a mediocre bun delivered with no fanfare. It's just right. Related: Valleyfair unveils 2025 opening date and inaugural Juicy Lucy Festival Donald Trump sent wishes for a fast and successful recovery to Joe Biden Sunday after the office for the former president announced his prostate cancer diagnosis. Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Bidens recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery, Trump wrote on Truth Social. Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone, a statement released by Bidens office and shared by CNN Sunday read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management. Biden and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians, the statement also said. The former president is home in Wilmington, Delaware, CNN also reported. Trump has been a longtime Biden antagonist, and frequently encouraged crowds at his campaign rallies to vote for which term they felt best described the then-president: Sleepy Joe or Crooked Joe. In September 2023 Trump challenged Rupert Murdoch and Biden to mental acuity tests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a phony and probably rigged Wall Street Journal poll, coming out of nowhere to softened the mental incompetence blow that is so obvious with Crooked Joe Biden, they ask about my age and mentality, he wrote on Truth Social. He continued, Where did that come from? A few years ago I was the only one to agree to a mental acuity test, & ACED IT. He added, I will name the place and the test, and it will be a tough one. Nobody will come even close to me. The post Donald Trump Wishes Joe Biden a Fast and Successful Recovery appeared first on TheWrap. A call about a group of people fighting on Friday afternoon in West Miami-Dade led to the unraveling of an illegal rooster-fighting ring and dozens of arrests, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriffs Office. At 4:05 p.m., deputies arrived at 14287 SW 192nd Ave. after receiving reports of multiple people involved in a brawl. When they got to the scene, they said they discovered far more than just a fight. According to the Sheriffs Office, deputies found a large crowd gathered on the property, where several roosters were roaming freely. As officers approached, people began running away or riding off in cars. One person was caught and found carrying rooster spurs sharp, claw-like growths on the back of roosters legs which the Sheriffs Office called a clear indicator of cockfighting activity at the scene. A fight call led Miami-Dade deputies to an illegal rooster-fighting ring in West Miami-Dade, resulting in 42 arrests and $39,000 seized. The departments Organized Crimes Bureau and Vice and Intelligence Squad responded and began investigating. In total, 42 people were arrested on charges including animal fighting and resisting arrest without violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities also said they seized more than $39,000 in cash and impounded 72 roosters from the scene. It is unclear what happened to the roosters. This type of cruelty and illegal activity has no place in our community, Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz said in a statement. Animal fighting is not only inhumane, but it often goes hand-in-hand with other serious crimes. The Miami-Dade Sheriffs Office remains committed to protecting both the people and the animals of our community. We encourage anyone with knowledge of similar activities to come forward. TUPELO Long before Rud Robison began his illustrious 45-year career in architecture, he almost took a different path. The Saltillo native was the son of a physician, and the family also owned farmland. "The idea was that my brother and I would grow farming soybeans and hauling grass sod with our grandfather," Robison said. "And that worked great until he passed away when I was 14. So, it fell to my brother and myself to continue to work the farm until we got out of college." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When he was 24, Robison spent his last day on the farm. "There's nothing wrong with farming; it's a great way to grow up, and it gives you work ethic and all that," he said. "But somehow I knew it wasn't something I wanted to continue to do." Robison had always enjoyed drawing and creating and building models. As it so happened, the MSU School of Architecture opened the year before Rudd graduated in 1974. The design profession wasn't something he had ever thought about before, but when he graduated from high school, he went to Northeast Mississippi Community College and earned an associate's degree in drafting design technology. He then transferred to Mississippi State in the fall of 1976 and was admitted into the professional program at the MSU School of Architecture. "I had transferred from technical to professional school, and some of the credits transferred, but some didn't," Robison said. "So basically I had to start all over, but going to community college helped me grow so much. I never would have made it had I not gone that route first." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The five-year architecture program is rigorous and demanding, but Robison can proudly say that he stood tall in the end. He was one of 126 students who started in architecture school in the fall of 1976, and by the time he graduated in May 1981, he was among just eight who remained from that initial class. Robison had always been fascinated with architecture because of his interest in the arts, but he received little if any art education or training while growing up. In fact, he didn't even know who the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright was until he went to Northeast. "In architecture school, I really found my niche," he said. "One reason was because what you learned isn't necessarily in a book, where you take a test, you pass the test, you pass the course. Architecture school is much more subjective. If you have 25 people in a design studio, there will be 25 solutions to the same architectural problem. All 25 might be great; all 25 might be terrible. Some might be better than others. So it's all very subjective." The romance of college for Robison was found in architecture, and a nearly half-century career followed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I was very fortunate to do that, and it provided me with a busy career, he said. I've had a few bad days, but many, many great days, and I've never ever been bored. Robison's inspiration wasn't the Frank Lloyd Wrights or I.M. Peis of the world; it was the leadership at the School of Architecture. That included the founding dean of the MSU program, William McMinn, who would later create the architecture school at Florida International University, and then serve as dean at Cornell University. A professor, Bob Ford, also influenced him. The school brought in architects and educators from across the country that impacted Robison. "We had leaders and educators who came from special places and created a special place, one of the best architecture schools in the country, in Starkville," he said. "And then it sent out students to do great things. What else can you ask for?" Robison said perhaps his greatest influence came from outside of the school of architecture in Gus Staub, who was an architect in Tupelo. Almost a year before he graduated, Robison got a summer job with Staub. That began a relationship that lasted more than 20 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He taught me so much; he taught me everything about how to put a building together on paper," he said. "Mr. Staub was quite an artist himself. He taught me so many things, and how to do it well. The most important thing he taught me was what not to do. He guided me, he nurtured me, he taught me how to treat people. He taught me how to present things in a logical fashion. And he taught me to tell the truth, even if you made a mistake, and do it as quickly as you can." Robison said he's proud of many of the projects on which hes worked, but he said he really doesn't have one that he would deem his signature design. "Some of the projects I worked on, most people wouldn't notice," he said. Among his favorites was the redesigned Tupelo Regional Airport in 1980 while he was working with Staub. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was a nice building and had nice curved brick walls, and it won a state design award from the American Institute of Architects in Mississippi. That was the only project we won a design award for. Then many years later it was renovated and essentially torn down," he said with a laugh. "Some of the things I worked on may not look like much to anybody else," he said. In fact, much of his work over the years involves projects with K-12 schools. Certainly those buildings aren't the sexy skyscrapers for which architects most often receive recognition. But that's never bothered Robison. "One of the most gratifying things is walking in a school that needs a lot of work," he said. "The school board provides a certain budget, we design the project, it gets bid and gets built over the summer. The staff, the teachers, the kids all go home, and they come back and it's got new paint, new bathrooms, it's got heat and air, new lights, windows and doors ... they walk in and they're like, 'Wow.' So you can take something and renovate it. It's just not building new all the time. You can renovate and save money. And those projects are important." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another project that Robison and Staub also collaborated on was whats now the Cadence Bank Arena. "It was about an $18 million project back in the early 1990s, and it was a very successful projects," he said. "I believe it's held up well. It's been well taken care of, and there's been a lot of famous people who have come through there. "I haven't done a lot of projects that weren't fun, he said. CUYAHOGA COUNTY, Ohio (WJW) A 19-year-old driver was arrested Friday night after leading Cuyahoga County deputies on a pursuit. According to Cuyahoga County Press Secretary Jennifer Ciaccia, deputies assisting the Ohio Investigative Unit initiated a traffic stop in the area of E. 90th St. and Woodland Ave. but the suspect vehicle drove off and a pursuit ensued. Man dies after shooting in Akron McDonalds parking lot Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle struck another vehicle at E. 85th St. and Cedar Ave. The pursuit came to an end at E. 70th St. and Central Ave. when the driver stopped the vehicle and ran off with a suspected firearm, according to Ciaccia. At that time, one deputy discharged his firearm, however nobody was hurt. The 19-year-old driver of the suspect vehicle was taken into custody at the scene and a firearm was reportedly found inside the vehicle. Multiple other people who were in the suspect vehicle were not arrested. The driver was booked into the Cuyahoga County Corrections Center on charges of Failure to Comply with a Lawful Order, Aggravated Vehicular Assault, and Failure to Stop after an accident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cleveland police looking for teen, infant son Three people involved in the accident at E. 85th St. and Cedar Ave. were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. This matter remains under investigation by the Cuyahoga County Sheriffs Department. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. CHEROKEE CO., Kan. A southwest Missouri man is in custody following a Saturday pursuit. According to the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office, officers with the Galena Police Department attempted to stop a vehicle that had been reported stolen out of Miami, Oklahoma. The driver of the vehicle, instead of stopping as requested, led law enforcement on a high speed chase. The pursuit was turned over to the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office, who says that the driver attempted to swerve towards a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper, who was trying to put down stop-sticks. FOUR STATES CRIME Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle near SE 50th and Beasley Road, where police say it went into a ditch. They say the man got out of the car and ran from officers. After setting up a perimeter, authorities with the Miami Police Department brought in a drone and the Kansas Highway Patrol used its helicopter to help with the search. After four hours of searching, a 911 call came in reporting a suspicious person at a nearby RV park. Levi Rickman, 33, of Joplin The suspect was identified as Levi Rickman, 33, of Joplin, and was taken into custody without further incident. Rickman was transported to the Cherokee County Jail, booked on allegations of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, burglary, possession of stolen property, fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Formal charges are pending. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. Maybe someday, when hes older and has the time to think on such things, Henry Fish will get proud-stalgic about having once seen such-and-such a band live, back when there was room to dance barefoot without getting your toes stomped. (Easier when youre in diapers and a baby sling, but still.) For now, the soundtrack of summer for 12-year-old Fish, and a generation of kids who grew up attending MeadowGrass Music Festival, starts on a glorious note that has everything, and nothing, to do with music. Thats the part I really never pay attention to, said Fish early last week, flanked by his parents on the couch in their Colorado Springs living room, a space now partially devoted to pre-camping triage rituals: storage bins filled with plastic dinnerware, rain gear, boots. Three days camping at a music fest in Black Forest is still three days camping in Colorado, so the weather could turn, in any direction. Its not MeadowGrass if you dont get hailed on at least once, said Henrys mother, Ann Griner. And everybody remembers MuddyGrass. Fish isnt the only offspring of fest diehards gearing up for a major milestone, one that comes every year, but when youre a kid can never arrive soon enough. Memorial Day. Summer. Freedom. MeadowGrass: A long, melodic weekend camping in the ponderosas, in a throw-back-style community where family-friendly isnt just a marketing promise but a driving ethos. You dont really think family friendly when you think music festival, but we are so honored to always have been that, a safe and entertaining space for all ages, said Jessica Barney, executive director of Rocky Mountain Highway, the nonprofit that puts on the festival. How cool to be able to experience a music festival as a young person!? she said. How cool, indeed. MeadowGrass rules If MeadowGrass were a person, it would be old enough to drive. Just like many of its youngest, longtime fans. Founded in 2009 at the sprawling La Foret Conference & Retreat Center in Black Forest, the annual event kicks off the Friday before Memorial Day, and runs through Sunday, with dozens of genre-spanning live music acts rock, folk, Americana, country, blues and jazz vendors, food trucks, a beer tent and all-ages activities at and beyond the designated kid zone, traditional site of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Mobile, Millibo Art Theatre's bubble play, and arts and crafts workshops. MeadowGrass attendees dont have to camp overnight at La Foret, but many chose to do so for the entire run of the fest, in tents, vans, RVs, and even a limited number of cabins for the lucky few. Cell phone service is better these days, but still spotty and a dead zone for some. A number of families still take the weekend to forgo or limit devices, with many relying on communication by lower-tech means. As long as I can remember, my parents always kind of just let us roam free. We would always have walkie talkies and just kind of check in at camp every couple of hours, said 18-year-old Avery Jacobsen, on the eve of her 13th MeadowGrass. Everyone is safe there. You can trust everybody. The biggest issue is, maybe, are you gonna run into a tree or something walking in the woods." Or, as Henry Fish put it: MeadowGrass rules are much lighter. A world apart, close to home When the musics not going, the drone of distant traffic from the citys infilling fringe can still be heard a forgettable reminder that while it feels like youre in the middle of nowhere, civilization is a quick commute away. That sense of isolation helps fuel the feelings of community, and a situational freedom that goes both ways. Weve been there all the years, and its always been fun, but it was extra fun when Henry was old enough to wander around a little bit by himself. Its such a safe environment, Griner said. There was that one time she did get worried. It was pouring rain, Henry wasnt in any of his usual spots, and no one had seen him. Griner recalled dashing from site to site in the deluge, eventually finding her son at the zoo mobile, propped up, talking to the guy about the blue-tongued skink, she said. Learning how to let your kids navigate the world solo is a crooked line and forever process, but MeadowGrass provides a safe testing ground for growing trust. And every year, it seems like he makes at least one new friend. He just runs around with a pack of kids there, semi-feral, and its great, said Griner, as her son nodded yes from beneath a curtain of curls. Henry perks up at mention of the festivals famous hay wagon, aka hang-out central for the younger set. Featured Local Savings It can range from people sitting around creating things and art and making new friends, to war, Henry said, leaning forward in his seat. Kid war, of course. Yeah, were pulling straw out of your hair for weeks, said his father, Larry Fish. A time to reflect, and unplug Fest parents might not see their kids for long stretches, said Brandon and Jen Bernard, but they know the festival grounds are fenced, and the MeadowGrass village has their backs. Kids these days didnt grow up like we did. They werent out until the street lights came on, so this is a small taste of what its like to have some freedom away from your parents for a little bit, said Brandon Bernard. Plus, he added, you know theyre coming back, because theyre going to get hungry. The couples younger son, Lou, now 11, has been a fest regular since he was 1. MeadowGrass just kind of sets the mood for the start of the summer," Lou said. "Not just going back home and watching TV, I start it at a three-day festival. Lous older brother, Wil, has 13 fests under his belt and, at 19, the perspective to reflect on what MeadowGrass liberties have meant over the years. Sure, the music is nice, and means more today than it did, but its still mostly background. MeadowGrass is just something where Ive been able to just be myself, and just be in the woods as a kid, and just connect with my friends, said Wil, who plays in two local punk bands. Just being there, and realizing the space that Im in.... Something about the air there is a lot different than anywhere else. Theres a pay-it-forward aspect to MeadowGrass, as well, said his parents: creating a bookmark and touchstone for their sons to reflect on when theyre grown. Like the ones they had as kids, attending sleep away camps. Experimenting with adulthood and responsibility, while making, and banking, sensory childhood memories they can tap for a lifetime. Just the smell of the pine needles, the hot sun in the morning, it kind of just brings that all back for me, those memories of being a child, Brandon said. I hope this can be that for them, too. Growing up, together MeadowGrass relationships on hold for 12 months quickly stitch back together as soon as everyone's back on site at La Foret. I spend a lot of time with my sister, but there's definitely a couple of people that I do see every year, that I only ever see them at MeadowGrass, and it's just, Oh, hey, how are you? Its like a reunion, said Avery Jacobsen. For her and other kids whove grown up spending Memorial Day weekend at the fest, the life lessons go beyond social and recreational. Jacobsen said she couldnt wait to turn 18, so she could follow in her parents footsteps, and lend a behind-the-scenes hand at the nonprofit festival. Volunteers help clean up the site, direct cars in the parking areas, and collect tickets at the front gate, among other duties. Children 12 and under get in free with a paid adult. Volunteer, and your ticket is on the house. I have been planning to volunteer since I was 14, me and my best friend, Jacobsen said. As soon we turned 18, I was, like, 'Oh yeah, it's time.' It moves sweeter to the beat of good tunes, but time marches on nonetheless. The kids of La Foret are growing up. In just a few months, Jacobsen will head off to begin her freshman year at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction. But I'll be back from college in early May, most likely. So, yeah, I will totally come out and camp with everyone, she said. Every year. Once a child of MeadowGrass, always a child of MeadowGrass. Duke Energy Carolinas recently filed a lawsuit against a Mooresville excavating and paving company. The utility is seeking in excess of $70,000 related to an alleged incident that damaged an electric cable, court records state. READ: FOP to move forward with no-confidence vote against Chief Jennings DEC filed the complaint in Mecklenburg County last week against Pedulla Trucking Excavating & Paving Inc., according to court records. DEC claims that Pedulla Excavating in May 2022 damaged a primary electric cable at or near 1620 Flat River Drive. The Charlotte-based utility is accusing the Mooresville company of trespass and negligence. Read more here. WATCH: FOP to move forward with no-confidence vote against Chief Jennings In the gripping game of thrones of Philippine politics, voters have delivered former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte a sweeping mayoral victory in his hometown stronghold of Davao predictable for a family that has held the job for more than 20 years. But this latest landslide win creates a predicament for the Philippines, as the mayor-elect is thousands of miles away behind bars awaiting trial on charges of crimes against humanity. Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague accuse the 80-year-old political patriarch of carrying out a brutal war on drugs that killed possibly thousands of people, including many innocents and bystanders. Though he openly boasted about the crackdown, Duterte has long denied accusations of human rights abuses and has repeatedly said he will not kowtow to a foreign court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His next hearing is in September, but before then experts say he faces a new, complicated legal battle between the ICC and Philippine jurisdiction over whether he will be allowed to take the oath of office. Duterte can potentially be sworn in by proxy or in absentia possibly by a video call, but only if The Hague-based court allows it, experts say. If hes allowed to assume the role, questions will be asked about how he could administer the southern city from a detention center in another time zone, where he has access to a computer and phone calls to family, but no internet. Under Philippine law, day-to-day duties could fall to his youngest son, Sebastian Duterte, who was elected as vice mayor of Davao City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the senior Duterte isnt allowed to take the oath, experts say the role of mayor could fall to election runner-up Karlo Nograles, of the Nograles political dynasty, longtime Duterte rivals in Davao, where both families tussle for influence. Ramon Beleno, a political analyst and former professor from Ateneo de Davao University, said handing the job to Nograles could trigger a separate legal challenge from the Dutertes. Dutertes last hurrah? Duterte remains a powerful yet divisive figure in the Philippines. In Davao City, where he served as mayor for over two decades before becoming president in 2016, fervent supporters credit his iron grip over the city with bolstering law and order. Dutertes lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, was quoted by Philippine news outlet ABS-CBN as saying the overwhelming support for Duterte in the 2025 midterm elections showed the publics total rejection of the national governments attempt to stamp out the former presidents legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a reply to CNN, Kaufman said any swearing in ceremony would be dictated by and conform to the law of the Republic of the Philippines. Accordingly, a decision on this issue will be taken in the very near future after all options have been discussed with the former Presidents Filipino lawyers. Beleno said voters saw this election as Dutertes last hurrah and cast their ballot as a final tribute to the aging former strongman leader. Dutertes arrest had only galvanized voters, he said. Supporters of detained former Philippine President Duterte chant his name during a solidarity rally on his birthday, in Davao City, Philippines, March 28, 2025. - Eloisa Lopez/Reuters/File Families of victims of Duterte's "war on drugs" raise flowers and pictures of relatives during a thanksgiving Mass in Quezon City, Philippines, March 31, 2025. - Aaron Favila/AP/File Support for Duterte extended to his family, who re-emerged in the vote with sweeping control of their political stronghold. All five Duterte family members who ran in this election won by a landslide. Dutertes son Paolo was re-elected to congress and two of Paolos sons also won public office: Omar won as congressman for Davao Citys second district and Rodrigo II, who goes by the nickname Rigo, was elected as first district councilor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sebastian Duterte, the vice mayor-elect who could be mayor in his fathers absence is not as outspoken as the elder Duterte and a lot of political responsibilities are already weighing against him at home, Beleno said. Is he allowed to be mayor? The main legal hurdle Duterte faces, despite his landslide mayoral win, is whether he would be allowed to swear the oath during his enforced absence. All elected public officials are supposed to take their oath within 30 days of their supposed assumption of office on July 1, according to Joel Butuyan, an ICC-accredited lawyer and president of human rights NGO CenterLaw. Unable to be sworn in at home, Duterte would need to take the oath in the presence of a Philippine ambassador or consul in The Hague, which seems unlikely, Butuyan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think hes going to be allowed to get out just to take office because its not in the enumerated rights of an accused (person) in the ICC, he said. Duterte appears on a screen at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands on March 14, 2025. - Peter Dejong/Pool/AP/File If the ICC grants Duterte permission, the oath will be recognized in the Philippines, but he will not be able to perform his functions because hes out of the country and hes in detention, Butuyan said. Its not ideal at all, Butuyan added, of the election result. It does not serve the interests of the people of Davao that they voted for someone who will not be able to perform his functions as a city mayor. The mayor is the face of the city, with administrative tasks such as attending meetings and functions, signing documents and authorizing payrolls all difficult to do effectively if Duterte is sitting halfway across the world, said Beleno, the political analyst. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even before the final votes were cast, Dutertes daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, said that her fathers ICC lawyer and Philippine legal team were discussing how he can take the oath. The ICC lawyer said that once we get proclamation papers, well discuss again how former President Rodrigo Duterte can take the oath, she said. CNN has reached out to the ICC and Kaufman, Dutertes legal counsel. In a court filing to the ICC earlier this month, Kaufman said there is no legal basis for the case against Duterte because the Philippines is no longer a member of the Rome Statute. Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC, but under the courts withdrawal mechanism, it keeps jurisdiction over crimes committed during the membership period of a state in this case, between 2016 and 2019, when the countrys pullout became official. A political stalemate The closely watched midterm election was considered a proxy battle between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Duterte-Carpio as ties disintegrate between the former allies turned enemies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vice president is facing impeachment complaints in the House of Representatives amid allegations of corruption, which she denies. A two-thirds vote in the Senate is required to convict her, remove her from public office, and ban her from seeking any public post. To stay in office, Duterte-Carpio needs nine of 24 senators to vote for her acquittal. And neither the Marcoses nor the Dutertes dominate the Senate after the May 2025 vote. Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio arrives to cast her vote at a polling center in Davao City, southern Philippines on May 12, 2025. - Manman Dejeto/AP The race yielded a three-way stalemate between Marcos-endorsed candidates, Duterte-allied politicians, and liberal-leaning figures, said Maria Ela Atienza, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines. The vice president has more breathing room now but she should also be careful with how the public perceives her, Atienza said. Her popularity ratings have recovered a bit but we have seen she can make mistakes that can affect the sentiments of the people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In reality, the Filipino public is also becoming impatient with the drama in high places, Atienza said. Theyre getting tired of having the Dutertes always fighting with the Marcoses, she said. For now, political bickering is in gridlock. But Rodrigo Dutertes stronghold still stands and his supporters long for the day he is officially declared mayor and comes back to serve his home country. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) One man was arrested and another was issued a citation after a shooting on Arlington Avenue early Sunday morning. According to Montgomery County Regional Dispatch, the call for a possible shooting came in at approximately 2:20 a.m. in the area of McCall and Gettysburg. When our 2 NEWS weekend photographer arrived on the scene, he saw that the police activity was nearby in the 100 block of Arlington Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Dayton Police Department, a 45-year-old man was shot. He arrived at the hospital by private conveyance with a non-life-threatening injury. The investigation found that several shots were fired after an altercation took place at a party, which was hosted by a motorcycle club. The organizer of the party was issued a nuisance party citation. Officials said a 29-year-old man was arrested for misconduct at an emergency and obstructing official business. The Dayton Police Departments Violent Offender Unit is actively investigating this incident. 2 NEWS will update this article when more information is available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. The state premier of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has called on the new government of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to take decisive action to kick start the sluggish economy. "No economic growth for the third year in a row that's not acceptable," said Manuela Schwesig, of the centre-left Social Democrats, at the opening of the annual East German Economic Forum, this time in the town of Bad Saarow. Schwesig identified lower energy prices, increased investment and reduced bureaucracy as key priorities, emphasizing that getting Europe's biggest economy back on track should the top political goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to permanently offering affordable energy for both businesses and consumers, she urged the federal government to introduce "fair grid fees that reward regions investing in renewable energy rather than penalising them." At the three-day conference, business leaders are to discuss the challenges facing eastern Germany as a business location with members of Merz's new conservative-led coalition government. Companies have long complained about high energy costs, a shortage of skilled workers, heavy tax and social security burdens and excessive bureaucracy. The state premier of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has called on the new government of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to take decisive action to kick start the sluggish economy. "No economic growth for the third year in a row that's not acceptable," said Manuela Schwesig, of the centre-left Social Democrats, at the opening of the annual East German Economic Forum, this time in the town of Bad Saarow. But an economic report presented at the forum showed some positive signs for the east German economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eastern Germany has made notable gains in economic performance, research and quality of life, but still trails structurally behind the west, according to a study by the ifo Institute in Dresden for the Central German Foundation for Science and Education. The study compared the economic, social and scientific development of east and west Germany based on around 170 indicators. It also highlighted differences within eastern Germany itself, showing that the region is not a homogeneous economic area but is characterized by regional strengths. Schwesig identified lower energy prices, increased investment and reduced bureaucracy as key priorities, emphasizing that getting Europe's biggest economy back on track should the top political goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to permanently offering affordable energy for both businesses and consumers, she urged the federal government to introduce "fair grid fees that reward regions investing in renewable energy rather than penalising them." Regional economic differences The ifo report showed some regional strengths in east Germany, though Schwesig's Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, a comparatively poor region, was not highlighted. For example, Saxony's export rate of 32% exceeds the west German average, while Thuringia's industrial share matches that of Bavaria. Berlin and Saxony also stand out in research spending, ranking among the top regions in Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, eastern Germany's economic performance, measured by gross domestic product (GDP) per hour worked, stands at 86% of the west German average. Between 2019 and 2024, annual economic growth in the east outpaced the west by 0.3%, largely attributed to Berlin's economic boom. Lower immigration but higher real wages The monitor also highlights challenges: the proportion of foreign residents in the east is significantly lower at 7.2% compared to 15.6% in the west. However, real wages in the east exceed 90% of the west's level, thanks to lower living costs. The report was presented at the forum by the "Saarower Kreis," a group of east German economic stakeholders aiming to provide fact-based impulses for structural policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Eastern Germany is not a homogeneous weak zone but a laboratory for the future," spokesman Frank Nehring stated. He added that the region needs more confidence in its strengths and the courage to think innovatively in economic policy. At the three-day conference, business leaders are to discuss the challenges facing eastern Germany as a business location with members of Merz's new conservative-led coalition government. Companies have long complained about high energy costs, a shortage of skilled workers, heavy tax and social security burdens and excessive bureaucracy. Sen. Rand Paul attacked the economic logic of President Donald Trumps aggressive tariff strategy on Sunday and agreed that the policies raise constitutional concerns. The Kentucky Republican said Trumps sweeping tariffs on foreign trading partners are based on an economic fallacy about trade deficits and objected to the presidents move to pursue them without congressional approval during an interview on ABCs The Week. Well, tariffs are taxes, and when you put a tax on a business, it's always passed through as a cost. So, there will be higher prices, Paul said, arguing, as he has in the past, that unfettered global trade is enormously beneficial. The only trade that means anything is the individual who buys something. That's the only real trade. And that by very definition, if it's voluntary, is mutually beneficial, or the trade doesn't occur. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about the legality of Trumps tariffs, Paul seemingly sided with a constitutional provision citing Congresss authority over taxation. In the past, the court has allowed these things, but I think it'll be an interesting thing because most tariffs in our history have been passed by Congress, he said. We've never had widespread tariffs that have been done by fiat by a president, and I object to that. Paul is one of a few Republicans who hesitated to rally around Trumps Liberation Day tariffs on foreign trading partners, which the administration rolled out in early April. But Trump ended up backtracking on the high-stakes levies, issuing a 90-day pause on the tariffs for every affected country except China in April. However, after a series of back-and-forth retaliatory measures, China and the U.S. came to a preliminary deal to significantly lower the levies on each other earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are several legal challenges brewing against Trumps tariffs. A recent lawsuit led by New York Democratic Attorney General Letitia James and the top prosecutor of 11 other states asserts that the policies have upended the constitutional order and brought chaos to the American economy. Other plaintiffs include members of the Blackfeet Nation in Montana, the New Civil Liberties Alliance in Florida, the Liberty Justice Center in the U.S. Court of International Trade and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Courts have previously upheld the legality of tariffs when theyre based on congressional authority. However, Trump's decision to impose tariffs by himself has raised legal questions about whether he is exceeding his delegated power. Now, we do have a long history, though, of both parties abdicating their responsibility on tariffs and granting power to Congress, which brings up another constitutional question, can Congress delegate powers given to it under the Constitution to the president? Paul said. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A high-level Ecuadorian drug trafficker with ties to major Mexican cartels pleaded guilty in a San Diego federal courtroom Thursday to international drug trafficking charges, federal prosecutors announced. Wilder Emilio Sanchez Farfan, known by the alias Gato, was extradited to the U.S. from Ecuador on Jan. 26, 2024. Authorities say Farfan led a vast transnational criminal network responsible for smuggling hundreds of kilograms of cocaine across South America and into the United States. According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Farfan, 44, admitted in his plea agreement that his organization distributed more than 450 kilograms of cocaine throughout Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and other countries. The drugs were ultimately trafficked into the U.S. for distribution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal officials say Farfans drug empire relied on bribery and violence, including the use of firearms and corruption of government officials, to protect and expand its operations. Farfans name had already drawn attention from U.S. authorities prior to his arrest. The U.S. Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) had sanctioned him under Executive Order 14059 for contributing to the illicit activities of Mexican drug cartels. As part of his plea deal, Farfan agreed to forfeit over $899,000 in U.S. currency. His sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 11, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Linda Lopez. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Former GOP state Sen. Tom Lee, Tampa Bay Democratic Sen. Darryl Rouson, Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez, and lobbyist Ron Pierce at the Tampa Tiger Bay Club in Ybor City on May 16, 2025. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix) Florida voters amended the state Constitution subjecting legislators to eight-year term limits more than three decades ago. But as this years legislative session continues with no end in sight, the issue of whether term-limits are working for all Floridians was the topic of debate at the Tampa Tiger Bay Club on Friday afternoon. Ive seen a lot happen, said Tampa Bay area Democratic Sen. Darryl Rouson, the longest-serving member of the Legislature, who was first elected to the House in 2008. The downside is the experts become the staff, and to some extent, the lobbyists, and to a larger extent, not so much the legislator so I think it has its drawbacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Term limits have completely empowered lobbyists, agreed Ron Pierce, a lobbyist himself who worked for eight years as a legislative staffer and has headed RSA Consulting Group since 2009. The term-limit law became an issue earlier this year when Brevard County House Republican Debbie Mayfield filed to run for the Senate seat in which she had served from 2016-2024. After she was term-limited from running again last fall, she instead ran and won a seat in the Florida House. But after the newly elected senator in District 19, Randy Fine, quit to run for and win a seat in Congress, Mayfield filed to run for that Senate seat again in a special election. The Florida Division of Elections ruled that she couldnt run again for the seat because of the term limit law. She challenged that ruling, and the Florida Supreme Court ruled for her unanimously in February, stating that her gap in serving in the Senate from November until February allowed her to run again for the Senate seat in a special election (which is slated to take place on June 10). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Concurrent to that drama, Hernando County Republican Blaise Ingoglia filed a resolution during the session (SJR 536) that would have clarified that the law imposes a lifetime limit of 16 years in state legislative office 8 years max in the House, 8 years max in the Senate with a caveat for senators who serve reduced two-year terms due to redistricting. The measure would have gone to the voters as a constitutional amendment in 2026, but stalled after being approved in one committee stop. Lets stop the practice of people continually running for the same office and bouncing back and forth between chambers, Ingoglia said on X. Serving the people of Florida should be a privilege, and an honor, not a career. Voter-imposed The Eight is Enough constitutional amendment in 1992, which passed with 77% of the vote, did not just include eight-year term limits for the state Legislature, but also for members of Congress, former Hillsborough County Republican state Sen. Tom Lee noted on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was the primary motivation behind it, and term limits for Congress was ultimately ruled to be unconstitutional, he noted. Former Tampa Democratic Sen. Janet Cruz, who served in the Legislature for more than a decade before losing a bid for re-election to the Senate in 2022, asked the panelists whether term limits even matter anymore because of gerrymandered districts. Pierce insisted they absolutely do matter, citing the fact that when Rouson does leave the Senate next year because of term limits, his successor will not be nearly as experienced or have the same amount of influence. It has been around forever and isnt going away, Lee said regarding the issue of gerrymandering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that the way that Republicans gained more seats in the Legislature starting in the late 1980s and early 1990s was because they built a coalition with Black and Hispanic Democrats to carve out seats to ensure their election in minority-access districts in exchange for the rest of the map looking very Republican. And before you knew it, you had a Republican-dominated Legislature. Thats what happened. Whos going to pay for that? Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez, a Democrat, served in the Florida House from 1998 until 2006, when he was term-limited from his seat. He said he could make the argument that the state would be better off if term-limits could be extended to 12 or even 16 years, but it would be controversial for any lawmaker to push for that proposal. There have been efforts to try increase term limits to a different number. I dont know what that sweet spot is 12 years, 16 years. None of those have gone very far within the state Legislature, Henriquez said. Pierce said he could support getting rid of term limits outright, but added that theres no way that could possibly happen, since it would require getting them repealed via a constitutional amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youve changed some things in Tallahassee this year, I think, that made it a little more difficult for citizens initiatives in the future, thats number one, he said, referring to the legislation signed by Gov. DeSantis that will make the process more difficult to get a measure on the ballot. The second problem, he said, is that it would look self-serving for lawmakers to push the measure. But he added that the biggest hurdle would be finding anyone to educate the public about why term-limits should be repealed. Who in the world is going to try to educate the public on why youre trying to change term-limits? he asked. Whos going to pay for that? The discussion took place just days after Gov. Ron DeSantis travelled to Ohio to give his support for a resolution in that states Legislature to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot calling for a constitutional convention to impose congressional term limits. The Florida Legislature passed a resolution last year calling for a U.S. Term Limits convention. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Victor Barahona was grateful when soldiers started rounding up gang members who had long terrorized this working-class city. No longer would his grandchildren pass drug deals or be startled from sleep by the crack of gunfire. But when El Salvador's military started hauling away neighbors Barahona knew had no connection to the gangs, he spoke out, criticizing the arrests on his community radio program. Soon after, police rapped on his door. Barahona said he was handcuffed and sent to prison, with no access to lawyers, no contact with family and no clear sense of the charges against him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He recalls seeing inmates being tortured and guards hauling dead bodies from cells while he lived on meager portions of noodles and beans. He would later lodge a complaint with the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. When he was released almost a year later 70 pounds lighter, and with no explanation Barahona was alarmed to see that President Nayib Bukele was winning global praise for bringing peace and prosperity to El Salvador, with his iron-fist security strategy heralded by American conservatives such as President Trump. Soldiers patrol a neighborhood in Apopa during the implementation of a military siege to combat gangs on Oct. 11, 2023, in El Salvador. (Camilo Freedman / For The Times) A 43-year-old former adman first elected in a landslide in 2019, Bukele has been largely successful in rebranding El Salvador from a poor backwater plagued by murderous gangs into an innovative and safe nation that he compares to Singapore. In prolific social media posts, he presents himself like a tech CEO: a disrupter-in-chief willing to break norms and create what he terms a "new history." But for all his modern trappings his embrace of Bitcoin, TikTok and slick promotional videos Bukele's critics say he's just following the playbook of previous Latin American strongmen, including the military leaders who ruled El Salvador as a dictatorship from 1931 until the early 1980s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bukele jails opponents, fires judges and has been been implicated in corruption. He pushed for a court decision that paved the way for his reelection even though the country's constitution prohibits it. Last week, he launched a crackdown on nonprofits, calling for 30% of their donations to be taxed. "He's not a divergence," said Noah Bullock, the director of Cristosal, a human rights group. "He governs in the same way as past dictators and uses the same instruments of power. It's a regime that tortures and kills and disseminates fear." There is little doubt that Bukele's mass arrests starting in 2022 helped dismantle the gangs that once held this country in a chokehold. And for that, most Salvadorans are thankful. But as part of his security push which included asking Salvadorans to denounce suspected "terrorists" via an anonymous tip line tens of thousands of innocent people were wrongfully detained, human rights groups say. A woman stacks a shelf as demonstrators march to protest against the ongoing state of emergency on Jan. 12, 2025, in San Salvador, El Salvador. (Camilo Freedman / For The Times) While polls show that most Salvadorans support Bukele, they also show that a majority fear retribution if they express their views. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We used to be afraid of the gangs," Barahona said as he walked through Apopa, where rifle-toting soldiers are posted every few blocks. "Now," he said, "were afraid of the state. Favorite of the American right More and more, Bukele's El Salvador is a model for the American right. He got a rock-star welcome at the 2024 Conservative Political Action Conference outside Washington, where participants chanted his name and he warned U.S. leaders to fight "dark forces ... taking over your country." "The people of El Salvador have woken up," he said. "And so can you." Marco Rubio, Matt Gaetz and Donald Trump Jr. have made pilgrimage to El Salvador, and Republican commentator Tucker Carlson said Bukele "may have the blueprint for saving the world. Elon Musk insists that El Salvador's crackdown needs to happen and will happen in America." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump seems eager to replicate many Bukele strategies. An ongoing state of emergency declared by Bukele has suspended civil liberties, including due process. The White House announced it is actively looking at suspending habeas corpus, the constitutional right for people to challenge their detention by the government. In March, the Trump administration paid Bukele millions of dollars to house hundreds of American deportees in one of its infamous prisons. Trump and Bukele have refused to comply with a U.S. Supreme Court order to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who the U.S. acknowledges was improperly deported. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Nayib Bukele, El Salvador's president, during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House on April 14, 2025. (Al Drago / The Washington Post via Getty Images) Trump and Bukele share a disregard for democratic norms, with Bukele describing himself as a "philosopher king" and "world's coolest dictator." Trump says he has not ruled out seeking a prohibited third term and posted a quote online attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte: He who saves his Country does not violate any Law. Their affinity was clear at their meeting last month in the Oval Office. Sitting next to Trump, Bukele acknowledged that while thousands of prisoners in El Salvador may have had their rights violated, "I like to say that we actually liberated millions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Who gave him that line?" Trump responded. "Do you think I can use that?" "Mr. President, you have 350 million people to liberate," Bukele said. "But to liberate 350 million people, you have to imprison some. That's the way it works, right?" Attracting investment, silencing critics San Salvador, a lush city that lies in the shadow of a dormant volcano, has been buzzing in recent years with the clatter of construction. The country's main hospital is getting a facelift, and crews are renovating colonial buildings. A new library donated by China looms over the central square, where children splash in a fountain and boleros play from speakers hidden among trees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bukele has promoted the changes here and along the Pacific Coast, now a surfing mecca, as evidence that El Salvador is thriving. Last year, the country welcomed a record 3.9 million tourists, including cryptocurrency evangelists drawn by Bukele's short-lived experiment in making Bitcoin legal tender. But while he has spent big on cosmetic changes, Bukele has slashed budgets for health and education. Dozens of schools and community clinics have been shuttered. Ivan Solano Leiva, the director of El Salvador's medical association, said Bukele has emphasized "constructing an image" over meeting basic needs. As Bukele touted the purchase of state-of-the art hospital equipment, wait times to see specialists lengthened, Solano said, and doctors have been pressured not to write prescriptions because of drug shortages. "What's the point of having the latest technology if I don't have enough staff to operate it?" he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bukele has beefed up state-owned news outlets, which broadcast pro-Bukele content and have prominent social media influencers on their payrolls. But behind TikToks touting improvements lie bleak statistics. The poverty rate rose from 26.8% in 2019 to 30.3% in 2023. The country has the lowest levels of economic growth and foreign investment in of all of Central America, worse even than nearby Nicaragua, a dictatorship that has been pummeled by U.S. sanctions. While Bukele can claim some impressive projects, like a towering new Google office in San Salvador, the shaky rule of law has spooked other investors, said an adviser to foreign companies who spoke on the condition of anonymity: "They feel too much risk." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The perils for businesses were clear this month, after a highway renovation disrupted traffic and Bukele declared on X that transportation would be free nationwide. When some bus companies failed to comply, Bukele ordered the arrests of 16 company owners on charges of sabotage. They remain in jail. On a recent scorching afternoon, Erica Mendoza, 42, was waiting for a bus with her disabled husband. Mendoza, who earns about $8 a day, said she was grateful for the help with bus fare, and said she didn't expect Bukele to solve El Salvador's long-standing economic problems over night. If theres money we eat, if theres not, we dont, she said. This is life and were used to it. Accusations of corruption Instead of residing in the national palace, Bukele lives in a modern home in a luxury compound called Los Suenos: The Dreams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent years, his government has bought up multiple lots in the neighborhood to build what government officials say will be a new presidential residence. Enrique Anaya, a constitutional attorney who has criticized Bukele's mass firings of judges and suspension of rights, said it's clear that "his mission is clearly to stay in power as long as possible and to make himself scandalously rich." A recent investigation by the journalist Jaime Quintanilla revealed that Bukele and his family purchased 34 properties valued at more than $9 million during his first presidential term. Bukele, who ran as an anti-corruption crusader, vowing to break with past leaders on the left and right implicated in graft, has denied insinuations that he has enriched himself in office, calling critics "imbeciles." But for some, the case is another example of the wide gap between the image of El Salvador that Bukele is selling and reality. The is significant evidence that Bukele's biggest accomplishment of all reducing crime in El Salvador wasn't just the result of his punishing security strategy. Journalists and U.S. officials say that during Bukele's first term, his administration negotiated with gangs to bring down killings and generate votes for his party. In 2021, the U.S. Treasury Department slapped sanctions against Bukeles vice minister of justice and a top presidential aide for cutting deals with leaders of the MS-13 and Barrio 18 gangs. This month, the news site El Faro published a video that showed a gang member known as El Charly say he received money from Bukele's party for votes. It's unclear whether everyday Salvadorans care how exactly peace was achieved. Andres Hernandez, 50, was forced to abandon his home in Apopa 15 years ago because the gangs were trying to recruit his young son. "We suffered so much," he said. "Finally, we can breathe." Hernandez said he hopes to vote for Bukele for a third term. "I want him to stay forever." Juan Melendez, director of the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy in El Salvador, said many of his compatriots seem "open to exchanging their rights for security." It's something he attributes to the country's long history of authoritarian rule. Democracy, he said, was an abstract concept to many Salvadorans, while safer streets was a concrete benefit. Meanwhile, about 110,000 people, nearly 2% of El Salvador's population, languish in jail. One of them is Rene Mauricio Tadeo Serrano, 37, who was arrested in 2022 while working at a factory in the coastal province of Libertad. It has been nearly three years since his mother, Maria Serrano, 60, has heard from him. She has diabetes but walks the streets daily in search of work laundering clothing to pay for the $150 monthly package family members must buy so their loved ones in jail can have basic items like toilet paper and soap. On a recent morning, Serrano stood outside the prosecutor's office begging for information on her son's case, alongside dozens of other mothers whose children have disappeared. She thinks it's only a matter of time before more people see the cost of Bukele's rule. "Its a lie that were free in El Salvador," she said. "The people who are in favor of him havent had their hearts broken yet." 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. Elton John attacked UK plans to let Big Tech train AI on creative work without permission or pay. He called ministers "absolute losers" and accused them of "thievery on a high scale." John warned that young artists "haven't got the resources" to take on Big Tech. Elton John has accused the UK government of betraying artists with plans to allow Big Tech to train AI on creative works without permission or payment. The 78-year-old music icon said the plans meant "committing theft, thievery on a high scale," in an interview with the BBC on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was commenting on the Data (Use and Access) Bill, which would allow companies to train AI on works such as music and books, unless the copyright holder specifically opts out. John said he was "very angry," calling the government "absolute losers." He told the BBC that young artists "haven't got the resources" to take on Big Tech and that the legislation would "rob young people of their legacy and their income." "It's criminal, in that I feel incredibly betrayed," he said. The bill was passing through the country's parliament until earlier this week, when the House of Lords voted to amend it to require tech companies to disclose and seek consent before scraping copyrighted material. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the lower house, the House of Commons, rejected that change, sending the bill back into parliamentary limbo. In his BBC interview, Sir Elton called on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to "wise up," saying he was prepared to take ministers to court and "fight it all the way." The UK Government had not responded to a Business Insider request for comment when this article went live. John was one of over 400 musicians, writers, and artists including Paul McCartney who signed an open letter to the Prime Minister earlier this year, warning that AI needed proper copyright safeguards to protect artists. Sir Paul McCartney warned in January that AI could "rip off" artists and result in a "loss of creativity." Read the original article on Business Insider Colorado College capped its 150th academic year on Sunday by graduating the largest class in the history of the liberal arts institution. As the 536 graduates-in-waiting filed into Ed Robson Arena, the crowd of family members, friends and well-wishers erupted into an ovation that would rival most sporting events. When the cheers finally subsided, interim President Manya Whitaker congratulated the Class of 2025 for successfully navigating a fraught educational landscape and an emotionally-charged social climate. You came to college in the middle of a pandemic, navigating one of the biggest transitions of your lives while the world around you was uncertain and unstable, Whitaker said. Your college experience was marked by political turmoil, wars overseas and division here at home that demanded your attention, tested and clarified your personal beliefs and in some cases, strained your relationships. Whitaker also told the senior class that their experiences at Colorado College have prepared them to leave the academic nest and enter a world sorely in need of intelligent, open-minded future leaders. Your experience here including disruption, adjustment, and self-reflection have shaped you into the kind of person that can make a difference, she said. Because the world does not need perfection. It needs people who can keep going when things dont go as planned. Guest speaker Mike Shum, an award-winning independent filmmaker, told the graduating class to expect obstacles on their respective roads to success, and the 2007 CC graduate shared some of his own. Featured Local Savings While covering events around the globe, including the rise of the M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the survivor of an ISIS attack in Iraq, Shum has lost vital filming equipment, been detained three times, robbed five times and was briefly kidnapped once, he said. When I feel fear, I remind myself of the people who gave me strength along the way, Shum said. People who took the time to see me really see me. Among those people, Shum said, were award-winning photojournalist and 1968 CC graduate David Burnett; Adrienne Seward, a longtime English professor who died in 2024; and a legendary rapper-turned-actor. Not long after he graduated from Colorado College, Shum accepted the invitation of a fellow alum to move to New York City and join an apprenticeship program on the set of the crime drama Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. While there, he met the rapper and actor Ice-T, who plays a detective on the show. As the two conversed, Ice-T noted that Shum spoke warmly of his time as a budding documentary filmmaker. He said, You sound like you dig this documentary thing, Shum said. Why dont you go out and see what you can do with that, and if it doesnt work out, come on back to the set. Ill still be here. Ice-Ts words turned out to be prophetic. Shum went on to an award-winning career, and as predicted, the rapper is still on the SVU set. The television drama recently concluded its 26th season. Shum concluded by telling the seniors not to be afraid to lean on each other, and on the network of Colorado College alumni. You dont have to be brave alone, he said. Today, you join the Colorado College community stretching far beyond the boundaries of this campus. Lets be brave together. Lets stand together. Luc Julia has a photo of Steve Jobss right ball, he has claimed. The claim regarding Apples late co-founder might sound far-fetched coming from most people. But Mr Julia isnt most people: the French-born 59-year-old is the joint father of Siri, Apples famed digital assistant, one of the worlds leading authorities on artificial intelligence, and a well-known figure in Silicon Valley. The first time I met Steve Jobs, I started to do a demo and was very excited. It so happened that in this demo, there was a little robot that took photos of trousers every few seconds, he recalls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It so happened that Jobs had trousers on, but they were torn, and he had no pants on. It was ripped right here, he says, pointing to the right side of the crotch area, and his ball was hanging. I have a photo of Steve Jobss right ball. Luc Julia revealed his anecdote about Steve Jobs in a documentary about Silicon Valley - John G Mabanglo Rarely seen without a Hawaiian shirt (he has 200 of them), Mr Julia who sold Siri to Mr Jobs along with co-creator Adam Cheyer for about $200 million (150 million) has a warning. The world risks an AI winter unless tech moguls, including OpenAI boss Sam Altman and Elon Musk, the X and Tesla chief, stop over-egging claims they can play God by creating AI that matches human intelligence and consciousness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each time, the same cycle repeats itself: excessive expectations followed by immense disillusionment, he says from his home in Palo Alto. And that bothers me because what follows is what is known as the AI winter. This means that investors will withdraw from this field and companies will turn away from it because they realise that they have been promised anything and everything. Mr Julia, the former chief technology officer of Samsung and now Renaults scientific director, says: Once again, we are being led to believe that this technology will eventually replace us, a bit like the AI fantasies of Hollywood, citing the films Terminator and Her, in which an AI assistant falls in love with its user. The world is once again on the eve of disillusionment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has set out his concerns in a new book, in French, called Generative, not creative, artificial intelligences. There is (still) no such thing as artificial intelligence. Artificial general intelligence, or AGI, is the Holy Grail for the worlds top tech companies such as OpenAI, Meta, and Google. The goal is to create AI capable of performing the full spectrum of cognitively demanding tasks with proficiency comparable to, or surpassing, that of humans. To say that AI can have consciousness is clearly crazy, he says. We dont even know what consciousness really means. Weve been studying the brain for 2,000 years and only know 20-40 per cent of it. We can teach a machine what we teach ourselves; that part works well, thats machine learning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, we cannot teach what is innate, as we dont know what it is. We dont know ourselves well enough. AI doesnt create anything He hates it when people call AI creative. It doesnt create anything. It simply generates what we have taught it, Mr Julia said. While some in Silicon Valley sincerely believe this lie, others, like Sam Altman, are cynics who are primarily interested in regularly raising tens of billions of dollars for their companies, he claims. This is vital for them, given that OpenAI is set to lose $1 billion a month in 2025, as their various language models are expensive to train and use. All they care about is making more money. Mr Julia described Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, as a cynic primarily interested in raising billions of dollars for their companies - Getty Images/Alex Wong OpenAI lost about $5 billion on $3.7 billion in revenue in 2024. It anticipates revenue of about $11.6 billion this year, but some reports suggest its annual losses could swell to $11 billion by 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trumps Stargate project, which would pump $500 billion into AI infrastructure, is the latest case in point, he says. There is no plan. It wont work. Immense disillusionment In his book, he writes that a string of setbacks has hit the tech industry since the 1950s. I think its the nonsense and lies surrounding AI that have made its history so chaotic, and thats what were facing if we repeat the same mistakes. The latest great hope is so-called generative AI, or GenAI, including ChatGPT, which uses generative models to produce text, images, videos, or other forms of data. He was impressed by DeepSeek (though he calls it Deeps--t), the Chinese startup that in January showed it had a faster, cheaper, and more sustainable solution than Western alternatives like OpenAI. Deepseeks shock unveiling in January wiped a historic $589 billion off the market value of NVIDIA, the global leader in GPUs and a pillar of AI development, in a single day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even so, he thinks such hyper-powerful but very general language models are a red herring, primarily for energy reasons. People dont understand that GenAI and its specialised data centres are water and electricity guzzlers, he laments. Training these models consumes a lot, but the real problem is whats called inference, namely, the fact that they require resources at the time of search, unlike other forms of AI. On average, 20 queries to ChatGPT require 1.5 litres of water, so in terms of resources, its totally ridiculous. Such models cast frugality to the wind. If ChatGPT replaced Google for basic searches, We would explode the global electricity consumption of data centres more than threefold. Companies are being pushed to use bazookas for tasks that could be done with a butter knife. Why ask ChatGPT to calculate sums when an expert system can do it effortlessly? (Around since the 1970s, an expert system is a longstanding type of AI that emulates the decision-making ability of a human expert.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The engineer recalls a start-up competition where he showed the two finalists that a frugal expert system could do exactly the same thing as their language model. It bothers me that engineers are attracted to what shines rather than what is useful. AIs are tools that are brilliant at doing specific things. In that sense, nothing has really changed since 1642 when Pascal invented the first mechanical calculator, the Pascaline. We can already see AI start-ups in Silicon Valley that have taken this ultra-specialisation turn. I think OpenAI is dead if it doesnt make this pivot, he claims. On this front, European companies and start-ups have a chance. Its an opportunity, particularly for France. I often say that we are the best in AI. However, while France has learnt how to do startups, we dont know how to do scale-ups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres one secret to that: its called money. But even with money, we need to learn to do more with less and not just create yet more data centres. I was disappointed Deepsh--t didnt come from France or Europe, we have the right frugal mindset. Constraint can lead to better innovation, he insists. Mr Julia first revealed his anecdote about Mr Jobss private parts in a documentary released late last year called Silicon F------ Valley in which he takes the viewer around the Californian tech hub in his Tesla, rather like Virgil in Dantes Inferno. It ends with him warning: In some ways, Silicon Valley, technology is saving the world, but it can also blow it up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He nevertheless remains optimistic that less all-encompassing AI can be a force for good, and is applying his principles to creating an AI avatar for cars that uses GenAI but a frugal one for very specific functions. Besides, after living life in the fast lane, Mr Julia is taking a slightly more relaxed approach to life for good reason: his father and grandfather died at precisely the same age of 47 years and nine months both from Lynch syndrome. Mr Julia assumed he would too, but has lived to tell the tale. Today, he says, he is living on pure bonus time. 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 Andrius Sytas TALLINN (Reuters) -Estonia will keep checking Russian "shadow fleet" vessels, Prime Minister Kristen Michal told Reuters on Sunday, days after Russia deployed a SU-35 fighter jet as Estonia attempted to alter the course of one such ship. Estonia said the jet briefly breached NATO airspace during the Baltic country's attempt to inspect a Russian-bound oil tanker, thought to be part of a so-called shadow fleet defying Western sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week's incident "doesn't change a thing", with Estonia determined to continue checking suspicious tankers, Michal said. "I would say that everybody - Estonians, Finns - will be monitoring these kind of ships, and if there's something suspicious we will ask about it. Everybody will do that," Michal said in an interview. Michal said the Estonian Navy had no plans to board the suspect tanker, which then sailed into Russian waters, escorted by the Su-35 and an Estonian patrol boat. Estonia detained another shadow fleet tanker, Kiwala, in April. Russia receives an estimated 60% of its oil revenues via shipments by the "shadow fleet" to buyers in countries such as China and India, according to Estonian estimates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vessels, which frequently have opaque ownership structures and sail without top-tier Western insurance and safety certification, are often loaded in Russian Baltic Sea ports, approached via the waters between Estonia and Finland. "It's understandable why Russia is getting a little bit nervous," said Michal, saying Russian oil imports should be further limited. "The questions for us - not Estonia, but for Europe and for the United States - is how come Russia is waging the war for the fourth year, and is still selling products on the world market?," he said. Russia views sanctions as an attempt to crush its economy, and has said its ships must have free passage in the Baltic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DEFENCE SPENDING BOOST Estonia, one of the most outspoken critics of Russia in NATO and the European Union, was annexed in the 1940s by the Soviet Union, which agreed with Nazi Germany to carve up the region. For Michal, the only way for Europe to hope for a lasting peace with Russia is to have a strong military. Estonia has pledged at least 5% of GDP for defence to build up its forces, and hopes the larger NATO members will follow suit at a summit in The Hague next month. "Nobody loves governments who raise taxes for defence, but ... you have to do that", Michal said, adding that he hoped U.S. President Donald Trump would raise the threat of new sanctions during a planned call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. "I hope that he will continue this line, that the pressure is mounting," he said. (Reporting by Andrius Sytas in Tallinn;Editing by Helen Popper) The European Unions ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, has condemned a massive Russian drone attack carried out on the night of 17-18 May. Source: Mathernova on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Mathernova emphasised that Russia continues its relentless attacks while pretending to "engage in diplomacy". Quote: "Loud explosions heard across Ukraine. A woman killed in her own home in Kyiv. Russia understands only the language of force." Background: Ukraine's Air Force reported that Russia launched 273 loitering munitions on Ukraine on the night of 17-18 May, making this the largest drone attack since the start of the full-scale invasion. A woman was killed and three people, including a child, were injured in a Russian attack on the Obukhiv district of Kyiv Oblast. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Europe is "far from" discussing foreign troop deployment to Ukraine, as efforts focus on securing an unconditional ceasefire, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on May 17, Reuters reported. "There is no reason to talk about (troops) at the moment, we are far from that. We want the weapons to stop, the killing to end," Merz said during a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. His comments come amid growing interest in a potential multinational force to monitor a future peace agreement in Ukraine, even as Russian strikes continue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A so-called "coalition of the willing" led by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron has pushed the idea, emphasizing that a "reassurance force" would monitor an eventual ceasefire, not engage in combat with Russia. Merz stressed that the next diplomatic step is to establish a viable framework for peace negotiations and determine potential security guarantees for Ukraine once a truce is in place. The statement comes after peace talks held in Istanbul on May 16, which were the first direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine since 2022. The Russian delegation composed of lower-level aides reiterated maximalist demands including Ukraine's neutrality, withdrawal from all annexed regions, and an end to foreign military aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to participate in direct talks, condemned the absence of top Russian leadership as a signal Moscow is not serious about ending the war. Ukraine accepted a U.S.-proposed unconditional 30-day ceasefire in March. Russia rejected it and continued its attacks, including a record-setting drone attack on May 18. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov earlier rejected the idea of deploying European peacekeepers in Ukraine. "We cannot allow NATO's military infrastructure to get that close to our borders," Peskov told ABC News on May 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out sending American troops, U.S. officials have indicated Washington could support the coalition with intelligence-sharing and logistics. European leaders continue to weigh next steps amid Moscow's intransigence and Kyiv's calls for stronger guarantees and tougher sanctions in the absence of a ceasefire. Read also: How Russias Shahed drones are getting more dangerous and what Ukraine is doing about it Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ahead of anticipated talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, the leaders of Britain, France and Germany are seeking a conversation with Trump to coordinate their positions, sources told dpa. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are looking to speak to Trump on Sunday, sources close to the chancellor in Berlin said. At the Vatican, on the sidelines of Pope Leo XIVs inauguration, Merz held discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, focusing on diplomatic efforts to end Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A separate meeting between Merz and US Vice President JD Vance, who also attended the inaugural Mass, did not take place. Starmer, Macron and Merz have held two recent phone calls with Trump to align their Ukraine strategies. On both occasions, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk joined the discussions. However, he is not expected to participate in this latest round of talks. The German government sources told dpa that the three leaders have requested to talk to Trump on Sunday evening in Europe. Trump, in a post on his Truth Social network on Saturday, said he will speak with Putin by phone at 10 am (1400 GMT) on Monday and will speak with Zelensky and some NATO members after that. Russia launches largest drone strike on Ukraine since 2022 Meanwhile, Ukraine endured the largest Russian drone assault since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, according to a tally given on Sunday by the war-torn country's military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The air force said a total of 273 unmanned aerial vehicles were launched by Russia overnight. According to Ukrainian media, that surpasses the previous record of 267 drones reported on February 23. One woman was killed in the capital, Kiev, and three others were injured, including a 4-year-old child, authorities said. The regions of Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk were also targeted in the overnight attacks. Ukraine said they downed 88 drones, while another 128 failed to reach their targets. The military did not disclose details on potential damage or specific impact sites, in line with usual protocol. The figures could not be independently verified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assault came just days after Russia and Ukraine held their first direct peace talks since 2022 in Istanbul, although Zelensky and Putin did not take part. Despite agreeing to a prisoner exchange and further negotiations on a ceasefire, Moscow has rejected calls from Ukraine, the United States and European allies for a halt to hostilities before a broader agreement is reached. Ahead of anticipated talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, the leaders of Britain, France and Germany are seeking a conversation with Trump to coordinate their positions, sources told dpa. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are looking to speak to Trump on Sunday, sources close to the chancellor in Berlin said. At the Vatican, on the sidelines of Pope Leo XIVs inauguration, Merz held discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, focusing on diplomatic efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A separate meeting between Merz and US Vice President JD Vance, who also attended the inaugural Mass, did not take place. Starmer, Macron and Merz have held two recent phone calls with Trump to align their Ukraine strategies. On both occasions, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk joined the discussions. However, he is not expected to participate in this latest round of talks. German government sources told dpa that the three leaders have requested to talk to Trump on Sunday evening in Europe. Trump, in a post on his Truth Social network on Saturday, said he will speak with Putin by phone at 10 am (1400 GMT) on Monday and will speak with Zelensky and some NATO members after that. Russia launches largest drone strike on Ukraine since 2022 Meanwhile, Ukraine endured the largest Russian drone assault since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, according to a tally given on Sunday by the war-torn country's military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The air force said a total of 273 unmanned aerial vehicles were launched by Russia overnight. According to Ukrainian media, that surpasses the previous record of 267 drones reported on February 23. One woman was killed in the capital, Kiev, and three others were injured, including a 4-year-old child, authorities said. The regions of Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk were also targeted in the overnight attacks. Ukraine said they downed 88 drones, while another 128 failed to reach their targets. The military did not disclose details on potential damage or specific impact sites, in line with usual protocol. The figures could not be independently verified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assault came just days after Russia and Ukraine held their first direct peace talks since 2022 in Istanbul, although Zelensky and Putin did not take part. Despite agreeing to a prisoner exchange and further negotiations on a ceasefire, Moscow has rejected calls from Ukraine, the United States and European allies for a halt to hostilities before a broader agreement is reached. Russia unimpressed by threats Moscow's latest wave of attacks is widely seen as a response to mounting threats of tougher sanctions from the United States and the European Union. The EU announced on Friday new plans for additional sanctions on Moscow after Putin failed to travel to Turkey to negotiate with Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new package of sanctions would primarily affect the financial and energy sectors. Russia, for its part, has repeatedly stated that it will not be intimidated by ultimatums or threats. Both the EU and the US have already imposed numerous restrictions intended to cripple Russia's economic capacity to sustain its war against Ukraine. Yet, Western analysts acknowledge the resilience of the Russian economy - an outcome that defied early expectations. Despite clear economic challenges, such as restricted access to Western technology, Russia continues to generate significant revenue from oil and gas exports. These earnings are helping to prop up its wartime economy, underscoring the limitations of sanctions alone in curbing the Kremlin's military ambitions. European leaders will call U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of his planned phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on May 18, according to Deutsche Welle (DW). Trump announced that he plans to speak with Putin at 10 a.m. on May 19, after which he will hold a call with President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump said he hopes the discussions will result in a ceasefire a step the Kremlin has doggedly resisted since the U.S. first proposed a 30-day truce in March. French President Emmanuel Macron, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Merz will speak with Trump before the Putin call, Merz told reporters from the Vatican on the sidelines of Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have now agreed that we will talk again the four heads of state and government and the American president in preparation for this conversation," Merz said. "We can only hope that now there will be further progress (towards a ceasefire)." Merz said that he has already discussed the upcoming Trump-Putin call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The European leaders' conversation with Trump will come a week after Merz, Macron, Starmer and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk spoke with the U.S. president about their demand that Russia accept an unconditional 30-day ceasefire beginning May 12. Trump indicated support for the proposal and agreed Washington would impose sanctions on Russia if they did not agree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Putin countered with an invitation to direct peace talks in Istanbul on May 15, however, Trump quickly urged Ukraine to accept. He said a ceasefire could potentially be negotiated in Turkey and said he might also join the talks. Trump did not attend the Istanbul peace talks nor did Putin, who instead sent a delegation of lower-level aides even after President Volodymyr Zelensky invited him to meet face-to-face at the negotiating table. The talks failed to produce a ceasefire agreement. Ukraine accepted the U.S.-backed unconditional 30-day ceasefire when Washington first proposed it on March 11. Russia rejected the proposal and continued its attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the Istanbul peace talks, Russia launched a record-setting drone attack against Ukraine overnight on May 18. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The leaders of the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland and France want to hold a phone call with US President Donald Trump before his conversation with Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin, which is scheduled for Monday 19 May. Source: Reuters, citing German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaking to journalists at the Vatican on Sunday 18 May, as reported by European Pravda Details: Merz said he had discussed the upcoming Trump-Putin call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as they were attending Pope Leo XIVs inauguration Mass in the Vatican. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "We agreed that we will speak again with the four state leaders and the US president in preparation of this conversation [between Trump and Putin ed.]." More details: Merz added that he had also had a long conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy while in the Vatican. Background: Trump announced yesterday that he will speak with Putin by phone on Monday 19 May and then hold a call with Zelenskyy. Trump has said he believes Putin is "tired of the war" and reiterated that a peace deal is only possible with his involvement. The leaders of the UK, Germany, Poland and France have already held two joint conversations with Trump during their visit to Ukraine last weekend and again on 16 May on the sidelines of the European Political Community Summit in Albania. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Residents are being evacuated from a city near Palm Springs to avoid what police are calling a potential blast zone, according to officials and local media outlets. The law enforcement activity occurring in Twentynine Palms is an FBI investigation, the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department told KTLA. Residents have been encouraged to evacuate the investigation area, however, some have chosen to shelter in place. A local Palm Springs news station, KESQ, had a crew at the scene who reported that authorities could not readily comment on the investigation when asked if it was connected to the bomb explosion from Saturday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Morongo Basin Sheriff Station posted to X late Saturday afternoon, telling the public to avoid the following areas in Twentynine Palms: Highway 62 to the south Amboy Road to the north Bullion Avenue to the west Utah Trail to the east In addition, the station said to avoid the area of Adobe Avenue at Two Mile Road and at White Sands Drive. In an update post to Facebook after 11 p.m., the City of Twentynine Palms said city officials remain limited in what information they can release as this situation is a federal investigation. City council and city staff have been proactive over the last 11 hours supporting the needs of our displaced residents; supporting and cooperating with federal, county and local law enforcement agencies, read the post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Saturday night, officials have not said whether this incident is related to Saturdays terrorist attack. The car explosion that the FBI is calling an intentional act of terrorism in Palm Springs left one person dead, others injured and caused extensive damage to a nearby reproductive health facility around 11 a.m. Saturday. Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism, said Akil Davis, assistant director for the Los Angeles FBI field office. As the investigation unfolds, we will determine whether this was international or domestic terrorism. Details remained limited regarding any motive or suspect description. Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) A car explosion outside a reproductive health facility in Palm Springs left one person dead late Saturday, May 17, 2025. (FB/American Reproductive Centers-Palm Springs) Firefighters responded to a report of an explosion at a reproductive health facility in Palm Springs on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Credit: Luis Roman via Storyful) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Firefighters responded to a report of an explosion at a reproductive health facility in Palm Springs on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Credit: Luis Roman via Storyful) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Firefighters responded to a report of an explosion at a reproductive health facility in Palm Springs on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Credit: Luis Roman via Storyful) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) We have a person of interest in this investigation, but we are not actively out searching for a suspect, Davis said at a 5 p.m. press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, officials said the person who was killed was near the car, and that they are working to identify their remains. This explosion was significant, covering several blocks north, south, east and west, said Davis. Roads are closed as there is a wide debris field of over 250 yards. Witnesses reported seeing body parts and car parts scattered across the area. The facility targeted in this alleged attack is the American Reproductive Centers (ARC), a fertility clinic and in vitro fertilization (IVF) lab. Doctor Maher Abdallah of ARC said the companys mission is to help build families, including members of the LGBTQ community, which has since sparked questions about a possible motive behind this act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI said bomb technicians and terrorism investigators are on the scene, and will remain there for a significant amount of 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 KTLA. May 17The closer his brother got to the stage, the wider the grin on Javier Castaneda's face grew. "It's a great feeling. It's a blessing to be able to have him attend this school," Castaneda said of his younger brother, Jose Castaneda, who received his bachelor's degree in theatre on Saturday from the University of New Mexico. "Every day, he finds new ways to not just impress me, but our family, and just keep on going." The Castaneda family was one of thousands who celebrated this weekend as more than 2,000 students from the largest university in the state received their bachelor's degrees, with family and friends packing the Pit for UNM's spring commencement ceremony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are not the same university we were before you walked through our doors. Every Lobo makes a difference, every Lobo has an impact, every Lobo makes us better," UNM President Garnett Stokes told attendees. "We will watch with pride and certainty as you make your way into the world, but we also know that you are ready for it, for each of you has been well-prepared." Across its campuses, UNM counted 3,636 students receiving degrees as part of the spring 2025 class, including associate's degrees from its campuses in Gallup, Los Alamos, Taos and Valencia, according to a news release. Its main Albuquerque campus accounted for over 3,000 of those degrees, with 2,172 of those being bachelor's degrees, 487 being master's degrees, over 200 doctorates, 127 graduate certificates and 12 education specialists. Before the ceremony began, Cynthia Garibay described her feelings as a mix of excitement and anxiety as she prepared to walk the stage and receive her business administration degree. "It's also exciting to know you're on to bigger and better things," Garibay said. "I already have a full-time job, but they are looking to promote me, so this degree definitely helps." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before he made his way to the floor, Jose Contreras, an Anaheim, California, native who came to Albuquerque to study, excitedly pointed to a section of the crowd where 12 of his family members sat. They made the more-than 18-hour drive to watch him walk the stage. "I'm excited to just enjoy a meal with them, and just enjoy New Mexico for a weekend with them," he said. He also reflected on his time in college and the milestone just minutes away. "My favorite experience in college is, I think, this moment," said Contreras, who earned degrees in electrical engineering and Spanish. "Seeing everyone's faces from when we first started to now, I see all the years that have gone by, and I'm excited to just see this moment." The leader of Colorado's community college system told more than 2,400 Pikes Peak State College graduates that they are evidence of the power of accessible education Saturday at the spring 2025 commencement ceremony. Held at The Broadmoor World Arena, the ceremony featured Joe Garcia, the chancellor of the Colorado Community College System, which comprises 13 colleges and serves over 124,000 students, and Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade as speakers. Ahead of his retirement in June, Garcia said the graduates are stepping into a new stage of life just like he is. But the mission to provide high-quality, open-access education permanently unites the college and its graduates. "A lot of institutions in higher ed pride themselves on the number of students they turn away. We pride ourselves on the fact that we welcome every student who comes to our door, and we work with them to find success as defined by them," he said. Garcia emphasized to the new graduates that their education was not something that happened to them. Instead, it was an earned achievement, often despite overwhelming obstacles. For 52-year-old Kim Core, a PPSC graduate, she knows those obstacles too well. As a mother with a full-time job, finding a balance between life, work and school was the obstacle she overcame. Core said she would often do classwork after her 8 p.m. shift while taking care of her family. "Everybody keeps asking me, 'Did you buy these?'" she said while gesturing to her six chords that mark specific accomplishments during her time at PPSC. "No. These chords I've earned each of them." Featured Local Savings What was already a momentous moment for Core is even more special because she's not the only one in the family graduating from PPSC her son, Kiaree, is, too. "Being here with my son is a good feeling because he gets to see his mom do what she wants to do. He always said, 'Mom, it's your turn, so do it.' And getting to do it with my son is on a whole other level (of special)," she said. Like many other PPSC graduates, Core plans to take her associate degree and transfer to another college for her bachelor's. She wants to pursue a career in composite sketching for the police, and she's excited to take the next steps. According to preliminary data from PPSC, more than 48% of the 2024-25 academic year graduates identify as first-generation college students; 41% are from minority backgrounds, 24% are Hispanic/Latino and 13% are military-affiliated. In total, PPSC expects to award 3,178 credentials this year, including 1,867 associate degrees, 91 bachelor's degrees and 1,220 certificates. Numbers will be finalized once all degree conferrals are finalized, which is not expected until June. In his address, Mobolade discussed the concept of "kairos," a Greek word that refers to timing and opportunity. "Today is a kairos moment for you. It is not just a date on a calendar, but a moment pregnant and bubbling with opportunity, rich with potential. So, make it count ... grab opportunity by the mane and don't let go," he said. The 13th Book Arsenal festival, one of Ukraines premier interdisciplinary cultural events attracting voices from across the country and around the globe, will take place in Kyiv from May 29 to June 1. Over the course of four days, the festival offers a number of discussion panels, book presentations, public interviews, and even some film and musical performances that all relate to the theme of this years festival. This years program is curated by American historian Marci Shore and Ukrainian journalist Oksana Forostyna, who together have shaped the events of the festival around the theme Everything is Translation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The theme invites both participants and attendees to explore the untranslatable and to consider what the gaps in language reveal about the invisible boundaries between cultures, perspectives, and human experience, particularly in times of war. Each year, the festivals curators choose a theme that reflects the cultural climate. Last years Book Arsenal, the first to take place since the start of the full-scale war, was centered around the theme Life on the Edge. In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2021 theme was Optimistis-Skeptics. One of the most important tasks for the festival's team now is to create the safest and most inclusive festival space possible, Yuliia Kozlovets, the director of Book Arsenal, told the Kyiv Independent. The theme of war is a cross-cutting one, when stands of military and volunteer initiatives are an organic part of the festival space. Because this is our Ukrainian contemporary culture, and this is our life today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For this years festival, the Kyiv Independent joins Book Arsenal as an official media partner, further underscoring its commitment to fostering critical dialogue and elevating Ukrainian voices on the world stage. People listen to the discussion The Edge Within Us during the 12th International Book Arsenal Festival in Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 30, 2024. (Yurii Stefanyak / Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) Several of the Kyiv Independents team members editor-in-chief Olga Rudenko, chief executive officer Daryna Shevchenko, War Crimes Investigation Unit reporter Danylo Mokryk, and culture reporter Kate Tsurkan will take part in panel discussions at this years Book Arsenal festival. The full schedule for this years Book Arsenal is available on the festivals website. While events featuring international speakers on the main stage will be held in English, most of the program will be conducted in Ukrainian. However, several Ukrainian publishers including Ukraner, Projector, Rodovid, IST Publishing, and #knygolove will offer a selection of their books in English translation for purchase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mystetskyi Arsenals art books, which highlight Ukraines artistic heritage, showcase prominent contemporary artists, and document experimental projects on key cultural movements, will also be available in bilingual Ukrainian-English editions. The official opening of this years Book Arsenal festival is scheduled for 5 p.m. on May 29, but attendees can begin to enter the premises of Mystetskyi Arsenal, Kyivs National Art and Culture Museum Complex, from 4 p.m. Tickets for the festival can be purchased online or at the ticket counter at Mystetskyi Arsenal either 200 hryvnias ($5) for a one-day ticket of 500 hryvnias ($12) for all four days of the festival. Notable events (in English unless otherwise stated): Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Panel discussion Everything is Translation featuring Ukrainian poets Iya Kiva and Ostap Slyvynsky, and Polish poet ariel rose, moderated by Swedish literary critic Carl Henrik Fredriksson. Taking place at 6 p.m. on May 29, the conversation will explore how translation can be used as a tool against imperialism, particularly in times of war. French journalists Doan Bui and Emmanuel Carrere will join several Ukrainian colleagues for a unique live performance at 8 p.m. on May 29 a staged retelling of powerful wartime journalism from local and international reporters, photographers, and artists. On May 30, Danylo Mokryk from the Kyiv Independents War Crimes Investigations Unit will speak on the panel Reportage as Investigation: A Conversation on the Practice of Long-Form Reporting, alongside Magdalena Sodomkova. Moderated by Tetiana Pushnova, the event is organized in partnership with the Czech Centre in Kyiv and will begin at 2:30 p.m. The Kyiv Independents editor-in-chief Olga Rudenko and culture reporter Kate Tsurkan will join Ukrainian author Myroslav Laiuk in the panel discussion War of Narratives. Do We Have Anything to Counter Russian Influence on the Vision of This War Abroad? Moderated by Julia Tymoshenko, the event will take place in Ukrainian on May 30 at 6 p.m. The Kyiv Independents chief executive officer Daryna Shevchenko will moderate a panel titled The Ukrainian Narrative: A Strategic Script. How to Speak Effectively About Ukraine Abroad? Scheduled at 7 p.m. on May 30, the discussion will feature Viktoriia Narizhna, Vira Kuryko, Halyna Skipalska, and Olha Kari, and is co-organized by the Kyiv Independent. On June 1 at 3 p.m., British journalist Peter Pomerantsev will discuss his new book How to Win the Information War? in conversation with Olga Rudenko. Founder of Spravdi Liubov Tsybulska will also speak with American journalist Simon Shuster on the topic How a book can change the attitude toward Ukraine on the world stage on June 1 at 5 p.m. Read also: Russia killed Ukrainian author Victoria Amelina but not her words or quest for justice Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. One of Donald Trumps former spokespeople tore into him for accepting a $400 million plane from Qatar. Youre taking Qatari blood money, Alyssa Farah Griffin, who served as White House director of strategic communications in 2020, told CNN. Trump had said hed be stupid not to accept the luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatars royal family, but the presidents willingness to accept the gift has raised alarm across the political spectrum over what Qatar may expect in return. Alyssa Farah Griffin, a former Trump spokesperson, was left aghast by the president's willingness to accept a $400 million jet from Qatar. / Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images Lavish enough to have been dubbed a flying palace, sources have told ABC the Boeing 747-8 is expected to be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation in the months ahead of his departure from office. Boeing reveals the 747-8 jumbo passenger jet to thousands of employees and guests. / Anthony Bolante / REUTERS Griffin reminded viewers in the Saturday interview of the stringent rules for White House officials concerning gifts, which prohibit staff from accepting anything worth more than $20, let alone $400 million, in their capacity as government employees. Taking inspiration from Boeing's We were also told, Dont even take a pen from a foreign diplomat, a head of state, because it likely has surveillance technology on it, she said, warning it would likely cost White House security many millions of dollars simply to ensure the jet and its furnishings do not contain any concealed espionage devices. The Trump family is heavily invested in the Middle East, including development projects in Qatar. / Map Illustration by Eric Faison/The Daily Beast/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Griffin isnt alone in having expressed horror at the debacle. Former Vice President Mike Pence warned: Weve got to remember who Qatar is given the Gulf states historic support for Al-Qaeda. Echoing Pences concerns, Griffin pointed out on Saturday that Qatar has also helped shield Hamas' finances prior to and during the War in Gaza. Way to step on your own message, Donald Trump, she added. The red-tailed amazon, one of the rarest parrots in Brazil, has made a remarkable comeback thanks to the tireless efforts of environmental groups. As Mongabay reported, illegal wildlife trafficking and habitat loss had a devastating impact on the species, driving their numbers down to just 5,000 individuals by the turn of the century. However, a project to install hundreds of artificial nests on Rasa Island in Brazil has allowed their population to nearly double in 20 years, which led to its conservation status being upgraded from "endangered" to "near threatened" in 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 1,500 red-tailed amazons live on the island, but they have few nesting places left since locals use their preferred trees the guanandis to build shelters and fishing vessels. Mongabay explained that old trees have the best hollows for the birds to build nests, but since coastal communities claimed many of them, the parrots have moved to younger trees deeper in the forest. Because these trees lack natural hollows, conservationists from the Society for Wildlife Research and Environmental Education (SPVS), a nongovernmental organization, created artificial nests made of wooden boxes where the birds can roost. The project was a huge success, as all 15 nests installed in 2003 had occupants. With the help of the Loro Parque Foundation another environmental organization based in Spain red-tailed amazons on Rasa Island and several smaller islands were gifted 111 artificial nests. Because of the group's dedication, more parrots now live on Rasa Island than humans, suggesting a flourishing population. However, their conservation work is far from over, as researchers found the population of red-tailed amazons dropped from 2,500 to just over 450 individuals on the nearby Pinheiro Island in 2024. They believe tourism prompted some to relocate, while others have likely become victims of the illegal wildlife trade. Cameras have been set up throughout the islands to monitor nests, but this doesn't always stop traffickers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SPVS has started talking to locals about the importance of protecting the rare parrots and their habitats, and it has also put trackers on the birds to identify them if they are captured. While the tags help conservationists keep a close eye on the birds, they can still move freely around their new and improved island home. "They're already ready to fly," Elenise Sipinski, a researcher at SPVS, told Mongabay, referring to two chicks that were tagged. The group has taken a multifaceted approach to conservation, working on reforesting the mainland to ensure the parrots have a healthy habitat. In partnership with other NGOs and companies, the organization established three nature reserves covering a total of 47,000 acres, which provided the parrots ample space to roam and expand their populations. Red-tailed amazons play a crucial role in dispersing seeds, which helps create and maintain biodiversity this maintains the health of ecosystems humans depend on. By preserving their habitat, both humans and parrots win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When you work with a charismatic species like the red-tailed amazon, you end up working on conservation as a whole. The only reason there are parrots is because there is forest," Sipinski said. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. The First Sentier MUFG Sustainable Investment Institute has estimated that the global food system could face up to $38 trillion in damages by 2050 because of the warming climate. What's happening? According to the report, the world is headed for 2.5 degrees Celsius (4.5 degrees Fahrenheit) of warming by 2050, which could send food prices soaring and have a major impact on supply chains. Temperature extremes, heavy rainfall, flooding, droughts, and severe storms could cause widespread damage to critical infrastructure and ecosystems, which would affect the resilience of our food systems, as the Sustainable Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Global food demand is expected to grow at a rate of 1.26% between 2023 and 2033, surpassing population growth across much of the world. However, the shifting climate could make it difficult to meet that demand, especially in areas heavily impacted by extreme weather. A separate study by researchers from Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that not acting fast enough to address the climate could lead to average global economic losses of 60% by 2100. "The world population is poorer than it would be without climate change," Leonie Wenz, Potsdam climate data researcher and co-author on the study, told Reuters. "It costs us much less to protect the climate than not to." "Our study highlights the considerable inequity of climate impacts: We find damages almost everywhere, but countries in the tropics will suffer the most because they are already warmer," Anders Levermann, head of research department complexity science at the Potsdam Institute and co-author of the study, said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They are also the ones with the least resources to adapt to its impacts." Why is this concerning? Aside from the massive financial toll of climate inaction, rising global temperatures caused by the overheating planet could make it harder to grow key crops the world depends on, including corn, wheat, rice, and soybeans, according to the World Economic Forum. This would likely result in more expensive groceries worldwide and disrupt the ecosystems humans depend on for healthy food. Do you worry about how much food you throw away? Definitely Sometimes Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Prices on many foods have already soared because of worsening weather in places like Australia, Spain, and Portugal. In addition, the Sustainable Times reported that a study by Christian Aid found that cocoa prices have climbed 400% in recent years because of extreme heat and heavy rainfall in Ghana, Cameroon, and Nigeria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If humans don't take steps to drastically reduce pollution from burning dirty fuels, global food systems could suffer in the near future. What's being done to help? In the report by the Sustainable Investment Institute, researchers said that better soil management, a shift to more climate-resilient crops, and technology innovations such as artificial intelligence-powered systems could mitigate some of the consequences of the climate crisis. They also suggested that investors prepare by "demanding robust disclosures from food businesses," as the Times explained. This could include climate risk scenario models and other frameworks. In addition, speeding up our transition to cleaner energy sources will lower the planet's temperature by reducing the amount of planet-warming pollution in the atmosphere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is on us to decide: structural change towards a renewable energy system is needed for our security and will save us money," Potsdam researchers said. As consumers, we can help by eating more plant-based foods and shopping locally. Both of these actions cut down on pollution and benefit our wallets. With a little planning, you can also shop smarter and save some cash at the grocery store. 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. Claim: Pope Francis donated a "popemobile," one of the vehicles he used for transportation, to a Catholic relief organization to convert the vehicle into a mobile health unit for children in Gaza. Rating: Rating: True Shortly after Pope Francis' death in April 2025, rumors that he donated one of the "popemobiles" the vehicle used to transport popes to serve as a mobile medical aid clinic to children in Gaza. The claims spread on X (archived), Instagram (archived), Bluesky (archived) and Facebook (archived). The most holy man on earth, the Pope. Who is Literally called the vicar of Jesus Christ did not donate a new church to Gaza. He ordered for his PopeMobile to be used as a mobile hospital for children. The Pope understood that the most urgent need of that community was medicine pic.twitter.com/W9R7Fe5UiM Daniel Lutaaya (@DanielLutaaya) May 13, 2025 The rumors are true, although the headlines on several stories said the late pope donated "his Popemobile," which some readers could interpret to mean there was only one such vehicle. It's unclear precisely how many "popemobiles" Pope Francis used, but Business Insider reported in 2019 that he rode in at least nine of them that year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a news release on May 3, 2025, the Jerusalem and Swedish branches of Caritas an international group of Catholic relief and development agencies announced that the pope had donated the vehicle to the organization. https://media.snopes.com/2025/05/caritas_press_release.pdf We reached out to Caritas Jerusalem seeking further details, and a representative responded that the timeline for the vehicle to enter Gaza depends on when the organization applies for a permit to do so. The organization also said it cannot provide further evidence that Pope Francis requested the conversion of the vehicle. The official news outlet for the Vatican, Vatican News, also published an article (archived) on May 4 confirming Pope Francis' donation, publishing photos from Caritas of the vehicle's conversion process. Men work on turning the popemobile into a health clinic. (Caritas) The news release noted that a driver and doctors would staff the vehicle, which Caritas was in the process of fitting with "equipment for diagnosis, examination, and treatment including rapid tests for infections, suture kits, syringes and needles, oxygen supply, vaccines, and a refrigerator for medicines." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, it was unclear when the popemobile would be able to hit the ground in Gaza, as Israel cut off all humanitarian aid to Gaza on March 2, 2025. The Caritas news release noted that the popemobile would be ready to give primary health care to children in Gaza "when the humanitarian corridor to Gaza reopens." Sources: Caritas PRESS RELEASE. Caritas, 3 May 2025, https://www.caritas.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Pressrelease_The_Vehicle_of_Hope-CJRM-May-3rd-2025-1.pdf. 'Israel Accused of Using Aid as a "weapon of War" against Gaza in World Court Hearing'. NBC News, 29 Apr. 2025, https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/israel-aid-weapon-war-icj-hearing-gaza-world-court-hague-law-rcna203447. 'Pope Francis Donated a Popemobile to Serve as a Mobile Health Unit for Gaza Children'. AP News, 5 May 2025, https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-popemobile-gaza-children-caritas-vatican-83fa693f8fe605e89960a810e08afaad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Popemobile of Peace: Pope Francis' Final Gift to Gaza - Vatican News. 4 May 2025, https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-05/the-popemobile-of-peace-pope-francis-final-gift-to-gaza.html. 'Who We Are'. Caritas, https://www.caritas.org/who-we-are/. Accessed 6 May 2025. Related video: Buckhannons 83rd Strawberry Festival honors first responders FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY) Vendors and other local merchants were battling against strong gusts during Fairmonts first Home Town Market in 2025 Saturday afternoon, but that didnt keep people away from enjoying the live music and otherwise pleasant temperatures. Organized by Main Street Fairmont, the Home Town Market series in downtown Fairmont features dozens of local vendors and food options, many of which had to resort to holding down their tents or awnings to prevent them from being blown away entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the weather posed challenges to some vendors on Saturday, Executive Director of Mainstreet Fairmont, Alex Petry, said the markets are a great way to bring more attention to local and downtown businesses. They need supported right now, our small businesses need supported, and this is a celebration of everything thats awesome about downtown, Petry said. The Fridley Boys performing at the Hometown Market in downtown Fairmont, May 17, 2025 (WBOY image) Each Hometown Market this summer will have a different theme, with May 17s theme being Music On Monroe. Live music was provided during the event by The Fridley Boys and Weary Space Wanderer. Alleged groundhog abuse being investigated in West Virginia Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Future Hometown Markets will be held on the third Saturday of every month through September: June 21 Pride Block Party (in Partnership with Fairmont Pride) July 19 Annual Friendly City Car Show Aug. 16 The Annual Tomato Festival Sept. 20 The End of SummerBash! If youd like to sign up to be a vendor at future Hometown Markets, you can find signup details on the Main Street Fairmont website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. One person was killed and several buildings were severely damaged in Palm Springs, Calif., when an explosion occurred at about 11 a.m. local time on Saturday, May 17 The explosion originated from a vehicle parked outside a local fertility clinic, per authorities A suspect has not yet been identified, though authorities said the intentional act of violence appears to be isolated One person was killed and several buildings were severely damaged in an explosion outside a fertility clinic in California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The blast appears to be an intentional act of violence and the blast extends for blocks with several buildings damaged, some severely, the Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) said in a press release shared on Facebook several hours after the incident on Saturday, May 17. Police also said the blast originated from a vehicle explosion at 1199 N. Canyon which is the address of the American Reproductive Centers (ARC), a facility that performs services including IVF and egg freezing, according to its website. Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Authorities stand near the site of an explosion outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, Calif., on May 17, 2025 Authorities stand near the site of an explosion outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, Calif., on May 17, 2025 The PSPD said in the release that local authorities are currently working closely with the FBI to determine next steps in the investigation, and that the identity of the single fatality is not yet known. The incident appears to be isolated, police added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PEOPLE reached out to the Palm Springs Police Department for comment May 17 but did not receive an immediate response. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The New York Times reported that the explosion occurred at about 11 a.m. local time, less than a mile from the citys downtown area. The windows of a number of local businesses were blown out entirely, per the outlet. I was just in my shop waiting for clients, and all of a sudden it felt like a big explosion, Claudio Chavez, who works at a nearby upholstery store, told the Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It took out our window. I just saw a bunch of smoke, he added. Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Authorities and emergency vehicles near the site of an explosion in Palm Springs, Calif., on May 17, 2025 Authorities and emergency vehicles near the site of an explosion in Palm Springs, Calif., on May 17, 2025 Scott Pastorius, who was four blocks away in his vacation home at the time of the explosion, told the outlet that he initially thought it was an earthquake, but then realized it was too intense. The whole house rattled, and then the glass in the door I saw flexing," he said. In a statement on X, California Governor Gavin Newsom shared that he had been briefed on the incident and said that he and his wife are keeping everyone affected in our hearts. The state is working closely with local and federal authorities as the investigation unfolds. Please avoid the area, the politician added. Ive been briefed on the explosion near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. Jen and I are keeping everyone affected in our hearts. The state is working closely with local and federal authorities as the investigation unfolds. Please avoid the area. Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) May 17, 2025 The ARC released a statement about the incident on its Facebook page on May 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This morning, an unexpected and tragic incident occurred outside our Palm Springs facility when a vehicle exploded in the parking lot near our building. We are heartbroken to learn that this event claimed a life and caused injuries, and our deepest condolences go out to the individuals and families affected," the statement said. "ARC will be fully operational on Monday morning, and our team is here to answer any concerns you may have. We appreciate the incredible support from our patients and local community, as well as the swift action of Palm Springs Police, Fire, and emergency responders. This moment has shaken us but it has not stopped us. We will continue to serve with strength, love, and the hope that brings new life into the world," the organization added. A suspect has not been identified at this time, per authorities. Read the original article on People A car explosion that the FBI is calling an intentional act of terrorism left one person dead, others injured and caused extensive damage to a nearby reproductive health facility in Palm Springs on Saturday. The facility targeted in this alleged attack is the American Reproductive Centers (ARC), a fertility clinic and in vitro fertilization (IVF) lab. Thankfully, ARC said in a statement that all eggs, embryos and other materials remained intact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The clinic issued a statement on social media that called the incident unexpected and tragic, and, although the office portion of the center was damaged, ARC confirmed that no members of the team were harmed. Doctor Maher Abdallah of ARC said the companys mission is to help build families, including members of the LGBTQ community, which has since sparked questions about a possible motive behind this act. KTLAs Chris Wolfe spoke with a retired Marine Corps intelligence officer, now terrorism expert, Hal Kempfer, who said this investigation must consider every possible motive. There are violent extremists out there who have very strong views about IVF and surrogacy, which is something that they do at that clinic, said Kempfer. And that particular reproductive clinic is in the Palm Springs area, and Palm Springs is known as a center for LGBTQ residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kempfer added that oftentimes, terrorist groups or movements have a list of targets. One witness told KTLA that after the explosion, he found a smartphone set up on a tripod pointing at where the bomb went off. I didnt touch it, said witness Rhino Williams. I didnt notice that the screen was on, I just thought it was really strange. The car exploded around 11 a.m. Saturday, outside the fertility clinic at 1199 North Indian Canyon Drive. Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism, said Akil Davis, assistant director for the Los Angeles FBI field office. As the investigation unfolds, we will determine whether this was international or domestic terrorism. Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) A car explosion outside a reproductive health facility in Palm Springs left one person dead late Saturday, May 17, 2025. (FB/American Reproductive Centers-Palm Springs) Firefighters responded to a report of an explosion at a reproductive health facility in Palm Springs on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Credit: Luis Roman via Storyful) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Firefighters responded to a report of an explosion at a reproductive health facility in Palm Springs on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Credit: Luis Roman via Storyful) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Firefighters responded to a report of an explosion at a reproductive health facility in Palm Springs on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Credit: Luis Roman via Storyful) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Davis said that this is one of the largest bombing investigations that theyve had in Southern California. Its on scale of the Aliso Viejo bombing in Orange County, Davis added, referring to a mans intentional 2018 bombing at a spa that killed his ex-girlfriend and landed him life in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Saturday evening, details remained limited regarding any motive or suspect description. We have a person of interest in this investigation, but we are not actively out searching for a suspect, said Davis. In addition, officials said the person who was killed was near the car, and that they are working to identify their remains. This explosion was significant, covering several blocks north, south, east and west, said Davis. Roads are closed as there is a wide debris field of over 250 yards. Witnesses reported seeing body parts and car parts scattered across the area. Chief Andrew Mills of the Palm Springs Police Department emphasized the importance of attention to detail in this investigation, urging any nearby residents to provide any and all relevant information they have to law enforcement officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If they find pieces of evidence in their yards, homes, side of their homes, please leave it there where it is, give us a call to a non-emergency number and we will do what we can to come get it as quickly as possible, said Mills. Davis said bomb technicians and terrorism investigators are on the scene, and will remain there for a significant amount of time. In addition, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi weighed in, writing a social media post that said, Federal agents are on the ground now responding alongside local law enforcement. We are working to learn more, but let me be clear: the Trump administration understands that women and mothers are the heartbeat of America. Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. UPDATE: Statement from Mayor Paul Young MPD has always collaborated with federal agencies on addressing violent crime, and were encouraged by any effort that brings more resources to Memphis. We look forward to learning more from our federal law enforcement partners. Locally, were already seeing results. Through our recent Fugitive Task Force and other strategic operations, weve taken fugitives off the streets and disrupted gang activity across the city. With stronger collaboration and steady local leadership, well keep pushing forward to make every Memphis neighborhood safer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MEMPHIS, Tenn. During an appearance on a Sunday morning show, the Director of the FBI called Memphis the Homicide Capital of America. I didnt know this until my confirmation process, but Memphis, Tennessee, is the homicide capital of America per capita didnt know that, we have a problem there, Kash Patel told Fox News. Were now addressing it. Were rolling out one of our task forces to Tennessee. FBI Director Kash Patel Senator Brent Taylor responded to Patels claims on social media and said that hes happy to see Patel and the FBI take Memphis crime surge seriously. 3 killed in separate overnight shootings in Memphis Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With unwavering resolve, Im fighting to #MakeMemphisMatter, showcasing our citys potential to my Senate colleagues, said Taylor. With the Trump Administrations support, were poised to tackle crime head-on, proving Memphis is a vibrant community worthy of investment and a brighter future. Taylor said hes sometimes felt like the only one trying to raise awareness of the crime epidemic by calling out judges and the Shelby County DA for being soft on crime. He said it is time for the FBI to step in and help. Finally, maybe the grown-ups will show up here and start making arrests and prosecutions at the federal level that we dont seem to be doing at the state level. So, at this point, we dont know how theyll be involved, Taylor said. This comes nearly a month after Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis called youth gun violence a catastrophic situation. At the time, the police department had responded to 28 homicides in 25 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taylor said the city is sliding into chaos, and its beyond local officials ability to stop that slide. Last week, I had a meeting with the governors office and talking about some initiatives that I think will help add ranks to the Memphis Police Department, and also in terms of perhaps a Crown consultant for, the state of Tennessee that would, make recommendations back to the state about what policies, laws that need to be changed and make those recommendations to us, stated Taylor. Sen. Taylor said its possible the FBI will reopen a field office in Memphis that moved to Nashville last year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. May 18BELEN Kneeling among rows of dead marijuana plants, Pamela Craddock shared a grim look with her husband. They decided this year to let their plants die and call it quits after years of trying to make a living in the industry. The issue? Water rights. The Craddocks entered the cannabis industry as soon as the state legalized it recreationally in 2021, and with zero debt. They are leaving it with $40,000 in loans, opting to abandon the practice rather than scrounging around for thousands of more dollars at the least to buy water rights for the farm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A recent policy shift made by state cannabis regulators, an effort to prevent illegal water practices, is largely barring growers from using water hauling as a primary water source for the farms. Many smaller, rural operators that have hauled water for years are left in tough spots, either unable to afford expensive water rights or unable to secure the rights due to location. Water rights have a long and complicated history in New Mexico, dating back centuries to traditional water practices and conflicts among Indigenous and Spanish communities. Fast forward to the present, and New Mexico is locked in a yearslong legal battle with neighboring states Colorado and Texas over Rio Grande water. It's also a time when the Southwest faces pressure to use water more efficiently in agriculture amid water scarcity. Nearly all of New Mexico is abnormally dry, including 40% of the state sitting with extreme drought, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System. The policy change Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in 2021 convened a special session to legalize recreational cannabis usage. A lengthy set of rules followed, including the creation of the Cannabis Control Division, or CCD, within the state's Regulation and Licensing Department. The CCD was tasked with enforcing rules and regulations on cannabis farms, including their water usage. So the CCD turned to the Office of the State Engineer, which has authority over surface and groundwater, for advice, said John Romero, OSE water rights division director. Immediately, he said, OSE recommended against allowing water hauling transporting water from one location to another because of common illegal operations, like stealing water. "Water rights are complicated here in New Mexico," he said. "Some people think just because they own land and a river passes by or a ditch or an acequia, that they automatically have water rights." But CCD allowed the practice, and operations began rolling in 2022. The CCD declined an interview with the Journal. RLD spokesperson Andrea Brown provided a statement affirming the cannabis division's commitment to "striking a balance between responsible, compliant water use and ensuring that participation in the legal cannabis industry remains accessible and equitable." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, Romero said, the CCD and OSE discovered that companies weren't using appropriate water sources, pushing the two agencies to collaborate on changing water policies. The joint effort resulted in prohibiting water hauling, save for operators working with long-term partners like municipalities, and requiring water rights instead. But water rights can cost thousands of dollars an acre-foot, depending on factors like location and water type, according to Romero. The state is also allowing growers to request a temporary exemption to the water-hauling ban while they search for new sources of water. "We're not just cutting them off because that's not right. We don't want to put people out of business," Romero said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, the CCD notified operators about the new rules, according to the division. So far, about 75 growers dependent on water hauling have approached the OSE, Romero said, though more could come in as renewal deadlines approach which happens on a rolling basis, depending on when farms started operating. Growing pains, or flipping the script? When Craddock found out a couple of months ago she needed to acquire water rights, she faced a tough decision: start planting now and look for water rights, or let her 200 marijuana plants die. But she couldn't afford water rights. Her half-acre farm is barren now. Only a few brittle stems remain upright, scattered among a growing dominance of invasive species that now blanket the once-thriving cannabis landscape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If we were able to have water this season, you would be standing in 200 little plants," said Craddock, who also works as a substitute teacher. The Craddocks have until August, when their license expires, to sell the 30 pounds of cannabis flower they have remaining. "It's sad. I love them," said Craddock, who hopes one day to return to the industry. "I have pictures of me when I'm first planting them, all barefoot with my feet in the ground and cleaning all the leaves off." Arin Goold, owner of Albuquerque cannabis shop Mama and the Girls and a farm in Estancia, believes many other smaller, rural farms' operations will also shutter. Goold herself is trying to sort out with the state if she's allowed to haul from Entranosa Water Association, which Romero said is acceptable because it's a long-term planning entity. The price tag of water rights alone will scare off farms, Goold said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It has massive, sweeping implications," she said. Three dozen miles east of the Arizona border sits another mom-and-pop cannabis grow, Mr. B's Frosty Flower, in Ramah. Like Goold, owner Matthew Brown obtained a yearlong variance to the water hauling rule while he searches for water rights. "This is my dream," he said. "And that's why all of this was so discouraging. It felt like I was going to lose my dream." He moved to New Mexico from Texas in 2017 with his wife solely to get into the cannabis industry, eagerly awaiting recreational legalization in the state so they could start in what he believed would be a fresh, non-saturated market. They bought a house, with room for a farm, on land tucked between three tribes the Navajo Nation, Acoma Pueblo and Zuni Pueblo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the legalization, Brown obtained a license and set up a farm with a rainwater catchment system that today holds about 11,000 gallons of water. Brown said he's never had to use any other water source. But OSE doesn't consider water catchment a primary water source, so the Browns have a contract signed with a water hauler to appease state regulations. Now, with water hauling no longer an option, Brown is working to find water rights, but the surrounding tribes are making it difficult to find any usable land. "If they (the state) weren't going to allow this, they should have just not given me a license to begin with, and we wouldn't have bothered with it," Brown said. "But to be three years in and flip the script on us a little bit, it was devastating." He added, "The funny thing is, we have to fight for this water we'll never use it." (NewsNation) Fertility clinics like the one targeted Saturday in a suspected car bomb explosion in Palm Springs, Calif. can face threats from groups that oppose in vitro fertilization (IVF), a former member of the CIA and FBI says. We hear a lot about abortion service providers being targeted, particularly by the Army of God, which is a domestic terrorism group, Tracy Walder, a NewsNation national security contributor, said. IVF clinics can also be a target as well for people that disagree with the process. IVF clinics fertilize eggs with sperm in a lab and implant the embryo in a mother who will carry the baby to term. Some churches, groups, and political conservatives oppose the process because human embryos can be destroyed, discarded, or held in storage indefinitely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person killed in explosion outside fertility clinic; police say act was intentional There are IVF clinics that have security, have cameras, those kinds of things because they are concerned about threats, said Walder, who has worked in the field of counterterrorism. Federal and local authorities were processing the scene of the California blast, which one police official said was intentional, and at least one person was dead. The operator of the clinic told The Associated Press there was damage to office space but that no employees were hurt. Jennifer Coffindaffer, a former FBI special agent, said attacks on clinics typically are the work of lone wolf operators, rather than networks. She noted unconfirmed reports that the person who died Saturday was the bomber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If true, Coffindaffer said, It tells me that he is so committed, or she, committed to their belief system and to sending a message that theyre willing to give their life for their message. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the act, saying in a statement, Let me be clear: the Trump administration understands that women and mothers are the heartbeat of America. Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable. President Trump, a Republican, supports IVF, saying its a way to help some families have children. 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 NewsNation. DENVER (KDVR) Fire prevention officials launched a new campaign in Colorado, raising awareness and warning of the dangers associated with a social media trend that has students across the state causing fires on school laptops. The Chromebook challenge social media trend involves videos showing students how to short-circuit laptops or puncture the lithium batteries, which causes the batterys temperature to rise uncontrollably, leading to a possible fire or explosion. It can also lead to toxic fumes being released. Students are deliberately short-circuiting school laptops as part of social media trend Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control announced a new campaign working with local schools and fire agencies to raise awareness about the safety issue. According to a release from the DFPC, more than 200 incidents of the challenge have been reported in Colorado schools in recent weeks. The incidents involve damaged laptops that experienced overheating, catching on fire or emitting smoke. We understand that trends spread quickly online, but some actionslike tampering with a laptops charging portcan lead to unexpected and harmful consequences, said Chris Brunette, DFPC Fire and Life Safety Section Chief. Even when theres no visible fire, damaged batteries can release gases and chemicals that pose a real risk to health and safety. These laptops were subject to a viral social media trend encouraging students to short-circuit the batteries. (Courtesy the Boulder Valley School District) As a result of the challenge, laptops often release substances like hydrogen fluoride or other acidic vapors, which the DFPC said are just as harmful and hazardous as the fires, possibly leading to symptoms including: headaches dizziness confusion loss of consciousness potential damage to liver, kidneys and central nervous system Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DFPC said schools should report laptop tampering incidents to fire departments and to the DFPC. The agency said that even if there are no flames present, smoke or chemical odors are a cause for concern and should be reported. The department has several resources on its website, including safety tips and response steps for fire departments, information resources for parents and caregivers, safety messaging and talking points for schools and a video teaching students about the dangers of damaging lithium-ion batteries. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Tears filled my eyes as Pope Leo XIV appeared on the balcony of St. Peters Basilica in Vatican City to greet the faithful who anxiously awaited his first appearance as pope. Even for a lapsed Catholic who differs with some of its doctrine and practice, its not easy leaving behind years of service as an altar boy and attendance at Catholic schools. It wasnt which direction church doctrine might travel that I found most appealing. It was hearing this first American pope speak of the need for compassion in our daily lives. It was his humble service to the poor and disadvantaged in rural Peru, such a polar opposite of the leadership of the American president, who seems fixated on maligning all migrants as criminals. One of his fellow Augustinian friars said that the bishops of Peru called Bishop Prevost the Saint of the North, beloved for his closeness to his people and his championing of social justice and environmental stewardship. Here in America, President Donald Trump attempts to silence calls for a sustainable future and reverses progress addressing climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Too few Americans understand the role the developed countries have played in exacerbating the climate changes that ruined the land so many of the poor in the Southern Hemisphere rely on for sustenance. Our release of carbon into the atmosphere from our automobiles and power plants over the years has aggravated an already serious climate impact on the poorer regions of the world. To add insult to injury, the U.S. rigged elections in South and Latin America to install dictatorial regimes, overriding democratically elected leaders committed to land reform and other changes in local economies that offered hope to those who preferred to live where they were born. The new popes work in South America gives him unique insight into how the global North must make good on the ecological debt it owes the South. Today, when migrants line up for entry to America, where they seek employment and a better life, a brutal and cruel border czar, Tom Homan, stands at the border terrorizing with ICE officials abusive tactics. It was President Barack Obama who first appointed Homan to border control because Obama understood the importance of a border policy that enforced immigration laws. Conversely, Homan attempted to separate children from their parents during the Obama administration but was denied. Trump, whose moral compass stalled years ago, initially approved such an inhumane policy and turned a blind eye to due process. Here is the antithesis of everything the United States government stands for today in the new popes own words: Together, we must try to find out how to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, dialogues, thats always open to receive like on this piazza with open arms to be able to receive everybody that needs our charity, our presence, dialogue and love. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His words of evangelism are a welcome relief to the vainglorious and vengeful words and actions of a most opposite narcissist now installed in the White House. Trumps goal is to incapacitate the government so it cannot serve those in need. Instead, he endorsed a budget resolution cutting $1 trillion from Medicaid and food assistance to pay for more tax breaks for his oligarch buddies. Even Republican conservatives like Sen. Josh Hawley recently opposed Medicaid cuts in a New York Times column. The new pope refers to the churchs missionary work as essential to the life of the church. For years, the work of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) could be considered missionary work, providing funding for food, medicine and clean water, and modeling democracy as an alternative to dictators and autocrats who consigned the poor to lives of misery. Trump and his evil twin, Elon Musk, canceled foreign aid programs of USAID, a stark contrast to Pope Leos life in service of the poor and his commitment to social justice for the marginalized. For those grasping for an ounce of hope for a return to a saner and more compassionate presidency, the new pope gives voice to those who oppose autocratic leaders like Trump. It didnt it take Pope Leo XIV long to weigh in on Russias war against Ukraine, calling for an authentic, just and lasting peace as soon as possible. May all the prisoners be freed and may the children return to their families. A decided contrast to Trump taking Putins side and berating Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky when he visited the Oval Office to seek U.S. aid for Ukraines defense against the warring Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much has been written about the divide in the Conclave of Cardinals between the conservatives and progressives more in tune with Pope Francis. Although it still has miles to go in my mind, Pope Francis moved the church in the direction of moderation as he supported civil union laws and allowed priests to bless same-sex couples. Francis appointment of Prevost as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops was brilliant, as it apparently added Prevost to a short list of cardinals likely to be considered for pope. First, Francis gave Prevost responsibility for selecting future bishops which raised his profile among his cardinal colleagues. Prevost also presided over one of the most revolutionary reforms of Franciss tenure when he added three women to the voting bloc that decides which bishop nominations to forward to the pope. Not surprisingly, American media celebrated the election of an American to the papacy like it has covered no previous pope. Leo XIV, a missionary priest from South America who was born and raised in Chicago, speaks for many of us who yearn for a good Samaritan to rescue us from the politics of spite and rancor. Its a sign of hope that the Catholic Church will continue its moderation in all things ecclesiastical and will call attention to poverty across the globe, often caused by centuries of settler colonization, which only the developed world that caused it can ameliorate. Perhaps the cardinals knew it was America, once the leader of the free world and now led by this America-first president, that was most in need of a model of our better angels. Bob Kustra served as president of Boise State University from 2003 to 2018. He is host of Readers Corner on Boise State Public Radio, a regular columnist for the Idaho Statesman, and a contributing columnist to the Chicago Tribune. He served two terms as Illinois lieutenant governor and 10 years as a state legislator. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered flags to fly at half-staff in honor of a Cuyahoga County fire cadet who lost their life. DeWine issued the order Saturday, one day after Cleveland Fire Cadet Symeon Williams, 39, died from a medical emergency during fitness training on Friday afternoon, according to WCMHs sister station WJW. Starting Sunday, the half-staff order is in effect for the Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center, and Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus and all public buildings and grounds in Cuyahoga County. The order will stay in effect until sunset on the day of Williams funeral. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other public buildings and grounds across the state may fly flags at half-staff at their discretion. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. CLEVELAND (WJW) Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has ordered that U.S. and Ohio flags be flown at half-staff in honor of the life and service of Cleveland Fire Cadet Symeon Williams. Williams, 39, experienced a medical emergency during fitness training on Friday afternoon, according to Cleveland city officials. New York Fire Department responding to injuries after ship collides with Brooklyn Bridge According to information given to the FOX 8 I-Team, Cleveland Fire and EMS provided immediate medical care before Williams was rushed to the hospital, but city officials confirmed he has passed away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saturday, DeWine announced that flags will be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Cuyahoga County and at the Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center, and Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus. The order will remain in effect until sunset on the day of Williams funeral, according to DeWines office. Wayne Dawson shares update on cancer journey Williams entered the Fire Academy on April 14. He previously worked for Cleveland EMS from 2008-2011, Port Control from 2014-2023, and Sanitation from 2024 until he entered the academy, according to a news release from the Cleveland Division of Fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funeral arrangements have not been released. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Flagstaff police arrested a man accused of recklessly starting fires as firefighters worked to contain wildfires in other parts of the state. Emergency personnel responded to a small wildland fire near the northbound off-ramp of Interstate 17 at JW Powell Boulevard near the Pulliam Airport exit around 11:20 a.m., May 15, said Sgt. Jerry Rintala, a Flagstaff police spokesperson. Rintala said fire personnel learned the fire had started near the street across from a gas station, where witnesses reported a man, identified as Raymond Glover Jr. He was the only person present when the fire first began to spread, Rintala confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses reported seeing Glover watch the fire for several minutes before entering the gas station's convenience store to purchase food. Glover went outside to continue watching the fire and told a witness that he had started it. However, Rintala said, Glover later told police that he had been drinking and made the admission as a joke. Officers found evidence linking Glover to two additional fires as well one at 9 p.m. May 14 behind a Red Lobster, located near I-17 and McConnell Drive, and another started at 4 a.m. May 15 near the southbound off-ramp of I-17 at JW Powell Boulevard, Rintala said. Glover was in police custody and faced charges related to reckless burning as of May 16. It was not immediately clear when his next court date would be. "Wildland fires can escalate quickly and threaten public safety, property, and natural resources," Rintala said, reminding the public about the extreme fire danger in northern Arizona, particularly during dry and windy conditions. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Flagstaff man arrested in connection with starting 3 wildland fires CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) A plane that departed Charleston International Airport Sunday had to return to the runway after experiencing a mechanical issue, airport officials confirmed. American Airlines flight 2144, departing for Miami, Florida, returned to CHS shortly after its initial departure. Airline officials said the flight landed safely and returned to the gate under its own power. After returning, the plane was taken out of service to be inspected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our team is working hard to get customers on their way to their final destination, American Airlines said. We never want to disrupt our customers travel plans, and we apologize for the inconvenience. The aircraft was an Airbus A319 carrying 127 passengers and five crew members. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Two wealthy political figures think theyve identified the formula to end a three-decade streak of Republican victories in elections for governor, and give Florida something different. The ex-Democrats Jason Pizzo, a South Florida state senator, and John Morgan, the prominent Central Florida personal injury lawyer are advocating a new approach: a candidate who isnt tied to Democratic dogma or Republican orthodoxy who can harness the growing number of independent voters and win the governors office in 2026 by running as a no-party independent or as the leader of a new third party. Each believes he is the best person to lead that effort and win the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many Democrats are concerned that a Morgan or Pizzo candidacy would imperil whatever small chance their party might otherwise have in next years governors race. Republicans privately welcome the prospect of extra candidates who could siphon votes away from the eventual Democratic nominee. Several independent analysts say Democratic worries and Republican glee is justified. Pizzo, who represents eastern Broward and northeast Miami-Dade County, says hell run as a no-party affiliation candidate for governor. He declared his intentions in an interview that aired May 11 on WFOR-Ch. 4, less than three weeks after he dramatically declared in a speech on the floor of the Florida Senate that the Democratic Party was dead, resigned as the Senate Democratic leader, and changed his voter registration to no party affiliation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morgan, speaking Wednesday to the Capital Tiger Bay Club in Tallahassee, touted the idea of a third-party candidacy. Morgan, who left the Democratic Party in 2017, has been floating himself as a possible third-party candidate for months. He said hed soon launch a contest to name the party, and promised the winner would receive a cash prize. Premise Florida always has third party or no party candidates on the ballot for governor, most of whom are ignored, get around 0.3% of the vote, and are promptly forgotten. The theory for an independent or third-party candidacy in 2026 is that with Republicans making up 40.0% of the states registered voters and Democrats making up 31.1%, theres an enormous group three in every 10 registered voters who arent aligned with either party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its those voters supposedly in the middle and looking for solutions to problems and not enamored of the ideology of either side who, the thinking goes, have the power to determine the outcome of elections. NPAs decide who wins elections in this state, Pizzo said on the WFOR-Ch. 4 Facing South Florida program. NPA is the acronym for no party affiliation voters, widely known as independents. Pizzo didnt respond to interview requests. Morgan offered a similar, though slightly different assessment on Wednesday in his speech and later to reporters. Running as an independent isnt good enough, he said, arguing that people want to rally around a team for all of us stuck in the middle. Prospects As appealing as the premise may sound to some, a range of political analysts and strategists said its exceedingly unlikely that a no party candidate or someone running under the banner of a new, as-yet-unnamed party could win. Not impossible, but its highly unlikely, said Sean Phillippi, a Democratic strategist who has worked for many political campaigns, in South Florida and statewide. I would say less than 1% chance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The main reason, Phillippi and others said, is that while there is a large share of people who arent registered in a political party, that doesnt mean they are truly independent in the way most people think of the term. And it doesnt mean that theyre moderate/centrist/middle-of-the-road voters who are looking for a moderate/centrist candidate. Most voters registered to vote with no party affiliation are really people who align with, and overwhelmingly vote for, one party or another. They dont really switch back and forth and arent really up for grabs. Thats the assessment shared by Phillippi; Steve Schale, the Democratic strategist who ran the Florida campaigns for his partys two most recent big wins, by Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012; Kevin Wagner, a political science professor at Florida Atlantic University; and others. Wagner said that many NPA voters are actually partisan voters, they just dont identify or register as a member of a party. Phillippi termed them closet partisans. Schale estimated 75% or more are strongly partisan, aligned with either the Democrats or Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many people dont want to have a party label attached to their names in public records. Others are conservative, and think the Republican Party isnt conservative enough, or are liberal and think the Democratic Party isnt liberal enough. And some dont care enough about politics to pick a party, said Susan MacManus, a professor emerita of political science at the University of South Florida. And although their numbers look large on paper, their theoretical impact as a voting bloc is diluted because NPA voters turn out at a lower rate than people who are registered in one of the two big parties, Phillippi said. NPA, third party? Several terms can apply to non-Democrats or non-Republicans. In Florida, someone doesnt want to register to vote in a political party can sign up as no party affiliation, or NPA. Many people use no party affiliation or NPA synonymously with independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida also has an actual Independent Party. Elections supervisors have said that some voters, confused by the name and considering themselves independent, inadvertently register in that party when their actual intention would be to register as NPA. As of April 30, 25.8% of Floridas registered voters are NPA. Florida also has many minor parties often referred to as third parties even though there are currently 15 of them. About 2% of the states voters are registered with the Independent Party. Another 1.1% are divided among the Conservative, Constitution, Ecology, Green, Libertarian and Reform and eight other parties. Spoiler A widely shared assessment is that Morgan or Pizzo would act as a spoiler, dividing the votes of people who want something different from what theyve had since 1998 when Republicans began their unbroken streak of governors race wins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It can work, but in most cases it just ends up splitting the opposition vote, Wagner said. In most cases third-party candidates are more likely to be a spoiler than to be successful. Broward County Commissioner Steve Geller and Palm Beach County Commissioner Maria Sachs, both Democrats and former members of the Florida House and Senate, said they hope Pizzo and Morgan ultimately dont run. If one of them is on the ballot, then it will split our party and a Republican will walk in, Sachs said. An independent candidate with money would certainly hurt the Democrats I do not think that an independent party or no political affiliation (candidate) can win any seat in this state. David Jolly is a former Tampa Bay Republican congressman who became an NPA voter in 2018. He registered as a Democrat in April as he readies for an all-but-certain candidacy for his new partys nomination for governor. He is direct about the impact of an independent candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres not a winning, viable path for an NPA, Jolly said in a recent interview. An NPA in 2026 in the governors race hands Tallahassee to Byron Donalds or Casey DeSantis. Thats it. Theres no other outcome. Donalds, a Republican congressman, is already running. DeSantis, the wife of Gov. Ron DeSantis, hasnt yet said if shell seek the Republican nomination. Term limits prohibit Ron DeSantis from running again. Pizzo bristled at the idea that hed be a spoiler. If they think that Im a spoiler, then theyre concerned about the merit of their own message and the strength of their own message or policy or whatever it is. But really the reality is that there are a lot of really, really excited people and groups about my position. I hear it every single day in droves, Pizzo told WFOR-Ch. 4. A math problem Schale, who said he is proud to be a Democrat, said hes intrigued by Morgans efforts and is sympathetic to the desire by some people to have an alternative, centrist party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he doesnt think the numbers work. I think its a math problem. Thats why third-party candidacies over 200 years have largely failed, Schale said. Republicans start out with a big advantage in Florida, thanks to their big lead among registered voters 1.25 million ahead of the Democrats as of April 30 and their tendency to vote for their partys nominee. Only if enough Republicans and enough Democrats break from their parties, could independent voters put a candidate over the top. Im skeptical, Schale said. He likened it to getting Jacksonville Jaguars fans to support the Tennessee Titans, or University of Florida fans to support the University of Miami. It would still be exceedingly difficult because, he said, even a candidate promoting themselves as a moderate centrist would likely take positions that would alienate some voters. If, for example, a candidate supports abortion rights, that would turn off some anti-abortion NPA voters, Schale said. Schale said a win would likely require one of the two major parties to implode politically. You would probably need one of the two party nominees to almost not exist. History suggests it wont happen. Florida has elected only Democrats and Republicans as governor or to the U.S. Senate for more than 100 years. Phillippi said the notion of an independent candidate capturing enough votes for a victory was more plausible as recently as 15 or 20 years ago. Even then, in the three-way contest for U.S. Senate in 2010 between Republican Marco Rubio, NPA Charlie Crist and Democrat Kendrick Meek, it didnt happen. Crist was the sitting Republican governor, but broke away when it became obvious he wouldnt win the partys primary for U.S. Senate. Rubio won with Crist finishing second. Today, Phillippi and Wagner said, political polarization is so extensive that people are much more likely to stick with their party. MacManus agreed that the consensus among most people involved in politics is that an independent or minor party candidate would lose and doom the Democrats chances, but shes not completely convinced. Independents are an increasingly important bloc of voters, she said. More people, especially young voters, are turning their backs on political parties, creating a potential path. Schale too said its not completely impossible, though unlikely We live in these unprecedented times, he said. The worlds kind of a mess right now and voters are frustrated. Morgan, Pizzo A major challenge for Pizzo is that, even though his name is known in political circles, hes not a familiar name to many people beyond that realm. Representing one of 40 state Senate districts is far different from getting known in a large state with 10 media markets. Morgan said in Tallahassee he didnt think Pizzo had the name recognition to win. Morgan is far better known than Pizzo. His face is ubiquitous on TV ads and billboards promoting his law firm and its For the People slogan. Best known as a personal injury lawyer, he also has political experience. He was the driving force behind referendums that increased the minimum wage in Florida and legalized medical marijuana. Morgan and Pizzo are both wealthy, and have the resources to put millions of dollars of their own money into campaigns. It would take lots of money and time to develop a campaign infrastructure that can turn out voters, or at least attempt to do so. Republicans Republicans are using the Morgan and Pizzo moves to highlight state Democrats political difficulties. And, with Morgan planning the contest to come up with a name for his new party, the Republicans offered up some of their own suggestions such as United Ambulance Chasers party to reflect Morgans occupation and launched its own online form for people to submit ideas. Power said later via text that Morgans and Pizzos quests are doomed and show the Democratic Party is incapable of winning elections. Their idea of third-party runs are just further proof that the Florida Democratic Party is dead. Both Pizzo and Morgan are radical liberals, just slapping a new label on themselves wont fix their flawed views, Power said. A third-party candidate has zero chance of winning, just ask Charlie Crist. State wildlife officials next week will hear a proposal to create an annual limited-entry black bear hunt, with a December hunting period the first in more than a decade. A summary of the proposal was posted online Wednesday in advance of a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission meeting next week at the College of Central Florida in Ocala. Managing (bear) population growth is important to balance species numbers with suitable habitat and maintain a healthy population, according to the summary by Hunting and Game Management Director Morgan Richardson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal would allow the first hunt since October 2015 to run from the first Saturday in December through the last Sunday in December, with future hunts held each year between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31. In 2015, 304 bears were killed in two days after permits were distributed to anyone who paid. The new proposal includes issuing permits through a random draw. The number of permits would be based on factors such as female bear survival and mortality data that would include prior year hunting success rates. Hunting would be allowed within what are known as bear management units that have at least 200 bears. Bear hunting has long been a controversial issue in Florida. Supporters say, in part, a hunt could help better manage bear populations as the animals interact with humans. They also point to a voter-approved ballot measure in November that enshrined hunting and fishing rights in the state Constitution. Opponents have argued that hunting doesnt reduce human-bear interactions and say the state should use non-lethal options to address bear populations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They say unsecured trash continues to be a lure for bears on residential and commercial properties. The commission on Friday confirmed an 89-year old Collier County man was the first recorded fatal victim of a bear attack in Florida. The state has recorded 42 incidents since the 1970s of wild bears making physical contact with people. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Spring was in bloom Sunday as shoppers flocked to Detroit's Eastern Market to get the best deals on hibiscus, petunias, tulips and daisies as the annual Flower Day returned to the Motor City. The market, filled with the aroma of food from dozens of vendors, drew thousands of customers as they pulled wagons filled with children, flowers and plants to find the next best deal. "Our most popular flower today has been the geranium (Crane's-bill), it seems like that has been going the fastest," said Missy Christiansen of DC Farms & Greenhouse, a flower shop based out of Columbus Township in St. Clair County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As shoppers lined up to look at the bright colorful flowers, elephant ears, ice-cold lemonade, hot dogs and french fries, among other food items, were available for purchase from vendors. Temperatures stayed around 65 degrees for most of the day. Flowers at the Eastern Market on May 18, 2025. "It's a lot of fun being down here. We have about 13 stalls, so we're all throughout the market", said Christiansen. Additionally, vendors selling jewelry, clothing, purses, lanyards and more filled the crosswalk outside of each shed. For metro Detroiters who missed Flower Day, there are still two Flower Tuesdays left this month, May 20th and 27th. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To learn more, visit easternmarket.org/events/flower-day-2025/ Customers filled the Eastern Market to find the best deal on flowers on May 18, 2025. How many species of flowers are in Michigan? Species of flowers in Michigan counties range from 1300-1700, according to the University of Michigan. Variables, including climate and habitat diversity, influence the the type of flower that grows in individual counties. Michigan's native wildflowers include ironweed, several varieties of aster, wild columbine, swamp milkweed and marsh blazing star, Visit Detroit says. What is the state flower? The sweet crabapple was designated as the state flower in 1987, according to the state's website. Sponsors said the flower, native to Michigan was one of the most fragrant and beautiful flowered species of apple. The flower of a crabapple tree is bathed in sunlight April 22, 2025 in Iowa City, Iowa. A member of the rose family, the crabapple tree ranges from 15 to 30 feet tall when fully grown. Winter buds have reddish scales and when fully bloomed in the summer, the tree produces smooth light pink and white petals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tree also produces apples that turn yellow when ripened, according to the Glen Arboretum. What is the state wildflower? Iris lacustris, also known as the dwarf lake iris was designated as the state flower in 1998, the state website says. Also native to Michigan, the endangered flower grows alongside the northern shores of Lake Michigan and Huron. A high concentration of dwarf lake iris, a federally threatened plant species found in the Upper Great Lakes including Door County, is seen here on a 13-acre property now protected by the Door County Land Trust through a conservation easement with the property's landowners. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, botanist Thomas Nuttall discovered Dwarf lake iris in 1810 on Mackinac Island. Most dwarf lake iris flowers are blue, but some vary from pale to dark lilac shades. Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Flower Day in Detroit fills the Eastern Market with colors, carnival food smell. TYLER, Texas (KETK) In this edition of East Texas In Focus, KETKs Nolan Hoffman spoke with the Chief of the Longview Police Department, Anthony Boone about his plans for the future of policing in the city. IN FOCUS: Following the legacy of Pope Francis Boone earned his bachelors degree in criminal justice from UT Tyler in 2000 and started working with Longview PD in 2001. Hes worked on three patrol shifts, the tactical team, the bicycle team and as a field training officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was promoted to assistant chief in 2015 before earning his masters degree from Tarleton State University in 2019. Boone worked with his predecessor for several years and was then named chief of police in 2022. You get hired in your early 20s to be a police officer, and its about going out and doing patrol work and answering the calls for service and making traffic contacts and so forth. And then as you develop in your career, you realize theres a business side to anything, even in the municipal world. So theres staffing, theres HR stuff to be had, theres training that needs to occur, theres budgets that you have to operate within, cars you have to buy, gas that needs to be in the cars. So, definitely my role has expanded over the almost quarter century at the city of Longview. One major challenge the department recently faced was moving into their new headquarters 17 months ago without interrupting their service. I definitely think that the move from across the street to here was one of our largest challenges. It was everything that goes into construction and then getting all the finishing touches on to a building beyond just the brick and mortar, making sure everything technologically works and does what its supposed to, Boone said. Then you have to worry about evidence operations, how you get everything over there, you keep integrity and everything in the process of the move. and so that was, quite a bit of logistics went into to making that move. I think for the most part, its gone over very well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Boone, their new office helps Longview PD fulfill his mantra of Providing Professional Policing which is how he wants his staff to work with the community. I like providing professional policing because its very simple and we apply it to everything that we do. To me, it is our brand. and it doesnt matter what happens in the rest of the world, but I want our citizens to know that when they call Longview Police Department, theyre expecting their professional officer to show up, thats going to help them with their with their situation, Boone said. I tell every new officer that comes on board, really, new officer, new professional employee, new dispatcher that its really about the brand and this patch is our brand, this badge is our brand. And I want them to to protect that and not let it get tarnished. To me, when youre taking care of the brand and doing the right thing for the right reasons, in the process of that, youre taking care of your community and youre providing them the services that they deserve. Part of this approach is what Boone called a sort of customer survey that some community members will get to give feedback to the department on how their officers did on calls. The SPIDR Tech system will display the officers name and how well they responded to surveyed calls. It means so much to us. Not only do we track it as administrators, but we actually even put free space where people can add some additional comments besides just the scoring. We actually publicize those scores internally. So we have a couple monitors throughout the building that are constantly showing that feedback that our public has given us and it even has the officers name, Boone said. The overwhelming majority of that is very positive and its great for an officer to see his or her name up there and saying, hey this is what this is and after I left, this is what they thought about the service I provided.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking ahead toward the future, Boone said the city is fortunate to have crime rates that are trending down. We are very fortunate right now to be on a trend where our homicides are reduced. In fact, really, our crime overall is reduced. I would like to think Its a lot of the efforts that were, were trying to do right now. but again, Im not going to sit here and take take credit for everything thats occurring, Boone said. Going back to our intel division, going back to our push for traffic enforcement, I think when you put all of this together, thats when I think you start to see some advantages to crime situations going on in the community. To hear the first half of Nolans interview with Boone, watch the video above. In a future episode of East Texas In Focus, East Texans will get to hear the rest of Nolan and Boones conversation which covered issues like homelessness. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Bridget Brink, the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, is speaking out about why she left her post last month. "I resigned from Ukraine and also from the Foreign Service, because the policy since the beginning of the administration was to put pressure on the victim Ukraine, rather than on the aggressor, Russia," Brink told host Margaret Brennan on Sunday on CBS' "Face the Nation." "I fully agree that the war needs to end, but I believe that peace at any price is not peace at all. It's appeasement and, as we know from history, appeasement only leads to more war." Brink spent three years in Ukraine after attaining unanimous Senate confirmation under former President Joe Biden in May 2022, shortly after Russia began its invasion. In an op-ed for the Detroit Free Press published last Friday, she wrote that she couldn't in good faith adhere to the diplomatic instructions coming out of the new Trump White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has made ending the war in Ukraine one of the central parts of his foreign policy prospectus. But for the first few months of his time at the White House, he often directed his ire at Kyiv, rather than Russian President Vladimir Putin. "It has to be a peace that does things that advance our own interests, and those are really simple," Brink told Brennan. "It's how to keep Ukraine free, how to deter Russia, and how to send the right signal to China. And this is what we should be doing." For Brink, the first sign was Trump's combative Oval Office press conference with Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which Trump and Vance attacked Zelenskyy for being ungrateful and then kicked him out of the White House. Zelenskyy was "not ready for peace," Trump said in a post on Truth Social, his social media platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brink's public turn comes with Trump scheduled to speak with Putin on the phone Monday. The president has grown increasingly frustrated with Moscow as he pushes for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire between the two countries. Trump in April acknowledged Putin could be "tapping me along" and may not want to stop the war in Ukraine. At least some Republicans in Congress, meanwhile, are aching to impose new sanctions on Russia. "We've seen the devastation that happens when we appease aggressors, and we do not want to do that again," Brink said. "So my strong advice in terms of how to deal with Putin and Russia is not to give a single meeting or concession or legitimacy until Putin agrees to an unconditional ceasefire that's verifiable and moves forward toward a just and lasting peace." Biden's office disclosed his condition on Sunday after a "small nodule" was discovered on his prostate last week while at a hospital in Philadelphia. "While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management," a statement from his office said. Former President Joe Biden has an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bone, according to a statement from his office on Sunday. The disclosure came after a "small nodule" was discovered on his prostate last week while at a hospital in Philadelphia after experiencing increased urinary symptoms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone, his office said Sunday. Gleason scores measure prostate cancers on a scale of 1 to 10, indicating Biden's is close to being the most aggressive. While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management, the statement added. "The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians. Biden, 82, left office as the oldest serving president in American history. In February 2024, Biden's doctor said there were "no new concerns" after a physical at Walter Reed National Military Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He recently began speaking out against President Donald Trump's stance on Ukraine as well as his talk of taking over Greenland, Canada and the Panama Canal. But the release of the book Original Sin has reignited questions about his Biden's cognitive decline and decision to run for re-election. In addition, the recent release of audio from Biden's 2023 interview for a special counsel probe on his handling of classified documents raised fresh concerns. Biden eventually stepped aside last summer after a disastrous debate performance and endorsed then-Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During an appearance on ABC's The View earlier this month disputed claims about his cognitive decline in his last year as president, saying "They are wrong. There is nothing to sustain that." This story was originally featured on Fortune.com (WHTM) Former President Joe Biden is battling prostate cancer, his personal office announced Sunday. In a statement, his office said the Democrat was diagnosed with prostate cancer Friday. The cancer has a Gleason score of 9 with metastasis to the bone, his office said. Biden diagnosed with prostate cancer: What is it? While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management, the statement reads. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A regular medical exam revealed a small nodule on Bidens prostate earlier this month, Nexstars The Hill previously reported. The finding necessitated further evaluation, a spokesperson told affiliate NewsNation. The health of Biden, 82, was a dominant concern among voters during his time as president. After a calamitous debate performance in June while seeking reelection, Biden abandoned his bid for a second term. Then-Vice President Kamala Harris became the nominee and lost to Republican Donald Trump, who returned to the White House after a four-year hiatus. Governor Josh Shapiro said he and his wife are praying for Biden and his family. May they find strength and hope in one another, and be lifted up by the thoughts and prayers of Americans across the country who are thinking of them right now, Shapiro said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania U.S. Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick both released statements on social media. Joe has been a fighter his whole life, Fetterman said. He will prevail. Sending Dr. Jill Biden and their family my absolute support. Praying for a speedy recovery for President Biden, McCormick said. May God bless him and his family during this difficult time. Get the latest Pennsylvania politics and election news with abc27 newsletters! Biden was the 46th president and was born in Scranton. 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 ABC27. Former President Joe Biden is battling an "aggressive" form of prostate cancer, his office announced on Sunday, adding his condition is characterized by a "Gleason score of 9." His office also said Biden's diagnosis included metastasis to the bone. Biden's cancer diagnosis comes after a small nodule was found in the former president's prostate after "a routine physical exam" on Tuesday. The discovery of the nodule "necessitated further evaluation," his spokesperson said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Former President Joe Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive' prostate cancer In February 2023 -- while the now-82-year-old former president was serving in the White House -- Biden had a lesion removed from his chest that was cancerous, according to the former White House physician. Additionally, before entering office, Biden had several non-melanoma skin cancers removed with Mohs surgery. As the world reacts to Biden's medical news, ABC News has broken down what his condition means and what possible treatments can be done. What to know about prostate cancer Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the tissues of the prostate, the small gland in men's prostate that produces semen, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the U.S., according to the federal health agency. The NIH reports an estimated 313,780 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed this year -- representing over 15% of all new cancer cases. An estimated 35,770 deaths from prostate cancer will occur this year -- representing 5.8% of all cancer deaths, according to the agency. PHOTO: President Biden Holds News Conference After Summit with Chinese President Xi In San Francisco (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images) MORE: Trump and other political leaders react to Biden's cancer diagnosis Prostate cancer has a five-year relative survival rate, meaning the percentage of people alive five years after diagnosis, is roughly 98%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Generally, prostate cancer usually grows very slowly and finding and treating it before symptoms occur may not improve men's health or help them live longer. However, it is generally a more treatable type of cancer, even when it has spread further. Roughly 12.9% of men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lifetime, according to the NIH. In 2022, there were an estimated 3.5 million men living with prostate cancer in the United States. The median age of prostate cancer diagnosis is 68 years old, according to the agency, while the median age of prostate cancer death is 79. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the agency reports rates for new prostate cancer cases have been rising an average 1.8% each year over from 2013 to 2022, death rates have been falling on average 0.6% each year over between 2014 and 2023. What is a Gleason score? The Gleason grading system, or Gleason score, refers to how likely the cancer is to advance and spread, but does not predict the outcome. It's way of describing prostate cancer based on how abnormal the cancer cells in a biopsy sample look under a microscope and how quickly they are likely to grow and spread, according to the NIH. The Gleason score is calculated by adding together the two grades of cancer cells that make up the largest areas of the biopsied tissue sample, the NIH says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grading system usually ranges from 6 to 10. Biden's diagnosis of a Gleason score of 9 indicates his cancer is aggressive. A score of 9 indicates that the cancer cells look very different from normal prostate cells and are likely to grow and spread rapidly. This places the cancer in Grade Group 5, the highest risk category, associated with a greater likelihood of metastasis and a more challenging prognosis. Yet, despite the cancer's apparent aggressiveness, its hormone-sensitive nature offers a viable treatment pathway. Possible treatment options While Biden's official treatment plan remains to be announced, possible options for the former president include hormone therapy, or androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), which can reduce levels of male hormones that can fuel prostate cancer growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This approach can effectively slow disease progression and manage symptoms, even in advanced stages where the cancer has spread to the bones. Regular monitoring of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels is crucial, as rising PSA levels can indicate cancer activity and help assess treatment effectiveness. Surgery is typically not an option in cases like Biden's, when the disease has spread to the bone and is not confined to the prostate. Following the former president's diagnosis, the American Cancer Society released a statement, saying, "This news is a reminder about the tragic impact of prostate cancer in the U.S." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Early detection is key, and we are concerned given the 5% year-over-year increase in diagnosis of men with more advanced disease. We can and must do more to prevent late-stage diagnosis and death from prostate cancer," the ACS said. Futher resources are available at the American Cancer Socity's 24/7 cancer helpline (1-800-227-2345) and website, cancer.org. Former President Joe Biden's cancer diagnosis: What does a Gleason score of 9 mean? originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Former Vice President Mike Pence, who previously also served as Indiana governor, doesn't foresee running for president again. I dont see that in my future, Pence said on May 18 when NBC News Meet the Press host Kristen Welker asked if he'd make another attempt. I just dreamed of being a congressman from my hometown, and I got to live that dream." To serve as governor and then vice president in addition, he told Welker, was "beyond anything I imagined." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I want to be a voice for conservative values," Pence continued. "I dont see it, but well keep standing for everything weve always stood for, and well let the future take care of itself. Pence was second in line to the presidency during President Donald Trump's first term and later launched an unsuccessful presidential campaign in 2023. He served as Indiana governor from 2013 to 2017. A longtime conservative Republican, Pence had a falling out with Trump over certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election, when Trump lost to former President Joe Biden. He recently earned the JFK Profile in Courage Award for when he worked to ensure the peaceful transfer of power on Jan. 6, 2021 despite the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: What former VP Mike Pence said as he received the JFK Profile in Courage Award Pence said recently he felt the only heroes on Jan. 6, 2021, were those in uniform protecting the people at the U.S. Capitol. "January 6 was a tragic day," Pence said. "But it became a triumph of freedom, and history will record that our institutions held when, after law enforcement secured the Capitol, leaders in both chambers, in both political parties reconvened the very same day and finished democracy's work under the Constitution." Since leaving the White House, Pence has continued to support Republicans even though he has diverged with Trump on various issues, from democracy to tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I pray for the president often and I want him to be successful," Pence told Welker. "I really do believe in my heart the policies, as well as his great political skills, accounted for our success in those first years. I think the best way that I can help him, help the party and help the country is by being a voice for those policies that made our administration successful and America secure and prosperous and will again." Contact senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@indystar.com. Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, by IndyStar political and government reporters. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Would former VP Mike Pence ever run for office again? Here's what he said France is to build a high-security prison in the South American jungle for its most dangerous criminals. Gerald Darmanin, the countrys hardline justice minister, said the facility will open in 2028 in Saint-Laurent du Maroni in French Guiana, an overseas territory situated north of Brazil. I have decided to establish Frances third high-security prison in Guiana, Mr Darmanin told the Journal du Dimanche. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sixty places, an extremely strict prison regime and one goal to remove the most dangerous profiles involved in drug trafficking, he said during a trip to Guiana. My strategy is simple hit organised crime at all levels here in Guiana, at the start of the drug trafficking route and in mainland France, by neutralising the network leaders, and all the way to consumers. This prison will be a safeguard in the war against narco-trafficking, he added. The prison of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni was the main penal colony in French Guiana for more than a century - Fred Marie/Art in All of Us/Corbis via Getty Crucially, the prisons location will serve to permanently isolate the heads of drug trafficking networks since they will no longer be able to contact their criminal networks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice ministry officials also said that 15 places at the prison would be reserved for convicted Islamist radicals. Saint-Laurent du Maroni is a strategic hub for so-called drug mules, mainly from Brazil, who attempt to board flights to Paris carrying cocaine originating in neighbouring Suriname. A view of the Transportation Camp in Saint-Laurent du Maroni which closed in 1946 - JODY AMIET/AFP Mr Darmanin had already said in January he wanted to isolate the 100 biggest drug traffickers in a dedicated facility designed to stop them from pursuing their illegal business from their prison cells. Guiana is the most crime-ridden French department relative to the size of its population, with a record 20.6 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023, nearly 14 times the national average. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saint-Laurent was the location of Frances notorious Transportation Camp a brutal penal colony that operated from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century. The structure remains largely intact. 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. What do the Statue of Liberty and a super luxury jumbo Boeing 747-8 have in common?Other than their proximity to clouds, not much. But in response to concerns that President Donald Trumps acceptance of a $400 million plane from Qatar could be unconstitutional, social media users began drawing parallels. Trump has said the jet would be gifted to the U.S. Air Force and used as the new Air Force One. "I can't wait for the press to find out about France's so-called 'gift' of the Statue of Liberty, accepted in 1886 by then-President Grover Cleveland," conservative commentator Ann Coulter posted May 13 on X. "If you don't think we should accept the Qatari 747s, should we give the Statue of Liberty back too?" another X user said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So whats the difference between accepting Lady Liberty, gifted by the French people, and Trump accepting a plane from Qatars monarchy?The people of France gifted the Statue of Liberty to the people of the United States, not to a government official. Congress formally accepted it and the statue remains a public monument accessible to the public. Congress has not accepted the plane, which would be used mainly by Trump and his staff. Trump has said that after his term ends Jan. 20, 2029, the plane would be transferred to his presidential library although it's unclear whether it would be under private or public ownership and accessible to the public. The Statue of Liberty, gifted to the American people, is accessible to the public The Statue of Liberty was not a gift to a specific government official nor the U.S. government. "The Statue of Liberty was gifted by the French people to the American people," said Edward Berenson, professor of history and French studies at New York University and author of the book "The Statue of Liberty: A Transatlantic Story." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statue and pedestal were both mainly funded with private donations. The French public raised money to build the statue and the American public raised money for the statues pedestal. Although it didnt set aside funds for it, Congress formally accepted the statue as a gift from the people of France in 1877.The statues acceptance and erection spanned five presidencies. In 1877, President Ulysses S. Grant signed a bill designating Bedloes Island, which is federal property, as the statue's site. Ultimately, Cleveland spoke at the statues unveiling in 1886. Since 1933, the National Park Service has managed the Statue of Liberty. The site is free to visit, but a ferry to the island costs money. In the late 1800s, the statue didnt raise the same concerns we are currently seeing around the plane. "Since it wasn't a gift to the president, emoluments didn't come up, and there were no constitutional issues," Berenson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Constitutions emoluments clause says, "No Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State." The situation with the plane is "radically different," University of Carolina Law professor Michael J. Gerhardt said. "Cleveland never took the Statue of Liberty home." The plane raises constitutional concerns, and its future ownership is unclear President Donald Trump toured the $400 million Qatar plane in February at Palm Beach International Airport. The 747 reportedly has two bedroom and nine bathrooms. It is not unusual for presidents to receive gifts from foreign states, but gifts valued at over $480 are traditionally turned over to the National Archives. Sometimes, the gifts that presidents receive are ultimately displayed by the National Archives in a presidential library or museum, said Barbara Perry, a professor of governance and presidential expert at the University of Virginia. Some legal experts told PolitiFact they believe accepting the plane would violate the U.S. Constitutions emoluments clause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps White House has countered that this gift is not a constitutional violation, because it is not a personal gift to the president but a gift to the U.S. Air Force. Still, University of Missouri law professor Frank Bowman said that it doesnt mean it's not an emolument. "The gift of this particular plane, the principal enjoyment of which both during the next three and a half years and then for the rest of his life would accrue only to Donald Trump. That's an emolument, any way you slice it, because the benefit goes to one person." And that the plane will not remain a U.S. Air Force property, "blows the notion that this is a gift to the country completely out of the water," Bowman said. Trump said the plane will go to his library, similar to the retired Air Force plane at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi, California. "It would go directly to the library after I leave office. I wouldn't be using it," he said on May 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that parallel isnt quite the same as what Trump and Qatar have proposed. The Air Force One plane at the Reagan library was not a gift from a foreign country, but a plane that was retired in 2001 after 30 years of use. The Reagan library does not own the plane; it remains on permanent loan from the U.S. Air Force, Melissa Giller, chief marketing officer at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute told PolitiFact via email. Presidential libraries are typically co-managed by the National Archives and private foundations, Perry said. It is not clear which part the private or public side would get the airplane. If its given to his private library foundation, Trump may have more latitude to continue to use the plane after his presidency. If it is given to the National Archives for display in the library, the government would likely be able to dictate its use. The White House did not respond to PolitiFact questions about who would own the plane once at the library. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is possible that the plane ultimately becomes a publicly-owned tourist attraction, like Air Force One at the Reagan Library or the Statue of Liberty, but thats not guaranteed. Our sources This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: How the Statute of Liberty, Qatari plane gift differ SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) The National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Warning for a large portion of Utah, as sub-freezing temperatures are expected Sunday night. The Freeze Warning will be in effect from 9 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, through 10 a.m. on Monday, May 19. Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 27 degrees are expected, according to the NWS. The warning is in effect for Cache Valley, eastern Box Elder County, Sevier Valley, eastern Juab/Millard counties, Sanpete Valley, western Millard/Juab counties, western Uinta Basin, and southwest Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing, the alert states. Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. Drain in-ground sprinkler systems and cover above ground pipes. A Freeze Watch which indicates the possibility of freezing temperatures is also in effect from Monday evening through Tuesday morning. For more information on weather advisories in Utah, visit the National Weather Service website here. No further information is available at this time. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. HONOLULU (KHON2) Graduation season is in full swing, with college ceremonies wrapping up and high school seniors getting ready to graduate all month long. But, if you were planning on buying fresh flower lei for your graduate, get ready to spend more money. HFD extinguishes ambulance fire in Wailupe Lei stands and flower shops in town were busy on May 17, as thousands of people attended UH Manoas graduation ceremony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But many shoppers noticed they were spending more money than they did in 2024. These used to go for $40, but now I think its like $70 I paid for, said one graduates grandmother. For me, [the price] went double and almost triple, said Cindy Tanituchi, whose granddaughter is graduating from UH Manoa. Seriously, because usually I pay about $35 to $40 and I went to the airport and at the airport the one lady wanted between $65 and up to almost $80 and I went and got this one for $50, she added while showing her fresh flower lei. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early April, new tariffs took effect which raised prices for countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and Thailand where most fresh flowers come from. There were also tariffs in place on China goods like plastic containers and vases, and while negotiations are underway with some countries, owners say they are already paying more for goods. Candice Le at Le Flowers said container prices were up and packaging prices have gone up too. She said this year is the highest shes seen flowers and lei prices. Even were scared to put up the price, thats how expensive it is, Le said. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You She said fragrant flowers are in demand and limited supply, so it will cost customers more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if youre on a budget and have multiple graduations to attend this year, there are ways to make lei that still hold sentimental value. We went on Youtube to watch how to make lei and we do eyelash lei, yarn lei, just prep early, said Marlene Sagapolutele, a loved one of a graduate. I made my own lei for $20, Tanituchi said. Its a $20 money lei made out of $1 bills, so make your own! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. MADISON COUNTY Storms struck Madison County on Friday night, downing trees and utility poles and lines. A tornado watch for the Madison County area and much of Indiana had been issued earlier in the evening. Reported wind gusts increased to about 75 mph during the storm, resulting in several downed power lines around the county. Homes in Frankton and Alexandria which officials said was hit hardest by the storm had trees fall on them, according to Tom Ecker, executive director of the Madison County Emergency Management Agency. One person sustained a minor injury to his wrist, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Madison County EMA reported hail measuring 3.4 inches in diameter and winds of 70 miles per hour, with gusts as high as 83 mph near Frankton. In Anderson, some metal pieces were torn off the roof of Anderson Police headquarters downtown, according to Caleb McKnight, public information officer for APD. He said damage to the building appeared to be minor. The Herald Bulletin will update this story. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) Florida State University Panama City announced the 2025 Fatherhood Conference taking place on Wednesday, June 11. The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 4750 Collegiate Drive, Panama City. This transformative event aims to empower fathers in the community by providing them with tools, resources, and support. It will also foster a community among fathers, advocates, and professionals, encouraging attendees to become advocates for fatherhood and family stability. The goal of the conference is to empower fathers, build community, promote advocacy, and inspire change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To register, 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. A top aide of Tulsi Gabbard ordered officials to scrap a damning study finding the administration would not be justified in deporting Venezuelan migrants without due process. An unnamed White House official ordered an intelligence study about whether the administration could legally justify the deportations under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798which allows removals without court hearings during wartime and requires the involvement of a foreign powerby linking the Tren de Aragua gang to the Venezuelan government, The New York Times reported. The resulting report, promulgated in February, found no links between the Venezuelan government and the gang. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But then Joe Kent, Director of National Intelligence Gabbards chief of staff, ordered investigators to redo the assessment, the Times reported. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard (center) supported President Donald Trump using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport migrants without due process. / Andrew Harnik / Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Behind the scenes, Kent told Michael Collins, acting chair of the National Intelligence Council (NIC), to redo the assessment, asking him to rethink the earlier analysis. In March, Trump invoked the law to deport suspected members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua without court hearings. The NIC then reaffirmed the original findings on April 7 after re-examining all evidence, concluding that the Venezuelan government probably does not have a policy of cooperating with [the Tren de Aragua gang] and is not directing T.D.A. movement to and operations in the United States, the Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, Gabbard removed Collins and his deputy from leading the NIC. It is not clear which White House official made the original request to commission the study. The White House hit back at criticism over the Times report. President Trump rightfully designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization based on intelligence assessments and, frankly, common sense, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told the Times. The Trump administration deported alleged members of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to El Salvador in March. / Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images The Times report is the latest stain on the intelligence communitys reputation. In 2002, intelligence agencies determined that Iraq possessed chemical and biological weapons, which became the primary justification for the 2003 invasion of the country. No such weapons were found in the resulting invasion, setting off waves of criticism from opponents of the war. Investing.com - Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely to accept a ceasefire with Ukraine as the Kremlin eyes pressures from declining oil prices, according to analysts at BCA Research. Earlier this week, Putin skipped face-to-face negotiations with Kyiv to end the conflict, despite having proposed the first meeting between the countries since the opening weeks of the conflict in 2022. Instead, the Russian leader sent a delegation of aides and deputy ministers to the discussions in Turkey, a group that Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskiy described as "decorative". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia, in response, said that its team was ready to seriously work with Kyiv, but accused Ukraine of attempting to "put on a show" around the talks. Hopes for progress on a possible peace agreement subsequently faded, and were further dented after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested to reporters that "nothings going to happen until Putin and I get together". Trump, however, has been keen to bring an end to the hostilities, which he has called a "stupid war". Despite Trumps insistence on a swift peace, only about half of observers on either side of the conflict are expecting a ceasefire, the BCA Research analysts noted. Still, they anticipated that pause in the fighting seems the "likeliest outcome based on Russias national interests". The Russian economy is in a weak position, the analysts led by Matt Gertken argued, flagging the countrys potential output is collapsing and the Kremlins budget balance had swung to -2.3% from 0.8% as a share of gross domestic product between 2021 to 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crucially, the strategists noted that around 29% of Russian revenues are derived from energy and commodity production, leaving the country vulnerable to a globa benchmark crude oil price that has fallen from $94 per barrel in February 2022 -- when the Ukraine conflict began -- to roughly $62 this month. Russia also faces a host of Western sanctions that have threatened to crimp economic activity, while the U.S. Senate has proposed slapping a 500% tariff on buyers of Russian oil. By accepting a ceasefire, Putin can turn from managing the fighting with Ukraine to the state of a faltering domestic economy that could imperil his grip on power, the BCA Research analysts argued. "Bottom line: Russia has strong incentives to sign a ceasefire with Ukraine," they wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Against this backdrop, European assets, which have been outperformers so far this year, "will continue to benefit", the analysts added. Given these expectations for a ceasefire and a rally in global cyclical stocks, the analysts said they will close their long positioning on aerospace and defense stocks. Related articles This geopolitical strategist says Putin is likely to take a ceasefire in Ukraine Everything you need to know: Trump comments on Iran, trade and Russia Carney swears in Cabinet, signals shift with new names and positions German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, following a meeting of EU leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the summit in Albania, has stated that Europe is currently not considering deployment of troops to Ukraine, as the main priority remains achieving a ceasefire from Russia. Source: Reuters Details: Merz said that any plans for a future peace settlement must include a clear format for negotiations and potential security guarantees for Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The next step must be that the format for peace talks is made clear, as well as which security guarantees could possibly, one day, be necessary for Ukraine," Merz stated. He emphasised that the issue of deployment of European troops is premature at this stage. Quote: "There is no reason to talk about [troops] at the moment, we are far from that. We want the weapons to stop, the killing to end these are the questions we are dedicated to now, and no others." Background: Merzs position on peacekeeping forces echoes that of his predecessor Olaf Scholz, who also prioritised peace talks over discussions about deploying peacekeepers to Ukraine. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer previously expressed willingness to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, but only if the United States guaranteed the security of European countries. Russia has repeatedly opposed the idea of deploying NATO member state troops on Ukrainian territory. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that Italy should take on a more significant role in European efforts to end Russias war of aggression against Ukraine. Source: DW, as reported by European Pravda Details: Merz made the statement following a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome on 17 May. He noted that he and Meloni agreed Italy has a key role to play in these efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz announced that he would hold talks with other European partners in the coming days. He stressed that the European Union must remain united, with no distinction between first- or second-class members. Merz described Italy as an indispensable strategic partner. Background: Following a meeting of EU leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the summit in Albania, Merz stated that Europe is currently not considering deployment of troops to Ukraine, as the main priority remains achieving a ceasefire from Russia. Meanwhile, Italy expressed frustration over rumours that the Merz government had downgraded the priority of bilateral relations with it. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! UPDATE: The Golden Isles Air Show is canceled for the day, bringing the annual event to a sudden end. Organizers attributed the decision to severe weather and concern for the safety of everyone. INTERACTIVE RADAR:Keep track of the rain as it moves through your neighborhood ORIGINAL: Organizers put the Golden Isles Air Show on pause Sunday afternoon due to approaching dangerous weather. The pause was announced over social media just after 2 P.M. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guests are asked to evacuate to their cars to wait out the storm, and to stay tuned for updates. This is the final day of the show. See the latest forecast: First Alert Weather: Another hot day with late day storms for Georgia [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] GOP Rep. Nick LaLota wants to see top earners pay a higher tax rate. LaLota said Saturday that the idea would help push Trump's "big beautiful bill" forward. The GOP-led tax and immigration package if it passes could define Trump's second term. A GOP congressman said on Saturday that raising the top tax rate for high earners could help President Donald Trump's massive tax and immigration package get the votes it needs. "The One Big Beautiful Bill has stalled and it needs wind in its sails," Rep. Nick LaLota said on X. "Allowing the top tax rate to expire returning from 37% to 39.6% for individuals earning over $609,350 and married couples earning over $731,200 breathes $300 billion of new life into the effort." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LaLota said that his proposal would be fiscally prudent and could be done "without raising taxes on the middle class." The New York congressman has suggested that the money generated from raising taxes on high earners could protect Medicaid and "fix" the cap on the so-called SALT deduction. A SALT deduction allows taxpayers to deduct their state and local tax payments. Since 2018, however, there's been a $10,000 limit on those deductions. LaLota is among several New York Republicans who are seeking a higher limit so taxpayers can deduct more. The GOP-led bill proposes raising the cap to $30,000 for taxpayers who earn $400,000 or less. LaLota wants to see the SALT cap set at $62,000 for single filers and $124,000 for joint filers. Hardline conservatives on Capitol Hill, meanwhile, believe the tax bill should include more spending reductions, arguing that it doesn't go far enough in cutting into the nation's budget deficit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, five Republicans on the House Budget Committee joined Democrats to tank a procedural vote that would have advanced the "one big beautiful bill." House GOP leaders are working through the weekend to put together a deal that could pass in a Sunday night committee vote. They're still aiming to pass the bill on the House floor by Memorial Day, but the failed vote was a big setback for both Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson. On Friday, Trump urged GOP unity on the bill in a post on TruthSocial. "Republicans MUST UNITE behind, 'THE ONE, BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL!'" he said. "We don't need 'GRANDSTANDERS' in the Republican Party. STOP TALKING, AND GET IT DONE!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservatives have long advocated for tax cuts for higher earners. However, in recent weeks, Trump has seemingly opened the door to raising taxes on rich Americans to help fund the tax bill, a significant development for a GOP president. Earlier in May, Trump said on Truth Social that he'd "graciously accept" a small increase on the top tax rate for millionaires but conceded it would present risks for his party. "Republicans should probably not do it, but I'm OK if they do!!!" he said. Read the original article on Business Insider How we got here: Ledger-Enquirer's reporting on the Columbus finance investigation Stories by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer journalists, with AI summarization A Columbus finance investigation revealed deep conflicts over how much revenue the city failed to collect. Initial audits cited a shortfall as high as $45 million, while city leaders maintained it was closer to $2.5 million. Reports found the occupational tax office overwhelmed by stacks of unprocessed checks, backlogged license applications, and shifting estimates from both the internal auditor and outside firms such as Troutman Pepper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recent updates showed the city had improved collection processes, but concerns and a criminal investigation remain unfinished, with charges filed against some staff and ongoing questions about possible cover-ups. Amid continued distrust, options like outsourcing the business license department and expanding automation are under consideration to prevent similar problems in the future. NO. 1: WITH AUDIT PENDING, COLUMBUS COUNCIL DEMANDS REPORT ON CITY BUSINESS LICENSE BACKLOG Councilors said the city business license office has fallen behind in collecting license fees by failing to send out renewal notices, so some businesses have not renewed licenses for years. | Published October 30, 2023 | Read Full Story by Tim Chitwood NO. 2: HOW MUCH REVENUE HAS COLUMBUS FAILED TO COLLECT? THE ESTIMATES VARY WIDELY An auditor says Columbus is $45.1 million behind on collecting business license taxes. The finance director says its only $2.5 million. | Published December 5, 2023 | Read Full Story by Tim Chitwood Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NO. 3: NEW REPORT ON COLUMBUS MISSING BUSINESS LICENSE REVENUE SPARKS CONFLICT AND ACCUSATIONS One councilor said the city by law cannot collect on delinquent business license accounts if the debts more than four years old. Its gone. You cant get that money back, he said. | Published January 24, 2024 | Read Full Story by Tim Chitwood City Manager Isaiah Hugley, center, listens as attorney Charlie Peeler of the Atlanta law firm Troutman Pepper reports on his investigation into city finances. By Tim Chitwood NO. 4: MAYOR ASKS SHERIFF TO INVESTIGATE INFORMATION SHARED FROM COLUMBUS FINANCE DEPARTMENT The mayor says probe is about a private citizen erroneously getting personal information on a business the city manager owned. But some city workers fear its about outing whistleblowers. | Published January 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Tim Chitwood Acting District Attorney Don Kelly speaks during a celebration of life service for Stacey Jackson Thursday afternoon at Cascade Hills Church in Columbus, Georgia. 05/16/2024 By Mike Haskey NO. 5: COLUMBUS GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES UNDER POSSIBLE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION, LETTER FROM DA SHOWS The letter obtained by the Ledger-Enquirer doesnt list the names of the CCG employees but identifies three of the employees by title. | Published August 16, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kelby Hutchison This photo shows Columbus, Georgia overhead. NO. 6: COLUMBUS GOVERNMENT HR DIRECTOR MAINTAINS INNOCENCE AMID INVESTIGATION. HERES THE LATEST An attorney representing Reather Hollowell, the Columbus Consolidated Governments human resources director, released a statement Wednesday saying she has no involvement in the possible wrongdoing. | Published August 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kelby Hutchison Columbus residents can renew their business licenses at the city finance office in the City Services Center off Macon Road by the citys public library. By Tim Chitwood Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NO. 7: COULD COLUMBUS OUTSOURCE BUSINESS LICENSES? CITY LOOKS AT OPTIONS AFTER TAX MONEY WAS LOST Columbus Council still has concerns about the finance department after going through a follow-up report on the revenue division. | Published November 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Brittany McGee Columbus residents can renew their business licenses at the city finance office in the City Services Center off Macon Road by the citys public library. By Tim Chitwood NO. 8: WAS THERE A COVER-UP IN COLUMBUS FINANCE DEPARTMENT? CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION SEEKS ANSWER District Attorney of the Towaliga Judicial Circuit Jonathan Adams provides an update to the criminal investigation into the Columbus Finance Department. | Published February 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brittany McGee Columbus residents can renew their business licenses at the city finance office in the City Services Center off Macon Road by the citys public library. By Tim Chitwood NO. 9: 2 FACE CHARGES, CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION INTO COLUMBUS FINANCE DEPARTMENT NOT OVER An investigative document provided to the Ledger-Enquirer shows additional charges have been recommended for four city employees. | Published May 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brittany McGee Kelby Hutchison 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. LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) Following deadly storms in the area, state leaders said during a press conference on Saturday that looting in areas impacted by a deadly storm system would lead to an arrest and prosecution. That is the lowest of the low crimes, Beshear said. These people have been through enough. Do not do it. Just before 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, the London Police Department (LPD) posted on social media that officers will be stationed within the city limits to protect residents who have already lost loved ones and homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The London Police Department wants to stress that there will be Zero Tolerance for looting during this critical time, officers wrote. Sheriff John Root backed Beshear on this stance, adding to the statement that his team, along with others, will have a sharp eye out for this issue. Were out in full force along with local authorities, state, and federal. I would really really advise anyone whos watching this or even thinking about looting, dont even think about it. Like the governor stated, theyve been through enough. Were here to help, not to hurt, Root said. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State police announced around 8:45 p.m. on Saturday that after rescuing citizens trapped by storms and taking injured victims to the hospital, troopers would remain stationed in areas impacted by the storms to prevent looting. Beshear said during a press conference that 70 soldiers and airmen with the Kentucky National Guard had been deployed to augment Kentucky State Police in areas of Laurel County affected by storms to enhance public safety. The Guard will continue helping our local communities as long as needed, Kentucky National Guard officials wrote on Saturday. Corey Elam contributed to this story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Four months into the General Assemblys long session, lawmakers have only sent two bills to Gov. Josh Steins desk. Stein signed them both into law. The first was a Helene recovery package in March, and the second, which he signed just a few days ago, involved technical corrections to the budget. Stein cant sign bills if the legislature doesnt send him bills, and the session has moved slowly this year. The House and Senate have each been focused on their own chambers legislation, and are just now starting to look at what each other are doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both chambers are controlled by Republicans, and Stein is a Democrat. Stein told Republicans during his State of the State speech in March he would sign the Helene bill, even before it got to his desk. Thats a change from former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who wouldnt give Republicans any indication of what he would do. Steins approach has resulted in final bills he is more likely to sign into law, Republicans say, because of more input from the governor during the bill-making process. At the federal level, Stein has been active in talking with the White House, and records show he talks with members of President Donald Trumps Cabinet. Stein was appointed by Trump to be co-chair of the Council of Governors. On Thursday, Stein sent a letter about what hed like to see from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is under threat of being dismantled. Good morning and welcome to our Sunday Under the Dome newsletter that focuses on the governor. Im Dawn Vaughan, The News & Observers Capitol bureau chief. Improve, not abolish FEMA Stein disagrees with calls to abolish FEMA. And his letter includes what he thinks the agency should be doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no doubt that FEMA could be better and faster. But let us improve it, not abolish it. As Governor of a state vulnerable to hurricanes, flooding, and other extreme weather, I know we cannot afford for FEMA to be eliminated, Stein wrote to the FEMA Review Council. Tammy Coates and her husband watched their two-bedroom home in Marshall float down the French Broad River after Helene hit. Heres what Stein proposes: Faster federal funding right after a disaster. FEMA should disburse an initial tranche of funding immediately after a disaster through a block grant. Rather than requiring post-event applications that take weeks or months to review and approve, send the funding through a block grant that is triggered immediately post-event based on independently verifiable metrics. States would have a pre-approved action plan with FEMA, but also be eligible for funding beyond the grants depending on the situation. Flexibility for storms in different areas of a state. Stein pointed out the terrain differences in the mountains vs. North Carolinas coast. The current one size fits all model for initial funding is cumbersome for states with very different needs, he wrote. He wants event-specific strategies for rapid recovery and the immediate transfer of federal money. A gas canister sitsatop steps that used to lead to the front porch of Sabrina MillsSwannanoa home, which was moved off of its foundation by flood waters. Rather than use FEMA money to rebuild structures to temporary or pre-storm standards with multiple contractor visits, Stein proposes using the funds to finish the job in one effort, build back stronger, and save taxpayer money in the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Again with getting the money where it needs to go faster, Steins letter recommends the pre-storm state action plan also result in local governments being able to get money quickly rather than waiting for delayed reimbursements. Then instead of approving federal money for projects one by one, FEMA would monitor the spending. Streamline the process for survivors to apply for assistance from the federal government all in one place. Nobody wants disaster to strike their state, but we know that simply hoping for the best is not a viable strategy. We must take steps to make disasters less deadly and less costly while also being ready to support survivors when storms hit, Stein wrote as he ended the letter, adding that he wants to make FEMA more effective and efficient. Stein signs bill but objects to one part Back to House Bill 74, the bill Stein signed into law this past week: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The technical corrections bill clawed back money for an Oxford water project, but Steins statement as he signed the bill focused on something else. This bill makes helpful technical changes to give farmers in western North Carolina more time to apply for crop loss grants, Stein said. However, I continue to have concerns about the legislatures unconstitutional attempt to control the State Highway Patrol. Public safety is a clear function of the executive branch and the Governor, and I will continue to do everything in my power to keep North Carolinians safe. The bill transferred the N.C. Center for Missing Persons from the Department of Public Safety to the State Highway Patrol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six House Democrats voted with Republicans to approve the bill, and in the Senate, two Democrats joined Republicans in voting for the bill. Thanks for reading. Contact me at dvaughan@newsobserver.com. Not a newsletter subscriber? Sign up on our website to receive Under the Dome in your inbox daily. And listen to our Under the Dome podcast, which is published every Tuesday morning on all podcast platforms and is previewed in your Tuesday Under the Dome newsletter. On our new episode May 20, well break down the House budget. Luxembourg's Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Theresa attended the papal inauguration in St. Peters Square in Vatican City on Sunday. The Grand Duchess wore a white eyelet maxi dress cinched with a ribbon belt, pearl drop earrings, and nude pumps with a pearl-embellished clutch. Traditionally, only Catholic queens are permitted to wear white to the papal inauguration, and as Luxembourg is a ducal state, the grand duchess is extended this privilege as well. Sean Gallup - Getty Images Antonio Masiello - Getty Images Franco Origlia - Getty Images Henri shared a message to Instagram just hours after Pope Leo was elected on May 8, writing: The Grand Duchess and I wish to extend our warmest congratulations on your election to the Sovereign Pontificate. Your accession to the head of the Catholic Church represents a moment of hope for millions of faithful around the world. I express my hope that your pontificate will be marked by peace, dialogue among peoples, and universal fraternity. Rest assured, Most Holy Father, of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourgs commitment to continuing its ties of friendship and cooperation with the Holy See. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The message was accompanied by a photo of Grand Duke Henri next to Pope Francis and Grand Duchess Maria Theresa, greeting then Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo. Pope Francis met with the Luxembourg royals, also Roman Catholics, during a state visit to Luxembourg and Belgium in 2024. The royal couple were present at Pope Franciss funeral in April. The papal inauguration will mark one of the final international events for the grand duke and duchess as heads of state. Grand Duke Henri, who like Pope Leo was born in 1955, announced in April 2024 that he intends to abdicate the Luxembourger throne and step down in favor of his son, Prince Guillaume, Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg. During his Christmas address in December, he specified that he will retire on October 3, 2025. You Might Also Like May 17EDITOR'S NOTE The following is part of an ongoing series of Herald stories about the recently completed session of the North Dakota Legislature. GRAND FORKS The 2025 legislative session hit a number of topics and issues affecting all of North Dakota. In Grand Forks, local lawmakers had their own differing concerns brought to them by constituents. The biennial session ended earlier this month after more than 1,000 bills and resolutions were introduced. Throughout their four months in Bismarck, lawmakers say they typically receive a number of emails and calls from the people they represent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Claire Cory, R-Grand Forks, experienced a buzz about blackout license plates and alternative energy sources, such as geothermal and nuclear. About the latter, she said she is "optimistic about the future application moving towards long term energy needs, jobs and opportunities this will create for North Dakota." Blackout license plates, gaining popularity in Minnesota and other states, were introduced to North Dakota via Senate Bill 2133 . Rather than the typical state plate design a bison silhouetted before a setting sun over the Badlands the new plates will simply be black with white lettering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cory said she's heard a lot of excitement about them. Purchasing the plates will also put money into North Dakota's highway system. The bill, according to Sen. Kristin Roers, R-Fargo, was filed on a constituent's request. Rep. Steve Vetter, R-Grand Forks, said a number of his own bills were based on constituent issues he heard. Some of the bills of which he was a primary sponsor involved false reports to law enforcement, edible medical marijuana and motor vehicle window tints. Property tax was a hot topic for constituents of at least four Grand Forks legislators: Cory, Vetter, Rep. Mark Sanford and Sen. Scott Meyer. Sanford, R-Grand Forks, said it was what he received the most comments about. Meyer, R-Grand Forks, said it might show up again in the next session following the passing of Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 1176 this session. "The goal was to not only bring relief to homeowners, but to also bring tax reform in the form of caps," he said. "When massive policy like this is enacted, there will be feelings that we could do more. With that said, we'll have an opportunity to address any unintended consequences in Bismarck next session." Sanford said he also heard frequently from the higher education community because he carries that budget. Rep. Zac Ista, D-Grand Forks, also mentioned education, said protecting public education was the top concern he heard from constituents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There was a large public outcry against voucher and educational savings account proposals that would have diverted public tax dollars to paying for private school tuition," he said. "Simply put, the public was strongly against this plan." Rep. Eric Murphy, R-Grand Forks, said House Bill 1318 was something for which he received a number of "thank you" notes. The approved bill's goal is to provide legal protections for pesticide manufacturers, specifying that a label approved by the Environmental Protection Agency is sufficient in warning users about hazardous chemicals. The bill received protest Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement from some legislators and North Dakota residents. Prior to the vote by the Senate to approve the bill, about two dozen people stood outside the Capitol building voicing concerns about it. Among concerns about health risks, people also worried about keeping companies liable for health issues caused by the chemicals. "This does not remove responsibility for unknown health risks when using a product nor known health risks, but it does relieve them from failure to warn the consumer," Murphy, R-Grand Forks said. "(It's) an important bill for agriculture producers." Sen. Jonathan Sickler, R-Grand Forks, said his constituent comments were about time literally. "By far, I received the most individual communications from constituents who were opposed to the bill to switch to standard time year-round," he said. "The Legislature heard the opposition and handily defeated the proposed change." A teenager operated on by a Great Ormond Street Hospital surgeon has said he is living in constant pain. Finias Sandu, 15, who was born with a condition that causes curved bones in the legs, underwent a reconstructive operation when he was seven to lengthen his left leg by 3.5cm. A few years later, he had the same procedure, which involved him wearing a heavy metal frame for months, on his right leg. Finias after his second operation, which left him wearing a bulky metal frame for months, with his mother and one of his sisters and, below, in hospital - Family Handout Finias in hospital with leg in metal frame Yaser Jabbar, who carried out the operation and who no longer works at the childrens hospital, is now at the centre of an investigation reviewing the care given to more than 700 of his patients, which allegedly left some suffering severe harm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finias has now been told by independent reviewers that the procedures on his legs were unacceptable and inappropriate for his age, Sky News reported. Concerns have also been raised over a lack of imaging being taken prior to the operations. Pain is a companion to me Hudgell Solicitors, who represent the Sandu family, said the experts had concluded he suffered moderate harm as a result of the treatment he had received. The pain is there every day, every day Im continuously in pain, the teenager told Sky News. Its not something really sharp, although it does get to a certain point where it hurts quite a lot, but its always there. It just doesnt leave, its a companion to me, just always there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Jabbar, who worked at the London hospital between 2017 and 2022, is reported to be an expert in limb reconstruction, but has not had a licence to practise medicine in the UK since January, according to the General Medical Councils website. Yaser Jabbar is no longer working at the hospital, which is reviewing the care of hundreds of his patients - LinkedIn The Royal College of Surgeons carried out a review of Great Ormond Streets paediatric orthopaedic service after concerns were raised by patients families and staff. As part of its review, the RCS raised concerns about a former surgeon and other practices within the service. Great Ormond Street has asked a group of independent paediatric orthopaedic consultants from other UK hospitals to carry out a review of the care of patients treated by Mr Jabbar. Some, including Finias, have required corrective surgery. By the end of last month 416 patients had been reviewed, a Great Ormond Street spokesman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trusting somebody is hard to do, knowing what they have done to me physically and emotionally, you know, its just too much to comprehend for me, Finias said. We just went by what the doctor said It wasnt something just physically, like my leg pain and everything else. It was emotionally, because I put my trust in that specific doctor. My parents and I dont really understand the more scientific terms, we just went by what he said. Finias and his family moved to their native Romania soon after the reconstructive frame was removed from his right leg in 2021. He is receiving therapy and mental health support as he prepares for corrective surgery later in the year. Finias with his family in their native Romania, where they returned after the second operation. He has now had to return to the UK for more treatment - Family Handout A spokesman for Great Ormond Street Hospital said: We are deeply sorry to Finias and his family, and all the patients and families who have been impacted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want every patient and family who comes to our hospital to feel safe and cared for. We will always discuss concerns families may have and, where they submit claims, we will work to ensure the legal process can be resolved as quickly as possible. 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. Firefighters held containment lines around the Greer Fire on May 18, which had burned a total of 19,121 acres with 0% containment. Though that marked an increase of 500 acres from the previous day, the fire has not grown into a massive event like the 2011 Wallow Fire, which scorched more than half a million acres in the same region. Crews continued to protect structures and hold the fire back, despite facing strong wind gusts expected to persist for several more days. An afternoon update on social media by the Southwest Area Incident Management Team reported that "all lines have held, despite the increased winds and crews are reporting that things are looking good around the fire." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 680 fire personnel were assigned to combat the fire according to an X post from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. High winds would continue to pose a challenge to firefighters on May 18. The agency added that an additional red flag warning was expected to go into effect. The cause of the fire remained under investigation. The good news for area residents came after Gov. Katie Hobbs visited the area and, earlier in the day, declared a state of emergency that will release $200,000 in state funds to the firefighting effort. Winds still a problem, but preparation helped High winds have fueled the Greer Fire from the beginning, leaving communities like Greer, Eagar and Springerville on edge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service forecast strong wind gusts continuing through the night of May 17 and lasting at least through Monday, raising the risk of embers igniting new fires. In response, fire managers used the forecasts to their advantage, conducting controlled burns to reduce available fuel and slow the fires spread. In a video posted to social media on May 17, Mike Wallace, operations section chief for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, explained how firefighters used both hand ignition and drone-based "aerial ignition" to build a "good buffer" ahead of anticipated winds. These buffer zones, he said, are designed to help protect the 26 Bar community, Springerville, and other areas to the east giving fire crews a higher probability of success in holding the line. Hobbs declares emergency, tours area Gov. Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency over the Greer Fire on May 17, releasing an emergency fund of $200,000 to help support the state's response to the fire, then toured parts of the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire officials told her the weather remained an extreme concern and they had plans to evacuate local communities in a worst-case scenario. "I don't want to jinx anything, so I'm going to knock on this plastic table and pretend it's wood," Hobbs told them. Roads near fire remain closed Major highways in eastern Arizona remain closed because of the fire and won't reopen until further notice. The Arizona Department of Transportation reports: State Route 260 is closed in both directions between mileposts 380 and 395. State Route 373's southbound lane is closed between mileposts 385 and 390. State Route 261 is closed in both directions between mileposts 394 and 412. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reach the reporter at rstern@arizonarepublic.com or 480-276-3237. Follow him on X @raystern. A personal take: A terrible Arizona wildfire broke my heart. How my daughter gave me hope as new blaze rages This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Greer Fire spreads to over 19,000 acres amid high winds Guy Edward Bartkus was identified as the suspect accused in the bombing targeting a Palm Springs, CA, fertility clinic, and authorities are investigating a possible manifesto, according to the FBI. The bombing occurred on May 17, 2025, near American Reproductive Centers, which says on its website that it offers services that include surrogacy, egg freezing, and in vitro fertilization. The "pro-mortalist" website with the purported manifesto has been widely disseminated on social media and was reviewed by Men's Journal. The opening line refers to "my suicide & bombing of an IVF clinic!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to The Urban Dictionary, pro-mortalism is "a philosophical position for any sentient being, it is always the best to die as soon as possible." "We are fairly confident that Mr. Bartkus is our primary suspect," said Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBI in Los Angeles, in a May 18 news conference. He described Bartkus as having "nihilistic ideations." In the news conference, when asked about a widely shared pro-mortalist website being described as a manifesto, Davis confirmed: "We are looking through that. We are tracking a possible manifesto out there, and it's part of our investigation." Later in the news conference, he said that authorities believe Bartkus had "nihilistic" beliefs "based on some of the posts he made online, some of the comments made in his manifesto that we're combing through right now." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We believe he was attempting to live stream it," he added of the attack. Asked if the audio recording on the pro-mortalist website was confirmed to be the suspect, Davis said he was not going to comment on that aspect yet. Bartkus, 25, was from Twentynine Palms, CA, and authorities revealed he's the person they believe died in the explosion. "We believe he was the subject found near the vehicle... a 2010 silver Ford Fusion sedan," Davis said in the news conference. The website manifesto refers to the writer as a pro-mortalist. The New York Post reported that Bartkus was a "self-described pro-mortalist." LAist reported that, on the site, Bartkus "does not use his name in writing or in an audio file detailing his beliefs. The site also featured a FAQ explaining his intention for the attack." In it, according to LAist, Bartkus describes himself as being a "misandrist" as well as a "promortalist." FBI The Los Angeles Times reported that the online website contained no name, but appeared connected to the bombing and laid out the case for a war against pro-lifers,' saying a fertilization clinic would be targeted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of those descriptions match the website reviewed by Men's Journal. The website widely shared contains the question, "PRO MORTALIST?! So you're just pro psycho killers?!" "No, understand your death is already a guarantee, and you can thank your parents for that one," it says. "All a promortalist is saying is let's make it happen sooner rather than later (and preferably peaceful rather than some disease or accident), to prevent your future suffering, and, more importantly, the suffering your existence will cause to all the other sentient beings," the answer says. Investigators look at possible evidence near the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic following a bomb blast on May 17, 2025 in Palm Springs, California. A suspected bomber is believed to have posted a manifesto to social media before the explosion. One person was confirmed dead at the scene, according to police. David McNew/Getty Images The manifesto website says that related philosophies include "Negative Utilitarianism, Efilism, Abolitionist Veganism, basically, philosophies" that oppose religion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The website says, referring to Bartkus and a friend, "We were both antisex (don't mistake for asexual, I'm talking like r/antisex) misandrists, VegAntinatalist, negative utilitarians. Both also had borderline personality 'disorder.'" What is nihilism? "Nihilism is the belief that all values are baseless and that nothing can be known or communicated. It is often associated with extreme pessimism and a radical skepticism that condemns existence. A true nihilist would believe in nothing, have no loyalties, and no purpose other than, perhaps, an impulse to destroy," the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy explains. Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said in the news conference that there is "no continuing threat to our community as a result of this incident." "I have been briefed on the explosion at a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, CA, that took place today. Federal agents are on the ground now responding alongside local law enforcement," U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote on X, adding, "Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable." Palm Springs, CA - May 17: A Palm Springs, Calif., fertility clinic was damaged on Saturday in what the mayor called "an apparent explosion." Gina Ferazzi/Getty Images Davis called the incident one of the largest bombing investigations weve had in Southern California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism, he said. "The FBI is investigating it as such." Davis said that authorities are still working to 100% identify the deceased person at the scene as Bartkus, but that they believe it is. Related: Britney Spears' Name Dropped at Sean Diddy Combs Trial DENVER (KDVR) As Colorado approaches hail season, a new study is aiming to better detect these storms that can cause serious damage both physically and financially. Its a collaboration between 19 institutions both here in the US and around the world, including CU Boulder and CSU. Theyre calling it the In-Situ Collaborative Experiment for the Collection of Hail in the Plains, a mouthful that can be shortened to ICECHIP. Denver weather: Afternoon showers and storms, some severe Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hailstorms like the many we get in Colorado can be costly. I think it was something, like, $16 billion last year due to hail damage and so we started to realize, yeah, you might not necessarily cost lives, but is a giant chunk of our economy here, says Becky Adams-Selin, a senior scientist with Atmospheric and Environmental Research. Thats why the National Science Foundation is funding ICECHIP, a chance to make a dent in that cost like hail on a car. Its going to pay big dividends in the long run, says Adams-Selin. The program, which launched in Boulder on Saturday will last for the next six weeks around the country and the teams wont wait for the storms to come to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Severe weather leaves at least 27 dead, including 18 in Kentucky Were heading out to Kansas tomorrow, says Adams-Selin. Theres supposed to be a chance of hail. Theyll be bringing with them cutting edge technology. Mobile radars like those you see behind me, including mobile everything now, mobile temperature sensors, mobile hail systems, says Adams-Selin. All of this to learn more about these storms than ever before and use that to try and be proactive before the damage happens. How does that translate to damage that matters to me? Like, is my roof going to get destroyed? Is my car, is my Weather Beast going to get destroyed? says Adams-Selin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hopefully to eventually put some money back in your pocket in the long run. Lets try and reduce these homeowners insurance premiums, says Adams-Selin. Lets try and get faster warnings out and reduce our ag damage. The study is also looking to the future of hailstorm science, training more than 50 students from universities around the country in field research that is critical to the program. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Germine Joly, once one of the most powerful gang leaders in Haiti even when he was behind prison bars has been found guilty of kidnapping 16 U.S. citizens who worked in Haiti as missionaries. The missionaries were abducted in 2021, and 12 members of the group from Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries, including a Canadian national, were held for two months. They won their freedom only after a $350,000 ransom was paid and Jolys co-gang leader, Lanmo Sanjou, set up their release to look like an escape to avoid his fellow gang members wrath. Joly, known as Yonyon, took the stand in his defense and refuted any involvement with the 400 Mawozo gang. On Friday he was found guilty by a federal jury in the District of Columbia for his role in orchestrating the hostage taking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan James of the Miami Field Office. This office will fight aggressively to protect Americans who are taken hostage and abused, and to uphold the religious freedoms of our people, including Christians, the Justice Department the Miami Field Office of the FBI said in a statement. As the evidence demonstrated, Joly Germine orchestrated a plot that leveraged American Christian missionaries as bargaining chips to try to secure his own release from a Haitian prison, Pirro said. When you commit crimes against Americans in other countries, it makes no difference where you are we are coming for you. Justice may not always be swift but it is certain. Haitian gang leader Germine Joly, better known as Yonyon, was convicted in the U.S. of the kidnapping of American missionaries. James said Jolys conviction demonstrates the FBIs determination to follow the evidence wherever it leads and to work our way up to the leaders of criminal plots wherever they are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joly, 32, found out he was not beyond the reach of the FBI, James said. Neither time nor distance will weaken our resolve. We will use all tools available and go to farthest reaches of the globe to bring to justice those who kidnap Americans. Joly was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit hostage taking and 16 counts of hostage taking of a U.S. national for ransom. The self-described king of the notoriously violent Haitian gang known as 400 Mawozo, Joly previously pleaded guilty to his role in a gun trafficking conspiracy that smuggled firearms to Haiti in violation of U.S. export laws and the laundering of the gangs funds derived from ransoms paid for other U.S. hostage victims. He was sentenced in June to 35 years in federal prison. The 400 Mawozo is part of the powerful Viv Ansanm gang coalition and controls areas in the Croix-des-Bouquets commune to the east of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joly directed the gangs operations from inside a Haitian prison using unmonitored cell phones and was constantly in touch with other 400 Mawozo leaders, most of whom were his relatives. He controlled the gangs finances, supplied its weapons and otherwise directed operations. On Oct. 16, 2021, the 17 Mennonite missionaries from Christian Aid Ministries were returning from visiting an orphanage when they were stopped by 400 Mawozos armed, masked soldiers. Many of the gangs soldiers were brandishing firearms supplied by Joly, prosecutors argued in the trial. The kidnapped group comprised 12 adults and five children, including a 6-year-old, a. 3-year-old, and an 8-month-old. The gang drove the missionaries to a field and robbed them, while consulting by phone with Joly, prosecutors said. The gang took the missionaries to a building in a rural area, held them at gunpoint, and demanded ransom of $1 million each for their return, the Justice Department said. In postings on social media, the gang threatened to kill all the hostages if the ransom was not paid. The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and other federal agencies. The last functioning public hospital in northern Gaza is no longer operational due to the Israeli bombardments nearby, the Hamas-run health ministry reported on Sunday. The heavy fire has cut off access to the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia, preventing patients, medical staff and essential supplies from reaching the facility, the ministry said. With this development all public hospitals in northern Gaza were said to be out of service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military has not commented on the report. It has previously accused Hamas of using hospitals to shield military operations, alleging that fighters take cover in medical facilities and store weapons there. The World Health Organization has criticized Israel for what it described as the systematic dismantling of Gazas healthcare system during the war. While international law prohibits attacks on civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, protections may be revoked if such sites are used for military purposes. Hampton is considering a ban on camping and storage on public property, a move that would allow the city to remove and clear homeless encampments. But city officials say the proposal is not specifically directed toward people experiencing homelessness. Senior Deputy City Attorney Brandi Law presented a proposed ordinance change during Wednesdays City Council meeting, which would bar anyone from camping, sleeping or storing items on public property. The ordinance also encompasses any left behind evidence of camping, such as unauthorized temporary shelters, sleeping bags or cooking tools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any unattended possessions stored on public property may be seized by the city and stored for 30 days, and anything deemed hazardous, unsanitary or garbage, can be immediately thrown away. People in violation of the ordinance would receive a verbal warning, information on housing resources and reasonable time to comply before being hit with a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail or up to a $2,500 fine. The camping ban discussion came as city officials also received a briefing on housing insecurity and homelessness. We wanted to (present the ordinance) today, as we are talking about homelessness, although this ordinance would apply to anybody, City Manager Mary Bunting said during the meeting. Its not an ordinance aimed at one particular group or another. Thats because it cant be, at least legally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last year that anti-camping laws were constitutional so long as they criminalized actions that anyone could commit. But the ruling cleared the way for cities to enforce bans on homeless people sleeping outside in public places. Cities across the country, including Virginia Beach, have acted more aggressively to clear homeless encampments in the wake of the ruling. In other words, if the ban is against anyone from camping on public property and doesnt specifically target the homeless population, then the law can pass muster, Law said. During the meeting, council members questioned what items met the threshold of confiscation under the ordinance, as well as how police could respond to private property concerns and what constitutes a reasonable time period for people to comply before being charged with a crime. The council may make revisions to the proposal and members are expected to vote on it next month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hampton spokesperson Mike Holtzclaw said the proposed ordinance is not anti-encampment, as people have avenues to retrieve their belongings and charging them with a misdemeanor would be a last resort. Instead, its an effort to protect the rights of every Hampton resident. Its a matter of trying to balance what we know are the rights of all of our citizens and the safety of all of our citizens with respect to public property, Holtzclaw said, adding he is not aware of any public safety incidents in the city regarding camping on public property. Hampton Police Division spokesperson Shaun Stalnaker said the department monitors public spaces where people experiencing homelessness may camp, and offers assistance for accessing different outreach programs. The Hampton Police Division is empathetic to the challenges experienced by some of our citizens therefore our intent is to allow voluntarily compliance with the law and support towards achieving a lawful resolution, Stalnaker said in the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 2,000 people experience homelessness on the Peninsula throughout a year, according to a report from VIAM Advising, a firm that partnered with Hampton and Newport News to study regional homelessness. The report predicts homelessness on the Peninsula will rise 15% over the next three years. According to the report, which was also presented to council Wednesday, Newport News and Hampton experienced the highest proportional rent and home value increases since 2019 on the Peninsula, and have limited multi-family housing zones. The Peninsula is also seeing higher rates in several categories for people experiencing homelessness, including people without housing for the first-time, people with higher incomes and people remaining homeless for longer durations, according to the report. A separate point-in-time report presented to council found 412 people experiencing homelessness on the Peninsula during a 24-period in January 2024, a 14% decrease from the previous year. Holtzclaw said the proposed ordinance is a way of exploring options for providing more resources for people experiencing homelessness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We try very hard to provide every resource possible, and were always looking for ways to improve what were able to offer, Holtzclaw said. Newport News spokesperson Gabrielle Torres said the city is not considering a similar camping ban. Advocates have called for additional shelter capacity and assistance for people who are at risk of or have lost their homes. They say resources have been scarce for many Peninsula residents, as most beds across different housing sheltering organizations were filled last year. Mendel Service, a Peninsula resident who spent six years homeless during the 2000s and still struggles with housing security, lost possessions while she was homeless. She said it was devastating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I got very suicidal and very depressed, because I could not control being able to get a place to live, but I thought I could hold on to things that I had memories with and identity with, Service said. Service said whatever the citys reasoning behind the ordinance, it will make people experiencing homelessness more invisible. Its treating the homeless population as undesirables, Service said. Theres no desire to keep them in the city, but theres nowhere to go. Devlin Epding, 757-510-4037, devlin.epding@virginiamedia.com Harrowing video shows Mexican sailors clinging to the rigging of the tall ship that smashed into the Brooklyn Bridge Saturday night after dozens of crew members were seen standing on the masts of the vessel as it careened out of control. Two sailors were killed and 17 were injured after the Mexican navy training vessel collided with the iconic bridge just before 8:30 p.m. Saturday night. Video taken at the moment of the crash shows dozens of sailors lined up on the 147-foot masts as it set off on its journey for Iceland with 277 on board following a goodwill visit to New York City. Mexican sailors seen dangling from masts after their boat hit the Brooklyn Bridge. Elijah West Footage filmed from the Brooklyn side of the East River shows the Cuauhtemocs three masts hitting the bridge and snapping after an apparent mechanical failure, sending it drifting in reverse downstream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other eyewitness video shows sailors hanging from the rigging ropes on the damaged masts. We saw someone dangling, and I couldnt tell if it was just blurry or my eyes, and we were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for at least 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them, eyewitness Lily Katz told The Associated Press. Emergency diving crews were sent in to check the water as a precaution, but remarkably, no one fell in, officials said. Here is the latest on the Brooklyn Bridge crash involving a Mexican navy tall ship 2 have been killed and 22 wounded following the crash. Elijah West The sound when the masts hit the bridge sounded like the loud snapping of a big twig, said Nick Corso, who had his phone out to capture the boat as it passed under the bridge. The Posts frontpage after the shocking accident. Those around him began running as pandemonium broke out on board the ship, and he saw sailors dangling from a mast, he said. The boat suffered a mechanical failure before it hit the bridge. Paul Martinka I didnt know what to think, I was like, is this a movie? he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most critically injured sailors were up on the mast of the ship at the time of the crash, officials said. Horrified eyewitnesses watched as the masts snapped on the bridge. Elijah West The injured were taken to Bellevue Hospital for treatment, Mayor Eric Adams said. We are praying for everyone on board and their families and are grateful to our first responders who quickly jumped into action, ensuring this accident wasnt much worse, Adams told a news conference on Saturday night. The boat was leaving New York en route to Iceland when it crashed. PORTER BINKS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Crew and passengers on the Mexican Navy tall ship ARM Cuauhtemoc are given medical attention after the ship struck the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, May 17, 2025 in New York, N.Y. James Keivom Following our preliminary inspection, we can confirm that the bridge sustained no damage and is now open to the public, he went on. Video shows heavy traffic on the bridge at the time of the collision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ship, flying an enormous Mexican flag, had arrived in New York earlier this week and had been moored at the South Street Seaport Museum where it was offering tours to the public. As of Sunday morning, it has been taken to Pier 36 on the Lower East Side, where it was guarded by NYPD officers and an NYPD harbor unit in the water. A 50-yard safety zone has been set up around the ship, the US Coast Guard said in a statement. Mexicos President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has spoken out following the accident. We are deeply saddened by the loss of two crew members of the Cuauhtemoc Training Ship, who lost their lives in the unfortunate accident in New York Harbor. Our sympathy and support go out to their families, Sheinbaum said on X. HAWAII, Hawaii (KHON2) Nurses at Queens North Hawaii Community Hospital held an informational picket on the morning of May 17, citing unfair treatment and the lack of progress on a new contract. Almost 100 nurses represented by the Hawaii Nurses Association work at the hospital, and HNA says they have been trying to negotiate for a contract since December 2024. Road rage suspect issued a no-bail warrant Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nurses contract expired at the end of March, with HNA saying their goal is to raise the standards of patient care on the Big Island so that it is comparable to the patient care at the Oahu Queens locations. This is a health equity issue. We believe there should be one standard of care across the state, said Rosalee Agas-Yuu, an RN and president of HNA. Neighbor island residents already face challenges with access to quality care. When North Hawaii residents are admitted to Queens in Waimea, they deserve to receive the same quality of care as those Oahu. The union says that nurse-to-patient ratios are off, saying that there are not enough nurses to provide proper attention and care to patients needs. As a result, HNA says that the staffing ratios lead to a diminished quality of care. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The nurses in the infusion/oncology department administer hazardous drugs and blood products everyday. Per hospital policy, there must be dual verification of hazardous drugs and blood products, said Elizabeth Taipe, an RN in that department. There are times when there are only two infusion nurses scheduled or employed. On these days, patient care can be delayed because we dont have adequate staff to check chemotherapy and blood products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For nurses like Chaden Shimaoka-Bello who works in the medical-surgical department, their contract is not just about patient care, but also about the safety of patients and staff alike. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Were encountering more patients in severely distressed and agitated mental states. Patients who are not responsive to de-escalation techniques, environmental control or therapeutic communication. These are the exact moments when adequate staffing is not just important, but essential for both patient and employee safety, Shimaoka-Bello said. In a statement, Queens said that they are committed to working with HNA on getting a new contract, and respects their workers right to participate in lawful protected activities like picketing. Our pledge throughout those negotiations has been to bargain in good faith to reach a mutually acceptable agreement that provides wage increases and other improvements that support our nurses and their profession, the statement said in part. We continue to have constructive conversations with HNA and have taken great care to listen and consider every proposal that has been submitted by the unions bargaining team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. People accused of helping the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) should face the full weight of the law under a planned crackdown, a government adviser has said. The Home Office will this week publish a report by Jonathan Hall, the Governments independent adviser on terrorism law, setting out a new legal framework for how the IRGC could be proscribed. Mr Hall told the BBC the IRGC would not be treated like a terrorist group such as Hamas or al-Qaeda but would instead be covered by a new proscription-like designation to deter people from helping it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think that the Terrorism Act is the right piece of legislation. I dont think its about calling the IRGC, which is a formal part of the Iranian government, a terrorist group, said Mr Hall. But Ive looked at whether you could create sort of an alternative prescription-like mechanism. Its undoubtedly the case that the authorities do need even more tools to deal with this particular threat. Successive governments have resisted proscribing the IRGC as a terrorist group because of concerns over the impact on diplomatic relations with Iran and the legal complexities involved in doing so. Mr Hall will also use a speech to warn young people who may have previously become terrorists are now willing to carry out sabotage for Vladimir Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He will say Britain needs new anti-subversion laws to counter threats from hostile states. Farhad Javadi Manesh, Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, and Mostafa Sepahvand, three Iranian former asylum seekers, appeared in court accused of spying for Tehran - Julia Quenzler/SWNS Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, said: We must also strengthen our powers to protect our national security as we will not tolerate growing state threats on our soil. However, the growing threat from Iran and its agents to the UK from within its borders has shifted thinking. On Saturday, three Iranian former asylum seekers appeared in court accused of spying for Tehran. Earlier this month, five Iranian men were arrested in connection with a suspected plot to mount a terror attack reportedly on the Israeli embassy in London. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 500 MPs and Lords, including Lord Kinnock, former Labour leader, Sir Iain Duncan Smith, former Tory leader, and Suella Braverman, former home secretary, have written to Sir Keir Starmer urging him to proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist group. Proscription carries a six-month jail sentence for displaying support for the terrorist group and up to 14 years in prison for being a member or recruiting people to it. Major plots Mr Hall said there needed to be action taken to ensure that the public knew that helping the IRGC would bring down on them the full weight of the law. We need a lot more public understanding about the threat. So for example, if Im an organised criminal and Im offered some money to go and carry out an attack on a synagogue, you hope people will start to think, Id better not do that, because if I do, the full weight of authority is going to come down on me, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organised criminals, ex-military people who might carry out surveillance, people who might do a job for money, we have to hope the public becomes a bit more aware of the threat that Iran carries. That we effectively signal to anyone who might help them that if you get in bed with the Iranians and the IRGC, and you start carrying out plots to help them, then the full weight of the law is going to come down on you. Obviously, the law can only do so much. One of the particular difficulties is that the internet gives huge capability now to someone from the IRGC, perhaps sitting at their desk in Tehran, so they could send out a tasking package onto the internet and organise mayhem in the US. There have been two major plots. One was an attempt to murder John Bolton, who was a former high-ranking national security official. Another one was an attempt to murder president Trump himself. All of this was done from Tehran coordinated through the internet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So there are big questions about, first of all, making people aware of the threats so theyre not tempted to help if they realise it might be the Iranians, and also looking remorselessly at how the internet can be exploited. Internet offers perfect way In a speech to the Police Exchange think tank on Monday, Hall will warn laws relating to state threats need to adapt by expanding the scope of liability and a convergence between hostile states and terrorism. The internet offers a perfect way of directly recruiting tasking and paying individuals, he will say. This adds to the convergence effect. Young people who might once have been attracted to a terrorist cause are now willing to carry out sabotage for Putins Russia they are recruited in exactly the same way, by groups operating on Telegram. Hostile states could exploit the freedom and openness of the UK to make immediate or longer-term gains, he adds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If I was a foreign intelligence officer, of course I would ensure that the UK hated itself and its history, he says. That the very definition of woman should be put into question, and that masculinity would be presented as toxic. That white people should be ashamed and non-white people aggrieved. I [a foreign intelligence officer] would promote anti-Semitism within politics. Mr Hall asks if it might be necessary to bring forward a law, in the interests of national security, banning extremism or subversion. He asks if it might be desirable to pass a law banning Muslim Brotherhood candidates from standing in elections. The Muslim Brotherhood is an Islamist social movement that arose in Egypt in the 1920s but also gave rise to Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Government sources said Mr Halls report would set out the potential legal framework needed for proscription of state-associated groups like the IRGC. The Home Office announced in March that Iran and any agents acting on its behalf will be declared a security threat and forced to register their activities in the UK or face five years in jail. Dan Jarvis, the security minister, said the whole Iranian state, including the IRGC and its intelligence agency, will be placed in the highest category of a new foreign influence register. 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. FLAT ROCK, N.C. (WSPA) A community meal event happening Sunday in Flat Rock is helping fight childhood hunger, all while supporting local ceramicists. For eight years, the Empty Bowls community meal at the Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness has helped benefit the Flat Rock Backpack Program. The nonprofit program got its start in 2008, when the church learned that Henderson County schoolchildren were going without food during the weekends. The church partnered with MANNA FoodBank in Asheville to get the program rolling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Program coordinator, Debby Staton, said Hurricane Helene has had a lasting impact on the program. Hurricane Helene dealt a major blow to our area, she said. All of our support systemthe potters, food vendors, and sponsorswere all impacted, as was MANNA FoodBank, our main source of food for the Flat Rock Backpack Program. The program, church leaders said, helps feed more than 150 children across eight Henderson County schools each week. Needless to say, the students we serve were also affected, Staton continued. We are deeply appreciative of our community who keep us on their radar, always willing to pitch in as we continue meeting the needs of those who are food insecure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each meal ticket comes a handmade bowl created by local potters, soups and breads donated by nearby restaurants and cookies made by church members. Two mealtimes are scheduled for Sundays event: the first from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and the second from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Takeaway, organizers said, is also an option. Tickets are $30 per person or $50 for a family of two adults and children under 12 years of age. Though the ticket pre-sale closed Friday at 4 p.m., limited tickets may be available at the venue located Parish Hall at 1905 Greenville Highway, across the street from the main church building. Donations are accepted at any time, and can be mailed to Flack Rock Backpack Program c/o St. John in the Wilderness PO Box 185, Flat Rock, NC 28731. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Event organizers said the expect to raise $20,000 at Sundays event. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. (FOX40.COM) The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning in Northern California due to high fire danger. Video above: Fire season is starting to heat up in Northern California According to the Fairfield city manager, the following properties will be closed in response to the issued warning. National Weather Service issues a Fire Weather Watch for the Sacramento region Rockville Hills Regional Park Spyglass Open Space Serpas Ranch / Rolling Hills Open Space Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The areas will be closed starting at sunset on Saturday and are expected to reopen on Tuesday morning, stated City officials. The closures are due to critical fire weather conditions, which include northerly winds coming in with gusts up to 45 mph. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. MOUNT HOLLY, Pa. (WHTM) A historic Civil War-era church in Cumberland County has officially reopened. The historic Mount Tabor AME Zion Church located in Mount Holly was first founded in the late 1870s and served as a place of worship, school and community for black Americans until its closure in the 1970s. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Alerts For years the historic church sat empty slowly decaying over time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community works to save historic African American church But then in 2016, the Mount Tabor Preservation Project was launched in an effort to save the church and its rich history. In Mount Holly Springs, if you were African American and you wanted to go to church, this was the church you had to go to, Carmen James, Treasurer of the Mt. Tabor Preservation Board explained. So, and that cemetery was the cemetery, you had to be buried. Moving forward, the public is invited to take a tour of the newly renovate Mt. Tabor AME Zion Church, which will be held monthly. The tours are free but donations are welcome. To sign up for a tour or to learn more about upcoming programing, you can visit their website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Demery Ardell Wilson walked into a Whataburger in July last year and claims he ordered a burger with no onions a request he says the chain failed to fulfill in a lawsuit filed on April 25, 2025. When Wilson took his first bite, he alleges he immediately tasted onions and did not take another bite. Wilson says he has an allergy to onions and that this bite was enough to cause an allergic reaction. Don't miss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the petition, Wilson claims he suffered serious personal injuries as a result of the incident and that he had to seek the care of medical professionals. He is seeking damages of more than $250,000 but less than $1 million, the court filing states. Whataburger is pushing back against Wilson's allegations in a separate court document filed on May 16, in which the chain is seeking "strict proof" of his claims. Read more: You're probably already overpaying for this 1 'must-have' expense and thanks to Trump's tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here's how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now How likely is it that Wilson will win? This is not Wilson's first swing at a fast-food chain. He filed a similar lawsuit against Sonic in 2024, also for allegedly putting onions on his burger and triggering an allergic reaction. The jury is still out on how these will go, but it's not uncommon for chains to be sued for allergic reactions that's the whole reason common allergens are typically declared on menus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilson's representation is taking the angle of the mistake being a manufacturing defect, stating in the court document what he ate was defective because it was unsafe to eat and that rendered it unreasonably dangerous. The outcome here will depend on if Wilson has clear evidence like photos of the burger, receipts with his request listed along with evidence of emergency medical care. The filing didn't call out specifically if he was rushed to emergency, only that he had to "seek the care of medical professionals." If you find yourself in a similar pickle or onion it helps to always get pictures, a receipt and also to use fast-food chains' official apps. Ordering through a chain's app helps ensure customizations are logged and can make it easer to report issues, too. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Residents of the Westbury Reserve Apartments in southwest Houston are finally seeing some relief after weeks of dealing with the stench of uncollected garbage, no hot water and no air conditioning. "I can't open my window. I come out here every day, especially with that rain. You know how that smells, resident Bernard Joseph told Fox 26. They aint dumped the trash in two months." Don't miss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that wasnt the only concern. Tenants said squatters were breaking into vacant units, sewage was backing up into buildings and basic maintenance was nonexistent. Some residents said the issues have been occurring since Christmas. After weeks of pressure and nearly 30 health department violations, the property owner stepped in with promises of cleanup and change. But how it got this bad is a tangled story. 'The buck stops with me' Robert Ritzenhaler, owner of Westbury Reserve and CEO of REM Capital, blamed the severe neglect on AMC Management, the third-party property management company he hired. "At the end of the day, the buck stops with me, as one of the owners of the property, he told Fox 26. That doesn't mean there isn't a story behind it, of course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ritzenhaler said he was shocked to learn a $10,000 trash bill had not been paid, despite more than $366,000 reportedly sitting in the propertys account. According to him, AMC requested approval to pay the trash bill only a month ago. He signed off, but said AMCs payment process caused a delay. I shouldn't have to approve a trash bill, Ritzenhaler said. The contract specifically states that they will take care of managing the property and keeping it habitable. AMC Management disputed that version of events. In a statement to FOX 26, the company said, AMC never sought permission to pay trash collection bills nor was it required to under the property management agreement." Instead, AMC claims REM Capital failed to provide funds to pay contractors and even fell behind on payroll and management fees. AMC sent a termination letter, which took effect May 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ritzenhaler has since dispatched a new team member to oversee a full-scale cleanup and repairs effort. Top priorities included clearing trash piles, boarding up broken windows, resolving sewage backups, restoring hot water and tackling pest problems. Hes also working to fix or replace broken gates, potholes and expired fire extinguishers. The pool area described by the fire marshal as unacceptable must also be brought back to code. Read more: You're probably already overpaying for this 1 'must-have' expense and thanks to Trump's tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here's how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now What to do if you're caught in the middle Tenants at Westbury Reserve say they were left in the dark for months, unsure who was responsible and with no clear way to get help. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, here are some steps that can help: Document everything Take photos and videos of the conditions in your unit and around the property. Keep records of rent payments, maintenance requests and any communication with management. Contact property management and owners Make sure the property managers understand the extent of the issues. If they arent responding, try reaching out to the property owner directly. Public property records or business filings can help you track them down. File complaints with authorities You can file complaints with housing authorities, the health department and sanitation services. In Houston, this includes Solid Waste Management and the Department of Neighborhoods. Seek legal aid Nonprofits like Lone Star Legal Aid in Texas offer free or low-cost legal help if you believe your rights as a tenant are being violated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, consider contacting local media. Residents at Westbury Reserve only got results after a news station picked up their story. Sometimes, public pressure is the only way to spark action. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) Tens of thousands of red-clad protesters marched through the Dutch capital on Sunday to demand their government do more to halt Israels campaign in Gaza, in what organizers called the countrys biggest demonstration in two decades. Human rights groups and aid agencies including Amnesty International, Save the Children and Doctors Without Borders estimated the peaceful crowd at more than 100,000 people, and the streets of The Hague were packed with the old, young and even some babies on their first protest. We hope this is a wake-up call for the government, said teacher Roos Lingbeek, attending the march with her husband and their 12-week-old daughter, Dido, who slept in a carrier as her parents brandished a sign simply reading: STOP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The march took the young family past the Peace Palace, headquarters of the United Nations International Court of Justice, where last year judges ordered Israel to do all it can to prevent death, destruction and any acts of genocide in Gaza. As the protest wound its way past the court, canals and the seat of the Netherlands' right-wing government, Israeli forces continued to pound northern Gaza, where they have launched new ground operations. Airstrikes in the offensive killed at least 103 people, including dozens of children, overnight and into Sunday, hospitals and medics said, and forced northern Gazas main hospital to close. An Israeli blockade on food, medicine and other supplies is now in its third month, with global food security experts warning of famine across the territory of more than 2 million people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Prins, whose yarmulke was printed with the image of a watermelon which shares the colors of the Palestinian flag told The Associated Press he was attending the protest to speak out against the atrocities. The 64-year-old was standing across the street from the synagogue he attended growing up, which overlooks the field where the demonstration began. Protesters walked a 3-mile (5-kilometer) loop around the city center of The Hague, to symbolically create the red line they say the government has failed to set. We are calling on the Dutch government: stop political, economic and military support to Israel as long as it blocks access to aid supplies and while it is guilty of genocide, war crimes and structural human rights violations in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Marjon Rozema, of Amnesty International, told the AP. Israel strongly denies that it is committing genocide or violating international law in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some unable to make the trek through the city sat along the route to cheer on the marchers. Its beyond time for the government to act, Aletha Steijns told the AP, while holding crutches for a knee injury. She was joined by several friends in camping chairs on the sidewalk. Dutch policy toward Israel is just one of many issues causing splits in the Netherlands fragile coalition government. Hard-right leader Geert Wilders is staunchly pro-Israel and his anti-immigrant Party for Freedom holds the largest number of seats in the countrys parliament. Last week, however, foreign affairs minister Caspar Veldkamp of the minority center-right VVD party urged the European Union to review a trade agreement with Israel, arguing that its blockade of humanitarian aid violated international law. Wilders hit back, denouncing the call as an affront to cabinet policy. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) The Huntsville Police Department is investigating after a person was shot Friday night. On May 16, at about 11:30 p.m., HPD said officers were sent to a shooting in progress in the 6200 block of Rime Village. When they arrived, the officers said they found a person with a gunshot wound. The person was in a non-life-threatening condition and was taken to the hospital for treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case is being investigated by a member of HPDs Violent Crimes Unit and is under active investigation. HPD said no additional information for release at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) Illinois Central College honored 2,243 graduates during its 2025 commencement ceremony held Saturday at the Peoria Civic Center. The event was open to the public and livestreamed on the colleges website, allowing family and friends to join the celebration from near and far. The ceremony featured remarks from ICC President Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey, who praised the graduating class for their resilience and accomplishments. Student speaker Keiton Hamilton shared personal reflections and celebrated the collective journey of the Class of 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delivering the keynote address was Doug Oberhelman, retired CEO of Caterpillar, who encouraged graduates to pursue their goals with confidence and integrity, drawing from his decades of experience in global leadership. Graduate Allanah McCoy reflected on the challenges she overcame to reach this milestone. I worked pretty much full time too, and going to school was really hard, McCoy said. So just like my days were really long all the time, but Im finally here, so its worth it, she said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) Severe weather swept across Central Illinois on Friday, with some areas seeing thunderstorms, high winds, and even a dust storm. Illinois State Police said that amidst the severe weather, they responded to a number of crashes. The following crashes were reported to the Illinois State Police between 3-7 p.m. on May 16. Severe weather blog May 16, 2025 Illinois State Police Troop 5 responded to the following incidents: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Motorist Assists: 3 Non-Injury Crashes: 7 Injury Crashes: 6 Troop 5 covers DeWitt, Ford, Iroquois, Kankakee, Livingston and McLean counties. Troop 6 serves Christian, Logan, Mason, Menard, Morgan, and Sangamon counties, among others. On Friday, State Police responded to two motorist assists. Coles, Champaign, Douglas, Macon and Vermilion, Moultrie, Piatt, Shelby and Edgar counties are covered by Illinois State Police Troop 7. During Fridays severe weather, Illinois State Police Troop 7 responded to Motorist Assists: 4 Non-Injury Crashes: 4 Injury Crashes: 3 Troop 9 serves Effingham, Cumberland, Fayette, Clark and more. On Friday, State Police responded to two motorist assists and two injury crashes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Incumbent Utah Republican Party Chair Robert Axson won reelection at the partys 2025 State Organizing Convention on May 17. Axson has served as party chair since 2023 and was running against Phil Lyman. Axson received 1,340 votes and Lyman received 1,215 votes. A total of 2,560 votes were cast (and five were deemed invalid), meaning Axson won with roughly 52% of the votes. Volunteers reportedly finished counting the votes shortly after 4:15 p.m., with results being announced just after 4:20 p.m. Ahead of the convention, President Trump, Sen. Mike Lee, and Rep. Burgess Owens endorsed Axson as party chair. Before his speech at the convention, Axson was introduced by Lee, who took the time to back Axson again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few days before the convention, a text survey commissioned by signature-backers Count My Vote (CMV) showed that 59.06% of respondents supported Axson, 39.7% supported Lyman, and 1.24% were undecided. A total of 3,974 texts were sent, and 403 responses were received. Axson has served as a state delegate, county delegate, precinct chair, and as Utah GOP Vice Chair, among other roles. Background The Utah Republican Party meets at a state organizing convention every two years to elect new party leadership. Candidates spend two months campaigning across the state of Utah in an effort to win the votes of state delegates, the party explains. Four positions are elected to lead the party Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the race for party chair was a major focus of the 2025 convention, delegates also voted for other party leadership. The results are as follows: Chair: Robert Axson Vice Chair: Melanie Monestere (uncontested) Secretary: Stafford Palmieri Sievert Treasurer: Chris Null (uncontested) Delegates also voted on proposed constitution amendments, proposed resolutions, proposed bylaw amendments, and proposed platform amendments. Lindsay Aerts contributed to this report. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. A professor from an elite, private liberal-arts university in India has been arrested for a social media post about news briefings on the military operation against Pakistan more than a week after the two nuclear-armed neighbours agreed to a ceasefire, according to local media reports. Ali Khan Mahmudabad, an associate professor with the Department of Political Science at Ashoka University, was arrested on Sunday under sections of the criminal code pertaining to acts prejudicial to maintaining communal harmony, incitement of armed rebellion or subversive activities, and insults of religious beliefs. A police official told the Indian Express newspaper that the 42-year-old Muslim academic was arrested in the capital, New Delhi, 60km (37 miles) south of the university, located in Sonepat in Haryana state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A report by the online publication Scroll.in on Sunday quoted Mahmudabads lawyer as saying the case against him was filed on Saturday based on a complaint by Yogesh Jatheri, general secretary of the youth wing of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Haryana. The arrest was made days after the Haryana State Commission for Women summoned Mahmudabad for his comments on the daily briefings on Indias military operation in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh from the Indian armed forces held media briefings on Operation Sindoor, launched on May 6. In a Facebook post on May 8, Mahmudabad had said: I am very happy to see so many right wing commentators applauding Colonel Sophia Qureishi but perhaps they could also equally loudly demand that the victims of mob lynchings, arbitrary bulldozing and others who are victims of the BJPs hate mongering be protected as Indian citizens. The optics of two women soldiers presenting their findings is importantly but optics must translate to reality on the ground otherwise its just hypocrisy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post referred to Qureishi, a Muslim officer in the Indian army, and attacks against Muslims, including lynchings and destruction of their houses without due process. According to local media reports, the Haryana Womens Commission on Monday said the professors statement disparaged women officers in the Indian Armed Forces and promoted communal disharmony and summoned him. Mahmudabad has defended his comments and said on X that they had been misunderstood. If anything, my entire comments were about safeguarding the lives of both citizens and soldiers. Furthermore, there is nothing remotely misogynistic about my comments that could be construed as anti-women, he said. Indian army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi addresses a press conference after India struck multiple sites inside Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir [Manish Swarup/AP Photo] In February last year, the human rights group Amnesty International urged the government to stop unjust targeted demolition of Muslim properties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unlawful demolition of Muslim properties by the Indian authorities, peddled as bulldozer justice by political leaders and media, is cruel and appalling. Such displacement and dispossession is deeply unjust, unlawful and discriminatory. They are destroying families and must stop immediately, said Agnes Callamard, Amnestys secretary-general. The authorities have repeatedly undermined the rule of law, destroying homes, businesses or places of worship, through targeted campaigns of hate, harassment, violence and the weaponization of JCB bulldozers. These human rights abuses must be urgently addressed, she said in a statement. Indias Supreme Court has ordered a halt to so-called bulldozer justice, but that has not stopped authorities from disregarding due process. The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the BJP has also been accused of allowing far-right Hindu vigilante groups to act with impunity. They have lynched Muslims and tried to police interfaith relations. Modi has spoken against cow vigilante killings, but his government has done little to stop the activities of vigilante groups. My statement re the summons that I received from the Haryana State Womens Commission. The posts that were misunderstood and objected to can be accessed on my Facebook page. pic.twitter.com/U4rZrAXhFx Ali Khan Mahmudabad (@Mahmudabad) May 14, 2025 Professors and activists across the country have shown their support for Mahmudabad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An open letter with about 1,200 signatories released on Friday said: It is clear that Prof Khan praised the strategic restraint of the armed forces, analysed how any distinction between the terrorists or non-state actors and the Pakistani military has now collapsed, and said that the optics of the women officers chosen for media debriefs was important as proof that the secular vision of the founders of our Republic is still alive. The Amnesty International called for Professor Mahmudabads release. The Haryana police must stop treating Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad like a criminal simply for expressing an opinion, Aakar Patel, chair of board at Amnesty International India, said: in a statement on Monday. The shameful arrest of the Professor for a social media post seeking support for justice for victims of lynching and bulldozer injustice in the country is a violation of his rights to freedom of expression and liberty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Haryana Police must immediately release Professor Mahmudabad and terminate the investigation against him. The opposition Congress party chief Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the Muslim academics arrest. Mahmudabads arrest shows how fearful the BJP is of any opinion disliked by them, he posted on X. Pawan Khera, the chairman of the Congress media and publicity department, said: It is not anti-national to show the mirror to the government whichever party is ruling. Ali is an academic and historian. What he has questioned the government on is the double standards. The truce between India and Pakistan, announced on May 10, halted several days of missile and drone attacks across their shared border. Pakistan said at least 31 people were killed in Indias strikes while India said at least 15 people were killed in Pakistans counterattacks. Indiana's craft breweries produced more than 233,000 barrels of beer in 2024, creating an economic impact of nearly $1.5 billion, according to the Brewers Association national trade group. Today, more than 200 craft breweries operate in the state, which experienced a near quadrupling in its craft brewer ranks since 2011. And while Broad Ripple Brewpub in Indianapolis is the state's longest operating microbrewery, having opened in 1990, Indiana's commercial brewing history dates back to 1819, when, according to the Indiana Historical Society, German settlers in New Harmony began selling their surplus beer in the town on the banks of the Wabash River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, regardless of whether we've just schooled you on Hoosier craft beer history, or if you can write a dissertation on the differences between Zombie Dust and Zombie Ice, IndyStar is proud to announce our partnership with an annual event that's sure to enlighten and entertain Central Indiana craft beer lovers. Conner Prairie's' popular History on Tap craft beer event returns in 2025 from 6-10 p.m. June 6. Attendees will sample the creations of more than 20 Indiana craft brewers while strolling the Fishers living history museum's grounds and taking in music, food, activities and historical reenactments centered on Indiana's long and lively brewing history. Twenty-five Indiana breweries pour suds from 6:30-10 p.m. May 29 at Conner Prairies annual History on Tap event in this May 28, 2015 photo. General admission tickets for the 12th annual History on Tap event run $75 for non-members and $65 for Conner Prairie members at connerprairie.org, with $20 admission for designated drivers. All participants must be age 21 or older. As a Growler Partner in this year's event, IndyStar will be on hand to enhance the fun. Attendees are encouraged to stop by our booth to meet our news and marketing staff, participate fun activities, and snap selfies at our interactive photo stations at the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IndyStar readers can also look forward to some additional local brewery information from dining and drinks reporter Bradley Hohulin, your friend inside Central Indiana's culinary scene. Other IndyStar 'in real life' events planned IndyStar sports reporter Dana Hunsinger Benbow talks with an Indiana Fever fan before the Fever hosted IndyStar night on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Part of reporting on a community is being part of that community, and like last summer when IndyStar launched a reader advisory panel and held in-person events at Indiana Fever games and the Indiana State Fair, we're planning some fun community events as the weather heats up. This year, IndyStar readers can plan on hearing about another IndyStar night with the Fever, in-person events on our free ticket day at the fair, and a few other offerings that we'll announce later. Our dedicated news staff, both those new to the area and those who have called Indianapolis home for decades, are looking forward to meeting you out on the town. Thank you for reading IndyStar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eric Larsen is IndyStar executive editor. Reach him at ericlarsen@indystar.com. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IndyStar to join Conner Prairie for History on Tap craft beer event SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A Sioux Falls mental health counseling center transformed into a tattoo parlor to raise awareness about mental health on Saturday. The Ink for Tomorrows event, hosted by Encompass Mental Health, featured multiple local tattoo artists. They offered permanent tattoos in an effort to raise money for a Sioux Falls nonprofit. Helpline Centers resources for mental health month Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finding Better Tomorrows is a nonprofit that helps people access mental health care for those who are uninsured or underinsured. It can also help provide lift rides if transportation to getting to therapy services isnt possible, Encompass Mental Health director of education and business operations Madison Kyle said. Some of the proceeds will also go to help build a mobile play therapy van for Encompass Mental Health. We see kids in schools and in daycares, but very often space is an issue, Kyle said. Seeing them in schools and daycares helps us to reduce some of those barriers, because parents arent having to take time off of work. Kids arent missing more school. Kyle said last years event raised more than $20,000. This year, more than 100 people pre-registered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kathie Alleven was here getting her very first tattoo. My daughters been trying to talk me into a tattoo forever, Alleven said. When she mentioned this event, I thought, all right, no more excuses. This is a very good cause to support. Tattoos and mental health awareness may not seem like they have much in common, but Thistle & Ivy Co. artist Erin Bennett said events like these can help break the stigma and start important conversations. The less stigma its got around it, the better people can get services for it without shame or being afraid, Bennett said. Its one of the reasons why Alleven and her daughter Alex Behrens came out today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mental health has been an issue in my family. We lost my brother to suicide, Alex Behrens said. Just the idea of providing support for people to get that mental health is important to my family. Sioux Falls Walk MS event draws dozens Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As Ukraine's liberating forces advanced in the fall of 2022, several trucks stopped near the rear yard of the Kherson Local History Museum. Inside the building itself, dozens of people moved back and forth like ants through the corridors. These people didn't work there they were employees from museums in occupied Crimea who, on the instructions of the Russian leadership, had come to remove Scythian and Sarmatian gold jewellery, valuable collections of weapons and coins, and thousands of other historical artifacts from then-occupied Kherson. "Some of them did the packing, others grabbed what they liked," a museum guard recalled in an interview with the Kyiv independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They then shifted their focus to the nearby Kherson Museum of Local Lore. What was unfolding was just part of what would amount to the looting of nearly 33,000 items from the two museums the largest such theft in Europe since World War II. A two-year investigation by Ukrainian authorities has made little progress. The media has only mentioned the names of Ukrainian defectors who collaborated with Russia. The Kyiv Independent has discovered not only who organized the illegal removal of valuables, but also where the collections are now held. To dupe those responsible into revealing previously secret details of the theft, investigative journalist Yevheniia Motorevska would have to take on the roles of a naive producer of a Russian TV channel, and a tough and inquisitive investigator of the Russian Federation. A view of the looted and shelled Art Museum in Kherson, Ukraine, on Feb. 19, 2024. (Wojciech Grzedzinski / Anadolu via Getty Images) 'It was a real act of vandalism' Both museums are located in the central part of Kherson near the Dnipro River, an area which before Russia's full-scale invasion, was always crowded with people visiting the exhibitions and frequenting the local restaurants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city of Kherson was occupied by Russian forces in the early days of March, 2022, until being liberated by Ukraine's lightning counteroffensive later that year. Today this area is a red zone which suffers constant shelling just a couple of kilometers away, on the other bank of the Dnipro river, Russian forces fire artillery, and launch drones that systematically target civilians in what has been dubbed a "human safari." Since the end of the 19th century, the Kherson Local History Museum had accumulated more than 180,000 artifacts including those of the Scythians, Sarmatians, Goths, Greeks and Romans, all of whom lived in the territory of modern southern Ukraine over the centuries. Today all that remains are the paper descriptions where they used to be displayed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In Russia, they always spoke of themselves as a cultural nation. But no, only vandals could have done that." The current head of the Kherson Local History museum, Olha Honcharova, told the Kyiv Independent about the moment she first entered the museum after the citys liberation. "It was a real act of vandalism. In Russia, they always spoke of themselves as a cultural nation. But no, only vandals could have done that," she said. "A very expensive item that was in this hall was the saber of the Emir of Bukhara. It cost, according to some estimates, more than $150,000," she added while walking around the empty halls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Honcharova was appointed to her position immediately after Kherson was liberated from Russian occupation. Her predecessor, Tetiana Bratchenko, collaborated with the occupation regime and is now, according to the Kyiv Independent's investigation, hiding in Russia. Empty glass display cases are seen at the Kherson Regional Museum, which specializes in local and natural history, in Kherson, Ukraine, on Dec. 22, 2022 (Dimitar Dilkoff / AFP via Getty Images) In total, more than 23,000 exhibits were stolen from the Kherson Museum of Local Lore, as well as all the records of the collection. Witnesses to the theft were two of the museum's guards who continued to work when the city was occupied, but refused to cooperate with Russian forces. They claim that during the looting, some 70 specialists from occupied Crimea selected exhibits, kept records, and packed items in the museum. None gave their names or positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The guards also pointed to a mysterious commandant who personally supervised the removal of valuables but the details they provided were not sufficient on their own to identify him. 'I personally carried the exhibits out' Before Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukrainian Artem Lagoysky was a Kherson blogger known as "Bydlo." When the Russians arrived, he eagerly accepted a post in the occupying regime as deputy minister of culture. The Kyiv Independent knew he had information about the theft but in order to speak to him and get him to open up, had to pose as Russian journalists making a film about culture in the "territories liberated by Russia." Believing he was speaking to a "TV producer in Moscow," Lagoysky, speaking from the occupied Ukrainian city of Henichesk, Kherson Oblast, freely admitted that he "personally carried the exhibits from museums during the evacuation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lagoysky also revealed the names of other high-ranking officials from occupied Crimea who came to remove artifacts Elena Morozova, director of the Chersonesos Museum, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and Mikhail Smorodkin, director of the Sevastopol Defense Museum, one of the largest museums on the occupied peninsula. Both are Russian citizens who moved to Crimea to take up positions there after the peninsula was occupied in 2014. "They came in groups, with guys. Everyone helped us," Lagosky added. To obtain more evidence of their involvement in the museum theft, it was necessary to contact another defector, Oleksandr Kuzmenko, who at the time of the looting was the "minister of culture" in Kherson Oblast. Before the full-scale invasion, he was the director of a local music school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kuzmenko no longer holds a minister position and was unlikely to want to speak to Russian journalists, so a different approach was needed Motorevska called him under the guise of an "investigator from Moscow" looking into how several objects that were supposed to be taken to Russian-controlled territories had appeared on the black market. A broken glass case is seen in the looted halls of the Kherson Regional Museum, which specializes in local and natural history, in Kherson, Ukraine, on Dec. 22, 2022 (Dimitar Dilkoff / AFP via Getty Images) Empty glass display cases are seen at the Kherson Regional Museum, which specializes in local and natural history, in Kherson, Ukraine, on Dec. 22, 2022 (Dimitar Dilkoff / AFP via Getty Images) During the conversation, Kuzmenko confirmed that both Morozova and Smorodkin were present in Kherson, claiming it was they who decided which exhibits should be taken out of the Local History Museum and which should stay. "They are experts. They know what is valuable and what is not," Kuzmenko said. Using the same cover story, Motorevska called another Kherson defector, Andriy Khodchenko, the Local History Museums former deputy director, who, after the liberation of Kherson fled to Russia's Krasnodar Krai, a region that shares a border with Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khodchenko also fell for the ruse and confirmed Morozova's presence, also sharing details about another Crimean official, Mikhail Smorodkin, the Sevastopol Defense Museums director, claiming at one point he tried to put some of the museum's exhibits into his own car. "But I pointed it out to the commandant, and the commandant made him move the items into the truck. He said: 'Everything will be loaded here. I will seal everything'," Khodchenko said. This was confirmation that directors of two museums the Chersonesos Museum and Sevastopol Defense Museum were present during the theft. These are also the two museums it was suspected the looted items were taken to. Now it was time to establish the name of the Russian officer, the commandant of Kherson, who personally participated in, and possibly oversaw, the theft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As I remember, the commandant was limping, he walked with a cane... I don't know his last name, but I saw him during the evacuation," Kuzmenko said. The mysterious commandant There were clues to his identity the museum guards said he was wearing the uniform of a colonel, and it was already known he walked with a limp. Lagoysky said in addition to looting the museums, he and the commandant personally took the remains of Russian military leader Grigory Potemkin from his tomb in St. Catherine's Cathedral in Kherson. This was even documented Lagoysky sent photographs of the process to journalists, but the angle of the commandant in the picture prevented identification This undated photo shows the removal of the remains of Russian military leader Grigory Potemkin from his tomb in St. Catherines Cathedral in Kherson, Ukraine. According to Lagoysky, he and the commandant personally carried out the exhumation during the occupation. (Artem Lagoysky's personal archive) Fortunately, Kuzmenko had another photograph which clearly showed the commandant's face, which he sent to the Kyiv Independent via Telegram. This undated photo shows the exhumation of Russian military leader Grigory Potemkins remains from his tomb at St. Catherines Cathedral in Kherson, Ukraine, which Artem Lagoysky (R) says he carried out together with commandant, later identified as Dmitry Lipov (L), a Russian naval officer with the rank equivalent to a colonel. (Artem Lagoyskys personal archive) With the help of facial recognition software, he was swiftly identified Dmitry Lipov, a Russian naval officer with the rank equivalent to a colonel. It is known from open sources that he is the head of the communications center of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation, but his senior position among the occupation authorities of Kherson has not been previously reported. Dmitry Lipov, a Russian naval officer with the rank equivalent to a colonel. The Russian defectors interviewed by the Kyiv Independent also said Lipov coordinated his actions with the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) in fact, it was representatives of the FSB who oversaw the entire operation. Khodchenko reported that FSB officers held meetings in Kherson with museum employees and occupation authorities in Kherson Oblast, and helped organize the theft. The Kyiv Independent team discovered the FSB officer who led this process was called Vasily, but could not fully identify him. Destruction of Ukrainian identity According to Kuzmenko, FSB officers also supervised the removal of valuables from the Art Museum where more than 10,000 works of art, including three paintings by the famous Ukrainian painter Ivan Aivazovsky, were looted. "(The Russians) were mainly focused on taking paintings, they took those away. They left artworks that were not in very good condition, or that they simply didnt like," the current deputy director Ihor Rusol said. In 2022, the Russians stole almost 35,000 artifacts the same number of items in the exhibition halls of the Louvre in Paris, France. At least part of the Art Museum's collection is now located in occupied Crimea, at the Taurida Central Museum. A museum staffer stands in an empty storage room at an art museum in Kherson, Ukraine, on Dec. 8, 2022, following a campaign of plunder during the Russian occupation of the area. (Kyodo News via Getty Images) In total, according to the information of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, from six museums in the territories liberated by the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2022, the Russians stole almost 35,000 artifacts the same number of items in the exhibition halls of the Louvre in Paris, France. The illegal removal of valuables also occurred in the territories that remain under occupation Ukrainian authorities reported the looting of the Melitopol Local History Museum in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and the Mariupol Local History Museum in Donetsk Oblast. The scale of the thefts from these museums is impossible to accurately assess at present. A Russian plan to cover up the theft Vitalii Tytych is a lawyer and military serviceman. In the first two years of the full-scale war, he documented crimes against cultural heritage as part of a special Territorial Defence Forces unit. Tytych believes the Russians will, ironically, try to use international law to get away with the thefts, citing the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict to try to convince the world they were not looting, but saving artifacts from possible damage caused by being near the front lines. "Persecution of museum workers, theft of the records without leaving descriptions or documenting the selection process it had nothing to do with the actions stipulated by the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property, Tytych said. The Local History Museums staff together with public initiatives are working to restore the records of the collection stolen by the Russians. Due to the fact Ukraine does not have a unified state register of museum values, this process is complex. However, the relevant documentation is the basis for establishing the extent of the damage caused to Ukraine and for making claims in the future. Vitalii Tytych sees the looting of museums as part of Russia's state policy to destroy Ukrainian culture, which has been ongoing since tsarist times. "The idea of destroying the Ukrainian nation through the destruction of the features of its identity, its distinction from all other 'Russian world' is at the heart of this aggression," Tytych said. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (FOX40.COM) The Stockton Police Department responded to reports of a person shot in the Seasport District on Friday night. Video above: How to report a public safety threat According to the SPD, the incident happened around 8:48 p.m. near the intersection of California and Third Streets. When crews arrived at the scene, officers found a 60-year-old male victim who was suffering from a gunshot wound. FAA investigates plane crash leaving two injured near Yuba County Airport Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SPD stated that the victim was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries. Detectives responded and took over the 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 FOX40 News. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker weighs the prospects of a third term in Springfield. And Iowa state lawmakers put in an overtime session after a group of Republicans forced a vote on eminent domain. Host Jim Niedelman gets into that with former Scott County Democratic Party Chair Elesha Gayman and Scott County Republican Party Chair Kurt Whalen. One of the biggest concerns of the people who were against the bill was that it might limit or hurt businesses that are trying to work with pipeline infrastructure, Whalen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While people might fear that this might spread into other areas, I dont know that that would be a bad thing, Gayman said. To hear more, click on the video. Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and public affairs program focused on the issues important to you. Its a program unlike any other here in the Quad Cities. Tune in each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as Jim Niedelman brings you up to speed on whats happening in the political arena, from Springfield, Des Moines, Washington, D.C. and right here at home. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. IOWA PARK (KFDX/KJTL) Since breaking ground in April 2021, to opening new fire and police facilities. These new facilities are a long time coming, Iowa Park Mayor Jeff Pogatshnik said. Iowa Park first responders are excited to use its new state-of-the-art facilities to serve the community. The building that we were in, we outgrew it completely. Iowa Park Fire Chief Andy Payne said. The two departments once shared a space. But now get their own separate building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Payne, the new building fits the fire departments needs to better serve the community. We had a special order our fire trucks to fit in this old station. Were not gonna have to do that with the new station, Payne said. Its going to help our response in how I say it is, weve got more state-of-the-art features inside that help us with our responses. police chief Steve Davis says these buildings are an investment for the future. Before we were literally dancing around each other in the hallway, Davis said. I hope it provides the city of Iowa park for generations to come. We made sure that there was enough room so that we should we should be good for 30 and 40 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pogatshnik believes they did right by taxpayers by improving public safety services. Im telling you what our police department and our fire department, and Ive had to use them both personally, are second to none for small-town Texas. Nobody can beat them, Pogatshnik said. As the city of Iowa Park celebrates new public safety facilities to protect and serve. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian called for nuclear program negotiations between Tehran and Washington to continue and said that President Trump is sending contradictory messages. No one but Trump himself believes his words against the Iranian nation; on the one hand, he speaks of peace and stability, and on the other hand, he threatens with the most sophisticated tools for homicide, and with contradictory statements, he simultaneously sends messages of peace, bloodshed, and insecurity, Pezeshkian said during his Saturday morning speech to Navy officials. We are not seeking war, we favor negotiation and dialogue, but we are not afraid of threats either, and we will in no way retreat from our legal rights, Pezeshkian added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States and Irans officials completed four rounds of discussion regarding Tehrans rapidly expanding nuclear program. Trump said on Friday that the U.S. gave Iran a formal proposal for a new nuclear agreement and added that more importantly, they know they have to move quickly. Iran has denied that it has received a formal proposal from the U.S. In the meantime, the messaging weand the worldcontinue to receive is confusing and contradictory, Iranian foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on social media. Iran nonetheless remains determined and straightforward: Respect our rights and terminate your sanctions, and we have a deal. Trump has pushed to forge a new nuclear deal with Iran since taking office, warning Tehran cannot have a nuclear weapon and that it has to do away with enriching uranium. Trump pulled out of the Obama-negotiated 2015 agreement in 2018 and imposed sanctions on Tehran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commander-in-chief has warned previously that military action could ensue if diplomacy with Iran goes sideways. It is not the case that they imagine if they threaten us, we will retreat from our human and irrefutable rights, Pezeshkian said on Saturday. We will not back down and not abandon our proud military and academic, scientific, and nuclear achievements. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Israeli military said it has launched an "extensive" new ground offensive across the Gaza Strip as part of its intensified campaign against Hamas. Israeli ground troops are now operating in both the northern and southern parts of the Palestinian coastal enclave, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. The military said that over the past week week it carried out a "preliminary wave" of airstrikes to support the ground forces, targeting more than 670 Hamas positions, including weapons depots, rocket launchers and militant operatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Thus far, the troops eliminated dozens of terrorists," the statement said. Casualties in the Gaza Strip are mounting as Israel ramps up its offensive. On Sunday, medics said that some 110 people had died overnight and into Sunday morning, with many more injured. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently said the stepped up campaign aims to increase pressure on Hamas and secure the release of hostages still being held. Israeli authorities have said the plans include capturing and holding territory, along with relocating civilians from the north to the south of the strip. NEW YORK (PIX11) Thousands of people are expected to line Fifth Avenue Sunday for the annual Israel Day Parade. Its the largest celebration of its kind outside of Israel, but this years parade comes with heightened emotions and security, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Calls for the return of Israeli hostages will continue as droves of Israeli New Yorkers march down Fifth Avenue. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will march again this year with hostage families, said Mark Treyger, CEO of Jewish Community Relations Council of New York. Some hostages are home. Many are still not, and we are not whole until were all home again. The march is a massive show of support for Israel and is the second major march up Fifth Avenue since the October 7th attacks in 2023. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the parade comes at a time of heightened tension around the world and here at home. Since the October 7th attacks, there has been a notable increase in demonstrations and deeply personal emotions on all sides of the conflict, said Tisch. Weve also seen an unacceptable uptick in anti-semitic threats and rhetoric. The NYPD announced plans to beef up security ahead of Sundays parade. The department laid out its security strategy saying it will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt the parade or endanger those in attendance. The strategy includes street closures, banned items, and security screening locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along the parade route, Melissa Levine posted photos of the remaining hostages Saturday evening a quiet tribute and reminder of the somber reality behind the celebration. It is such an exciting day, she said. Its a little bittersweet because we still have 58 hostages in captivity and until theyre home, we wont rest. So yes, were celebrating Israel however we still are concerned about our loved ones in captivity. With barricades already up and a mobile command center ready, the city is locking in preparations for Sundays parade and Mayor Eric Adams is rejecting calls to shut it down. There were a number of voices that stated we should not hold the parade, and we refused to succumb to those who want to have the city live in fear, Adams said. It will not happen, and we are going to ensure we have a safe acknowledgment of Israels Independence Day on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NYPD said there will be an increased police presence along the route, with drones also in the air. Theyre urging everyone to stay alert and report anything suspicious to police. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. The News Israel began an extensive new ground offensive in Gaza, even as teams from Tel Aviv and Hamas held indirect ceasefire talks in Doha. Negotiations between Hamas and Israel have languished since a temporary truce ended in March; one hold-up, according to Israeli media, is Hamas demand for an international guarantee, particularly from Washington, that Israel will not restart the war at a later date. Most Israelis do not support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus strategy for Gaza, Haaretzs Anshel Pfeffer argued, prioritizing the return of hostages instead of Netanyahus stated aim of total victory over Hamas. But unless Israelis insist on their own version of victory, Pfeffer wrote, it seems likely that international pressure will force Israel to end the war through sanctions and international isolation. The Israeli army has intercepted another missile fired at the country from Yemen, the military said early Sunday. The launch triggered air raid sirens in several parts of the country, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. Yemen's Houthi rebels, who have been regularly firing missiles at Israel since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, claimed responsibility for the attack. The group said on Sunday it fired two ballistic missiles at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport, after it managed to strike the airport's perimeter for the first time on May 4, injuring several people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthis, an Iran-backed rebel group that controls large swathes of Yemen, also started attacking international shipping in the Red Sea in the wake of the Gaza war in what it describes as actions of solidarity with Palestinian extremist group Hamas. The Gaza war was triggered by the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel said on Sunday it has launched "extensive ground operations" across the Gaza Strip following fierce airstrikes overnight that reportedly killed more than 100 people and forced the closure of the last functioning public hospital in the north. Israeli ground troops are now operating in both the northern and southern parts of the Palestinian coastal enclave as part of its intensified campaign against Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. The military said that over the past week week it carried out a "preliminary wave" of airstrikes to support the ground forces, targeting more than 670 Hamas positions, including weapons depots, rocket launchers and militant operatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Thus far, the troops eliminated dozens of terrorists," the statement said. Casualties in the Gaza Strip are mounting as Israel ramps up its offensive. On Sunday, medics said that some 110 people had died overnight and into Sunday morning, with many more injured. The Palestinian news agency WAFA, which put the death toll at 108, said most of the victims were women and children. The attack allegedly hit tents sheltering displaced persons. These accounts could not be independently confirmed. The Israeli military said in response to an inquiry that it is investigating the incident. WAFA reported multiple deadly attacks across different areas of the coastal enclave. No functioning public hospitals in the north The reported death toll comes as the Hamas-run health ministry said on Sunday that the last functioning public hospital in northern Gaza is no longer operational due to Israeli bombardments nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heavy fire has cut off access to the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia, preventing patients, medical staff and essential supplies from reaching the facility, the ministry said. With this development, all public hospitals in northern Gaza were said to be out of service. The IDF has not commented on the report. It has previously accused Hamas of using hospitals to shield military operations, alleging that fighters take cover in medical facilities and store weapons there. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently said the stepped up campaign aims to increase pressure on Hamas and secure the release of hostages still being held. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli authorities have said the plans include capturing and holding territory, along with relocating civilians from the north to the south of the strip. Observers fear the new offensive - named Gideon's Chariots by the military - will lead to many more deaths in the coastal strip, where people are living in catastrophic conditions. The Israeli military has not allowed aid deliveries into Gaza for more than two months, accusing Hamas of reselling aid supplies to the increasingly destitute population. Israel says it killed Hamas leader's brother Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz believes it is likely that the brother of late Hamas leader Yehya al-Sinwar was killed in an attack in the Gaza Strip a few days ago, according to media reports on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Although there is no official confirmation yet, all indications are that Mohammed al-Sinwar has been eliminated," the news website ynet quoted Katz as saying at a committee meeting. Mohammed al-Sinwar is the younger brother of Yehya al-Sinwar, considered the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel. He was killed by the Israeli military in Gaza in October last year. He became head of Hamas' armed wing after Israel killed Mohammed Deif in July. Following an Israeli attack on a hospital in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, Israeli media reported that the attack was aimed at Mohammed al-Sinwar, but officials had refused to comment. According to hospital reports, several people were killed in the strike. The Israeli military said it had conducted a "precise attack on Hamas terrorists in a command and control centre." According to an unconfirmed Arab media report, the body of Mohammed al-Sinwar was found in a tunnel in Khan Younis. The Israeli military was unable to confirm this when asked on Sunday morning. JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel will allow some food into Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Sunday, hours after the military announced it had launched a new ground operation in the enclave. "Israel will allow a basic amount of food for the population to ensure that a hunger crisis does not develop in the Gaza Strip," Netanyahu's office said. (Reporting by Maayan Lubell; Editing by Will Dunham) CAIRO (Reuters) -The Israeli military said on Sunday it had intercepted a missile launched from Yemen toward Israel, where sirens sounded in several areas. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis said they had targeted Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv with two ballistic missiles. The Houthis have continued to fire missiles at Israel in what they say is solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, although they have agreed to halt attacks on U.S. ships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has carried out strikes in response, including one on May 6 that damaged Yemen's main airport in Sanaa and killed several people. (Reporting by Jaidaa Taha; Editing by Sandra Maler and William Mallard) Israel plans to resume the delivery of basic humanitarian aid to Gaza to ensure no famine occurs, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced on Sunday. The decision to provide Gaza residents with basic food assistance was made on the recommendation of the Israeli Army, the prime minister's office said. Earlier in the day Israel announced an extensive ground operation and Palestinians on the ground in the embattled enclave reported numerous casualties and mass displacements. The Israeli government has come under worldwide pressure for its handling of the Gaza war, which has also sparked mass protests on university campuses in many countries. Jon Caldara is president of the Independence Institute in Denver and hosts The Devils Advocate with Jon Caldara on Colorado Public Television Channel 12. His column appears Sundays in Colorado Politics. Israel has said it has begun extensive ground operations in Gaza as part of an expanded campaign to control large swathes of the Strip. The announcement on Sunday came hours after Benjamin Netanyahu signalled Israel was open to a deal with Hamas that involved ending the fighting in the besieged Palestinian territory. The military said that over the past day troops had begun extensive ground operations throughout the northern and southern Gaza Strip, adding they had eliminated dozens of terrorists, dismantled terrorist infrastructure... and are currently being deployed in key positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tanks and armoured vehicles moved into major cities in Gaza on Friday as Israel ramped up its campaign to free hostages and defeat Hamas. But as Mr Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, confirmed the ground forces were advancing on Sunday, his negotiators were also entering indirect talks with Hamas in Qatar. Search-and-rescue teams rescue a Palestinian girl from under the rubble after a strike on the Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza - Anadolu/Abdalhkem Abu Riash In a statement on Sunday, Netanyahus office said that the negotiation team in Doha is working to exhaust every possibility for a deal whether according to the Witkoff framework or as part of ending the fighting, referring to Steve Witkoff, the US Middle East envoy who has been involved in previous discussions. Such a deal, according to Mr Netanyahus statement, would include the release of all the hostages, the exile of Hamas terrorists, and the disarmament of the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His comments on Sunday represent an about-turn after he promised last week: There will be no way we will stop the war. Israel has been coming under pressure from the US, with Donald Trump, the US president, and Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, both raising concerns that Gazans were facing starvation under relentless renewed bombing. Israel has said it wants to take control of Gaza - Amir Levy/Getty Images On Sunday night, Israel relented to pressure and announced it would allow a limited amount of humanitarian aid into Gaza to avoid a hunger crisis. Mr Netanyahu said his cabinet approved a decision to allow a basic amount of food into the territory of over two million people, saying a hunger crisis in Gaza would jeopardise Israels new military offensive there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip killed at least 103 people on Saturday night and into Sunday, hospitals and medics claimed, and forced the main hospital in northern Gaza to close. On Sunday the Israeli army said ground operations had begun throughout the northern and southern Gaza Strip as part of its Gideons Chariots operation. Northern Gaza came under fire over the weekend - Amir Cohen/Reuters The Israel Defense Force (IDF) said its air force conducted a preliminary wave of strikes last week, hitting more than 670 Hamas targets throughout Gaza to disrupt enemy preparations and support ground operations. Among the targets struck were weapon storage facilities, underground terrorist infrastructure sites, anti-tank missile launchers as well as terrorists, the army added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The worsening conditions in the Strip have drawn humanitarian warnings from European capitals and also, in a rare move, from the Trump administration, which is reported to be frustrated with Mr Netanyahu. Most community kitchens have shut down. The main food providers inside Gaza the UNs World Food Program and World Central Kitchen say they are out of food. Vegetables and meat are inaccessible or unaffordable, and crowds queue for hours for a small scoop of rice. Food security experts said in a stark warning last week that Gaza would probably fall into famine if Israel did not lift its blockade. Aid organisations feeding the population in Gaza have reported the Israeli blockade has left them with almost no food to hand out - Mahmoud Issa/Anadolu via Getty Images In a sign that pressure on Israel was making an impact, Mr Netanyahu said on Sunday that the negotiators in Qatar were working to exhaust every possibility for a deal, including the framework of ending the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, he insisted: There will be no way we will stop the war. We can make a ceasefire for a certain period of time, but were going to the end. Mr Netanyahu has long been accused of extending the war in Gaza to appease the hardliners who keep his coalition in government. Itamar Ben-Gvir, one such hardliner who serves as national security minister, responded to Mr Netanyahus statement by saying: A framework to end the war without defeating Hamas will not arise and will not happen. Mr Ben-Gvirs Jewish Power party resigned from the coalition government earlier this year over the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas which began on Jan 19, but rejoined when the war in Gaza started again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite both Mr Trump and Mr Netanyahu insisting that their relationship remains good, reports in recent weeks have suggested frustration on both sides. The US struck a deal with Hamas to free US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, sidelining Israel in the process, and Mr Trump has said that Palestinians in Gaza are starving. When asked in an interview with Fox News if he was frustrated with Mr Netanyahu, Mr Trump said: No, look, hes got a tough situation Bibi [Netanyahu] hes an angry man, and he should be because of Oct 7, and hes been hurt badly by that, but in another way, hes been sort of helped because I think hes fought hard and bravely. Mr Trumps trip to the Gulf last week included talks on renewing the Abraham Accords, signed in his previous term as US president, which are aimed at creating formal relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. It has been reported that documents found in Gaza recently suggest the Oct 7 attacks were part of a plan to derail the accords. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wall Street Journal reported that a document found by the IDF in a tunnel showed that Yahya Sinwar, the late Hamas leader, called for an extraordinary act to be carried out to destroy the prospects of Saudi Arabia normalising ties with Israel. The document, dated Oct 2 2023, quoted Sinwar as saying: There is no doubt that the Saudi-Zionist normalisation agreement is progressing significantly. It pointed out that a normalisation deal would open the door for the majority of Arab and Islamic countries to follow the same path. Sinwar, who was killed by Israel in Gaza last year, wanted to bring about a major move or a strategic shift in the paths and balances of the region with regard to the Palestinian cause, according to the document, a record of a meeting in Hamass political bureau. Israelis demanding a ceasefire with Hamas at a demonstration in Tel Aviv on Saturday - Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu via Getty Images The Wall Street Journal reported that another document from September 2023 also suggested ramping up the conflict with Israel in the West Bank and Jerusalem to make it more difficult for Saudi Arabia to normalise ties with Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A third document written by Hamass military leadership in August 2022 stated: It has become the duty of the movement to reposition itself to preserve the survival of the Palestinian cause in the face of the broad wave of normalisation by Arab countries, which aims primarily to liquidate the Palestinian cause. The terror attack on Oct 7 did put a brake on Saudi talks with Israel, forcing Riyadh to take a step back due to accusations of war crimes against Palestinians in Gaza. Mr Trump, in his visit to Saudi Arabia on his first tour of the Middle East since taking office in January, said it was his dream to make a deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Its my fervent hope, wish and even my dream that Saudi Arabia will soon be joining the Abraham Accords. But youll do it in your own time, Mr Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Saudi Arabia reiterated earlier this year that it will not normalise ties with Israel until a Palestinian state has been established, something that Israel has repeatedly rejected. Meanwhile, a Saudi airline has resumed flights to bring Iranian hajj pilgrims to the kingdom for the first time in a decade, the latest sign of the warming ties between the two countries. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz believes it is likely that the brother of late Hamas leader Yehya al-Sinwar was killed in an attack in the Gaza Strip a few days ago, according to media reports on Sunday. "Although there is no official confirmation yet, all indications are that Mohammed al-Sinwar has been eliminated," the news website ynet quoted Katz as saying at a committee meeting. Mohammed al-Sinwar is the younger brother of Yehya al-Sinwar, who is considered the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel and killed by the Israeli military in Gaza in October last year. He became head of Hamas' armed wing after the death of Mohammed Deif in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following an Israeli attack on a hospital in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, Israeli media reported that the attack was aimed at Mohammed al-Sinwar, but officials had refused to comment. According to hospital reports, several people were killed in the strike. The Israeli military said it had conducted a "precise attack on Hamas terrorists in a command and control centre." According to an unconfirmed Arab media report, the body of Mohammed al-Sinwar was found in a tunnel in Khan Younis. The Israeli military was unable to confirm this when asked on Sunday morning. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 103 people overnight and into Sunday, hospitals and medics said, and prompted the main hospital in northern Gaza to close as Israel intensifies its war in the territory that, after more than 19 months, shows no signs of abating. More than 48 people were killed in airstrikes in and around the southern city of Khan Younis, some of which hit houses and tents sheltering displaced people, according to Nasser Hospital. Among the dead were 18 children and 13 women, hospital spokesperson Weam Fares said. In northern Gaza, a strike on a home in the built-up Jabaliya refugee camp killed nine people from a single family, according to the Gaza health ministrys emergency services. Another strike on a familys residence, also in Jabaliya, killed 10, including seven children and a woman, according to the civil defense, which operates under the Hamas-run government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military had no immediate comment on the overnight strikes. Israel blames civilian casualties from its operations on Hamas because the militant group operates from civilian areas. The bloodshed comes as Israel ramps up its war in Gaza with a new offensive named Gideons Chariots, in which Israel says it plans to seize territory, displace hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to Gazas south and take greater control over the distribution of aid. Israel says the new plan is meant to ramp up pressure on the militant Hamas group to agree to a temporary ceasefire on Israels terms one that would free Israeli hostages held in Gaza but wouldnt necessarily end the war. Hamas says it wants a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a pathway to ending the war as part of any new ceasefire deal. Israel had said it would wait until the end of President Donald Trumps visit to the region before launching its new offensive, saying it was giving a chance for efforts to bring about a new ceasefire deal. Trump did not visit Israel on his trip, which wrapped up on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said his negotiating team in the Qatari capital, Doha, was working to realize every chance for a deal, including one that would bring about an end to the fighting in exchange for the release of all the remaining 58 hostages, Hamas exile from Gaza and the disarmament of the Palestinian territory. Hamas has refused to leave Gaza or disarm. Israel shattered a previous 8-week ceasefire in mid-March, launching fierce airstrike that killed hundreds. Days before the end of that ceasefire, Israel also halted all imports into Gaza, including food, medicine and fuel, deepening a humanitarian crisis and sparking warnings of an increasing risk of famine in the territory a blockade that continues. Israel says that move is also meant to pressure Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war in Gaza began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting 251 others. Israels retaliatory offensive has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, many of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants. In northern Gaza, parts of which have been flattened by Israels onslaught, at least 43 people were killed in multiple strikes, according to first responders from the health ministry and the civil defense. Gaza Citys Shifa Hospital said among the dead, 15 were children and 12 were women. In Jabaliya, a built-up refugee camp in northern Gaza, 10 people, including seven children and a woman were killed, according to the civil defense, which operates under the Hamas-run government. Among the dead were two parents and their three children and a father and his four children, it said. Health officials said that fighting around the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza and an Israeli military siege prompted it to shut down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hospital was the main medical facility in the territorys war-wrecked north, after northern Gazas previous main hospital, Kamal Adwan, was forced to stop serving Palestinians last year because of Israeli strikes, as was a second facility, Beit Hanoun Hospital. The Israeli military also had no immediate comment on operations at the hospital. Israel has repeatedly targeted hospitals in its war against Hamas, pointing to what it says are the groups activities in and around the facilities. Human rights groups and U.N.-backed experts have accused Israel of systematically destroying Gazas health care system. In central Gaza, at least 12 people were killed in three separate strikes, hospitals said. One strike in the Zweida town killed seven people, including two children and four women, according to according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital in the town of Deir al-Balah. The second hit an apartment in Deir al-Balah, killing two parents and their child, the hospital said. In Nuseirat camp, a strike hit a house and killed two people, said the camps Awda hospital, Nasser Hospital said it struggled to count the dead because of the condition the bodies were brought in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the war in Gaza grinds on, the conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen has escalated. The Israeli military said it intercepted a Houthi missile launched at the country early Sunday, which set off air raid sirens in multiple parts of the country. The rebels said they fired two ballistic missiles including a hypersonic one towards Israels main airport near Tel Aviv, whose grounds earlier this month were struck by a Houthi missile. The operation successfully achieved its goal, thanks to Allah, and caused millions of occupying Zionists to rush to shelters, said Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel was left out of a U.S. deal to halt attacks on Houthi targets in Yemen in exchange for a stop to their strikes on U.S. shipping vessels in the Red Sea. On Friday, Israel struck Yemen for the eighth time since the war in Gaza began in response to the Houthi attacks. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for proposing the Vatican as a venue for peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to address Russias war of aggression against Ukraine. Source: ANSA, as reported by European Pravda Details: Meloni emphasised the need for a process that ensures a just and lasting peace, while taking into account essential security guarantees for Ukraine, the nation under attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We must continue insisting on this, and from this vantage point, let me thank His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for his remarks, in which he also suggested that any future peace talks should take place in the Holy See," she continued. Background: The new Pope Leo XIV proposed the Vatican as a platform for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia after it became clear that the talks in Istanbul would not lead to the desired result. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the Popes proposal as "very generous". Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! ROME (AP) Italys Premier Giorgia Meloni hosted a key trilateral meeting in Rome on Sunday, bringing U.S. Vice President JD Vance and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to the same table, hoping to usher in what she said could be a new beginning. It was a diplomatic score for Meloni, who has been touted as a potential bridge-builder with the Trump administration, but so far had been unable to provide decisive breakthroughs amid increasingly strained relations with her main European partners. I am very proud to host two of the leaders of the EU and the U.S. to start a dialogue, Meloni told the press ahead of the trilateral meeting, while sitting at a round table with her counterparts. The Italian premier recalled that she had proposed such an initiative a month earlier in the U.S. capital when she met President Donald Trump at the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope that today can be a first meeting and a new beginning, Meloni said, noting that for trade matters the competence belonged to the EU Commission, but Romes role was linked to the need and the desire to promote dialogue. Vance stressed that Meloni had become a good friend, acknowledging her will to act as a bridge builder between Europe and the United States, a role that both him and Trump supported. Vance also admitted that the U.S. and the EU kept some disagreements, as friends sometimes have, for example on tariffs, but we also have many things on which we agree. Von der Leyen responded she hoped that, on the trade issues, the EU and the U.S. could reach an agreement that is good for both sides," stressing that the two partners have the largest trade exchange in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Addressing the Ukrainian conflict, the EU leader noted that what unites us on Ukraine is the pursuit of a just and lasting peace, thanking the U.S. for its strong commitment in trying to stop the war. Von der Leyen urged parties to push things forward, adding she believed the next week will be crucial for Russia-Ukraine peace talks. The meeting was a sigh of relief for Meloni, who had recently struggled to play a central role in Europe's diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire in Ukraine. Earlier this week, she had openly distanced herself from the initiative led by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which she claimed was focused on the possible deployment of European troops to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though Meloni initially joined a video call with the so-called c oalition of the willing including UK, France, Germany and Poland she was then excluded from a coordination meeting between the European quartet and Trumps administration. Tensions spiked on Friday when French President Emmanuel Macron accused Meloni of spreading false information to justify her absence from the meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a joint call with Trump. Political analyst and LUISS University professor Lorenzo Castellani noted that Melonis priority, reaffirmed by Sunday's trilaterals initiative, was to maintain a close alignment with her U.S. ally. Her strategy scored a win on Sunday, as she continues to navigate a delicate balancing act between the EU and the U.S." Castellani said. She sees Washington as a key actor in any future resolution of the Ukrainian conflict and her aim is to push for a broader diplomatic effort that includes the U.S. and the main European allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this scenario, analysts believe that Meloni could successfully position herself as a mediator, leveraging Italys role to help reaching a compromise between Europe and the U.S., also on the tariffs side. Rome was at the core of international diplomacy on Sunday as Zelenskyy met with top U.S. officials and European leaders, ahead of a high-stakes phone call Monday between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on ending the war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy spoke with Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the U.S. ambassadors residence, after attending the inaugural Mass for Pope Leo XIV in St. Peters Square, which attracted leaders from across the world. The suspect behind a terror attack at a California fertility clinic was a 25-year-old pro-mortalist who was against people being born without their consent, according to reports. The FBI identified the suspect behind the car explosion in Palm Springs as Guy Edward Bartkus, who officers said was attempting to livestream the attack and had expressed nihilistic ideations in a manifesto. Officers said Bartkus was the only person killed in the intentional act of terrorism, in which a car was detonated outside a clinic operated by American Reproductive Centers shortly before 11am local time on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Bartkus is said to have stated in writings and recordings that he was against bringing people into the world against their will, law enforcement sources told CBS News. His writings are said to have communicated a belief that the world should not be populated. Nihilistic ideations We are fairly confident that Mr Bartkus is our primary suspect, Akil Davis, the assistant director at the FBIs Los Angeles field office, said in a press conference on Sunday. He added: The subject had nihilistic ideations, and this was a targeted attack against the IVF facility. Make no mistake. We are treating this... as an intentional act of terrorism. Officers investigate the scene after a car bomb exploded in Palm Springs - AP Mr Davis said they were tracking a possible manifesto and officers believe Bartkus was attempting to live stream the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: Some of the comments made in his manifesto were combing through right now is what led us to his nihilistic beliefs. He said the suspect blew up a 2010 Silver Ford Fusion Sedan near the fertility clinic, but no embryos stored inside the clinic were harmed by the blast. Good guys one, bad guys zero, Mr Davis said. The suspect lived at Twentynine Palms, a Marine Corps base about an hours drive from Palm Springs, but officials told The Desert Sun he is not believed to have had any military ties. The blast gutted the single-story American Reproductive Centers clinic. Thank God today happened to be a day that we have no patients, said Dr Maher Abdallah, who leads the clinic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack comes after Donald Trump declared himself the fertilisation president after signing an executive order aimed at reducing the cost of IVF for couples. Fertilization, Mr Trump said at a White House event on March 26 to commemorate Womens History Month. Im still very proud of it, I dont care. Ill be known as the fertilization president and thats OK. No embryos stored inside the clinic were harmed by the blast, said IDF officials - GABRIEL OSORIO/GETTY Ensuring access to IVF was one of Mr Trumps campaign pledges. He voiced his support for the procedure after a controversial ruling from an Alabama Supreme Court said embryos were considered children threatened IVF procedures in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saturdays blast gutted the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic, housed in a single-story building along a five-lane street lined with palm trees. A witness said the explosion felt like a bomb went off. It definitely felt like an explosion. It was so loud it felt like it shook my entire core, Claudio Chavez, who owns an upholstery shop nearby, told the newspaper. I was inside my business waiting for a client. I was sitting in my chair and it was like suddenly like a bomb went off. Inside I just saw pieces of debris fall from the ceiling. Walked outside and saw my front window had totally shattered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I went to Palm Canyon Drive and went behind and off Indian Canyon you could see more people and a large amount of smoke. Half of one building seemed to have been blown off. 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. Pope Leo XIVs inaugural mass took place at St. Peter's Square in Rome on Sunday, May 18 He was elected as the new pontiff on May 8 after just three rounds of voting Vice President J.D. Vance was joined by the Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the mass Vice President J.D. Vance traveled to Rome on Sunday, May 18, for Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass. Vance, 40, attended the service with the Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He was photographed arriving with his wife Usha Vance in matching black attire for the ceremony held in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican in Italy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prince Edward, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium were also in attendance at the mass. 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. Antonio Masiello/Getty Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife Usha arrive ahead of the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City, Italy, on May 18 Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife Usha arrive ahead of the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City, Italy, on May 18 Vance was spotted shaking hands with Zelenskyy, 47, as they greeted each other in the audience. The pair's friendly exchange comes after their tense White House meeting with President Donald Trump in February. Vance was one of the last people to meet with the former pontiff, Pope Francis. He visited with the religious leader one day before Francis' death on Easter Monday, April 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Francis initially dismissed the Catholic convert, but Vance was eventually granted a brief private audience. AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky greet each other at Pope Leo XIV's inauguration on May 18 Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky greet each other at Pope Leo XIV's inauguration on May 18 I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill," Vance later shared on social media. "It was really quite beautiful. Following Pope Leo's election on May 8, social media users were quick to discover that the first American pope had previously been critical of Vance and the Trump administration. In February, Leo born Robert Francis Prevost posted two news articles to his X profile. One, titled, "JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others," refuted Vance's proclamation about Christian priorities on Fox News. The other delved deeper into the late Pope Francis' criticism of Vance using the Catholic concept of "ordo amoris" to justify the Trump administration's immigration policies. The PEOPLE App is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Photo by Shutterstock J.D. Vance met with Pope Francis at the Vatican on April 20, 2025 J.D. Vance met with Pope Francis at the Vatican on April 20, 2025 Despite Leo's past criticisms, both the president and vice president were quick to offer their congratulations to the Chicago native upon his election as Pope Francis' successor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!" Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, added, "Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope, on his election! Im sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!" Read the original article on People SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley and 39 other Attorneys General are opposing a proposed congressional budget amendment that would impose a 10-year prohibition on states from enforcing any state law or regulation addressing artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision-making systems. DHS wants $50M jet for Noem, Coast Guard As Attorney General, I fully support the States ability to impose reasonable regulations on AI within South Dakota, said Attorney General Jackley. AI has its benefits, but left unchecked, it could lead to real dangers to the public ranging from explicit material and election interference to deception, exploitation, and harassment against consumers, Jackley said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The amendment would be part of the budget reconciliation bill if approved. The Attorneys General have sent a letter to congressional leadership expressing their concern, according to the news release. Recommendations for SD DOC could cost $2.1 billion Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Vice President JD Vance led the U.S. delegation for Pope Leos inaugural mass this morning in Vatican City, celebrating the first American pope. Vance was joined by his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Rubios wife, Jeanette Rubio. Sean Gallup - Getty Images ALBERTO PIZZOLI - Getty Images Sean Gallup - Getty Images After Pope Leo was elected, Vance congratulated him, writing, Im sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him! On Pope Leos X account from his time as a Cardinal, the new pope shared articles criticizing Vance and Trump administration policies. When an interviewer asked Vance about their differences in politics, he replied, You know, people are asking, Is he a conservative or is he a liberal? Will he attack President Trump and JD Vance on certain things? And I guess my response to this is, its very hard to fit a 2,000-year-old institution into the politics of 2025 America. I try not to do that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance added, Im sure hell say some things that I disagree with, but Ill continue to pray for him and the church despite it all and through it all, and thatll be the way that I handle it. It marks a quick return to Vatican City for Vance, who is a practicing Catholic. The Vice President was at the Vatican just a few weeks ago, meeting with Pope Francis a day before the pope passed away. Vatican Pool - Getty Images My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him, Vance posted in tribute to the late pontiff. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But Ill always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul. He did not attend Pope Franciss funeral; President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were in attendance. You Might Also Like Vice President JD Vance met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the first time since their squabble in the Oval Office earlier this year. Joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vance and Zelenskyy met in Rome after Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass May 18, according to a White House news release. The leaders discussed ending the war in Ukraine and provided updates on negotiations for a ceasefire, the White House said. The White House did not comment in the release on how the meeting went. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy called it a "good meeting" in a statement on X, saying Ukraine is ready to negotiate with Russia for a "full and unconditional ceasefire" as soon as possible. Good meeting with @VP J. D. Vance and Secretary of State @SecRubio in Rome. During our talks we discussed negotiations in Istanbul to where the Russians sent a low level delegation of non-decision-makers. I reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to be engaged in real diplomacy and pic.twitter.com/ko2cKKYvCZ Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) May 18, 2025 Last time Zelenskyy met in the Oval Office with Vance and President Trump, the pair publicly sparred with the Ukrainian leader over the war. Vance told Zelenskyy he was being "disrespectful" to Trump and should be thanking the U.S. rather than lecturing it on the cause of the war. Back in April, Trump and Zelenskyy briefly met in Rome, too, for the first time since the Oval Office spat. The two held what the White House called then a "productive" meeting after the funeral of Leo's predecessor, Pope Francis. The delegation of U.S. leaders visited Vatican City this weekend to attend Leo's inaugural mass after he was chosen as the first pope of the Catholic church from the United States. Leo, 69, was born in Chicago and is the successor to Francis, who died April 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance greeted Leo at the Vatican after the mass ended, shaking the pope's hand and exchanging a few brief remarks. Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019 at a church in Greater Cincinnati, last visited the Vatican for a brief meeting with Leo's predecessor the day before Francis's death. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: JD Vance, Zelenskyy meet in Rome to talk war in Ukraine VATICAN CITY After leaving the Marines and beginning his higher education, Vice President JD Vance drifted into atheism struggling, he would eventually write, with feelings of irrelevance in his faith and with a desire for social acceptance among American elites. Vance, who later converted to Catholicism, this weekend made his second trip to the Vatican in less than a month. On the first visit, Vance met with Pope Francis on Easter, hours before he died. On Sunday, Vance led a U.S. delegation at the inaugural Mass of the first U.S.-born pope, Leo XIV. Both pontiffs Francis during his papacy, Leo in his prior service as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost offered veiled but easily decipherable rebukes of President Donald Trump and Vances America first worldview. Vance, somewhat uncharacteristically for someone who so relishes debate, has chosen to politely sidestep criticism. But the circumstances of the last few weeks have put an unexpected spotlight on his religion, reinforcing his status as one of the worlds highest-ranking Catholics in political office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Sundays Mass, the vice president scored a prime seat in the first row to the right of the dais, near delegations from Italy and Peru, where the pope is a naturalized citizen and served as a bishop and archbishop. In his homily, delivered in Italian, Leo spoke of too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earths resources and marginalizes the poorest, according to an English translation provided by the Vatican. Vance and second lady Usha Vance briefly greeted the pope before leaving the Vatican on Sunday. Of course, the American pope the United States is very proud of him, very thrilled with him, and certainly our prayers go with him, Vance said during the opening of a trilateral meeting Sunday afternoon in Rome with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House was eager to frame this weekend's visit in historic terms. Pope Leo XIV is the first American Pope. Vice President Vance is the first Catholic convert to serve as Vice President, Vances office emphasized when announcing the trip. JD Vance and Usha Vance arrive on Air Force Two at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Rome on Saturday. Vance is the second Catholic to serve as vice president, after Joe Biden, who went on to become the second Catholic president, after John F. Kennedy. Biden grew up in the Catholic Church, while Vance came to it as an adult. Joining Vance in Rome and at the Vatican this weekend was Father Henry Stephan, the priest who baptized him in 2019. After landing in Rome at sunset on Saturday night, Vances motorcade first sped to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where he and the second lady paid their respects at Francis tomb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February, Francis sent a letter to U.S. bishops that was viewed by many as a scolding of Trumps immigration policy in general and of Vances justification of it in particular. Vance responded by trying to defuse any tensions. Speaking at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast that same month, Vance said that while Francis criticism surprised him, the pope was fundamentally a person who cares about the flock of Christians under his leadership. The remark came after Vance, who is known for his combative online presence, lamented to his audience that the rise of social media was unhealthy for religious discourse. (Vance excused Trumps recent post featuring an AI image depicting the president as the pope as a joke.) We are not called as Christians to obsess over every social media controversy that implicates the Catholic Church, Vance said. Whether it involves a clergy or a bishop or the Holy Father himself, I think that we should frankly take a page out of the books of our grandparents, who respected our clergy, who looked to them for guidance, but didnt obsess or fight over every single word that came out of their mouth and entered social media. I dont think thats good. JD Vance and Usha Vance arrive to attend a Mass for the beginning of Leo XIV's pontificate in St. Peters Square on Sunday. Vance struck a similar tone this month after Leos election as pope drew attention to stories he had shared on social media as a cardinal that were critical of Trump and Vance. While wrestling with Leos politics in an interview with conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt, Vance offered a nuanced answer and said he prefers not to play the politicization of the pope game. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet for all of Vances social media bluster, he telegraphed years before his vice presidency that the papacy is an authority that he is reluctant to cross. In a 2020 essay he wrote about his conversion in The Lamp, a Catholic journal, Vance recalled confronting a conservative Catholic writer about his criticism of the pope. Vance asserted that too many American Catholics have failed to show proper deference to the papacy, treating the pope as a political figure to be criticized or praised according to their whims. Vances conversion is a less plumbed part of his past. Aside from The Lamp essay and thoughts he shared with a conservative writer friend who attended his baptism, away from public audiences, Vance has talked rather sparingly about his spiritual journey. At the Catholic prayer breakfast in February, Vance noted his interfaith marriage to Usha, who is Hindu, and how they are raising their three children Catholic while allowing them to decide when to be baptized. He said his most exciting moment last November the month he was elected vice president was when his 7-year-old son chose to be baptized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the things that I try to remind myself of as a convert is that there is a lot I dont know, Vance said that day. When I was a kid, we used to call new converts to the faith baby Christians. And I recognize very much that I am a baby Catholic, that there are things about the faith that I dont know. And so I try to be humble as best I can when I talk about the faith publicly, because of course Im not always going to get it right. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A tentative agreement has been reached to end New Jersey's first statewide transit strike in more than 40 years, according to the union representing the engineers and train operators. Trains are set to resume operations on Tuesday, according to NJ Transit. The union had previously indicated trains would resume on Monday. "We will have a deal. Strike will end," the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Terms of the agreement, which have not yet been released, will be sent to the union's 450 members who work as locomotive engineers or are trainees for their consideration, according to the union. The BLET will begin to conduct a ratification vote by electronic ballot for participating members and the agreement will also be voted on by the NJ Transit board at their next meeting on June 11. "While I won't get into the exact details of the deal reached, I will say that the only real issue was wages and we were able to reach an agreement that boosts hourly pay beyond the proposal rejected by our members last month and beyond where we were when NJ Transit's managers walked away from the table Thursday evening," Tom Haas, the general chairman for BLET, said in a statement. MORE: New Jersey Transit strike underway; some 350,000 commuters scramble for transportation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strike, which lasted just three days, shut down trains on Friday, leaving some 350,000 commuters scrambling to find other modes of transportation. BLET members had been threatening to go on strike unless NJ Transit officials and the union were able to agree on new contract terms and conditions for the workers who drive the trains. PHOTO: NJ Transit locomotive engineers strike near the Newark-Penn Station in Newark, New Jersey, May 16, 2025. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters) The day before the strike commenced, a deal with the union was close but not reached, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said at the time. Both sides met for eleventh-hour negotiations to avert the strike on Thursday, in addition to a meeting in Washington, D.C., on Monday with the National Mediation Board, but no resolution was reached. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Union leaders said during a press conference on May 9 that it's been five years since train engineers working for NJ Transit have received a pay increase. MORE: Looming New Jersey Transit strike could impact 350,000 commuters, say officials "Reasonable people would vote for an agreement that is fair," BLET National President Mark Wallace said at the time. BLET chairman Haas said during the same news conference that engineers working for NJ Transit earn an average salary of $113,000 a year. If NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri agrees to an average salary of $170,000 a year for engineer operators, then "we got a deal," Haas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the news of the tentative strike deal, Kolluri said supplemental bus service and park and rides will be operational as planned on Monday, along with the light rail. "If you can work from home, please do that one more time tomorrow," he added. NJ Gov. Murphy celebrated the agreement, saying, "I am delighted to report that NJ Transit and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen have reached a tentative agreement and as a result, New Jersey's first rail strike in decades has officially come to an end." New Jersey transit strike: Tentative deal reached, trains will resume operation originally appeared on abcnews.go.com BOSTON (SHNS) The statewide unemployment rate climbed again in April to 4.6%, slightly widening the gap with the national joblessness rate, labor officials said Friday. Citing federal data, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced that unemployment in Massachusetts rose two-tenths of a percentage point from March to April. The national unemployment rate remained level at 4.2% in that span. It was the fourth straight month that both the labor force and the unemployment rate grew. Compared to April 2024, the labor force included about 52,000 more people and the unemployment rate was 0.7 percentage points higher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Employers also added about 7,700 jobs in April, according to results of a different monthly labor survey, building on the 2,800 positions added in March. Department of Economic Research Chief Economist Mark Rembert said Friday that the job market remained stable despite economic headwinds. The unemployment rate edged up, but most significantly, we havent seen an uptick in layoffs or new unemployment claims, meaning the uptick is being driven by more people entering the workforce and looking for work, Rembert said in a statement. While employment is relatively stable, many businesses have voiced low confidence in the local economic outlook amid uncertainty about federal spending and tariffs. Economists have also forecast sluggish growth 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Former president Joe Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer on Friday, his personal office said in a statement. The diagnosis follows an announcement last week that during a routine physical exam, Bidens doctors discovered a small nodule on his prostate that they said required further evaluation. Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management, the statement continued. The president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians. The American Cancer Society estimates that one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime with risk depending on age, race, ethnicity, and other factors. Bidens age and health decline has been an ongoing conversation given new life ahead of the release of a book by CNNs Jake Tapper and Axios Alex Thompson Original Sin: President Bidens Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again about the former presidents decision to run for re-election in 2024. Aides reportedly attempted to cover up Bidens cognitive decline and discussed putting Biden in a wheelchair should he have another bad fall, the book said. Biden withdrew from the race last summer following an abysmal performance at a June debate against Trump, even as the White House defended the president as being sharp as ever. The authors, who spoke to more than 200 sources for the book, concluded that Bidens refusal to step aside until late in the race played a large role in Trumps electoral win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden was the oldest U.S. president at age 82 when he left office. Donald Trump, who in taking the oath of office became the oldest president in history to be inaugurated, will be 82 at the end of his current term. This breaking news story has been updated. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, his office has announced. A spokesperson for the ex-commander-in-chief said on Sunday that the diagnosis was made on Friday after doctors found a small nodule on Bidens prostate, which needed further evaluation. Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management, the spokesperson added. The president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians. President Donald Trump said on Truth Social: Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Bidens recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery. Bidens Vice President Kamala Harris praised her former boss as a fighter. Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Bidens prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time, she said. Joe is a fighter and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery. President Joe Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive type of prostate cancer on Friday (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) This comes as Bidens fellow Democrats attempted on Sunday ahead of the announcement of the cancer diagnosis to defend the former president after the reveal of newly published audio of a 2023 interview with Biden and special counsel Robert Hur in which the then-president struggled to answer questions and remember key dates from his personal and public life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hosts on the Sunday shows pushed Democratic lawmakers for reactions to the new audio and asked if the party should have acted earlier to convince Biden to drop out of his re-election attempt last year. Biden allies and Democrats who acted as surrogates during the campaign, including Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy and California Rep. Ro Khanna, have stepped back from their support for the former presidents re-election effort and now say that, in hindsight, the party should have called for Biden to step aside earlier. However, they didnt argue that Bidens closest aides were guilty of a cover-up. Following Sundays announcement of Bidens cancer diagnosis, Khanna said on X: Praying for @JoeBiden and his family to defeat the cancer hes recently been diagnosed with. He and Jill have always been fighters and I am confident they will meet this challenge with grit and grace. Cancer is the absolute worst, said Meghan McCain, whose father, the late Republican Sen. John McCain, died of brain cancer. It is hell. It is incredibly difficult for any family, anywhere that has to deal with it. Wishing nothing but healing, prayers, light and strength to President Biden and his family. I dont believe times like these are appropriate for politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said she was sorry to see this news. Cancer is truly awful. My Dad passed away in 2021 with cancer. Prays for Joe Biden and his family. The 82-year-old Biden, the oldest-serving president in U.S. history, left office in January. Biden was questioned about his health and age during his entire presidency, which prompted the end of his re-election effort after a disastrous debate against Trump last June. In the later part of his public life, Biden focused on cancer research following the death of his son Beau in 2015 from brain cancer. Biden led the Cancer Moonshot as president, which was an effort aimed at pushing for progress against the disease. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer for men, especially older men. Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The former presidents spokesman said Mr Biden was diagnosed after a small lump was found during a routine physical examination, and requires further evaluation. Last week, president Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms, he said. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterised by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management. The president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians. Joe Biden posted this image on social media On Monday morning, Mr Biden posted an image of himself and Dr Jill Biden, which read: Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learnt that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support. Responding to the news, Donald Trump said: Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Bidens recent medical diagnosis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery. Kamala Harris, Mr Bidens former vice-president who took over as the Democratic candidate when he dropped out of the election, said she and her husband Doug Emhoff were saddened by the news of his diagnoses. Joe is a fighter and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery, she said. Sir Keir Starmer said he wished Mr Biden a swift and successful treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Prime Minister said: I am very sorry to hear President Biden has prostate cancer. All the very best to Joe, his wife Jill and their family. The diagnosis comes after Mr Biden, 82, spent a day in hospital in Philadelphia last week after the lump was discovered. Towards the end of his presidency, Mr Biden was plagued by allegations that he was not mentally or physically fit enough to serve another term. He dropped out of the 2024 presidential election after a catastrophic debate with Mr Trump. The former Democrat leader, the oldest-serving president in US history, was given a clear bill of health by his doctor last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February last year, Dr Kevin OConnor said there were no new concerns with the presidents health. The president feels well, and this years physical identified no new concerns. He continues to be fit for duty and fully executes all of his responsibilities without any exemptions or accommodations, Dr OConnor had said at the time. Prostate cancers are given a score called a Gleason score that measures, on a scale of 1 to 10, how the cancerous cells look compared with normal cells. Mr Biden with his wife Jill in November. He was given a clean bill of health last year - GETTY IMAGES Mr Bidens cancer has been given a Gleason score of 9, which means illness is classified as high-grade, according to Cancer Research UK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it often spreads to the bones. Metastasised cancer is much harder to treat than localised cancer because it can be hard for drugs to reach all the tumours and completely root out the disease. However, when prostate cancers need hormones to grow, as in Mr Bidens case, they can be susceptible to treatment that deprives the tumours of hormones. In 2022, Mr Biden made a cancer moonshot one of his administrations priorities with the goal of halving the death rate of a disease that had killed his older son, Beau. Low profile Mr Biden had kept a low profile since he left office in January but, in recent days, he rejected concerns about his age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their upcoming book Original Sin, Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson alleged that aides shielded the public from the extent of Mr Bidens decline while serving as president. According to the authors, the president at one stage forgot the name of actor George Clooney and was closely managed by his wife, who allegedly protected the president from criticism and finished his thoughts for him. Mr Biden said the allegations were wrong and theres nothing to sustain that. The explosive book has sparked a fresh wave of criticism from Democrats for initially seeking re-election despite concerns about his age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Democrat representative Beto ORourke accused Mr Biden of having failed this country in the most important job that he had. Long before the June presidential debate, polls showed the majority of Americans, including most Democrats, believed Mr Biden was too old to serve a second term. It was a mistake for Democrats to not listen to the voters earlier, Democratic US Senator Chris Murphy told NBC News on Sunday, hours before Mr Bidens diagnosis was announced. Were all pulling for him Barack Obama, the former US president, said: Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. Hillary Clinton said: Im thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease theyve done so much to try to spare other families from. Wishing you a speedy, full recovery. Tim Walz, Ms Harriss 2024 running mate, said Mr Biden was a truly decent man and a friend and he and his wife are wishing him all the best. David Axelrod, Barack Obamas former adviser who called for Mr Biden to drop out of the election in 2023, said the diagnosis comes at such a stressful time for president Biden in light of the fresh allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rehashing of all of that cant be pleasant for him, but this supersedes all of that obviously, Mr Axelrod told CNN. Whatever your political persuasion, whatever your feelings are about how his career ended, whatever you think, this is a good and decent man who has served his country and were all pulling for him. Eric Adams, the New York Mayor whose relationship with Mr Biden had become terse in recent years over the immigration crisis, wrote on X: Just hearing the news of former President Joe Bidens cancer diagnosis. I hope all Americans join me in sending him and his family prayers as they navigate the road ahead with this medical team. We are all hoping for a speedy recovery. Pete Buttigieg, who was Mr Bidens transportation secretary, called the former president a man of deep faith and extraordinary resilience. Rishi Sunak, the former prime minister, echoed Sir Keirs sentiments, wishing Mr Biden all the best on his treatment. So sorry to hear the news that President Biden has prostate cancer, he said. Too many men are struck by this disease. We must continue to raise awareness of the danger it poses. 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. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Graduates from Providence College got to hear words of wisdom from Americas Nicest Judge Sunday afternoon. I approached each case with an open mind and treated everyone equally, with kindness, compassion and most of all, common sense, Retired Rhode Island judge Frank Caprio told the crowd during his speech. This is not a judicial philosophy that I learned in law school, this is a moral philosophy that was taught to me by my parents at home and right here at Providence College. Caprio, 88, earned a bachelors degree from the college in 1958 and an Honorary Doctorate of Law in 2008. In February, Caprio released a book titled Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories from Americas Nicest Judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ MORE: Judge Frank Caprio releasing book next month The book explains how Caprio became the compassionate judge his fans know him as. PCs 107th commencement took place at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence. Sunday also saw commencement festivities for the University of Rhode Island and Salve Regina University. NEXT: RIC, URI, BCC hold commencement ceremonies on Saturday Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Colorado Springs and El Paso County residents, as well as farmers and ranchers from the Lower Arkansas Valley, campaign against the Karman Line annexation outside City Hall in January. A state judge has dismissed a defamation case tied to last years Rockingham County commissioners election, a decision that also has the potential to close off more details about a legislative push to land three casinos in that North Carolina county and two others. Special Superior Court Judge Hoyt Tessener did not give a detailed explanation for dismissing the lawsuit. It was filed by Craig Travis, who narrowly lost the Republican primary for a commissioners seat last year. Tesseners one-page decision, filed late Friday afternoon, sided with the arguments the defendants attorneys made that the lawsuit failed to state a claim the court could act upon and lacked jurisdiction in the case of one defendant. The defendants are commissioners Kevin Berger and Mark Richardson, former commissioner Donald Powell, Rockingham County GOP Chairwoman Diane Parnell, political groups GOPAC and the North Carolina Conservatives Fund, and Atlas Political Consulting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Travis, a former commissioner, claimed all were involved in spreading misinformation about his political record to prevent his return to the board. The commissioners and Parnell also made false claims about his character, he said in the lawsuit. The three commissioners had supported efforts to land a casino in Rockingham in 2023, including voting to rezone property in Stokesdale that would have paved the way for it. The Cordish Companies, a Baltimore casino developer, had formed a subsidiary that had taken out options on the property. Much of Travis lawsuit focused on the casino developments. His attorneys contended the commissioners actions in support provided the motive to defame him to keep him out of office. Travis opposes the casinos. Attorneys for the defendants say no defamation took place. One of them, Ellis Boyle, told Judge Tessener in a hearing on April 21 that the lawsuit was a fishing expedition to drum up media interest in the casino push. Before legislation emerged to legalize casinos, Cordish had been working to line up land and support for them in Anson, Nash and Rockingham counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Senate leader Phil Berger, a Rockingham County Republican and the father of Kevin Berger, pushed for the legislation to authorize the casinos, and late in the 2023 session tried to include that legislation in the state budget. He could not win enough votes in the House, however, and the effort failed. Casino connection Last week, The News & Observer reported on Cordishs efforts to obtain land and win support among Anson County officials. County documents and interviews with Anson officials showed the company had begun reaching out to the county at least roughly four months before the pro-casino legislation surfaced. The N&O obtained the documents through a public records request to Anson County. The N&Os reporting also showed that Jim Blaine, the co-founder of The Differentiators, a powerful consulting firm, was involved in winning over Anson officials. Blaine was Sen. Bergers chief of staff before co-founding the firm. Sen. Berger now faces Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, a prominent anti-gambling opponent, in next years primary. Berger told The N&O in a statement for last weeks story that he has changed his view on more casinos in the state. There are three operating on tribal properties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A number of voters in Rockingham County made it clear to me that this is not something they want, Berger wrote. I do not support moving forward with, and I will not pursue, legislation that would bring casinos to North Carolina or Rockingham County. In a brief interview Thursday before that days legislative session, an N&O reporter asked Berger if he had discussed Cordishs casino plans with Blaine or had received any information from him about them. Ive known Jim for 20 years. Weve talked about thousands of things, Berger said. I can just tell you that my decisions with reference to that issue had nothing to do with any conversation I may have had with him. Boyle said he was pleased with the judges decision. He represents the North Carolina Conservatives Fund and Atlas Political Consulting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont believe there was any evidence that my two clients engaged in any defamatory conduct, he said. Alicia Jurney, one of Travis attorneys, said in a short statement that they would be seeking to reverse the dismissal. Judge takes a pass The lawsuit has had an unusual path in court. The defendants first sought for it to be heard by Special Superior Court Judge Clayton Somers, a former chief of staff to then House Speaker Tim Moore, a Cleveland County Republican. Moore appointed Somers to the judgeship, one of 10 such positions lawmakers created in the 2023 state budget. Wakes senior resident judge did not go along with the assignment, but then the Superior Court judge in line to take the case decided to recuse himself. State Superior Court Judge Robby Hicks of Cumberland County had paid The Differentiators nearly $72,000 for campaign administration when he won the seat in 2022. Hicks said from the bench on April 21, just before the hearing on the dismissal motion, that he did not see a conflict with his use of The Differentiators, but decided to step away after The N&O inquired about it. Thats when Tessener, another Special Superior Court judge appointed by Moore, took over the case. EVANSVILLE A federal judge declined to force Indiana prison officials to let journalists witness executions while a lawsuit brought by several news organizations proceeds. Judge Matthew P. Brookman, of the Southern District of Indiana, denied the plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction on the grounds that they were unlikely to succeed on the merits of their claim that reporters have a First Amendment right to witness executions. The ruling, issued late Friday, comes just before the scheduled execution of Benjamin Ritchie on Tuesday. He was sentenced to death by lethal injection for the murder of a Beech Grove police officer in 2002. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Mike Braun previously declined to halt Ritchie's execution, writing in a letter to the Indiana Parole Board that his office determined Ritchie's request for clemency "does not rise to the level of requiring a commutation of his death sentence." The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press filed suit against Indiana's top state prison officials on behalf of the five news organizations May 5. The suit seeks to overturn a state statute and Indiana State Prison policy restricting journalists ability to witness executions first hand. Indiana is one of just two death-penalty states to not afford reporters access to observe executions. Wyoming, the only other state with such a rule, has not carried out the death penalty since 1992, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Under the Indiana State Prisons current policy, it is effectively up to the condemned person to decide whether journalists witness their execution. They are permitted five witnesses which may include family, friends and media but journalists are otherwise barred from attending the proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plaintiffs including Gannett, which owns IndyStar, the Courier & Press and several other Indiana publications argue the policy violates the First Amendment's guarantee of a free press and hinders the public's ability to understand a life-or-death issue. Lin Weeks, a senior staff attorney with the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, argued during a hearing Friday that Indiana was "uniquely restrictive" in how it handles press access to executions. "There's an importance in allowing the public to see that justice is carried out," Weeks said. In their motion for a preliminary injunction, the plaintiffs asserted that reporters should be granted access to witness Ritchie's execution and any other death sentences carried out while the case is litigated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The balance of equities favors granting preliminary relief because 'injunctions protecting First Amendment freedoms are always in the public interest,'" the motion states. Brookman determined that however restrictive Indiana may be in how it carries out executions, state law "treats members of the press the same as members of the public at large." "They are not being singled out for disparate treatment, even though Indiana law permits physicians and spiritual advisors to attend executions," Brookman wrote in his order. Clay Calvert, a First Amendment scholar and nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute who has no affiliation with the plaintiffs, said Indiana's practice of not reserving seats for reporters shields executions from public scrutiny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The First Amendment should protect journalists' ability to be physically present and watch an execution from the moment an individual enters the chamber through and until the individual dies," Calvert said in an interview prior to Brookman's ruling. "That's because journalists, in this case, serve as proxies and surrogates for members of the public who cannot all be physically present." State contends that reporters do not deserve 'special access' The defendants Indiana State Prison Warden Ron Neal and Indiana Department of Correction Commissioner Lloyd Arnold urged Brookman to deny the plaintiff's motion for a preliminary injunction on several grounds, asserting that journalists have no more right than the general public to witness an execution. In the states view, its no different than when a reporter visits someone who is incarcerated at an Indiana prison: Access is tightly controlled, can be restricted, and is at the discretion of both the inmate and prison officials. "There's simply no right to witness an execution," Special Counsel Jefferson S. Garn, of the Indiana Attorney Generals office, said Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garn argued that having to adapt the "highly coordinated operation" days before Ritchie's execution places an undue burden on the state. Appearing in court remotely from his office at the Indiana State Prison, Neal testified that allowing journalists to attend could "force us to substantially change policies." The state also took issue with the notion that reporters are barred outright from witnessing executions in Indiana. Indiana State Prison policy states that "media personnel shall not be permitted to witness the execution or to be in the execution chamber" unless the condemned person invites a journalist as one of five friends and family they choose as a witness. "Indiana code treats members of the press the same as members of the public," Garn told the court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brookman appeared receptive to the argument, writing in his order that "members of the media can attend (executions) the same way that members of the public can." The state argued the timing of the lawsuit was reason enough to oppose a preliminary injunction. The Indiana law at issue has remained unchanged for years, Garn said, but the plaintiffs filed suit less than one month before Ritchie's scheduled execution, leaving the state and the court just days to craft new procedures that would allow for journalists to serve as witnesses. "They knew this execution was going to be scheduled even in September," Garn said. "To ask the department to make changes at the last minute should be denied." Ultimate use of force by the government In their complaint arguing that journalists should be afforded greater access, the plaintiffs cited the 1985 execution of William Vandiver by electrocution. Because no reporters were present in the death chamber, news outlets relied on conflicting testimony from prison officials and Vandiver's attorney to piece together what happened during the 17 minutes it took to put Vandiver to death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A prison doctor described the ordeal in plain terms, saying that after an initial application of 2,300 volts, the electrical current "was applied three more times before (Vandiver) was pronounced dead 17 minutes later." A Department of Corrections spokesperson admitted the execution "did not go according to plan" but disclosed few other details. Vandiver's attorney said the process was "outrageous," the plaintiffs' attorneys wrote in the complaint. Ted Bridis, a former AP reporter who witnessed executions in Kentucky and Oklahoma as a news media observer, likewise pointed to Vandiver's case to illustrate the value journalists can afford the public when they serve as eyewitnesses. "This is the ultimate use of force by the government," said Bridis, who now teaches journalism at the University of Florida. "We need to be there as independent observers, as representatives of the public and our readers and viewers and listeners, to make sure they understand exactly what happens in these cases." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, a U.S. District Court judge in Idaho ordered state officials there to grant media witnesses "audio and visual access" to view the preparation and administration of lethal drugs during executions after the AP and two Idaho newspapers filed suit. In her order, Judge Debora K. Grasham wrote that reporters' ability to witness every step of the execution process "concerns the public's First Amendment right of access" to what is "the most severe penalty enforced by our state." In Indiana, attorneys for the state took issue with the notion that journalists have any role to play in ensuring executions are carried out in accordance with the Constitution. "(The plaintiffs) argue that the press serves an important role in the 'proper functioning' of executions in ensuring that they comport with the Eighth Amendment, i.e., it isn't cruel and unusual," they wrote. "This argument is misguided..." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garn said prison officials, including a specially trained execution team and an on-site physician, are responsible for ensuring executions are carried out in a humane manner, not journalists. Houston may be contacted at houston.harwood@courierpress.com This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Journalists' request to witness Indiana executions is rejected YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) The family of the man who died in the Realty Tower explosion last year has been denied their request asking that documents pertaining to their wrongful death lawsuit be sealed. In March, attorney Patrick McFarland, who represents the estate of Akil Drake, confirmed the family reached a settlement in the lawsuit that involved the owner of the building, the property management company, and the gas company. Drake died while working at the Chase Bank last May. The original lawsuit alleged negligence by those involved in construction work on the building that led to the explosion, alleging that the property owner and management company knew the work could be dangerous and failed to maintain the safety of those inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A motion filed by the estate on April 11 in Mahoning County Probate Court Judge Robert Rusu Jr.s court asks for the details of the settlement to be sealed, as well as each of the four proposed release of claims. In the filing, the estate says that the incident which gives rise to the death of (Drakes) decedent involves continued litigation involving multiple lawsuits and hundreds of claimants and that the motion was made to comply with agreed settlement terms. A hearing held last week dismissed the motion. Rusu cited the Public Records Act, which allows the disclosure of probate settlement records, and said they did not find that the parties met their burden of proof and did not exhibit by clear and convincing evidence. Akil Drakes family has until Monday to appeal before making the settlement details available to the public. As of Sunday, they have not filed one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several other plaintiffs are suing in relation to the explosion. Ohio Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy assigned retired Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge W. Wyatt McKay to the case. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 8. Kristy Regula contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. WINTERVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) Saturday, May 17, 2025, the North Carolina Democratic Partys Third Congressional District Convention took place at Pitt Community College. Attending the convention was NC Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs, who served as a guest speaker. The convention ran from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. To thank the people in this room and in this space, in this larger region, who have done so much not only to get me over the finish line on Election Day, but to defend our win. I also want them to understand that I believe in a transparent and accountable judiciary, Justice Riggs said. So, Im not going to be a stranger in these parts, and Justice Anita Earls is up for election in 2026, and Im going to work tirelessly to make sure we keep her in her seat and continue to elect judges who will put the Constitution and country over party and personal ambition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riggs won the Nov. 5, 2024, election by 734 votes. Her opponent, Republican Court of Appeals Judge Jefferson Griffin, attempted to throw out more than 65,000 ballots because of it. After a six-month court battle, a Trump-appointed judge ordered the Board of Elections to certify the race. Griffin ultimately conceded. She didnt give up. A lot of people would have. It seemed insurmountable, the amount of money that was spent in this state was tied to something inherently wrong, Chair of the 3rd Congressional District of the North Carolina Democratic Party Wesley Boykin said. Riggs emphasized this fight was about more than a single election, it was about democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cant just brush over this and pretend it didnt happen, she said. We had a near-miss of a constitutional crisis. Over 68,000 eligible North Carolina voters who cast lawful ballots were at risk of losing their right to vote. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. KALAMAZOO COUNTY, Mich. (WOOD) After Thursdays storms caused widespread damage across West Michigan, Kalamazoo County declared a state of emergency on Saturday night. The county said the declaration will enable the County to mobilize additional resources when needed. As of around 10 p.m. on Saturday, more than 20,000 people are still without power in Kalamazoo County, according to Consumers Energys map. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This has been an incredibly difficult time for our residents, said Jen Strebs, chair of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners, in a statement. Just over a year ago, we were dealing with the aftermath of the May 7, 2024, tornado, and now another storm has caused widespread damage, Strebs said. Our team is working alongside our partners to ensure that help is available where its needed most. We will continue doing everything we can to support our residents as they recover. Kalamazoo County said the American Red Cross will distribute 50 cases of water and clean-up kits on Sunday, starting at 11 a.m. at the Kalamazoo Community Church, located at 2435 N 26th St., just north of Comstock High School. Kalamazoo County is the second West Michigan county to declare a state of emergency on Saturday. Earlier, Allegan County declared a state of emergency shortly before the National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes in the county from Thursdays storms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. FBI Director Kash Patel wouldnt discredit conspiracy theories that his agency incited the January 6 insurrection during an appearance on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures this weekend. Patel stuck to the far-right script, telling host Maria Bartiromo that the Capitol riot had been politicized by President Donald Trumps opponents. He began by downplaying Trumps role in the attack, focusing instead on the delayed National Guard response to the mob, which numbered between 2,000 and 2,500 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conveniently missing from Patels framing: Trumps own words at his Save America rally, where he urged followers to walk down to the Capitol and demand that Congress do the right thing. We fight like hell, Trump also said that day. And if you dont fight like hell, youre not going to have a country anymore. Later in the interview, Patel teased an upcoming document dump, which he claimed would debunk a disinformation campaign. We just found a trove of information, and its on its way to Capitol Hill right now, he said. Theyve asked, and theyre getting it. And youre getting answers on January 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bartiromo then prompted Patel to weigh in on the long-running far-right conspiracy theory that undercover FBI agents egged people on during the insurrection, an idea which he openly endorsed before taking office but distanced himself from during his confirmation hearings. Patel dodged: That answer is coming, and its on its way to Congress. His deputy, right-wing media personality Dan Bongino, jumped in to emphasize the difference between official agents and FBI informants, suggesting the latters role would come to light in the upcoming report. A December report from the Justice Departments inspector general already debunked the core of the conspiracy, finding no evidence that the FBI incited the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, it did confirm that 26 informants were in Washington that day, including four who entered the Capitol, none of whom were directed or encouraged to do so by the bureau. The report also faulted the FBI for failing to adequately gather intel ahead of the riot, saying better coordination across field offices could have helped preparations in advance of January 6. In the years since, Trump has repeatedly tried to rewrite the events of that day, calling it a day of love during a town hall in Florida last October. On his first day of his second term, he pardoned over 1500 convicted rioters and commuted the sentences of 14 others. Related... Kate Middletons mission to elevate early childhood as a national priority is making meaningful strides with the business world increasingly on board. Through a series of new initiatives, Princess Kates Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood has inspired major companies from IKEA to leading banks and supermarkets to roll out programs designed to better support parents and help children thrive. The momentum follows a landmark report released by the Princess of Wales last year, which outlined the urgent need to prioritize the early years. The report underscored that every child deserves a happy, healthy start in life and that investing in early childhood isnt just the right thing to do, its also smart economics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By supporting caregivers and families, the paper argued, businesses can reduce absenteeism, boost employee retention, and support mental health and wellbeing across the workforce all while helping to raise a more resilient future generation. Since the reports release, each member of the Taskforce which runs alongside Kates broader Shaping Us campaign has pledged to take action. Related: You May Have Missed Kate Middleton's Thoughtful Nod to Queen Elizabeth During Latest Outing in Monarch's Honor Kate Middletons early childhood campaign is gaining real traction with major businesses across the U.K. stepping up in meaningful ways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Princess of Wales' office, LEGO has donated LEGO Education Build Me Emotions sets designed to help children identify and understand their feelings to early years providers throughout the U.K. IKEA has partnered with local baby banks to provide essential items to families in need and launched a product line that raised funds for the Baby Bank Alliance. NatWest bank expanded its lending capacity for early years care settings and created tools to help nurseries operate more sustainably. Supermarket chain Iceland has trained 30,000 staff to better support young families and collaborated with online forum Mumsnet to launch a range of toddler meals a project that raised funds for Liverpools Alder Hey Hospital and encourages healthy eating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, local grocery store Co-Op, inspired by Kates Shaping Us Framework, is now working to help parents and carers better understand and foster childrens social and emotional development. Samir Hussein/WireImage Princess Kate at a symposium event for the Royal Foundation for Early Childhood in November 2023 Princess Kate at a symposium event for the Royal Foundation for Early Childhood in November 2023 Much of this work continued behind the scenes during Kates cancer treatment throughout 2024, though she remained closely informed including on the release of last Mays influential task force report. Paul Grover - WPA Pool/Getty Princess Kate with some children at a Shaping Us early childhood campaign in Sept. 2023 Princess Kate with some children at a Shaping Us early childhood campaign in Sept. 2023 On May 18, Sir Ron Kalifa, Chair of the Taskforce, praised the progress made: Businesses of every shape and size from high-street shops to global enterprises hold unique and powerful touchpoints: as employers, as providers of goods and services, and as pillars of the communities they proudly serve. These roles arent just business functions theyre incredible platforms for meaningful action." Related: Kate Middleton 'Excited' About Next Stage of Her Landmark Project, but It Doesn't Signal a Return to Work Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, At The Royal Foundation, we are deeply proud that over the past year, members of our taskforce have shown such strong leadership and risen to this challenge. Their efforts have made a real, tangible difference in the lives of countless families with young children." Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Princess Kate meets Dads at an early years campaign event in London on November 1, 2023 Princess Kate meets Dads at an early years campaign event in London on November 1, 2023 And this is only the beginning of whats possible. The road ahead is bursting with potential," he said. "By continuing to work hand-in-hand, we have the chance to reimagine the role of business in society not just as engines of economic activity, but as champions of childhood, wellbeing, and long-term societal health. Kate launched her Business Taskforce in March 2023 as part of her broader early years mission and has recently begun a gradual return to public life after announcing in January that her cancer is in remission. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! On May 13, she stepped out in London to honor rising fashion talent at a design event, where winner Patrick McDowell, 29, told PEOPLE, "She was so interested to see the different crafts people were working on She was genuinely interested to meet all of them and hear about what they do and how each of them contributes to the process of a fashion collection coming together." Later this week, shes expected to join her husband, Prince William, in Scotland to christen a new state-of-the-art anti-submarine warship, HMS Glasgow. Read the original article on People CONNEAUT The Conneaut Area Ministerial Association and the Jefferson Community Church of God in Christ hosted a Keep the Peace panel at First Congregational United Church of Christ Friday. The panel included Ashtabula County Sheriff William Niemi, Conneaut Municipal Court Judge Nicholas Iarocci and county Mental Health and Recovery Services Board Executive Director Kaitie Park Hart. The panel was facilitated by Reverend Isaac Chappell, and discussed community outreach and dealing with people suffering from addiction or mental health issues, and how their institutions relate to it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prevention starts in the family and in the community, Park Hart said. There is only so much we can do with prevention in our schools thats actually going to impact our kids. Park Hart said the MHRS has a mobile crisis team that works with law enforcement. Whenever there is a crisis situation, law enforcement can call our mobile crisis provider, which is Signature Health, she said. Unfortunately, its not 24/7. Were working on that. Workforce is a huge issue in Ashtabula County. For all of the services that we have available, we need more people to provide those services. Niemi talked about county leaders interest in getting funding to expand the jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That jail was built in 1977, Niemi said. The people that we deal with now are on a whole different level. Mental health is one of the biggest issues were dealing with today. Park Hart said the MHRS board works to provide services at the county jail. There are a couple therapists in the jail, she said. We have a case manager. Like the sheriff said, space is absolutely an issue. Niemi said the jail lacks space for counselors. Our jail is falling apart, he said. It doesnt meet our needs, basically, and its very possibly costing the county over three and a half million dollars. Iarocci talked about the Conneaut Renewal Court he started in the city. It is one of three Substance Abuse and Mental Illness courts in Ohio, and focuses on helping people suffering from those issues, who are sent to the municipal court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were two people in [the Conneaut] jail, our little jail, who had serious mental health issues and substance abuse issues, he said. One young lady was sleeping on the streets and was 23 years old. Iarocci said he wanted the 23-year-old woman sent to Renewal Court, regardless of what happened with her case. When she was sentenced ... I basically said we have a bed for you for the next hour, and youre immediately going to residential treatment, he said. The woman had never had residential treatment before, he said. She just started crying, he said. This was a girl, who three days before, refused to be assessed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reverend Eddie Parker, a community engagement liaison, was also part of the panel. Parker said churches can get involved with community outreach and helping youth suffering from substance abuse issues. Were not proselytizing and trying to engage them in faith, he said. Were trying to be a friend and meet the emotional needs. The church happens just to be a safe, neutral meeting place. Robert G. Natelson, a former constitutional law professor who is senior fellow in constitutional jurisprudence at the Independence Institute in Denver, authored The Original Constitution: What It Actually Said and Meant (3rd ed., 2015). He is a contributor to the Heritage Foundations Heritage Guide to the Constitution. LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) Communities and public officials across Kentucky came together on Saturday to help those affected by deadly storms. The East Bernstadt Fire Department announced that members are collecting donations and gathering items for those about to begin the long road to recovery. Fire officials asked nearby residents to drop off tarps, totes, rakes, nails, hammers, and wood any items that can help secure property or help clean. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community members can drop off donations at the fire department. The Menifee County Sheriffs Office posted on Facebook that, in partnership with the Menifee County Coroners Office, staff will also be taking donations of water, cleaning supplies, and non-perishable food items. Supply donations in Menifee County can be dropped off on Back Street at the sheriffs office, deputies wrote. Menifee County law enforcement officials said donations will be accepted at the sheriffs office from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Just after 8 p.m. on Saturday, the Nelson County Sheriffs Office announced that deputies would be collecting enough donations to fill two box trailers before embarking for Laurel County to donate the supplies to storm victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starting on Monday morning, the NCSO wrote that staff will be collecting: Paper Towels Tarps Totes Diapers Baby Formula Clothes Shoes Hygiene Products Water Non-perishable Food Cleaning Supplies Medical Supplies Batteries Flashlights Officials in Nelson County wrote that residents impacted by storms can find shelter at the Bardstown Civic Center at 321 South Third Street. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. On this weeks Kern County In Depth, a look at efforts being made in combatting human trafficking. After much debate and posturing, California lawmakers finally passed a bill that would make it a felony for predators who purchase 16- and 17-year-olds for sex. Maddie Janssen speaks with California Sen. Shannon Grove on the passage of the bill and efforts to protect human trafficking victims. Plus, an interview with June Nachor, vice chairwoman of the Tejon Indian tribe, who discusses efforts to fight the crime and the tragedy of murdered indigenous people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) on Sunday criticized the Trump administrations deal with the United Arab Emirates to build a massive artificial intelligence (AI) data center in Dubai, suggesting the president should have sought to build the hub on American soil. In an interview on ABC Newss This Week, the Silicon Valley congressman questioned whether the UAE deal aligns with the presidents America First philosophy. I dont like the fact that the biggest AI center, research center, is going to be in Dubai, Khanna said, when asked about the presidents first trip to the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I mean, what happened to America First? he continued. Why dont we put that center in Pennsylvania or in Ohio? Especially western Pennsylvania, thats a place thats looking to get massive data centers, and that would create a lot of jobs. Now, Im all for collaboration, selling more into our allies in the Middle East, but we should be focused on putting the new technology jobs in the United States, Khanna added. The AI campus, unveiled during Trumps visit to the UAE, will have 5 gigawatts of capacity and will eventually stretch across 10 square miles, the Commerce Department announced Thursday. The data center at Qasr Al Watan will serve as a regional platform for U.S. hyperscalers, which are technology companies that provide cloud computing and data management services. These companies will be able to offer low-latency services to nearly half of the global population residing within 2,000 miles of the UAE, the Commerce Department said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the UAE, American companies will operate the data centers and offer American-managed cloud services throughout the region, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said in a statement Thursday. By extending the worlds leading American tech stack to an important strategic partner in the region, this agreement is a major milestone in achieving President Trumps vision for U.S. AI dominance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Following Floridas first fatal bear attack this spring, theres little argument that the states largest land mammal can be dangerous. But fierce debate persists over whether a good way to control bears is to kill them. A state plan to resume bear hunting after a decade-long hibernation has deepened the discord in advance of a pivotal meeting of Floridas Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, a seven-member board appointed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Supporters suggest thinning the bear population is a science-based approach to wildlife management, while foes note the last hunt in 2015 was little short of a management disaster. The board meets Wednesday at the College of Central Florida in Ocala with options for an annual bear harvest, the agencys term for a hunt, headlining the agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FWC has logged more than 13,000 public comments about the hunt 75% in opposition. The Orlando Sentinel reviewed hundreds of emailed comments to gauge the disagreement, then interviewed some of their authors. We have lots of bears. I feel like theyre definitely overpopulated in our area, said Windy Johnson, 49, a school teacher and hunt proponent who lives on 100 acres in Wakulla County, south of Tallahassee. At certain times theyre so bad, you can drive down any road on any day at any time and see them. Folks cant keep them out of their trash. Hunt advocates suggest a limited bear season would deter run-ins between the animals and people. But bear defenders argue that people have encroached into bear habitat not the other way around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karen Murray, an Orlando resident who described herself as a hiker and wildlife lover in an email opposing the hunt, said bear-resistant trash containers have proven to be effective in thwarting bear incursions into neighborhoods. Employing that strategy, Seminole County has greatly diminished its state-leading number of bear-human encounters in recent years, even as conflicts have risen elsewhere in the state as bears have expanded their range. Murray urged FWC to focus on humane, non-lethal strategies. Rules for Florida proposed bear hunt: Its going to be a massacre Many opposed to the hunt were terse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets not kill them, please, wrote Richard Baker, who chairs an Audubon chapter in Indian River County. Unneeded, unwanted, solves nothing, stop the consideration of this (hunt), read another. The last highly regulated bear hunt resulted in cubs shot and mother bears shot. This is an unnecessary effort to sanction more unnecessary killings. NO, wrote Carolyn Kieler of Deland. Pro-hunt emails called the states black bear population unmanaged, described it as well above the carrying capacity, and blamed the rising bruin population for increased reports of conflicts and bear-vehicle collisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those emails many using identical language claimed about 2,700 bears have been killed by vehicles over the last decade. Some favoring a hunt cited the grisly death of an 89-year-old man, killed and partially eaten this month along with his dog by a 263-pound bear in Collier County in southwest Florida. FWC dubbed it the first fatal bear attack in Florida history. Brent Palmer, 53, who lived in 10 states while serving in the U.S. military, said he has hunted bear in three states, Colorado, Montana and New York, and frequently crosses paths with them while hunting in Floridas Panhandle. I am 100% behind science-based hunting, fishing, and trapping regulations that allow the proper balance between animal populations and harvesting without degrading those populations, he said. I am for a regulated bear hunt and expect the FWC biologists to determine the best numbers of bears based on habitat and other factors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he also said Floridas last hunt was a debacle, and he understands why the public might worry now. In 2015, 304 bears were killed in just two days after permits were distributed to anyone who paid. Amid the chaos, the state shut down the hunt five days early, fearful that the death toll would soar past the harvest limit of 320. Florida admits plan for December bear hunt, its first in a decade Under the proposed rules, permits would be issued this time through a random drawing. Eligible persons could apply an unlimited number of times, but each entry would cost $5. Only one bear harvest permit would be awarded per person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A permit would cost $100 for a Florida resident, $300 for a non-resident. In public hearings last month, FWC staff suggested a target take of fewer than 200 bears. According to a document on the FWC agenda, George Warthen, the agencys chief conservation officer, will tell the board most U.S. states and Canadian provinces with black bears allow hunts and their populations are stable or increasing. Of the six states that dont allow bear hunting, Florida is estimated to have the most bears, over 4,000. FWC divides the state into seven geographical bear management zones, but would allow hunting in just four, because the other three have fewer than 200 bears, including one estimated to have 98 and another with just 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Central zone, which includes Orange, Lake, Osceola and Seminole counties, has the largest estimated population of bears nearly 1,200, by FWCs guess. A more precise survey of the regions bear population is to be conducted next year. As in 2015, the proposed bear hunting rules would forbid killing of cubs defined as weighing less than 100 lbs or females with cubs. Bear advocates insist hunters killed lactating female bears and bears qualified as cubs. The newly proposed rules dont include FWC check-in stations where hunters in 2015 were required to bring their kills. Those stations provided verification that bears were taken legally and were also monitored independently by animal-welfare volunteers, who were credited by environmental groups with helping to stop the hunt early. Instead of the stations, hunters would be required to provide details to the state within 24 hours of harvest. The corpses of harvested bears would be subject to inspection, but the rules dont clarify how that would happen. shudak@orlandosentinel.com The Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtemoc that hit the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night was sailing around the world on a goodwill tour. The Cuauhtemoc set sail from Acapulco, Mexico, on April 6 and arrived in New York last Tuesday. The ship had been docked at the South Street Seaport museum last week and was open to free tours. It was departing for Reykjavik, Iceland, on Saturday when it lost power and drifted into the Brooklyn Bridge, snapping all three masts and killing two people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Built in 1982, the ship was used as both a training ship for the Mexican Naval Academy and as an ambassador of Mexican culture. It was supposed to visit 22 ports in 15 nations during a 254-day tour of the world. The Cuauhtemoc has made similar journeys in the past. The world tours serve as the final step in Mexican naval cadets training after they complete their classes. Prior to Saturdays accident, the ship was also expected to be part of Americas 250th anniversary celebration next year in New York. The ship measures 297 feet long and about 40 feet wide, according to Mexicos military. Its main mast is 160 feet high; the Brooklyn Bridge is only 127 feet above the water. Saturdays wreck occurred because the crew lost power to the rudder and was unable to steer the ship, according to authorities. The East River current carried it backward into the Brooklyn Bridge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the collision, tugboats took the Cuauhtemoc to Pier 36 on the East River, where it remained Sunday. There were 277 people onboard at the time of the crash. The Cuauhtemoc was one of four sister ships built in Bilbao, Spain, in 1982. The other tall ships are used as ambassadors by Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. Carol Parks, the chief of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department, sat before a budget committee last year and painted a dire picture. Although tasked with responding to crises in the nation's most disaster-prone region, her department had received just a tiny fraction of the city's budget and was getting by with a staff of roughly 30. There was no staffer devoted full-time to disaster recovery, which meant that if an earthquake or major wildfire struck, the city would have to scramble. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the City Council and Mayor Karen Bass balked at devoting more money to the department. Seven months later, flames tore through Pacific Palisades and nearby communities, destroying more than 6,000 structures and displacing tens of thousands. Now, the Emergency Management Department is in charge of coordinating the monumental task of recovery but with a budget smaller than what the city's Police Department uses in roughly two days. To supplement the bare-bones emergency management team, Bass turned to an Illinois-based disaster recovery firm, Hagerty Consulting, inking a yearlong contract for up to $10 million. She also brought a former EMD general manager, Jim Featherstone, back from retirement to serve as the de facto recovery chief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than four months after the fire, Palisades residents and some of their elected officials are increasingly frustrated, asking: Who is in charge? What have they been doing? How is Hagerty spending its time? And what is the plan to restore the Palisades? L.A. brings on Hagerty As flames chewed through the Palisades on Jan. 7, EMD assigned a mid-level staffer to take on the recovery. Soon, Featherstone a former firefighter who once served as interim LAFD chief arrived at the emergency operations center. In public, Bass touted civic leader Steve Soboroff as the city's recovery czar, with a controversy over his salary taking center stage for a period. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, left, and her disaster recovery czar Steve Soboroff, right, at Palisades Recreation Center in January. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times) In practice, Featherstone a self-described "operator" and "tactical person" assumed the recovery director role, helping to choreograph a massive, multiagency response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zach Seidl, a spokesperson for Bass, disputed that characterization and said the two men had different roles. Featherstone's "role is largely internal to the City," while Soboroff, whose term ended last month, "worked externally with the community along with other engagement teams within the Mayors Office," Seidl said in an email. While the city code puts EMD in charge of coordinating disaster recovery, it operates with fewer resources than similar departments in other large California cities. A 2022 audit found that L.A. spent $1.56 per resident on emergency management far less than Long Beach at $2.26 and San Francisco at $7.59. With such a small team for a 469-square-mile city, EMD has struggled to staff its emergency operations center in crises, prepare for events like the 2028 Olympics and help residents recover from smaller-scale calamities like building fires, storms and mudslides. Parks told the City Council in a 2024 memo that her department "lacks the experience and dedicated staff to oversee long-term recovery projects." After recent emergencies, EMD handled recovery duties "on an ad hoc basis," yielding delays, postponements and possible denial of disaster relief funds," she wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To boost EMD, Bass in early February tapped Hagerty after hearing proposals from firms including AECOM and IEM. Her reasons for choosing Hagerty were unclear, although the firm had already signed a wildfire recovery contract with L.A. County's emergency management office and had long worked with the state Office of Emergency Services. It's not unusual for a state or local government to retain a recovery consultant after a disaster, even if it has a recovery arm of its own. Hagerty has routinely been hired to help with hurricane recovery, including managing billions of dollars in funding after Superstorm Sandy in New York in 2012. Because Bass hired Hagerty under her emergency authority, the city has also solicited bids for a longer-term recovery contract worth $30 million over three years, with Hagerty among the companies vying for it. Initially, Hagerty spent "a significant amount" of time compensating for the lack of a city recovery team, said Featherstone, who supervises Hagerty's work, at a budget hearing last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Steve Soboroff bows out as L.A. fire recovery czar, with some parting shots By contrast, L.A. County had a dedicated recovery operation that consultants could plug into and the muscle memory from recent disasters like the Woolsey fire. The structure had to be built out, Featherstone told council members at the budget hearing. Folks were pulled out of their regular day-to-day functions to start to build out a recovery capability. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass speaks with Pacific Palisades residents at a debris removal town hall on Jan. 26 in Santa Monica. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) That structure is a series of tactical teams focused on issues including infrastructure, economics, health and housing. Under each umbrella are multiple working groups composed of several city departments working with federal and regional agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the infrastructure team, for example, is a debris removal group, a utilities team and a group for hazards such as mudslides, according to a recording of a recovery meeting reviewed by The Times. The housing team, meanwhile, brings together the Department of Building and Safety and the city Planning Department to streamline the permitting process. Debris removal was one of the first orders of business so that group was among the first to be organized and has been the "busiest," as one EMD staffer said in a recording of an internal March meeting. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has the primary responsibility for clearing debris from lots, with most expected to be done by Memorial Day and the rest largely due to be finished this summer. The city, with Hagerty, helped explain the debris removal process to residents, including the decision to opt in to the Army Corps cleanup or do it on their own. With Hagerty's guidance, the Emergency Management Department also created a dashboard showing the progress of debris removal, with real-time maps tracking the status of each lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tracey Phillips, a Hagerty executive, told City Council members in March that her firm was organizing these tactical teams and holding weekly meetings so that we can develop a short-term and mid-term operational framework. This is the first step to that: [determining] who the players are, getting them in the room, getting them trained up and developing that operational cadence, Phillips explained. It's already happening its just not being reported and its not kind of coalesced yet. As of mid-March, Hagerty had about 22 employees working on Palisades fire recovery, billing the city at hourly rates ranging from $80 to nearly $400 per employee. City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez is among those who say that some of the money used for Hagerty would have been better spent bolstering the Emergency Management Departments rank and file as Parks had requested last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I don't understand their purpose. I dont need another contractor, Rodriguez said in an interview. What my city staff needs is staff to do the work. Asked whether funding for Hagerty would be better spent on EMD, Seidl, the spokesperson for Bass, said most of the firm's work is reimbursable by the federal government, a point that Featherstone made at a March budget hearing. Featherstone also suggested that Hagerty's guidance could yield more funding in the long run because of the firm's expertise with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Hagerty and Featherstone declined interview requests from The Times. Joseph Riser, a spokesperson for EMD, provided written responses to questions. EMD was very pleased with Hagerty for building out recovery teams where they did not previously exist, Riser said, noting that the firm has improved coordination and provided "high-level briefings" to City Hall and department general managers, among other duties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seidl emphasized that the mayor has taken steps to preserve EMD's budget, "even in difficult budget times like this year." He also touted steps the city has taken to hasten the recovery, like a one-stop permitting and rebuilding center, measures to allow for the re-issuance of permits for homes built in recent years, and restoring water and power in two months compared to the 18 months it took in Paradise after the 2018 Camp fire. "Despite one of the worst natural disasters in recent history, L.A.'s recovery effort is on track to be the fastest in modern California history," Seidl said. Palisades residents strike back Some Palisades residents say that Hagerty and EMD and ultimately, Bass and her team have done a poor job of communicating what their plan is going forward. Citing the cornucopia of government agencies involved in the rebuild, City Councilmember Traci Park, whose district includes the Palisades, said, "Sometimes it feels like there are so many people in charge that no one is in charge." Maryam Zar, who runs the Palisades Recovery Coalition, said that at times, we feel like we are doing this ourselves." Pacific Palisades residents attend a town hall on the L.A. Fire Health Study featuring leading scientists on post-fire health in the backyard of a private residence on Tuesday in Los Angeles. The study is a 10-year effort to study the exposures to dangerous substances and consequent health effects. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) Zar and her group have been among the most vocal advocates for a logistics plan governing how thousands of homes will be rebuilt in a community with narrow streets and already-snarled traffic. The group has circulated ideas that include a concrete plant in the Palisades, short-term housing for construction crews and one-way roads to ease congestion. Zar said that Hagerty has shown up to community meetings, and they have been so unable to deliver any kind of information. In an interview, Park said that "for weeks and weeks now," she also has been asking Hagerty and city departments for "a logistics and operations plan" for moving people, vehicles and materials in and out of the Palisades. Park has visited Lahaina, Hawaii, which was devastated by a wildfire in 2023, and studied other communities rebuilding from fires. She said those areas had consultants who were "very, very engaged" with communities in identifying priorities and solving problems. She wants the city and Hagerty to push forward on a longer-term recovery plan that establishes criteria for fire-safe rebuilding and a timeline for restoring parks, schools, libraries and businesses. I know that those things can take significant time to develop. But this is Los Angeles, and this is the Pacific Palisades, and we are not waiting around," she said, adding that she and her constituents were "moving at warp speed." Riser, the EMD spokesperson, said that traffic and logistics were not handled in a "single, static, formal plan," but that problems were being addressed in coordination with city and state agencies. He also said EMD has brought in traffic experts to "structure this work more effectively." "Recovery is dynamic and complex and changes daily as debris is cleared, infrastructure is repaired, and reentry phases evolve," Riser said. Frustration with Hagerty boiled over at an April 10 meeting of the Palisades community council, where Hagerty representative Harrison Newton touted recovery as "a chance to become more resilient to the next disaster. Residents could barely contain their fury, criticizing Newton for an abstract presentation that seemed divorced from their real needs around rebuilding, permitting and traffic control. Read more: As heavy as 100 Eiffel Towers: Monumental L.A. County fire debris removal could finish by June It feels extremely generic, said Lee Ann Daly, who then turned her ire toward City Hall. You need to know that we have a trust issue with the people who are paying you. ... We have a trust issue, and it's huge. Palisades resident Kimberly Bloom, whose home burned in the fire, pressed Newton to provide a concrete example of Hagertys work in a prior disaster that is not just another layer of bureaucracy, because that's what it feels like at the moment. Newton referred residents to Hagerty's website and spoke of how his firm provides augmentation support, prompting residents to interrupt and criticize his use of jargon. After some back and forth, Newton emphasized that he and his team were trying to accelerate the city's response to the issues raised by residents. Hagerty, he said, was "bringing more people to bear so they're less thinly stretched, and you're achieving work faster." What lies ahead So far, more than 1,500 parcels in the Palisades have received a final sign-off from L.A. County that they are cleared of debris, paving the way to begin rebuilding. As of this week, 54 construction permits for 40 addresses have been issued in the Palisades, said Seidl, who noted that hundreds of permit applications are now under review. The burden will increasingly shift onto city agencies like the Department of Building and Safety to serve thousands of homeowners and businesses seeking plan checks, permits, inspections and certificates of occupancy. The logistics of whole neighborhoods undertaking simultaneous construction projects on hillside streets, with only a few major arteries in and out, will test the recovery framework that EMD and Hagerty have been working to erect. In the coming weeks, Bass is expected to name a new chief recovery officer, and her team is "currently interviewing ... qualified candidates," Seidl said. Featherstone, who was initially hired on a 120-day appointment, is now serving as an assistant general manager at EMD, and Parks, the EMD chief, has asked for funding in the coming fiscal year's budget to keep him. Hagerty could be replaced by a different firm if it loses the competitive bidding process for the multi-year recovery contract. One of the many "deliverables" for that contract is developing a long-term recovery plan. That type of overarching plan governing the rebuilding and direct communication about the plan is what residents and local officials say they have been pleading for. "We have more debris clearing to do, but we are also breaking ground on new buildings," said Councilmember Park. "If we dont get those plans under control and in place, this is going to turn into 'The Hunger Games' very quickly." Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The moment remains indelibly etched in my mind, as vivid now as it was then. Those early hours of June 24, 2016 the afterglow of the referendum still clinging to the air like mist. In Fareham, our Vote Leave team were weary, elated, and yet braced for disappointment. Nigel Farage had already hinted at defeat as the polls closed. The machine, after all, was colossal: the Treasury, the Bank of England, Brussels, Barack Obama all aligned, all seemingly convinced that Project Fear would prevail. But we had stood for something more enduring than polls or punditry: for sovereignty, for the conviction that a people any people deserve to govern themselves. Yes, we were the underdogs but we fought for the notion that borders matter, that culture counts, that laws passed in London carry greater legitimacy than diktats from Strasbourg. We had made the case for Britain and braced ourselves for noble defeat. Then came Sunderland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A cheer rose from outside the hall. We were told: 61 per cent Leave. Disbelief. A second, then a third confirmation. Could it be? The industrial North, battered and patronised for decades, had defied every expert, every threat, and roared with unambiguous pride: Leave. There was something profoundly British about it. Not just in the scepticism of authority, but in the quiet dignity of millions who had had enough enough of being sneered at, of being told their country was a relic, their instincts xenophobic. The people had chosen freedom. And Fareham, too, my own community had joined them, casting aside the narrative of inevitable Remain. I remember driving back to the Vote Leave HQ at 4am as the first rays of a new dawn broke across the Hampshire skies. It wasnt just meteorological. It was a moment of national rebirth. And now nine years on what are we to make of it? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Labour Government, fronted by Keir Starmer but puppeteered by a familiar Europhile chorus, appears poised to commit the most far-reaching Brexit betrayal yet. One must admire the brazenness. These are people who voted against Brexit, campaigned for a second referendum, and now, with the cloak of office draped over their shoulders, intend to smuggle Britain back into Europes orbit quietly, incrementally, and with a lawyers precision. First, the so-called Youth Mobility Scheme. Harmless sounding who could object to young people travelling? But beneath the euphemism lies the quiet reintroduction of free movement. At a time when net migration is at historic highs, when the public is palpably crying out for control, Labour proposes to open the doors even wider. Then theres fishing. That sacred emblem of island sovereignty a living, breathing industry left to rot under the EUs Common Fisheries Policy. Our fishermen, such as those who fish for Bass in The Solent from my constituency, had waited patiently, for justice. Instead, up to 75 per cent of our waters continue to be plundered by EU vessels. And there is every sign that Starmer will sign away even that thin veneer of regained control. Most gravely, we hear whispers credible ones of dynamic alignment: the dull phrase that masks a profound truth. That Britain would once again become a rule-taker, our regulations shaped not by Parliament but by Brussels. And with it, the European Court of Justice waiting in the wings to resume its supremacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of it will be spun, of course. Clever soundbites: e-gates for British travellers, restoring relationships, back at the table. But no phrase, however slick, can mask what this is: a surrender of sovereignty dressed in the garb of diplomacy. The real question is not what Starmer does now. It is how long he thinks the British people will tolerate it. For what 2016 revealed was not just a vote to leave the European Union it was a vote of confidence in themselves. And once a people have tasted freedom, they do not forget. Nor do they forgive easily. The British public may be patient. But they are not fools. And they do not take kindly to being betrayed. 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. Pedestrians walk through a shopping district in Manhattan in New York City. The city grew in population for the second year in a row, but remains below pandemic levels. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) For a second year in a row, New York City and Los Angeles were among the cities with the most population growth last year as the nations largest cities continued to recover from devastating pandemic losses. The U.S. Census Bureau released new July 2024 city population estimates Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In New York City, a recent city planning report suggested that two consecutive years of growth suggest that pandemic-era losses were short-lived. The city is still almost 328,000 short of its 2020 population, however. Los Angeles returned to the list of top growth cities for the first time since 2016, according to the Census Bureau. Get in touch Are you a teacher, nurse or skilled trades worker looking to buy a house or condo in todays market? Wed like to talk to you about the experience of trying to buy a home with a household income of around $75,000 a year email Tim Henderson at thenderson@stateline.org. The largest one-year population increases for mid-2023 to mid-2024 were New York City (87,184), Houston (43,217), Los Angeles (31,276), and the Texas cities of San Antonio (23,945) and Fort Worth (23,442). The same cities were in the top five the previous year, but the growth is a big turnaround from 2021-22, when New York City lost almost 100,000 people and Los Angeles gained only about 2,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new interest in living in big cities could be impacting rents: Zillow reported this week that there now are eight cities, double the number from 2020, where renters need more than a $100,000 annual income to afford typical rent: New York City ($145,000 needed), San Jose, California ($137,000), Boston ($127,000), San Francisco ($124,000), San Diego ($123,000), Los Angeles ($119,000), Miami ($110,000) and Riverside, California ($103,000). Homes for sale in the fastest-growing city areas also are getting further out of reach for even moderate-income buyers, according to a National Association of Realtors report also released Thursday. The New York City and Los Angeles areas were listed as moving in the wrong direction on affordability, reflecting a growing divide between what homes actually cost and what local families can afford. For instance, even a Los Angeles-area family with a $200,000 income can afford less than a third of the homes listed for sale, including condominiums and townhouses, according to the report. Houston, San Antonio and the Dallas-Fort Worth area were listed among three tiers as stuck in the middle of affordability, showing signs of progress, yet still falling short of offering real affordability to most families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the four years combined after the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, both New York City and Los Angeles have not completely recovered population. New York City is down almost 328,000 people and Los Angeles is still short about 21,000 since the 2020 census, but they remain the nations two largest cities. The largest percentage growth since 2020 was in some fast-growing suburbs: Westlake, Florida, near Palm Beach, has grown to 7,664, more than eight times its 2020 population, and Josephine, Texas, near Dallas, has quadrupled in size to 8,807. Medicine Lake, Minnesota, west of Minneapolis, also quadrupled, to 1,343. 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. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Latvian military volunteer Nikita Tarenovs, who went by the alias Latviiets ("Latvian"), has been killed in action while fighting against Russian forces in Ukraine. Source: Latvia's public broadcaster LSM; European Pravda Details: Tarenovs death was confirmed to Latvian media by a source close to the soldier. Latvian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Diana Eglite stated that Latvias embassy in Ukraine has not yet received official confirmation of Tarenovs death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Latvian Ministry of Defence is also awaiting official information from Ukrainian authorities but noted that Tarenovs had not previously served in the Latvian National Armed Forces. Ukrainian public organisation Centuria reported that on 14 May 2025, Latviiets was wounded in action during a successful repulsion of a Russian assault on the Kharkiv front. He was killed by a drone strike during evacuation alongside fellow soldiers. Tarenovs is the third Latvian volunteer to have been killed in action in Ukraine since the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Background: In January, Latvian military volunteer Edgars Platonovs was killed in action in Ukraine. In April, it was reported that Lithuanian military volunteer Tomas Valentelis had been killed in action in Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! LAWRENCE COUNTY, Mo. A Lawrence County police officer has been recognized for his heroism during a house fire in January. Corporal Derek Perkins receives an award for saving woman in house fire, courtesy of Lawrence County Sheriffs Office According to a Lawrence County Sheriffs Office social media post, Corporal Derek Perkins received an award from the Missouri chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) on Saturday, May 17. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Lawrence County deputy saves homeowner from fire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perkins was honored for saving the life of a woman during a house fire in Mt. Vernon, Missouri on Jan. 8, 2025. The corporal noticed the fire was coming from a vehicle in a neighborhood and it quickly spread throughout the home. Perkins went into the home and found the woman asleep in a bedroom. He was able to wake her up and get her out safely. The post says he received the Heroic Action Award from the IAAI for his actions on that day. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. Anthropics attorney admitted to using an imagined source in an ongoing legal battle between the AI company and music publishers Universal Music Group, Concord, and ABKCO Music & Records. The result of the error was that Anthropic data scientist Olivia Chen was accused of citing a made-up academic report to strengthen an argument. An associate for Athropics law firm took the blame, calling it an honest citation mistake after the inaccurate material was overlooked during a manual review. An attorney representing Anthropican artificial intelligence companyadmitted to incorporating an incorrect citation created by the companys AI chatbot amid an ongoing legal battle between the company and music publishers, according to a Thursday court filing. The erroneous citation was included in an expert report by Anthropic data scientist Olivia Chen last month defending claims about the company using copyrighted lyrics to train Claude, Anthropics large language model. Anthropic is being sued for alleged misuse of copyrighted materials to train its generative AI tools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the citation carried the correct link, volume, page numbers, and publication year, the LLM, known as Claude, provided a false author and title, according to a declaration from Ivana Dukanovic, an associate at Latham & Watkins LLP and attorney of record for Anthropic. The acknowledgement comes after a lawyer representing Universal Music Group, Concord, and ABKCO Music & Records claimed Chen cited an imagined academic report to strengthen the companys argument. While U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen rejected the plaintiffs request to question Chen, van Keulen said it was a very serious and grave issue, and there was a world of a difference between a missed citation and hallucination generated by AI, Reuters reported. In the declaration, Anthropic attorney Dukanovictook accountability for the mishap, saying it was an honest citation mistake and not a fabrication of authority, according to the filing. She said the Latham & Watkins team found the article as additional support for Ms. Chens testimony. Then, Dukanovic asked Claude to provide a properly formatted legal citation for the article, which resulted in the hallucinated sourcing.. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Claude did not complete the citation correctly, and the attorneys manual citation check did not catch that error, according to Dukanovic. This was an embarrassing and unintentional mistake, Dukanovic said. Anthropic declined to provide further comment to Fortune. Latham & Watkins did not immediately respond to a request for comment. This is the latest lawsuit challenging an AI company for allegedly misusing copyrighted materials. Media organizations like Thomson Reuters, the New York Times, and Wall Street Journal have all filed suit against various AI companies for copyright violations. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) Le Moyne College held its 75th commencement ceremony Sunday morning. Senior students at Le Moyne College turned their tassels. Class of 2025, congratulations to you all, said Samara Roya Chowdhury, Le Moyne graduate. The ceremony was held at the New York State Fairgrounds, inside the expo center. Nearly 600 undergraduate students walked across the stage and received a diploma they worked so hard for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve made it to the finish line. In these four years, we have all grown, becoming the people we were meant to be in this moment, said Chowdhury. Originally from Bangladesh, Chowdhury says she always wanted to attend Le Moyne. I remember I was driving through Le Moyne and I remember telling myself some day I am going to go to a school like this. Eventually, acceptance letters started coming in the mail. Obviously, I picked Le Moyne and here I am four years later, getting my degree in Biology, said Chowdhury. 198 students received a Bachelor of Arts and 384 received a Bachelor of Science. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. Several people have been reported killed in a suicide bombing at an army recruitment centre in Somalias capital, Mogadishu. The attacker on Sunday targeted a queue of young recruits lining up outside the Damanyo base, killing at least 13 people, the Associated Press news agency quoted witnesses as saying. There was a loud explosion, and immediately people began running in all directions. Bodies were everywhere, said Abdulkadir Hassan Mohamed, a tuk-tuk driver who witnessed the blast told AP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Teenagers were lining up at the bases gate when the suicide bomber detonated the explosives, witnesses told Reuters. Abdisalan Mohamed said he had seen hundreds of teenagers at the gate as we passed by in a bus. Abruptly, a deafening blast occurred, and the area was covered by dense smoke. We could not see the details of casualties, he added. A military captain who gave his name as Suleiman described the attack as he had seen it unfold. Dozens of abandoned shoes and the remains of the suicide bomber remained visible at the scene. Medical staff at the military hospital told Reuters they had received 30 wounded people from the blast and six of them had died immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Separately, an official told the Anadolu news agency that the attack had killed at least 11 people. The government has cordoned off the area. The attack echoed a similar incident in 2023 when a suicide bomber killed 25 soldiers at the Jale Siyad base, located opposite the Damanyo facility. Sundays attack follows the assassination on Saturday of Colonel Abdirahmaan Hujaale, commander of Battalion 26, in the Hiiran region amid local reports of the al-Shabab armed groups infiltration into government and security forces. Al-Shabab has been fighting the Somali government for nearly two decades and frequently targets government officials and military personnel. LONDON, Ky. (AP) Storms that swept across part of the Midwest and South killed least 27 people including 18 in Kentucky, where another 10 were hospitalized in critical condition, authorities said. A devastating tornado in Kentucky damaged homes, tossed vehicles and left many people homeless. Seventeen of the deaths were in Laurel County, located in the state's southeast, and one was in Pulaski County: Fire Department Maj. Roger Leslie Leatherman, a 39-year veteran who was fatally injured while responding to the deadly weather. Parts of two dozen state roads were closed, and some could take days to reopen, according to Gov. Andy Beshear, who announced the toll of dead and critically injured on Saturday. He also said the death toll could still rise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need the whole world right now to be really good neighbors to this region, the governor said. State Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson said hundreds of homes were damaged, Kayla Patterson, her husband and their five children huddled in a tub in their basement in London, the county seat, as the tornado raged around them. You could literally hear just things ripping in the distance, glass shattering everywhere, just roaring like a freight train," she recalled Saturday. It was terrible. The family eventually emerged to the sounds of sirens and panicked neighbors. While the family's own home was spared, others right behind it were demolished, Patterson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rescuers searched for survivors all night and into the morning, the sheriff's office said. An emergency shelter was set up at a high school and donations of food and other necessities were arriving. Resident Chris Cromer said he got the first of two alerts on his phone around 11:30 p.m., about a half-hour before the tornado struck. He and his wife grabbed their dog, jumped in their car and sought shelter in the crawlspace at a relatives nearby home because their own crawlspace is small. We could hear and feel the vibration of the tornado coming through, said Cromer, 46. A piece of his roof was ripped off, and windows were broken, but homes around his were destroyed. Its one of those things that you see on the news in other areas, and you feel bad for people then, when it happens, its just surreal, he said. It makes you be thankful to be alive, really. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The storm was the latest severe weather to cause deaths and widespread damage in Kentucky. Two months ago at least 24 people died in a round of storms that swelled creeks and submerged roads. Missouri pounded by storms, with deaths confirmed in St. Louis About 1,200 tornadoes strike the U.S. annually, and they have been reported in all 50 states over the years. Researchers found in 2018 that deadly tornadoes were happening less frequently in the traditional Tornado Alley of Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas and more frequently in parts of the more densely populated and tree-filled mid-South area. The latest Kentucky storms were part of a weather system Friday that killed seven in Missouri and two in northern Virginia, authorities said. The system also spawned tornadoes in Wisconsin, brought punishing heat to Texas and temporarily enveloped parts of Illinois including Chicago in a pall of dust on an otherwise sunny day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In St. Louis, Mayor Cara Spencer said five people died, 38 were injured and more than 5,000 homes were affected. The devastation is truly heartbreaking," she said at a news conference Saturday. An overnight curfew was to continue in the most damaged neighborhoods. Weather service radar indicated a likely tornado touched down between 2:30 p.m. and 2:50 p.m. in Clayton, Missouri, in the area of Forest Park, which is home to the St. Louis Zoo and formerly hosted both the 1904 Worlds Fair and the Olympic Games in 1904. Three people needed aid after part of the Centennial Christian Church crumbled, according to St. Louis Fire Battalion Chief William Pollihan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stacy Clark said his mother-in-law, Patricia Penelton, died in the church. He described her as a very active church volunteer who had many roles, including being part of the choir. At the zoo, falling trees severely damaged the roof of a butterfly facility. Staffers quickly corralled most of the butterflies, the zoo said on social media, and a conservatory in suburban Chesterfield was caring for the displaced creatures. A tornado struck in Scott County, about 130 miles (209 kilometers) south of St. Louis, killing two people, injuring several others and destroying multiple homes, Sheriff Derick Wheetley wrote on social media. Forecasters say severe weather could batter parts of the Plains Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The weather service said that supercells are likely to develop across parts of Texas and Oklahoma Saturday afternoon before becoming a line of storms in southwest Oklahoma and parts of Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas on Saturday night. The biggest risks include large to very large hail that could be up to 3.5 inches (8.9 centimeters) in size, damaging wind gusts and a few tornadoes. These conditions were expected to continue on Sunday across parts of the central and southern Plains as well as parts of the central High Plains. National Weather Service offices lost staff The storms hit after the Trump administration massively cut staffing of National Weather Service offices, with outside experts worrying about how it would affect warnings in disasters such as tornadoes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The office in Jackson, Kentucky, which was responsible for the area around London, Kentucky, had a March 2025 vacancy rate of 25%; the Louisville, Kentucky, weather service staff was down 29%; and the St. Louis office was down 16%, according to calculations by weather service employees obtained by The Associated Press. The Louisville office was also without a permanent boss, the meteorologist in charge, as of March, according to the staffing data. Experts said any vacancy rate above 20% is a critical problem. ___ See more photos from the severe storms in the South and Midwest here. ___ Contributing were Associated Press writers Jennifer Peltz in New York, Sudhin Thanawala in Atlanta, Mike Catalini in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, Juan Lozano in Houston, and Seth Borenstein in Kensington, Maryland. At least 28 people have died in severe weather that swept from the lower Midwest to the South over the weekend, with Missouri and Kentucky suffering the worst of it, authorities said. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced Sunday afternoon that weather-related deaths in the state had risen to 19 after the death of a female from Russell County. Earlier, Beshear attributed the deaths to a single tornado initially believed to have touched down at EF3 strength overnight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are hard at work this morning addressing the tragic damage and deaths caused by severe weather Saturday morning, Beshear said Sunday morning on X. We are securing emergency housing options and looking into sites for intermediate housing. Of the remaining deaths, 17 were in Laurel County and one was in Pulaski County. One of the deceased was a Laurel County firefighter, Beshear said. It has taken far too many lives, Beshear said. Homes that there isnt a single wall standing. Homes that have all four walls yet lost the person inside. Beshear posted Sunday that the Team Kentucky Storm Relief fund would reach out to families of the dead to cover funeral expenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Saturday, 10 people remained in critical condition with weather-related injuries, he said. Survey teams will be on the ground Monday to collect information for the state to apply for federal assistance, Beshear posted. Debris removal plans are also in progress. Lesly Karen Cornett's home in the Sunshine Hills neighbourhood outside of London, Kentucky, on Sunday following the tornado. (Michael Swensen / Getty Images) Relief of dry weather is expected Sunday, with severe storm risks returning Monday into Tuesday, the National Weather Service predicts. Flash flooding may be possible Tuesday if heavy rain persists. Officials in Missouri reported seven weather-related deaths since Friday: five in St. Louis County and two in Scott County. Central Missouri will face another chance of severe thunderstorms Sunday night into Monday morning, with threats of large hail and powerful wind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Virginia, where parts of the state were subjected to the same system of unstable air, thunderstorms and powerful winds, two people were killed in separate incidents involving falling trees that struck vehicles, authorities said. The deaths were reported in Fairfax County and in Fort Hunt, the latter along a section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway that is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Park Police. Dry weather is expected in Virginia from Sunday through early Tuesday, according to the NWS. Community members and crews clean up debris in the neighborhood of Sunshine Hills in London, Ky., on Saturday. A tornado struck communities in Somerset and London, killing more than 10 people and injuring others. (Michael Swensen / Getty Images) A spokesperson for St. Louis Childrens Hospital and Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis said the facilities received over 60 patients in total, with the childrens facility treating 15 and Barnes-Jewish seeing more than 50. Two of the patients at Children's Hospital were in critical condition. All others have been discharged, the spokesperson said Saturday. Most of the patients at Barnes-Jewish have been discharged or will be soon, the spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer said the severe weather, including two reported tornadoes in the area Friday, affected an estimated 5,000 buildings in the city. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement Saturday that she has spoken with the governors of Missouri, Kentucky and Illinois and offered them "federal resources and action for the deadly tornadoes and storms." "We discussed how while emergency management is best led by local authorities, we reinforced that DHS stands ready to take immediate action to offer resources and support," Noem said. The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued an alert of enhanced risk for severe weather Sunday through central Kansas to Oklahoma, where the greatest threat of tornadoes will be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service said 28 tornadoes were reported Friday. An alert of slight risk of excessive rainfall has also been issued from eastern Kansas and Oklahoma to the Ozark Mountains of Missouri and Arkansas through Monday morning, the agency said. More than 49,000 utility customers in Missouri and 26,000 in Kentucky were without power Sunday, according to the utility tracker PowerOutage.us, with power having returned to many residents since Saturday. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com LEBANON, Tenn. (WKRN) Law enforcement launched an investigation after a person with a gunshot wound was found at a Lebanon apartment complex overnight. The Lebanon Police Department said it received multiple reports around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 17 about a possible shooting victim walking around a building at Ironwood Apartment Homes along Rome Pike. Officers in the area quickly responded to the complex and discovered a male with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the forearm, according to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suspect in custody after man found dead in Gallatin home Police said they determined the incident was isolated, adding that there was no active threat to the public. (Courtesy: Lebanon Police Department) (Courtesy: Lebanon Police Department) (Courtesy: Lebanon Police Department) (Courtesy: Lebanon Police Department) Shortly afterward, detectives arrived at the scene to take the lead on the case. In addition, K9 Eik was requested to help with evidence recovery, officials said. MNPD: Armed woman in custody after barricading herself in Madison restaurant Authorities announced on Facebook shortly before 7:15 p.m. that preliminary findings indicate the incident was a targeted robbery of two male subjects from Nashville, who were sitting in a vehicle in Ironwoods parking lot at the time of the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have any information about this overnight incident, youre asked to call the Lebanon Police Department at 615-444-2323. No additional details have been released about the shooting, which remains under investigation. Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. On May 7, police arrested at least 44 Columbia University students and 13 Barnard College students - many were masked - for taking over the university library. "Once inside the agitators passed out pamphlets that endorsed Hamass violence andchanted There is only one solution, intifada revolution, We want divestment now,and From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free, using megaphones and bangingon drums," according to the Washington Free Beacon. "Theyrenamedthe library after Basel al-Araj, a Palestinian terroristkilled in a 2017 shootout with the Israel Defense Forces." Columbias admission of students disposed to break the law to endorse Hamas genocidal intentions against Israel and to call for extending the jihadists violent revolution beyond the Middle East is only the most conspicuous of the universitys many problems. FIREs2025College Free Speech Rankings assessed the "speech climate" at Columbia as "Abysmal" and placed the university second to last, 250 out of 251 schools. Only Harvard scored lower. The results might have turned out differently if, following Iran-backed Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, massacre and kidnapping of mostly civilians in southern Israel, the rankings had focused on universities handling of anti-Israel protesters who erected illegal encampments on campus, harassed and intimidated Jews, and otherwise disrupted academic activities. In that case, Columbia might well have beaten Harvard for last place in the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the encampments, according to the FIRE rankings, approximately 30% of Columbia students said they self-censored "very" or "fairly" often in conversation with other students, and 20% said they self-censored in conversation with professors and during classroom discussion. The encampments worsened the dismal condition of free speech at Columbia. After they were erected, almost 40% of Columbia students said they self-censored "very" or "fairly" often in conversation with other students, and around 30% said they self-censored in conversation with professors and during classroom discussion. With Columbia a poster child for dysfunctional university governance and the erosion of free and robust speech, it is jolting to read Lee Bollingers recent Atlantic essay, "Universities Deserve Special Standing." President emeritus of Columbia, a prominent First Amendment scholar, and holder of a prestigious university-professor chair at Columbia, Bollinger contends that American universities should receive "special solicitude under the Constitution" because they advance the public interest by pursuing the truth. If only our universities were worthy of the deference Bollinger insists they are owed. However, universities betrayal of their mission - along with the former Columbia presidents failure to tell the truth about their betrayal - undermines his plea for bestowing on them privileged constitutional status. A graduate of Columbia Law School, Bollinger occupied powerful positions at major universities for almost 35 years, serving not only as Columbias president (2002-2023) but also as University of Michigan Law School dean (1987-1994), and University of Michigan president (1996-2002). His three-and-a-half decades guiding an elite law school and two elite universities coincided with the precipitous decline of higher education into an industry for the reproduction of progressive orthodoxy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Universities," Bollinger warns, "are most certainly under assault, and the risks appear likely to grow." He sees only external threats, though. "The nations leading universities are locked in an unprecedented battle with a president and an administration that have chosen to withhold billions of dollars in vital federal research funding in order to take control of institutions for which freedom of thought and expression are among their most essential values." Here, and throughout his essay, Bollinger confuses is and ought. Freedom of thought and expression ought to be among our universities most essential values. Yet it is universities propensity to censor and indoctrinate - along with their protracted violation of civil rights - that spurred the Trump administration, however much it may have overreached, to leverage federal funding to impel them to practice free speech and respect the law. Despite shirking personal responsibility and turning a blind eye to the origins of the crisis of higher education in universities dereliction of their educational duties, Bollinger performs in his essay a valuable service. His account of universities as they ought to be provides a devasting indictment of what our elite universities have become, not least Columbia under his 21 years of stewardship. Bollinger rightly emphasizes that American constitutional government presupposes educations centrality to the formation of citizens who responsibly exercise their rights, discharge their duties, and engage in self-government. Accordingly, he argues, universities "are every bit as vital to our society as the political branches of government or quasi-official institutions such as the press (often even referred to as the fourth branch of government)." Furthermore, he maintains, universities advance the goal "of the First Amendment, which affirms our nations commitment to a never-ending search for truth." And "like the press but even more so," universities "explore every facet of existence, including questions of justice, fairness, and the character of our political and social life." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Would that it were so. Bollinger describes universities that America needs but obscures the character of the universities that we have. Long ago, many classes and whole concentrations and majors in the humanities and social sciences set aside the search for truth in favor of promoting progressive social change. These days, moreover, our universities barely teach constitutional, diplomatic, military, and religious history; literary classics; the principles of economic freedom; and the history of political philosophy. And they frown on students drawn to such studies. Nevertheless, Bollinger would have readers believe that there is little new and little true in current criticisms, especially those coming from conservatives, of American higher education. "There is a long tradition of populist disdain for the unconventional thought and progressive values of many university campuses and college towns," he writes. That, though, is a smokescreen since todays criticism revolves around elite universities illiberal practices: intolerance, antisemitism and race-based discrimination, curtailment of due process, politicization of courses, contempt for reasoned debate, and autocratic governance. Nevertheless, Bollinger insists that the "political right" makes a mountain out of molehill. It "has, as in earlier eras of our history, skillfully elevated and made an easy target of the most extreme picture of the academic world," he contends. But since a good portion of scholarship and teaching matches the critics dire depictions, it is Bollinger who tries to make a molehill out of a mountain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bollinger admits that "the academic world has undoubtedly provided fodder for" critics, "especially in not responding more forcefully to the anti-Semitism that too often manifested on campus after October 7, well beyond constitutionally protected political debate and public protest of Israels government." This, his single acknowledgement that conservatives are not simply making things up about university misconduct, is a stylish understatement. Not least, it suggests that the upsurge in campus antisemitism and universities feckless response occurred mysteriously, independent of their other pathologies. Columbia has issued not fewer than three reports on antisemitism - Report #1: Task Force on Antisemitism, Report #2: Task Force on Antisemitism, and The Sundial Report (sharply criticized for myriad inadequacies by The Sunlight Report, produced by the Stand Columbia Society). The universitys reports document persistent harassment, intimidation, ostracism, and physical violence directed at Jews on campus. But, among other deficiencies, these reports, like Bollinger, fail to connect antisemitism at Columbia to the universitys manifold betrayals of liberal education. These betrayals - as at elite universities throughout the land - provide fertile breeding ground for antisemitism. Americas most selective institutions of higher education have encouraged students to believe that expressing opinions that challenge progressive orthodoxy and failing to affirm progressive orthodoxy are both forms of violence. They have eroded due process in cases concerning allegations of sexual assault. They have fashioned a curriculum that features courses - focusing on narrow areas of expertise or advocacy for popular causes - that professors prefer to teach instead of courses on basic subjects that equip students for citizenship in a free and democratic nation. They have infused the curriculum with a settler-colonialism ideology that condemns the United States as a unique source of international instability and injustice and that scorns Israel as an outpost in the Middle East of Western oppression. They have accepted substantial sums of money from abroad, often without proper disclosure, that compromise their intellectual independence. They have instituted diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and other identity-conscious initiatives that encourage students to understand themselves as belonging to either the oppressed class or the oppressor class while generally placing Jews in the latter. And they have populated the undergraduate body with students and the faculty with professors who embrace, or at least know how to go along and get along with, debased educational standards. The age-old scourge of antisemitism thrives in such illiberal environments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement America needs universities like those Lee Bollinger evokes. America, however, will not get them if progressive elites persist in suppressing the truth about the decay of the nations universities over which they have long maintained an iron grip. Or, it also should be said, if conservatives take a sledgehammer to the universities. Lasting reform depends on left and right in America cooperating based on an education for freedom that transcends partisan differences. Peter Berkowitz is the Tad and Dianne Taube senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. From 2019 to 2021, he served as director of the Policy Planning Staff at the U.S. State Department. His writings are posted at PeterBerkowitz.com and he can be followed on X @BerkowitzPeter. May 17SUBLETTE Two Lee County 911 dispatchers and four Sublette fire crew members were awarded by Mercyhealth on Thursday for their lifesaving actions that led to a successful home birth. "It's a miracle of life right before our eyes," Lee County 911 Director Shelley Dallas said at Thursday's award ceremony. ExpandAutoplay Image 1 of 5 Lee County 911 Dispatchers Kelly Boos (left) and Jesica Knipple meet Ryan and Cheyenne Edwards Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Sublette Fire Department. Boos and Knipple talked Ryan through unwrapping the umbilical cord as his wife was giving birth to son Wilder. (Alex T. Paschal) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The night of April 28, Ryan and Cheyenne Edwards of Sublette were at home with their daughters Atley, 2, and River, 4, when Cheyenne who was 35 weeks pregnant started going into labor. At 11:35 p.m., Ryan called 911 and said "the baby is coming out right now," Dallas said. When the child's head came out, the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck. Ryan told the dispatcher, "He's not moving. He's struggling and turning purple," and the dispatcher gave him instructions for how to remove the cord, Dallas said. A short time later, Ryan said, "He's out. He's crying. ... He's completely out, and he's opening his eyes," Dallas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Thursday's event, Lee County 911 dispatcher Kelly Boos said, "It was just this huge flood of relief hearing him and knowing that he was OK." The family, along with their new addition, baby Wilder, attended the event where Dr. John Pakiela of Mercyhealth in Rockford handed out six stork pins to those involved. They included Lee County 911 dispatchers Boos and Jesica Knipple, and from the Sublette Fire Protection District, Assistant Chief Nick Dinges, EMS Capt. Mary Ehlers, firefighter/paramedic Jennifer Stampfler and first responder Roger Wittenauer. Wittenauer immediately went to the scene and helped with the stimulation process, Dinges said. Sublette Fire Chief Kevin Schulz said his crew's response "makes me proud" specifically when you think about the chain of survival in rural communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First responders face different challenges in rural areas, such as further travel times, fewer resources and the potential for more complex medical scenarios. April's event was one of them. It's "very rare, and we had a great outcome," Dinges said. He said Sublette fire has never had an in-field delivery as far as he knows, and Dallas said that it also was a first for Lee County 911. Pope Leo XIV, the first US-born pope, waved and smiled to the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square as he arrived for his inauguration in the popemobile on Sunday. Onlookers were cheering and running to catch a glimpse of the newly elected pontiff, who will lead the Roman Catholic Church after pope Francis died on April 21. Surrounded by a throng of jogging security guards, the popemobile proceeded steadily along the cordoned-off route. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The papacy of Leo XIV will officially begin with a solemn Mass in front of St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, attended by tens of thousands of worshippers as well as state leaders and royalty from around the world. Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV met JD Vance, the US vice-president, after calling for peace in martyred Ukraine. On Sunday morning, Mr Vance attended the inauguration Mass of Leo, the first pope from the United States. Prior to becoming pope, Leo expressed disapproval of the Trump administration and shared an article suggesting that Mr Vance was wrong to say Jesus asked Catholics to rank their love for others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2017, before the Pope was even a cardinal, he shared a message of support for dreamers, the undocumented migrants brought to the US by their parents when they were children. The 69 year-old told world leaders and royals at his inauguration: The martyred Ukraine is waiting for negotiations for a just and lasting peace to finally happen. Before the Mass, Mr Vance shook hands with Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he had not seen since their disastrous White House encounter on February 28. The two also met later at the US embassy. The Popes meeting with Mr Vance comes ahead of a phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin on Monday as pressure builds on Russia to sign up to a ceasefire plan drawn up by Ukraine, Europe and the US. Emotional inauguration Pope Leo fought back tears during the Mass when he was handed the ring that formally marked the beginning of his papacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pontiff appeared to choke up as Cardinal Luis Tagle slipped the Fishermans Ring onto his finger before the estimated 250,000-strong crowd gathered in the Vaticans St Peters Square. World leaders travelled from across the globe to witness the historic moment, among them Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, and JD Vance, the US vice-president, in their first meeting since a fiery Oval Office clash in February. Setting the tone for his papacy, Pope Leo used his first homily to speak up for the climate and the poor. In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earths resources and marginalises the poorest, he said. Pope Leo XIV appears before crowds gathered in St Peters Square - FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP The Fishermans Ring authenticates the Popes role as the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide and was named in honour of Saint Peter, the first pope, who was a fisherman by trade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pontiff will spend the remainder of his day meeting with delegates from around 200 countries, before holding a private audience with Mr Zelensky, in what the Ukrainian delegation will hope signals a papacy sympathetic to Kyivs cause. During his final Regina Coeli prayer, marking the end of the service, the Pope addressed a number of global conflicts. He said: The martyred Ukraine is waiting for negotiations for a just and lasting peace to finally happen. The pontiff then noted that in Gaza, children, families and elderly survivors are reduced to hunger, before adding that in Myanmar, new hostilities have destroyed innocent young lives. World leaders attend The presidents of Peru, Nigeria and Israel were present for the two-hour ceremony, alongside the prime ministers of Canada, Australia and Italy, as well as Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, and many European royals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, and the Duke of Edinburgh, who was representing the King, were among attendees. St Peters Square was transformed with a rich display of ancient religious rites including the draping of a white, woollen pallium vestment symbolising the Pope as a good shepherd. Ancient hymns filled the air and the Gospels were read in both Latin and Greek, symbolising unity between the western and eastern churches. Papa bueno, bueno, gushed one elderly Peruvian in the crowd, giving a thumb-up sign when asked what he thought. I know many people who have known Pope Leo for years and they all say is very calm and centered, Cathleen Falsani told The Telegraph. Ms Falsani, a veteran writer on religion, was covering the inauguration for the pontiffs hometown newspaper, the Chicago Sun-Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added: Given all the relentless political shock and awe happening in the US right now, well he is the antidote to that, and I think his super calm, midwestern, salt-of-the-earth presence is being well received. 01:16 PM BST Thats it for today Thanks for following our liveblog today on the Popes inaugural mass. Here is a summary of the days main events: Pope Leo XIV has delivered his inaugural mass to an estimated 250,000 people gathered in the Vaticans St Peters Square in what marked the official beginning of his papacy. The service was attended by world leaders including Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president; JD Vance, the US vice-president; Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state; Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister; Mark Carney, the Canadian prime minister; and Britains the Duke of Edinburgh. The pontiff will hold a private audience with Mr Zelensky later this afternoon, the Vatican has said, after the pontiff called for a just and lasting peace in a martyred Ukraine during his final prayer. Mr Zelensky and Mr Vance shook hands with the eyes of the world upon them in their first meeting since their fiery Oval Office clash in February. The Pope fought back tears as he was presented with the symbolic Fishermans Ring by Cardinal Luis Tagle and used his inaugural homily to speak about the climate and the poor. Thats it for today. You can find more of our coverage on the new Pope here. 01:07 PM BST Inaugural mass concludes Pope Leos inaugural mass as leader of the worlds 1.4 billion Catholics has now ended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pontiff will spend the remainder of his day meeting with delegates from around 200 countries, who travelled to the Vatican to witness the historic service. The Vatican has confirmed the Pope will hold a private audience with Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, this afternoon, in what his delegation will hope could signal a papacy sympathetic to Kyivs cause. Pope Leo will have to toe a difficult line during discussions about Ukraine, one that left his predecessor facing criticism for being soft on Russia. With Francis battling to balance papal neutrality with calls for peace, the late pope made several comments that left Ukrainians feeling frustrated with the Vatican from encouraging Ukraine to have the courage of the white flag in negotiations to calling Ukrainians and Russians brothers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pope Leo now has the unenviable task of trying to navigate future discourse around the war with all the impartiality of a religious leader but diplomatic tact of a man striving for peace. 12:28 PM BST JD Vance shakes hands with Pope JD Vance has met the Pope after his inaugural mass in the Vaticans St Peters Square. The US vice-president was among a line of dignitaries queuing to shake hands with the pontiff once the service had ended. JD Vance, the US vice-president, and Pope Leo XIV shake hands - ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP 12:12 PM BST Pope on Gaza and Myanmar conflicts Pope Leo XIV used his Regina Coeli prayer at the end of the mass to not only call for peace in Ukraine but to address conflicts in Gaza and Myanmar. The pontiff noted that in Gaza, children, families and elderly survivors are reduced to hunger before adding that in Myanmar, new hostilities have destroyed innocent young lives. 11:59 AM BST Pope Leo XIVs inaugural mass: In pictures Pope Leo XIV swings a thurible of incense around the altar while leading the Holy Mass for the Beginning of his Pontificate - ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP The pontiff lowers his head in prayer while delivering the Regina Coeli prayer at the end of the Mass - ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP 11:39 AM BST Pope speaks out for martyred Ukraine Pope Leo XIV will hold an audience with Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, after his inaugural mass, the Vatican said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new Catholic leader referred to the Ukraine-Russian conflict in his Regina Coeli prayer at the end of the mass, saying: The martyred Ukraine is waiting for negotiations for a just and lasting peace to finally happen. 11:24 AM BST Pope Leo greeted crowds from popemobile ahead of mass Pope Leo XIV made his debut tour of St Peters Square on Sunday in his popemobile, greeting tens of thousands of pilgrims and well-wishers ahead of his inauguration mass. Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost, who became head of the worlds 1.4 billion Catholics on May 8, stood in the white vehicle as it drove through cheering crowds, smiling, waving and making the sign of the cross. Pope Leo XIV greets crowds ahead of inaugural mass from his popemobile - Alessandro Garofalo/Reuters 11:15 AM BST Popes inaugural mass: In pictures Prince Albert II of Monaco (second left) and his wife Princess Charlene of Monaco (left), alongside heads of state from Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and Spain have been spotted in the crowd - FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP Crowds line St Peters Square during the Popes inaugural mass and address - ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP Nuns close their eyes in prayer during Pope Leos address - Christopher Furlong/Getty Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 10:55 AM BST Vance and Zelensky shake hands From Telegraph correspondent Andrea Vogt in St. Peters Square Before the mass began, Mr Vance and Volodymr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, who was also in attendance with his wife, Olena Zelenska, briefly greeted one other, shaking hands. It was a strikingly different atmosphere from their last bristly encounter at the White House in February, when Mr Vance branded the Ukrainian president disrespectful and said he had not shown enough deference to Donald Trump. Zelensky and Vance shake hands in first meeting since fiery Oval Office clash - ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP All smiles. The pair were the picture of civility as they greeted one another before the service - JACQUELYN MARTIN/AFP 10:37 AM BST Pope Leo finishes homily From Telegraph correspondent Andrea Vogt in St. Peters Square Pope Leo has finished his fairly short homily with the message this is the hour for love. The square is filled with colour and ancient harmonies a spectacular ritual. Crowds spill out of St Peters Square in the Vatican as they gather to hear his inaugural mass - ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP 10:32 AM BST Value social and religious culture of every people Pope Leo warns we must learn to move beyond our differences in a way that values the social and religious culture of every people. The pontiffs words could be considered particualrly impactful as several global leaders are gathered in the crowd listening on. He said: This is the missionary spirit that must animate us, not closing ourselves off in our small groups nor feeling superior to the world. We are called to offer gods love to everyone in order to achieve that university that does not cancel out differences but values the personal history of each person and the social and religious culture of every people. 10:30 AM BST Build a new world where peace reigns The Pope has called on those gathered to build a new world where peace reigns during his homily. The pontiff also seized the moment to offer a rare critique on the economy, saying it exploits the earths resources and marginalises the poorest. Pope Leo continued: We want to say to the world with humility and joy look to Christ come closer to him. Welcome his world that enlightens and consoles. Listen to his offer of love and become his one family in the one Christ, we are one. This is the path to follow together, among ourselves, but also with our sister Christian churches, with those who follow other religious paths, with those who are searching for God. With all women and men of goodwill in order to build a new world where peace reigns. 10:24 AM BST Readings given in both Spanish and English From Telegraph correspondent Andrea Vogt in St. Peters Square Readings have been given in both Spanish and English. The gospel is being read in both Greek and Latin, meant to underscore the unity of the Church and remind the faithful that the Pope serves both Latin Catholics Latin is the language of the Roman rite and Eastern Catholics (Greek). It is a poignant reminder of just how ancient these rituals are. The pontiff has received the pallium, a woollen vestment framed over his shoulders, which is a symbol of his pastoral authority the Pope as a good shepherd and is now receiving the gold fisherman ring, in honour of St Peter, a fisherman who was the first pope. The Pope smiled warmly and seemed to be visibly moved when the ring was put on his finger. He then patted his heart to thank the audience for their applause. 10:20 AM BST Too much hatred and violence in world, says Pope The Pope has said there are too many wounds caused by hatred in the world in his inaugural mass. The pontiff told those gathered: Brothers and sisters, I would like that our first great desire, be for a united Church. A sign of unity and communion, which becomes a level for a reconciled world. In this time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference. He said the Catholic Church sought to be a source of unity, communion nd fraternity within the world. 10:12 AM BST Lord wants us to be united family, says Pope Pope Leo has used his initial address to spread a message of love and unity as entrusted to Saint Peter, the first pope, by Jesus. He told the 250,000-strong crowd I was chosen without any merit of my own and now with fear and trembling, I come to you as a brother who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy. He added that the Lord wants us to be united in one family and that He never abandons his people but guards them as a shepherd guards his flock. 10:07 AM BST Pope begins homily with heart full of gratitude The Pope said he is addressing the some 250,000 people gathered for the inaugural mass with a heart full of gratitude. The pontiff added that while the death of Pope Francis filled our hearts with sadness, he had left a precious gift to his followers in his final blessing on Easter Sunday. 10:03 AM BST Pope greeted by cardinals Senior members of the Catholic Church are now approaching the altar to greet the Pope in a show of their allegiance. The process began with the Vaticans cardinals, who were ultimately responsible for Pope Leo being elected as pontiff during the conclave, before moving onto the wider Catholic community. Clery gather at their seats during the inaugural mass - Getty 10:00 AM BST Cardinal Luis Tagle presents Fishermans Ring Luis Tagle, a Filipino cardinal who was himself considered a candidate for the papacy, has now taken to the altar for a reading. Cardinal Tagle then placed the Fishermans Ring, a symbol of unity, on Pope Leos finger and the two shake hands warmly. The ring was named in honour of Saint Peter, the first pope, who was a fisherman by trade. Cardinal Luis Tagle places Fishermans ring on hand of Pope Leo - Stefano Costantino/AP 09:52 AM BST Which world leaders are attending? Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, will represent King Charles at the inauguration, Buckingham Palace said. Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife, Elena, is also in attendance. The Ukrainian presidents top aide said Mr Zelensky hopes to hold talks with other world leaders during his visit to the Vatican, a decision likely to have been inspired by his successful meeting with Donald Trump at Pope Franciss funeral last month. While the US president will not be in attendance this time around, JD Vance and his wife, Usha, will appear on the administrations behalf in what could mark the vice-presidents first meeting with Mr Zelensky since the pairs fierce Oval Office clash in February. Mr Vances appearance is particularly notable as he was the last world leader to speak with the late Pope Francis, only hours before his death on Easter Monday. Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state and a Catholic, will also attend. Lastly, Mark Carney, the Canadian prime minister, has confirmed he will be among the world leaders at the mass and hopes the gathering coulf offer the opportunity for diplomatic talks. 09:39 AM BST Who is Pope Leo XIV? Pope Leo XIV was the name taken by Robert Prevost, the first elected North American leader of the Catholic Church, last month in what many saw as a surprising and historic result. Pope Leo, 69, has broken the long-held taboo that an American could never be pope the thinking used to be that the US was the worlds only superpower and had more than enough geopolitical influence, without taking over the papacy as well. The appointment was welcomed by Donald Trump, the US president, who posted on social media at the time: I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment! Pope Leo has become the 267th pontiff, after Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, died on Easter Monday. 09:33 AM BST Estimated 250,000 people gather for mass Pope Leos inaugural mass is expected to draw a crowd of around 250,000 pilgrims, alongside a host of world leaders and royals, including JD Vance, the US vice-president, Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, and Britains Prince Edward. Throngs of people have packed into the Vaticans St Peters Square for the ceremony, which marks the official beginning of Pope Leos papacy. Pontiff greets crowds from his popemobile - Antonio Masiello/Getty Some 250,000 pilgrims are expected to gather for the Popes inaugural mass - Domenico Stinellis/AP Some in the crowd held American flags in a nod to the Chicago upbringing of Robert Prevost, the now Pope Leo XIV - Gregorio Borgia/AP 09:27 AM BST Popes first address to crowd From Telegraph correspondent Andrea Vogt in St. Peters Square We have heard Pope Leo XIVs voice for the first time today as he makes the sign of the cross in Latin, saying In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen. This is traditionally how popes begin the Eucharistic celebration during the Mass for the inauguration of his pontificate. He is now sprinkling holy water. Pope bows head in prayer as he addresses crowds at the beginning of his inaugural mass - Yara Nardi/Reuters 09:23 AM BST History in the making From Telegraph correspondent Andrea Vogt in St. Peters Square Pope Leo XIV has greeted enthusiastic crowds, smiling and waving from his white open air popemobile on a splendid spring morning in Rome as his inaugural service gets underway. Many are watching on massive screens installed throughout St. Peters Square. There are several delegations from the US and Latin America present. Papa bueno said one Peruvian, giving a thumbs up as the Pope passed by. This is history in the making, said Rob from Dallas, Texas. Our friends in Chicago are ecstatic! 09:20 AM BST Meloni spotted in the crowd Giorgia Meloni has been spotted among those gathering for the official beginning of Pope Leos papacy. The Italian prime minister chatted with Sergio Mattarella, the Italian president, and Volodymyr Zelensky as they waited for the procession to move to the altar and the mass to get underway. Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister (centre), speaks with Sergio Mattarella, the Italian president (left) and Volodymyr Zelensky, his Ukrainian counterpart, in the lead up to the mass - FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP 09:14 AM BST Zelensky arrives at St Peters Square Volodymyr Zelensky is among the world leaders attending the mass. The Ukrainian president arrived at the Vaticans St Peters Square with his wife, Elena, in preparation for the ceremony, which started at 9am (UK time). Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Elena arrive at St Peters Square for the mass - ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP 09:10 AM BST Welcome Hello and welcome to this live blog following Pope Leo XIVs inaugural mass. The ceremony will see the pontiff formally take up his role as the leader of the worlds 1.4 billion Catholics and is set to be attended by leaders from across the globe. 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. Think first Pope Leo XIV used the social media network X before he became pope. That is no surprise, given our modern telecommunications culture. But I urge current (and future) cardinals and popes to be discreet in their social media postings and re-postings. They can leave a trail that could be twisted or manipulated or could tarnish the senders credibility. The pope serves a dual function. He is a head of state in the diplomatic arena and should be especially prudent in his choice of words. In the separate theologic setting, he is pontiff. Any popes official proclamation should come directly out of his mouth or appear in the papal newspaper. - James A. Marples, Longview Leave Trump alone Nearly 78 million voters made Donald Trump our president. Hes doing the things he said he would: substantially reducing the flow of illegal immigration, working to end Russia s war on Ukraine and obtaining a mineral deal, and trying to reduce an out-of-control budget. But the press produces almost entirely negative articles about him, and Democrats in Congress fight him constantly. Does anybody think that is healthy? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fairness, does anyone know why Joe Biden was not subject to the same level of harassment when he allowed a huge influx of immigrants to come here illegally and spent more than $100 billion on a war with little to no effort to stop it? John Holt, Fort Worth PFAS dangers Enjoy the bright green spring, because much of our land could be reduced to nothing. Forever chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are accumulating in our soil. Texas farmers have already experienced declines in land productivity and livestock deaths because of PFAS. One source of these chemicals is fertilizer. Waste treatment plants are selling biosolids to Texas farmers, and many contain PFAS. It is complicated and costly to remove PFAS, but we can prevent more from entering our system. The Legislature should set maximum limits of PFAS concentration in biosolids and require monthly testing to reduce accumulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Find your state representative and speak out about PFAS. - Alyssa Cole, Fort Worth Model action We frequently hear about schools struggling to teach children how to read. Districts develop plans to improve reading instruction, but schools cannot do what needs to be done. The main reason children struggle with reading is their parents. When parents do not read, it tells the children that learning to read is not important. Too many people seem to believe the ability to use a smartphone is more important than learning to read books or newspapers. Students who learn to read at the appropriate level usually have parents who read. - Harold L. Smith, Arlington To the editor: The Trump administrations argument against nationwide judicial injunctions with respect to the issue of birthright citizenship is, at best, tissue thin ( Justices skeptical of Trump plan to limit birthright citizenship but also injunctions that block it, May 15). The administrations idea that all judicial push-back injunctions (yes, plural) to the Trumpian rewrite of birthright citizenship should be confined merely to the specific plaintiffs before the federal judges, the district of those federal judges or the particular state in which the judges preside is, by necessity, precluded by the wording of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. That 14th Amendment language clearly confers not only a state citizenship upon the native-born, but also a federal U.S. citizenship. By that wording, any injunction issued preventing President Trumps attempted rewriting of the 14th Amendment must necessarily carry country-wide scope. This latest Trump appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court is nothing but an obvious unconstitutional dodge and betrayal of his oath of office to see to it that the laws are faithfully executed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David L. Clark, Saticoy, Calif. .. To the editor: Thomas Jefferson wrote to James Madison from Paris on March 15, 1789, when delegates at the Constitutional Convention debated inclusion of a bill of rights: In the arguments in favor of a declaration of rights, you omit one which has great weight with me, the legal check which it puts into the hands of the judiciary. The Supreme Court may hobble the judiciary as a coequal branch of government. The judiciary has helped advance liberty when Congress refused. Lower courts advanced liberty in United States vs. Wong Kim Ark (1898) by upholding the citizenship clause of the 14th Amendment. They ruled that passage of California Proposition 14 in 1964, which would've allowed landlords and property sellers to discriminate by race, ethnicity or religion, violated the equal protection clause in the 14th Amendment. Lower courts started the liberation for interracial couples to live as husband and wife in Loving vs. Virginia (1967). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope future elections uphold the legal check of the judiciary against mob and monarchical rule as a threat to liberty. Keith Ensminger, Merced, Calif. .. To the editor: The justices of the Supreme Court should have told the Trump administration that it is not possible to amend the Constitution by executive order. Amending the Constitution is a legislative function that requires many steps. Clearly, President Trump wants to avoid that lengthy process because he views himself as ruler of the United States. That in itself violates the Constitution, as there are no kings in this country. Glenn Shockley, Winnetka This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. On May 8, President Donald Trump abruptly fired Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, because, as White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed, Hayden did not fit the needs of the American people. There were quite concerning things that she had done at the Library of Congress in the pursuit of DEI and putting inappropriate books in the library for children, Leavitt said, and we dont believe that she was serving the interest of the American taxpayer. First, the Library of Congress is primarily a research library where patrons must be 16 years or older to do research on site. Still, Trumps firing of Hayden was just the latest move that made books and libraries a front in the administrations culture war against diversity, equity and inclusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in fact, a war has already been waged over the books in the Library of Congress collection and whether they aligned with broader ideas of American identity over whether the books should defer to tradition or show openness to new ideas and different cultures. There was already a declared winner of that war and ironically, Trump is placing himself at odds with the vision that won and has defined the collection since the early 1800s. The original Library of Congress was founded in 1800 inside the Capitol and contained a small collection mostly made up of legal texts and parliamentary proceedings for lawmakers to consult. In August 1814, amid the War of 1812, British troops burned the Executive Mansion, the Capitol including the library and other public buildings in Washington. The second-ever Librarian of Congress, Patrick Magruder, was on vacation, and his second-in-command, Assistant Librarian J. T. Frost, was responsible for looking after the library. Frost received advanced notice of the burning in time to send a trusted assistant with four oxen and a cart carrying one copy of each book to safety in northern Virginia. With one copy of each book carted to safety, no knowledge was lost when their duplicates burned. However, former President Thomas Jefferson saw an opportunity. Writing from the comforts of retirement in Monticello, which had three rooms of books, Jefferson offered to donate his extravagant book collection in exchange for a small payment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jefferson saw his donation as a way of shaping the Library of Congress in his own vision as the nation was redefining itself amid, and in the aftermath of, a war to secure its borders. The books exponentially expanded the quality and scope of the Library of Congress and by extension, in Jeffersons view, American democracy and education. The collection, which would be wide-ranging and accessible, embodied Jeffersonian beliefs in universal education, and the books themselves, which included the Quran and the Hebrew Bible, embodied his beliefs in freedom of religion and expression ideas that were still at odds with Christian traditionalists in the early 1800s. At the time, Jefferson knew such a diverse collection would be controversial and prepared to wage political battle. He called on Samuel Harrison Smith, chief editor of the pro-Jefferson newspaper National Intelligencer and a reliable political ally, to communicate the idea of donation to Congress. On Sept. 29, 1814, Jefferson remarked on the scope of the collection to Smith, there is, in fact, no subject to which a member of Congress may not have occasion to refer. As Congress began to consider the offer, opposition to Jeffersons multilingual, multicultural collection poured in through parody and satire. One such parody, a fake letter by a fictional character clearly meant to be a spoof of Jefferson, was published in a Georgetown paper: Many of my books are rare, most of them elegant, and all inestimable Parts are in Sanskrit, Coptic, Celtic, and Arabic tongues I should be pleased to turn these books into cash. Since the British had torched the Capitol, Congress met in temporary housing in October 1814. Issues on the table included whether to relocate the capital city, post office matters affecting long-distance communication during wartime and whether to acquire Jeffersons library. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That month, the Senate voted in favor of acquiring the books. But in the House of Representatives, Federalists known for their traditionalism, as well as observant Protestants who tended to join the Federalist coalition, had more to say. The conversations lasted several months and went past the end of the war itself. Representatives Cyrus King and John Hulbert, both Federalists from Massachusetts, led the charge. Both men called Jeffersons books irreligious and immoral during congressional debates. Their outlook was common in their political and religious culture. They objected mostly to the inclusion of Enlightenment philosophers like John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Voltaire, whose atheism and deism offended their sensibilities. The House allowed a weeks hold for representatives to peruse Jeffersons log of 6,700 titles. He had adapted Francis Bacons system of organization Memory, Reason and Epistemology to become History, Philosophy and Fine Arts. He categorized the physical universe under History, and laws and reason under Philosophy. He included religious texts under Philosophy, not History, which Christian traditionalists did not like. The Federalist party line also opposed acquiring books either published or purchased in France. Remembering the French Revolution recalled overthrowing an established order, which scared Federalists. A young Daniel Webster voted for an amendment to remove French texts. Hulbert suggested burning Jeffersons books altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite fierce opposition, the House voted 81-71 to approve the acquisition. Jeffersons library rolled into Washington from Monticello in May 1815. Jefferson received $23,950 from the federal government for the 6,700 titles. From the ashes of war, Jeffersons books helped rebuild a new foundation for the United States. The Jeffersonians won more than a national library. The new Library of Congress signaled American intellectual might on a world stage and defined the spirit of it: open, global and diverse, as opposed to rigid and traditional. The Library of Congress has grown exponentially. For many years, the policy of the library has been to acquire one copy of every book published in the United States. Today, over 178 million items include not only books, but also maps, oral histories and papers. It is the largest library in the world. One priority of Haydens tenure was to expand access through digitization efforts. The librarys collections are so extensive that Jeffersons books which constituted the largest private library in the country in 1814 now fill only a room in one of the librarys three massive buildings, the Jefferson Building. Tens of thousands of new reader cards, which let people use the librarys research resources, are issued each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Federalists disintegrated in the aftermath of the War of 1812, in part because they opposed the war itself, which became a defining moment for American national identity and patriotism. Further, their problems with atheism, deism and the French Revolution were part of an outdated worldview. Jefferson is no DEI hero. Sure, his books were linguistically and religiously diverse, and he categorized knowledge in radical ways. But many of Jeffersons books were racist. Voltaire believed that Black people were a different species. But along with these flaws, Jefferson saw the library as a national center for learning and education. The Library of Congress has a formidable history that began with a former president turned party elder waging cultural battles in a nation under fire. When Trump fired Hayden, it was a return to that history: Whats really at stake as it was during the war that launched the institution is national identity, memory and power. HUNTINGTON BEACH, California Southern Californias newest political movement meets on Saturday afternoons with paperback novels and lawn chairs outside the local public library. In this well-to-do enclave known equally for its nickname of Surf City and its far-right politics, progressive activists and book lovers have joined forces behind a pair of charter amendments that would wrest control of the local public library system away from a MAGA-aligned city council playing an increasingly active role in managing its affairs. Our public library is one of the most loved institutions in the city, said Carol Daus, a longtime library volunteer who has gotten involved in the campaign. Nothing needed to be fixed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Library defenders in Huntington Beach are taking their fight to the ballot as public libraries have become a conservative culture-war target across the country. In statehouses, on local ballots and even at the Library of Congress, Republican politicians are working to cut funding, remove controversial books and fire or even seek criminal charges for librarians who provide certain content to children. Now its the library left thats fighting back. Our Library Matters, the Huntington Beach campaign committee working to pass Measures A and B, is making a strategic gamble that it can convince voters in a deeply polarized environment to once again view their local library as anodyne if not beloved civic furniture rather than a culture-war battleground. The opposition is not making that easy, putting up campaign posters around the city including next to public schools that read, PROTECT OUR KIDS FROM PORN, NO on A & B. The campaign unfolding before the June 10 vote is being tracked around the country as librarians and library boards rethink the way that they engage in politics. Were watching Huntington Beach closely, said Deborah Caldwell-Stone, the director of the American Library Associations Office for Intellectual Freedom. Weve traditionally looked to the courts to preserve our civil liberties, but in a time when litigation takes years, it might be more effective to go to the ballot box to preserve the freedom to read and prevent censorship at local libraries. The lonely shelf The road to the ballot begins on the top floor of Huntington Beachs Central Library, where a building elsewhere bustling with readers hunched over desks and families thumbing through picture books gives way to a mostly deserted set of stacks. On one of them, a shelf labeled Youth Restricted Books holds eight thin tomes. They include one titled "Sex Is A Funny Word" and another "The Care and Keeping Of You," about puberty for girls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Together the books take up just a few inches of shelf space, but they have cast a long shadow over the citys politics. Last year, they were relocated from the librarys childrens section on the ground floor, after the city council took the authority to decide what went on library shelves away from librarians and handed it to an appointed board. Supporters of the move, led by City Councilmember Gracey Van Der Mark, argued the creation of a Community Parent-Guardian Review Board would protect children from inappropriate content. The whole goal, Van Der Mark said after voting to create the board, is to make our libraries the safest place for our children. The 21-member board was ordered to sign off on all new books acquired by the childrens section and review its existing holdings. Those that failed to win approval were banished to the restricted section. Huntington Beach has always been a conservative place, a haven for Reagan Republicanism just south of deep-blue Los Angeles County. But over the course of the last decade, the flavor of conservatism prevalent in the citys politics has increasingly aligned with President Donald Trumps MAGA-style politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mirroring the issues championed by Trump and his allies on the national level, a newly elected conservative majority on Huntington Beachs city council in 2023 declared it a No Mask and No Vaccine Mandate town. It banned the Pride flag from city buildings and city property. And it pushed a voter ID measure that voters approved in March 2024, putting the city on a collision course with state officials over its enforcement. Then the conservative faction on Huntington Beachs city council turned its attention to the public library system. Last year, months after establishing the parental review board, councilmembers raised the possibility of privatizing the library to cut down on costs. (They abandoned the effort after the company bidding on the project withdrew, amid public backlash.) Protect Huntington Beach, an advocacy group which launched shortly after the 2022 election as a magnet for the citys besieged progressives, folded the library issues into its work challenging many of the city councils policies. The group loudly opposed three charter amendments that the councils conservatives had placed on the March 2024 ballot, including one to require voter ID and another to limit which flags could be flown on city property. But the efforts to exert control over the public library also galvanized many residents far outside the usual political realm: teachers, parents and librarians who might not have seen themselves in some of the councils other targets but viewed incursions into a treasured institution as a step too far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daus, a retired writer and editor who began volunteering at the library eight years ago, had remained silent during the councils run through national culture war issues. But when she heard local officials were planning to interfere in what books the library could carry, she attended her first city council meeting in June 2023 to oppose it. Thats book banning, she said. I mean, they can fight it as much as they want, but it is book banning. Months after the city council approved the parental review board, a group of local library supporters and activists began charting a plan to push back. They would employ the same tool the conservative city council had used to implement some of its previous priorities going to voters directly to enshrine protections for librarians and the public librarys financing in the city charter. Protect Huntington Beach activists teamed up with members from the nonprofit Friends of the Huntington Beach Public Library to gather signatures for two separate charter amendments. The first proposal, which became Measure A, would repeal the city councils parental review board, handing control of library content back to public librarians. The proposal that is now Measure B would prohibit the city from selling or leasing parts of the public library system to private companies, or otherwise privatizing library services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When this whole library thing blew up, it was twofold: It was our city finances that were going to be impacted [via privatization], and our city services, Cathey Ryder, the organizations co-founder, said ahead of a recent community walk event to raise awareness for the two measures. Ryder said she and others involved in the signature-gathering efforts had fully expected the two measures to wait for the 2026 ballot. They were surprised when the city council, after acknowledging in January that the measures had gathered enough signatures to qualify, would come before voters this year as the only two items in a June 10 special election. For reasons unbeknownst to us, the city has opted to go this route, she said. My suspicion is that theyre expecting low voter turnout. Libraries become a MAGA target The move to the ballot represents a new front in a rolling conflict over libraries begun by Trump-aligned conservatives who have taken aim at the institutions as emblematic of what they see as a broader liberal takeover of national discourse, particularly when it comes to LGBTQ+ topics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the introduction to Project 2025, the conservative blueprint that has served as the foundation for much of the Trump administrations early policy actions, Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts alleges the nations public libraries are rife with pornography in the form of transgender ideology and sexualization of children. Educators and public librarians who purvey it should be classed as registered sex offenders, Roberts wrote. When Trump fired Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden earlier this month, his team justified it by saying she had been putting inappropriate books in the library for children. The Trump administration has also targeted library funding as part of its quest to drastically cut the cost of the federal government. In a March executive order, Trump called for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which provides federal funding to libraries and museums around the country. (A federal judge halted that order in response to a lawsuit from attorneys general in 21 states, including California.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public libraries, along with public schools and public universities, have faced different types of pushback at various points in their roughly 150-year history in the United States, said Steven Conn, a historian at Miami University in Ohio. Some of that resistance comes from small-government conservatives who believe taxpayer money shouldnt be used for things like libraries. Another strain of opposition, the one Conn says is at play today, stems from a moral panic and unease with the direction of the country or the pace of social change. Libraries become a target when people are feeling particularly anxious about the state of the world and they're frightened for their children, said Conn, noting that whether it was comic books in the 1950s or LGBTQ+ friendly books today, anxious parents worried the library was the source of toxic materials for their kids. We use our children to fight our proxy battles for us that's also a long tradition in American history. The ALAs Caldwell-Stone said the current wave of efforts to target library content and politicize the institution have picked up significantly in the last five years. And the Chicago-based 501(c)4 advocacy organization EveryLibrary is tracking 130 bills moving through statehouses across the country this year that seek to restrict library funding, content or activities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a handful of cases, conservatives have used ballot measures to try and codify library restrictions. A two-year battle over the LGBTQ+ themed book Gender Queer in the Pella, Iowa, public library culminated in the city council placing a measure on the ballot to bring the library under the councils direct control. The measure failed narrowly, in November 2023, after robust pushback from defenders of the library. Prior to the current issues around book bans, the fights would be between a vote Yes for the library and a vote No against taxes. We would see those played out in certain communities when there was an anti-tax movement that wanted to close or shrink the library, said EveryLibrary executive director John Chrastka. The systemic approach to trying to defund the library to get rid of the groomers and pedophiles is a recent addition to that lexicon. That language was on display word-for-word at an early May meeting of the Huntington Beach city council. Among the dozens of public comments were many accusing city librarians of allowing children access to pornographic content. If you vote yes on this, said one woman who waited in line for a minute at the microphone, youre either a groomer or a pedophile or both. A cozy campaign One Saturday afternoon in April, the front lobby of the librarys Central branch displayed black-and-white photos from its opening day in 1975 to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Elsewhere in the library, things continued as usual: Craft-lovers used sewing machines and laser cutters to work on projects in the librarys maker space downstairs, and youngsters frolicked in a bookshelf-filled pirate ship in the childrens section. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside, the movement that qualified Measures A and B gathered to read and display their homemade campaign signs. The base of active supports for the measures skews older, female and retired as Barbara Shapiro, a retired nurse who helped gather signatures for the two measures and is volunteering for the Yes campaign, put it: mostly Baby Boomers. Those demographics help make the campaign efforts to support Measures A and B the read-ins, the community walks, the canvassing efforts feel far cozier than the average campaign event. Were the people that have the time, said Shapiro, who raised four children in Huntington Beach and helped gather signatures for the two measures. We grew up in a time before computers and iPhones and iPads the digital world existed, and we feel that reverence of the library. We want to protect that, and we want to keep that sanctuary of books for our grandchildren. As the Yes side geared up for campaign mode, it has brought in outside help from Democratic campaign strategists and elected officials. Spencer Hagaman, a staffer in Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas office in Sacramento, left his post to move back to his hometown and run the Yes on A and B campaign. And Gina Clayton-Tarvin, a Democrat and member of the local school board, became an adviser to Our Library Matters shortly ahead of its official launch in mid-April. I want to make sure people understand this is not partisan to us, said Clayton-Tarvin. A library should never be made to be political. This is about preserving what is good for our community. Its crucial messaging in a city where Republicans have a 15,000-voter registration edge. In a low-turnout summer election, Measures A and B will likely need the support of city residents who voted for conservative members of the city council. The No side, meanwhile, has doubled down on polarizing rhetoric. Opponents of the two measures have embraced the groomers and pedophiles language prevalent in library battles across the country, accusing the library of providing pornography for children and painting librarians as depraved purveyors of it. The people who are concerned about this word porn being out in the public, I redirect your attention to the fact that this sexual content was pushed into the public library and that is what has pushed this into the public forum, Chad Williams, the city council member who paid for the Protect Our Kids from Porn posters, said in a video posted to Facebook. Williams and No side backers eventually removed some of the large posters due to parents complaints, but have repeated similar messaging on lawn signs and in mailers and brochures handed out around the city. Shield Children from Pornographic and Inappropriate Content, one mailer reads, over a close-up image of a young boys face. Vote No on A&B Protect Our Kids. If Our Library Matters hopes to bring down the temperature politically, the weeks leading up to Election Day have shown just how difficult a task that may be. The subject dominated an open-comment period at a recent city council meeting held, ironically, in the librarys theater because of construction work at City Hall with dozens of residents giving more than two hours worth of impassioned public comments on both sides to a room filled with Yes and No signs. Leaders of the ballot campaign hope their read-ins, community walks and quirky and creative signs will mobilize the kind of voters who might not show up for a tense city council meeting. If they succeed, their strategy will serve as a potential model for besieged libraries around the country. Just let our library be a library, said Shapiro. Thats all were asking. The doctor accused of possessing over 200 files of child sex abuse material will keep fighting the criminal charges, but has given up on continuing his medical career. Former Broward Health North anesthesiologist David Rerko has surrendered his medical licenses in Florida and Mississippi. Rerko, licensed in Florida since 2006, was already under Florida Department of Health investigation after his Sept. 12 arrest by Broward Sheriffs Office at his since-sold Lighthouse Point home. Rerko was violating Yahoo Inc.s terms of use by uploading videos and images of child pornography, the Department of Health investigation report said. During the search, 122 files of child pornography and 117 files of child erotica were discovered. Rerko may be impaired. READ MORE: Unfit anesthesiologist in BBL death lost her license. The surgeon, Dr. John Nees, hasnt In criminal court, where hes being represented by attorney Lawrence Schweiker, Rerko has pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of possession of child pornography and one count of using a computer to possess or distribute child pornography. Rerko has been on house arrest since posting $110,000 bond on Sept. 16. READ MORE: Miami man busted with more than a dozen child sex abuse videos, police say Arrest paperwork says Yahoo tipped the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that email address david.rerko@att.net had uploaded videos and photos of child sex abuse material. Investigators found that the user of that email address had been emailing to himself videos and photos of girls 10 to 13 years old from March 2017 through August 2024. Rerko, arrest paperwork said, admitted to investigators that was his email account and hed been the sole user for 10 years. But, when asked about child abuse sex material, the arrest report said, he stated he did not know about the images/videos and asked for an attorney. PUTNAM, Conn. (WTNH) A driver was flown to a hospital with serious injuries after crashing their vehicle into a utility pole Saturday evening in Putnam. Picture provided by the East Putnam Fire Department. Picture provided by the East Putnam Fire Department. Picture provided by the East Putnam Fire Department. The crash happened just before 6:30 p.m. in the area of 58 Thurber Road. According to the East Putnam Fire Department, the vehicle sustained damage to both sides after colliding with the base of the pole. Serious injuries reported in Thomaston motorcycle crash Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sole occupant managed to exit the vehicle and was observed to have a significant arm injury that required a tourniquet. According to East Putnam fire officials, after being transported to Day Kimball Hospital with serious, but likely non-life-threatening injuries, a LifeStar helicopter then flew the victim to UMass. The roadway was closed for one hour as Eversources repair crew worked to fix the damaged pole. Stay with News 8 for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. While its still early, Douglas County officials believe a fire at an apartment complex was caused by a lightning strike. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Around 10 a.m. on Sunday, Douglas County firefighters were dispatched to One Rocky Ridge Apartments on Rocky Ridge Blvd regarding a possible fire. According to Douglas Fire Capt. Cory Shelton, a resident, said he heard a loud boom and saw smoke coming from the roof. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When firefighters arrived, they did spot heavy black smoke coming from the back side of the apartment, Shelton said. TRENDING STORIES: Officials said the fire was contained to the attic area. Multiple units have sustained water damage, with at least 20 families displaced due to the fire. Shelton said the fire was caused by a lightning strike when storms moved through north Georgia Sunday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had a storm pass over west Georgia, came through Douglasville, with numerous lightning strikes. At this time, we do believe it was from a lightning strike, Shelton said. At this time, no residents or firefighters have been injured. The fire has been put out, and cleanup is underway. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] May 18STERLING It was an egg-cellent day for science at Sterling's Lincoln Elementary School on Friday, when students were seen tossing eggs all as part of a fun, hands-on experiment. As part of a school science project, Lincoln's fifth-grade students designed and built egg-drop devices to simulate a Mars space-landing mission using various materials, including cardboard boxes, balloons, tablecloths, strings, cotton balls and more. The project integrated science, engineering and economics, all while having a cracking good time. Fifth-grade teachers Ashley Dunlap and Kassidy Kenney said the project is part of the students' Space Science unit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inspired by current space missions and their recent studies of the planets, students connected their work to the challenges that engineers face when landing objects, such as rovers or future astronauts, on Mars. ExpandAutoplay Image 1 of 10 Sterling firefighters Nick Simpson (left) and Kurt Landis drop an egg space lander Friday, May 16, 2025, at Sterling's Lincoln School. Fifth graders at the school designed and built landers to safely bring eggs down to terra firma. (Alex T. Paschal) "One of my students has an uncle who has worked for NASA, and he's currently working for a different space program, where they just launched a satellite into space," Dunlap said. "So, the kids were able to Zoom with him to ask more questions and go in depth about what his job entails and what the satellites do. So, it was a good way to connect and merge their learning for the quarter." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before building anything, students had to brainstorm in teams and think critically about what materials could best protect an egg from a high fall. "They had to draw their design, show and explain it to me, and I had to sign off on that before they were able to start buying materials," Kenney said. If their first designs did not work, they were encouraged to try again, learning that failure is part of the process. The project also introduced a bit of real-world economics. Each team started with $10 in classroom "money" and could earn more by being responsible, safe and helpful throughout the day, including taking on classroom jobs such as cleaning lunch tables and organizing classroom supplies. Teams then used their earnings to "buy" materials for their egg-drop designs, learning to budget and make smart choices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We also had Sauk Valley Bank come in and teach us about savings, credits, deposits and debt debits," Dunlap said. "It was cool to see it all connect together for this project." After the project, students analyzed and reflected on their choices, considering what they could have done to improve them. "A lot of them were worried that they would get a bad grade if the egg cracks," Kenney said. "But I tell them that's not the point. Like scientists, you try and fail until you figure it out. So, as long as you tried, put in the effort, came up with an idea for the project, and collaborated, you're going to get a good grade." Students tested their final designs Friday, releasing them from various heights with the help of the Sterling Fire Department's aerial ladder truck until their eggs finally cracked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Makynlee Shipma's group built a parachute apparatus using a cardboard box, string and a tablecloth. When they tested it out and discovered it was falling too fast, they returned to the drawing board, filling the tablecloth with balloons to slow its descent. "And then inside it, we have cotton balls, and then we've been using the plastic egg to test it out," Shipma said. "Then, at the bottom and all over the sides, we have index cards folded like a zig-zag to give it more bounce." Analyce Nettz's group tried something similar. "We did the same thing that they did, except we didn't use index cards," Nettz said. "We used a cardboard box, and then we put cotton balls on the inside, and we're planning on putting a little bit on the outside. Then, we made a parachute with a tablecloth and strings. Then we added balloons at the top and bubble wrap inside for extra protection." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project has been around for decades, evolving over the years. This Shaw Local reporter participated in the project as a Lincoln Elementary student more than three decades ago. I filled a small cardboard box with green jello, nestling my egg inside, confident the gelatin would absorb the shock. The resulting failure may have been one of the worst messes Lincoln Elementary's playground has endured. House Republicans will reconvene this evening to find a path to pass President Trumps big, beautiful bill after encountering a hurdle on Friday. Five fiscal hawks blocked the measure from being made out of the House Budget Committee. The GOP lawmakers who voted against pushing forward the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) include: Reps. Chip Roy (Texas), Ralph Norman (S.C.), Josh Brecheen (Okla.) and Andrew Clyde (Ga.). Rep. Lloyd Smucker (Pa.) initially voted for the bill, but flipped to a no in a procedural move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Republican leadership is racing to pass the bill before their Memorial Day deadline. Meanwhile, President Trump has defended his decision to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet from the Qatari royal family. The plane is intended to be delivered to the Department of Defense and would eventually replace the aging Air Force One, which has been in service for over three decades. The gift has raised security and ethical questions from Democrats and Republicans alike. Democrats are facing different headaches as questions around former President Bidens mental acuity are back in the spotlight. Excerpts from the new book Original Sin: President Bidens Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, by CNNs Jake Tapper and Axioss Alex Thompson, published in various outlets this week, detail Bidens inner circle ignoring the former president vulnerabilities and taking steps to bar even some of his staff from seeing his shortcomings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read the full Sunday show lineup here and follow along below for todays updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. With the summer season right around the corner, experts are preparing for a roughly $12.5 billion projected drop nationwide in tourism this year. Locally, Boston tourism leaders are also preparing for fewer international travelers this summer. Weve seen a little bit of a slip in the economy, Ill be honest with you, said Martha Sheridan, president and CEO of Meet Boston. We are bracing for the fact we could see slightly lower visitor numbers this summer... Just the uncertainty with the politics right now could have an impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the US could lose roughly $12.5 billion in international travel in 2025. The projection would bring totals to $169 billion in 2025, compared to $181 billion in 2024. Victor Matheson, professor of economics at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, has been tracking this trend all year. This is not a surprise at all, said Matheson Saturday. Weve seen lots of people, for example, from Canada say, Look if youre going to treat our country with disrespect, there are a lot of other places besides the US to engage in tourism. He told Boston 25 over the weekend that the US saw a record number of 7 million international travelers just last August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it may be a hit to the wallets of the tourism sector, it may bring lower prices in some instances due to less demand. This spring, Sheridan has been working with other regional directors of tourism who are also preparing for a potential dip. She directed Bostonians, Maybe go a little bit above and beyond to make sure we make those international visitors feel like this is a place for them... We want them to know Boston is a welcoming city for all. A full list of events scheduled this summer in Boston can be found at Meet Boston | Your Official Guide to Boston. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) Less than 24 hours after a tornado tore through southern Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear and other local and state officials delivered a message of hope and resiliency in a Laurel County news conference. At times like this, when things seem darkest, is when you see humanity shine its brightest, said the governor. According to officials, nearly 20 people are dead and countless people are displaced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED l Laurel County fire major killed in line of duty during storms The governor said this was one of the worst disasters hes ever seen. Its one of the worst in terms of the loss of human life. Its one of the worst in terms of damage. Its tough to look at one home that doesnt have a shred left. And you know that person didnt make it. And then another home a block away, that looks like it is completely untouched, said Beshear. Many are wondering where to go and what to do next. Beshear and other local officials assured them at the presser that help is available. But with FEMA applications from previous disasters still open, those affected by this storm are urged to wait to apply for assistance until a disaster declaration is approved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson said, We want to help you now, but we have to wait until the the order is signed. We have very much had a lot of support from FEMA this year. And the president, those other two disasters are ongoing and operational. But its very important to understand that the application process for the overnight storm, while the fresh in our minds, is not the right time to apply for this disaster. As other leaders approached the podium, some were overcome with emotion as they spoke about seeing their friends, family, and neighbors left with nothing, and the places they live reduced to rubble. They vowed to make sure this community gets the help it needs. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said it was going to hit us andIm sorrywe stood on the porch, and we watched this go to our neighbors and you see what theyre going through today, said Laurel County Judge Executive, David Westerfield. I have not left, I have not been home and I wont go until these people are taken care of. As recovery continues, officials urged people to stay out of affected areas to allow more room for first responders and clean-up crews to move 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 FOX 56 News. As warm spring weather and effusions of greenery spread across our disordered continent, Americans are understandably mesmerized by the widening chaos, unresolved conflict and bottomless corruption of Donald Trumps second presidency. The world is watching too, and in broad strokes the news from abroad reads like a rejection of Trumpism: As I and others have observed, the MAGA-spheres clumsy efforts to boost overseas far-right parties seem to have backfired, fueling victories for centrist mainstream forces in Canada, Australia, Germany and elsewhere. Yeah, not so fast: The new dawn of global democracy may be less glorious than advertised, not to mention a lot more confusing. While we were preoccupied with Trumps paramilitary forces of masked kidnappers, his will-he-or-wont-he dance with the federal courts (eventually you know he will) and Qatars so-called gift of a $400 million jumbo jet is it a Trojan horse or a white elephant? the storied and deeply weird democracy of the United Kingdom has been quietly sliding into the abyss. Or maybe it has: Whether the shocking results of Britains local elections on May 2 and the subsequent Democrat-style dithering of the governing center-left Labour Party amount to the first stage of political Armageddon or just a disconcerting blip on the global radar screen remains to be seen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets back up a few steps, because theres a lot to unpack here: As you may recall (although it seems like a thousand years ago), Labour won a massive parliamentary majority in last Julys British general election. That ended 14 years of increasingly shambolic rule by the Conservative Party, which had itself won a whopping victory in 2019 under the since-disgraced Boris Johnson. But heres the thing: That big win was a largely illusory artifact of the increasing fragmentation of British politics. Yes, Labour captured 411 of the 650 seats in Parliament on just 33.7 percent of the national vote. Seriously, thats extraordinary: One-third of the vote and nearly two-thirds of the seats. That distorted outcome has no clear precedent, not just in the U.K. but in any other parliamentary democracy, and underscores the baked-in anti-democratic character of Britains first past the post electoral system. Things get even weirder when you consider that Labour candidates actually got 500,000 fewer votes than they did in 2019 an election the party lost badly. They won all those seats last year thanks to historically low voter turnout, and because support for the widely-despised Tories (i.e., Conservatives) collapsed by more than half, falling from almost 14 million votes to fewer than 7 million. So that election was less a Labour win than a collective nope on the existing government, which didnt coalesce into support for anyone in particular. But the writing on the wall was visible, for those willing to read it: Right-wing firebrand Nigel Farages Trump-inflected Reform UK party got 14.3 percent of the national vote (the third-highest total) but won just five seats in Parliament. In other words, Reform candidates placed a close second or a respectable third in a whole bunch of races won by Labour or the Tories. That came as a huge relief to both major parties and the mainstream media, who essentially all agreed to pretend it hadnt happened and didnt matter. They can quit pretending now. Reform may indeed be a clown show in many respects, an incoherent and distasteful grouping of youngish hard-right ideologues and old-school Little England racists, but it pretty much swept the board in this months local elections and has a plausible claim to be Britains most popular party (if only by default). But hang on; thats skipping too far ahead. In order for that to happen, the incoming Labour government had to fail, rapidly and spectacularly, which is precisely what it did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After that bizarre election outcome last July, incoming Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a bluff, lawyerly person with no evident ideological convictions, arrived at 10 Downing Street with an unassailable majority but essentially no popular mandate. Starmer was the neither-fish-nor-fowl compromise candidate chosen to lead Labour after left-wing former leader Jeremy Corbyn was purged in 2020, and he turned out to be singularly unprepared to face either the dire economic crisis left behind by the Tories or the wave of far-right anti-immigration violence exacerbated, if not actually encouraged, by Farages Reform party. Those circumstances would have tested any political leader, but I dont think Starmers most avid supporters if he still has any would argue that he aced the test. Labours government has fumbled through 10 months of increasingly harsh immigration policies and awkward fiscal belt-tightening that have managed to alienate the left without placating the right, symbolized by the disastrous decision to end winter fuel payments to most pensioners (or retirees), a policy maintained under governments of both parties since 1997. Given all that, nobody expected this month's local elections for about 1,600 seats on 23 local councils across rural and suburban England Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different systems to go well for Labour. In general terms, the pendulum effect familiar from American politics, where the party in power tends to lose ground in off-year elections, also applies across the pond. Its worth noting that English local councils have little political power theyre more like county supervisors in the U.S. than state legislatures and until recently most have been Tory strongholds. Furthermore, these elections are typically low-turnout affairs contested between grassroots party loyalists but their symbolism, as with special elections for U.S. House seats, is often seen as important. Well, the symbolism this time around absolutely sucked, at least for the Labour Party. If anything, it was even worse for the Tories, which sounds contradictory but actually isnt. Labour lost 187 of its previous 285 seats to finish in a distant fourth place, while the Conservatives, who held nearly 1,000 council seats going in, lost a staggering 674 of them. Meanwhile, Reform UK (formerly known as the Brexit Party and the successor, more or less, to Farages UK Independence Party of the early 2010s) gained 677 seats a literally infinite increase from its previous total, which was zero. Those numbers make clear that Reforms biggest gains came at the Tories expense, but Reform also swept seats in working-class areas like Durham in northeastern England, formerly Labours heartland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As noted earlier, there are various ways to interpret those results, but no conceivable spin can make them look non-dreadful for the two mainstream parties that have dominated British politics for the past 100-plus years. Indeed, this election delivered another, somewhat less dramatic surprise: The centrist Liberal Democrats, a polite also-ran third party over the last four decades, gained 163 council seats to finish second to Reform. One plausible reading holds that Britains two-party system is now in terminal collapse, with a chaotic reconfiguration to follow and a long, grinding war between three vaguely normal parties and the neofascist new right. (The Labour-Tory duopoly dates back to the World War I-era collapse of the old Liberal Party, which I discussed here.) Versions of that have already happened, allowing for national differences, in France, Italy and Germany, along with a bunch of smaller countries. British political scientist Robert Ford expressed this view to the New York Times: The two main parties have been served notice of a potential eviction from their 100-year tenures of Downing Street. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. A more optimistic view, to which Starmer and most of the Labour Party cling for the moment, is that theyre still in charge and have several years to recharge, recalibrate and convince the voters that they're not incompetent losers with no principles. Farages insurgents, in this narrative, will either merge with the Tories or replace them entirely, and the next general election (in 2028 or 2029) will be a straight-up showdown between Labour Reloaded and Reform UK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That may be the plan, or at least a plan, but it hasnt gotten off to a rousing start. American liberals and progressives will, unfortunately, recognize Labours trajectory over the last couple of traumatic weeks: Faced with an existential dilemma and the urgent need to redefine itself, the center-left party abruptly lurches rightward and adopts the rhetoric of its opponents. (Starmer lacks Gavin Newsoms unctuous Hollywood looks, but he has a similar shape-shifting quality.) Last week the Labour government coughed up a new proposal for tighter controls on legal immigration, which was of course denounced by Reform as not nearly enough. Starmer gave a brief accompanying speech that was almost universally hated. Gareth Watkins of the socialist magazine Tribune described it as a combination of J.R.R. Tolkien-style nostalgia and the Great Replacement-style language of 1960s Tory racist Enoch Powell. New Statesman political editor George Eaton defended it through almost audibly gritted teeth, writing that Starmer aides believe that border control isnt an optional extra for a social-democratic party but fundamental to it. (Eaton did not, however, suggest that Starmer's proposals were any good or would work.) However Britains drama unfolds from here, a larger, darker pattern is at work for which Starmer and the Labour Party, inept and underpowered as they may be, are not responsible. Redeeming democracy is not about whatever milquetoast mainstream coalition can just barely win the next election against Donald Trump or Nigel Farage or Germanys AfD or whomever else. We tried that, remember? It didnt work. At some point, the massive power imbalance baked into the entire Western liberal-democratic polity, which drives so many people who feel voiceless and disenfranchised into consumerist apathy, fascist fantasy or both, will require radical readjustment. How long that will take, and how painful and difficult that may be, is unknowable. But Britain cant vote its way out of its deepening crisis especially when fewer and fewer people bother to vote at all and neither can we. LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) A historic London park and campground has closed after caretakers say the area sustained a direct hit from an overnight tornado. The Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park posted on Facebook on Saturday morning that the park would be closed for the coming days, asking travelers in the area to minimize park traffic for those helping with safety efforts. Park officials said all power has been lost at the park, and officials are temporarily working at the London Community Center while crews work to get it restored. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are incredibly thankful that everyone at the campground remained safe during the storm, park leaders said. Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park staff posted photos of overnight storm damage on social media Saturday. (Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park) (Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park) (Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park) (Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park) (Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park) (Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park) Prospective visitors with a camping reservation for Saturday or Sunday, May 17 or 18, were asked not to come to Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park. Guests with reservations past those dates were asked to call park officials at (606) 864-7777. Park staff will reportedly begin processing refunds in the coming days. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) There wasnt a dry eye in the church Saturday morning as family and friends took turns sharing happy stories about a teen who was shot and killed while sleeping at his dads Gresham apartment last month. Dozens of people filled the pews at the Milwaukie Lutheran Church to say goodbye to 13-year-old Liam Spahnle-Bailey of Happy Valley. Domestic violence suspect allegedly tried to run from police in Portland high school parking lot Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liam was sleeping over at his dads apartment near 4700 SW 11th Street last month planning to wake up early to go snow boarding. But the teens life was cut short when several rounds of gunfire from a neighboring apartment pierced the walls, striking Liam while he slept at around 1:30 a.m. He was rushed to get medical treatment, but died in the hospital. Liam Spahnle-Bailey in an undated photo. The 13-year-old was shot and killed by a stray bullet while he slept in his dads Gresham apartment on April 27, 2025 (Courtesy photo) There was one other person injured in the incident who has since been released from the hospital. Experienced criminals: Portland leaders come together to address safety in the cannabis industry Currently, Gresham police are searching for 20-year-old Anthony Hunter, Jr., 20-year-old Xavier Hirsch and 16-year-old Terrell Coy, who are all wanted for Liams death. They have each been charged with second-degree murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I lost my kid. Its a lot of emotions going on, said William Spahnle, Liams father. I hope justice is served. And I hope that with the news release and the faces that they find, these guys get their justice. Meanwhile, at the church, grieving friends and family shared memories of Liam, having to say goodbye far too soon. Family and friends gathered for the memorial of Liam Spahnle-Bailey, 13, on May 17, 2025 (KOIN) He has been brought to gods home, said Pastor Jesse Christopherson. And who knows, even now hes snowboarding up on the peaks in heaven or something like that. I love my son. Im going to miss him. And I wish this never happened, added Spahnle. And I got to deal with the aftermath of everything. And move forward the best we can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say the three suspects should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees them should call 911. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Officials expect the death toll from Fridays overnight storms and unconfirmed tornado to continue to rise, Gov. Andy Beshear said at a press conference late Saturday afternoon in London. As of the afternoon, the state had confirmed 18 dead across Pulaski and Laurel counties in southeastern Kentucky. This was a devastatingly strong tornado that tore through a subdivision in the middle of the night, and that is the worst type of natural disaster, Beshear said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He later added, We expect our number to potentially rise. Seventeen people in Laurel County were killed when sections of entire subdivisions were destroyed. One woman died in a rural area of eastern Pulaski County. Beshear said the victims included 11 women and seven men and ranged in age from 25 to 76. At least 10 people are hospitalized in critical condition, with more receiving treatment, the governor said. The Herald-Leader is working to identify and confirm all the victims of the overnight storm system, which included a 39-year fire department major and a 51-year-old mother. Beshear described some of the destruction hed seen in the area during a Saturday tour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No walls, no windows, just a pile that cant be big enough to have been that house, he said. Youve got a lot of trauma coming out of this one. How, as a small neighborhood, how do you move on when youve lost 10 people? And the answer is together. Officials said that it appeared one powerful tornado was responsible for the death and destruction in Pulaski and Laurel counties. It was rated as an F3 in Somerset, where it damaged or destroyed more than a dozen businesses on the south side of the city, Beshear said. It wasnt clear what the rating was in Laurel County. A fifth-wheel camper was flipped on its side after a presumed tornado moved through southern London early Saturday, May 17, 2025. There were near misses in the storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beshear described an incident in which a man in London carried his 94-year-old mother to safety just before a tree hit her home. Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip PJ Burnett said there were so many injured people that troopers transported some in their cruisers because ambulances werent immediately available. Local, state and federal officials joined Beshear at the news conference, which came after the governor and others toured damaged areas in London. There is no picture that can describe this, said state Senate President Robert Stivers, a Republican from neighboring Clay County who lived near one of the damaged areas in London as a boy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The path of the destruction was immense. There were homes that still had four walls but still had people who died, Beshear said, while other people survived after being blown out of their homes. Beshear said authorities are still in the search and recovery phase. Entire blocks of homes were destroyed, and police, firefighters and others hadnt yet finished searching all of them as of late Saturday afternoon. There is a potential the death toll will rise as searches continue. I worry there might be a whole block out there where everybodys dead, Beshear said. Officials say they will support victims, recovery efforts Beshear and Stivers have been at political odds at times, but were united in vowing the state will strongly support victims and the recovery effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are gonna be here for this community today, tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, in the years to come to help people rebuild, Beshear said. We just finished a tour. Its hard to see homes that there is not a single wall left standing. We are all here together and no politics to be played, Stivers said. Stivers also vowed the state wont run out of money for the effort. Representatives of U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul and U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, all Republicans, said they stand ready to back the recovery effort. Disaster is bipartisan, said Bryan Mills, a field representative for Paul. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beshear said he had talked to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and had requested a federal disaster declaration. Stivers said the White House had contacted him with $5 million at the ready to send for the recovery effort. In the meantime, local and state emergency management have been joined by the National Guard and first responders from other parts of the state to render immediate aid to the community. Taking questions late Saturday, Beshear said federal partners have helped Kentucky obtain federal disaster declarations recently from the administration of President Donald Trump, while other states have been less successful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This weeks storm followed reports that federal cuts to the National Weather Service have left Kentuckys outposts understaffed. Well, I have big concerns with cuts to the National Weather Service, [but] I do not see any evidence that it impacted this one, Beshear said when asked about the reports. Officials said those with property damaged cannot apply for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency yet, but they can contact their insurance carrier and document the storm damage. What people should know right now is document, document, document, Beshear said of those who may have damage or total losses from the storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burnett, Laurel County Sheriff John Root and others said police and National Guard troops will be out in force to guard against looting in damaged neighborhoods. Root said an emergency shelter has already been opened for those who have lost their homes at First Baptist Church in London. Beshear said there had been 13 weather-related federally declared disasters during his time as governor. The latest disaster in Somerset and London, he said, is one of the worst in terms of damage. A detailed report on North Koreas cyber-crime operations has revealed the inner workings and structure behind Kim Jong Uns plan to evolve a highly lucrative scheme in which trained tech workers infiltrate American and European businesses. The North Korean IT workers send nearly their entire salaries home to fund the regimes nuclear weapons program, using AI as a key tool. Meanwhile, North Korea has pitted its IT workers against each other to spur competition and rake in more money. The crime syndicate La Cosa Nostra in the U.S. is built around Five Families that famously war with each other for money and power. North Koreas prosperous cyber-crime operations are similar, except there is only one family and it belongs to authoritarian leader Kim Jong Un. Stop looking at North Koreas cyber program as a government program like the other major state programs and liken them to a single-family mafia organization and the lines begin to unblur, states a new report from cybersecurity firm DTEX. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report delves into the organization and structure of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) and its extensiveand flourishingpipeline of trained operatives who have infiltrated Fortune 500 companies with its IT workers scheme. This year, North Korea advanced the strategy to a new stage, recruiting 90 top graduates for an AI research center and demanding double their monthly earnings from each workereven as teams worked feverishly to launder $1.5 billion stolen in a hack of cryptocurrency exchange Bybit after the start of the year. For context, the DPRK's crime syndicate involves a vast global scheme in which trained technologists from North Korea have been deployed by the thousands. The workers have impersonated or stolen American identities to illegally obtain remote jobs in IT. They send their salaries back home to North Korea to fund Kim's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile ambitions. The IT workers are only one prong in the regimes cyber cartel; they share intelligence with malicious North Korean Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) actors who operate under the Korean Peoples Army. According to UN estimates, the IT workers reliably generate $250 million to $600 million per year, while the APTs have stolen at least $3 billion in crypto. This is the mafia, Michael Barni Barnhart, an investigator who leads DTEXs DPRK efforts, told Fortune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The economic structure ensures the money travels up the chain, spans multiple criminal enterprises, and is based on tight-knit but competitive internal relationships. Like in The Sopranos, titular mob boss Tony Soprano calls the shots, while capos like Christopher Moltisanti deliver whatever he needs, he said. The profitsfrom ransomware, cryptocurrency theft, financial fraud, and insider infiltration flow upward to fund weapons development and sanctions evasion, states the report, written by Barnhart. (He is the author, but notes that he sourced his intelligence from an extensive global alliance of investigators.) 'Bro Network' According to the report, many of the IT workers and APT actors know each other. As part of the scheme, children who show promise in math and science in elementary school are plucked from an early age to get training as a military cyber operative or an IT worker. They attend elite schools like the Kim Sung Il Military University and the Kumsong Academy together and learn advanced computer science in a constantly replenished talent pipeline. Cyber investigators call it a bro network, and have found chats between workers who lean on old school friends to find out how to make more money, explained Barhart. An image of two verified IT workers published by DTEX shows happy-looking young guys with nice watches and Nike-branded gear hanging out. Many of the operatives who ran successful heists a decade ago are now in managerial positions or serving as advisors and professors for the new generation of IT workers, said Barnhart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the photos dont show a particularly brutal twist in the scheme: the various four- or five-man delegations of workers are encouraged to compete against each other. Barnhart described it as a dog eat dog world where the only real winners are Kim Jong Uns family and the North Korean elites. While much of the revenue that's generated funds operations and weapons, some goes to purchasing luxury goods for Kim and his family, said Barnhart. In 2025, North Korea doubled the monthly financial quota for workers in China, the report revealed, and Barnhart said all workersIT and otherwisefaced the same punishing new requirement to keep foreign money pouring into the regime. The workers face grueling, 16-hour days up to six days a week, with hardly any breaks. Thus, the friendly bro network operates on a case-by-case basis, noted Barnhart. Outperforming to Survive The competition is exacerbated by the need to bring in more cash and crypto. On average, workers get to keep less than 20% of their earnings and they have to fund operations, equipment, and servers with their own money. In one documented example in the report, a worker earned $5,000 in a month and was allowed to keep $200. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These quotas also foster a culture of competition within teams, with workers seeking to gain advantages over their colleagues to receive favors and be allowed to send more money back to their families, Barnhart wrote. Theyre also encouraged to report each other for unpatriotic behavior. Thats one of the reasons small U.S. tech founders have asked job applicants to make a negative comment about Kim's intellect or his weight before progressing to a formal interview. The IT workers wouldnt risk being caught insulting the authoritarian leaderand it would be unheard of to do so. Barhnart said its very much every man out there is for himself and the workers are beaten if they dont make enough money. It is a rough life, he said. If they cant make their quotas, we see them at times mention (beatings). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another picture DTEX published showed IT workers in a cramped space working on doctored IDs and WhatsApp chats with a mounted camera on the wall for government monitoring. Barnhart said the competition for work on freelance-job platforms where the IT workers find new opportunities is intense. He estimated that it takes roughly three hours to get a North Korean IT worker to apply for a job posting if its related to crypto and software development. Some of the workers have even resorted to reporting each other on the freelance platforms, with one IT worker calling another a scammer in a reply to a post from an IT worker seeking a job. The report states that the pressures on workers to generate revenues has given rise to side hustles, which are allowed as long as they continue to increase their earnings. Much like the mafia, financial gain, fear, violence, and identity are drivers of the IT worker scheme, but Barnhart wrote that what sets the DPRK apart is the survival-based incentive structure at the heart of its engine. Cyber operatives are not motivated by ideology, but by material necessities: food, shelter, healthcare, and education for their families, he wrote. Loyalty is not the core driver. Survival is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more about North Korea's IT workers scheme: Chinese companies are secretly powering North Koreas global IT workers scheme The North Korean IT worker scheme infiltrated an American election campaign website A North Korean agent applied for a job at a popular crypto firm: They tripped him up with a simple question about Halloween Nashville man accused of helping thousands of North Koreans get remote-work jobs in IT This story was originally featured on Fortune.com MAGA trolls wasted no time spewing racist epithets online after a Mexican Navy sailing ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge, killing 2 crew members. The ships tall masts crumbled against the bridge as onlookers watched in horror on Saturday; 277 people were on board, according to The New York Times. Map Illustration by Eric Faison/The Daily Beast/Google Yet the shock of the incident didnt last long as MAGA used the incident to wage political attacks against the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an absolutely stunning modern metaphor a ship blaring Mexican music and flying a massive Mexican flag just got destroyed by the Brooklyn bridge, wrote right-wing serial plagiarist and misinformation peddler Benny Johnson. Cant make it up, he added. MAGA grim reaper and conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer commented under the tweet, They sent their tired, their poor, and their huddled masts, to which Johnson responded, Nailed it. In an absolutely stunning modern metaphor a ship blaring Mexican music and flying a massive Mexican flag just got destroyed by the Brooklyn bridge. Cant make it uppic.twitter.com/AUJy0q3oFB Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) May 18, 2025 Commentators piled on with memes, one suggesting that ICE Barbie Kristi Noem and border czar Tom Homan would delight in watching the accident with stone faces. Kristi Noem and Tom Homan watching the Mexican boat crash into the Brooklyn Bridge pic.twitter.com/BtDlgGM9oM Link Lauren (@itslinklauren) May 18, 2025 Amid laughing emojis, Republican mother Brittany Rae posted: Tom Homan: this is an act of war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, other commentators pushed back on Johnsons attempt to turn the tragedy into a political talking point and pointed out the gravity of the situation for those who witnessed it firsthand. A view of the Mexican navy tall ship that crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge. / Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images Nothing like making a joke when dozens of sailors are dangling from the masts you fucking moron, one commentator wrote under Johnsons post. Another added in a tweet, Dude, I am here in NYC. People were seriously injured. And my kids just got off the bridge headed to party in Brooklyn. What the Fu$k is wrong with you? Not a good look Not at all. Irish and American Democratic influencer Harry Sisson added, Trump and Sean Duffy are going to attempt to blame the ship that crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge on Biden and Buttigieg. Calling it right now. Comedian Bill Maher slammed President Trump for accepting a luxury Boeing jet from the Qatari royal family and characterized the presidents foreign trip to the Middle East, with stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, as bromance diplomacy. He was in the Middle East this week. A lot of stuff happened. Hes in Saudi Arabia. Boy, they have a bromance going on over there. Well, they do, I mean Bromance diplomacy, I call it, but, you knowTrump has a unique bond with the Saudis, they both reshaped the Manhattan skyline, Maher said Friday during his monologue on HBOs Real Time with Bill Maher. Maher later said that they love him over there. They, these camels, they had to put that up. They had Teslas, they had horses, they have dancing girls, they said they had a purple carpet. I guess its like a platinum gold card, you know, its purple, not even red. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And they also, listen to this, they set up a mobile McDonalds there. A little different over there than McDonalds. The Happy Meal toy is a little bone saw, Maher quipped. The White House unveiled business deals and financial investments during Trumps trip to the Persian Gulf states. The administration touted a $600 billion deal with Saudi Arabia, although some of the projects in there were announced last year, before Trump assumed office. Qatar Airways is set to buy 150 aircraft from Boeing. The president also inked a deal with the UAE that is worth north of $200 billion. UAE plans to build an aluminum factory in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will say I did that, and everyone will say, Meh. But somebodys going to be cutting a ribbon and say well, were going to be finished long before that. But somebodys going to be taking the credit for this. You remember, press, this guy did it, Trump told reporters on Friday. Maher, who has criticized the administrations tariff agenda earlier this year, met with Trump during a March 31 dinner, later praising the commander-in-chief as gracious and measured. You know, when you travel, youre like. Youd like to leave with a souvenir, right? So, he got a $400 million plane that they gave him. They gave him a $400 million plane, which he accepted, Maher said on Friday. Now, this has to be the ultimate if Obama did it, I think, you know, because If Obama did it, Fox News would be endlessly calling it Allah Force One. So, I think I will call it that, Allah Force One, the comedian stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has repeatedly defended accepting the Boeing 747-8 from the Qatari royal family. The jet is worth around $400 million and is set to be first transferred to the Defense Department. The plane would replace the aging Air Force One that has been utilized for more than three decades. I just want to say, it was a radical left story. The people here, to show you how crazy it is, they would like me to pay a billion dollars, Trump said in an interview with Fox News Bret Baier. The plane will later be decommissioned to the presidents presidential library. The gift from Qatar has prompted ethical and security concerns from lawmakers in Congress. This goes to the United States Air Force for whoever is president, and at some point, itll be like Ronald Reagan. Itll be decommissioned, because they wont want it, Trump told Baier this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maher said it is moot anyway, because its not going to be ready to be that if it was going to be Air Force One, so it would have to be private, which then it would be illegal. But you know, it doesnt matter. Trump says he will not be using it when he leaves office, and people dont believe that. Not the using it part, the leaving office part, the political pundit said. Uh, but But, okay, so Trump now has four planes. Hes got the two Air Force Ones that the government provides. Then hes got his own plane. Now hes got this one. Four planes, yet everybody else, still only three dolls and 10 pencils. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. May 18When Jinger Howell first started her apron business, Yo Momma's Apron Strings, she'd head to Joann to wander the fabric aisles, her eyes drawn to appealing colors and patterns. As her business grew, she started buying more of her fabric online, but still relied on Joann for thread and other supplies. That will no longer be an option after this month, when all Joann stores go out of business, including the five locations in Maine. "They covered a lot of bases for people who like to do things with their hands," said Howell, who lives in Bowdoin. "The impact is huge for a lot of people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Maine, there's no shortage of alternative options for quilters, knitters and other crafters who want to shop in person and avoid large chain retailers. Dozens of locally-owned shops across the state specialize in yarn, fabric and other supplies people need for their projects. Some Marden's stores also feature large fabric sections. The local shops, owned by people passionate about sewing or knitting, foster community in a way that larger retailers can't do. They host classes, knitting groups and opportunities for people to get together to chat while they work. Their employees are experts who can answer questions, guide shoppers to the right materials, and talk about projects. "It's really about the community. You get to know people working in the shops. They're always there to help you or just ooh and ahh over the colors with you," said Jennifer Fleck, co-owner of KnitWit, a yarn shop in Portland. After Joann, previously known as Jo-Ann Fabrics, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February, it announced that all 800 stores would close by the end of May. That includes locations in Portland, Topsham, Auburn, Waterville and Bangor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joann had been a mainstay in the fabric and craft world for eight decades, but struggled more recently as it faced competition from online sellers and other large crafts retailers like Michaels and Hobby Lobby. Fans of the store say its lower prices on fabric made sewing more accessible to people who were just starting or didn't want to spend a lot for higher-end cottons that quilt shops often stock. And Joann's selection of apparel fabrics, minky fabric, felt and fleece fit the bill for people making costumes and blankets. Joann also stocked the basics for knitting, crocheting, embroidery and jewelry making. During the pandemic, it saw a boost of sales among people embracing a DIY lifestyle or picking up new hobbies to pass the time. "There's a pretty big subculture of crafters and knitters who make Maine their home," Fleck said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maine has the highest rate of adults who do some kind of fiber art weaving, crocheting, quilting, needlepoint, knitting or sewing, at 25%, according to a study published last year by the National Endowment for the Arts. "In the winter, there's not a lot to do. You can sit at home and knit," said Rosemary Libby, owner of Rosemary's Gifts and Yarn in Windham. NEW CUSTOMERS Angela Streeter, owner of The Craftin' Scot, has been shopping at Joann for more than 25 years, most often in Topsham. She often bought multiple bolts of fabric at a time to make the potholders, lap quilts, burp cloths and other items she sells locally and through her website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Over the years, I used to go in on big sale days and come out with a cart full," she said. She got to know employees at the Topsham store who would give her a heads-up when the items she shopped for would be going on sale. As her business grew, Streeter started turning to a wholesaler to buy materials in bulk. She also started buying fabric through an online retailer that prints it to order. Since the Joann bankruptcy was announced, she has found sources for the other items she needs. But she said she'll miss being able to pop into Joann. "We've lost that spontaneity of being able to go in and shop," she said. Rosemary's Gifts and Yarn boasts that it carries the largest selection of yarn in Maine and, like many local yarn and fabric shops, Libby, the owner, already has a strong customer base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Joann filed for bankruptcy, Libby has seen more new customers looking for supplies and has added some items that people told her they previously bought at Joann, including notions for knitters and safety eyes for crochet animals. "I'm trying to be conscious of what they need," she said. At Past + Future Craft Exchange in Westbrook, owner Jo Bell said she is starting to carry more new merchandise "to fill in the gaps of what people would buy at Joanne, like interfacing and thread." The store, based on a creative reuse center model, largely sells supplies donated by people who no longer need them. "Our products are, for the most part, a lot cheaper than you find elsewhere," Bell said. "(Customers) think it's so cool what they can find. It's the joy of discovery you never know what you're going to find in the shop." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vicki Pariyar, who opened Knots & Bolts Creating Co. in Sanford last June, hopes people used to shopping at Joann will find their way into local shops like hers, where they will find quilting fabric, yarn and supplies for crochet and embroidery. Pariyar has noticed more people asking for fabric for clothing and has been expanding her inventory. She's also adding the zippers and threads that customers tell her they had been buying from Joann. BUILDING COMMUNITY Fleck, owner of KnitWit, said people who haven't shopped yet in local yarn and fabric stores will find most carry higher-quality products and local options that aren't sold at chain retailers. Her shop sells a lot of yarn from local companies and dyers, which she said people tend to prefer once they switch from acrylic yarn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I hope to see more people," Fleck said. "It's a logical next step for knitters." Quilters, knitters and other crafters will also find community at local shops that host classes and groups where people can gather to work on projects. At Yardgoods Center, a Waterville yarn and fabric shop that's been in business for more than 75 years, knitters gather twice a week to knit together for hours. In Portland, KnitWit offers classes for all skill levels and a Thursday knit night where people work together at the shop, then move to a brewery for more knitting and socializing. Pariyar, who has always loved creating in community, is trying to offer more classes at her Sanford shop to build a community within her community. She said she encourages people to sign up for classes at their local shops to connect with other people and to support small independent businesses. "You build community in that class and your stores will be able to stay open," she said. Copy the Story Link Companies have been quietly and loudly rolling back their diversity, equity, and inclusion policies for more than a year now, but this week could mark the beginning of a new battle in the war over DEI in corporate America. On the heels of a January executive order ending DEI across the federal government, President Donald Trump sent a follow-up missive designed to increase scrutiny over those practices in the private sector. Federal agencies were given 120 days to work with the Attorney General to identify up to nine organizations with the most egregious and discriminatory DEI practitioners that would make them eligible for civil compliance investigations. The types of organizations targeted could include publicly traded companies, large nonprofits and foundations, and institutes of higher education with sizable endowments, among others. That 120-day deadline is almost here, and the government may soon start to name the companies and organizations identified as DEI investigation targets. The White House did not respond to Fortunes request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its important to note that Trumps orders apply to illegal DEI programs, which would have already made them non-viable. But his decision to target specific organizations in a potentially public way could force major companies into an unwanted spotlight, and prompt them to potentially make a deal with the administration. Although its still unclear how exactly the government will proceed, multiple legal experts tell Fortune that their corporate clients are already preparing for the worst-case scenario, and working with in-house lawyers to analyze their policies in anticipation of becoming the focus of a government investigation. Companies have been trying to prepare for this deadline in particular, Joe Schmitt, a labor and employment attorney at Nilan Johnson Lewis, tells Fortune. They are asking if we can do some contingency planning, and if weve evaluated all of our risk factors around what programs the administration could potentially identify as problematic. Which organizations will be on these lists? Its not clear which companies and organizations are going to be named by executive agencies. Theres also no guarantee that federal agencies will make these lists public, as theres no requirement for them to. But given that federal departments are being asked to focus on large organizations, including publicly traded companies and foundations with more than $500 million in assets, legal experts say its likely the president will use these lists to single out industry leaders who have opposed his ideas about DEI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether or not this will be a huge list or a small list, or any list, is still unclear. But my guess is that theyll want to make a big splash, Andrew Turnbull, employment lawyer and co-chair of Morrison Foersters DEI strategy and defense task force, tells Fortune. Large public companies that have been more outspoken on DEI are prime suspects, he says. So are organizations that have come into Trumps crosshairs for personal reasons, notes Schmitt. I think any entity that he believes has personally offended him is top of the list, he says. Companies and organizations that receive significant government funding may be particularly vulnerable to being named, because they are likely more willing to negotiate with the administration. Its also possible that federal agencies will focus on companies that have been previously targeted by anti-DEI activists like Edward Blum, a legal strategist who leads an organization called the American Alliance for Equal Rights, and has worked for decades to end DEI policies and affirmative action. I wouldnt be surprised if some of the companies that have already been targeted by these legal activist groups find themselves in the crosshairs here, says Stacy Hawkins, diversity consultant and law professor at Rutgers Law School. What happens to a company if its named? Legal experts say that a few potential scenarios could occur after a company is officially listed by a federal agency as a DEI target. The first is that the Department of Justice begins investigating the organization. This could potentially lead to criminal charges, says Schmitt, although this scenario is unlikely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOJ has suggested that they might initiate criminal proceedings, but I think those would be very difficult for them to claim, he says. The second is that the Equal Employment Opportunity Committee (EEOC) uses the lists created by federal agencies and decides to give those organizations Commissioner Charges. These charges allow the EEOC to carry out investigations of alleged violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. If a violation is found, the organization can either work with the EEOC to reach a resolution, or it could be litigated in court. The EEOC could also send out demand letters to various companies requesting that they share more information about their DEI programs, although those letters are not legally enforceable. The third and most likely scenario, according to legal experts, is that Trump signs individual executive orders against these organizations, as he did when he targeted different large legal practices by name. Trump has had some success in the sense that some law firms capitulated after these executive orders, says Schmitt. Therefore, I think he would likely have reason to believe that other organizations would capitulate as well. How will companies respond if they are publicly named as an investigation target over their DEI practices? Thats the big question. If companies are added to this list of sorts, they will be thrust into the spotlight and forced to choose between aligning with the administrations views on DEI to avoid further publicity or going against the president to defend their policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most large companies have been working for months, if not longer, to ensure any practices related to DEI are legally compliant, says Schmitt. He points out that companies arent legally required to respond to things like EEOC demand letters. But that doesnt mean they will be game to endure the pressure campaign. What happened when law firms were targeted by Trump may provide some guidance as to what companies can expect. Some made public deals with the president to avoid further scrutiny. But others decided to fight back, and taken the administration to court. In some cases, the administration has been acting unlawfully to implement these executive orders, and those actions are being challenged, sometimes successfully, in court, says Katy Youker, director of the Economic Justice Project at the Lawyers Committee, a civil rights organization. Either way, how companies decide to proceed could mark a major inflection point in the fight against DEI in the U.S., says David Glasgow, a lawyer and the executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at NYU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If companies are able to fend off these claims or get a big win in court, it could change political dynamics, he tells Fortune. They may realize the administration is not as strong in this matter as they think. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com An 18-year-old male was killed and a young woman wounded in a hail of bullets across the street from a Brooklyn public school, police said Sunday. Zanir Childs was fatally shot in the torso and a woman, also 18, was blasted in the right arm across the street from Public School 36 in East New York about 9:55 p.m. Saturday, cops said. Medics rushed Childs from the scene on New Jersey Ave. near Linden Blvd. to Kings County Hospital, but he could not be saved. He lived about half a mile away in the Boulevard Houses, according to cops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman was taken to Brookdale University Hospital in stable condition. Neighbors said they heard five or six shots ring out on the quiet block Saturday night. All I seen is the kids running, said neighbor Michael Ferdinand, 27. A lot of them. One longtime resident, who identified herself as Ms. Austin, 48, heard yelling after the shots and saw several young people scatter on scooters and foot before returning to the scene in tears after first responders arrived. After the shots, Somebody yelled out, You py!' she recounted. I was so scared. When I came out, there was just a bunch of kids, scooters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I heard, Shes hit! Shes hit!' she added. There was so much going on. She said she saw Childs after he was shot. He was laying on the side of the car, she said. He had a lot of blood on his face. Kids that knew him were visibly upset. They were crying. I just felt bad. I said, thats somebodys kid, she added. Looking at him, I knew if he survived it would be a complete miracle. The victims friends wailed, Oh my God, thats my man! and No! she recalled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im just lost for words. Im really bothered by it, neighbor Curtis Smith told the Daily News. Its just sad. Smith, 53, said hes known Childs all the young mans life. I cant even process it. These kids are a lot younger than me, Smith said. I hope they catch the person. Kevin Lawton, 40, who lives next-door to the apartment Childs shared with his mother, said he also watched Childs grow up. Everybodys feeling like, its a real sorrow moment right now because everybody knew him since he was a kid. Everybodys real down right now, Lawton said, describing Childs as an energetic youngster who was always with friends, loved to play football and was close with his mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He loved to play football because he grew up playing football, Lawton said. He just liked doing outdoor things. Just a regular kid. Shes feeling real, real bad right now, Lawton said of Childs mother, who appeared to be out of state at the time of her sons tragic killing. Krystal Childs took to Facebook to mourn her son and express her shock at his death. I know everyone is taking this hard This is just a dream to me. I feel like Im in the twilight zone, she added. Thank you for loving my Zaza to all that do. Thank you for always trying to help him to all that did. Thank you for always being there for him to all that did. Thank you for recognizing him for who he really is. For all that did. How do I live without him when hes all that I know?! Idk. But God gave me this so I have to trust him, she posted. No arrests have been made. Boston police are asking the public to help them identify a suspect in a Friday night road rage incident during which the victim was chased in their car until they crashed and then assaulted with a hatchet. The incident happened shortly before 11:45 p.m. near 1032 Commonwealth Ave. in Bostons Brighton neighborhood, police said in a press release. The suspect chased the victim in his gray pickup truck at a high rate of speed, causing the victim to crash. He then got out of his truck carrying a hatchet, assaulted the victim and then vandalized their car with the hatchet after they ran away, police said. The suspect ultimately fled towards Brookline via Babcock Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video of the incident shared by police shows the suspect using the hatchet to smash the front of the victims car. The suspect is described as an approximately 25-year-old white man with a slight build, brown, medium-length hair and a short beard, police said. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt with a plain front and lettering on the back, blue jeans and brown sneakers. Anyone with information about the incident is strongly urged to contact Boston police detectives at (617) 343-4256, police said. You can also submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-494-TIPS, texting TIP to CRIME (27463) or via the Boston Police Department website. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. Police shot and killed a 34-year-old man Saturday night after a standoff where the man stole a boat and began shooting a handgun near lakeside homes southeast of Bellingham, authorities said. A statement from the Snohomish County Multiple Agency Response Team, which is investigating the incident, said the man was from Cape Horn, a small town near Washougal. No other injuries were reported. Snohomish County officers are handling the inquiry into the the shooting because it involved officers from the Washington State Patrol, Whatcom County Sheriffs Office and other agencies in Whatcom and Skagit counties, according to a statement from SMART spokesman Nathan Fabia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fabria said the incident began about 7:30 p.m. Saturday when a Washington State patrol tried to pull over the driver of a stolen motorcycle on northbound Interstate 5 south of Mount Vernon. The motorcycle did not stop, and a pursuit was initiated, Fabia said. The driver abandoned the motorcycle at Alger Cain Lake Road near Camp 2 Road, near the south end of Cain Lake, a 71-acre lake surrounded by homes southeast of Bellingham. There, he took a boat onto the lake. The male began firing rounds from a handgun in multiple directions. The male was the only person on the boat. The Whatcom County SWAT team responded, and officers shot and struck the male in the boat. Officers were then able to contact the male on the boat, brought him back to land, and provided first aid. The male was loaded into an ambulance for transport but succumbed to injuries, Fabia said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Whatcom County Medical Examiners Office will conduct an autopsy, he said. A person who lives in the area told The Bellingham Herald that a helicopter was circling and more than 10 shots were fired over a period of about two hours. Saturdays incident is at least the second officer-involved shooting this year in Whatcom County. A sheriffs deputy was injured in what was described as an accidental shooting in February. Editors note (May 18): This article was updated to correct the suspected town of residence for the man who was killed. A man from South Carolina has violated federal wildlife laws after spending years importing and selling sperm whale bones. According to reports by USA Today, Lauren H. DeLoach pleaded guilty to importing whale parts from across the globe and selling them on eBay. What's happening? The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of South Carolina stated that DeLoach imported whale teeth and bones from September 2021 through September 2024 into South Carolina. The shipments were falsely labeled as "plastic" to pass through U.S. customs and came from multiple countries, including Australia, Norway, Latvia, and Ukraine. DeLoach then sold the whale parts online, violating the Lacey Act, which prohibits the trade of illegally possessed wildlife. After one search, authorities uncovered and seized $20,000 worth of sperm whale parts. Reports also show that DeLoach had sold at least 85 items on eBay, worth more than $18,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After pleading guilty, DeLoach faces prison time and a $250,000 fine for violating the Lacey Act. Why is wildlife trafficking concerning? Wildlife trafficking exploits vulnerable species and disrupts entire ecosystems. By killing endangered species for parts, wildlife traffickers threaten the survival of the species as a whole. Since 1970, sperm whales have been listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. However, despite federal protection, these mammals are subject to trafficking. "Whales are among the world's most iconic species, and they're also among the most vulnerable to illegal harvest driven by commercialization," U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement Assistant Director Doug Ault said in a statement. What's being done about wildlife trafficking? Authorities have investigated DeLoach and reinforced their dedication to stopping the illegal trade of wildlife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The illicit trade in sperm whale teeth and ear bones contributes to the monetization of at-risk marine mammal populations that America protects through federal laws and international treaties," Ault told USA Today. "As part of 'Operation Raw Deal' a nationwide crackdown on the illegal trade in whale parts this investigation demonstrates our commitment to bringing justice to those who exploit protected wildlife for profit." Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. A man recently discovered nearly 1,500 silver coins from ancient Rome while hiking in a field in Romania Local Marius Mangeac was walking with his metal detector, as he "often" does, when the detector emitted a "strong signal," so he started digging Mangeac ultimately turned the coins over to local authorities, but says he hopes to show his child the treasure in a museum someday, "where I can explain I was lucky enough to discover a page [from] the history of our people" A man recently discovered nearly 1,500 silver coins from ancient Rome while hiking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Romanian man Marius Mangeac made the discovery in April while walking with his metal detector in a field near Letea Veche, a small village in the southern part of the country. Mangeac posted about the find in a Facebook post translated from Romanian, writing that he did not predict anything would come of the excursion when he left his home to take a walk that day and definitely did not think he would come "face to face with history." I took my detector and left alone, as I often do, to exercise and to relax in the fields and the forests, he wrote. Getty Metal detector (stock image) Metal detector (stock image) Mangeac went on to explain that he uncovered the coins after his metal detector generated a strong signal from a specific spot of grass, adding, I could feel my heart beating quite hard and I even thought about pinching myself to convince myself that I was not in a dream. 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 local said that after spending two days meticulously taking pictures of every coin" he ultimately handed them over to the local town hall. I hope that one day I will go with my child to the museum, where I can explain how I was lucky enough to discover a page [from] the history of our people, he added in his post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mangeac told Romanian news station TVR Info that he hadnt even originally planned to go walking in the field that day. Initially, I wanted to go to the forest, but there was tall grass, and I saw this field, and I thought I should go to the field, try it, he told the outlet. He says he started digging and eventually hit something. There was a loud noise from the shovel, and when I dug further, I saw that there were shards and coins, he said, recalling that he initially did not know what to do. TVR noted that two officers carefully counted the coins after Mangeac brought them to city hall, and the towns mayor, Marian Negru, told the outlet that tourists now have yet another reason to visit their town, which is steeped in Roman history. Marius Mangeac Marius Mangeac with the Roman coins he found. Marius Mangeac with the Roman coins he found. The silver coins called denarii were introduced in Rome in 211 B.C. and were the dominant form of currency for about 500 years, per the Art Institute of Chicago. The coins typically featured the faces of key gods and goddesses on one side, and depicted things like animals, natural resources and other important symbols to the empire on the other. The Institute notes that the goddess Roma, who was the personification of Rome, was the most popular image on the silver denarii for many years. Read the original article on People WASHINGTON (DC News Now) D.C. police are investigating after a man was found shot in Northeast early Sunday. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, officers responded to the unit block of New York Avenue, NE, for the report of a shooting around 4:15 a.m. At the scene, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers noted that he was conscious and breathing. Responders took the man to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DC police identify teen boy killed in Northeast shooting Investigators said they were looking for a man between the ages of 25 and 35 in connection with the shooting. As of 10:30 a.m. Sunday, no arrests have been made. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MILLCREEK, Utah (ABC4) A 23-year-old man is facing numerous charges of assault and kidnapping after holding his girlfriends family hostage for six months, telling them that he had family in the cartel and their lives were in danger, according to Unified Police. Dominic Christopher Garcia, 23 faces a slew of charges in Salt Lake County, including seven counts of aggravated assault (third-degree felony), seven counts of threat of violence (class B misdemeanor), seven counts of aggravated kidnapping (first-degree felony), and seven counts of hazing involving use of a dangerous weapon (second-degree felony). On Saturday, May 17, police responded to a home in Millcreek after an individual called 911, stating that he and his family had been held against their will by their daughters boyfriend later identified as Dominic Garcia. The caller told police that they werent able to take it any longer and were holding Garcia at gunpoint until police could arrive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers arrived at the scene shortly after and took Garcia into custody without incident. 17-year-old killed in shooting at Kearns High School According to the caller, he and his wife allowed Garcia to move into their home in Dec. 2024 to live with their daughter. The man said that Garcia almost immediately began telling the family that his family was a part of a business that had ties to the cartel, according to court documents. He told them that in order to stay on the cartels good side, they all had to do certain things and be diligent about their safety. The man told police that Garcia repeatedly told the family that the cartel would kill them if they did not do what they were told. In an effort to protect himself, the father bought a 10mm handgun, which Garcia then began carrying around to protect the family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [The father] said Dominic would continue to tell them that the cartel was going to kill them and would rack the gun and take the magazine out in the living room, which made him and his family feel threatened, court documents state. Garcia allegedly told the family that his grandfathers business had been a part of a bad deal, and that they need to leave for a while. The family then left their home for about a month, according to court documents, before returning home. Once they returned home, a family member texted a friend explaining where they had gone, and Garcia saw the text and became angry. Garcia allegedly started issuing threats to family members and become increasingly threatening with the handgun. Garcia would carry it around all the time and would make sure he and the rest of the family knew he was carrying the handgun, court documents state. The father told police that, on certain occasions, Garcia would come home covered in blood and tell them that it was due to the business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to interviews with multiple family members, Garcia claimed on numerous occasions that there were people outside of their home that were going to kill all of them. Garcia would allegedly also routinely go through their phones and check to see who they were communicating with, and confront them about anything that he disagreed with. The family told police Garcia always carried the 10mm handgun around the house and would drop the magazine and replace the magazine and rack the slide again, to ensure it was loaded, court documents state. He would allegedly also point the gun around the house, including emptying the gun and pointing it at family members as a game. Additionally, after the family had returned home from their month away, Garcia would allow certain family members to only leave the home for two hours at a time, and that only two family members were allowed to leave at all during one week. According to police, the family believed they were trying to keep Garcia in line with the cartel, and that they had to abide by these rules as a condition of his continued membership with the organization. At one point, Garcia had one family member endure a bootcamp for around four weeks, consisting of five workouts a day and ice baths. He allegedly even told the individual that she needed to ice her face because men were going to beat her, and needed to not feel the pain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia allegedly also made family members sleep in the living room and stand guard until 5:30 a.m. every night, to watch for people trying to kill them, court documents state. He allegedly also choked out their pet dogs on occasions when he became upset and violent towards family members. In an interview with police, Garcia admitted that he made everything up and that it was all a lie, court documents state. He first told the family that his grandfather did business with an organization known as unknown society, and that he had made a bad business deal that caused the cartel to come after their family. He told police that he continued this lie for several months, leading the family to believe they were in danger because he did not know how to stop it and was afraid they would not like him. Garcia admitted to police to keeping the gun as well as enforcing the bootcamp on a family member. He reportedly did not admit to anything else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia has been booked into Salt Lake County Jail on the aforementioned charges. He is deemed a flight risk with a positive lethality assessment. Additional charges are to be expected, according to Unified Police. No further information is available at this time. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Latest headlines: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A man was hospitalized after being shot Sunday in Southeast D.C., according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Officers responded to reports of a shooting at 2:34 p.m. in the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE. DC police investigating after man arrives at hospital with gunshot wounds There, a man was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, conscious and breathing. He was transported to the hospital by DC Fire and EMS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. A man on a motorcycle was killed in a crash on Interstate 95 in Jacksonville early Saturday morning, the Florida Highway Patrol said in a news release. The crash happened around 4:45 a.m. The motorcyclist, a 37-year-old man from Jacksonville, was driving down I-95 southbound just north of Emerson Street. FHP said the driver failed to maintain control of his vehicle and went off the road, onto the outside shoulder, and hit a metal traffic sign support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man, who was wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, FHP said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. LORAIN, Ohio (WJW) A man was shot and killed inside the doorway of a Lorain home early Saturday morning. According to a press release from the Lorain Police Department, Officers responded to a shooting at a home on Homewood Drive, just before 5 a.m. New York Fire Department responding to injuries after ship collides with Brooklyn Bridge At the scene, the officer found 48-year-old Clayton Parker lying unresponsive just inside the front door of the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the release, Parker had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary investigations found that Parker may have been attempting to break into the home. Once he entered, at least one person inside the home allegedly shot him with a legally owned firearm, the release said. The Lorain Police Criminal Investigations Bureau and the Lorain County Coroners Office are now investigating the shooting. Wayne Dawson shares update on cancer journey At this time, no arrests or criminal charges have been made. Multiple firearms were taken as evidence, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lorain Police Criminal Investigations Bureau asks that anyone with information about this shooting call (440) 204-2105. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A 23-year-old man is dead after a shooting in a McDonalds parking lot in Ohio Saturday evening, according to our CBS affiliate in Cleveland, WOIO-19 TV. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Akron police initially responded to the Empire Lounge in the 1800 block of Merriman Road around 2:15 a.m. for reports of a large crowd that wouldnt leave the parking lot. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities on scene heard gunshots from the McDonalds parking lot, which is adjacent to the bar, according to WOIO-19. 23-year-old Diamond Fisk was found with multiple gunshot wounds. Medics transported the man to an area hospital, where he later died, WOIO-19 reported. Akron police couldnt provide additional information on the shooting, but it remains under investigation. The Empire Lounge made a post on social media, extending their thoughts and prayers to everyone affected. They also shared that Fisk was related to two staff members and that the bar will be closed on Sunday. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] *Attached video: Cleveland crime by the numbers GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio (WJW) A man was shot multiple times outside a Garfield Heights bar in the early morning hours on Saturday. According to the Garfield Heights Police Department, officers responded to the Showcase Bar on Tourney Road around 2:05 a.m. after it was reported that shots were fired in the area. At the scene, officers found a 29-year-old man lying in the street with multiple gunshot wounds, according to the department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was taken to the Metro Health Medical Center, where his condition is listed as critical, police said. According to police, two people are being held for questioning at this time. Garfield Heights detectives are currently 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Police are investigating after two people were killed in a shooting at an apartment complex in Kansas City Saturday evening. According to the Kansas City Police Department, at about 5:40 p.m., officers were called to 40th and Troost Avenue on reports of a shooting. When they arrived, officers said they found an unresponsive man suffering from gunshot wounds on the front porch of the apartment building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spectrum down in Kansas City due to cut fiber lines, provider says Upon further investigation, another victim, an unresponsive woman, was found inside one of the apartment units suffering from gunshot wounds, as well. After emergency responders arrived, both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. KCPD said that they are not looking for additional suspects at this time and are working with witnesses to determine what led up to the shooting. This is an ongoing investigation; FOX4 will provide updates as they are made available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. An 18-year-old Falmouth High School senior was killed in a car crash Saturday night, Falmouth police announced Sunday morning. The single-car crash happened late Saturday night on Acapesket Road, police said in a press release. The teen was driving the car at the time of the crash. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time, the police department wrote. The rollover crash happened near Route 28 around 11 p.m. on May 17, CapeCod.com reported. Firefighters had to put out a fire in a white SUV and free the driver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A medical helicopter was not available due to weather conditions, so the driver was rushed to Falmouth Hospital, the website reported. Police are investigating what caused the crash. No further information has been released. More News Read the original article on MassLive. Israel launched an extensive ground operation in Gaza Sunday in addition to an intense air campaign that health officials in the territory say killed over 100 people overnight and shuttered the last functioning hospital in the enclaves north. The Israeli militarys ground operation in northern and southern Gaza comes as international mediators push for progress in ceasefire talks. Hamas and Israel began indirect talks in the Qatari capital Doha Saturday, with senior Hamas official Taher Al-Nunu confirming that negotiations without preconditions had started, according to Hamas-run al Aqsa TV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there is some optimism around the talks, a breakthrough is looking uncertain. Israel on Sunday indicated its openness to ending the war in Gaza if Hamas surrenders, a proposition the militant group is unlikely to accept. Hamas has said it will release all of the Israeli hostages if there are guarantees Israel will end the war. If Hamas wants to talk about ending the war through Hamass surrender, we will be ready, an Israeli source said. Earlier on Sunday, a senior Hamas leader told CNN that the group had agreed to release between seven and nine Israeli hostages in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 300 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Hours later another senior Hamas leader, Sami Abu Zuhri, denied and contradicted that proposal, posting a statement on Hamas-run Al-Aqsa TV Telegram: There is no truth to the rumors regarding the movements agreement to release nine Israeli prisoners in exchange for a two-month ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went on to say, We are ready to release the prisoners all at once, provided the occupation commits to a cessation of hostilities under international guarantees, and we will not hand over the occupations prisoners as long as it insists on continuing its aggression against Gaza indefinitely. The Israeli military has claimed that their new military campaign called Gideons Chariots, a reference to a biblical warrior, and announced late on Friday has brought Hamas back to the negotiating table. And due to the operational need, Israels Prime Ministers Office said Sunday that the country will allow a basic amount of food to enter the Gaza Strip, to prevent a hunger crisis in the enclave, which Israel says would jeopardize the operation. The campaign was launched to achieve all the goals of the war in Gaza, including the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement. During the operation, we will increase and expand our operational control in the Gaza Strip, including segmenting the territory and moving the population for their protection in all the areas in which we operate, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Effie Defrin said on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But analysts and officials say its more likely that Hamas agreed to restart the talks following a visit from US President Donald Trump to the Middle East. Following discussions between Qatar and the US during President Trumps visit to Doha, there is a renewed push by mediators from the United States, Qatar and Egypt to see if a new ceasefire agreement can be reached, an official with knowledge of the talks told CNN. US President Donald Trump walks with Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad al Thani at the Amiri Diwan in Doha, Qatar on May 14. - Win McNamee/Getty Images This past week, Netanyahu directed the Israeli negotiating team to head to Qatar for talks, but made clear that he is only committed to negotiating a proposal put forward by the US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, which calls for the release of half the hostages in return for a temporary ceasefire. That proposal did not guarantee an end to the war. Trump was in Doha Wednesday as part of a Middle East trip that skipped Israel. Trump said this month that he wanted an end to the brutal war in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also bypassed Israel twice this month in reaching bilateral deals with regional militant groups. Hamas released an Israeli-American hostage last week, and the Houthis agreed to stop firing at American ships in the Red Sea while pledging to continue fighting Israel. Trump, however, denied that Israel had been sidelined. This is good for Israel, he said. But on Thursday, he said he wanted the US to take Gaza and turn it into a freedom zone. I have concepts for Gaza that I think are very good, make it a freedom zone, let the United States get involved and make it just a freedom zone, Trump said from Qatar. While in the Gulf, Trump also acknowledged that people are starving in Gaza and said the US would have the situation in Gaza taken care of. Entire families killed Meanwhile, the UN and prominent aid organizations are raising the alarm over Israels new offensive in Gaza, saying it is civilians who are bearing the brunt of the assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 300 people have been killed and over 1,000 others injured after Israel ramped up intense airstrikes since Thursday, according to a CNN count of this weeks Palestinian Ministry of Health data. Entire families were killed while sleeping together, according to the health ministry. Palestinians carry the bodies of their relatives killed in an Israeli airstrike, during their funeral in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza on Sunday, May 18, 2025. - Abdel Kareem Hana/AP In the Al-Mawasi area of southern Gaza, an infant, his two young siblings and their parents, who were all living in a displacement camp, were killed on Saturday, Dr. Munir al-Barsh, the health ministrys director, told CNN. As the bombardment continues and the death toll rises, Gazas healthcare system is being pushed further to the brink. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past week, the Israeli military has carried out strikes near several hospitals across the enclave, including the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahiya, the last remaining functioning medical facility in northern Gaza, rendering it out of service. Dr. Marwan Al-Sultan, the director of the hospital said Friday that there were extremely intense explosions around the hospital, which severed the connections to ventilators that some of their patients require to stay alive. CNN has reached out to the Israeli military for comment on the strike - the IDF has previously accused Hamas of hiding in medical facilities. On Sunday, Al-Sultan told British charity Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) that the hospital is completely besieged, that nobody is able to reach it, and that its intensive care unit was also being hit. We are deeply helpless, he said, adding that the situation is beyond alarming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Northern Gazas Al-Awda hospital saw a harrowing night with bombing in the vicinity of the hospital, the facilitys director Dr. Mohammed Salha told MAP on Sunday. Salha said the hospitals medical systems oxygen for ventilators, electricity and water supplies were severely damaged. Quadcopters flying over the area hampered the movement of medical teams in and out of the hospital, and a shortage of medical supplies and fuel was making it difficult for the hospital to continue providing essential care. On Sunday, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said that all public hospitals in the northern Gaza Strip are now out of service. Famine risk in Gaza Prior to Israel announcing Sunday that it will allow a basic amount of food to enter the Gaza Strip, the UN warned the enclaves entire population of over 2.1 million people is facing a risk of famine following 19 months of conflict and mass displacement, exacerbated by Israels 11-week blocking of aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A controversial American-backed organization, Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), tasked with delivering aid to the enclave, welcomed the Israeli announcement about allowing food aid into Gaza as a bridging mechanism until the group is fully operational. The non-profit was set up at the urging of the American government to help alleviate hunger in Gaza, while complying with Israeli demands that the aid not reach Hamas. In a statement, the groups executive director Jake Wood said, Todays announcement marks an important interim step. We expect GHFs new aid mechanismincluding the establishment of four initial Secure Distribution Sitesto be up and running before the end of the month. The new organization has come under criticism from top humanitarian officials, who warn that it is insufficient, could endanger civilians, and even encourage their forced displacement. The initial sites only being in southern and central Gaza could be seen as encouraging Israels publicly stated goal of forcing Gazas population out of the north, the UN warned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the foundation says it has asked Israel to help set up distribution points in the north. The UN also warned that the Israeli militarys involvement in securing the sites could discourage aid recipients. Israels National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, called the Prime Ministers Offices aid decision a serious mistake, asserting that any aid entering Gaza would certainly fuel Hamas. The number of people killed by Israels offensive in Gaza in the wake of the October 7, 2023 attacks now exceeds 53,000 the majority of whom are women and children, the health ministry said Thursday. Despite the resumption of talks in Qatar, Omar Qandil, whose brother, sister-in-law and 4-month-old niece were killed in an overnight airstrike in central Gaza, said he feels the world has turned a blind eye to their suffering. They were all asleep all targeted in their bedroom, he said. I dont know what we (can) say anymore, we (have) spoke a lot. There is no one looking at us: not Arabs not Muslims, no one. The IDF on Sunday said its new offensive in Gaza is happening in full coordination with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, and that the military is trying to prevent harm to the remaining hostages; but the forum has decried the operation saying it would endanger those still held captive in the enclave. The current policy is killing the living and erasing the dead. Every bombing, every delay, every indecision increases the danger. The living hostages face immediate mortal danger, and we risk losing the deceased forever, said Hagai Levine, the head of the forums health team, who the group said co-authored a report about the dangers the latest Israeli operation poses to the hostages. CNNs Eyad Kourdi, Abeer Salman and Jeremy Diamond contributed reporting. Khader Al-Zaanoun of Wafa, the official Palestinian news agency, also contributed to this article. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Greater needs I pray that our politicians remember all of us, including some of our most disabled but often overlooked community members: those with profound autism, which has been defined by the Lancet Commission and the International Society for Autism Research as a person who meets the diagnostic criteria for autism, is at least 8 years old, demonstrates adaptive function skills significantly below age level, has communication deficits, tests at an IQ level below 50 and is unable to independently perform most activities of daily living with increased safety risks. I am deeply concerned over cuts to services including Medicaid. Medicaid pays for personal care, day programs, housing and therapy, which equates to jobs and keeping the parents of disabled adults employed. Many of us want to develop additional housing programs in Missouri through private-public partnerships because there are few options for adults with profound autism. I pray that we take into account the common good of all, including our duty to others. To remember the most disabled Missourians is to remember those who need our charity and our love, like my son Isaac. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I pray we promote social justice and remember the more than 4,000 Missourians with profound autism who would be hurt by Medicaid funding cuts. - Julia Chaney Faughn, Macon, Missouri Lung health As a lung cancer survivor from the Johnson County area, I am deeply concerned about the massive cuts to Medicaid and health care being proposed by Congress. Taking away coverage for millions of people will jeopardize our progress in defeating this disease. All the changes Congress is considering to Medicaid including adding work requirements and reducing funding for expansion, as well as repealing parts of the Affordable Care Act would terminate health coverage when people need it most. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I urge readers to contact their members of Congress and demand they protect health care. Visit Lung.org/Save-Medicaid to learn more and take action. - Ann Howard, Gardner Our voice Missourians came out and passed Amendment 1. We came out and passed the right for abortion and womens health. Did the Republicans in Jefferson City not hear us? Their constituents spoke loudly. Americans across the country are seeing our votes dismissed by politicians ignoring our wishes and not implementing our choices - Ken Henderson, Kansas City This emergency White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Millers comment that the Trump administration is actively looking at potentially suspending habeas corpus in the deportation of illegal immigrants is dangerous. (May 14, 14A, Trumps attacks on due process are a dangerous shift away from democracy) Millers position clearly threatens democracy. Habeas corpus protects the civil liberty of everyone. Its suspension would be a slippery slope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What constitutes illegal behavior? Is it any action the administration doesnt like? Would it be illegal to give an undocumented immigrant a sandwich? My point is that criminal behavior must not be defined by the predilections of any administration. Abraham Lincoln, unfortunately, did not leave a good example by suspending habeas corpus during the Civil War, suppressing judicial dissent and ignoring judicial findings. But at least the Civil War was a real national emergency. That brings up a second point: Our so-called national immigration emergency today is dubious at best. Already undocumented immigrants who were otherwise contributing to society have been swept up and deported, without due process. Already two judges have been arrested. I hope Congress conducts an actual six-month National Emergencies Act review, as required by law. One thing is certain: This fails in the court of public opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - Gregory Ellermann, Kansas City What was I grew up in Rolla, the hometown of the very Republican John Powell, who cast Missouris votes for Ronald Reagan in 1980. I went through school with his son. Mr. Powell would hire high school boys to unload boxcars twice a year for $10 per hour a fortune in 1975. Rolla was also home to Mel Carnahan, Democratic Missouri treasurer, lieutenant governor and governor, who was posthumously elected to the U.S. senate. He did not return to politics until his children were grown. I was in Scouts with an older son, Randy, and a younger son. Rusty. I rode in his station wagon many times. I will never forget Randy, the first big kid who paid attention to 11-year-old me. Rolla was a small town. I never heard one bad word about Mr. Powell or Mr. Carnahan. They were like everyones dad. The Greatest Generation came home from World War II older, much wiser, with a little money and a dream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans and Democrats were friends. They both wanted the same thing to preserve the world order they fought for and that their friends died for. Things are not like that anymore. This is not normal. - Randall Jones, Independence Nows the time Kansas City fails to celebrate its musical icons until they have passed on. People such as Tim Whitmer, David Basse, Millie Edwards, Danny Embrey, Stan Kessler and Rod Fleeman, among many others, need to be celebrated while we can still enjoy listening to them. And Lonnie McFadden, the multitalented phenom with a rich family history in jazz, should be named Kansas Citys ambassador, the official greeter for any visiting celebrities. He is handsome, charming, well-spoken and kind. There could be no better example of what Kansas City is, where it has been and where it is going than Mr. McFadden. - James L. Mowbray, Kansas City Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, has warned about egotism amongst European leaders after a bitter diplomatic rift opened up between her and Emmanuel Macron. The row with her French counterpart began on Friday at the European Political Community summit in Albania. During the summit, Ms Meloni was not invited to take part in a joint call with Donald Trump. She told Italian journalists she had been blocked because of her refusal to send troops to Ukraine as part of a proposed coalition of the willing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Macron, who was on the call with Sir Keir Starmer, Donald Tusk, Polands president, and Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, accused Ms Meloni of spreading disinformation. The discussion is about a ceasefire lets avoid spreading false information. There is already enough of that coming from Russia, the French president said. (From left) Giorgia Meloni, Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, Maia Sandu, president of Moldova, Antonio Costa, European Council president and Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission president in Albania this month - Leon Neal/Getty Images Ms Meloni met with Mr Merz in Rome on the eve of Pope Leo XIVs inauguration for a meeting that was hoped would cool tensions. But Ms Meloni afterwards urged all leaders to abandon egotism and focus on giving a united front toward a peace deal that does not involve capitulation by Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Italian media has described their prime ministers absence from the Albania meetings as a deliberate snub, suggesting that Mr Macron had not wanted her involved. Ms Meloni told reporters on Saturday that Italy was open to joining any international format aimed at ending the war, but warned against divisions within the West. Western unity has been our greatest strength since the beginning of Russias invasion, she said. At a delicate time like this, it is important to set aside any personal [differences] that could undermine that unity. Giorgia Meloni met with Friedrich Merz before the Popes inauguration in Rome in a bid to cool tensions - Antonio Masiello/Getty Images At the meeting in Rome with Ms Meloni, Mr Merz said: We must not allow ourselves to be divided. He added: I will hold talks in the EU in the coming days and include Italy in all our efforts to resolve this conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Meloni and Mr Macron are known to have a frosty relationship, and Ms Meloni has been caught on camera in the past rolling her eyes after shaking hands with Mr Macron. The Italian premier has been a staunch supporter of Kyiv and has also developed a strong personal rapport with Mr Trump. But she has been highly critical of plans to send troops to Ukraine as peacekeepers to police a permanent ceasefire. For the last week, Ms Meloni has been increasingly under fire from opposition leaders and critics in Italy for being marginalised by European leaders. Pushing the White House In the meantime Germanys Merz, Mr Macron and Sir Keir Starmer of the UK have been pushing forward discussions with the White House over Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First there was the train trip to Kyiv, then on Friday a meeting and eventual joint call with Donald Trump that occurred on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit, in Tirana, Albania, being attended by 40 European leaders. The call to Trump was made after Russia-Ukraine peace talks failed in Istanbul earlier that day and the group, which included Mr Zelensky but not Meloni, later released a statement calling Russias demands unacceptable. Mr Trump is due to speak with Vladimir Putin on Monday after his Vice President held direct talks with Mr Zelensky on the sidelines of the Popes mass on Sunday. Putin said on Sunday Russia has the strength and resource to finish what it started with the invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have enough strength and resources to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the result that Russia needs, he said, without clarifying further. On Sunday, Russia also launched its most intense drone attack on Ukraine since the invasion in 2022, firing a total of 273 exploding drones and decoys overnight, Ukraines air force 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. What's Your KCQ is a collaboration between The Star and the Kansas City Public Library series that answers your questions about the history, people, places and culture that make Kansas City unique. Have a suggestion for a future story? Share it with us here, or email our journalists at KCQ@kcstar.com. The Pendergast name carries different meanings in Kansas City. For some residents, it recalls the freewheeling Paris of the Plains era, when Boss Toms machine kept liquor flowing and nightclubs thriving, giving rise to the citys distinct style of jazz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For others who value open governance and respect for law and order, it remains a symbol of corruption and political patronage. Today, most Kansas Citians seem drawn to the citys more colorful past. While that image fits well with throwbacks to its seedier side, it hardly seems like something the city would officially memorialize in a public place. Thats why a KCQ reader found it odd to see the Pendergast name on a statue in West Terrace Park and was even more surprised to learn it honored James Pendergast, not Tom as they had anticipated. The plaques on the monument offered only vague details, describing him as the embodiment of truth also unanticipated leaving the reader wondering who James Pendergast was and why the city chose to memorialize him. The James Pendergast Memorial in West Terrace Park The history of the Pendergast family The Pendergast name didnt always carry the same weight in Kansas City. Reporting on the apprehension of an accused murderer in its June 21, 1883, edition, The Kansas City Journal noted that the suspect had been found in a West Bottoms hotel kept by a man named Pendergast. The local press and the city at large would soon learn exactly who that man was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Born in Ohio in 1856 to recent Irish immigrants, James Pendergasts family later settled in St. Joseph. After the completion of the Hannibal Bridge in 1869, Kansas Citys booming West Bottoms offered plenty of work in packing houses and iron foundries. Pendergast answered the call, arriving in 1876. Workers flocked to the rapidly industrializing West Bottoms in the late 19th century. Big Jim, as he came to be known, quickly built a reputation as a hard-working and trustworthy laborer. Years later, Fire Department Chief George Hale described him as a fine-looking, husky lad, steady as a church and careful of money. Local lore claims that Pendergast made a small fortune by betting on a horse named Climax. True or not, his rapid rise was apparent. Around 1880, he went from working as a helper at the D.M. Jarboe & Company foundry to serving as proprietor of the American House hotel, which he later renamed the Pendergast House. He also entered the saloon business, and opened The Climax said to be named after the horse that launched his rise on the same block as his hotel. Jim Pendergast Pendergast thrived in business, expanding his real estate holdings and opening new establishments, including a saloon at Fifth and Main streets. Location was key: His West Bottoms ventures sat near the bustling Union Depot railroad station, while his new saloon stood kitty-corner from the citys second City Hall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From that strategic vantage point, Pendergast set his sights on a new venture politics. James Pendergasts political rise In 1882, he was elected to represent the West Bottoms in the House of Aldermen the predecessor to todays City Council a seat he held for 17 years. He became known for his skill at navigating municipal affairs and turning out supporters at the polls, earning him the title of Boss. Pendergast didnt boast of his boss status but didnt shy away from the label. Nor did he apologize for his influence, explaining, All there is to it is having friends, doing things for people, and then later on theyll do things for you. With proximity to Union Depot, the Pendergast businesses on St. Louis Avenue were wise investments. He lived up to those words. As a saloonkeeper, he functioned as a banker for West Bottoms laborers, exchanging paychecks for cash without cheating them. In 1903, when a flood devastated the citys low-lying areas, Pendergast reportedly personally directed recovery efforts in his ward. As an alderman, he began the Pendergast tradition of securing city jobs for his supporters but only after sizing them up. The West Bottoms are left with wreckage after the 1903 flood. Despite an abundance of friends, Pendergast had no shortage of rivals even within his own party. He led the Goats, named for his First Ward constituents, many of whom lived along the steep bluffs below Quality Hill. In contrast, his chief Democratic rival, Joseph Shannon, led the Rabbits, who drew support from newer neighborhoods southeast of downtown. Their clashes dominated Kansas Citys Democratic politics for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All Republicans, of course, were his opponents. Yet Pendergast was often praised for not letting politics turn personal except for an 1888 incident at a Republican gathering in a downtown saloon, where he punched a man during a heated dispute and was arrested. Afterward, he became a teetotaler and gained a reputation for helping others struggling to overcome alcoholism a remarkably selfless turn for a saloonkeeper. James Pendergast - Historical His selflessness extended to politics as well. When city officials proposed building a new railroad station on higher ground, safe from flooding, Pendergast supported the moveeven though abandoning Union Depot would devastate his West Bottoms businesses. When a local reporter asked why he supported the Union Station vote, he simply replied, The public needs it. James Pendergast vs. William Rockhill Nelson Perhaps his most formidable rival was newspaper publisher William Rockhill Nelson. Nelson championed Progressive Era reforms aimed at eliminating poverty, managing the effects of industrialization, assimilating immigrants, and dismantling boss-led politics putting him naturally at odds with Pendergast. When one of Nelsons reporters asked Pendergast in 1908 about his biggest election obstacle, he growled, You know it will be The Kansas City Star-r-r-r. William Rockhill Nelson In poor health, Pendergast retired from politics in 1910 and died a year later at age 55. Friendlier newspapers covered his life and funeral then one of the largest in the citys history in greater detail, but even The Star conceded he would be remembered as the man who never broke a promise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Big Jims empire was in good hands. Years earlier, he had been joined by his three younger brothers, including a rising Democratic power broker: a young Boss Tom. Memorializing James Pendergast Democrats and Republicans quickly united around the idea of memorializing Pendergast. They chose a site in Mulkey Square Park, near 13th and Summit streets where he could watch over the First Ward for a bronze statue and fountain. A sculptor was commissioned, and funds were raised by public subscription. The monument debuted on Independence Day 1913. The memorial in its original location in Mulkey Square Park That July 4, the public gathered to see a bronze likeness of Pendergast seated atop a granite base. Beside him stood two children, also cast in bronze, holding water basins that served as fountains a nod to his charitable nature. Toms daughter, Marceline, pulled a cord to remove the cloth covering the statue, while a giant American flag served as a backdrop. A camera crew filmed the ceremony and the speeches from local dignitaries, later charging 10 cents to view the film and boasting, You can almost hear them speak! Statue faces trouble in KC Unfortunately, the monument faced trouble almost immediately. In 1914, thieves managed to dislodge one of the bronze children and carry it 150 feet before abandoning the 300-pound figure. The child was replaced, but by 1915, both figures had been stolen and the fountain features were never restored. The local press debated whether the culprits were metal thieves or worse Republicans. Thieves stole childrens arms in the 1930s. Pendergast sat alone until the city replaced the missing figures from the original casts in 1919. However, starting in the 1930s, thieves unwilling to move the heavy statues began sawing off the childrens limbs piece by piece. During the construction of Interstate 670 in the late 1960s, the monument was relocated within the park. By 1976, both children were gone again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Big Jim, too heavy to steal and too thick to saw through, endured decades of vandalism. By 1990, when the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners voted to restore the memorial, it bore a hacksaw gash in its neck, remnants of roofing tar that had been poured over its head, silver paint over its eyes, dried egg stains, initials carved into the granite base, and a hole possibly from a bullet in its backside. Trouble Was A-Brewing for the great hulking bronze of Alderman Jim Pendergast, on the west side of Mulkey Square, when this photograph was taken last October. Uncle Jim was sitting in the backlash of the Crosstown freeway construction job, with trees uprooted around him and sewer pipe scattered about. Shortly after the picture was taken, the Pendergast statue was placed in protective custody by the Clarkson Construction company. In the extreme background are the American Hereford association headquarters and Quality Hill apartment buildings. Along with approving restoration work, the parks board authorized moving the statue from its isolated spot in Mulkey Square to West Terrace Park. A Friends of Jim Pendergast organization, joined by local Irish clubs and labor organizations, helped fundraise for the restoration and commissioned local sculptor Tom Corbin to recreate the missing children proving that Big Jim still has plenty of friends in Kansas City and that the Pendergast name means more than corruption and vice. Big Jim continues to watch over his beloved West Bottoms from his new vantage point. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has described the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in St Peter's Square as an "uplifting moment." A practising Catholic, the conservative politician attended the Mass alongside tens of thousands of worshippers and high-ranking representatives from around 150 countries. He wished the new pope a "good and happy hand" in leading the Catholic Church. Merz expressed understanding for the pope's critique of capitalism during his sermon, noting that such messages were part of the pontiff's "essential responsibilities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, he did not see himself as a primary target of the criticism. "I believe the social market economy we have in Germany is only marginally addressed by that," Merz, who worked as a corporate lawyer, said. Following the ceremony, Merz briefly met with Pope Leo in St Peter's Basilica, where they exchanged a few words. In his homily, the new pope had urged greater solidarity with the world's poorest, warning against their further marginalization. Merz also met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Sunday morning in Rome, ahead of the inauguration, according to a government statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two leaders had an "intensive exchange" on key international issues, including the war in Ukraine, trade relations and energy cooperation, the statement said. Merz extended an invitation to Carney to visit Germany, which the Canadian prime minister accepted, pledging to make the trip "in close ministerial company as soon as possible." Pope Leo, the 69-year-old former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, became the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, following the death of his predecessor, pope Francis, on April 21. Those going for a walk along the water near the Brooklyn Bridge were treated to a truly frightening scene when a ship collided with the bridge. Two large masts were seen splitting in half as horrified onlookers watched the ship cruise in their general direction before coming to a halt just before hitting the pier. Three people are in critical condition, with 17 other people injured in the incident, according to a report from CNN. The New York Police Department revealed a sailboat hit the bridge around 8:26 p.m. and multiple people are being aided." Multiple reports emerged revealing there were more than 200 people aboard the ship - which was later identified as the Cuauhtemoc of the Mexican Navy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York Post shared details of the ship: The vessel, built in Spain in 1982 with the sole purpose of training cadets, had been in the city as part of a promotion for next years Sail4th tall ship event, which celebrates Americas 250th birthday. The stop is just the third in the vessels eight-month voyage around the globe, which offers the Mexican cadets the opportunity to flex their sailing muscles in environments like Jamaica, Iceland, Portugal and more. This years class boasts 175 cadets, the largest class the nations navy has seen yet. Video of the incident was caught from several different perspectives, equally terrifying. A massive pirate ship just hit the Brooklyn Bridge pic.twitter.com/eWRvh8Ognn Corso (@Corso52) May 18, 2025 Just watched the Brooklyn Bridge get smoked live by a boat with a massive Mexican flag pic.twitter.com/R8eJKwJaJ2 Nelson Slinkard (@TheWillieNelson) May 18, 2025 Not long after the incident, the Mexican Navy issued a statement on social media. "During the sailing maneuver of the Cuauhtemoc sailboat in New York, a mishap occurred with the Brooklyn Bridge, causing damage to the training ship, preventing the continuation of the training cruise for the time being," the translated statement read. "The status of personnel and equipment is being reviewed by naval and local authorities, who are providing support. The Navy reaffirms its commitment to personnel safety, transparency in its operations, and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Navy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victims are being transported to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, with those in critical condition being taken to a nearby hospital for additional treatment, according to the NY Post. Related: Grocery Store Chain Suddenly Closes All Locations By Frank McGurty NEW YORK (Reuters) -A Mexican Navy sailing ship festooned with lights and a giant flag crashed into the landmark Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night, shearing the top of its masts, killing two people and injuring several others, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said. Videos online showed the training vessel Cuauhtemoc as it approached the bridge over the East River, close to the Brooklyn side of the span, which connects the borough with Manhattan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its 147 foot (45 metre) masts were too tall to clear the arched bridge at that point and toppled when the vessel, named after the last Aztec emperor, sailed underneath. The Mexican Navy said on social media late on Saturday 22 people were injured on board the ship, of which 19 were receiving medical attention in local hospitals, and of those three were seriously injured. New York City's Adams put the injured total at 17. No diving rescue operations were needed because none of the 277 people onboard fell into the water, the Navy said. Naval cadets dressed in white uniforms could be seen dangling from the ship's crossbeams after the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A female cadet and a male Marine died from their injuries, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum told reporters on Sunday. Two of the injured remained in critical condition as of Sunday afternoon, the New York Police Department said. Sheinbaum said Mexico's Navy was investigating the cause of the crash and that injured cadets were "doing better." The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is also investigating. New York police said mechanical issues had probably caused the crash, without providing further details. At one of the suspension bridge's bases, near the Brooklyn Bridge Park, online videos showed bystanders running in terror as the massive vessel hit the bridge and veered toward the shore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bridge, a popular tourist attraction and a main conduit between Manhattan and Brooklyn, was completed in 1883. It was once the largest suspension bridge in the world. The bridge sustained no major damage, a New York City transportation official said. Traffic reopened in both directions after a preliminary inspection. Earlier, Mexico's foreign ministry said on social media that Mexico's ambassador to the U.S. and other officials were assisting affected cadets and had been in contact with local authorities. The Cuauhtemoc was built at the Celaya Shipyards in Bilbao, Spain, in 1981, according to the South Street Seaport Museum, which said on its website it was co-hosting the vessel's visit to New York which had been scheduled to conclude on Saturday evening. The public was invited to come aboard the ship during its visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ship was disembarking from New York before heading to Iceland, the New York police official said. (Reporting by Frank McGurty in New York and Timothy Gardner in Washington; Additional reporting by Brendan O'Boyle and Stefanie Eschenbacher in Mexico City and Chandni Shah in Bengaluru; Editing by Jamie Freed and David Holmes) SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A majestic naval vessel that once drew crowds in San Diego is now making headlines for a very different reason. The Cuauhtemoc, the Mexican Navys renowned training ship, crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge Saturday night, leaving two people dead and injuring at least 19 others during what was supposed to be a celebratory tour stop in New York City. The ships towering masts struck the lower deck of the iconic bridge, causing structural damage and sparking chaos aboard. The Cuauhtemoc was last seen in San Diego almost exactly one year ago, when it docked at the B Street Pier from May 1720, 2024, as part of its international goodwill voyage. The vessel welcomed thousands of visitors for free public tours, with many praising the experience as a unique cultural and diplomatic exchange. Video below: This FOX 5 video shows the Cuauhtemoc arriving in San Diego in May 2024. 30 years later: A look back at the 1995 San Diego tank rampage Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, the same vessel is at the center of an ongoing investigation into how Saturdays accident occurred. The Cuauhtemoc, often referred to as the Ambassador and Knight of the Seas, has long been a symbol of Mexican pride and naval tradition. With its striking white hull and tall sails, the ship has visited ports around the world to promote diplomacy and train naval cadets. New York authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage to the bridge and to the vessel itself. Emergency responders treated several passengers and crew members for injuries. Officials from the Mexican Navy have not yet released a public statement on the cause of the crash. In San Diego, where many locals fondly remember their visit aboard the Cuauhtemoc, the news of the collision has come as a surprise. This 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. A massive Mexican navy tall ship on a goodwill visit to New York slammed into the Brooklyn Bridge late Saturday toppling its huge masts in a horrifying scene that left two dead and 17 injured, including two critically, according to fire officials and sources. The majestic Cuauhtemoc which has a crew of 277, mostly cadets apparently lost power as it was sailing out of New York on its way to Iceland and the current carried it into the road deck of the bridge around 8:30 p.m., according to Mayor Eric Adams and footage of the crash. The collision sheared off the ships 147-foot masts with alarming footage capturing numerous crew members dangling for their lives from the sails and booms after the boat hit the bridge, which has a max clearance of 135 feet. The Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtemoc crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening. Obtained by NY Post Police boats at the scene of the collision. Citizen The boat was coming under the bridge, and there were sailors on top of the boat, the sails hit the bridge and then people were falling off of the boat sails, said Elijah West, who witnessed the chilling crash at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was crazy. We were standing under the bridge and we all started running. Then I saw people hanging from the sails. Police boats came around fast about five minutes later. And then police guided the boat to the (Manhattan) bridge and started the rescue. It was a shock. Numerous onlookers stood by the shore with cameras and filmed the ships departure from numerous angles and became alarmed as the tips of the masts toppled over one by one as they hit the bridge. Shes about to crash, one startled witness could be heard saying in the footage. Oh st! Here is the latest on the Brooklyn Bridge crash involving a Mexican navy tall ship Ismari Romero, 43, said what was supposed to be a joyous send off for the ship turned to screams as witnesses could see the still moving ship with its sailors, many of whom were cadets, dangling perilously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were scared a lot of people were screaming, a lot of people were crying, said Romero, who witnessed the gripping incident with her sister from Pier 17. We were celebrating and we were saying goodbye and singing. We were all joyful, and they departed. And then they reached the Brooklyn Bridge. Mayor Eric Adams arrives at Pier 16 to deliver an update on the deadly boat crash in Brooklyn. James Keivom Crew members hold on to the damaged masts and sails after the crash. PORTER BINKS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Harrowing footage from the scene captured panicked onlookers who were standing under the bridge bolting from the riverside park as the vessel drifted toward the grassy area. I couldnt believe what I was seeing, said Aya Asan, a 33-year-old photographer from Crown Heights, who had just completed a proposal photoshoot at the park, where tourists gathered to watch the sunset just over the horizon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a moment, I thought the boat might somehow crash into the park area, where the people were. I started running away, everyone started running Everyone was shocked and then we saw a lot of police and heard sirens. I saw people hanging there. First responders scoured the waters following reports that crew members had fallen in, but sources later said no one had. The damage done to the Cuauhtemoc after it struck the Brooklyn Bridge. AP A victim getting taken away from the crash on a stretcher by first responders. William Miller Retired navy Capt. Alfred S. McLaren called the tragic incident inconceivable. Im dumbfounded, the former nuclear submarine captain said. It could lose power and drift. So the question is just how fast were they going. But why didnt they use a rudder one way or another? One of the first things I would have done is drop my anchor or anchors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mutilated ship is currently idle in the water while emergency responders work at Pier 16 to care for the wounded. Its expected to be moved to Pier 36, sources said. Those in critical condition were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The New York Post front cover on May 18, 2025. Officials have not released the names of the two crew members who died. Fire officials warned motorists to expect traffic delays and road closures near New Dock Street & water Street in Brooklyn. The bridge, which suffered minor damage, has since reopened to the public. The vessel, built in Spain in 1982 with the sole purpose of training cadets, was in New York City as part of a promotion for next years Sail4th tall ship event, which celebrates Americas 250th birthday. The Cuauhtemoc seen near the Brooklyn Bridge days before the crash. James Keivom Spectators watch the search and rescue mission following the terrifying crash. REUTERS The stop is just the third in the vessels eight-month voyage around the globe, which offers the Mexican cadets the opportunity to flex their sailing muscles in environments like Jamaica, Iceland, Portugal and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years class boasts 175 cadets, the largest class the nations navy has seen yet. The classes are getting bigger and bigger. We just keep getting more and more people! said Lt. Sg. Hugo Calvario, the ships orthopedic surgeon. We had to leave almost 40% of the crew to take on more cadets, he continued, meaning the trainees have to pick up the slack and take on more responsibilities. About 200 people were on board when the ship hit the bridge. Citizen Injured crew members are transported by first responders after being rescued from the damaged vessel. James Keivom A tug boat helps stabilize the Cuauhtemoc, a masted Mexican Navy training ship, as it sits stranded near the Manhattan Bridge. AP The Post watched earlier this week as they skillfully climbed the dauntingly high ropes and stretched across the towers of the ships three masts to conduct what in English is known as manning the yards a universal sign of respect that is done every time a ship enters a port. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is expected to be one of 30 Class A International Tall Ships that will parade through the Harbor on July 4, 2026. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she was deeply saddened over the deaths of the crew members. The Mexican navy released a statement after the wreck. During the sailing maneuver of the Cuauhtemoc sailboat in New York, a mishap occurred with the Brooklyn Bridge, causing damage to the training ship, preventing the continuation of the training cruise for the time being, they said. The status of personnel and equipment is being reviewed by naval and local authorities, who are providing support, the organization added. The Navy reaffirms its commitment to personnel safety, transparency in its operations, and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Navy. Additional reporting by Deirdre Bardolf NEW YORK (AP) A Mexican navy sailing ship on a global goodwill tour struck the Brooklyn Bridge in New York on Saturday, snapping its three masts, killing two crew members and leaving some sailors dangling from harnesses high in the air waiting for help. New York City Mayor Eric Adams said the 142-year-old bridge was spared major damage but at least 19 people aboard the ship needed medical treatment. Two of the four people who suffered serious injuries later died, Adams announced on social media early Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the collision was under investigation. In a scene captured in multiple eyewitness videos, the ship, called the Cuauhtemoc, could be seen traveling swiftly in reverse toward the bridge near the Brooklyn side of the East River. Then, its three masts struck the bridge's span and snapped, one by one, as the ship kept moving. Videos showed heavy traffic on the span at the time of the 8:20 p.m. collision. No one on the bridge was reported injured. The vessel, which was flying a giant Mexican flag and had 277 people aboard, then drifted into a pier on the riverbank as onlookers scrambled away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sailors could be seen aloft in the rigging on the damaged masts but, remarkably, no one fell into the water, officials said. Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz told The Associated Press they were sitting outside to watch the sunset when they saw the vessel strike the bridge. We saw someone dangling, and I couldnt tell if it was just blurry or my eyes, and we were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least like 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them, Katz said. Just before the collision, Nick Corso, 23, took his phone out to capture the backdrop of the ship and the bridge against a sunset, Instead, he heard what sounded like the loud snapping of a big twig." Several more snaps followed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People in his vicinity began running and pandemonium erupted aboard the ship, he said. He later saw a handful of people dangling from a mast. I didnt know what to think, I was like, is this a movie? he said. The Mexican navy said in a post on the social platform X that the Cuauhtemoc was an academy training vessel. It said a total of 22 people were injured, 19 of whom needed medical treatment. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum regretted the loss of the two crew members. Our solidarity and support go out to their families, Sheinbaum said on X. The Brooklyn Bridge, which opened in 1883, has a nearly 1,600-foot (490-meter) main span supported by two masonry towers. More than 100,000 vehicles and an estimated 32,000 pedestrians cross every day, according to the citys transportation department. Its walkway is a major tourist attraction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traffic was halted after the collision but was allowed to resume after an inspection, city officials said. It was unclear what caused the ship to veer off course. New York Police Department Special Operations Chief Wilson Aramboles said the ship had just left a Manhattan pier and was supposed to have been headed out to sea, not toward the bridge. He said an initial report was that the pilot of the ship had lost power due to a mechanical problem, though officials cautioned that information was preliminary. Videos show a tugboat was close to the Cuauhtemoc at the time of the crash. The Cuauhtemoc about 297 feet long and 40 feet wide (90.5 meters long and 12 meters wide), according to the Mexican navy sailed for the first time in 1982. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vessels main mast has a height of 160 feet (48.9 meters), according to the Mexican government. As midnight approached, the broken boat was moved slowly up the East River, going under and past the Manhattan Bridge, aided by a series of tugboats, before docking at a pier. Onlookers continued to gather on the waterfront to watch the spectacle. Each year the Cuauhtemoc sets out at the end of classes at the naval military school to finish cadets' training. This year it left the Mexican port of Acapulco, on the Pacific coast, on April 6, the navy said. It arrived in New York City on May 13, where visitors were welcome for several days, the Mexican consulate said. The ship was scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 nations over 254 days, 170 of them at sea. ___ Associated Press writers Michael R. Sisak and Jennifer Peltz in New York, Sejal Govindarao in Phoenix, Arizona, and Gene Johnson in Seattle, Washington, contributed to this report. MEXICO CITY (AP) A Mexican security consultant who recently did contract work for the U.S. State Department has been shot and killed in what appears to have been a cartel ambush at a restaurant in Guadalajara. The brazen killing took place Friday night after 9:00 p.m. as the man, Cesar Guzman, was dining with two fellow instructors with whom he had just completed a security and intelligence training course for police from Jalisco state, according to Arturo Fontes, a retired FBI agent who worked with Guzman. Fontes, in a message posted on LinkedIn, said he and Guzman over the past two years taught counter-drug classes to Mexican police officers for the State Department's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement in Mexico City and Queretaro state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carlos Amador, the former undersecretary of security for Hidalgo state, was also killed, Fontes said. A third instructor, Pablo Cajigal, the former secretary of security for Chihuahua state, is in critical condition. They were true heroes some of the bravest individuals I have ever known, Fontes wrote, saying that he had just celebrated Guzmans 50th birthday a week ago. Local news reports said the men were dining at a local taco joint when unidentified gunmen shot at them before fleeing in a red Nissan. The U.S. consulate in Guadalajara, in a statement, said the men were not currently working for the diplomatic mission. It declined to provide further details about their past affiliation with the State Department, citing security and privacy limitations. We are deeply concerned about any act of violence and express our condolences to the victims and their families, the consulate said. The Mexican Navy sailing ship that crashed into New York Citys Brooklyn Bridge Saturday, killing two crew members, visited Tacoma in 2005 during the citys Tall Ships Festival. Former Tacoma mayor Bill Baarsma remembers the event. I was mayor at the time and visited the ship and met with the captain along with many other city dignitaries, he wrote in an email to The News Tribune. According to a New York Times report, 277 people were on board the Mexican barque, Cuauhtemoc, at the time of Saturdays crash. At least 22 people were injured, the report said. The crash was attributed to mechanical issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexicos president confirmed the deaths of the crew members in a post on X. Their identities had not been released as of Sunday afternoon. Sentimos mucho el fallecimiento de dos miembros de la tripulacion del Buque Escuela Cuauhtemoc, quienes perdieron la vida en el lamentable accidente en el puerto de Nueva York. Nuestra solidaridad y apoyo a las familias. Se encuentra la Secretaria de Marina, con el respaldo de Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (@Claudiashein) May 18, 2025 According to News Tribune archives, event organizers estimated that more than 1 million people turned out for the five-day festival, including about 175,000 for the final day of the event along the Thea Foss Waterway. Cuauhtemoc, a Navy training vessel, ranked among the most popular attractions. At the time, The News Tribune interviewed Cesar Munez, an officer on the ship. The life of a seaman is difficult because you lose so many things, said Munez, then 29. I cant see my family and friends. Sometimes it feels very lonely. MEXICO CITY (AP) What do an activist searching for missing Mexicans, an attorney who once represented a drug lord and a university professor trying out TikTok have in common? They are all campaigning for positions in Mexicos first judicial election on June 1. More than 2,600 contenders are vying for 881 positions from Mexicos Supreme Court down to district courts across the country. In 2027, another election is planned to elect 800 more judicial positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those on the June 1 ballots won a lottery after being screened by committees made up of people from the three branches of government. In order to qualify, they had to have a law degree, at least five years of professional practice, write an essay and collect letters of recommendation from friends and colleagues. Foreign governments, including the United States, and civil society organizations in Mexico criticized the change, warning that it would lead to a politicization of the judiciary and weaken its independence. Electing judges was former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors way to root out corruption. Make them accountable to the people, he said. The contentious reforms passage was among the last major acts of his presidency last September. Here are some of the candidates: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delia Quiroa Age: 41 Whats she known for? She is among the hundreds of Mexicans searching for a missing relative, in her case a brother who disappeared in 2014. Candidate for: District judge in the western state of Sinaloa. Quiroas experience has been different to most other candidates' in that shes more accustomed to being on the victims side. After her brother disappeared in the northern border state of Tamaulipas, Quiroa began searching and eventually founded a collective called March 10 for the day he vanished. She quickly realized there was little legal help available to help searchers like herself, so she left her engineering career and began to study law while continuing her search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quiroa gained notoriety a couple years ago when she proposed criminal groups consider a peace treaty to make it safer to search for the missing and she began selling a Searcher Barbie to raise money for her groups activities. Late last year, she decided to return to her native Sinaloa state to compete to be a judge. Quiroa knows the risks of being a judge in the violent state, home to a powerful cartel of the same name, but she said that there need to be more judges who empathize with those searching for missing loved ones. If I become a judge, Im not going to send legal documents and wait for authorities to answer when they feel like it, Quiroa said. Im going to go out and look for the missing people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aristides Rodrigo Guerrero Age: 40 Whats he known for? He went viral as Justice Pork Rinds. Candidate for: Supreme Court. Until the campaign started, Guerrero wasnt well-known outside of Mexicos National Autonomous University, where he has taught classes for more than a decade. He had also led Mexico Citys public records agency and worked at the capitals electoral court. But it was a homemade TikTok video that took off and launched Guerreros campaign. In it, a student hands him a platter of a typical pork rind dish. Playing on the turn of phrase, he says hes more prepared than a pork rind to be a Supreme Court justice, before rolling into his qualifications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some grumps accused him of turning the race into a circus, but Guerrero said that his attempt at humor was far less harmful than having a corrupt justice on the highest court. You have to be colloquial sometimes in your use of language, he said, accepting that he has tried to run a disruptive campaign. If elected, Guerrero said that he would push to have the court hold hearings around Mexico to have more contact with people. Silvia Delgado Garcia Age: 51 Whats she known for? She represented drug kingpin Joaquin El Chapo Guzman in 2016. Candidate for: Criminal court judge in northern state of Chihuahua. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nine years ago, Silvia Delgado Garcia was a member of Sinaloa cartel leader Guzmans legal team when he was temporarily held in a prison in Ciudad Juarez before being extradited to the United States. He was eventually tried, convicted and sentenced to life in prison in the U.S. Shes still marked by the case. Some critics of electing judges, and a human rights litigation group called Defensorxs, have labeled Delgado Garcia high risk, because she defends alleged drug traffickers. The group has also identified 17 other candidates that way for being prosecuted, being members of investigated organizations, for alleged human rights violations and deals with criminal groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone has a right to an effective defense, Delgado Garcia said about her decision to represent Guzman. She notes that she only helped at one hearing where the power went out, and her job was to visit him in the Ciudad Juarez prison where he was being held. If they give me a client of that magnitude, in terms of resume thats going to help me, she said. As a candidate, she highlights that she has been a litigator for 18 years and has a passion for criminal law. I am a citizen who believes in the law, and I am extremely prepared to carry out the job and I aim to be impartial in the decisions I hand down." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mauricio Tapia Maltos Age: 30 Whats he known for? Hes a young lawyer at the Supreme Court who spends his free time campaigning in Mexico Citys central square. Candidate for: An administrative judge for two of Mexico Citys boroughs. Every afternoon, Monday to Thursday, Tapia Maltos finishes work at Mexico's Supreme Court where he has worked for 11 years and walks next door to Mexico City's sprawling central square. There, he sets up a small stand from which he hangs three papers on which he has handwritten his name, the position he seeks, his social platform handle and his ID number for the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though he frequently goes unnoticed by the multitude of street vendors, tourists and workers crossing the square each day, Tapia Maltos dressed in white shirt, tie and dark slacks, occasionally draws the attention of those curious enough to stop and read his papers. Some then ask how they can vote. The simplicity of his campaign is its most noteworthy characteristic. I'm not trying to make a big production with videos, no dancing or anything like that ... Because what I'm trying to do is get to know people in an appropriate way. He has worked for years behind the scenes inside the Supreme Court in preparing decisions. Now, thanks to the new judicial election, he says that he has found a way to achieve his dream of being a judge and bring new blood to a judiciary long criticized as corrupt. ____ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america + . . The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Heres a look at May 17, 2025, results for each game: Winning Daily 3 numbers from May 17 drawing Midday: 5-8-7 Evening: 2-3-6 Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily 4 numbers from May 17 drawing Midday: 6-6-0-1 Evening: 0-9-6-1 Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Lucky For Life numbers from May 17 drawing 01-04-27-38-46, Lucky Ball: 13 Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Poker Lotto numbers from May 17 drawing JD-KD-5C-10H-7S Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here. 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To claim by mail, complete a ticket receipt form, sign your winning ticket, and send it along with original copies of your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to the address below. Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly. Claims should be mailed to: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan Lottery Attn: Claim Center 101 E. Hillsdale P.O. Box 30023 Lansing, MI 48909 For prizes over $100,000, winners must claim their prize in person at the Michigan Lottery Headquarters in Lansing located at 101 E. Hillsdale in downtown Lansing. Each winner must present original versions of a valid government-issued photo ID (typically a drivers license or state ID) and a Social Security card, ensuring that the names on both documents match exactly. To schedule an appointment, please call the Lottery Player Relations office at 844-887-6836, option 2. If you prefer to claim in person at one of the Michigan Lottery Regional Offices for prizes under $100,000, appointments are required. Until further notice, please call 1-844-917-6325 to schedule an appointment. Regional office locations are as follows: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lansing: 101 E. Hillsdale St. Lansing; Phone: 844-917-6325 Livonia: 33231 Plymouth Road, Livonia; Phone: 844-917-6325 Sterling Heights: 34700 Dequindre Road, Sterling Heights; Phone: 844-917-6325 Detroit: Cadillac Place, 3060 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-600, Detroit; Phone: 844-917-6325 Grand Rapids: 3391-B Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; Phone: 844-917-6325 Saginaw: Jerome T. Hart State Office Building, 411 E. Genesee Ave., Saginaw; Phone: 844-917-6325 For additional information, downloadable forms, and instructions, visit the Michigan Lottery's prize claim page. When are Michigan Lottery drawings held? Daily 3 & Daily 4: Midday at 12:59 p.m., Evening at 7:29 p.m. Fantasy 5: 7:29 p.m. daily Poker Lotto: 7:29 p.m. daily Lotto 47: 7:29 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily Daily Keno: 7:29 p.m. daily This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Michigan editor. You can send feedback using this form. Our News Automation and AI team would love to hear from you. Take this survey and share your thoughts with us. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Lottery Daily 3, Daily 4 results for May 17, 2025 Former Vice President Mike Pence said Sunday he doesnt plan to run for president again, but hopes to remain a voice for conservative values. I dont see that in my future, Pence said on NBCs Meet the Press. I dont see it, but well keep standing up for everything weve always stood for, and well let the future take care of itself. The 65-year-old former Indiana governor still expressed interest in contributing to conservative policy, even after losing the GOP presidential nomination last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to be a voice for conservative values. I want to be a voice for the policies and liberties enshrined in the Constitution of the United States, Pence said. I want to be a champion of the conservative cause, and thats where Ill stay focused, and well let the future take care of itself. Former Vice President Mike Pence said Sunday he doesnt plan to run for president again, but hopes to remain a voice for conservative values. (AP) Pence, who served as President Donald Trumps second-in-command during his first term, has become more critical of Trump after he refused to concede to former President Joe Biden following his win in 2020. Even though it ended on a sour note, Pence defended their administrations record and said he was proud of the work they had accomplished. I couldnt be more proud of the record of the Trump-Pence administration. I mean, it didnt end the way I wanted it to, but what we were able to do to rebuild our military, to revive our economy, to appoint conservatives to our courts that gave us a new beginning for the right to life and upheld religious liberty and all are going to be a source of great satisfaction for the rest of my life, Pence added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked who Trumps successor may be, Pence declined to provide an answer but took the opportunity to swipe at the Democrats for their lack of star candidates. We have a very deep bench on the Republican side, which is a little bit different than the Democratic Party these days, Pence said. He continued: Weve got a lot of great men and women, and for my part, my goal is to make sure that whoever leads our party in the future, thats someone who embraces that broad, mainstream conservative agenda thats always made America strong and prosperous and free. In the end, it wasnt Signalgate that toppled Mike Waltz, the former national security adviser whom President Donald Trump abruptly fired, though as a concession prize, the onetime congressman was nominated to serve as United Nations ambassador. Instead, according to the Washington Post, the presidents increasing ire at Waltz also owed to Waltzs hawkish stance on Iran, a position that placed him out of step with the administration. Waltz wanted to take U.S. policy in a direction Trump wasnt comfortable with because the U.S. hadnt attempted a diplomatic solution, an anonymous person told the Post. It got back to Trump and the president wasnt happy with it, that person said. But there was something more fundamental at play in the rise and fall of Waltz. Hes a staff[er], but he was acting like a principal, said a person close to the White House who was granted anonymity to discuss internal dynamics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waltz wasnt the first, nor is he likely to be the last. Its practically a tradition in American politics: Former elected officials, accustomed to being bosses, leap at the prospect of powerful jobs in the executive branch only to find themselves bristling at their subservience to the awesome power of the president. Its happened again and again, going back to the Civil War. And again and again, just like with Waltz, it leads to ruin. A three-term member of Congress and one-time subcommittee vice chairman, Waltz fell into the same trap as earlier officeholders from both parties who had trouble making the transition from principal to supporting role. From his imperious manner to his direct conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Waltz forgot the cardinal rule: Staff members are seen, not heard. The warning for other electeds pondering a second act as administration officials is clear. There is only one principal in the administration. If you want to be that person, run for president. Principals struggling to settle into roles as supporting actors is an old trope in American history. In the 19th century, Abraham Lincolns first Cabinet was famously fractious, populated with former officeholders and presidential aspirants who were uncomfortable in their new subordinate roles. Secretary of State William Seward, a former governor of New York, famously attempted to assert unilateral control over U.S. foreign policy and, incredibly, provoke a foreign war to unite the North and South against a common enemy. He also implied that Lincoln was being passive and that someone he meant himself needed to direct the administration. Lincoln shot that idea down immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seward got the message and quickly course corrected. Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase, the former senator and governor of Ohio, did not. A friend later observed that Chase was possessed by the desire to be president even to the extent of honestly believing that he owed it to the country and the country owed it to him. He conspired relentlessly against Lincoln, who eventually accepted his resignation. In a day and age when presidents had two, perhaps three staff members, Cabinet members were the closest approximation to a fuller presidential staff as then existed. But over time, the makeup of the executive branch would evolve. With the growth of the administrative state during the New Deal and World War II eras part and parcel of the new imperial presidency that continues to this day two things happened: Cabinet departments swelled in size, making Senate-confirmed Cabinet members more important, at least on paper; and the White House staff grew, again, both in size and power. Whereas presidents as recent at Theodore Roosevelt claimed fewer than a dozen or two White House staffers, by the 1960s, over 250 people worked directly in the West Wing, and another 1,350 in the Executive Office of the President. It wasnt always clear where the real center of gravity was located. But the old dynamic persisted. When former officeholders took administration jobs, either as department heads or staff members, they didnt always adjust well to the supporting nature of those roles. Not everyone was cut out for the transition. As former governors, both Abraham Ribicoff (a Democrat from Connecticut) and John Connally (a Democrat-turned-Republican from Texas) entered the Cabinet with strong executive instincts and independent political profiles traits that clashed with the hierarchical, president-centered nature of White House governance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ribicoff, appointed Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare by President John F. Kennedy, quickly grew frustrated with bureaucratic constraints and the limited autonomy of a Cabinet role, resigning after just over a year. Connally, by contrast, thrived as President Richard Nixons treasury secretary, leveraging his political clout and business-friendly persona. But even he chafed at operating within a system where real power flowed through the West Wing rather than the departments. Ribicoff and Connallys discomfort underscored a broader truth: Governors accustomed to leading often struggle with the supporting role of a Cabinet officer, where influence depends more on proximity to the president than on portfolio size or resume. In 1973, in the aftermath of Richard Nixons purge of the Justice Department, dubbed the Saturday Night Massacre, the embattled president appointed William Saxbe as attorney general. The former senator from Ohio was seen as a stabilizing figure with bipartisan credibility someone Nixon hoped could help calm the waters following the Watergate scandal. But Saxbe, used to the independence and public profile of a senator, quickly grew frustrated with the limited influence of the role, the expectation that he clear all statements with the West Wing and the political maneuvering within the White House. He resented being treated as a figurehead and felt isolated from key decision-making. Saxbes blunt style and discomfort with the court-like atmosphere of the executive branch made him an awkward fit, and he left the position in early 1975 to become the ambassador to India an elegant exit that removed him from the post-Watergate fallout but underscored his misalignment with the expectations of a Cabinet subordinate. Not unlike Waltzs face-saving nomination to the UN ambassadorship, he was given a golden parachute that landed far from the corridors of power. It was a tough row to hoe for Ribicoff, Conally and Saxbe. But at least they were Cabinet members. Former electeds who became mere staffers had it even worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Rep. Donald Rumsfeld (D-Ill.) had been a rising star in Congress and was accustomed to operating independently and commanding media attention traits that didnt always translate well to the more deferential role of a White House aide. As Nixons director of the Office of Economic Opportunity, he clashed with other administration figures and bristled at micromanagement from the White House. Later, as President Gerald Fords chief of staff, he operated more effectively but remained wary of being seen as a mere executor of someone elses vision. Even in his more senior roles, Rumsfeld projected the instincts of a principal rather than the loyalty-first posture traditionally expected of presidential staff. Rumsfeld left his role as Fords chief of staff in late 1975 and was appointed secretary of defense. It was a decent end to a bumpy tenure. Less so for David Stockman, a former U.S. representative from Michigan whom President Ronald Reagan appointed as director of the Office of Management and Budget in 1981. A committed supply-sider, Stockman brought intellectual rigor and ideological zeal to the job, but he struggled with the discipline and discretion expected of a Cabinet position especially one so close to the president. Accustomed to legislative independence and policy advocacy, he chafed at having to defend budgetary compromises and political messaging that deviated from his supply-side convictions. Stockmans downfall came in his very first year, when he sat for a lengthy interview with The Atlantic for an article ultimately entitled The Education of David Stockman. That was mistake number one: making himself the subject of a profile. Mistake number two: openly criticizing the administrations fiscal policy and admitting that its tax-cutting strategy was based more on political momentum than economic certainty. None of us really understands what is going on with all these numbers, he told journalist William Greider. It was, he conceded, pure trickle-down theory. It was Christmas come early for congressional Democrats. House Speaker Tip ONeill (D-Mass.) crowed, On each point the architect of the administrations economic program is admitting exactly what I and other critics have been saying for six months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief of Staff James Baker forced Stockman to apologize to the president over lunch. The menu is humble pie, he told Stockman. Youre going to eat every last motherfucking spoonful of it. But the episode ended his influence in the White House Stockman resigned in 1985. His troubled tenure underscored how difficult it can be for ex-legislators to subordinate personal ideology and public profile to the role of policy executor within a president-centered system. The same dynamic was on sharp display during the first Trump administration. Former South Carolina Rep. Mick Mulvaney initially faced challenges as director of the Office of Management and Budget, where he had to implement policies at odds with his prior fiscal hawkishness in Congress like Trumps tax cuts, which ballooned the deficit. Similarly, former North Carolina Rep. Mark Meadows, who became Trumps chief of staff, often blurred the boundaries of his role. Take for example the October 2020 episode shortly after Trump was admitted to Walter Reed Medical Center for Covid-19. The White House physician gave a rosy public assessment of Trump's condition. But immediately afterward, an anonymous senior official later identified by multiple outlets as Meadows told the press that Trumps vitals were concerning and that the president wasnt out of the woods. Trump was reportedly furious when he learned his chief of staff had spoken to reporters off the record and contradicted the party line. These former legislators were accustomed to autonomous decision-making and public-facing leadership, but found that staff roles required deference, behind-the-scenes maneuvering and alignment with the presidents often unpredictable directives conditions that complicated their effectiveness and influence. Today, this long and storied history of former elected politicians stepping into positions that serve the president only to fall flat on their faces presents a paradox for people like Waltz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House staff jobs sometimes confer even greater power and authority than Cabinet positions. As presidents of both parties, from Reagan to Barack Obama, moved the center of gravity from the far reaches of Foggy Bottom and Arlington into the West Wing, positions like national security adviser became eminently more important than, say, UN ambassador, despite the trappings that come with those jobs. But former electeds in those roles suffer a fatal disability: Accustomed to the autonomy and deference of their former offices, they find it hard to subvert their egos for the greater good of the presidency. And all are not up to the task. Waltz, like many who came before him, learned that lesson the hard way. ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) A suspected militant attack on two villages in Nigeria left at least 57 people dead and at least 70 missing on Thursday, witnesses said Sunday, in one of the deadliest incidents in the country's conflict-ridden northeast this year. Abdulrahman Ibrahim survived Thursday's attack on two villages in Baga in Borno State and participated in the burial of the dead. He told The Associated Press that the Jamaatu Ahlis Sunna Liddaawati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction of the militant group Boko Haram gathered more than 100 residents of the neighboring villages of Mallam Karamti and Kwatandashi and marched them into the bush. Later on Saturday, 57 bodies were recovered there. A spokesperson for the Borno government said he could not confirm the casualty counts. The Nigerian military did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Ibrahim, who is from Mallam Karamti, and another survivor from Kwatandashi who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals, the villagers were accused of acting as informants for the rival Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Although ISWAP has gained notoriety for targeting military personnel and assets, the JAS faction has increasingly resorted to attacking civilians and perceived collaborators and thrives on robberies and abductions for ransom. Without the capacity to attack the military like ISWAP, JAS is focused on terrorizing civilians, said Malik Samuel, an expert on northern Nigeria's conflicts with nonprofit Good Governance Africa. The witnesses said burial of the victims was delayed because the military was unavailable to provide support in conducting searches for bodies. Most of the dead victims were found with their throats slit, but others had been shot, the locals said. There are probably more bodies because we had to stop further searches with soldiers out of fear of an ambush," Ibrahim said. More than 70 are still missing, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mass killing came during a week of intensifying violence in Borno. On Monday, ISWAP militants overran the 50 Task Force Battalion of the Nigerian Army stationed in Marte, seizing arms and ammunition after a deadly assault that killed several soldiers, according to videos shared on social media by soldiers who survived the attack. Following the attack on Marte, displaced people camped there fled to nearby Dikwa, a humanitarian hub where aid groups are pulling out due to international funding cuts. In a separate incident on Saturday afternoon, a roadside bomb detonated along the Maiduguri-Damboa road, the second such attack in a week. Three people died at the scene, and a fourth succumbed to injuries Sunday morning at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). More than 10 others were still being treated for injuries at the hospital, a local resident, Lawan Bukar Maigana, who has assisted the community in emergencies, said. Since 2009, the Boko Haram insurgency has created a humanitarian disaster in Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger and Chad, with more than 35,000 people killed and 2.6 million others displaced over the last 15 years. Borno in Nigeria, its birthplace, is the worst-affected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They want to install an Islamic state across the four countries, with Nigeria as their main target. The country is West Africas oil giant with more than 200 million people, divided almost equally between a mainly Christian south and a predominantly Muslim north. The Nigerian government has claimed progress against the insurgency, but the militants continue to attack civilians and military and have expanded into other regions, including central Nigeria where the capital Abuja is located, according to experts and public records on counterterrorism. Update: SANDY, Utah (ABC4) The missing, at-risk Sandy man has been found, according to family members. The mans name and photos have been removed from this story. Original story: SANDY, Utah (ABC4) The Sandy Police Department is seeking the publics help in the search for a man who was last seen around 1 a.m. on Saturday. The man, 30, is considered missing and at risk, according to Sandy PD. He was last seen in the Historic Sandy area around 1 a.m., according to police. He was last seen wearing a bleached denim vest, green pants, and a black shirt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on his whereabouts has been asked to call Sandy PD. Police did not disclose additional information. What to do when speaking to law enforcement about a missing person Here are some suggestions to keep in mind if someone you know goes missing. Utah officials suggest taking notes on interactions with law enforcement to keep track of details such as officer names, dates and times of interactions, the case number, and what the officers say. When working with local law enforcement to report a missing person, it is recommended one shares as much information as possible about the missing person, including but not limited to: Full name or nicknames. Recent photos. Date of birth and age at the time they disappeared. Gender/sex. Detailed physical description (including unique scars or tattoos). Date of disappearance. Medical conditions. Last known location. Social media accounts. Additional resources For more information, the Department of Public Safety has a page on its website dedicated to resources for missing persons, as well as pages to view missing persons from Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional hotlines and resources originally compiled in a 2021 guidebook are available below: Latest headlines: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. FAYETTEVILLE, AR What started as a family heirloom in a Missouri home has now been identified as one of the rarest pre-contact Native American artifacts ever brought to the University of Arkansas Museum. An ancient seed bag, believed to be several hundred, if not thousands, of years old, was officially donated on May 5 to the University of Arkansas Museum by a southwest Missouri family. Archaeologists describe it as one of the best-preserved organic artifacts ever to emerge from the region. It was just really exciting to see because, like Id mentioned earlier, those kinds of organic remains are very, very rare, Mel Zabecki, Arkansas state archaeologist, said. I was surprised and just excited to see something new and very, very well preserved. It was just beautifully preserved, it looked like it was made yesterday. The ancient seed bag was originally discovered in the Missouri Ozarks near a bluff shelfsmall natural caves in rock formations, in the 1960s by a Dry Hollow resident, Andy Juel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rare artifact had been preserved in a glass jar for over six decades and was passed down to his granddaughter, Jess Mayberry, before being donated to the museum. In an email, Mayberry wrote, I adored this bag growing up, and when I noticed the seeds starting to fall out, I feared that we werent doing our best to preserve it. And if we didnt act, we could lose it. Park Hills daycare under investigation following childs death Mayberry wanted to donate the bag to the University of Arkansas Museum, even though it was found in Missouri, due to its heavy research in fibers, native artifacts, and the fact the bag was found closer to its campus and the shelters in which the university has study. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive only been here at the survey for 10 years, and even people that have been here for 35 years say, Wow, that is the nicest thing thats come through, Zabecki said. According to Mayberrys husband, Matt Hoemann, the woven bag still contained ancient seeds and several stone tools, and is believed to be a rare example of pre-contact Native American craftsmanship. Experts say it likely came from a period when bluff shelters were actively used by Indigenous communities in the Ozarks, potentially placing its age anywhere between 500 and 2,000 years. According to Zabecki, bluff shelters provide the ideal dry and stable conditions needed to preserve delicate organic materials that would normally decay in the regions humid climate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After comparing it to records and artifacts stored at the museum, researchers believe the Missouri bag could be culturally connected to the Osage tribe. Although the bag has been donated to the museum, Zabecki explains that it is being held temporarily while the museum works to contact the Osage tribe to determine how they would like to proceed with the artifact. It feels as if I return something that was lost, Mayberry wrote. Although I always enjoyed looking at the bag in the glass jar, it is nothing compared to the feeling I get knowing I return something that could piece together some history or complete a 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 FOX 2. MOGADISHU (Reuters) -At least 10 people were killed on Sunday after a suicide bomber targeted a queue of young recruits registering at the Damanyo military base in the Somali capital Mogadishu, witnesses told Reuters, in an attack claimed by militant group al Shabaab. Teenagers were lining up at the base's gate when the attacker detonated their explosives, they said. A military captain who gave his name as Suleiman described the attack as he had seen it unfold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I was on the other side of the road. A speeding tuk-tuk stopped, a man alighted, ran into the queue, and then blew himself up. I saw 10 people dead, including recruits and passers-by. The death toll may rise," he said. Dozens of abandoned shoes and the remains of the suicide bomber were visible at the scene. Another witness, Abdisalan Mohamed, said he had seen "hundreds of teenagers at the gate as we passed by in a bus". "Abruptly, a deafening blast occurred, and the area was covered by dense smoke. We could not see the details of casualties," he said. Medical staff at the military hospital told Reuters they had received 30 injured people from the blast and that six of them had died immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Government forces quickly cordoned off the entire area. In a statement on Sunday Islamist militant group al Shabaab said it was behind the attack and that it had killed as many as 30 soldiers and wounded 50 more. Government officials could not immediately be reached for comment. Al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab has waged an insurgency in Somalia since 2007, and has recently been battling the army to extend gains in central Somalia. The attack echoed a similar incident in 2023 when a suicide bomber killed 25 soldiers at the Jale Siyad base, located opposite the Damanyo facility. Sunday's attack followed the assassination on Saturday of Colonel Abdirahmaan Hujaale, commander of battalion 26, in the Hiiran region, after local reports of al Shabaab militant infiltration into government and security forces. (Reporting by Abdi Sheikh; Additional reporting by Feisal Omar; Writing by Isaac AnyaoguEditing by Gareth Jones) Companies everywhere are switched on to the need to drive greater insights out of their data, and one of the most pressing needs I always hear, across industries of all kinds, is how to get a 360-degree view of the customer from all over the organisation. CEOs and COOs and CMOs all want this, and CIOs need a strategy to deliver it. The challenge is not a simple one. Australian brands are battling head-winds on customer experience. Forresters 2024 Australia CX Index shows customer experience (CX) quality for most industries is flat or falling, with banking and government agencies at their lowest scores on record a warning that loyalty is eroding even for once-trusted incumbents. At the same time, regulators have lifted the bar. Tranche 1 of the Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 is already in force, giving the OAIC new infringement-notice powers and a looming statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy. The Consumer Data Right (CDR) reset will extend data-sharing obligations to non-bank lenders from mid-2026, streamlining consent and banning screen-scraping. And for APRA-regulated entities, CPS 234 demands demonstrable information-security capability. The implication for CIOs is clear: without a single, governed view of each customer across every platform, it is impossible to balance personalisation, compliance, and cyber-resilience. Let's get right into it. here is a six-point blueprint you can adopt: Step What "good" looks like Practical tips 1. Map the data estate A living inventory that links data assets to business value and risk. Run domain-led workshops to uncover shadow SaaS and spreadsheets. Use automated scanners to classify PII and sensitive attributes. Tag each source with latency, quality score and owner. 2. Build an identity spine One golden record per individual, persisted in a master data management (MDM) or customer-data platform (CDP). Resolve identities with deterministic keys first (customer numbers, TFN, mobile), then probabilistic matching. Version every merge/split event for auditability. 3. Modernise the integration fabric Real-time, event-driven data flows feeding both analytics and transactional apps. Standardise on REST/GraphQL APIs for core CRUD. Stream change data capture into a system like Kafka or AWS Kinesis for low-latency updates. Where systems cant be modernised, apply data-virtualisation to avoid point-to-point ETL sprawl. 4. Operationalise insights AI-assisted decisioning embedded into customer journeys. Layer a cloud data warehouse/lakehouse (e.g. Snowflake, Databricks) with feature-stores to serve ML models. Expose model outputs as APIs that marketing, contact-centre and fraud systems can call at runtime. 5. Embed trust, consent and security Privacy-by-design controls aligned to the 2024 Privacy reforms, CDR rules and CPS 234. Capture purpose and lawful basis at the point of data collection; store it with the record. Automate deletion & subject-access workflows. Encrypt data in transit (TLS 1.3) and at rest (AES-256); rotate keys via KMS. Log every access for CPS 234 evidence packs. 6. Orchestrate change and culture Cross-functional squads measuring customer, risk and cost outcomes. Establish a Customer 360 Council chaired by the CIO and CCO. Fund the roadmap via value-case sprints tied to specific CX or risk OKRs. Celebrate wins publicly to shift the culture from system ownership to customer stewardship. You're not alone in this challenge. Even Services Australia steward of some of the nations most complex data sets has launched a Customer 360 Strategy to unify records across myGov, Medicare and Centrelink, putting peoples needs at the heart of everything the agency does. Their focus on evidence-based CX principles and AI safeguards underscores that a 360-view is as much about governance and ethics as it is about technology. As you progress you'll find quick wins that pay for themselves. For example, CDR-powered data onboarding Use CDR APIs to pre-fill income and liability data in loan origination, cutting manual document processing and improving NPS. Real-time churn prediction Stream billing and support-ticket events into a lightweight ML model to trigger retention offers before the customer defects. Single consent centre Give customers a self-service portal to view and revoke marketing or third-party sharing consents in line with the new Privacy Act powers; doing so reduces compliance overhead and boosts trust. Of course, what gets measured gets improved, and you will want - need - to ensure you set some metrics before you begin, then assess against your target as you progress. For example, here are some reasonable metrics you can use, along with example baseline and targets. Metric Baseline Target after 12 months Average number of duplicated customer IDs per individual 4.3 < 1 Percentage of interactions with full consent metadata attached 45 % 95 % Mean time to assemble a customer dossier for complaint resolution 3 days 30 minutes Net promoter score (NPS) differential vs. industry average -2 +5 Annualised cost of compliance incidents AU$1.2 m < AU$100 k Everyone wants a 360 degree view of the customer, and it's no longer a moon-shot; it is the foundation for relevance and regulatory survival. The technology patterns are proven, the standards are clear, and the economic climate rewards firms that turn insight into action faster than their competitors. As CIOs, our mandate is to collapse silos without compromising trust. By starting with identity, modernising the data fabric, and embedding privacy-by-design, we create a resilient platform that lets every conversation feel personal and keeps regulators, boards and, most importantly, customers onside. Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) A Roaring Spring mother is facing charges after allegedly abandoning her autistic teen son and his younger brother for multiple days, according to Pennsylvania State Police. Elaine Marie Pilkerton, 32, was charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child after troopers were called about her two boys being abandoned at their home. According to the criminal complaint, police were called to a home in Roaring Spring when the landlord was alerted by another tenant that the kids may be home alone. Troopers also reported that the oldest child reached out to a friends mother after they ran out of food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers said they went to the home after the landlord said he couldnt locate the children and they found the residence to be absolutely disgusting with a horrible stench throughout. According to charging documents, there was filthy dish water, backed up sewage in the toilets, and feces everywhere. Altoona crossing guard arrested, accused of raping teen with developmental delays Troopers said the boys father in Texas was contacted, and then their grandmother drove from Maryland to take custody of the boys. According to the complaint, Pilkerton was finally contacted on the phone after numerous attempts to call and claimed she only left them for three days to cross state lines for work. The boys, however, told troopers she left to go to Tennessee with her boyfriend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers noted that when they spoke to her, she was disrespectful and at one point allegedly questioned, What the f*** are you doing in my home? 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. Pilkerton was arraigned Sunday evening, May 18, by MDJ Daniel DeAntonio and placed in Blair County Prison with bail set at $15,000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) A man died after crashing into a power pole in Spartanburg on Saturday night. Officers with the Spartanburg Police Department said they responded to the crash at the intersection of Ammons Road and John B. White Sr. Blvd. around 11 p.m. According to officials, the motorcyclist was traveling east on John B. White Sr. Blvd. toward Crescent Ave. when he lost control of the motorcycle on the curve past Ammons Road and left the road, hitting the pole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coroners office identified the man as Fernando Ortiz, 30, of Spartanburg. He was pronounced dead at 11:13 p.m. at the scene of the crash. Ortiz, police said, was wearing a helmet at the time of the wreck. A forensic exam is scheduled for Monday, the coroners office said. The crash remains under investigation by police and the coroners office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. A 37-year-old man is facing several charges following a police chase in northeast Georgia, deputies say. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Officials said, on Saturday, around midnight, a Hart County deputy tried to conduct a traffic stop on a motorcycle going over 100 miles per hour on Bowersville Highway. The motorcyclist, identified as David William Maddox, 37, of Hartwell, did not stop, and a chase began. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hart County officials said Maddox reached speeds of over 120 mph as the deputy chased him down Bowersville Highway, then onto Highway 17 South through Canon and Royston. TRENDING STORIES: The HCSO said the chase continued onto Freedom Church Road in Vannan. Near Pullian Lane, Maddox lost control and crashed into a fence, deputies said. He was rushed to Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital in Athens. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Maddox is facing several charges, including: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Felony fleeing and attempting to elude Reckless driving Speeding Driving on a limited permit Failure to maintain lane Too fast for conditions Passing in a no-passing zone The crash remains under investigation. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) D.C. police have released the name of a man who was fatally shot in Southwest on Saturday night. Just after 8:20 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of Irvington St., SW, for a reported shooting. This is near the Maryland- D.C. line. At the scene, they found Christopher Rashad Riles, 32, of Southwest, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers noted that he was unconscious and not breathing when they found him. DC police identify teen boy killed in Northeast shooting Responders took Riles to the hospital, and after all lifesaving efforts failed, police said he was pronounced dead. As of Sunday afternoon, no arrests have been made in the deadly shooting. Police urge anyone with information to call (202) 727-9099 or text a tip to 50411. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man is in custody after he got into a fight outside a high school graduation after someone allegedly spat on his sister, Memphis Police confirmed. At 2:46 p.m. on Saturday, officers responded to a fight/holding prisoner call at the Renasant Center located on N Main St. The Renasant Center was hosting the Douglas High School graduation. When officers arrived, they met with an officer from Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officer told them that he saw the suspect and another person engaged in a fight. The officer with MSCS said he saw a Glock 19X semiautomatic handgun fall from the suspects waistband. It ended up getting picked. MASE Dean of Students violates protection order, gets probation The MSCS officer took the suspect and the other person into custody. MPD officers interviewed the suspect, who said that the other person had allegedly spit on his 17-year-old sister. At that time, he said he smacked the person in the face and then a fist fight ensued. At this time, no charges have been pressed. We will update this story as more information becomes available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) It was a multi-agency rescue mission that started in northern New Mexico and ended with the National Guard landing a helicopter on UNMs campus. We were wheels up immediately, said Hank Minitrez, spokesperson for the New Mexico National Guard. According to the National Guard, they received a call Friday evening about the incident along the Canadian River in Colfax County, saying one person was unconscious, and another had a broken leg. Local authorities attempted to make the rescue at first, but it was decided that one of the patients needed an airlift. What normally happens is, when every other effort is exhausted and they still cant get to the individual, then theyll notify the New Mexico National Guard, Minitrez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students install nap pods at the University of New Mexico According to responding agencies, a New Mexico Game and Fish agent reached the individuals first by hiking to them. Other search and rescue agencies followed and were able to provide medical aid. Rescuers found out both patients were conscious and neither had a broken leg. However, one of the patients was struggling to breathe, with responders suspecting they had broken ribs and a collapsed lung. It wasnt long before a Blackhawk helicopter was hovering over, and the patient was lifted. Thats when our flight medic, very skilled, very experienced, was lowered down via cable hoist, made the assessment that this individual was having difficulty breathing, Minitrez explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UNM announces reopening date of Duck Pond The patient was taken to UNMs hospital. Albuquerques Fire Rescue says the helipad at UNMH is not built for helicopters of that magnitude. So, the pilot was forced to land at UNMs Johnson Field with help from AFR and UNM police. Within minutes, we can dispatch one of our helicopter crews out there to perform the rescue, and thats exactly what happened last night, Minitrez added. According to the Colfax County Sheriffs Office, the second injured person was evacuated on foot. Agencies involved in the rescue included the Colfax County Sheriffs Office, Raton Fire and Rescue, and New Mexico Search and Rescue, among several others. This is the second time this year a Blackhawk helicopter was used to rescue someone in New Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. (Fox40) The Sacramento Police Department responded to reports of someone with a firearm at a house party Saturday night. Police arrived at the sound of multiple gunshots being fired off on the 8200 block of Sunbird Way around 11:45 pm Saturday. Video above: Man in critical condition after shooting Officers located a man with at least one gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital and is expected to live, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Casings were found on the scene, as well as two vehicles and two residences struck by gunfire. There is no information on other victims or suspects at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. MANHATTAN (PIX11) A Mexican navy sailing ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge Saturday night, and multiple people sustained injuries, according to police. Officers received a call about a boat that hit the bottom of the Brooklyn Bridge at 8:30 p.m. Authorities said multiple people were aboard the boat. More Local News A video posted to Instagram shows the boat gliding along the East River. Then, the top of the sails hits the bottom of the bridge, and the sailing flags break and collapse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some 277 people were on the boat, 19 of whom were injured. Four people had serious injuries, officials said. They were taken to a local hospital. The Mexican Navy Ship Officials said that the Mexican navy ship suffered an apparent mechanical failure, which caused the captain to lose control and led to the crash. The ship was sailing to Iceland. Officials noted the boat had the authority to be in New York City waters. The most important thing is the injured, said the Ambassador to Mexico at a press conference Saturday evening. They [the sailors] were taken to the hospital. The Mexican Minister of the Navy is looking for the family of all involved to give them a detailed panorama to provide them with everything that is going on with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a post to X, the Mexican Navy said that the Cuauhtemoc, an academy training vessel, was damaged in an accident with the Brooklyn Bridge that prevented it from continuing its voyage. It added that the status of personnel and material was under review by naval and local authorities, which were providing assistance. Road closure The Brooklyn Bridge was closed to traffic in both directions, according to a social media post by the New York City Emergency Management. Activity: Expect traffic delays, road closures & emergency personnel near New Dock Street & Water Street, Brooklyn. Use alternate routes. New York City Emergency Management Department The Brooklyn Bridge did not suffer any serious damage, New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said. The National Transportation Safety Board will conduct a full investigation in the coming days, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story comprises reporting from The Associated Press. Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Multiple minors were arrested after a massive brawl broke out at the Menlo Park Mall in New Jersey on May 17 Edison Mayor Sam Joshi said "over 300 youth" were at the location when the incident occurred at around 8 p.m. local time Footage of the chaotic scene that was shared on social media shows groups of teenagers running through a mall food court Several juveniles have been arrested after a massive brawl broke out in a mall in New Jersey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident occurred at the Menlo Park Mall in Edison at approximately 8 p.m. local time on Saturday, May 17, according to a statement shared on social media by Edison Mayor Sam Joshi. He said the Edison Police Department (EPD) "was notified that over 300 youth were gathered at Menlo Park mall and a brawl ensued." Joshi added: "No weapons were confirmed at the incident and no injuries to juveniles at this time. Neighboring municipalities were notified and provided immediate mutual aid to the Edison Police Department to disperse the crowd." In a comment on his post, Joshi clarified that none of the juveniles arrested were from Edison. Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Menlo Park Mall in Edison, N.J. Menlo Park Mall in Edison, N.J. There are currently conflicting reports tied to the total number of arrests. Joshi said, "At least four have been arrested," while Edison Police Chief Thomas Bryan said seven people were arrested in total, according to My Central Jersey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryan told the local outlet that one of the arrested juveniles was to be charged with aggravated assault of an officer. The six others are reportedly facing charges of disorderly conduct, and one of them is also charged with resisting arrest, per My Central Jersey. The EPD, as well as a representative for the Edison Mall, did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Sunday, May 18. Getty Police car at night (stock image) Police car at night (stock image) 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. Footage of the chaotic scene that was shared on social media shows groups of teenagers running through a mall food court, as yelling can be heard in the background. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NJ.com reported that TikTok and Instagram videos were being shared by teens in the days leading up to the incident, telling people to meet up at the mall on May 17 at 7 p.m. Read the original article on People Nineteen people are injured, with four facing serious injuries, after a large ship carrying more than 200 hit the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17 Everyone is currently believed to be accounted for, according to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) The investigation remains ongoing Multiple people are injured, and a search and rescue operation is underway, after a large ship carrying more than 200 hit the Brooklyn Bridge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, May 17, the Cuauhtemoc, a training ship used for the Mexican Navy, crashed into the New York City landmark, the organization confirmed in a statement on X. "During the sailing maneuver of the Cuauhtemoc sailboat in New York, a mishap occurred with the Brooklyn Bridge, causing damage to the training ship, preventing the continuation of the training cruise for the time being," the Mexican Navy said. "The status of personnel and equipment is being reviewed by naval and local authorities, who are providing support," the group continued. "The Navy reaffirms its commitment to personnel safety, transparency in its operations, and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Navy." During a press conference, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said 19 people were injured, four seriously. No one fell into the water, authorities added. An official with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) told The New York Times that there were 277 people onboard total, and everyone is currently believed to be accounted for. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany The Cuauhtemoc in 2019. The Cuauhtemoc in 2019. One of the boat's large masts collided with the bridge just before 9 p.m. local time, The New York Post reported, citing sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local outlet AM New York added that the vessel was sailing northbound along the East River when the incident occurred. Three areas have been set up to assist travelers who were on the boat Pier 16, Marine 6 and the Brooklyn Bridge Park. Video footage shared online shows the massive boat coming in contact with the Brooklyn Bridge, before sections of the top half of the ship break apart. Another post includes a photo that shows numerous people hanging from the ship's mast after the collision. Mark Levine, the Manhattan Borough President, said in a post on X that divers with the New York Police Department (NYPD) transported injured individuals to nearby hospitals to receive aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that the Department of Transportation (DOT) was at the bridge "to assess potential structural damage," and it would "not need to close." The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. The NYPD, the FDNY and the Coast Guard did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on May 17. Getty The Brooklyn Bridge (stock image). The Brooklyn Bridge (stock image). The Cuauhtemoc arrived in the area earlier in the week, according to NBC New York. It was docked at Pier 17 of the South Street Seaport Museum and was open for tours. The ship, per the museum's website, was built in Bilbao, Spain, in 1981 at the Celaya Shipyards. The vessel's name means "Descending Eagle." Read the original article on People On the night of May 16, a large beam of light resembling a spotlight was seen shooting into the night sky in the Southwest, but its source remains unknown. A Facebook post sharing the mysterious light reportedly visible from Safford quickly gained traction, earning 3,000 likes and more than 800 comments by the following evening. "Can someone explain to me what this is?" read a message from numerous commenters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of images posted in the comments depicted what appeared to be the same sight in cities like Fountain Hills, Payson, and next-door New Mexico and Colorado, and even as far away as Montana. Separate Facebook posts showed a similar bright beam of light, with some coming from northern Arizona. Meanwhile, posts on X from New Mexico captured the light appearing and then fading into the night sky. A streak of light can be seen in the night sky near Farmington, New Mexico, in this screenshot taken from a timelapse by Derick Wilson on May 16, 2025. What was the light? Public affairs offices for Luke Air Force Base in the Phoenix area, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in southern Arizona, and Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque did not immediately respond to The Arizona Republics request for comment regarding the mysterious light. Although the source of the beam remained unclear, social media comment sections were filled with theories. Despite the speculation, no clear or confirmed explanation had emerged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What caused the Phoenix Lights? 28 years after the UFO drama, here's what we know One of the theories included a Chinese rocket launched the same day from northwest China, carrying a payload of satellites to be deployed, according to Reuters. Some speculated the light could have been caused by a space weather phenomenon known as Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement, or STEVE, which is created by energized particles in Earths atmosphere. According to Space.com, the effect can resemble the northern lights. Others suggested it might have been a light pillar, a phenomenon where beams of light appear due to the reflection of light off ice crystals in the atmosphere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (This story was updated to include new information and photos) Reach reporter Rey Covarrubias Jr. at rcovarrubias@gannett.com. Follow him on X, Threads and Bluesky @ReyCJrAZ. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: A light in the sky? What social media users claim to see SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A name has been released for a two vehicle crash that left one woman dead and another seriously injured 10 miles northeast of Armour on Wednesday. Update: Names released in Rapid City murder Preliminary crash information indicates Sheryl Lynn Tate, the driver of a 2004 Chrysler Town and Country, was traveling east on SD Highway 44. A Peterbilt semi with dump trailer was traveling the same direction ahead of the Chrysler and had slowed down for a right turn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The approaching Chrysler swerved to the right, colliding with the right rear side of the dump trailer. Tate was pronounced dead at the scene, and a passenger in the Chrysler had sustained serious, non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the semi, was not injured. Fatal crash northeast of Armour Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. RAPID CITY, SD (KELO) Police have released the names of both the victim and the suspect in a deadly weekend shooting in Rapid City. 17-year-old Omariraine Red Bear is charged with First-Degree Murder in connection with Saturday mornings shooting on Wood Avenue, on Rapid Citys north side. Red Bear is being held in the Western South Dakota Juvenile Services Center. Hes accused of killing 33-year-old Dakota Britthouer, who died at the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say the two knew one another and that the shooting was not random. 1 dead in Rapid City shooting Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Joan Doyle trusts her doctors. Between her husbands epilepsy and diabetes, her daughters Down syndrome and her own car accident years ago, the 65-year-old Sharonville resident and her family have relied on a whole host of doctors to guide them through new diagnoses and prescriptions. So when she searched her familys doctors in Open Payments, a public database that shows which doctors have received money from Big Pharma, Doyle was curious about what shed find. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Certainly none of my doctors are on this list, she remembered thinking before searching the database. She was surprised. Every single one of them, Doyle said. Everybody from our dentist to our family doctor to all of our ologists. When companies buy doctors meals, they become more likely to prescribe the drug the company's promoting. The Enquirer verified that all 12 of the doctors Doyle searched accepted payments or in-kind forms of compensation from pharma or medical device companies between 2017 and 2023. The total sum varied widely, from less than $300 for her OB-GYN to more than $150,000 for her husbands oncologist. Doyle searched her doctors payments after The Enquirer asked readers to use the database and share what they found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What she discovered about her familys doctors is true for millions of American families. Payments like these are pervasive: A 2024 analysis found that more than half of doctors in the U.S. accepted a payment from a pharmaceutical or medical device company over the past decade. These companies compensate doctors in a number of ways, ranging from a single expensed meal to hundreds of thousands of dollars in royalties for doctors who invent medical devices. Others are paid thousands of dollars in speaker fees, to help pharma companies advertise a new treatment. A small number of doctors, including a handful in Cincinnati, have earned millions through their relationships with drug and device companies. The Enquirer analyzed the data to determine the 10 doctors and 10 nurses and physician assistants who received the biggest payouts from industry sources. Most don't earn millions of dollars in 2023, the median total industry payment per doctor was $147 in Ohio and $182 in Kentucky but research shows that when a doctor was bought a single meal of less than $20 by a drug company, they were up to twice as likely to prescribe the medication the company was marketing. Joan Doyle's husband Ric takes a number of different medications to manage his health. This kind of direct-to-physician marketing is legal, as long as theres no evidence of direct kickbacks to physicians for prescribing certain treatments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Physicians and other medical professionals who accept those payments say they are improving patient care by getting the word out about promising drugs and technological advances. When The Enquirer reached out to Cincinnati doctors who earned the most, those who responded said their work on behalf of the companies benefited their colleagues and the patients they treat. But researchers and ethicists are concerned about the amount of money involved and the potential for that money to influence physicians. Doyle shares those concerns. Though shes decided to stick with her doctors, she said she was deflated by what she found. How affected are they? Doyle wondered. And by that, how affected am I? Joan Doyle still trusts her doctors, but she says that finding them on the the Open Payments database gave her pause. Why your doctors finances are public Anyone can search their doctors payments from industry due to a federal law called the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, which requires drug and medical device companies to disclose payments they made to health care providers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Charles Rosen, an orthopedic surgeon and professor at University of California, Irvine Medical Center, began lobbying for the Sunshine Act back in 2006, four years before the bill passed. As the cofounder of the Association for Medical Ethics, a volunteer-run organization for doctors who advocate for transparency in medicine, Rosen testified before the US Congress in 2008 on the conflicts of interest created by industry paying surgeons. Rosen felt compelled to push for more transparency in the medical industry when a new artificial lumbar disc, a device that replaces a damaged disc in the lower spine, hit the market in 2004. The artificial disc, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson subsidiary DePuy, was the first of its kind in the United States. I wanted to see if it was a new device that I could use in my surgeries, Rosen remembered. When he looked into the devices FDA clinical trial, he was shocked. The data was terrible, said Rosen, who later discovered that almost every author of the study earned royalties from the disc replacement or were salaried consultants for the company. I just thought it was bad medicine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rosen ended up treating dozens of patients who suffered agonizing pain from the failed disc replacements. That's when I started saying, well, I would like to know, and I think patients would like to know, if the doctor that's writing a prescription for a medicine for them is being paid by the company that makes the medicine. In Cincinnati, medical companies have spent more than $100 million The Enquirer analyzed all payments unrelated to research that companies made to doctors who worked in the Cincinnati area between 2017 and 2023, the most recent year data was available, and talked to the doctors who received some of the highest payments. Our analysis of the dataset, which contained nearly 750,000 individual transactions detailing practitioners' trips, meals, gifts, speaker and consultant fees, found that doctors, nurses and other medical practitioners in Cincinnati received $136 million in payments during the past seven years. Big pharma and medical device companies spent $136 million paying Cincinnati doctors, nurses and other practitioners in the past seven years. The top category of payment nearly $38 million was non-consulting services, in which practitioners served as speakers or faculty for a company, outside of a continuing education setting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paying physicians to speak to other physicians is a strategy that works for companies, according to Brandon David Lewis Marshall, professor of epidemiology at Brown University, who's researched opioid makers' payments to doctors. Physicians are more likely to listen to another doctor than direct from a pharma rep, said Marshall. These doctors will often give talks over dinner, a practice that is legal but has sometimes led to trouble. In 2023, a Cleveland neurologist pleaded guilty to accepting kickbacks in exchange for writing prescriptions and federal prosecutors said he was incentivized, in part, by being paid to speak to other doctors over "dinner at a high-end restaurant." The second largest category of payments was consulting, where doctors, nurses and physician assistants were paid a total of $36 million for serving as company consultants, followed by $19 million in royalty and licensing fees paid to doctors who invented medical devices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Companies spent $17 million on meals for doctors and other prescribers. While a company buying a doctor a meal every now and then may seem innocuous, it proved influential during the opioid crisis, according to Marshall. His research found that the more doctors were given free meals by opioid manufacturers, the more likely they were to prescribe the opioid being marketed a finding replicated across studies of other marketed drugs, said Genevieve Kanter, an economist and professor at the University of Southern California who researches industry influence in medicine. Unambiguously, it does increase the prescribing of the promoted drug, she said. Ranking Cincinnati doctors by industry payments The Enquirer compiled a list of the 10 Cincinnati doctors and nonphysician practitioners whove received the most industry payments since 2017. Those who received more than $1 million wield considerable influence in their respective fields, holding patents, leading departments at universities and editing medical journals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three of the top 10 are orthopedic surgeons, one of whom operated on Joe Burrows wrist in 2023. Five are inventors of successful medical technology, ranging from an artificial elbow to a stomach stapler used for weight loss surgery, thats earned them hundreds of thousands of dollars in royalties. Cincinnatis most highly paid medical professional in industry payments is Jack Hahn, who invented three dental implant systems over his 58-year career as a dentist. Cincinnatis most highly paid medical professional in industry payments is Jack Hahn, who invented three dental implant systems I was basically the first to come up with a concept of the tapered implant that looked like a root of a tooth, said Hahn, whos now retired. Hahn said he drew an early design of a prototype on a napkin at Sugar N Spice Diner in Bond Hill he's earned nearly $4 million since, mostly from royalties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hahn said he could have earned more money if he owned his patent, as opposed to signing a five-year contract with the company that now owns his invention. I was not a good businessman, he said. Rosen, the orthopedic surgeon from UC Irvine, said there's nothing wrong with receiving payment for your invention, as long as research shows it works for patients and payments are disclosed to the public. If you invent a product that's brilliant, and it's independently reviewed, and it works great, then you're entitled to get royalties," he said. "That's the American way. Jack Hahn holds a model of the Nobel Replace, one of the inventions for which he received royalties. Among those who received the most money from industry, Hahns story is familiar: These are medical professionals who were experts or invented something that changed patients lives. They were paid, they say, to share that expertise. The second most highly paid physician on the list is Dr. Henry Nasrallah, a psychiatrist who has received $3.2 million in industry payments since 2017. Formerly the department chair of psychiatry at Ohio State University, Nasrallah is now an emeritus professor at the University of Cincinnati. Over 70% of Nasrallahs payments come from serving as a speaker for pharmaceutical companies. Those payments included 739 meals over seven years, an average of 106 per year two meals per week at $66 per meal. Nasrallahs most lucrative relationship is with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary. The company paid him more than $718,000 over seven years, more than any other doctor in the country. Nasrallah declined The Enquirers request for an interview and provided an emailed statement instead. He said his goal is to educate other doctors about effective medications. Thats why I agreed to speak to community clinicians about the new antipsychotics and antidepressants, he said. Thus, I made time to travel around the country and lecture about the newly approved drugs. Nasrallah said hes not beholden to any company and has spoken on behalf of companies with competing medications. I am impartial and focus on the FDA-based data, he said. Thats a common view among doctors who receive payments, said Kanter, the USC economist, citing a 2001 survey of medical residents that found that most respondents said industry promotions did not influence their own prescribing. Physicians view themselves as unbiased, Kanter said. Other top doctors on the list included UC Health orthopedic surgeons Dr. Michael Archdeacon and Dr. H. Claude Sagi, who each made over $1 million by receiving royalties and consulting fees from Stryker, a Michigan-based medical equipment manufacturer. While neither doctor responded to requests for an interview, the companys website shows Archdeacon performing a demo of its new pelvic implant system at The Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood, a four-star hotel in Hollywood, Florida, last June. This is our baby, Archdeacon announced during the demo. We think its gonna change pelvic surgery. Archdeacon's conflict management plan, obtained by The Enquirer through a records request, showed that he recused himself of "all negotiations, discussions and interactions" between Stryker and UC Health or the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. In an emailed response to The Enquirers questions, a Stryker spokesperson said that payments to physicians for events like these are not marketing, but instead, education on the safe and effective use of our products. Rosen disagreed. It has nothing to do with education, he said. Its just marketing. Archdeacon isnt alone. Cincinnati Eye Institute ophthalmologist Robert Osher took a $6,000 trip to Vienna for a company sponsored educational symposium in 2023. The expense was covered by Hoya, an optical technology manufacturer. Doyle said she understands how her doctors and others might find free dinners, trips and other perks appealing. But she's now asking questions about how much influence those events might have on their decisions. How does that work? she wondered aloud. Industry payments are about education, providers say Nonphysician practitioners also emphasized the educational value of speaking engagements and trainings that theyre paid to do by pharma companies. Its my responsibility for about 230+ providers to educate them on what's new, said Leigh Ann Pansch, a nurse practitioner at DOCS Dermatology. I have a lot of relationships with industry to help make that happen. Karen Whitney, Cincinnatis second most highly paid physician assistant in industry payments, works full-time as a cosmetic injector and part-time as a trainer for Botox manufacturer Allergan. Whitney discloses her status as an Allergan trainer to her patients, she said, because it distinguishes her as one of the experts. I'm just so proud to be part of an educational program that is, in my mind, so ethical, said Whitney. Its not marketing, in my opinion. George Knight, a nurse practitioner, echoed Whitney's thoughts. Im considered an expert in dementia. I do educational programs, for webinars, practitioners, physicians," he said. I'm not just taking money from pharma companies to write prescriptions. That's totally not what's happening. When Karen Whitney trains other pracitioners on how to inject Botox, she wears this name tag. Joan Doyle says she wont stop going to her doctors just because she found them in the Open Payments database, though she's now more interested in looking up the names of new providers. She doesnt necessarily think that her doctors receiving meals, trips, or other payments from industry has compromised their care. On the other hand, she said, I wouldnt really know. Data scientist Kevin Gong contributed to data analysis. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Nearly 60% of doctors take money from Big Pharma. Is your doctor one? A Saturday night fire that a neighbor across the street reported was quickly brought under control, according to the West Hartford Fire Department. No injuries were reported following the fire on the balcony of an apartment on the third floor of Bishops Place Apartments, a building at 2432 Albany Ave, according to the West Hartford West Hartford Fire Department. The West Hartford Fire Department was dispatched just before 9 p.m. after a neighbor across the street had reported seeing flames coming from a third-story window. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ladder 4 responded and found an active fire on the third floor, according to fire officials. All West Hartford Fire Department units then responded, and the fire was extinguished and ruled under control by 9:13 p.m. West Hartford Fire Department also received support from the UConn Fire Department and the West Hartford Police Department. The West Hartford Fire Department said residents were able to return to their units shortly after the fire. The incident is under investigation by the West Hartford Fire Marshals Office. The fire department said fire and EMS coverage for the rest of the town was maintained through mutual aid provided by the New Britain Fire Department, Newington Fire Department, and AMR. The fire department said it thanks the mutual aid partners, and West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut Natural Gas, the Metropolitan District Commission, and Eversource for support and collaboration during the incident. May 18Harry Truman became a modern folk hero 45 years ago for his steadfast refusal to leave his lodge in the shadow of Mount St. Helens, even as experts warned that the volcano in southwestern Washington might erupt. Reporters covering the rumbling mountain in the spring of 1980 often turned their attention to Truman, describing the 83-year-old business owner and former bootlegger as gruff, stubborn, funny and, above all, fiercely independent. And those depictions were more or less accurate, said Dan Plute, a Clarkston Heights man who is Truman's grandson-in-law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A lot of people used the word crusty," Plute said last week. "Hard working, hard drinking full bore, no matter what he was doing. There was no idle with him." Plute was married to Judy (Burnett) Plute, who was Truman's granddaughter. Judy died of brain cancer at 75 in February 2024. Dan Plute, 71, said his wife was quite familiar with her grandfather's cantankerous side; she and her brother, Barry, worked at Truman's Mount St. Helens Lodge when they were teenagers in the 1960s. "My wife never lost her love for Grandpa Truman," Dan said. She was also protective of his legacy. Judy generally kept off-color stories about Truman to herself and wouldn't tell new friends about her famous relative it was usually Dan who brought it up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mount St. Helens started showing ominous signs of life in March 1980, with earthquakes and pyroclastic flows. That's when Truman started brushing off requests, followed by orders, to leave the area, and when the legend of the stubborn man of the mountain started to grow. Depending on the day, Truman doubted an eruption would happen, and if it did, the effects wouldn't reach his lodge, which was 7 miles from the mountain and protected by snow, the tree line and Spirit Lake. He also claimed he had a mine shaft on his property he could duck into. And he occasionally seemed at peace with going out in a blaze of glory with the mountain. "He dug himself a hole so deep he couldn't get out of it," Dan said. "He played the rugged mountain man, independent guy so hard that, even when the professionals were telling him, 'You need to get out of here now,' ... he couldn't do it. He had played that role so long, I don't think he could have backed down." Ultimately, Truman and the mountain went out together May 18, 1980. A tremendous landslide on the north side of the mountain, followed an instant later by the eruption, sent an unbelievable amount of ash, gas and debris toward Truman's place. It's thought that he and his 16 cats died instantly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daily headlines, straight to your inboxRead it online first and stay up-to-date, delivered daily at 7 AM ------ Truman first built his lodge in the 1920s and became a well known local character. He often hosted celebrities, including Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas. In its heyday, the lodge had a main building with hotel rooms, freestanding cabins, a restaurant/bar and a boat house. When Judy worked there, she would clean the cabins and Barry would tend to the boathouse. Judy, whose mother was the product of Truman's first of three marriages, brought her new husband Dan to the lodge a few times in the 1970s. At that point, Truman's third wife had died and his business had become less vigorous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first time Dan visited the lodge, Judy's young son came with them. He had a cold, and when Truman saw the boy was ill, he told the young family to leave. "I don't want any snot-nosed little kid getting me sick," Truman said, according to Dan. The next time they visited, Dan spent a full day splitting firewood with Truman. When evening came, Truman swigged his signature drink Schenley whiskey and Coke and he tried to goad Dan into keeping up with him, which Dan didn't care for. Dan and Judy were among the family who worried about Harry prior to the eruption, but they also realized there was no talking him down from the mountain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After years of living and working in Seattle, Dan and Judy retired and moved to the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley in 2012. Dan had spent part of his youth here and often brought Judy back for vacations in the decades before they relocated. And no matter where they lived, Dan and Judy would reminisce about Harry every time May 18 rolled around. "He enjoyed playing the role for sure," Dan said. "We all build little personas for ourselves. And take nothing away from him, he was rugged and independent for sure. But once you start advertising it, it's hard to back away from it." Baney may be contacted at mbaney@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2251. Follow him on X @MattBaney_Trib. ST. LOUIS St. Louis leaders and officials are now focused on recovery efforts after a deadly tornado tore through the city and region on Friday, killing at least five people, injuring 38, and leaving widespread destruction in its wake. During a Saturday afternoon news conference, city leaders detailed ongoing emergency response efforts and outlined key next steps in recovery, cleanup, and community support. One Day Later: Shocking new photos reveal widespread tornado damage in St. Louis Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The news conference included the following notes and remarks: Cara Spencer Mayor Cara Spencer noted that city employees have been working around the clock from the citys Emergency Operations Headquarters. Spencer acknowledged various challenges in moving forward, noting that roadways and buildings are still in dangerous conditions. As for debris cleanup, she says the city is hauling massive amounts of tree debris and working to clear roadways and alleys. Dumpsters are a key concern, and coordination is ongoing. Spencer confirmed that St. Louis has declared a local emergency and is now pursuing a federal disaster declaration from the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spencer expressed gratitude to local, state, and federal partners while describing the community response as heartwarming and truly incredible. Dennis Jenkerson St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson says fire crews have completed an extensive sweep, covering 62 square miles of the city and ensuring that every street has been check. A final sweep began late Saturday afternoon in the northern part of the city. Officials aimed to complete it by 7 p.m. Saturday. Jenkerson says there are no changes in the number of injuries reported as of the previous update on deaths and injuries Saturday morning. Robert Tracy St. Louis police chief Robert Tracy confirmed that SLMPD has identified three of the five victims killed in the tornado. Officials are currently working to notify their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The five victims are believed to be between the ages of 30 and 82, according to Tracy. Tracy emphasized the importance of the citywide curfew in districts 5 and 6, stressing the need for public safety. Fridays St. Louis tornado believed to be an EF-3, says NWS Wesley Bell Missouri U.S. Sen. Wesley Bell voiced support for a federal disaster declaration from President Donald Trump, noting he would work with locals and pledged to use any resource available. Bell was quoted as saying, Faith without works is dead, and recovery wouldnt simply be an overnight fix. Bell called for community donations and volunteerism, encouraging residents to donate to United Way of Greater St. Louis, volunteer through Red Cross and check local food banks for needs. HOW TO HELP Ameren Missouri An Ameren Missouri spokesperson urged patience from residents as crews work to restore power. He noted restoration was being prioritized for crticial facilities, like hospitals, nursing homes, police and fire stations. From there, he added crews are focusing on areas with the highest outage clusters to restore power as efficiently as possible. American Red Cross A Red Cross spokesperson noted that three city shelters are helping residents, though the one at Grace Methodist Church is full. For now, residents in need should seek shelters at the Friendly Temple Outreach Center or the 12th & Park Recreation Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She noted Red Cross teams are on the ground helping with food, shelter and assessing property damage. In the upcoming days, the additional Red Cross teams will be deployed to evaluate household needs across the city. Urban League Urban League noted its disaster relief site has been set up at 1408 N. Kingshighway Blvd. On Saturday, volunteers delivered food and water to 75 families. In the near future, the nonprofit hopes to work with the regional council to conduct neighborhood walk-throughs and assess ongoing needs. Gentry Trotter Gentry Trotter with Cool Down/Heat Up St. Louis urged Ameren and Spire to consider a four-month moratorium on utility shutoffs in response to severe storms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trotter also announced support to use ARPA federal funds to help impacted families and relieve financial pressure. He also encouraged donations to Cool Down/Heat Up St. Louis to help residents in need. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Pro-EU candidate Nicusor Dan won the Romanian presidential election on May 18, defeating the far-right, anti-Ukraine George Simion. Dan won Sunday's runoff with 53.6% of the votes, while Simion earned 46.4%, according to Romania's election authority. President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Dan on his victory: "For Ukraineas a neighbor and friendit is important to have a reliable partner in Romania. And we are confident that this will indeed be the case. By working together, we can strengthen both our countries and our shared Europe." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The result comes as a relief for Ukraine, who faced the loss of a key ally in the event of a Simion victory. Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), championed a Euroskeptic platform that included ending military aid for Ukraine. "Ukraine needs us, we don't need Ukraine," Simion said during a televised debate on May 8. Simion is banned from entering both Ukraine and neighboring Molodova due to his anti-Ukrainian stance. Dan, an independent centrist and the current mayor of Bucharest, supports aid to Ukraine, calling it "essential for the security of Romania." Despite exit polls clearly predicting a victory for Dan, Simion declared himself the president of Romania in a post on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polls showed the two candidates neck-and-neck in the days leading up to the runoff election, with an AtlasIntel survey on May 13 placing both at 48.2%. The current election follows the annulment of the first round in November 2024, which Romania's Constitutional Court invalidated due to evidence of foreign interference. That round was won by populist Calin Georgescu, who openly promoted conspiracy theories and supported Russia, calling Ukraine a "fictional state" and predicting its partition as "inevitable." Romania then held first-round elections on May 4, which Simion won with nearly 41% of the votes. His victory triggered the resignation of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Romania has provided Ukraine with crucial defense and humanitarian suppor throughout Russia's full-scale war. The country donated a U.S.-made Patriot missile system in 2024 and signed a bilateral security agreement with Kyiv. Bucharest has also played a crucial role in the transit of Ukrainian agricultural exports amid Russia's threats to the Black Sea maritime trade. Read also: Poland, Romania presidential elections held amid Russian interference, far-right surge what you need to know Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Just after midnight Friday, a corrections monitoring technician in New Orleans stepped away for food. When he left, the Orleans Justice Center had been in lockdown since 10:30 p.m., as it usually was, with inmates expected to be in their cells for the night. But in the technicians absence, several inmates began tampering with the door of Cell Delta 1006. They tugged and pulled until it broke open, and snuck into the handicap cell. Then, a man squeezed through a small hole in the wall behind a metal toilet. Another followed. And another. Seven more would make their way through the tiny opening as 10 inmates fled from the New Orleans jail and into the warm, muggy night. They left a message on the wall on the way out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To Easy LoL, it read. The men, the youngest 19 years old and the oldest 42, face a wide array of charges including murder, aggravated assault with a firearm and domestic abuse battery. They had prepared for their escape, and possibly had help, officials said. Toiletries left behind had been used to remove the toilet and sink, as well as bolts in the cell. At least one steel bar protecting plumbing fixtures appeared to have been intentionally cut using a tool, according to law enforcement. Around 1 a.m., nearly 40 minutes after their escape began, they left the jail through a loading door where supplies were brought in, sprinting and leaping off the dock to freedom in a blur of gray, beige and orange. One wore a blue hat. Two others had orange shoes. One man tripped over a bundle of fabric he was carrying before getting up and running out of the cameras range. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group scaled a fence along Interstate 10, using blankets they brought to shield themselves from the barbed wire, law enforcement later said. The inmates dashed across train tracks and multiple lanes of traffic, on their way to a nearby neighborhood where they shed their jail jumpsuits. During a routine head count at 8:30 a.m., officials finally discovered that multiple inmates had escaped. The missing inmates at first reported to be 11 men before it was later corrected to 10 triggered a widespread manhunt across Louisiana and seven nearby states: Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Georgia, Oklahoma and Tennessee. Their escape also unleashed several suspensions, questions about lack of transparency and a flurry of accusations about whos to blame. A fluid situation or a dangerous one As authorities at the jail activated emergency protocols, the city of New Orleans spent the morning of May 16 unaware that 10 armed and dangerous men had escaped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The public wasnt notified until nearly 11 a.m. almost 10 hours after the inmates had fled and three hours after the sheriff learned they were missing, according to CNN affiliate WDSU. A citywide alert wouldnt be sent until 2:30 p.m. Down the road from the Orleans Justice Center, the staff at the district attorneys office was unaware of the situation unfolding at the jail. This photo from the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office shows an inmate cell at the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans. Almost a dozen inmates escaped from the center. Note: CNN has blurred portions of this image. - Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams said he walked into the office Friday morning not knowing people his office had convicted were on the run. Williams himself had prosecuted Derrick Groves, one of the escapees who had been convicted of murdering two men. The people in my office put people in jail. These inmates dont like them, Williams told WDSU. The fact that (these inmates) are less than 100 feet away and theyve gotten outand no one rings an alarm? Thats deeply problematic. He added that two of his employees have left town because they were worried for their safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams said his office was notified around 11 a.m., and immediately began calling witnesses. Some of the escaped men, he said, were known to have threatened witnesses in order to evade prosecution. Around 11:13 a.m., he called Deputy US Marshal Brian Fair and Capt. Rodney Hyatt with Troop NOLA for help and said neither had received contact from the sheriffs office. He said it was a very dangerous situation, made more dangerous because of the poor leadership and lack of transparency. The sheriffs office said it notified the US Marshals, the Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Division of Probation and Parole by 9:30 a.m. The New Orleans Police Department was alerted immediately after that, Sheriff Susan Hutson said. Hutson called it a fluid situation as authorities worked to get a handle on 1,400 people in the Orleans Justice Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When this went down, our first concern is to find out who these folks are, confirm, and then weve got to lock down the whole jail and make sure nobody else is missing, Hutson said. We are investigating our own to find out exactly what happened and where those lapses were. Not alerting the public and press immediately, Williams argued, has only helped the inmates escape. The first priority in any escape must be the immediate capture of the inmates and coordination with state and local law enforcement but that effort cannot come at the expense of timely notification to the public, which is also critical to keeping communities safe, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said. The first inmate captured, Kendell Myles, was arrested at 11:22 a.m., shortly after the public and district attorney had been notified. Myles had been hiding under a car at a hotel parking garage, law enforcement said. Somebodys got to be held accountable The finger-pointing from state and local officials began almost instantaneously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four supervisors and 36 staff members were working at the time of the escape, the sheriffs office said. Three jail employees have been suspended without pay pending the outcome of an internal investigation as of Friday evening. Its unclear why they were subject to disciplinary action. Williams called the escape a complete failure of the most basic responsibilities entrusted to a sheriff or jail administrator. Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office Maj. Silas Phipps Jr. said the department was underfunded, understaffed, underpaid. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said, This is what happens when George Soros funds New Orleans elections. The escaped inmates have been identified as Corey Boyd, Dkenan Dennis, Jermaine Donald, Derrick Groves, Antoine Massey, Robert Moody, Kendell Myles, Gary Price, Leo Tate and Lenton Vanburen, CNN affiliate WVUE reported. - From New Orleans Police Department Murrill, the state attorney general, said, Someone clearly dropped the ball and theres no excuse for this. Other officials blamed the escape on defective locks on the doors and cells. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief of Corrections Jay Mallett blamed the security breach on the facilitys infrastructure. A third of the security cameras in the facility are currently inoperable, including three cameras in the unit from which the escape occurred, according to the sheriffs office. Weve identified that we have a large number of high-security individuals in a minimum custody facility, Mallett told CNN Friday. At a Friday news conference, Hutson, who is running for reelection, said the escape was coordinated, but hinted there was more than meets the eye in the investigation. Why did it happen just right now, right in the middle, as were getting ready to start this sheriffs race? This is very suspicious, Hutson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two more men Dkenan Dennis and Robert Moody had been arrested as of Friday evening. Dennis was previously charged with armed robbery with a firearm, and Moody had previously been charged with aggravated second-degree battery, among others. Louisiana State Police announced Saturday the reward for tips leading to the capture of the seven remaining inmates has been increased. Charles Ramsey, a CNN security analyst and a career law enforcement professional who served as the chief of police in both Philadelphia and Washington, DC, said what happened was unacceptable. This whole thing stinks, Ramsey said. I know that theyre on the defense right now, but they should be on the defense. Theres just no way that something like this should happen. CNNs Isabel Rosales and Maxime Tamsett contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Newark Mayor Ras Baraka warned that his warrantless arrest by masked ICE goons last week is only the beginning of Americas slide into authoritarianism. Baraka is facing a misdemeanor trespassing charge after he was taken into custody outside of the Delaney Hall immigration detention center. Baraka has denied trespassing claims, explaining that he was at the facility to conduct an oversight tour with three members of congress. Ras Baraka told MSNBCs Eugene Daniels on Saturday that his arrest was designed to make an example out of him and deter others from standing up to the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Baraka urged the American people to push back and defend the Constitution from moving into authoritarianism under President Donald Trumps second term. I think its for everybody in this country, you know, who thinks that they should defy this administration, Baraka said. [The message is] that they would go beyond all stops and get whoever it is, whether its a judge, a mayor, a Congressperson, that theyre going to do that. ICE agents arrested Newark's mayor, Ras Baraka, during this stand-off at a detention facility in his city. Now the storm over the arrest is intensifying. / Bing Guan / REUTERS Since-released footage of the incident appears to show Baraka freely entering and leaving the site before he was arrested. No Democratic officials were shown body-slamming federal security personnel as the Department of Homeland Security has alleged. Kristi Noem, who's earned the moniker Baraka added that believes his arrest should serve as a rallying cry for anyone opposed to President Trumps agenda. This is a moral moment were in right now, we need to play on the sidelines, and figure out to push back against whats happening collectively, said Baraka, adding, We all have to defend the Constitution of this country, and we cannot allow this slippery slope to continue. The strike that idled NJ Transit trains is over after three days. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen said Sunday night that after two days of post-strike negotiations theyd reached a deal and will return to work." State officials said rail service wouldn't begin again until Tuesday, though the union had said it would be back on Monday. NJ Transit is asking only essential workers to use its system on Monday and will be using the contingency plan it spent months working on as the strike loomed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The union, known as BLET, was seeking pay comparable to the wages made by engineers at other nearby railroads, including Long Island Rail Road. NJ Transit, which has long had shaky finances, was trying to avoid blowing a hole in its own budget. BLETs general chair for the NJ Transit union said the union was able to show management ways to boost engineers wages that will help NJT with retention and recruitment, without causing any significant budget issue or requiring a fare increase. Gov. Phil Murphy called the deal a very good outcome and praised NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri as this weeks MVP. Kolluri took over the agency in January and was handed a contract fight with the union that had been brewing since before the pandemic. The sound that you probably hear is the sound of our states commuters breathing a collective sigh of relief, the governor said at a Sunday night press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The terms of the tentative agreement were not immediately available, largely because the unions rank and file still need to review and vote on them. In April, BLETs members overwhelmingly rejected a March deal, setting up the strike that began Friday. But Kullori, who said he may have shed a tear when a deal was finally reached, said the new tentative agreement reflects a series of concessions that came together by way of a work rule that will eventually end up paying for this fair wage that the unions have asked for. The new deal was reached with the help of the National Mediation Board, which called both sides back to the table on Sunday. But even before that, the national head of BLET, Mark Wallace, asked Kolluri on Friday night to restart talks on Saturday. The strike that began 12:01 a.m. Friday came at a relatively lucky time for the Murphy administration. Fridays are the lightest ridership weekday, followed by Monday. NJ Transit said it would take about 24 hours to inspect and prepare tracks before it could restart service and called on riders to limit their use of its system on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A union press release had originally said full service would resume Monday, setting off a brief confusion before it corrected itself to say Tuesday. Please give us one more day of work from home, Murphy said, in a comment aimed at employers. The last strike to idle trains across the state came in 1983, as NJ Transit was being born as a statewide transit agency. It lasted more than a month . So the quick end is likely to contain the political fallout. BLETs members will get a chance to vote on the deal, which also needs to be approved by the NJ Transit board. One political feature of the strike was how little anyone in Washington seemed to care that one of the nations largest railroads was going to shut down, idling the trains that carry 100,00 people a day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, Congress rushed to intervene in a freight rail strike, like it has on several other occasions to delay or prevent disruptions. Wallace praised Congress for staying out of it. This should be a lesson for other railroad disputes, he said in a statement. Nothing would have been gained by kicking the can down the road. Allowing strikes to happen encourages settlement rather than stonewalling. While members of New Jerseys congressional delegation urged both sides back to the table, none of them took to the floor to discuss the issue in recent days, according to a search of the Congressional Record, and no one introduced legislation to avert the strike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, they largely issued blameless statements. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a New Jersey Democrat running for governor , posted a video of himself on Saturday sitting at a folding table and chairs outside a train station in Bergen County until everyone comes to the table to get the trains moving. The negotiations, which happened on Saturday and wrapped up Sunday, were happening in another county. CORRECTION: Due to inaccurate information provided to POLITICO, an earlier version of this article incorrectly stated train service would resume Monday. It is expected to start Tuesday. A Miami police officer who shot a man multiple times while he was experiencing a mental health crisis wont face criminal charges and has been cleared by state prosecutors, records show. In March 2024, the family of 47-year-old Donald Armstrong called Miami police officers to their home in the hope they would help him with the crisis he was undergoing. However, when police arrived, the encounter went downhill fast and ended with Officer Kassandra Mercado shooting Armstrong six times. Armstrong was injured but survived the shooting. In a memo this week, the Miami-Dade County State Attorneys Office released its final findings. Prosecutors decided Mercados actions were legally justified because Armstrong was armed with a sharp homemade weapon and refused several officers commands to drop it even after being struck with a Taser twice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the day of the shooting, Armstrongs mother had called police pleading for help, saying her son was suffering a mental health crisis. A standoff ensued as Armstrong stood on the porch of his mothers home in the Model City neighborhood near Liberty City, facing at least a half-dozen officers with guns drawn. A video that captured the events showed police shot him twice with a Taser to subdue him, and he fell off the porch and toward the officers. Officer Mercado then opened fire. Armstrong was originally charged with aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, but that charge was eventually dropped, and he instead faced a misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest without violence. The new charge was also dropped in October. The shooting caused community uproar as activists and residents demanded that changes be made to how police officers deal with people experiencing mental health crises. At the time, Armstrongs attorney, Larry Handfield, said police must do a better job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of the Healing and Justice Center, a coalition of activist groups, gathered the community a few days after the shooting. They contended that Armstrong should not have been shot. Its really a shame that we live in a place that spends billions of dollars on more police as a solution to all of our problems, Rachel Gilmer, the director of the HJC, said at the time. For three years, Jeff Clarke has paid 900 a month in service charges for a retirement flat he does not occupy. The property belonged to his 95-year-old mother, Dora, who left it vacant when she moved into a care home. Finding a buyer is proving difficult, but keeping on top of the service charges is nigh-on impossible. Now, he is being forced to sell his own home to keep up with the charges and his mothers care fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Clarke, 71, from Windsor, is one of dozens of readers who have complained of sky-high fees on their retirement homes leasehold properties designed for the over-55s. Labour is facing fresh criticism for failing to get a grip on this scandal and delaying reform of the sector. The Leasehold Reform Act 2024, introduced by the Tories but pioneered by the current Government, has promised an overhaul to service charges and banned developers from selling new houses as leasehold properties. But it notably exempted retirement homes from the proposed ban a loophole Labour has failed to close. Campaigners said it amounted to yet another betrayal of pensioners after 10 million retirees were stripped of winter fuel payments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And families like Mr Clarkes have been feeling as though they have a millstone around [their] neck. Dora first moved into Lynwood retirement village in Ascot in 2017 when the service charges were just 518 a month. Five years later, her health seriously deteriorated and she was forced into a care home. In that time, her service charges also rocketed by 73pc. It means her son is paying for both her service charge and an extra 1,000 towards the care fees. The Lynwood flat was put on the market for 350,000, the price it was originally bought for, but the price has since been cut to 250,000. Even so, it has had just seven viewings in three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Clarke cannot turn the electricity off at the property in case it is needed for a viewing. As a result, he claimed he has to pay an extra 20 a month for the standing charge. To make matters worse, last week, he was invoiced 96 for a new energy performance certificate, which he said rubs salt in the wound. He now plans to downsize from his current home. The decision was in part due to the service charges, but also a serious accident which reduced his mobility. The situation is even more catastrophic for Dora, whose investment in the flat has evaporated. He said: My mother now has nothing. She doesnt have a penny to her name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lynwood Village is run by automotive charity, Ben. Small print in the contract means that once Mr Clarke does manage to sell the property, he will have to pay the provider 1pc of the sale price for every year the flat was owned. Rachel Clift, chief executive of Ben, said property prices at Lynwood Village are stable and sales are steady, but acknowledged it can take a while for properties to sell in this niche sector and difficult market. She added: We are sorry to hear about the challenges that this individual has experienced. We are fully committed to providing a supportive community, and we would be happy to speak with this individual directly to explore what else we can do to help. Retirement homes are leasehold properties, usually with leases of between 125 and 999 years, and are specifically designed for over-55s. They boomed in popularity during the 1980s and remained attractive well into the early 2000s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of 2019, there were 730,000 retirement housing units in the UK, according to the Elderly Accommodation Counsel. 1505 Retirement homes However, in recent years, their appeal has dramatically waned as complaints mounted among those early buyers. This is due to their hefty service charges, which are payable whether or not the property is lived in. Owners must also pay ground rent, generally between 400 and 500 per year. Ground rent has since been banned on the sale of new retirement homes but this does not apply to re-sales. The issue has been compounded by the double council tax raid on second home owners which has swept up the families inheriting these properties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Leasehold Reform Act 2024 was brought in by the previous Conservative government to strengthen leaseholder rights. It aimed to improve the transparency of service charges and give leaseholders a new right to request information about service charges and the management of their building. But it contained loopholes which allowed developers to sell new houses as leasehold properties, for instance if they are part of a retirement village. Helen Whately, shadow pensions secretary, said: This is yet another example of Labour not keeping their word. Its just like when they said they wouldnt remove the winter fuel payment, only to then betray 10 million pensioners the first chance they got. With each day it becomes clearer their pre-election promises arent worth the paper they were written on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dennis Reed, of charity Silver Voices, said: In some cases, the service charges amount to daylight robbery of vulnerable older people. It is essential that legislation provides a fair framework for such charges. Older people are already struggling to cope with rising energy and food prices, cuts to winter fuel payments, poor social care support and large council tax bills, so we need extortionate service charges in retirement flats like a hole in the head. The Government must get a grip on this scandal In April 2024, Labour U-turned on its own promise to scrap leaseholds in its first 100 days of power. Instead, it pledged to bring the feudal leasehold system to an end without committing to a timeframe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, the Government published the Commonhold White Paper, which will be followed by a draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill in the second half of this year. Again, retirement homes will not benefit from exemptions and were excluded from the recommendation to ban exit fees. It means owners like Ann Townson will have no protection from soaring costs. Ann Townson can no longer afford the service charge and ground rent on her apartment, which have spiralled to 1,047 a month - Lorne Campbell/Guzelian The 78-year-old moved into a retirement village in Harrogate. At the time, it seemed like the ideal solution as she struggled with health and mobility issues. However, now she cannot keep up with the service charges and ground rent which cost her 1,047 a month, which has rocketed from 731 when she first moved in four years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said: It will use up all my savings as the cost per month takes up more than half of my pension. You have absolutely no control over the costs. I would never have moved here if I had known what I know now. Paula Higgins, of the Homeowners Alliance, said: Retirement homes should not be exempt from plans to ban leasehold houses. Buyers of these properties often face huge hidden costs. In many cases, its the children who are left to shoulder these financial burdens after their parents pass away. A spokesman for the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government said: Far too many leaseholders across the country are being asked to pay unreasonable and extortionate charges, including people living in retirement homes. We are determined to fix this, which is why we will consult this year on detailed plans to drive up transparency of service charges and hold landlords to account for the money they spend. 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. On the long list of hard things the Fort Worth school district has to do to create a better future, deciding which schools to close and consolidate is one of the most fraught. There are many competing interests. Every decision can please one faction but anger another. The administration has to balance enrollment patterns, the condition of buildings, what nearby facilities can absorb students and how to transport thousands of children daily. Then, there are questions of race and class and whether closing campuses is another blow to historically underserved communities. Each choice prompts an emotional reaction; people love their neighborhood schools, even when theyre flawed. And there is potential for political interference that compromises smart decision-making. Fort Worth ISD Interim Superintendent Karen Molinar talks to a crowd at Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, during a series of community meetings about campus closures. So, Superintendent Karen Molinar and her staff deserve credit for coming up with a plan to close 18 schools, mostly elementaries, over four years. No plan is perfect or pleases everyone. But this one will save nearly $10 million for additional instructional help and improving student performance is the priority above all else. It will make it easier for administrators and educators to focus on childrens needs. The board of trustees should approve the plan when it votes Tuesday and avoid the temptation to alter it, especially through last-minute deal cutting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, the boards involvement seems to have been appropriate. Several members have lobbied for schools in their individual districts and asked difficult questions to sharpen the plan. But they have largely prioritized the overall needs of the entire school district. With constant news of Fort Worths unrelenting population growth, many taxpayers or parents might not realize the long-term trend in FWISD. The total enrollment has dropped consistently for a decade; the district served 83,000 students in 2019-20 and just 70,000 this year. Theres no reason to think that trend will change anytime soon. Its happening in other districts, too, driven by declining birth rates and other factors. In some parts of Fort Worth, charter schools have proved vastly preferable to district schools that have struggled for years. As the state launches a new school choice program, even more families will seek options beyond the district. Some have observed that many of the schools on the chopping block serve some of the districts poorest families, especially in southeast and east Fort Worth. The district should take care to impose no new burden on their educations. But the reality is that those areas are where enrollment declines are acute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the yearly savings by reducing staff and maintenance costs, the district estimates it will retain tens of millions of dollars in construction expenses that would be required to keep some of the closing campuses functional. Its important that future budgets reflect the needs of the schools that will gain students from closures, especially the disadvantaged. If they in particular dont see more resources, an opportunity will have been lost. One particular case that has drawn criticism is that of De Zavala Elementary in the Fairmount neighborhood. Parents made a compelling argument to the board when the plan was laid out May 13: Why would a district with so many academic challenges close one of its A-rated campuses? But De Zavala serves a student body less than half its capacity. It performs better than many campuses and the district as a whole, but nearly half of third-graders lack the reading skills they should have. Good things are happening there, but not because of the schools location or building. Administrators should take note and work to make sure that high-performing faculty and staff members arent lost because of the move. Perhaps most of all, they should study whats working at De Zavala and apply the lessons to other campuses. With so many students struggling to master basics, Fort Worth needs an emphasis on successful strategies and the follow-through to ensure changes are made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with an interest in the citys future is watching what happens at FWISD and looking for any sign of progress. The districts apparent ability to minimize the pain of a difficult process is one. Thats not to say no one will be hurt or dissatisfied with the outcome. But as more challenging tasks lie ahead to turn the district around, lets hope this helps provide momentum for the board and administration. Do you have an opinion on this topic? Tell us! We love to hear from Texans with opinions on the news and to publish those views in the Opinion section. Letters should be no more than 150 words. Writers should submit letters only once every 30 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Include your name, address (including city of residence), phone number and email address, so we can contact you if we have questions. You can submit a letter to the editor two ways: Email letters@star-telegram.com (preferred). Fill out this online form. Please note: Letters will be edited for style and clarity. Publication is not guaranteed. The best letters are focused on one topic. Nominations are open for the 2025 Shining Light Awards, which recognize exceptional leaders who are making a difference in the region. The Detroit Free Press and Metropolitan Affairs Coalition launched the Shining Light Awards in 2007 to highlight the importance of regional leadership and cooperation to the success of southeast Michigan, honoring leaders whose work crosses geographic, institutional or cultural boundaries. The awards are named in memory of the late Neal Shine, former Detroit Free Press editor and publisher, and honor his legacy of dedication to metro Detroit. The Neal Shine Award for Exemplary Regional Leadership is a lifetime achievement award recognizing a person who has encouraged regional cooperation and understanding in a prominent way over their careers. The Eleanor Josaitis Unsung Hero Award recognizes a leader who has done this important work behind the scenes. The Dave Bing Future Leader Award recognizes a young leader who is contributing to a shared sense of community and regional cooperation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more about the awards' criteria and make a nomination at shininglightawards.com/nominations. (Left to right) Metropolitan Affairs Coalition President Amy O'Leary, Fox 2 Detroit anchor Roop Raj, President and CEO of the Detroit-based Ethel & James Flinn Foundation Andrea Cole, Downriver Community Conference Economic Development Administrator Jazmine Danci, Lakeshore Legal Aid CEO Ashley Lowe, and retired Fox 2 News Anchor Huel Perkins, former Detroit mayor Dave Bing, Detroit Free Press Columnist and Detroit Free Press executive editor Nicole Avery Nichols pose for a photo at the end of the Shining Light Regional Cooperation Awards ceremony at Ford Field in Detroit on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024. Here's a look at the 2024 honorees: Dave Bing Young Leader Award: Jazmine Danci, administrator for economic development at the Downriver Community Conference Eleanor Josaitis Unsung Hero Award: Andrea Cole, president and CEO of the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation; Ashley Lowe, CEO of Lakeshore Legal Aid Neal Shine Award for Exemplary Leadership: Huel Perkins, retired anchor at WJBK-TV (Channel 2) Make a Shining Light nomination Can't see the form? Click here. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Nominate a metro Detroit leader for a Shining Light Award It took nearly 50 years for a babysitter to see justice served for what happened to her when she was a teenaged girl on an October night in 1976. She was 15, babysitting in a wealthy Boca Raton neighborhood that had seen a rash of burglaries about the same time, so many that a now-retired officer who worked the area told the South Florida Sun Sentinel he couldnt estimate a number of them. She heard a knock at the door, looked out a window and when she turned around, saw a masked man walking in the hallway of the home on Malaga Drive, who then sexually assaulted her, court records say. The woman has now testified twice at trials of John MacLean, the man charged in her Oct. 16, 1976, rape once in 2018 and once again earlier this month during a retrial where MacLean was again found guilty of armed sexual battery and sentenced to life on May 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MacLean, now 78, has already been serving one life sentence at a Florida prison since 2018. He was convicted that year of armed sexual battery in a separate attack in Boca Raton from February 1977, where a woman was attacked by a man wearing a wig. Both the assaults in 1976 and 1977 were tried separately but in the same year. In the 1976 rape of the babysitter, it took the jury at the first trial less than an hour to return a conviction. But he won on appeal in 2020 and was given a retrial, resulting in the second conviction and second life sentence. MacLeans defense attorney Thomas Weiss declined to comment on the resolution of the case. For decades, the identity of the man who assaulted the girl in October 1976 and a 26-year-old mother just months later while armed with a gun was unknown; the attacker in each covered his face or wore a disguise. But DNA evidence, including from jeans the babysitter wore the night she was assaulted, led to cold case detectives unmasking MacLean in 2012. MacLeans criminal history is lengthy and spans multiple states. While serving a prison sentence in Florida in the 1980s for numerous burglaries, including a notorious one of the mansion of a Johnson & Johnson heiress where $1 million worth of jewelry was stolen, he published a braggadocious book, Secrets of a Superthief: An Inside guide to Keeping Burglars Outside Your Home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But MacLeans crimes went beyond burglaries and theft. Officers with multiple departments in South Florida in the early 1980s suspected him in possibly hundreds of sexual battery cases locally and elsewhere in the state. I wont hurt you The babysitter went to the home on Malaga Drive about 7 p.m. It was a Saturday night. The area at the time was one of the wealthiest. Often people returned to the neighborhood on a Friday or Saturday night from going out to dinner or from having drinks to find their homes had been burglarized, said retired Boca Raton Deputy Chief of Police Philip Sweeting, who at the time was an officer and processed crime scenes. Such a call on a weekend was almost a guarantee, he said. No one would be home, he said. And in this case, there was a babysitter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was late into the night, about 11:30 p.m., when the girl was watching TV and heard a knock at the door. She ignored it, thinking it was maybe just the kids who lived next door, according to a probable cause affidavit. But when the knocking continued, she got up to look out of a window near the door. She saw nothing. A man was in the dark hallway near the kitchen when she turned around, wearing a dark-colored stocking over his head and holding a small handgun, the affidavit said. He got in through an opened screen door. Dont worry, I wont hurt you, the man told her. Just dont scream and nobody will get hurt. The man took her outside onto the homes patio, where her jeans were left, before taking her into a bedroom and assaulting her, the affidavit said. The attacker was still inside the home as the parents returned at midnight, knocking on the door. The girl quickly grabbed her pants from the patio and was soon at the hospital after reporting what happened to her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assistant State Attorney Reid Scott pointed out in a court motion from 2013 how MacLeans lengthy history as a burglar made him experienced in entering and exiting residences without being detected and without leaving evidence that would identify him. Sweeting, who testified at the recent trial as a state witness, canvassed the crime scene that night for evidence. He and another crime scene investigator focused on the master bedroom, processing it for latent fingerprints, collecting the sheets and taking photos. Outside the home, they also found shoe prints, he said. They took photos and plaster casts of the impressions. But it was DNA evidence on the girls jeans she had quickly put back on that eventually led to MacLean. We didnt have a suspect for a long time, Sweeting said. DNA evidence Boca Raton Police began revisiting at least 15 unsolved sexual assault cases from the 1970s in 2010. The few of those cases that still had existing evidence had happened within five miles along a segment of highway in Boca Raton, Scott wrote in the 2013 court motion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They reopened the babysitters assault case in December 2011 and sent a stained piece from the girls jeans no bigger than a quarter to be tested for DNA. It gave a match to MacLean. His fingerprints had been entered into a federal law enforcement database in 2005 for committing a sex offense in Arizona and gave a second DNA sample two years later, court records say. In 2012, the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office Crime Lab got a match for MacLean from DNA evidence in both the 1976 and 1977 Boca Raton assaults. In October 2012, MacLean was arrested and charged with two counts of armed sexual battery, charges which have no statute of limitations. MacLeans former defense attorneys, and MacLean in his own handwritten letters to a judge, tried to poke holes in the DNA evidence. Other evidence including the shoeprint casings, bedroom sheets and all latent fingerprints were no longer available, either lost or destroyed, MacLeans former attorneys wrote in one court motion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, a jury convicted him in 2018, the jury foreman telling the Sun Sentinel at the time that they were convinced by the DNA evidence. But the 4th District Court of Appeal overturned the conviction because of an issue with jury instructions, and the State Attorneys Office sought another conviction. We are pleased that the verdict and sentence have once again delivered justice for the victim of this brutal crime that happened nearly 49 years ago, State Attorneys Office spokesperson Marc Freeman said in an emailed statement. MacLean in jail letters to a judge after his arrest contended that he is innocent in the Boca Raton assaults and that the self-proclaimed Superthief had found religion. My wife and I have committed our lives to Christ and serving others, he wrote in one letter. Information from the Sun Sentinel archives was used in this report. Nouvelle Vague director and Austin native Richard Linklater is calling B.S. on President Donald Trumps suggestion for film tariffs. Thats not gonna happen. That guy changes his mind 50 times. Film is our No. 1 U.S. export, said the filmmaker who shot Nouvelle Vague in France and his previous movie Blue Moon in Ireland pics potentially could be tariff-able under the Trump plan that has proposes a 120% tariff on movies receiving foreign film credits. The debate is that, given the fact that film is digital, its not necessarily taxable under the World Free Trade Agreement. Motion pictures arent car parts. More from Deadline RELATED: Cannes Chief Thierry Fremaux Addresses Trumps Tariffs: Cinema Always Finds A Way Of Existing & Reinventing Itself As far as whether its more expensive to shoot in the U.S., the Boyhood filmmaker disagrees: I think the true indie film with no budget cost the same for last several years. Its about how much you have. That hasnt changed much, the Boyhood filmmaker and five-time Oscar nominee said. RELATED: Cannes Film Festival 2025 In Photos: Richard Linklater, Zoey Deutch, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert Pattinson, New Wave & Die, My Love Premieres Zoey Deutch, who plays Iowa-born Jean Seberg in Linklaters movie about the making of Jean-Luc Godards Breathless, championed: It would be nice to make more movies in Hollywood, the culture and the crews. I just finished doing a movie there, and it was magical; its the history and love of movies made in L.A. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Linklater thinks the United States, when it comes to the managing of the film industry, should look at France as an example. The French film industry takes care of their industry, he said. They make sure its healthy, they help it the government, theyre all in, from production to distribution. RELATED: Full List Of Cannes Palme dOr Winners Through The Years: Photo Gallery Blue Moon, Linklaters Sony Pictures Classics title which stars Ethan Hawke as Lorenz Hart on the opening night of Oklahoma, was shot in Ireland, which has a rich tax credit of 30% and is looking to up that to 40%. The upside to shooting in Ireland versus other places including Georgia is that a feature production doesnt have to fight to obtain the credit after the picture is locked. Ireland delivers 90% of the tax credit to an incoming shoot upfront. Its hard for the U.S. to compete with that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if great tax credits are achieved in the U.S., another gripe from the motion picture industry is how expensive it is to make a movie here, particularly post-strikes. Reportedly, one grip on a U.S. union shoot can cost multiple times more than than a grip on an Australia-made production. They care, and our country could use a little bit of that. RELATED: Cannes Film Festival 2025: Read All Of Deadlines Movie Reviews RELATED: Nouvelle Vague Teaser: Richard Linklater Channels Godard In Story Of Breathless Filming Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement regarding a strong thunderstorm in Salt Lake County. A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of south-central Weber, north-central Salt Lake, eastern Davis, and west-central Morgan counties through 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 17. At 4:49 p.m., the Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over Woods Cross, or near Bountiful, moving northeast at 35 mph. Wind gusts up to 50 mph are expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects, the statement reads. Locations to be impacted include Salt Lake City, Ogden, Layton, Bountiful, Farmington, Hill Air Force Base, Clearfield, Kaysville, South Ogden, North Salt Lake, Centerville, Woods Cross, Washington Terrace, Riverdale, South Weber, West Bountiful, Uintah, Salt Lake City International Airport, Fruit Heights, and East Layton. This includes I-15 between mile markers 310 and 335 and I-84 between mile markers 83 and 91. If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building, the NWS stated. If on or near the Great Salt Lake, get out of the water and move indoors or inside a vehicle. Remember, lightning can strike out to 10 miles from the parent thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Move to safe shelter now! Do not be caught on the water in a thunderstorm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No further information is available at this time. Latest headlines: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. NEW YORK New York state officials are working to clamp down on illegal guns by outlawing the sharing of digital blueprints that allow individuals to 3D print components that turn semi-automatic firearms into machine guns. The parts, called auto-sears, can be fitted into semi-automatic weapons, including Glock pistols and AR-15 rifles, allowing a shooter to empty their magazine with one pull of the trigger. And thanks to advances in 3D printing that allow people to manufacture gun parts from the comfort of their home, fully automatic firearms are becoming more common in New York City, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We talk about the Iron Pipeline, now we have the Kitchen Pipeline, said Bragg about the flow of illegal firearms smuggled into the city from states with more lenient gun laws. Were seeing this in our cases. Were seeing this in recoveries. Were seeing this in gun buy-backs. As technology evolves we have to keep pace in law enforcement. Bragg joined State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal at his Manhattan office Friday to announce a new bill that would criminalize the sale and distribution of the digital files necessary to manufacture the deadly 3D-printed components. The proposed bill is the latest effort on the part of state legislators to address the proliferation of ghost guns, which can be printed at home and lack serial numbers that help investigators track illegal firearms and keep them away from criminals. Hoylman-Sigal and Rosenthal introduced bills in 2023 that made it a felony to manufacture 3D-printed gun parts and a misdemeanor to distribute files containing the blueprints necessary to print them. The bills, S7364 and A7489, remain in committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is currently illegal to own or manufacture auto-sears in New York. The new bill would make anyone caught sharing digital files necessary to print the components, including out-of-state vendors, to a New Yorker punishable by up to one year in prison. The files can be easily found on CAD file sharing services. New technology has created the possibility for anyone, not just registered gun manufacturers, to self-manufacture guns, magazines and rapid modification devices with 3D printers, creating a dangerous loophole in our state gun laws, Hoylman-Sigal said. Last year, 24-year-old Hayden Espinosa was indicted for selling 3D-printed guns and firearm components, including auto-sears, to an undercover New York Police Department officer while serving time at a federal prison in Louisiana in 2023. Espinosa used cellphones he smuggled into prison to arrange the sales, including on Aug. 7, 2023, when he sold one auto-sear for a Glock pistol and another, 3D-printed auto-sear for an AR-style rifle to the undercover officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, Christopher Fox was indicted after police discovered he had manufactured all the components necessary to assemble an assault rifle inside his Upper East Side apartment after investing nearly $7,600 in 3D-printing equipment. The ATFs most recent stats from 2023 show that 53 machine-gun conversion devices were recovered in New York in 2023, as compared to 5,816 nationally. Aaron Jones stumbled into the Bronx bodega and began flinging bags of potato chips and pretzels to the ground. Dont touch me! he yelled three times as a worker, Jabar Almontaser, approached. Get outta my face! Get outta my face! Its all right, Almontaser, 19, assured him while being careful not to make physical contact with Jones. Take it easy, man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones turned around and left empty-handed, vowing with an expletive never to return. Crisis averted. In real life, the encounter could have spun off in a number of different directions including a robbery, vigilante justice or a police response. But this was for show, deescalation training for bodega workers held not in an auditorium or sterile conference room but inside Moes Organic Grocery at E. 180th St. and Crotona Ave. as customers stepped in and out. Most customers were too busy to stop and watch but some were interested enough to observe and even chime in. Trained, Not Armed is a pilot program run by the Mayors Office For Criminal Justice, which believes bodegas are the ideal location to reach people often left out of the public safety conversation like minority merchants and workers, most of them immigrants, many who dont speak English. The program also hopes to engage bodega customers and empower both sides with the tools to work past language and cultural barriers and defuse tense situations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones, co-founder of the Community Changing Fund, which works in various communities to stem the tide of violence, said Almontaser took the right steps during the role play, understanding he was dealing with someone in distress and lowering the temperature by speaking softly instead of cursing him out or forcefully ejecting him from the store. We have to be able to understand each other, Jones said. We want to deal with things before it gets to where police have to be called. Almontaser said the exercise is part of the never-ending process of learning about his customers. Hes Bronx-born and his dad, who owns Moes, hails from Yemen and speaks English as a second language. The Yemeni-American Merchant Association is working with City Hall on the initiative, though the Almontasers have also done outreach on their own, most recently with a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich giveaway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive changed the way I see people, Jabar Almontaser said. I look at them as family and treat them with respect. The deescalation pilot started recently and is proceeding slowly in the Bronx and Brooklyn, with a handful of deescalation trainings thus far but plans to expand it. It comes at a time when bodegas are in the news, many owners still feeling the effects of a shoplifting surge that started at the onset of the COVID pandemic as well as a number of high-profile violent crimes. Earlier this month, in the wake of two bodega murders, Mayor Adams announced an initiative that will fund panic buttons for 500 bodegas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones said that as bodega workers become more engaged with the community and residents see them as a true part of their community there will be less of a need to call police, thus sparing someone who is often mentally ill an arrest that does little to solve the persons underlying issues. Still, he acknowledges police will always be part of the equation when there is violence. Almontaser was in a precarious position recently with a customer who came in, all smiles, saying he had finished work and was going to see his kids. He bought something and had very pos energy, Almontaser said. But after 15 minutes he comes back in with energy completely opposite, off the charts. He flips the potato chips on the floor and Im confused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man ordered a sandwich and snacks, then told Almontaser he wasnt going to pay and that he was going to return later and kill him. Almontaser kept his cool, I told him, Dude, are you OK? You wanna talk about it? Almontaser recalled. He said he didnt feel like talking, then he took the sandwich and left. I wasnt going to get stabbed over a sandwich, he said. I just let him go. NYC Socialist mayoral wannabe Zohran Mamdani continued to offer a bizarre excuse Saturday about why he refused to sign a resolution denouncing the Holocaust, and blew off questions about skipping out on a separate resolution celebrating Israels 77th anniversary. The pro-Palestine state Assemblyman from Queens parroted his staffs response after the firestorm of criticism, insisting he didnt sign the Holocaust resolution because hes not co-sponsoring any resolutions in this years legislative session. This year at the beginning of the year, I told my staff that we would not co-sponsor any resolutions that came into our Assembly office, and that has nothing to do with the substance of the resolution. Im proud to be a supporter of that resolution, the embattled lawmaker said leaving a mayoral candidate forum hosted by the United Federation of Teachers in Midtown. NYC Socialist mayoral wannabe Zohran Mamdani continued to offer a bizarre excuse Saturday about why he refused to sign off on a resolution condemning the Holocaust. Robert Miller I was proud to vote for the Holocaust resolution, he added. I voted for that resolution every year that Ive been in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would absolutely sign the resolution in the future, Mamdani insisted. The resolution calls on the state to proclaim Jan. 27, 2025 as Holocaust Remembrance Day in the state of New York. He refused to elaborate on why hes not co-sponsoring resolutions this year. Mamdani also dodged questions from The Post when asked why he skipped signing another resolution Wednesday celebrating the Jewish states 77th anniversary, opting instead to get an endorsement in the mayoral race from anti-Israel former Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-Bronx). Thank you so much, Mamdani said Saturday when asked about the Israel resolution before walking away. Ex-Squad Rep. Jamaal Bowman endorses Zohran Mamdani for mayor. Courtesy of the Mamdani Campaign Mamdani is running second in most Democratic mayoral primary pols, trailing only former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, but his snub of the resolutions have sparked outrage as New York City counts the largest Jewish population outside of Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four other fellow socialist Dems joined Mamdani in not signing onto the pro-Israel resolution: Assemblymembers Emily Gallagher (D-Brooklyn), Claire Valdez (D-Queens), Marcela Mitaynes (D-Brooklyn) and Sarahana Shrestha (D-Ulster). That resolution called for congratulation the State of Israel on the 77th of its establishment and reaffirming the bonds of friendship, cooperation, and shared values between the people of the State of New York and Israel. People waving Israeli flags at a March of the Living event in Budapest on May 11, 2025. Mamdani opposes signing off on a resolution recognizing Israels 77th anniversary AFP via Getty Images It also designated 2025 as the 77th Anniversary of the establishment of the modern State of Israel in the ancestral home of the Jewish people. Mamdanis campaign spokesperson Andrew Epstein told Politico the mayoral candidate opposes the Israel resolution because it notes Israel continues to strive for peace with security and dignity for itself, its neighbors and throughout the world in order to fulfill the prophecy of becoming a light unto the nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that is belied by the conduct of the right-wing government over the past 18 months, Epstein insisted. Ex-City Councilman David Greenfield (D-Brooklyn), who now runs the Met Council charity, said Mamdanis refusal to back the Holocaust resolution no matter the reason makes him unfit to be mayor. NOT supporting a pro-Israel resolution does NOT make you an antisemite, he said on X. However, NOT recognizing the Holocaust certainly does. An NYPD detective dubbed the Italian Sherlock Holmes will finally be getting a gravesite marker nearly a century after his death, the Daily News has learned. Members of the Detectives Endowment Association will unveil the headstone for Detective Joseph Pucciano at Brooklyns Green-Wood Cemetery on Tuesday. Pucciano, a heralded gang-buster and member of the NYPDs famed Italian Squad in the 1920s, died July 13, 1928, of pulmonary tuberculosis, members said. He repeatedly graced the pages of the Daily News with reports of his headline-grabbing arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joe solved a dozen or more seemingly unsolvable murders, The News wrote a month after the detectives death. His memory was deep. His luck was good. He was called in to succeed where the ferreting of others had failed. The greatest of his long list of victories was the imprisonment or execution of almost 50 members of one of New Yorks most ruthless predatory gangs. The steely-eyed detective was born in Calabria, Italy in 1879. He grew up on the Lower East Side and learned to speak four languages: English, Italian, Chinese and Albanian. He joined the NYPD in 1905 and spent the next 20 years busting gangsters in Brooklyn as part of the Italian Squad and the Brooklyn homicide squad. The Italian Squad was made up of Italian-born cops focused on mob-related murders and mayhem. Pucciano was a hard-hitting, smart, innovative and savvy investigator who earned his detective shield within five years, the DEA noted. [He] worked on a wide array of cases that ranged from huge, organized crime takedowns of shakedown artists like the notorious Navy Street Gang, to abduction and kidnapping for ransom, as well as Prohibition-era poisoning cases and narcotics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He handled more than 40 murder investigations and was nicknamed both The Italian Sherlock Holmes and The Master Detective in the press, the union said. One of his biggest cases was the apprehension of Tony Perreti, nicknamed for no rhyme or reason Tony the Shoemaker,' The News noted at the time. Perreti, the head of the Navy Street Gang who plotted 23 murders and was known to have lavish dinners where he outlined his plans to rub out rival gang leaders, had organized the execution of two rival gangsters from Harlem and had already fled to the West Coast when Pucciano was put on the case. Pucciano was able solve the double killing and locate one of the conspirators, Ralph The Barber Doniello by visiting Perretis coffee house, where the detective accidentally or on purpose knocked down a picture from the wall, The News said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several addresses were written on the wall behind the picture, including Doniellos. How Pucciano knew it was there will never be known, The News noted. The detective grabbed Doniello in Reno, Nev. He immediately turned state witness and helped Pucciano round up the rest of his gang. Nearly a decade later, just a year before the detectives death, Perreti was sent to the electric chair. Pucciano was survived by two sons and a daughter. His son, George, became an NYPD cop. Yet his grave never had a marker. The DEA learned about the oversight last year as they unveiled a headstone for Detective Bernardino Grottano, who was shot and killed as he chased a robbery suspect while off duty on May 19, 1924. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grottanos widow couldnt afford a headstone at the time of her husbands death. Grottano was another NYPD detective lost to time until the DEA stepped in to pay for a dignified marker for the hero cop. As they were preparing the unveiling of Grottanos headstone, DEA members learned that he was a partner of Pucciano, who was buried a few plots over and also didnt have a headstone. The union felt it was important to honor the detective with the same tribute. The job hasnt changed, and none did it better, DEA President Scott Munro said about Pucciano. [He] served the citizens of the city with bravery and distinction. BOLIVAR, N.Y (WETM) One woman was arrested on several felonies on Saturday regarding a stabbing incident involving New York State troopers in the Village of Bolivar, according to New York State Police (NYSP). Julia C. Groff, 31, of Bolivar, was arrested on Saturday, May 17, on the following charges: Two counts of attempted murder in the first degree, a class A-2 felony. Two counts of aggravated assault upon a police officer, a class B felony. Two counts of menacing a police officer, a class C felony. Grand larceny in the fourth degree, a class E felony. Obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, a class A misdemeanor. Resisting arrest, a class A misdemeanor. Criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, a class A misdemeanor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS STORY: NYSP: Woman stabs two troopers during traffic stop for stolen vehicle According to NYSP, Groffs charges stem from an incident on Saturday, May 17, around 3:25 p.m., when troopers from Amity State Police were called to Crosbys Gas Station for the report of a stolen 2000 black Chevy Silverado in the Village of Bolivar. Upon arrival at the scene, NYSP said troopers located the vehicle at a gas pump, troopers then approached the driver of the vehicle at the pump, later identified as Groff. State police further said that when the troopers tried to arrest Groff, she became violent and stabbed Trooper Jacob Klock right above the eye and Trooper Michael Rich in the head. Trooper Rich pulled out his gun and fired in response, but the shot did not hit Groff, NYSP explained. NYSP stated, both troopers are at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester with serious injuries and are receiving treatment. Groff sustained minor injuries during the incident, NYSP said. State Police said Groff had her charges read to her and is being held in the Allegany County Jail without bail. A hearing is scheduled to happen on Wednesday, May 21, at the Town of Bolivar Court, according to NYSP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. The seven-year legal dispute between the operator of Stokes Countys community hospital operator and Blue Cross Blue Shield N.C. has entered a new stage with the insurer requesting federal court-ordered sanctions on the for-profit health provider. In particular, Blue Cross NC also wants the Middle District of N.C. to prevent LifeBrite Hospital Group from offering any evidence at trial (or in any motion) that challenges (its) interpretation of key data in proceedings. LifeBrite sued Blue Cross NC in Stokes Superior Court in April 2018, requesting at least $15.5 million in laboratory reimbursement payments. LifeBrite accuses Blue Cross of breaching the contract that LifeBrite inherited from Pioneer Health Services in January 2017. Blue Cross counterclaim, filed in May 2018 in federal court, focuses on accusations of a stunning 25,000% increase in submissions of lab tests, or from 267 to 67,000, at the Danbury hospital from the time LifeBrite acquired it in February 2017 to when the countersuit was filed. Danbury has 189 residents, while Stokes has about 46,000. The bulk of the tests submitted for reimbursement are for urine drug screenings. The LifeBrite parties misrepresentations and refusals to participate in discovery justify fee-shifting sanctions, Blue Cross NC said in an April 25 motion. Blue Cross NC respectfully requests that the court put an end to the LifeBrite parties cat-and-mouse games and hold them accountable for their abuse of the discovery process. Blue Cross NC said in its April 25 filing that it has been pursuing details from LifeBrite that would show where the testing was performed, which provider or entity ordered each test, and how each test was billed. LifeBrite claims it has provided all pertinent testing details and that Blue Cross NC has more than everything it needs to know to litigate this case. Blue Cross NC said during April 2024 court proceedings that the data as it has been produced by the LifeBrite parties would be entirely unworkable in a trial setting. LifeBrites response of May 7 claims Blue Cross NC has misled federal and state law enforcement, government agencies, Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliates, other insurers, and additional third parties in the healthcare industry that LifeBrite Hospital and LifeBrite Labs engaged in fraud and other bad behavior. Simply put: Blue Cross NC chose to defame the LifeBrite parties and engage in deceptive and unfair practices when faced with a commercial threat. Background LifeBrite, of Lilburn, Ga., paid $400,000 for the Stokes health-care facilities, including a nursing home, in January 2017. It was LifeBrites first attempt at being a hospital owner-operator. The 25-bed hospital was rebranded LifeBrite Community Hospital of Stokes. It has more than 250 employees. BlueCross says LifeBrite routed tests performed elsewhere through the Danbury hospital to take advantage of higher reimbursements available there. The insurer is claiming fraud and breach of contract in its countersuit. As part of the dispute, Blue Cross removed LifeBrite from in-network status in August 2018. Blue Cross said in an August 2018 court filing that LifeBrites actions represent a $76 million health-insurance swindle conducted on a national scale. The insurer claims LifeBrite turned a trickle of legitimate monthly billing averaging $37,400 into an $8.5 million per month fraudulent river of gold. Blue Cross said it paid LifeBrite about $11 million before detecting the alleged scheme and stopping payments. Since 2018, there have been several motions for summary judgments or case dismissals by both parties. LifeBrite is facing similar litigation in federal court for the Northern District of Georgia involving Blue Cross units in Florida and Georgia, as well as Elevance Health Inc., UnitedHealth Group and Aetna. LifeBrite filed a countersuit against the insurers in July 2023 that claims they made false allegations about LifeBrite to regulators and prosecutors to avoid paying millions of dollars in legitimate claims. Stokes impact The Blue Cross NC-LifeBrite legal dispute continues as two potential healthcare developments have emerged involving Stokes. The main appeal to Stokes is that unlike every other Triad county, it doesnt have a hospital affiliated with Cone Health, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist or Novant Health Inc. Dr. Mary Jo Cagle, Cone Healths outgoing president and chief executive, said in December that parent companys Risant Healths $1 billion commitment will make it more feasible for Cone to expand its operational presence in Alamance, Forsyth, Randolph and Rockingham counties. Cagle announced March 19 plans to step down on May 31 to address what the system calls a serious family health matter. Bernie Sherry, who has served as Cones interim chief operating officer since December, will take over as interim chief executive on June 1. Cagle stressed that the capital investment pledge does not include acquiring a hospital or opening a new acute-care community hospital that typically is in the $100 million to $150 million range. Instead, Cagle expects the bulk will go toward replacement and refurbishing of current buildings, and to new equipment. I could see us growing into other counties with new growth, but I dont see us acquiring existing hospitals, Cagle said. Cagle said Cones Rockingham County growth plan could include spilling over into Stokes County. Where should we look in Stokes County? Cagle asked. Were up in that area (through Rockingham), so were looking at doing assessments to say where is there need? Where does it fit with our mission? Meanwhile, Novant has a modest provider and dialysis network in Stokes, mostly in King, while Baptist operates two clinics in the county. In May 2024, the Stokes Board of Commissioners selected Novants proposal to buy or lease the Danbury hospital over those from Stokes Medical Management Group and for-profit Tenet Health Partners. The goal at that time was to have the transaction completed by Aug. 1, 2024, However, negotiations have bogged down between Novant and LifeBrite, Stokes manager Jeff Sanborn said even though the county and Novant have reached their agreement. Novant said in a November statement that the system has served the residents of Stokes County for many years and were proud to have been entrusted with the future of Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital. We are working with the county and the current hospital operator to ensure a smooth transition in 2025. We will share more about our plans to expand healthcare offerings across the county in the months ahead. Novant pledged a $50 million capital investment over five years in Stokes healthcare facilities that would include: revitalizing and modernizing the Danbury campus; expanding the King healthcare campus with the development of a rural emergency hospital or free-standing emergency department and a multi-specialty medical office building; adding primary care access points, including urgent care centers; and recruiting additional primary and specialty care physicians. Novant could not be reached for an update on its Stokes plans. US Justice investigation The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported in June 2020 that 10 individuals, including LifeBrite chief executive Christian Fletcher, have been charged with bilking insurance companies through an elaborate scheme using struggling rural hospitals, including the former Chestatee Regional Hospital in Dahlonega, Ga., to bill for drug testing. The 10 individuals, according to a U.S. Justice Department indictment, were accused of obtaining urine specimens and other samples for testing through kickbacks paid to recruiters and health care providers, including substance abuse treatment centers. Some of the tests, the government alleges, were not even medically necessary. The conspirators then billed insurers through the hospitals for about $1.4 billion for lab tests and were paid about $400 million, the government alleges. In March 2023, four LifeBrite officials, including Fletcher, were acquitted by a Florida jury. According to a March 28, 2023, article by the Early County News, the LifeBrite officials were found not guilty of charges involving healthcare fraud, conspiracy and money laundering during a retrial that lasted four weeks. In the original May 2022 trial, two defendants were ultimately convicted. The jury hung, however, on Fletcher and the three other defendants. In the May 7 court filing, LifeBrite claims Blue Cross NC hopes it can persuade this court to endorse the same alleged fraud narrative that the U.S. Government also unsuccessfully pursued against LifeBrites CEO in a 2023 trial at the conclusion of which he was acquitted of all charges. BOLIVAR, N.Y. (WETM) A New York State Trooper is in serious condition, and another is hurt after a woman stabbed them during a traffic stop, regarding a stolen vehicle, in the parking lot of a gas station in the Village of Bolivar, according to the New York State Police (NYSP). According to NYSP, around 3:25 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, troopers from the Amity State Police Barracks came across a stolen vehicle in the Village of Bolivar. Soon after spotting the vehicle, troopers carried out a vehicle and traffic stop in the parking lot of Crosbys Gas Station, located at 500 Main, in the Village of Bolivar, NYSP said. NYSP further stated that while troopers were arresting the female, who NYSP explained was thought to have stolen the vehicle, she turned violent, stabbing one trooper right above the eye and the other in his head. Binghamton woman arrested after multi-state reckless driving incident Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, one of the troopers pulled out and fired his gun, but did not hit the woman, NYSP said. The woman had minor injuries and was taken into custody, NYSP explained. The trooper who experienced trauma to the eye area is in serious condition, NYSP added, and is being taken to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester for treatment. NYSP stated the woman is awaiting her charges and there is no public threat. An investigation is ongoing and 18 News will provide more information as it 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 WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. Superintendent of OFallon School District 90 Carrie Hruby is the Illinois Association of School Administrators 2025 Superintendent of Distinction for the Southwestern region. Hruby is one of 21 superintendents across the state chosen by fellow administrators to hold this years title of Superintendent of Distinction. Awardees are selected based on leadership and dedication, a news release says. I am truly honored and humbled by this recognition, Hruby said in the release. Its a privilege to collaborate with the talented superintendents in the Southwest region I am also incredibly grateful to work alongside the dedicated staff, families, students and board of education in OFallon District 90, whose commitment and passion inspire me every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hruby has been OFallon Community Consolidated School District 90s superintendent for 10 years, and an educator for nearly 30, the release says. It adds that during her administrative tenure, Hruby has improved safety by starting a comprehensive security team, secured funding for more land, completed facility upgrades without tax increases and took on statewide leadership roles. Effective school leadership requires both vision and the ability to execute, Brent Clark, IASA executive director, said in the release. Dr. Hruby has demonstrated both qualities consistently throughout her career in OFallon. St. Clair, Jersey, Madison, Monroe and Randolph counties comprise the Southwestern Region. The regions 2024 Superintendent of Distinction, Belleville Township High School District 201s Brian Mentzer, is also from St. Clair. Hruby was honored at an awards luncheon, sponsored by Stifel, in Springfield Thursday, the release says. The waters surrounding a small South Pacific nation have been ruled to be off-limits from deep-sea mining for at least the next 50 years. As RFI reported, lawmakers in New Caledonia have passed a moratorium that bans commercial exploration, prospecting, and mining of mineral resources within the country's exclusive economic zone. The area spreads across over 500,000 square miles (1.3 million square kilometers), granting New Caledonia the right to protect the development of marine resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeremie Katidjo Monnier, a New Caledonia government member, offered up an explanation of the legislation's significance. "Rather than giving in to the logic of immediate profit, New Caledonia can choose to be a pioneer in ocean protection," Katidjo Monnier said. "It is also a strategic lever to assert our environmental sovereignty in the face of multinationals and a strong signal of commitment to future generations," Katidjo Monnier added. New Caledonia is home to one of the largest barrier reefs on Earth, recognized as one of the world's most diverse and extensive coral reef systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lagoons and reefs support over 400 coral species, 1,700 fish species, and a vast array of other marine life, according to The Pew Charitable Trusts. They have become so vital to the ecosystem that six of the marine clusters have even been designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. Coral reefs are an important natural resource to humans and nearby wildlife. Coral reefs protect coastlines from storms and erosion, offer the potential for jobs for local communities and their economy, and provide a diverse range of marine habitats for various species. Coral reefs are also essential for certain organisms used in pharmaceutical developments. In April 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order signaling America's "economic interest in maintaining leadership in deep-sea science and technology and seabed mineral resources." The order encourages deep-sea mining for mineral-rich nodules. Should we be harnessing the ocean to power our homes? Absolutely Leave it be It depends I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. However, Olivier Poivre d'Arvor, France's maritime ambassador, rebuked the plans made by Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No one can claim the right to destroy the oceans, especially those over which they have no territorial rights," Poivre d'Arvor said in a press briefing, shared by France24. "This is the strict application of international law. The deep sea is not for sale." 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. Officials revealed what caused a large ship to crash into the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17 New York City Mayor Eric Adams said during a press conference that the Cuauhtemoc crashed into the landmark due to a mechanical mishap Over 200 people were onboard the ship at the time of the crash, and 19 of them were injured, four seriously Officials have revealed what caused a large ship to crash into the Brooklyn Bridge over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a press conference after the incident, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said the Cuauhtemoc, a training ship used for the Mexican Navy, crashed into the landmark due to a mechanical mishap. The pilot lost power of the ship, he said of the vessel, which took off from the nearby Pier 17 shortly before. Chief Wilson Aramboles of the New York Police Department (NYPD)'s Special Operations Division stated that the ship was en route to Iceland. New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez also said during the press conference that the head of the bridge division was in Brooklyn, and a preliminary assessment found no signs of major damage. Adams added that 277 people total were onboard at the time of the crash, and 19 of them were injured, four seriously. No one fell into the water, per officials. NYPD NEWS/X Eric Adams and others during a press conference following the crash on May 17. Eric Adams and others during a press conference following the crash on May 17. Just before 9 p.m. local time on May 17, the Cuauhtemoc vessel crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge, prompting a search-and-rescue operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after, the Mexican navy confirmed the incident in a statement on X, writing: "During the sailing maneuver of the Cuauhtemoc sailboat in New York, a mishap occurred with the Brooklyn Bridge, causing damage to the training ship, preventing the continuation of the training cruise for the time being." "The status of personnel and equipment is being reviewed by naval and local authorities, who are providing support," the organization added. "The Navy reaffirms its commitment to personnel safety, transparency in its operations, and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Navy." Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty The Cuauhtemoc hits the Brooklyn Bridge in N.Y.C. The Cuauhtemoc hits the Brooklyn Bridge in N.Y.C. Eyewitness videos of the crash shared on social media show the ship's large masts colliding with the bridge and onlookers reacting in surprise. Sections of the top half of the vessel broke apart upon the impact. People who had been standing along the masts could be seen hanging from the broken structures following the collision. Later on May 17, Manhattan Borough President Mark D. Levine shared in a post on X that NYPD divers had exited the water and the injured had been transported to local hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "DOT [Department of Transporation] is currently on the bridge to assess potential structural damage. Will not need to close the bridge. The investigation is ongoing," he added. A New York Fire Department (FDNY) official told The New York Times that everyone was believed to have been accounted for. 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. According to NBC New York, the Cuauhtemoc arrived in N.Y.C. earlier in the week, docked at Pier 17 of the South Street Seaport Museum, and had been open to tours over the weekend. The vessel was built in 1981 at the Celaya Shipyards in Bilbao, Spain, per the museum's website. Read the original article on People The month of May at the Oklahoma Capitol has become known, in recent years, for Gov. Kevin Stitt's frequent vetoes, followed by lawmakers' inevitable attempts to override some of those vetoes. Stitt, through Thursday, May 15, had vetoed 39 bills approved by the Legislature. With a deadline of May 30 looming, legislative leaders are forming the list of vetoed bills on which theyll attempt override votes. And while those leaders are still keeping the contents of that list close to the vest, one bill clearly is at the top: House Bill 1389. The bipartisan bill, sponsored by Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, and Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, would have expanded insurance coverage for breast cancer imaging and advanced diagnostic tests that are essential to early detection, without cost-sharing for patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Provenzanos introduction of the bill on the House floor resulted in a touching display of affection rarely seen in the Capitol. Legislators of both major parties wore pink to honor Provenzano, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Tears and hugs and words of kindness abounded from both sides of the political aisle. The bill passed 95-0 unanimous votes on legislation are rare in the House, and 34-11 in the Senate, with only far-right Republican senators voting against it. Why Gov. Kevin Stitt says he vetoed mammogram bill Stitt vetoed it on May 6, saying, while he is deeply sympathetic to the women across our state who have bravely fought breast cancer, he believed this legislation imposes new and costly insurance mandates on private health plans that will ultimately raise insurance premiums for working families and small businesses. Without fail, when government gets involved in markets, prices rise for everyone. The veto stunned most Capitol observers, given the strong support the bill received in the Legislature and the fact that one of its sponsors had such a sympathetic story. Stanley called the veto disheartening and said the governor was mistaken about the bills cost: (T)he reality is that the costs of providing preventative screenings are minuscule when compared to the costs to treat late-stage disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: Three vetoes by Gov. Kevin Stitt should be overridden by the OK Legislature | Editorial A bill co-authored by Democratic state Rep. Melissa Provenzano of Tulsa is at the top of a list of bills vetoed by Gov. Kevin Stitt that are being considered for a veto override. Provenzano said a law passed in 2022 covered diagnostic mammograms and the vetoed bill would have covered the very next test that gets ordered when your doctor finds something on your annual screening mammogram. She said shed fielded many calls from women who say their insurance companies are pushing back on coverage, despite what the law says. Almost immediately, House Bill 1389 moved to the top of the veto-override list. Because it didnt contain an emergency clause, only two-thirds of the members of each legislative chamber would need to approve the override for it to be successful 68 in the House and 32 in the Senate. (Bills with an emergency clause require a three-fourths majority in both chambers.) Asked Thursday about possible veto overrides, Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, immediately mentioned House Bill 1389. His legislative counterparts on the Democratic side of the aisle seem to agree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Oklahoma governor rejects measure requiring insurers to cover more breast cancer tests I know that there's strong support to override the mammography insurance mandate (veto), said Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City. That's something many people in the Women's Caucus have signed onto, and I think that was just important to make sure people have access to quality health diagnosis. That's a huge one we've been talking about. House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, said shes hopeful that now that Paxton and House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, have reached an agreement with Stitt on the state budget, the Legislature will start working on potential veto override votes. I'm assuming we'd utilize that very last week after Memorial Day to come back, Munson said, mentioning specifically House Bill 1389. There are a couple other pieces of legislation that I think both Republicans and Democrats Republicans have been getting their bills vetoed as well. So I'm sure they have a list of requests that they've sent into their chamber leaders that we may be able to see in that last week. I'm not certain on that, but I'm hopeful that that will happen. If House Bill 1389 does become law via a veto override, it would take effect Nov. 1. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma mammogram bill vetoed by Gov. Stitt could see override HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Connecticuts old state house celebrated its 229th birthday Saturday and members of the community showed up to engage in the festivities. The historic landmark first opened as one of Connecticuts two state capitols on May 11, 1796 and was used for about 150 years. Legendary Avon Old Farms coach enshrined in Hall of Fame Due to the building being threatened with destruction, members of the community wanted to celebrate the the important historical connection with artistic crafts and birthday cake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre an adult, you can come learn about Connecticut, learn about Hartford and how they were involved in different historical things, Alison Sharaf of Hartford 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 WTNH.com. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) One person was hospitalized and another was injured after an assault in Navy Yard on Saturday, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. Police say a large group of juveniles was engaging in disorderly behavior and is believed to be connected to a robbery that occurred around 9:15 p.m. at Half and M Street SE. Police identify man killed in Southwest DC shooting During the robbery, police say multiple suspects assaulted two victims and forcibly took their belongings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Police say no arrests have been made and the incident remains under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. DES MOINES, Iowa One person was injured during a shooting in the Drake Neighborhood, according to the Des Moines Police Department. According to the DMPD, just before 6 p.m., officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 1500 block of 32nd Street. The injured person, a male, drove themselves from the incident scene and was then involved in a crash near MLK Jr Parkway and Meek Avenue. DMPD personnel transported the injured man to a Des Moines hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person dead in Floyd County crash Officers at the scene have detained a potential involved person and recovered one handgun, according to the DMPD. No charges have been filed, and the investigation is ongoing. DMPD officers say this appears to be a targeted incident and there is no indication of any ongoing danger to the neighborhood. Expect an extended police presence as the investigation progresses. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available for release Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. By Pavel Polityuk and Olena Harmash KYIV (Reuters) -Russia launched on Sunday its largest drone attack on Ukraine since the start of the war, destroying homes and killing at least one woman a day before U.S. President Donald Trump is due to discuss a proposed ceasefire with Russia's Vladimir Putin. Ukraine's intelligence service said it also believed Moscow intended to fire an intercontinental ballistic missile later on Sunday as an attempt to intimidate the West. There was no immediate response from Moscow to the accusation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, straining to restore ties with Washington after a disastrous February White House visit, met Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome on Sunday on the sidelines of Pope Leo's inauguration. Zelenskiy said the meeting was "good" and released pictures of Ukrainian and U.S. officials sitting outside at a round table and smiling. Ukrainian media said the meeting lasted 40 minutes. "I reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to be engaged in real diplomacy and underscored the importance of a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible," said Zelenskiy, who also met the new pope. Ukraine and Russia held their first face-to-face talks in more than three years on Friday, under pressure from Trump to agree to a ceasefire in a war he has pledged to bring to a quick end. The foes agreed to swap 1,000 prisoners each but failed to agree a truce, after Moscow presented conditions that a member of Ukraine's delegation called "non-starters". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The leaders of Britain, France, Germany and Poland planned to speak to Trump before the U.S. and Russian presidents speak on Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said. The four European leaders jointly visited Kyiv last week and have been calling for Trump to back new sanctions on Russia. Asked if it was time to impose tougher sanctions on Russia, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that was up to Trump. "I think we will see what happens when both sides get to the table," he told NBC News' "Meet the Press" programme. "President Trump has made it very clear, that if President Putin does not negotiate in good faith, that the United States will not hesitate to up the Russia sanctions along with our European partners." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a night of air alerts, Ukraine's air force said that as of 8 a.m. on Sunday Russia had launched 273 drones at Ukrainian cities, more than the previous record Moscow had set in February on the war's third anniversary. 'I COULD HEAR THE DRONE' In the ruins of her family home in the Obukhiv region west of Kyiv, Natalia Piven, 44, recounted how she squeezed into a cellar with her son after an air raid warning, just in time to survive a first wave of drones. They then ran out to a bomb shelter at a kindergarten, before another wave of drones bore down on the village. Their house was completely destroyed. A 28-year-old woman who lived next door was killed. Ukrainian authorities said three other people were injured, including a four-year-old child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I cannot get over it. I simply cannot. I could clearly hear the drone flying right towards my house," Piven told Reuters. Trump has shifted U.S. rhetoric from supporting Ukraine towards accepting some of Moscow's narrative about the war that Putin launched in 2022. But Kyiv and its European allies are working hard to persuade Trump that it is Moscow that is holding up a truce now. Zelenskiy has said he would accept Trump's proposal for an immediate ceasefire of at least 30 days with no conditions. Moscow says it would consider a ceasefire but only if conditions are met, including a halt in arms supplies to Kyiv. It also says any peace talks must address the "root causes" of the conflict, including its demands that Ukraine cede territory, be disarmed and accept neutral status. Kyiv says that would amount to capitulation and leave it defenceless. (Additional reporting by Valentyn Ogirenko, Gleb Garanich, Anna Voitenko in Kyiv and Lidia Kelly in Melbourne;Writing by Lidia Kelly and Peter GraffEditing by William Mallard, Jamie Freed and Helen Popper) WORTHING, S.D. (KCAU) One woman has died and an infant was injured in a single-car accident 6 miles outside of Worthing, South Dakota, on Wednesday, May 14th. Officials said the driver of a 2009 Nissan Maxima, Mikelena Flora Neal, was traveling West on 282nd near 469th Avenue when she lost control of the vehicle, overcorrected, leaving the south side of the road. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vehicle rolled, and Neal was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the car. The infant in the car was properly strapped in and had minor injuries. Neal did not survive the accident. The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. The suspect in the bombing of a Palm Springs fertility clinic that injured four people was tentatively identified Sunday by the FBI as Guy Edward Bartkus, a 25-year-old with nihilistic ideations. Bartkus appears to have been killed in the Saturday morning explosion at American Reproductive Centers, according to FBI officials who are investigating the incident as an "act of intentional terrorism." "We believe he was the subject found by the vehicle," said Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office, referencing a 2010 silver Ford Fusion sedan near the explosion site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davis said investigators believed the suspect was attempting to livestream the attack, which he described as probably "the largest bombing scene that we've had in Southern California," eclipsing the 2018 bombing of a day spa in Aliso Viejo. Law enforcement sources told The Times that the bomber used a very large amount of explosives so many that the bomb shredded his remains and may not have intended to be killed in the blast. They also said the suspect appeared to be "anti-life" an "antinatalist" who believed that procreation is unethical or unjustifiable and interacted with like-minded people in social forums. In addition, the sources said, he appeared to be reacting to the recent death of a friend. Investigators, they said, were looking into an array of evidence online that was potentially linked to the bombing, including social media, a manifesto published online, and a YouTube account mentioning explosives the latter of which they were still verifying. A website that contained no name, but appeared connected to the bombing, laid out the case for "a war against pro-lifers" and said a fertility clinic would be targeted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: One dead after suspected bomb blast near reproductive health clinic in Palm Springs "Here you can download the recorded stream of my suicide & bombing of an IVF clinic," the site began, but no such file existed. The site extolled a hodgepodge of philosophies, such as "abolitionist veganism," the opposition to all animal use by humans, and "negative utilitarianism," the idea that one should act to minimize suffering rather than maximize pleasure in the world. "Basically, I'm a pro-mortalist," the author wrote, referring to a fringe philosophical position that it is best for sentient beings to die as soon as possible to prevent future suffering. The Times could not independently confirm that Bartkus produced the website. Domain data show the site was created in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davis declined to confirm whether the manifesto was written by the suspect, adding that his team was "tracking a possible manifesto out there, and it's part of our ongoing investigation." Bartkus lived in Twentynine Palms, home to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center that is touted as the worlds largest Marine Corps training base. However, Bartkus was not a Marine, said Yvonne Carlock, a spokesperson for the Marines. The Times could not yet verify whether Bartkus had any other affiliation with the base that might allow him to access explosives. A portion of Palm Canyon Drive is blocked off after an explosion at a fertility clinic. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) In the manifesto, the author denounced those who bring human life into the world and declared an end goal of "sterilizing this planet of the disease of life." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Life can only continue as long as people hold the delusional belief that it is not a zero sum game causing senseless torture, and messes it can never, or only partially, clean up," the site said. Accompanying the website was a 30-minute audio file, labeled "pre," that began with the speaker saying he would explain "why Ive decided to bomb an IVF building or clinic." Basically, it just comes down to Im angry that I exist and that, you know, nobody got my consent to bring me here, the speaker said. The fertility clinic, surrounded by other medical buildings, was closed at the time of the bombing. Although the bomb ripped the building in half, the clinic's director said no embryos were harmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our lab including all eggs, embryos, and reproductive materials remains fully secure and undamaged," the business said in a statement posted online. "Our mission has always been to help build families, and in times like these, we are reminded of just how fragile and precious life is." Leonard Perez, a retired Los Angeles police lieutenant and an expert in explosives, said that federal investigators will search the scene for any bomb residue and then "work backwards" to try to determine what type of materials were used. Until such tests are completed, he said, investigators won't be able to infer the source of the explosion based only on the size of the blast crater. "It could be either a homemade device or it could be a military-grade explosive," said Perez, who also worked with explosives while in the U.S. Navy. "That's one of the questions that investigators will have to determine: Did he have access to those materials?" Investigators, Perez said, would also conduct a rigorous background check of Bartkus for any evidence of how and when he might have come by the explosives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What's their background? Where do they have work?" Perez said, listing some of the questions investigators will seek to answer. "What did they have access to? And what did their family members have access to?" Read more: As Palm Springs reels in wake of clinic bombing, authorities name suspect and say city is safe On the website with the manifesto and hidden in the site's underlying code, the author referenced the recent death of a person the writer claimed as a close friend, "Sophie." The references match the April 20 death of a Washington woman allegedly shot by her partner at he says her request. A law enforcement bulletin reviewed by The Times said the suspect appeared to become more depressed after the recent death of a female friend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I've never related to someone so much, and can't imagine I ever would again," the author said in the manifesto, noting that he and "Sophie" identified as "anti-sex misandrists" and "VegAntinatalists" and had a "borderline personality 'disorder.' " The website suggested the two had come to an agreement: "If one of us died, the other would probably soon follow," the author wrote. "It's just too much of a loss when there's nobody else you really relate to significantly." Brian Levin, the founder of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism and professor emeritus at Cal State San Bernardino, said, after reviewing the manifesto that many in the community have linked to the suspect, that the author appeared to be part of a growing movement of alienated lone actors radicalized on obscure internet sites and by misinformation. "The antinatalism movement he links to specifically condemns violence," Levin said. "Still, his purported rambling, idiosyncratic 'political' statements paint a far different picture that of a hopeless unstable young man whose suicidal despair stirs him into a self-consuming brutal death justified by a personally distorted embrace of an obscure anti-life ideology." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the last two decades, Levin said, a string of young male loners, barely into adulthood, have erupted in extreme violence as a result of a mix of social estrangement, unrestrained online radicalization and aggression, as well as unaddressed psychological distress. Historically, Levin said, it would have been harder for an individual to have an obscure ideology validated and legitimized and gain the knowledge to carry out such an attack. "Today, we basically have a DIY ecosystem where lone folks can engage in conduct that previously tilted more towards groups and small cells," Levin said. "There's a whole cauldron that involves radicalization, misinformation, legitimization of violence as a method within this grievance set and that's what you have." Investigators were at Bartkus' house within hours of Saturday's explosion. Officials investigate the home of Guy Edward Bartkus in Twentynine Palms. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies asked residents on one end of the community to leave their homes as they cleared a blast radius, then waited on a judge's warrant to search a house tied to the bombing suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An online address directory showed the house had been used by Bartkus since 2019. Jeanette Hogan, who said she did not know the Bartkus name, lived directly across the street and had not seen occupants in the house for several months. "We've never seen him out and about, so this is all like shocking to us," Hogan said. "It's a bit unsettling to know our neighbor was doing something so evil. "Thank goodness it was a Saturday and that they didn't have any patients." Thomas Bickel, who lived directly behind the suspect's home, also said he had never seen Bartkus. He said sheriff's deputies at about 1 p.m. asked him to leave his house, and he decamped to the Cactus Bar to wait out the search. Eight hours later, Bickel was still there, nursing a beer on the patio while watching federal agents down the street walk in and out of the suspect's house. At one point, they sent a robot into the house, while drones and a helicopter hovered overhead. An FBI agent whose car was parked at the perimeter told Bickel that the bomb used in Palm Springs was "large." An Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, Bickel said he was familiar with the destructive power of roadside bombs. "I'm not saying this in a positive way," he said, "but it was somebody who knew what they were doing." The explosion Saturday damaged offices at a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. (Eric Thayer / Associated Press) The car blast was so large it tore through the clinic and sent debris blocks away, breaking windows in a nearby hospital while propelling the suspect's crumpled vehicle in the other direction across a back parking lot. Nick Jacob Sivetz was about nine blocks away at the Graffiti Yard when he heard the explosion. He said his roommate at their home, about six miles away, also heard the blast. Sivetz ran to the scene to find businesses with their windows blown out, debris strewn across the road. Amid the confusion, he said, many residents thought there had been a gas explosion. "I would say the entire city was shook," Sivetz said. "It was surprising for a lot of people, especially in a quiet city like this." Palm Springs' reputation as an inclusive community, and the American Reproductive Centers' work in assisting same-sex couples in using surrogates to have children, sparked early fear that the attack was a hate crime against the LGBTQ+ community. "Fertility treatments, including IVF, have become increasingly politicized by far-right extremists over the past couple of years," Equality California Director Tony Hoang said in a statement released to the media. "No one should fear for their safety while accessing healthcare." Times staff writer Melody Gutierrez contributed to this report. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. LOST CREEK, W.Va. (WBOY) Veterans from across the Mountain State were honored on Saturday as Operation Firm Handshake hosted its annual picnic in downtown Lost Creek. Held at the Lost Creek Community Center, more than 400 attendees participated in the celebration. The annual picnic serves as a meaningful tribute to the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. We honored Ron McVaney and Robert Throckmorton. They were our Honorary Grand Marshals, they passed last year. And our Grand Marshal was Richard McLain, hes also a member of our organization, President and Director of Operation Firm Handshake Martin Broderick said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buckhannons 83rd Strawberry Festival honors first responders The annual picnic is a cornerstone event for Operation Firm Handshake, an organization dedicated to recognizing and supporting veterans through meaningful outreach and community engagement. It provides both an opportunity for public acknowledgment of veterans sacrifices, as well as a space for connection, camaraderie, and celebration. It started out as a day of recognition, just honoring, feeding, and reuniting veterans, and then we got into, about four years ago, helping veterans, the homeless, combat wounded veterans who havent been given a claim yet from the VA, Broderic said. We aid in and assist veterans in distress. On Memorial Day on May 26, Operation Firm Handshake will host the Float on the Fork event serving beverages, and on Saturday, Sept. 27, it will be holding a poker run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. Since 1987, there has been a steady decline in the Great Salt Lakes water elevation. 2022 reached its lowest annual lake elevation in recorded history, raising alarm throughout the Great Basin in Utah, from Brigham City, Farmington and Ogden to Orem, Provo and beyond. In response, researchers, policymakers, businesses, faith groups, farmers, ranchers and nonprofits have stepped up to address a crisis that has already exposed roughly 1,110 square miles of lakebed. The Healthy Environment Alliance of Utah (HEAL Utah) collaborates with these stakeholders to confront the growing threat of hazardous dust storms that originate from the drying lakebed and worsen our already poor air quality. This is not a distant concern these storms are already happening and are becoming more frequent. Currently, Utah experiences a few dust storms per year. But as the lake continues to shrink, both the frequency and intensity of these storms will increase. The Salt Lake Valleys unique geography traps air pollution, meaning that harmful particles from dust storms can linger in our communities for days. These dust events are most common in spring and fall due to passing cold fronts, though summer thunderstorms can also trigger them. With rising temperatures and a changing climate, dust storm conditions will become even more prevalent, blowing toxic particles from the exposed lakebed directly into our homes and lungs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Great Salt Lake is a terminal lake, which means that all precipitation that falls as rain or snow within its watershed flows into the lake and remains there, with no natural outlet. This means that any pollution this water picks up along the way ends up in the lake. We know from researchers that the lake sediment contains potentially harmful elements, including aluminum, antimony, arsenic, copper, uranium and vanadium. When airborne, these elements contribute to serious health risks. Exposure to polluted air can cause short and long-term health problems including coughing, shortness of breath and asthma. Chronic exposure to elements found in the lakebed can result in various health impacts, including lung and heart disease, stroke, and even cancer. Utah already ranks among the worst states in the nation for air pollution. According to the American Lung Associations 2025 State of the Air report, Salt Lake City, Provo and Orem rank 25th out of 225 metro areas in the nation for worst short-term particle pollution, and 54th out of 208 for year-round particle pollution. While Utah is making some efforts to increase water inflows to the lake, more must be done. Getting more water in the lake is critical to keeping dust on the playa and out of our atmosphere. At the same time, dust storms are already impacting our health and our lungs. State regulators and lawmakers must prioritize comprehensive dust monitoring and air quality alerts for communities around the lake. Though the Legislature has yet to fully fund this work, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality and Division of Air Quality are committed to building a statewide dust monitoring network. This is essential to establishing a baseline dataset, tracking environmental changes, and protecting public health today and in the years to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utah must ensure that all communities living near the Great Salt Lake are informed about the potential dangers of dust storms. Schools, daycares, elder care facilities, centers serving people with disabilities, and outdoor workers must have access to the resources needed to protect themselves. A stronger, more coordinated response is essential, one in which communities receive clear guidance and support from the state and researchers to guard against the lakes worsening air pollution concerns. This support should include, at the bare minimum, funding air filtration systems in homes and businesses, providing face masks to block harmful particulate matter, improved access to medical care, and creating a reliable alert system to warn residents of incoming dust storms. These collective actions, from residents and decision makers alike, will help ensure Utah is ready to face a dusty future, at least until the lake is restored to healthy levels. This work is difficult, long term, and there is no one solution. But Utahns are adaptable, extremely intelligent and creative. By practicing gratitude for our Great Salt Lake while taking action to increase water flows and dust monitoring, we can be cautiously optimistic for the future of the lake. According to Jewish folklore, in the late 16th-century the Czech city of Prague was threatened with antisemitic attacks. In response, Chief Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel created an early Jewish superhero in the attic of what has become known as the Old-New Synagogue. The story goes that the rabbi received a divine order in a dream: You shall create [a] Golem from clay and may the malicious anti-Semitic mob be destroyed. So he fashioned a powerful giant creature called a golem out of clay from the banks of the Vltava River and brought it to life through rituals and Hebrew incantations, per Kayla Greens The Golem in the Attic. At first, the Golem defended the ghettos Jews, but, through the rabbis oversight, the powerful creature ran amok and had to be destroyed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responding to the horrific Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel, large Jewish organizations like the Anti-Defamation League and the Zionist Organization of America have unintentionally created a similar monster which has similarly run amok. Within the North American Jewish community, leaders such as ADLs Jonathan Greenblatt and the Zionist Organization for Americas Mort Klein have successfully conflated any criticism however justified of Israels Gaza and West Bank policy with antisemitism. Through creative bookkeeping (as I have written previously) in calculating yearly totals of antisemitic incidents, the ADL counts as equal a trivial event such as a social media slight and the Tree of Life synagogue killings in Pittsburgh. The result is ginned up hysteria among American Jews and congressional opportunists. Serious, worldwide antisemitism is real but is in sharp decline according to a recent Tel Aviv University study, even including criticism of Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By contrast, the ADL recently reported 9,354 U.S. antisemitic incidents in 2024, a 5 percent increase. The group attributed this to an 84 percent rise in campus incidents but only by counting all pro-Palestinian protests in their tally. Some Jewish leaders have attempted to tap the brakes on this dynamic of weaponizing antisemitism. Last month, a murderous arsonist attacked Pennsylvanias governors residence on the first night of Passover. But Gov. Josh Shapiro (D), likely sensing that those weaponizing antisemitism were about to pounce, tried to apply some much-needed perspective. In a New York Times opinion piece, Shapiro, who is Jewish, wrote that as the police investigation continued, people began to ascribe their own beliefs onto what they thought happened and why. Efforts to stifle campus free speech have now become overreach, where any support for the Palestinian people even peaceful, nondisruptive student protest among those who reject Hamas is considered antisemitic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In what some have termed the Palestinian exception, universities have knuckled under to threats, banning peaceful, nonobstructive encampments. Such encampments had previously been permitted for protests against the Vietnam War, South African apartheid, the treatment of Soviet Jews, climate change and, yes, antisemitism. Finding a Palestinian flag or keffiyeh innately antisemitic makes no more sense than regarding an Israeli flag or Jewish star as innately Islamophobic, Lucinda Rosenfeld wrote in the Jewish Daily Forward. Yet Jewish student and faculty support for Israels far-right Likud government and the Israeli military are not subject to such new campus restraints. Thus, a debate over disciplining disruptive campus conduct has devolved into the issue of speech content, clearly violating the First Amendment. And the intended chilling effect has emerged. On May 14, New York University withheld the diploma of Logan Rozas, a student commencement speaker, for denouncing atrocities currently happening in Palestine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In general, protest activity is way down this year as compared to last year, Hillel International CEO Adam Lehman told Jewish Insider. In a significant downside, this has emboldened the Trump administration to attack universities for reasons well beyond antisemitism. But in the wake of Harvards rebuke to Trumps threats, the tide seems to be turning. On April 23, addressing a Holocaust remembrance observance in Washington, Abe Foxman, who ran the ADL for decades, said, As a [Holocaust] survivor, my antenna quivers when I see books being banned, when I see people being abducted in the streets, when I see government trying to dictate what universities should teach and whom they should teach. On April 25, Deborah Lipstadt, the Biden administrations antisemitism envoy, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that the Trump administrations assault on campus antisemitism has gone way too far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also on April 25, five Jewish U.S. senators, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, signed a joint letter to Trump that states, We are extremely troubled and disturbed by your broad and extra-legal attacks against universities and higher education institutions as well as members of their communities, which seem to go far beyond combating antisemitism, using what is a real crisis as a pretext to attack people and institutions who do not agree with you. On April 28, more than 550 North American rabbis and cantors published a joint letter, accusing the Trump administration of abusing antisemitism to divide Jewish Americans. On May 1, Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), speaking at a Jewish Democratic Council of America summit, said the antisemitism issue is being very cynically exploited as the administration seeks to erode civil liberties in the United States. Even the ADLs Greenblatt, who initially praised the governments attack on Harvard, now seems to be distancing himself from the monster he helped create. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Times of Israel column, he wrote, Any actions taken to address campus antisemitism including the potential withholding of federal funding must be grounded in clear evidence and conducted in a manner consistent with Title VI procedures and other laws. Following Greenblatts column, the far-left Jewish Voice for Peace, whose chapters have been targets of university discipline for exercising their free speech, wondered, in an editorial, whether the ADL has really turned over a new leaf. Reliable figures are hard to obtain, but I estimate that about one-third of North American Jews, including many young people, support Palestinian rights, while opposing Hamas; support the existence of a Jewish State in Israel; but also oppose massive civilian casualties in Gaza and settler terrorism on the West Bank. I include myself in this cohort. However, until now, the roar of a modern golem has drowned out their voices. This monster should be returned to the nations attic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark I. Pinsky is a Durham, N.C.-based journalist and author. He served as a civilian volunteer attached to the Israeli military in Sinai in 1967. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Antisemitism is real. It is ugly, persistent and absolutely worth condemning at every turn. But criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu the man, the politician, the schemer is not antisemitism. Its realism, and its long overdue. So when Donald Trump bypassed Israel on his recent Middle East tour, choosing instead to shake hands in Riyadh and Doha while skipping Tel Aviv altogether, it wasnt hatred. It wasnt betrayal. It was distance. It was pragmatism. It was a reminder that the U.S. is the superpower not a client state, not a donor, not a servant. And it doesnt need to stop in Tel Aviv to make that point. That distance says something the political class in America has been afraid to utter for far too long: Benjamin Netanyahu is no friend of the U.S. He may call himself an ally. He may speak before Congress. He may wrap himself in shared values and talk about Western civilization. But strip away the optics, and youre left with a man desperately clinging to power, willing to endanger global stability, fan the flames of war, and burn bridges with the very country he pretends to revere if it means keeping himself out of a jail cell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, to his credit, finally seems to see it. And unlike previous presidents who spoke softly while writing Israel blank checks, Trump is speaking with leverage because he understands what few are willing to say out loud: America holds the cards. Of course, the usual suspects are already spiraling. Ben Shapiro, among others, has launched into meltdown mode, accusing Trump of betraying Israel, the Jewish people and the so-called moral order. But its not Trump who has done the betraying here. Its Netanyahu, and hes been doing it for years. Lets not forget: Netanyahu has repeatedly undermined American foreign policy when it suited him. He openly opposed the Obama administrations Iran deal, even campaigning against it on U.S. soil by addressing Congress without White House approval. Imagine the outrage if another countrys leader did the same. His administration has sold military and cyber technology to China behind Americas back. Hes thumbed his nose at every U.S. president who didnt do exactly what he wanted, while pocketing billions in U.S. aid without question or accountability. And now, with his own political survival at stake, Netanyahu is playing a far more dangerous game. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes prolonging the brutal war in Gaza not out of principle or necessity, but out of political desperation. Every bomb dropped, every hospital hit, every civilian killed gives Bibi another news cycle where he gets to be the wartime prime minister instead of the man facing a raft of corruption charges at home. And if dragging Gaza into the abyss isnt enough, hes increasingly flirting with war against Iran. Not because its strategically wise. Not because it serves American interests. But because he knows war is the ultimate distraction. The ultimate shield. And if he can drag the U.S. into it alongside him? Even better. Thats not leadership. Not good leadership, anyway. Its manipulation. What we have is a man trying to use American might to escape domestic judgment. So lets not pretend this is about betrayal. The betrayal already happened. Netanyahu has taken American goodwill and weaponized it for years. Hes used evangelical loyalty like a battering ram, leaned on AIPAC to silence critics, and hidden behind accusations of antisemitism every time someone dared to question his motives. Trump, to be blunt, is simply breaking the code of silence. He didnt need Tel Aviv photo ops this time around. He needed leverage. He needed Gulf oil and Gulf money. And for once, he chose to work around the man who has for too long positioned himself as the gatekeeper to American policy in the region. He acted like a president of a superpower should on his own terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Good. Because the truth is, Netanyahu needs America far more than America needs Netanyahu. Thats not arrogance its reality. America provides the weapons, the cover, the vetoes at the U.N. Without America, Israel doesnt survive in its current form. Full stop. And the Republican Party needs to decide: does it serve the interests of the United States, or the legal survival of a foreign politician neck-deep in scandal? Criticizing Netanyahu is not abandoning Israel. Its calling out a man who has turned Israel into a vessel for his own ego. Its recognizing that real allies dont spy on each other, dont interfere in each others elections, and dont risk regional war for the sake of avoiding a courtroom. So let the pundits scream. Let the pearl-clutchers weep. Trump didnt betray anyone. Unlike previous presidents, he found a backbone and decided to put America first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Mac Ghlionn is a writer and researcher who explores culture, society and the impact of technology on daily life. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Pope Leo XIV is not just the first American pope, hes the first Augustinian one. The former Rev. Robert Prevost studied at the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Friars. The order, which dates back to the 13th century, takes its inspiration from St. Augustine of Hippo, a rebel, a bishop and influential theologian. The Augustinian ethos includes a contemplative spirituality, communal living and service to others. The choice of the name Leo XIV is a clear indication of the importance the pope will place on service to others. Pope Leo XIII whose spirit the pope has invoked left a legacy that centered on service to the poor, migrants, workers, families and community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So it is no surprise that in his first public moment, as Pope Leo offered his Urbi et Orbi Blessing (to the city of Rome and to the world) as he stood on the balcony of St. Peters Basilica, his very first words, Peace be with you all, reflected a subtle shift in the papacy. While this is a common greeting in the Catholic Church, his choice here contrasted with his two predecessors. Pope Francis began with the request to pray to the Lord that he will bless me, while Pope Benedict noted that the cardinals have elected me, a simple, humble laborer in the vineyard of the Lord. While humble, their words referred first to themselves. Leos words immediately emphasized the importance of the crowd in front of him as well as the 1.4 billion Roman Catholics around the world. For this Augustinian pope, the moment was not about him but rather the people he would serve. A close reading of his inaugural Mass as pope today will show the same themes. That Augustinian charism is not unfamiliar to me. Long before I served as lieutenant governor of Maryland or chairman of the Republican National Committee, I was an Augustinian seminarian. I began my journey towards the Catholic priesthood at the Augustinian Friars Seminary at Villanova University, the popes alma mater. Robert Prevost at Villanova University. (Courtesy Villanova University) I was drawn to the Augustinian order because the men who educated me at Archbishop John Carroll High School in Washington, D.C., prioritized direct engagement with the world, finding Christ in service to others. Augustinians teach, run parishes and serve as missionaries, and you will find them everywhere from Los Angeles to the Philly suburbs, connecting directly to the community around them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although I left the order before being ordained, I carried with me into my public life as an elected official and party chairman what I learned about service to others. Politicians too often lose sight of that. As the Augustinians will tell you, you are the least important part of the work you do; rather how you serve others whether you are a pope or a politician is what matters. As Pope, Leo will likely engage the world through an Augustinian lens, encouraging spiritual depth over outward displays of power, as well as a profound commitment to social justice. Which is why this papacy will serve as a sharp contrast to the other powerful American on the world stage: President Donald Trump, who posted an AI-generated image of himself as the Vicar of Christ on social media, offending Catholics around the world. But this papacy will not be about the power struggles between the president and the pope. As his first words showed, his papacy will be about each and every one of us. I predict Leo will challenge the world not just Trump or Vice President JD Vance, who was infamously rebuked by Pope Francis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As much as our polarized country will try to put the new pope in a political box especially because he is an American Leo will confound the petty partisan attempts to distract from his mission to extend the Peace of Christ to the world so that each one of us will see Christ in those we serve. For more thought-provoking insights from Michael Steele, Alicia Menendez and Symone Sanders-Townsend, watch The Weeknight every Monday-Friday at 7 p.m. ET on MSNBC. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com After years of decline in both recruitment and retention, alongside an air of neglect for our nations warfighters, the American military is turning a corner. Renewed leadership under President Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is inspiring one of the most dramatic military revivals in recent history. Under the Biden-Harris administration, the Department of the Army missed its recruitment goals by historic margins. In fiscal 2022, they aimed to bring in 60,000 people and came up 15,000 short. In fiscal 2023, despite increasing the target to 65,000, the Army fell short again, only managing 55,000 recruits the worst recruiting crisis since the all-volunteer force was established in 1973. The Departments of the Navy and Air Force fared no better. The Air Force missed its recruiting goal for the first time in nearly a quarter-century. The Marine Corps, which typically begins each year exceeding half of its recruitment goal, entered fiscal 2022 with just over 30 percent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These numbers are even more concerning when you realize the domino effect that followed. In 2024, the U.S. entered in a new year with the smallest active-duty service since the U.S. entered World War II. The trajectory wasnt good, considering China, Russia and conflicts in the Middle East had all settled in our peripherals. Today, just over 100 days into the new administration, the situation has changed dramatically. With Trump in office and Hegseth leading the charge at the Pentagon, the Army is over 85 percent of the way to its 2025 goal of 61,000 new recruits exciting data for the service coming up on its 250th anniversary. One testament to the success is Army Gen. James Minguss comments to Congress on March 12, 2025, when he said, Weve seen momentum unlike anything weve (had) in a decade. The Navys story is strong too. We are on pace to exceed recruiting goals in 2025, said Admiral James Kilby, the Navys vice chief of naval operations, in a recent congressional hearing. That goal is 40,600 new sailors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Marine Corps is reporting historic retention rates for fiscal 2025, exceeding aggregate missions for both First Term Alignment Plan and career Marines, and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin posted on X in March that the recruitment for December, January and February were at 15-year highs even considering a 20 percent increase in 2025 goals. This wasnt a fluke, and this wasnt a new bonus structure this was new leadership, inspiring clarity and conviction among our nations bravest. Recruitment and retention are great pieces of the success story, but the 1.3 million active-duty service members know that the military is only as strong as its readiness and that means building elite warfighters, not checking boxes. Under Hegseths guidance, the Armys Holistic Health and Fitness program has exploded in scope and impact. Once a pilot program in select brigades, the program is now being implemented across 71 brigades, with full Army-wide integration targeted by 2032. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Units with access to Holistic Health and Fitness teams and facilities are reporting a 23 percent higher pass rate on the Army Combat Fitness Test, a 27 percent increase in expert rifle marksmanship, and a staggering 502 percent drop in substance abuse cases. Behavioral health referrals have dropped 49 percent, and suicides in these units are down 37 percent. A fitter warfighter means a healthier warfighter and reflects a community ready to fight. If you cant make the cut, you have a team that will help you get there. If you dont want to make the cut? Youre out. In a department-wide memo, Hegseth announced that all branches would follow suit and participate in a department-wide review of existing standards. Having combat-ready forces isnt a health initiative its a warfighting initiative, and a cultural shift back to what the American military does best: building strong, lethal and disciplined fighters who can deploy, dominate and return home with honor. Perhaps nothing symbolizes this revival better than the recent reenlistment of Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer into the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. After 15 years away from uniformed service, Meyer raised his right hand and took the oath again this time in a Pentagon ceremony led by Hegseth himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meyers return wasnt just symbolic; it was a spark for future Marines and war-fighters across this nation. In his words: You dont stop serving just because the uniform comes off. This is about leading from the front. The new mission at the Department of Defense is simple: mission first, people always, and no apologies for putting Americas defense at the center of American policy. The secretary has made clear among the ranks that the three areas listed will be at the center of all that the U.S. military will do: restoring warrior ethos, rebuilding our military and reestablishing deterrence. The U.S. boasts the greatest military in the world. As a sister of two Marines, and a Gold Star family member, I can attest to this personally, from the expressed sentiments of all my brothers battle buddies. The American warfighter is ready to pick up their arms. In only a few months, theyve transformed what many saw as a stagnant, struggling force, focused too heavily on separating warfighters by race, gender, creed and religion, into a motivated, mission-ready military. The American warfighter is no longer forgotten. They are fired up, locked in and ready to lead again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt just a military comeback its a comeback for every American who believes that peace comes through strength, and who holds a unified belief that our service members deserve leadership that not only respects but supports their sacrifice, and fuels their success. Taylor Hathorn is a visiting fellow at Independent Women. She has over 10 years of experience in cybersecurity, policy, public relations and non-profit management. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two wrongs dont usually make a right. Yet in the standoff between Harvard University and the federal government, thats exactly where we find ourselves trapped between Harvards history of broken promises and the federal governments lawless threats. It didnt have to be this way. This slow-motion car-wreck has been occurring for decades. Our nations oldest university has spent years systematically undermining the principles of free speech and academic freedom that it claims to cherish. Harvard has ranked dead last, two years in a row, in the College Free Speech Rankings published annually by my organization. Most recently, it placed 251st out of 251 surveyed universities, earning an Abysmal rating for its campus speech climate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet as bad as Harvards failures may be, the Trump administrations response is even worse. The administration has frozen billions of dollars of Harvards federal funding in an effort to pressure the university into censoring disfavored views and surrendering its independence. Thats unlawful and unconstitutional. Although Harvard isnt entitled to federal funding, it like everyone else is entitled to a government that follows the law. Federal anti-discrimination law does not permit Washington to unilaterally cancel funding, as the administration has done here. The First Amendment also bars the government from coercing private institutions into censorship. Courts have long held that the government cannot manipulate its funding to punish or silence ideas it dislikes. Yet that is precisely whats happening now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taken together, the Trump administrations actions look less like oversight and more like an attempt at a hostile takeover. The federal government doesnt have that power and in a free society, it never should. Worse, this brazen overreach risks undermining reform efforts already underway. Well aware of the institutions problems, Harvards brain trust has recently demonstrated that it understands the first rule of holes stop digging. Throughout 2024, Harvard took several promising steps. The school formally adopted a policy of institutional neutrality which committed the university to refrain from taking official stances on contested political and social issues. It launched the Civil Discourse Initiative to help foster an environment of curiosity, ambition, [and] mutual understanding. In addition, the president and provost accepted a recommendation to adopt the Chatham House Rule, aiming to ensure that classroom discussions remain candid and insulated from consequences outside the classroom. These are the right kind of ideas. But they must be more than window dressing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The solution to higher educations crisis of public credibility lies not in federal mandates, but in institutional clarity. Colleges must reform themselves voluntarily and meaningfully to protect free expression and academic freedom. Harvard, and institutions like it, must demonstrate a renewed commitment to these principles, not because the Trump administration or any politician has told them to, but because its the right thing to do for their campuses and for the country. Reestablishing that credibility will require Harvard and other universities to pursue real, lasting change. That means not just stronger written protections and student programming, but a visible and consistent protection of free speech for everyone, regardless of viewpoint. As my organization has long advocated, this means embracing strong free speech principles modeled after the Chicago Statement, reaffirming institutional neutrality on political and social issues unrelated to core operations, and eliminating policies and practices that silence or punish dissent. It also means ensuring that campus discipline is obviously fair, that peaceful protest is protected and illegal conduct not tolerated, and that no one is forced to affirm or reject politicized concepts such as diversity, equity, and inclusion as a condition of admission or advancement. Institutions like Harvard must model and prioritize intellectual inquiry and the exchange of ideas, and they are uniquely equipped to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, there are legitimate avenues for federal higher education reform. But any conversation about federal intervention must start with a clear acknowledgment: Washington helped create this problem, it did not just stumble into the crisis. For decades, the federal government has imposed an ever-growing regulatory burden on colleges distorting incentives, encouraging bureaucratic growth, and fueling the very censorial culture it now claims to oppose. From shifting definitions of harassment to pressure-laden Dear Colleague guidance, federal policy has too often pushed institutions toward speech-restrictive behavior. If we want to restore a culture of free expression on campus, federal action must begin with restraint and proceed with care. That means not just scaling back the excesses that helped chill speech in the first place, but also pursuing targeted reforms that protect student rights while respecting institutional autonomy. The government should follow proper procedures under Title VI to address discrimination. Congress should codify the Supreme Courts Davis standard to ensure that harassment claims cannot be weaponized and are limited to severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive conduct. It should also add religion as a protected class under Title VI to eliminate ambiguity over antisemitism and anti-Muslim discrimination while preserving key exceptions for religious institutions. These reforms would protect vulnerable students while safeguarding First Amendment rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the end, the real solutions lie with the institutions themselves, which must return to the core values of free speech, open debate, and academic freedom that once made our colleges the intellectual center of the world. Harvard and institutions nationwide face a choice: Continue down a path of censorship and growing distrust, or lead a revival of open dialogue, rigorous debate, and academic freedom. The choice and the future of American higher education is in their hands. Connor Murnane is campus advocacy chief of staff at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The voice of the Mississippi still sings in New Orleans, a place where umbrellas dance, booze mingles with beignets, the irreverent holds hands with the sacred, and the dead sleep among the living. "It's a city that enjoys life," said Robert Florence, who, like many others taken by New Orleans, first went there to be playwright and author. He added: "It's a city that lives for the moment. It's a city that is not judgmental. It's a city where people don't worry as much." Longtime New Orleans resident Tennessee Williams counted it among America's top three cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Everywhere else," Williams is said to have remarked, "is Cleveland." Cradled in the crescent of the Mississippi's embrace, the area had been inhabited by Indigenous people for centuries. But it later proved no easy place to inhabit. It has survived fires, wars, disease, the wrath of Hurricane Katrina, the New Year's Eve terrorist attack, and, now, a jail-break that continues to make headlines. "But we're still here," said Mona Lisa Saloy, Louisiana's former Poet Laureate and a professor at Dillard University, which is the state's oldest Historically Black College or University, or HBCU. "Those of us who are here want to be here because there is no place like it." Saloy said that New Orleans' reputation as a "party city" hardly tells its whole story. The families who live there, and their traditions, make the city what it is, she told "CBS Sunday Morning." And those families have deep roots in many places. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The French claimed and named New Orleans in 1718. Later, it was controlled by Spain, returned to French rule, and, finally, sold to Thomas Jefferson as part of the Louisiana Purchase. Some hearty folks were among the area's first settlers: criminals, counterfeiters, pirates and prostitutes. Over time, though, a duality developed in New Orleans that may be the city's "secret sauce." "They weren't the Puritans!" Florence said of New Orleans' early settlers. But, he noted, "At the same time, it's been a very religious city, and a very spiritual city." Like many cities in the southern United States, New Orleans was built on the backs of the enslaved. However, unlike other places in the South, the enslaved and free people of color lived shoulder to shoulder. They were allowed to celebrate their traditions, not hide them. "On Sunday afternoon, after worship, Black people could unite and sell their wares, and practice drumming and dancing and singing," Saloy said. "No other place in the country allowed that kind of public, free congregation of enslaved Africans, and free." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those African traditions started to merge with the musical influences all around it classical, the mambo and the tango and that fusion became jazz. Birthed in this stew of cultures, locals like Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton and King Oliver created a sound that was never heard before, and is still evolving today. If music is the heartbeat of New Orleans, its creole cuisine is the city's soul. Mark Twain, who grew up on Southern cooking, once said that "New Orleans food is as delicious as the less criminal forms of sin." It's also a feast for the eyes, from colorful creole cottages to grand antebellum mansions. Elegance, grit, acceptance and defiance are all in the marrow of New Orleans. Asked to sum up the city in one word, Saloy said: "Happy. We keep that. It's part of us, and we're not letting it go." "I think it's more than the buildings, the music and the food," Florence added. "I think it's the people that draws people here." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more info: Mona Lisa SaloyRed Beans and Ricely YoursDooky Chase's RestaurantRobert Florence, New Orleans Historic ToursThe Cabildo, A Louisiana State MuseumNew Orleans & Company St. Louis CathedralThahn Thahn restaurantCafe Beignet Raw Video: Mexican navy training ship hits Brooklyn Bridge Surprising facts about Mark Twain that biographer Ron Chernow learned while writing new book Family's goodbye to beloved dog becomes a lesson in letting go DES MOINES, Iowa A memorial held at Grays Lake on Saturday honored 200 Palestinian children in a special way. The Catholic Peace Ministry, Womens International League for Peace and Freedom, and the Middle East Peace Education Coalition held a memorial observance of the 77th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba. Kathleen Mcquillen, the Director of the Catholic Peace Ministry, said that the observance served to educate the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement May 15th marks the 77th anniversary of whats called the Palestinian Nakba, which means catastrophe. This is when Israel proclaimed itself a state and drove 750,000 Palestinian off their own land. Theyve never been allowed to return, although the U.N. has declared and has resolutions affirming their right to return. Its never happened, Mcquillen said. Concrete Cruizers Car Show donates proceeds to school for fifth year The observance memorial had 200 pinwheels placed in the ground with the names of Palestinian children that have been killed since the Palestinian Nakba. What we have here are 200 pinwheels reminding us that these are our children. These are kids who should be playing. They should be playing above ground. Instead, theyre buried in the ground. We have the names and ages on them. Now, the 200 represents something like 1.2% of those who have been killed just since October of 2023, Mcquillen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mcquillen said that the response from people walking by was positive. I feel very good about the response. I mean, again, we do a lot of events in which our allies come to it, but this was to reach people who maybe dont even know the story. And so I feel very good about people who suffered to people who made a donation and requested people who signed our sign up. Mcquillen 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 who13.com. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Community members are celebrating the start of boating season with prayers, fish, and socks. The 28th annual Blessing of the Fleet, Fish Fry, and Burning of the Socks at St. Andrews Marina is a long-standing tradition. Festivities began with the blessing of the fleet. The Saint Johns Greek Orthodox Church performed a blessing as water vessels passed by. They also threw a wreath into the bay, in honor of those who have lost their lives at sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vendors came out with crafts, food, and fish fry. Gulf County hosts Waste Amnesty Day The proceeds go to the Second Chance of Northwest Florida. They are a non-profit organization, serving adults who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. Throughout this country and our world, every day, thousands and thousands of traumatic events happen and brain injuries. And we never expect it in our family. But on any given day, our family members could have to need a place to go. And a second chance. Theres nothing else like it. It is warm. They remember our patients, and they find a place in society again, Second Chance of Northwest Florida Board Member Melinda Luther said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the procession was the burning of the socks. Participants threw their old socks in a burn barrel. The tradition represents the change in seasons, from wearing winter socks to flip-flops. Panama City firefighters ignited the fire, and were on standby while more threw socks in the flames. They were also there to put out the fire, ensuring everyone stayed safe. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man has been hospitalized after he was struck by a vehicle in South Memphis. Memphis Police responded to a hit-and-run crash near a gas station on Lamar Avenue and Airways Boulevard at 8:17 p.m. on Saturday. God on my side: Car theft victim speaks out days after getting shot Memphis Police say the victim went to Regional One Hospital in critical condition. Memphis Police did not release details on the suspects vehicle. Police say the investigation is ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Former Vice President Mike Pence addressed whether he envisions himself running for the White House again. I dont see that in my future, Pence told NBCs Kristen Welker on Sundays episode of Meet the Press. I dont see it, but well keep standing for everything weve always stood for, and well let the future take care of itself. The former Indiana governor told Welker that he instead feels like his calling is to be a voice for conservative values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to be a voice for conservative values. I want to be a voice for the policies and liberties enshrined in the Constitution of the United States, Pence explained. I want to be a champion of the conservative cause, and thats where Ill stay focused, and well let the future take care of itself. After Welker pressed him about whether he can definitively rule out running for vice president again, Pence simply replied: I have no plans. Pences comments came after he dropped his bid during the 2024 presidential race after struggling to raise money and gain momentum in the polls. Watch Pences appearance on Meet the Press here. Related... Former Vice President Mike Pence went after President Donald Trump over his recent foreign policy speech to Arab leaders that criticized Western interventionism in the Middle East, specifically American presidents afflicted with the notion that its our job to look into the souls of foreign leaders and use U.S. policy to dispense justice for their sins. Trump visited several wealthy countries in the region last week including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to discuss the regions future and likely the leaders business ties. He also met with newly installed Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, after which he dropped all U.S. sanctions against the war-torn country despite opposition from Israel. In an interview with Meet the Press released Sunday on NBC News, Pence called Trumps visit a very successful trip for the American economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president secured financial commitments in all three countries, including a historic contract for purchasing Boeing aircraft thatll really support American jobs, he told host Kristen Welker. And I dont gainsay that. But Pence did not hold back from going after his former partner in the White House for his Tuesday address in Riyadh, where the president said that the birth of a modern Middle East was not created by nation-builders, neo-cons or liberal nonprofits, but rather by the people of the region themselves. In the end, the so-called nation-builders wrecked far more nations than they built and the interventionalists (sic) were intervening in complex societies that they did not even understand, Trump said, adding that he believes its Gods job to sit in judgment and not that of U.S. presidents eager to use their military in the Middle East. Pence vehemently condemned Trumps unfortunate description of U.S. military intervention. President Donald Trump and Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled (R) attend a business forum in Abu Dhabi on May 16. The United Arab Emirates is the third leg of Trump's visit to the region, which has already taken him to Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Brendan Smialowsky/AFP via Getty Images Ive never been a fan of American presidents criticizing America on foreign soil, the Republican former vice president said. And to have the president in Saudi Arabia questioning Americas global war on terror, and describing it as nation-building and interventionist, I thought was a disservice to generations of Americans who wore the uniform and who took the fight to our enemy in Afghanistan and Iraq. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is hardly a dove when it comes to foreign policy, having tried to push major U.S. weapons sales to Arab countries in the same trip and bragging about getting the greatest missiles and the greatest weapons. Despite not visiting Israel during his trip, the U.S. continues to supply weapons to Israel for its complete destruction of Gaza. The president is also facing intense domestic backlash after Qatar gifted him a $400 million jet that his administration hopes to potentially turn into a temporary Air Force One. Others have observed or there are profound issues, the potential for intelligence gathering, the need to ensure the president of the United States is safe and secure as he travels around the world and of course there are very real constitutional issues, Pence told Welker of the jet. The Constitution prohibits public officials from accepting a present in the words of the Constitution a present from a foreign state, he continued. Now they may have some basis through chain-of-title for avoiding that, but I think its just a bad idea, and my hope is the president will think better of it. Former Vice President Mike Pence rebuked his former boss for criticizing U.S. foreign policy while abroad, framing some of President Donald Trumps policies as a betrayal of American service members. During a speech in Saudi Arabia part of the presidents first trip of his second administration to the Middle East Trump criticized Western intervention from so-called nation-builders, neo-cons, or liberal non-profits in the region. I've never been a fan of American presidents criticizing America on foreign soil, Pence said, speaking about Trumps speech during an appearance on NBCs Meet the Press that was taped last week and released Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And to have the president in Saudi Arabia questioning America's global war on terror, and describing it as nation-building and interventionist, I thought was a disservice to generations of Americans who wore the uniform and who took the fight to our enemy, you know, in Afghanistan and in Iraq. And particularly giving that speech in Saudi Arabia, where 15 of the 19 9/11 hijackers hailed from, not including Osama bin Laden, I thought was unfortunate, he continued. Pences scolding comes as the president also recently made the decision to accept a $400 million jet from Qatar one of the stops on Trumps trip. Pence decried this move as well due to Qatars ties with the Iran-backed militant group, Hamas. The very idea that we would accept an Air Force One from Qatar I think is inconsistent with our security, with our intelligence needs and my hope is the president reconsiders it, Pence said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps trip to the Middle East last week departed from the traditions of presidential foreign travel, highlighting the presidents commitment to what has been seen as a transactional approach to foreign policy. Trump has de-emphasized the role American leaders dating back to President Jimmy Carter have played in attempting to push other nations to improve their records on human rights, something that particularly resonates with the nations he visited last week. During the trip, Trump claimed to have garnered over $2 trillion in investment agreements with Middle Eastern leaders, such as a roughly $150 billion deal between Saudi Arabia and American defense contractors and the Qatari governments purchasing of 160 Boeing planes. Trump also repeatedly complimented his foreign counterparts throughout the trip, calling Syrias new leader attractive and tough," despite having once been labeled a terrorist by the U.S. He also described the Qatari ruling family as tall, handsome guys. Pences criticism of Trumps recent actions highlights the stark shift in Trumps attitude toward the Middle East between his first and second presidency. In 2017, for instance, Trump issued his controversial travel ban on seven Muslim countries and called Qatar a funder of terrorism at a very high level. Former Vice President Mike Pence doesnt expect to attempt a grand political comeback and likely wont ever run for the White House again, he said in an interview that aired on NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday. I dont see that in my future, the former Indiana governor told NBCs Kristen Welker. I dont see it, but well keep standing for everything weve always stood for, and well let the future take care of itself. Pence, 65, said he would like to continue to play a role in conservative policy, though he offered no direct insight into what that may look like. He launched the Advancing American Freedom conservative think tank in 2021, and he sought the GOP presidential nomination last year but gained little momentum among voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to be a voice for conservative values. I want to be a voice for the policies and liberties enshrined in the Constitution of the United States, Pence told Welker. I want to be a champion of the conservative cause, and thats where Ill stay focused, and well let the future take care of itself. Pence and President Trump had a major falling out at the end of the first Trump presidency, as Trump refused to concede to former President Bidens win in the 2020 election. Trumps denials prompted supporters to storm the Capitol to try to stop Congress and Pence from certifying the election results, and Pence and his family had to be whisked to a secure location as rioters made their way through the building. We were different men, different personalities, but we developed a kind of relationship where President Trump was not just my president he was my friend, Pence told Welker, reflecting back on the prior Trump administration. I couldnt be more proud of the record of the Trump-Pence administration. I mean, it didnt end the way I wanted it to, but what we were able to do to rebuild our military, to revive our economy, to appoint conservatives to our courts that gave us a new beginning for the right to life and upheld religious liberty and all are going to be a source of great satisfaction for the rest of my life, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He declined to speculate about who Trumps successor as the future leader of the GOP should be. Trump recently named Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential torchbearers. We have a very deep bench on the Republican side, which is a little bit different than the Democratic Party these days, Pence said. Weve got a lot of great men and women, and for my part, my goal is to make sure that whoever leads our party in the future, thats someone who embraces that broad, mainstream conservative agenda thats always made America strong and prosperous and free. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former Vice President Mike Pence lightly criticized President Trump in an interview that aired on NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday over at least one aspect of his trip to the Middle East this week, saying hes never been a fan of American presidents criticizing America on foreign soil. To have the president in Saudi Arabia questioning Americas global war on terror, and describing it as nation-building and interventionist, I thought was a disservice to generations of Americans who wore the uniform and who took the fight to our enemy, you know, in Afghanistan and in Iraq, Pence told NBCs Kristen Welker. And particularly giving that speech in Saudi Arabia, where 15 of the 19 9/11 hijackers hailed from not including Osama bin Laden, I thought was unfortunate. Trump traveled to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to highlight business deals with the Gulf countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a stinging speech in the Saudi capital of Riyadh on Tuesday, Trump denounced American intervention in Iraq and Afghanistan and praised Saudi Arabia and other countries that he said prospered without help from the U.S. The gleaming marvels of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi were not created by the so-called nation-builders, neocons or liberal nonprofits like those who spent trillions and trillions of dollars failing to develop Kabul, Baghdad, so many other cities, Trump said. Instead, the birth of a modern Middle East has been brought by the people of the region themselves. The people that are right here, the people that have lived here all their lives, developing your own sovereign countries, pursuing your own unique visions and charting your own destinies in your own way. Its really incredible what youve done, he added. Trumps remarks drew rebuke from some 9/11 victims families. The Saudi Arabian government denies any involvement in the deadly terrorist attacks two decades ago, but the country is thought to have played at least a complicit role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also heaped praise on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom the U.S. government has determined ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Hes an incredible man. Ive known him a long time now. Theres nobody like him, Trump said of the prince. I like him a lot. I like him too much. Pence, who had a falling out with Trump over the then-vice presidents role in the certification of the 2020 presidential election and the ensuing Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, couched his critique of Trumps Middle East visit, describing it as a very successful trip for the American economy. The president secured financial commitments in all three countries, including a historic contract for purchasing Boeing aircraft thatll really support American jobs, the former Indiana governor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. HAYFIELD TOWNSHIP PENNCREST School Board members this week voted 6-2 in favor of a $59.6 million preliminary budget for 2025-26 that comes with no tax increase. Board Vice President David Valesky and member Brian Custard opposed the budget. Board member Ryan Benek did not attend the meeting. The preliminary budget comes with a deficit just over $525,000, which would be balanced using the districts fund balance if necessary. Business Manager Kristen Schlosser reminded board members that the district has consistently approved budgets with deficits since 2016-17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have passed a deficit budget for the past almost 10 years and each year we have made that budget, we havent gone into the fund balance, Schlosser said, so Im comfortable with it, but again, its the boards decision. The budget could be balanced, Schlosser told the board, but doing so would likely require cutting several elementary school teachers, which would result in increased class sizes, or cutting three librarians. The latter option would not be enough to balance the budget but still proved the more appealing option among board members interested in additional cuts. While Valesky voted against the preliminary budget, he also lauded administrators for their efforts so far, noting that the deficit was the lowest he could recall during his more than five years on the board. Im glad to see it this low, but Im not comfortable going into our fund balance at this point because I dont see future years getting better, Valesky said. I see contracts coming up and building renovations that are going to need to be done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With no steep costs on the immediate horizon, Valesky advocated against dipping into the fund balance until the district faces an unexpected problem. I dont want to spend more than were taking in, he added. Superintendent Shawn Ford was optimistic that the Legislature could implement changes to state funding formulas that would benefit the district, potentially eliminating the deficit, and pointed to the districts history reining in spending so that dipping into the fund balance has proven unnecessary. I would definitely recommend we pass the preliminary budget as is, Ford said, and then let us see where we can land at the final budget in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schlosser offered additional assurances as well Im fully confident that we will not dip into the fund balance, she told the board. In voting for the preliminary budget, board member Allison Beers said she wouldnt feel comfortable with additional cuts. Tim Brown was more optimistic about the outlook. This is the first budget season Ive been relaxed, he said. Ford, who is nearing the end of his first year in charge of the district, drew laughter with his response. I am not relaxed, he said. The board is expected to approve a final version of the budget at its June 9 meeting. Pennsylvanias 500 school districts are required to approve final budgets by June 30. What does winning look like for a post-Biden Democratic Party? Their party is re-litigating the 2024 election, day by day, over the course of successive news cycles centered around new revelations about the 46th president and the unprecedented effort to hide his decline from the public. The Tuesday release of Original Sin, a book from Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, promises more startling details about the Joe Biden that aides were insisting was plagued merely by a busy schedule and not, as has been reported, more severe memory lapses and moments of halted speech. Those concerns were underscored on Sunday as the former president announced a diagnosis of an aggressive form of prostate cancer with metastasis to the bone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bidens party is truly in the wilderness after the 2024 election cycle. High-profile Democrats tied to the Obama administration and Harris campaign both have unleashed hell on the Biden family for insisting that the president would run for re-election and not, as many thought hed indicated, serve one term before endorsing a successor. Many are also worried that the coalition patched together by Barack Obama and his then-running mate, Joe Biden, in 2008, is on the brink of shattering in the wake of his disastrous 2024 campaign. Experts point to declines in turnout among Black voters and inroads made by Republicans among Hispanic communities as a sign that the Democratic base is splintering. Party officials could look to western Pennsylvania as a way to make sure it doesnt, elected Democrats from the region argue. The state was one of seven battlegrounds lost by Kamala Harris in November. Worse, Democrats lost a key Senate seat with Bob Caseys defeat and two members of the state delegation in the House of Representatives lost to Republicans as well. The vice president bet big on the Philadelphia metro area, only to lose three wards to Donald Trump, which Biden had won in 2020 her campaign then traded insults with Bob Brady, a longtime Philly Democratic power broker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats held their own out west, gaining ground in the suburbs surrounding Pittsburgh and the city itself. Rep. Summer Lee, the states first Black congresswoman, won a second term with ease and ever-so-slightly drove up her margin over two years prior. Chris Deluzio won a second term in the 17th district, one of the states most important battleground districts. So what do those Democrats say about where the party goes from here? If the people want to fight, they're going to want leaders that want to fight, says Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey. The first Black mayor of the largest city in the region, Gainey spoke to The Independent on Saturday ahead of a tight Democratic primary fights conclusion on Tuesday. The mayor laid out a vision for what he described as a multi-racial, multi-generational coalition that mirrored the demographics that propelled Democrats to victory in three presidential elections since the 2000s. Ed Gainey and Summer Lee are respectively the first Black Pennsylvanians to hold their offices (Getty Images) Gainey said his goal was to unite the people behind a common message of making sure that we're speaking up for the working-class families, families that have been attacked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Facing the son of a former mayor, Corey OConnor, Gainey is betting that the voters who turned out for Harris to keep her afloat across the city, including Black voters, younger Democrats and progressives, will see him to victory. His campaign has focused on issues including affordable housing, while hes pledged to continue rejecting any cooperation with Donald Trumps deportation authorities. That type of coalition led to, you know, Congresswoman Summer Lee being the first African-American congresswoman elected throughout the state, Gainey told The Independent. Then from there, we were able to step up and make Sarah Innamorato the first woman to be county exec. I think that momentum running, you know, going into Kamala Harris's campaign, just kept up, and we were able to make sure that that coalition delivered for her, he said. A lot of the metro areas, they didn't see the same thing. Alex Wallach Hanson, the executive director of the left-leaning group Pennsylvania United, said that such a coalition doesn't exist by accident. His group focuses on organizing voters around progressive causes across the state, including calling for investigations into the tax-exempt status of the states largest employer, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People around the country are looking at what happened, what's happening here in Allegheny County, said Hanson. Why is it that this is one of the few cities in the country where Kamala Harris did nearly as well as Biden did in the 2024 election? Local leaders, including Lee and Gainey, have run rooted in the identities and the stories of this multiracial, multi-generational working class coalition, he said, and then have brought those people into government, to help shape how government delivers for people in a really material way. Gainey spoke passionately in his interview about why seeing leaders from every community in government was important for younger Americans, explaining how politics seemed an impossible future when he was a child. Growing up, I never met a politician, said the mayor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now that hes older, he says: I get it. I get the fact that at the end of the day, the fact that Id never seen a politician until I got to college, how that impacted me. I get why I got into this business. Because I wanted to see something that I didn't see as a child, a city where we can useour political instruments as a way of lifting people up. Gainey hit the stump for Kamala Harris in 2024 and saw the vice president nearly maintain Joe Biden's numbers in the city while she dropped in support elsewhere (Getty Images) Pittsburgh is the fastest-growing city in the state, and is home to a growing tech industry. Under Gainey, it dealt with a bridge collapse while the mayor fought to address a number of familiar urban issues, including rising homelessness and a lack of affordable housing. The city has also struggled to address police staffing issues, though it has recovered from a Covid-era violent crime spike that hit many metropolitan areas. With their party in the minority in the House and Senate, a number of Pennsylvania Democrats have taken to pressing the offensive against Trump and the GOP in town hall meetings and other events, while Republicans struggle to push the presidents first legislative priority, a budget bill, over the finish line. Gainey, Lee and Deluzio are among them hosting events and town halls together aimed at drawing attention to Republican threats of cutting Medicaid benefits and rolling back rights for visa holders and immigrants. Deluzio appeared recently at an event headlined by Sen. Bernie Sanders as part of the latters massively popular Fighting Oligarchy speaking tour. Gainey and Lee also held an event with Conor Lamb, a former congressman rumored to be plotting another bid for office. John Fetterman, the states senior senator, remains plagued by reports of his erratic behavior and hasnt held a public event in months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need unprecedented unity right now, Gainey, standing beside Lee, said at one town hall event in April. This is the time where if you don't know other communities, get to know them. Don't judge them, know them. For his party, the mayor also offered a simple prescription: do not back away from the communities responsible for your past wins. Cutting things back and being conservative is not going to empower anybody. We need to be about the business of empowering people, he said. That's the message we should be pushing: We are here to protect your civil rights. He added: And again, I'm gonna bring it back to the local. That's why in these metro areas that we're talking about, it is so important for mayors to stand up and speak out and talk about exactly what we're doing. The person of interest in the act of terrorism that severely damaged a reproductive health facility in Palm Springs is dead, authorities confirmed. An FBI spokesperson had initially confirmed the information to KTLA early Sunday morning. At a press conference on Sunday morning, FBI Assistant Director for Los Angeles FBI field office identified the suspect, who is deceased, as 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davis had stated Saturday evening that law enforcement officials did have a person of interest in [the] investigation but were not actively out searching for a suspect. During Sundays press conference, Davis revealed more details surrounding Bartkus, indicating that he was a resident of Twentynine Palms and that the evacuations issued for a neighborhood within that city on Saturday evening were in fact related to a search warrant related to the explosion. The vehicle Bartkus was in was a 2010 Ford Fusion sedan with the California license plate #8HWS848. A photo of him was released by the FBI on Sunday morning. Guy Edward Bartkus as seen in a photo released by the FBI. This information has been released because authorities are asking the publics help for tracking Bartkus movements in the hours leading up to the alleged attack. Authorities said they are confident he is the individual whose remains were found near the car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know where Bartkus was at about 6 a.m. [Saturday] and we know the timeline of when he entered the city; however, we need the publics help in identifying where he traversed within the city before the explosion, Davis said. Anyone with information relating to the incident is asked to visit the FBIs Palm Springs vehicle explosion tipline or call 1-800-CALL-FBI. Authorities have said they are already receiving hundreds of tips and are conducting many follow-ups. A car explosion outside a reproductive health facility in Palm Springs left one person dead late Saturday, May 17, 2025. (FB/American Reproductive Centers-Palm Springs) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Palm Springs Police Department Chief Andy Mills said that the investigation into the incident is still very active and requested the public stay away from the area, although some roads near the blast site have been reopened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief Mills also said he was absolutely confident there is no further threat to the community, which he believes will come back stronger. I am absolutely confident that this city is safethere is no continuing threat to our community as a result of this incident, he said. Yesterday, a man intent on harming our city failed. Palm Springs survived and we are stronger and more resilient as a result. Speaking further on Bartkus motive for the alleged attack, Davis said that he harbored nihilistic ideations and that he targeted the in vitro facility. We are tracking a possible manifesto out therewe believe he was attempting to live stream [the incident], he said during media questioning after Sundays press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte was one of the first officials to deem the incident an intentional act of violence, and the FBI later called it a terrorism act. The Associated Press reported that the person believed responsible for the alleged attack posted rambling online writings before the explosion. The suspect, who died in the explosionalso attempted to record video or stream the attack, the AP reported, citing an anonymous official who was not authorized to discuss details of the incident. The car explosion also left at least four people injured, but ARC stated in the hours after the alleged attack that no members of their team were harmed and that all eggs, embryos and other materials remained intact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And while officials stressed there is no further threat to the community, the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department stated that they will be increasing patrols at fertility centers within their jurisdiction. This is a developing story. Stay with KTLA for details. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KTLA) The person of interest in the act of terrorism that severely damaged a reproductive health facility in Palm Springs, California, is confirmed to be dead, according to authorities. An FBI spokesperson had initially confirmed the information to Nexstars KTLA early Sunday morning. The facility, the American Reproductive Centers (ARC), is a fertility clinic and in vitro fertilization (IVF) lab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte was one of the first officials to deem the incident an intentional act of violence, and the FBI later called it a terrorism act. FBI deems Palm Springs explosion a terrorism act, experts explore possible motives At a press conference on Sunday morning, FBI Assistant Director for Los Angeless FBI field office Akil Davis identified the suspect, who is deceased, as 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus. Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead to see the aftermath of a terrorism attack near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs. May 2025. (KTLA) During Sundays press conference, Davis revealed more details surrounding Bartkus, indicating that he was a resident of Twentynine Palms and that the evacuations issued for a neighborhood within that city on Saturday evening were connected to a search warrant related to the explosion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vehicle Bartkus was in was a 2010 Ford Fusion sedan with the California license plate #8HWS848. This information has been released because authorities are asking the publics help for tracking Bartkus movements in the hours leading up to the alleged attack. Authorities said they are confident he is the individual whose remains were found near the car. We know where Bartkus was at about 6 a.m. [Saturday] and we know the timeline of when he entered the city; however, we need the publics help in identifying where he traversed within the city before the explosion, Davis said. Davis said that this is one of the largest bombing investigations that theyve had in Southern California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palm Springs Police Department Chief Andy Mills said that the investigation into the incident is still very active and requested the public stay away from the area, although some roads near the blast site have been reopened. Chief Mills also said he was absolutely confident there is no further threat to the community, which he believes will come back stronger. I am absolutely confident that this city is safethere is no continuing threat to our community as a result of this incident, he said. Yesterday, a man intent on harming our city failed. Palm Springs survived and we are stronger and more resilient as a result. The Associated Press reported that the person believed responsible for the alleged attack posted rambling online writings before the explosion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect, who died in the explosionalso attempted to record video or stream the attack, the AP reported, citing an anonymous official who was not authorized to discuss details of the incident. The car explosion also left at least four people injured, but ARC stated in the hours after the alleged attack that no members of their team were harmed and that all eggs, embryos and other materials remained intact. Doctor Maher Abdallah of ARC said the companys mission is to help build families, including members of the LGBTQ community, which has since sparked questions about a possible motive behind this act. KTLAs Chris Wolfe spoke with a retired Marine Corps intelligence officer, now terrorism expert, Hal Kempfer, who said this investigation must consider every possible motive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Explosion outside Palm Springs reproductive facility was intentional act of violence, mayor says There are violent extremists out there who have very strong views about IVF and surrogacy, which is something that they do at that clinic, said Kempfer. And that particular reproductive clinic is in the Palm Springs area, and Palm Springs is known as a center for LGBTQ residents. Kempfer added that oftentimes, terrorist groups or movements have a list of targets. One witness told KTLA that after the explosion, he found a smartphone set up on a tripod pointing at where the bomb went off. I didnt touch it, said witness Rhino Williams. I didnt notice that the screen was on, I just thought it was really strange. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. One person was seriously injured following a possible assault in South Boston. Around 8:05 on Saturday night, officers responded to a call for an unconscious male suffering from a head injury at the intersection of Ellery Street and Southampton Street. Upon arrival, officers requested the assistance of Boston EMS. The victim was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Preliminary information indicates the individual may have been the victim of an assault and battery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No arrests have been made at this time, and Boston Police Homicide Detectives are actively investigating the incident. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW SPRINGFIELD Inspectors with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration found lead after swiping the hands of telephone line workers in Springfield. They performed the tests after workers rinsed off but before they headed home to their families at the end of the workday. Theres also lead a metal to which there is no safe exposure level for children in air sampled from under a maintenance hole at Central and Cedar streets in January. Federal officials told the workers and their union, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2324, in a letter that the air concentration of lead in the maintenance hole was high enough to warrant taking corrective action. But the outcome of investigations into lead once used to coat old telephone lines in the region as well as a formal report on sediment scooped from the bottom of that maintenance hole are uncertain because President Donald Trump-ordered staff cuts have paralyzed the agencies sent here to help just five months ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those federal employees summoned to Springfield through the efforts of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2324 and U.S. Sen. Edward Markey also scooped sediment from a maintenance hole in the busy Six Corners neighborhood. That sediment tested magnitudes higher than the air testing, said John Rowley Sr., business manager of IBEW Local 2324, citing an informal conversation with a federal employee. But a formal report on the sediment sampled from the maintenance hole a document that can help Rowley protect the health of 230 unionized telephone workers across Western Massachusetts as well as thousands of retirees has not yet been released by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which faced deep staffing cuts due to the Trump administrations attempts to draw down the federal workforce. Based in Cincinnati, NIOSH investigates hazards in the workplace. For instance, it has maintained a firefigher cancer registry and conducted research into indoor air quality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont care who you voted for. Or what kind of reset you thought the country needed, Rowley said as he showed the Republican the site where the samples were taken just up the block from a Holyoke Chicopee Springfield Head Start daycare. But there are people cheering for something that is to their own detriment. Dont know until I see it Last week, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that 70 NIOSH workers at two offices, one in West Virginia and the other in Pittsburgh, have been spared layoffs. These workers deal mostly with mine safety and respirator testing. This week, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told senators that staffers will be reinstated in Cincinnati as well. Thats the office that was handling the lead. The work in NIOSH will not be interrupted" Kennedy said, according to wire service reports. We understand its critically important function, and I did not want to see it end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senators both Republicans and Democrats criticized the cutbacks. And on Friday, after weeks of emails from The Republican, Health and Human services spokesperson Brittney Manchester said she was able to confirm that the Health Hazard Evaluations final report, which includes results of sediment samples in Springfield, will be completed soon and provided to company, union, and employee representatives, OSHA, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. I dont know until I see it, Rowley said. But hes already been warned by researchers at NIOSH that the people who performed the tests and completed the report are due to leave federal service. That means he doesnt know if the report will be altered by others. And if he wants to follow up and press the issue, who does he call? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Telephone companies used lead to shield copper wires inside telephone cables from electromagnetic interference up until plastics came in in the 1960s. Members of the IBEW Local here in Western Massachusetts have tested with high levels of lead in their blood, he said. Workers report headaches a classic symptom getting so bad they had to go home for the day. Contamination on hands, boots and clothing gets carried home to young children who are particularly susceptible to lead impacts. Lead, according to the EPA, leads to behavior and learning problems, lower IQ and hyperactivity, slowed growth, hearing problems and anemia in children. It causes miscarriages if pregnant women are exposed. And for adults lead exposure can bring on increased blood pressure and incidence of hypertension, decreased kidney function and reproductive problems in both men and women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rowley was told to contact staffers at HHS who handle requests for information made under the Freedom of Information Act, staffers at parent organization the federal Department of Health and Human Services. One day after getting that instruction, Rowley said he was informed that the FOIA staff had been laid off in a cutback ordered by the Elon Musk run Department of Government Efficiency. The situation angered Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, a pediatrician who worked at NIOSH and now serves as director of the Program for Global Public Health and the Common Good at Boston College. Unlike Kennedy, Landrigan said NIOSHs work has already been interrupted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What has happened at NIOSH within the past month or so, the new administration has fired 90% of the workers, Landrigan said in a phone interview. They have basically eviscerated the agency. The answers The Republican recieved after repeated emails referred questions to other agences. One Centers for Disease Control spokesperson replied that OSHA has not performed site work in Springfield despite the agencys presence. I suspect everything is coming to a halt, said Jack Caravanos, a professor emeritus of public health at New York University who was among the first to study lead contamination from old utility wires. Landrigan said the loss of research into occupational safety and health is a danger to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a small, highly efficient agency that punches way above its weight, Landrigan said of NIOSH. Former colleagues at NIOSH had told him that most of the work has stopped. It probably means there is no one at the other end of the phone to give these workers their results, he said. The U.S. Department of Labor, which includes OSHA, also faces cutbacks to its regulatory staff. But some action is going on. OSHA staff supervised the collection of more air samples from under Springfield maintenance holes earlier this month in response to complaints from anonymous workers, Rowley said. The EPA referred calls from The Republican to OSHA this week. But Washington-based spokespeople for the departments of Health and Human Services and of Labor didnt respond. Boston-based regional spokespeople for those agencies are apparently no longer on the job, with emails bouncing back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thehe lead is still there, however, as more than 50 miles sit beneath the streets of Springfield alone, Rowley said. In July 2023, The Wall Street Journal, following up on a California lawsuit involving lead cables submerged under Lake Tahoe reported the threat. Markey, a Democrat sitting on the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, took up the issue and called for phone companies to step up testing and worker protections. In February 2024, Markey visited Chicopee and watched with Landrigan and Rowley as Caravanos used a handheld X-ray to detect lead in soils in residential neighborhoods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump has gutted the agency in charge of researching, testing, and monitoring worker safety, Markey said in a written response to questions. His despicable actions will endanger countless workers, from coal miners suffering black lung to firefighters at high risk of cancer. Last year, I brought workplace safety experts and impacted workers together in Springfield to spotlight the danger of lead in telecommunications cables. Markey said the work is now hamstrung. In Massachusetts, enforcement of lead laws is handled at the state level. The Department of Labor Standards investigates violations related to lead abatement. The Department of Public Healths childhood lead poisoning prevention program addresses cases of lead exposure in children. While visiting Chicopee in 2024 with Markey, Caravanos said results showed that lead had fallen from old overhead lines into the dooryard of homes on Montcalm Street. And the same thing is still happening not only in the Pioneer Valley but across the country, Rowley said. Friction and disturbances possibly from people working with tools turns the lead into dust. It falls to the ground from overhead wires. Its not water soluble, but it can get washed like sand as the water moves. Workers often pump out the pits when they need to go down to work in them. Here, in the city, that goes into the storm drains, Rowley said. In one of the towns it might go into someones yard where their well is. Shareholder activism Verizon, one of several corporate heirs to the old Bell system telephone monopoly and the one doing business here, didnt respond to questions from The Republican over the past few weeks. But in the past its taken issue with the Wall Street Journal reporting and called for more research. Verizon wrote a New York congressman in 2023 saying soil lead levels near Verizons cable there are similar to lead levels in the surrounding area (i.e., background levels) and do not pose a public health risk to your constituents. Verizon stockholders will have a chance to weigh in at the annual stockholder vote May 22. The Association of BellTel Retirees Inc., owner of 214 shares of Verizons common stock, is asking stockholders to force Verizon management to do a comprehensive independent study and release the results by December of this year. This sort of shareholder activism has been used before. Groups of nuns bedeviled Springfields Smith & Wesson into assessing its role in gun violence. Verizons management replied that it studied the issue back in 2023 and is working with the EPA and others. But the retirees are having none of it. As of November 2024, Verizon has provided no further details. In our view, the issue is too important to slip from public view. Lead remediation efforts in other industries have dragged on for years, and we believe that Verizon should be ahead of the curve, they wrote in support of their proposal in a document provided to shareholders and posed online by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Whatever happens wont be cheap. The retirees say a 2023 analysis by New Street Research estimated that remediation could cost $10 billion $26 billion across the nation. Rowley said Verizon has workers use respirators in the maintenance holes now. But as Rowley and Landrigan point out, contaminated dust gets on hands and clothes, contaminated mud gets on shoes. And workers go home to families with young children. Children are unusually susceptible. Whoever is down there. They are all subject to this, Landrigan said. Stories by Jim Kinney Read the original article on MassLive. When Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980, it caused enormous devastation. The eruption triggered mudslides, an explosion, and plumes of ash that did enormous damage. The death of 57 people led to large changes in how the US monitors and prepares for eruptions. On May 18, 1980, Don Swanson placed a frenzied call to his wife to let her know that he was OK. "That's nice," she said, unconcerned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She had no idea her geologist husband had spent the morning in a plane flying by an erupting volcano. At 8:32 a.m. Pacific Time that day, a magnitude 5.1 earthquake had shaken Mount St. Helens, leading to its eruption. Its conical top collapsed into a horseshoe crater, sending rivers of mud and rock down its side and an enormous blast of heat and gas to the surrounding forest. Ash clouds wafted for over 930 miles, all the way to central Montana. The devastating natural disaster killed 57 people and was the most destructive volcanic eruption in US history. It leveled trees, destroyed bridges, and caused more than $1 billion in damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just a few years before the eruption, The New York Times described Mount St. Helens as a "relatively little known volcano 50 miles north of Portland, Oregon." Its eruption forever changed the way volcanologists, geologists, and other scientists perform their jobs. To commemorate the anniversary of Mount St. Helens' eruption, here's a series of photos that captured the immense devastation it caused 45 years ago. Years earlier, scientists predicted Mount St. Helens would violently erupt. Before the eruption, Mount St. Helens had a cone-like summit that completely collapsed. Harry Glicken/USGS ; Marli Miller/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images In 1978, the USGS issued a report stating that Mount St. Helens had the potential to violently erupt before the end of the millennium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last known eruption had been in 1857. Over the past few centuries, its recent dormant periods lasted an average of 123 years. It was only a matter of time. By the spring of 1980, Mount St. Helens had been trembling for weeks. Ash and other debris shot high into the air when Mount St. Helens erupted. Donald A Swanson/USGS Thousands of small earthquakes in March and April caused cracks in the summit. On March 27, steam started pouring out, turning the snow an ashy gray. "That's when it becomes this multi-agency response because now you have to prevent people from getting too close," Liz Westby, a geologist with the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory, told Business Insider in 2024. "It could possibly erupt, but that wasn't a for-sure thing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, people climbed on their roofs to take pictures of the steaming top. "Everyone really wanted to catch that glimpse of Mount St. Helens," she said. When the earthquake hit on May 18, its northern side collapsed. That triggered a debris avalanche, forcing down enough rock, dirt, and snow to fill a million Olympic swimming pools. Some of it traveled as far as 14 miles away. Ash-filled plumes rocketed 650 feet into the sky. A super-hot mix of rock, gas, and ash caused incredible destruction. The pyroclastic flow swiftly moved down the volcano during the Mount St. Helens eruption Peter Lipman/USGS The avalanche sheared off part of the cryptodome, a magma-filled bulge that had swollen part of Mount St. Helens' north side by about 450 feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rapidly expanding gas then caused a devastatingly powerful blast that exploded sideways instead of up and formed what's called a pyroclastic flow. The mixture can reach blistering temperatures of 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. "That is such a hot, thick, gas-rich flow that it essentially kills everything in its path," Westby said. The heat, force, and high-speed debris can all be deadly. It knocked over trees, leaving them stripped and looking like toothpicks. Moving at 300 miles per hour, the flow traveled faster than the debris avalanche, covering roughly 230 square miles, an area nearly the size of Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Then you see this plume rising up," Westby said. This one, full of ash and rock, rose as high as 80,000 feet. The eruption lasted nine hours. Melting snow and ice mixed with rocks and ash turned into mudslides. Mount St. Helens' lahars destroyed over 200 homes as well as bridges and roads. Lyn Topinka/USGS Mount St. Helen was still snowcapped in May when it erupted. The scorching heat turned ice and snow into gushing water that took rocks and soil with it. Known as lahars, these 100-mile-per-hour volcanic mudslides ripped up trees, destroyed over 200 houses, and took out bridges. Millions of tons of ash traveled hundreds of miles, closing highways and canceling flights. Geologists Don Swanson (left) and Jim Moore kneel near an ash-filled car in the aftermath of the Mount St. Helens eruption. USGS Westby was at Eastern Washington University, not far from the Idaho border, when the volcano erupted. What looked like an ominous line of dark clouds drifted in the sky above. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I thought, wow, that's the weirdest thunderstorm I've ever seen," she said. It turned out to be ash. Wind blew roughly 520 million tons of ash and volcanic glass to eastern Washington, Idaho, and Montana. It was dark enough to obscure the sun in some cities. It settled on everything, leaving trees with a dusting of what looked like snow. "This ash, it's fine like baby powder," Westby said. Driving through it would stir it back up into the air. For days afterward, authorities closed highways and canceled flights because of the poor visibility and the ash's potential to damage plane engines, Westby said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The eruption killed 57 people, including USGS geologist David Johnston. David Johnston was only six miles from Mount St. Helens when it erupted. USGS One of the first USGS geologists at the volcano was David Johnston. He had been closely monitoring Mount St. Helens during its many earthquakes. On May 18, Johnston was only 6 miles from the volcano. As the eruption started, he radioed a final message to a nearby Washington city: "Vancouver, Vancouver. This is it." After that, Johnston's death would have come within a minute, his fellow geologist Swanson wrote. "It hit home to us as geologists, as volcanologists, how important it is to have monitoring up at the volcanoes and to install sensors before unrest so that we don't have to have people up there in harm's way," Westby said of Johnston's death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leading up to the eruption, experts created safety zones around the volcano. Only essential workers could go to the red zone. However, the majority of the 57 people who lost their lives were outside the red zone, NPR reported. Many were killed by the lateral blast, Westby said. It ended up being more powerful than anticipated. "It still gets me a little bit, thinking about that," she said, "but that really influences how we feel about hazards today." Now, she said, hazard maps are much more accurate and take into account a range of an eruption's possible outcomes. The eruption destroyed trees and killed wildlife, but many species survived. The eruption decimated trees and many animals, but it didn't completely wipe out the ecosystem around Mount St. Helens. John Barr/Liaison via Getty Images Over a week after the eruption, researchers from the USDA Forest Service started looking at the ecological impact. Ecologists were shocked by what they saw at Johnston Ridge, about 6 miles from the summit. They had expected to find nothing. Instead, there were still carpenter ants, frogs, pocket gophers, spiders, and other signs of life. Thousands of large mammals like elk and bears didn't survive, but other species of plants and animals were buried in snow or sleeping in their dens. The blast zone where a hot flow of gas toppled trees is now known as the pumice plain, named for the porous rock that volcanoes create. Initially, nothing survived in this area. It was two years before researchers saw the first plant, a prairie lupine. The purple-flowered perennial is known to be resilient. It took four years following the eruption for new greenery to shoot up in the "ghost forests" where the volcano left broken and dying trees. A few gophers had a remarkable impact on the volcano's recovery. A gopher in an enclosure in 1982. Michael Allen/UCR In 1983, scientists realized not much was growing on the lava-scorched regions of Mount St. Helens. They tried an experiment. They flew a few northern pocket gophers to the volcano and put them in enclosures for about 24 hours. They did what gophers do, digging holes. Burrowing into the soil helped aerate it and dispersed bacteria and fungi that promote plant growth. "They're often considered pests, but we thought they would take old soil, move it to the surface, and that would be where recovery would occur," University of California, Riverside microbiologist Michael Allen said last year. Little did they know the lasting, positive impacts the gophers' tunneling would have. After six years, 40,000 plants had sprung up where they'd turned over the soil. The other areas stayed bare. In the decades since, the environment has drastically changed. Large mammals have slowly returned to the area around the volcano's blast zone. David McNew/Getty Images A new ecosystem has slowly emerged on the volcano. In the absence of larger predators, their prey thrived. The smaller animals and dormant plants that survived the volcano's destruction are still there, and bears, cougars, elk, and mountain goats have been spotted, too, The Seattle Times reported in 2020. That doesn't mean Mount St. Helens is back to normal, ecologist Charlie Crisafulli told the Seattle Times. With the pumice plain area starting from scratch, ecologically, what's happening there now is unique. The eruption spurred changes to how the US monitors and responds to earthquakes. USGS scientists and the Mount St. Helens Institute hold an annual camp for budding geologists. USGS In addition to ecology, Mount St. Helens offers opportunities for other kinds of scientific research. Two years after the eruption, the USGS established the Cascades Volcano Observatory to better monitor the volcanic range. The Observatory, which was dedicated to David Johnston, is one of only five in the US. It's become a kind of laboratory for volcanic research and monitoring. It's also helping to train what could be the next generation of volcanologists. Every summer, Westby and the Mount St. Helens Institute run a camp for middle school girls called GeoGirls. "We treat them as though they were our field assistants, to give them an idea of what it's like to work on volcanoes," Westby said. Mount St. Helens could erupt again. Mount St. Helens has erupted since 1980 and will erupt again. Elliot Endo/USGS Mount St. Helens continued to have smaller eruptions through 1986 and then had more between 2004 and 2008. "They are active volcanoes," Westby said of the Cascades, the volcanic arc that runs through several states and Canada. "They've erupted in the past, and we know they'll erupt in the future." Of all the Cascade volcanoes, Mount St. Helens is the most active and most likely to erupt again, Westby said. But the technology to predict eruptions has vastly improved. In 1980, Mount St. Helens only had a single seismometer, Westby said. "Now we've got 20," she said. These newer devices are more sophisticated and can detect smaller earthquakes that could signal an impending eruption. GPS data can also alert scientists if the ground is deforming. And software can help them process the data more quickly. In the 1980s, scientists were making the calculations by hand. As the sensors help geologists keep an eye on what's happening beneath the ground, Westby says people should feel free to enjoy the volcanoes. "They're safe to be around right now," she said, "but you never know what happens in the future." This story was originally published on May 18, 2024 and was updated on May 18, 2025. Read the original article on Business Insider An estimated 33,000 people or more in Pierce County received Veterans Affairs disability benefits by the end of fiscal year 2023, accounting for 21% of all people in Washington who received the compensation, federal government data shows. The local number of beneficiaries is higher than any county in the state and larger than more populous counties elsewhere, including those that encompass Chicago and Miami, according to the most-recent figures from the Department of Veterans Affairs. There are only 11 counties in the United States that have more beneficiaries, federal data shows, underscoring the significant military presence that exists in Pierce County. Joint Base Lewis-McChord is the regions largest job creator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The VA took 131.5 days on average in April to process a disability claim from veterans seeking compensation for injuries incurred during service, slightly higher than its 125-day goal, according to the department. Democratic lawmakers fear that the wait list could get longer with major staffing cuts planned for the VA amid the Trump administrations efforts to reorganize the department. The administration, which fired 2,400 probationary employees in February, has plans to downsize the department by about 80,000 employees, or about 15% of the workforce, to reach 2019 staffing levels, according to news reports. The administration on Friday asked the Supreme Court to allow its plan to proceed with mass layoffs at multiple federal agencies, including the VA, after a lower court temporarily blocked it earlier this month, multiple outlets reported. Sen. Patty Murrays office released a report last month warning of exacerbated staff shortages and highlighting catastrophic harms that it said mass layoffs would bring to veterans, including by decreasing health care and lengthening processing times for disability claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and Musks senseless mass firings endanger the care and benefits veterans across Washington state, and right here in Pierce County, have earned and deserve, Murray, D-WA, said in a statement in late April to The News Tribune. Trumps actions certainly wont make it easier for veterans to get their benefits. These firings could worsen staffing shortages at VA offices, which can mean fewer people to process veterans claims, answer the phones, or help schedule doctors appointments. The VA did not respond to a message seeking comment on the potential impacts of mass firings on VA services. Earlier this month, the department applauded reforms in the VA enacted by President Donald Trump, including establishing a center for homeless veterans in Los Angeles, and criticized the department under its previous leadership. Under President Biden, VA failed to hold its employees properly accountable and actively fought congressional attempts to make it easier to fire poor-performing workers even as health care wait times and benefits backlogs increased, the department said in a May 9 news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February, VA Secretary Doug Collins vowed in a video message that no veterans benefits would be cut and that the department was growing more efficient. In fact, were actually giving and improving services in our Veterans Benefits Administration. Theyre actually clearing cases quicker, Collins said. Were doing what were supposed to be doing. Robert Sheetz, the veterans program manager for Pierce County, told The News Tribune that it wasnt immediately certain what effect, if any, staffing cuts would have on claim processing times or general services for veterans. To be honest with you, the answer is nobody really knows, Sheetz said in an interview late last month, adding that a clearer picture probably wouldnt arrive until the summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether there will be those ramifications that worry Democrats depends on what positions are eliminated, according to Sheetz. Even if its not front-line or medical workers, losing people who work in the background, such as raters and evidence collectors, could prove costly, he said. The VA has employees whose jobs integral to the claims process are to gather all of a claimants medical records and associated evidence for their disability and to assign a rating based on the severity of the disability. I think everybodys kind of cautiously optimistic, he said. I think everybodys waiting for what that might look like because nobody can answer the question. On May 13, the county held a monthly workshop where veterans can receive assistance filing a new claim, adjusting an existing one and generally learning about the claims process, including for disability, pension or burial benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trey Reynolds, 59, who lives in Tacoma, was among those who attended the event. As a four-year Army veteran, Reynolds said he wasnt seeking disability compensation but instead looking to secure health benefits he only recently learned he could be eligible for. In Washington, nearly 232,000 people were enrolled in the VA health care system in fiscal year 2023, according to the department. Im thinking if theyre cutting all these people, Reynolds said, then that might take the process even longer. More information on Pierce Countys veterans workshops, held the second Tuesday of every month, can be found at PierceCountyWA.gov/VSO. On May 31, the Fife-based advocacy group, NineLine Veteran Services, is hosting a resource fair at the Tacoma Dome between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. for veterans seeking health care, legal services, career development and more. Call 253-922-7225 for additional details. Two Alaska Airlines planes clipped wings at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Saturday afternoon, prompting passengers to deplane. According to a statement from the FAA, Alaska Airlines Flights 1190 and 1094 clipped wings in the gate area at SeaTac around 12:15 p.m. Alaska Airlines confirmed that ground-service tugs were pushing back two Alaska Airlines aircraft from their gates when the winglets touched. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were no injuries, but passengers were deplaned as the flights were swapped to other aircraft and departed. Alaska Airlines added, We sincerely apologize to our guests for the delay and inconvenience. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be investigating. The Lincoln Arts Council is back in business. Forced by a fiscal crisis to suspend operations last October, the nonprofit arts council has reorganized, raised funds and renewed grants, allowing it to resume some of its programming in late March. That return has been fueled by the efforts of Robert Goldberg, who was the arts councils director of Arts Access, its community and schools programming, before he was laid off when operations ceased. A few weeks later, Goldberg approached the arts council's board and received their blessing to work unpaid to revive the organization. It was a combination of kind of salvaging our reputation and then fundraising so we can maybe get back, Goldberg said. There were days I just didn't know if it would happen, but I gave it my best shot. Weve raised a pretty good amount of money, which I'm proud of, enough that in February, I went back on staff as the executive director. Getting Goldberg on staff was key in the arts council's return, allowing it to apply for grants and create the operational and financial structure needed for the Nebraska Arts Council to renew Artists in Schools and Communities grant funding that had been suspended at the shutdown. With those funds, in March, the council returned to the Pathfinder Education Program at the Lancaster County Youth Detention Center, where the council has had arts and music programming for more than a decade. Programming at Lincoln Public Schools Community Learning Centers will return next month. We're going to do four summer (clubs), Goldberg said. Then 15 school residencies in the fall, and then 15 in the spring, and then other things are going to get added to that as we get the funding. Camps for Title I middle school students are being funded through a grant from the Les Paul Foundation, which carries on the legacy of the inventor of the solid-body electric guitar and modern studio recording. The city of Lincoln, however, has not renewed the contract that provided $110,609 in general fund dollars to the art council last year. The mayor appointed a task force after the Lincoln Arts Council briefly ceased operations to talk about what is the future of the arts and what the role of the city should be, said Rick Hoppe, Mayor Leirion Gaylor Bairds chief of staff. Thats what the task force is working its way through. So the city did not renew the contract. The task force has reached out to artists, some of whom have participated in arts council programming and events, and presenters, hearing suggestions for specific events, a city arts commission and cooperative programming with existing arts organizations. They are coming up with some strategic planning, said arts council board member Ellen Beans. Im pleased that they are addressing the entire picture. Everyone in the arts needs everyone else. The result of that strategic plan, which Hoppe said should be completed later this summer, will have great bearing on the renewal of the arts council contract. Maybe it'll be renewed, maybe it'll be less, maybe it will go somewhere else, Goldberg said. Regardless, I had to move forward and moving forward without a promise or knowledge of what the status of that money was, those events are gone temporarily. Those events are the Mayors Arts Awards and the Lincoln Arts Festival, which will not be held this year. The council will, however, hold an event this fall to honor the recipients of the 2024 Mayors Arts Awards, who were notified of their awards a few weeks before the October shutdown. Were calling it the Lincoln Arts Awards so we can honor the people who had been notified, Beans said. It wont be as big as the Mayors Arts Awards. But we felt like we should do it for them. As for the Lincoln Arts Festival, Goldberg said the council is planning to hold a scaled-back version of the event in 2026. Wed like to start a festival of sorts back up next summer and have it be a local festival, he said. The festival was artists coming from around the country. It was a huge logistical requirement and financial burden. So, if we bring it back, which we hope to do, it would be local Nebraska artists." The third major event that the council held in 2024 nearly brought the organization to an end. Troy Gagner was the executive director. He took on Lincoln Calling, which was the nail in the coffin, Goldberg said. I don't know what possessed him to take on Lincoln Calling. It was in trouble to begin with, let alone us with a small staff and limited experience in doing a music festival, et cetera. What ended up happening is he was paying for all these projects that we hadn't raised money for yet. ... So we ran out of money, just, I mean, straightforward, simple as that. According to its 2022 tax filing, the arts council had revenue that year of about $645,000 and expenses of about $537,000, producing about $108,000 of income. Salaries, including about $61,000 for Gagner, made up about 37% of its total budget that year. The arts councils projected budget, Goldberg said, is about one-fourth of its pre-shutdown level. The council now has two employees Goldberg and director of finance Amanda Hein down from four, and has downsized its office space at the Foundry. The new board also rewrote the organizations bylaws, adding financial procedures, accounting requirements and more board oversight of staff programming and funding decisions. We all know every detail of what happened, and were all committed that it will not happen again, Beans said. It will be a few months before the Lincoln Arts Council is up to speed under its new structure that concentrates on school and community programs. Ive got a lot of grants out the door, and we're still waiting to hear on a good number of them, Goldberg said. That process takes some time. We'll hear back from most of those over the course of the next two or three months. So I put up a budget that includes a respectable amount of programming that's responsibly scaled back with the hope that it will build up. So things are really optimistic." That optimism is shared by the board, Beans said, thanks in large part to the efforts of Goldberg and Hein. I definitely feel like we are sustainable and the future is very bright, Beans said. Sometimes you have to go through a troubled time to come out stronger and more enthusiastic. Thats whats happened here. Editor's note: The article was updated with final election results. Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski narrowly led Polands presidential election on May 18, but failed to secure an outright victory. He will face conservative Karol Nawrocki in a runoff on June 1. Trzaskowski, a senior figure in Prime Minister Donald Tusks Civic Platform (PO) party, won 31.4% of the vote, final results showed. Nawrocki, a historian backed by the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, came in second with 29.5%, setting the stage for a closely contested runoff as no candidate among the 13 contenders passed the 50% threshold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to supporters at a rally in Sandomierz, southern Poland, Trzaskowski said: "Were going to win," but acknowledged that victory would require "a lot of work and great determination." He added, "Im convinced that all Poland will win." Trzaskowski has pledged to work with Tusks coalition government to liberalize Polands strict abortion laws and to push forward long-stalled judicial reforms, which were previously blocked under the PiS-led government. Despite leading the polls in the lead-up to the vote, Trzaskowski underperformed expectations, which had placed him 46 points ahead of Nawrocki. His campaign now faces the challenge of consolidating centrist and center-left support, including from junior coalition parties such as the Left and the conservative Third Way. Nawrocki, relatively unknown nationally before being endorsed by the PiS party, has seen his profile rise throughout the campaign. Addressing his supporters in Gdansk, he warned that Tusk must be stopped from gaining "total power in Poland." He urged voters who backed far-right candidates Slawomir Mentzen (14.8%) and Grzegorz Braun (6.3%) to rally behind him in the second round to "save Poland" from Tusks influence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Polands presidency is largely ceremonial, the role carries veto power. With Tusks coalition lacking the parliamentary majority to override a presidential veto, the outcome of the runoff will determine whether the government can move forward with key reforms. Read also: Nicusor Dan wins Romanian presidential election, defeating anti-Ukraine Simion Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Editor's note: This article has been updated to include information from Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR). Poland and Romania key NATO allies bordering Ukraine are holding presidential elections on May 18, with both votes unfolding under the shadow of Russian interference and rising far-right influence. The simultaneous elections are being closely watched across Europe, with growing concerns about foreign meddling and a potential shift in regional policy toward Ukraine as nationalist and pro-Russian voices gain traction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Romania, far-right, Eurosceptic candidate George Simion faces pro-EU Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan in a tight runoff. Simion, the leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), secured nearly 40% of the vote in the first round on May 4 and has called for Ukraine to compensate Romania for its aid contributions. "Ukraine needs us, we don't need Ukraine," Simion said during a televised debate on May 8. "We certainly want compensation for Romania's participation in the war effort so far." Simion's platform includes ending military aid for Ukraine, prioritizing national interests, and renegotiating the country's foreign commitments. If elected, his presidency could realign Romania's foreign policy at a critical moment in Russia's war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polls show the two candidates neck-and-neck, with an AtlasIntel survey on May 13 placing both at 48.2%. Voting in Romania began at 7 a.m. and will continue until 9 p.m. Romanians abroad were able to cast ballots since May 16. Romania has played a vital role in Ukraine's defense and humanitarian response, donating a U.S.-made Patriot missile system in 2024, signing a bilateral security agreement with Kyiv, and facilitating grain exports through the Black Sea. The current election follows the annulment of the initial first round in November 2024, which Romania's Constitutional Court invalidated over evidence of social media manipulation and foreign interference. That round had been won by populist Calin Georgescu, who openly promoted conspiracy theories and supported Russia, calling Ukraine a "fictional state" and predicting its partition as "inevitable." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Romania heads to historic presidential runoff as populist and pro-EU candidate are neck-and-neck Warsaw accuses Russia of interference as Poles head to the polls Meanwhile, in Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned on May 16 that Russian hackers attacked websites of ruling coalition parties just days before the presidential vote. "Two days before the elections, a group of Russian hackers operating on Telegram attacked the websites of Civic Platform," Tusk wrote on X. He said the cyberattacks also targeted the Left and Polish People's Party (PSL), both members of his coalition. Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) reported on May 18 that Moscow has intensified a disinformation campaign targeting NATO and EU countries, with Poland as a central focus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to HUR, the operation codenamed "Doppelganger" uses fake media websites mimicking trusted Western outlets to publish Kremlin propaganda disguised as credible analysis. Since March 2025, Russian intelligence services have reportedly been spreading false and manipulative messages targeting Polish voters, including on the social media platform X. These efforts have been amplified by bot farms and artificial accounts impersonating real users, according to HUR. Poland's Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski earlier described Russia's interference as "unprecedented," alleging Moscow launched hybrid attacks to disrupt state functions and destabilize the electoral process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The disinformation campaign coincides with a contentious presidential race. Polish voters are choosing among candidates, including Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, the frontrunner, and Poland 2050 leader Szymon Holownia. Several candidates have drawn scrutiny for pro-Russian rhetoric. Far-right candidate Slawomir Mentzen has connections to nationalist circles critical of Poland's support for Ukraine. Karol Nawrocki, backed by the conservative Law and Justice party, has been criticized for remarks seen as sympathetic to Moscow. One episode that captured the attention of both Polish and Ukrainian media was Mentzen's spat with Lviv Mayor Andrii Sadovyi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After visiting the western Ukrainian city on Feb. 24, Mentzen published a video near the monument to Stepan Bandera, calling the late Ukrainian nationalist a "terrorist" and accusing Ukraine of "worshipping criminals." Bandera, assassinated by the KGB in 1959, led the radical wing of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists and organized the assassination of Polish Interior Minister Bronislaw Pieracki. The Polish election, with a potential runoff on June 1, comes as the country grapples with debates over national security, migration, and European integration. Like Romania, Poland has emerged as one of Ukraine's staunchest allies since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, providing robust military, economic, and humanitarian support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Voters in Poland will head to a run-off election on June 1 to choose their next president, early exit polls showed on Sunday. Initial forecasts put 53-year-old Warsaw Mayor Rafa Trzaskowski, representing Prime Minister Donald Tusk's centrist Civic Coalition, narrowly ahead with 30.8% of the vote. Karol Nawrocki, a 42-year-old historian and political outsider running as an independent with backing from the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party, received 29.1%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As neither of them received the necessary absolute majority at the first attempt, a second round of voting is necessary. Sawomir Mentzen, candidate for the radical right-wing Confederation party, came in third with 15.4%. According to forecasts, voter turnout was 66.8%. By the afternoon, more than 50% of eligible voters had cast their ballots, the commission had said - nearly three percentage points higher than at the same time during the last such vote in 2020. Some 29 million people were eligible to vote in the election to choose a successor to President Andrzej Duda, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third five-year term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trzaskowski, who has been mayor since 2018, achieved a strong result in the 2020 presidential election, narrowly losing to Duda in the run-off. Duda's right-wing Law and Justice party (PiS), which is the largest opposition party after losing power to Tusk's coalition in 2023, is backing Nawrocki. Tusk's pro-EU coalition has been constrained by Duda, who is aligned with PiS. A win for Trzaskowski, whether now or in a second round, would give Tusk a freer hand to push his reform agenda. The Polish president represents the country abroad, has influence over foreign policy, appoints the head of government and the Cabinet, and is the commander-in-chief of the Polish Armed Forces in the event of war. The election is widely viewed as a pivotal moment for the EU and NATO member state. One person was killed and a man was arrested after a police chase ended in a crash on eastbound Interstate 30 near Dallas early Saturday, Grand Prairie police said. Llonis Arevalo, 26, was charged with murder, evading arrest causing death, resisting arrest and collision involving death, police said. A patrolling officer had initially tried to stop Arevalo, who was driving a Chevrolet Camaro in the 1100 block of East Main Street in Grand Prairie, at around 1:45 a.m. Saturday, according to a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officer saw Arevalo rapidly decelerating the vehicle and changing lanes in an attempt to evade police, officials said. The officer, believing the Camaro to have been stolen, initiated a traffic stop for a known violation, police said. After pulling into a parking lot, Arevalo fled as the officer began to get out of his cruiser. A pursuit onto eastbound Interstate 30 followed. There, Arevalo struck a vehicle that was stranded in the lanes of traffic as he tried to exit at Hampton Road South, police said. More top stories from our newsroom: School closures could save millions. But would they help students? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Student charged in Frisco stabbing will receive diploma Last TCU-area dive bar is a restaurant with surprises [Get our breaking news alerts.] Arevalo and an unidentified passenger ran away from their car and the officer gave chase, according to the statement. The officer caught Arevalo in the median, where a prolonged struggle ensued before backup officers arrived, police said. The driver of the stranded vehicle was seriously injured and was taken to a hospital, where they died, according to the statement. The Dallas County Medical Examiners Office will identify the dead person once family has been notified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arevalo is a documented gang member who was out on bond for 11 felony counts at the time of the crash, police said. Grand Prairie police are leading the criminal investigation and the Dallas County Sheriffs Office is leading the crash investigation, according to the statement. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A robbery Saturday night on the Las Vegas Strip led to shots fired but no injuries, police said. Las Vegas Metro police officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 3500 block of South Las Vegas Boulevard around 10:30 p.m., officials said. Both Caesars Palace and the Forum Shops are located on the block. Video shared on social media showed police entering Caesars Palace on Saturday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers determined there was a robbery and at least one person fired a weapon. No one was hurt. It is Metro police policy not to identify a specific business but to release only a generic address and block. It was not immediately clear if anyone was in custody in connection with the shooting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Police are investigating a shooting in a Dayton neighborhood early Sunday morning. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Around 2:21 a.m., crews were dispatched to the 100 block of Arlington Ave on reports of a shooting. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police are investigating a shooting at this location, according to a Montgomery County Regional Dispatch Sergeant. The sergeant also confirmed that one person arrived at Miami Valley Hospital with a gunshot wound. It is unclear if the two incidents are related at this time, according to the sergeant. This is a developing story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Three juveniles and one 18-year-old were hospitalized after leading police on a pursuit from Warren to Montgomery County early Sunday morning. Warren County Sheriffs Office alleged the group stole the vehicle in Warren County. It said officers tried to stop the vehicle in Deerfield at approximately 3:20 a.m. According to officials, the vehicle fled the scene. Video of the pursuit can be viewed here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Franklin Chief of Police, Adam Colon, said officers made a successful pit maneuver and stopped the vehicle at approximately 3:45 a.m. He said the driver then hit a pole. The vehicle caught fire and was extinguished by crews on the scene. Officials said the driver was pinned, he was evacuated from the vehicle and given medical aid. All four people in the crash were transported to nearby hospitals. Do not steal cars or flee from law enforcement, said Chief Colon. Dont drive through Franklin if you want to steal vehicles. Officials said multiple allegedly stolen items were found in the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 NEWS will update this story when more 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 WDTN.com. Police released the names of the seven people killed in the two-vehicle crash near Yellowstone National Park on May 1 The deceased included visitors from China and Italy Investigators determined that the Dodge Ram pickup crossed the center line and collided with the eastbound Mercedes van Authorities have shared new details tied to the incident when seven people were killed after a tour van and a pickup truck crashed near Yellowstone National Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, May 16, the Idaho State Police (ISP) revealed the names and origin countries of the individuals who died in the May 1 crash, which happened just before 7:15 p.m. on U.S. Highway 20 near Henry's Lake State Park about 16 miles west of Yellowstone. Police previously said the van was carrying 14 people, and the trucks driver was alone. Six of the van passengers and the truck driver died. The deceased ranged in ages from 28 to 71. They have been identified as 28-year-old Ivana Wen from Milan, Italy; 71-year-old Jianping Li from Guangxi, China; 66-year-old Xiaoming Jiang from Guilin in the Guangxi Province of China; 64-year-old Li Nie and 53-year-old Aifeng Wan, both from Arcadia, Calif.; 30-year-old Yu Zhang of Eastvale, Calif., who was identified as the tour vans driver; and 25-year-old Isaih Moreno of Humble, Texas, who was identified as the driver of the truck. The ISP said that investigators determined, based on the initial evidence they gathered, that the Dodge Ram pickup crossed the center line and collided with the eastbound Mercedes van. Police added that the reason for the pickups movement is still under investigation, and investigators are doing crash reconstruction and additional testing. Getty Yellowstone National Park (stock image). Yellowstone National Park (stock image). 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. In a statement, Idaho State Police Captain Chris Weadick said authorities were deeply grateful to a passerby who stopped to help and Sheriff Bart Quayle and his deputies from Fremont County who responded immediately. He added, Their quick actions undoubtedly saved lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is what law enforcement looks like in Idahowe work together when it matters most, Weadick continued. We want to thank Fremont County EMS and Fire, many of whom are volunteers, for their quick deployment, arrival, and critical role in triaging and assisting the wounded. Their response made a significant difference in the immediate aftermath. .Given the dynamic nature of the crash, the number of casualties, and the involvement of foreign nationals, this has been a highly complex investigation, he also stated. We appreciate the publics patience and understanding as weve worked to confirm facts and provide verified information. Roger Merrill had been driving home and witnessed the scene shortly after the crash occurred, he told the Associated Press. He took a video of the collision's aftermath, showing smoke covering the van and both vehicles engulfed in flames, and waited for first responders to arrive as bystanders attempted to care for the victims. "It is a very dangerous highway because it leads to the main entrance of Yellowstone National Park. It's extremely busy," he said, adding, "It took an unnervingly long time for help to arrive just because of the location." Read the original article on People Merrimac and Amesbury first responders rescued a 7-year-old boy who became lost in a swamp over a mile away from his home Friday evening. Merrimac police and firefighters received a report about a 7-year-old boy who was missing from a home on East Main Street shortly before 7:40 p.m., authorities said in a press release. Several on and off-duty officers responded, including one K-9 officer and an Amesbury officer who offered to use a drone to aid in the search. After an intensive search, they found the boy 1.3 miles away from his home, authorities said. He was waist-deep in a swamp and unable to move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officers freed the child and were led out of the woods with the help of some drones, authorities said. Merrimac firefighters treated the boy at the scene, but he was taken to a local hospital as a precaution. Merrimac Police Chief Eric Shears spoke with the boys mother Saturday morning, authorities said. She said her son is doing well and that she is extremely grateful for everyone who helped out, and all the officers and everyone involved were absolutely amazing. I have never been prouder of the department, our mutual aid partners and our community, Shears said in the release. ... Had this child not been located this quickly, I fear our community might have faced a tragic outcome. The professionalism, dedication and overall excellence of the team led to the best possible result in a very difficult situation. More News Read the original article on MassLive. By Adrianna Ebert and Karol Badohal WARSAW (Reuters) -Polish liberals performed worse than expected in a presidential election on Sunday, exit polls showed, as Rafal Trzaskowski from ruling centrists Civic Coalition (KO) scraped to victory setting up a close fight for Warsaw's pro-European path. Trzaskowski placed first with 31.2% of the vote, ahead of Karol Nawrocki, the candidate backed by the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party, who had 29.7%, according to an Ipsos late poll. The gap was much narrower than the 4-7 percentage points seen in opinion polls before the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If confirmed, the result would mean that Trzaskowski and Nawrocki will go head-to-head in a runoff vote on June 1 to determine whether Poland sticks firmly on the pro-European track set by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk or moves closer to nationalist admirers of U.S. President Donald Trump. "We are going for victory. I said that it would be close and it is close," Trzaskowski told supporters. "There is a lot, a lot, of work ahead of us and we need determination." Nawrocki also told supporters he was confident of victory in the second round and called on the far-right to get behind him and "save Poland." "We have to win these elections so that there is no monopoly of power of one political group, so that there is no monolithic power in Poland," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Opinia24 poll for private broadcaster TVN published after the first round gave Trzaskowski 46% in the run-off and Nawrocki 44%, with 10% of voters either undecided or refusing to say. Far-right candidates Slawomir Mentzen and Grzegorz Braun scored more than 21% combined, a historically high score. Braun, who in 2023 used a fire extinguisher to put out Hanukkah candles in the country's parliament, an incident that caused international outrage, won 6.3% of the vote according to the late poll. Mentzen stopped short of immediately endorsing Nawrocki. "Voters... are not sacks of potatoes, they are not thrown from one place to another," he said. "Each of our voters is a conscious, intelligent person and will make their own decision." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stanley Bill, Professor of Polish Studies at the University of Cambridge, said the combined strong showing of nationalist and far-right parties meant the results were "a disappointment for the Trzaskowski camp and put wind in the sails of Nawrocki." "I would add to this that the results are a significant blow to Donald Tusk's ruling coalition," Bill added. Turnout was 66.8% according to the late poll. The vote in Poland took place on the same day as a presidential run-off vote in Romania, in which centrist Bucharest mayor, Nicusor Dan, appeared on course to defeat Eurosceptic hard-right lawmaker George Simion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PRESIDENTIAL VETO In Poland, the president has the power to veto laws. A Trzaskowski victory in the second round would enable Tusk's government to implement an agenda that includes rolling back judicial reforms introduced by PiS that critics say undermined the independence of the courts. However, if Nawrocki wins, the impasse that has existed since Tusk became prime minister in 2023 would be set to continue. Until now, PiS-ally President Andrzej Duda has stymied Tusk's efforts. If the late poll is confirmed, the other candidates in the first round, including Mentzen from the far-right Confederation Party, Parliament Speaker Szymon Holownia of the centre-right Poland 2050 and Magdalena Biejat from the Left, will be eliminated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One more updated poll that takes into account partial official results will be published later during the night. ROLE IN EUROPE Trzaskowski has pledged to cement Poland's role as a major player at the heart of European policymaking and work with the government to roll back PiS's judicial changes. Nawrocki's campaign was rocked by allegations, which he denies, that he deceived an elderly man into selling him a flat in return for a promise of care he did not provide. But Trump showed support by meeting Nawrocki in the White House. Nawrocki casts the election as a chance to stop Tusk achieving unchecked power and push back against liberal values represented by Trzaskowski, who as Warsaw mayor was a patron of LGBT marches and took down Christian crosses from public buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike some other eurosceptics in central Europe, Nawrocki supports military aid to help Ukraine fend off Russia. However, he has tapped into anti-Ukrainian sentiment among some Poles weary of an influx of refugees from their neighbour. He has said Polish citizens should get priority in public services and criticised Kyiv's attitude to exhumations of the remains of Poles killed by Ukrainian nationalists during World War Two. (Reporting by Adrianna Ebert, Kuba Stezycki and Fatos Bytyci in Gdansk, Pawel Florkiewicz, Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk, Anna Koper, Marek Strzelecki, Barbara Erling, Janis Laizans and Thomas Holdstock in Warsaw, and Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; writing by Alan Charlish; editing by Barbara Lewis, Philippa Fletcher, Aidan C. Lewis, Rod Nickel and Diane Craft) By Joshua McElwee, Crispian Balmer and Philip Pullella VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Pope Leo XIV formally began his reign on Sunday by reaching out to conservatives who felt orphaned under his predecessor, calling for unity, vowing to preserve the Catholic Church's heritage and not rule like "an autocrat". After a first ride in the popemobile through an estimated crowd of up to 200,000 in St. Peter's Square and surrounding streets, Leo was officially installed as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church at an outdoor Mass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well-wishers waved U.S. and Peruvian flags, with people from both countries claiming him as the first pope from their nations. Born in Chicago, the 69-year-old pontiff spent many years as a missionary in Peru and also has Peruvian citizenship. Robert Prevost, a relative unknown on the world stage who only became a cardinal two years ago, was elected pope on May 8 after a short conclave of cardinals that lasted barely 24 hours. He succeeded Francis, an Argentine, who died on April 21 after leading the Church for 12 often turbulent years during which he battled with traditionalists and championed the poor and marginalised. In his sermon, read in fluent Italian, Leo said that as leader of the world's 1.4 billion Roman Catholics, he would continue Francis' legacy on social issues such as combating poverty and protecting the environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He vowed to face up to "the questions, concerns and challenges of todays world" and, in a nod to conservatives, he promised to preserve "the rich heritage of the Christian faith", repeatedly calling for unity. Crowds chanted "Viva il Papa" (Long Live the Pope) and "Papa Leone", his name in Italian, as he waved from the open-topped popemobile ahead of his inaugural Mass, which was attended by dozens of world leaders. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert who clashed with Francis over the White House's hardline immigration policies, led a U.S. delegation alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also Catholic. Vance briefly shook hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the start of the ceremony. The two men last met in February in the White House, when they clashed fiercely in front of the world's media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskiy and Leo were to have a private meeting later on Sunday, while Vance was expected to see the pope on Monday. In a brief appeal at the end of the Mass, Leo addressed several global conflicts. He said Ukraine was being "martyred", a phrase often used by Francis, and called for a "just and lasting peace" there. He also mentioned the humanitarian situation in Gaza, saying people in the Palestinian enclave were being "reduced to starvation". Among those in the crowds on Sunday were many pilgrims from the U.S. and Peru. Dominic Venditti, from Seattle, said he was "extremely excited" by the new pope. "I like how emotional and kind he is," he said. "I love his background." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement APPEAL FOR UNITY Since becoming pope, Leo has already signalled some key priorities for his papacy, including a warning about the dangers posed by artificial intelligence and the importance of bringing peace to the world and to the Church itself. Francis' papacy left a divided Church, with conservatives accusing him of sowing confusion, particularly with his extemporaneous remarks on issues of sexual morality such as same-sex unions. Saying he was taking up his mission "with fear and trembling", Leo used the words "unity" or "united" seven times on Sunday and the word "harmony" four times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is never a question of capturing others by force, by religious propaganda or by means of power. Instead, it is always and only a question of loving, as Jesus did," he said, in apparent reference to a war of words between Catholics who define themselves as conservative or progressive. Conservatives also accused Francis of ruling in a heavy-handed way and lamented that he belittled their concerns and did not consult widely before making decisions. Referring to St. Peter, the 1st century Christian apostle from whom popes derive their authority, Leo said: "Peter must shepherd the flock without ever yielding to the temptation to be an autocrat, lording it over those entrusted to him. On the contrary, he is called to serve the faith of his brothers and sisters, and to walk alongside them." Many world leaders attended the ceremony, including the presidents of Israel, Peru and Nigeria, the prime ministers of Italy, Canada and Australia, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European royals also took their place in the VIP seats near the main altar, including Spanish King Felipe and Queen Letizia. Leo shook many of their hands at the end of the ceremony, and hugged his brother Louis, who had travelled from Florida. As part of the ceremony, Leo received two symbolic items: a liturgical vestment known as a pallium, a sash of lambswool representing his role as a shepherd, and the "fisherman's ring", recalling St. Peter, who was a fisherman. The ceremonial gold signet ring is specially cast for each new pope and can be used by Leo to seal documents, although this purpose has fallen out of use in modern times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It shows St. Peter holding the keys to Heaven and will be broken after his death or resignation. (Reporting by Joshua McElwee Crispian Balmer and Philip Pullella; additional reporting by Roberto Mignucci; editing by Philippa Fletcher and Gareth Jones) On May 8, the Catholic Church elected Robert Francis Prevost, as its first North American leader. The planet and the people are in desperate need of moral healing, and there are promising signs that Pope Leo XIV just may be the voice of clarity that we need. I am a lifelong Catholic, with a family history in the Church going back through generations to Italy, Ireland, and Germany. My faith runs strong. I am also the co-director of Taproot Earth, a frontline climate justice organization. While we are not a Catholic organization, and our staff is made up of people with varying religions, our faith has played a big part in our personal commitments to climate justice. For me, I was taught, through 16 years of Catholic education, that God is in all things. That means that God is in the air, the water, the Earth. God is also present in the poor and the neglected. That makes the climate crisis which hits marginalized communities hardest an affront to Gods Being. By the same token, it means that fighting for climate justice is the Lords work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is reason to believe that Pope Leo shares in that vision. For one thing, hes spoken in support of Pope Francis 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si, which laid out the Catholic case not just for climate action but for climate justice. In November, he took it even further, advocating for a more reciprocal relationship with the environment and stressing that it is time for the world to move from words to actions in combating climate change. Pope Leo also has a history of speaking out against the rise of artificial intelligence. In fact, he used his first formal address as pope to raise the alarm over the threat of AI to human dignity, justice, and labor. While he did not expressly mention it in his comments, artificial intelligence is also a grave threat to the planet and a major contributor to the pollution that fuels the climate crisis. But perhaps most importantly, Pope Leos time in South America has brought him face to face with the realities and heartbreak of climate injustice. In 2017, when El Nino brought catastrophic flooding to Peru, the then-Bishop put his actual boots on the ground. He mobilized the Church, coordinated with local businesses, and got his own hands dirty to help people who were stranded by the water. Pope Leo understands the power of the Church in times of crisis. For me, that is immensely important. While I am a lifelong Catholic, there have been times where I struggled with the Church and its many scandals and hypocrisies. However, I have not given up my faith nor ignored the power and position the Church holds. Thats why Taproot Earth, among other organizations, has put a great deal of work into bringing the might of the Catholic Church to the fight for climate justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We started our work with the Church in earnest in 2023 around the issue of climate reparations. We wanted the Church to confront its role in the root causes of climate change: colonialism, slavery, and capitalism. From there, we wanted the Church to embrace its responsibility to lead the way to climate reparations. I am happy to say that we found a receptive audience among leaders within the Church. After meeting with some of Pope Francis advisors and advocates, we facilitated the Frontline Peoples Jubilee Convening in Rome in March of this year with the goal of bringing to the Church the voices and stories from the frontlines about the need for climate reparations. At the convening, we heard from people from 24 countries and in six different languages, and we charted a multi-faith course toward climate justice and accountability. I am hopeful and more importantly faithful that we can bring those stories to Pope Leo to further advance this work. It bears mentioning that Pope Leo, as the successor to Pope Francis, has enormous shoes to fill. Pope Francis led the Church in new and exciting ways. In addition to his groundbreaking 2015 encyclical, he completely revolutionized the way that decisions were made in the Vatican, appointing women to decision-making posts and created pathways for marginalized people to have their voices heard. He opened the door for the blessing of same-sex unions. By leading from the foundational Christian values of love, mercy, and joy, he showed the world that change is possible, even within a 2,000-year-old institution. While there are signs that Pope Leo might be more conservative than Pope Francis, I still have reason to hope that he might indeed be more radical. After all, most people didnt expect Pope Francis to be the spiritual and social catalyst that he was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the most important ways that Popes signal the way they plan to lead is by the name they choose upon their election. The name Leo is one of humility or, as some might say, meekness. As the Beatitudes teach us, blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. If Pope Francis was the Peoples Pope, perhaps Pope Leo can be the Planets Pope. Pope Leo need not walk on water, but rather continue on the path Pope Francis already laid out. Anthony Giancatarino is the Strategy Partner at Taproot Earth, a global climate justice organization rooted in the Gulf South and Appalachia More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Pope Leo XIV has taken aim at autocrats causing war and unrest across the globe, in his first speech after his inauguration as the head of the Catholic Church. Addressing hundreds of thousands of well-wishers, including dozens of world leaders and European royalty, during a mass in St Peters Square, Leo said he believed his role as the new pontiff was to shield the flock without ever yielding to the temptation to be an autocrat, lording it over those entrusted to him. He said he wanted to be a servant to the faithful through the two dimensions of the papacy: love and unity. Pope Leo XIV's holds mass during the formal inauguration of his pontificate in St Peters Square (AP) Faithful attend as Leo holds his inaugural mass (Reuters) I would like our first great desire to be for a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world, he said. The Vatican underlined this line in the English translation given to the media ahead of the speech, suggesting its centrality to the new pontiffs address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that the world must not close itself off into small groups. We are called to offer Gods love to everyone in order to achieve that unity which does not cancel our differences but values the personal history of each person and the social and religious culture of every people, he said. Brothers and sisters, this is the hour for love. The heart of the gospel is the love of God that makes us brothers and sisters. With my predecessor Leo XIII, we can ask ourselves today, if this criterion were to prevail in the world, would not every conflict cease and peace return? Let us build a church founded on Gods love, a sign of unity for a missionary church that opens its arms to the world. The new Pope spoke of the need for unity (EPA) The pontiff greets the crowd from the popemobile before the mass (AFP via Getty Images) Father Ed Tomlinson, the chief priest running St Anselms Penubury in Tunbridge Wells, said the speech showed that Pope Leo wanted to govern daily from the centre of the authentic church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a man who wants to heal the church and world but who knows, crucially, this cannot happen without the fruit and proof of an authentic Christian witness, he said. Thus, any message delivered by the church today must come from a place of authentic lived holiness and genuine love. This will be the key message of his papacy: be authentic and loving in your faith. Professor Rocco DAmbrosio, a lecturer at Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, who wrote a book about Pope Francis, described the homily as very touching. In a few words, it covered love, humility, unity and brotherhood respecting all the differences, he said. Tens of thousands of people attended the service (REUTERS) The pontiff took his first popemobile ride through St Peter's Square this morning, greeting the crowds who joined presidents, patriarchs and princes for the formal installation ceremony of historys first American pope. An estimated 250,000 people are expected to have turned out for the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bells of St Peters Basilica tolled as Leo waved from the back of the open-topped truck that looped slowly through the square and then up and down the boulevard. The crowd cheered Viva il Papa and waved plenty of Peruvian, American and Holy See flags representing Leos nationalities mixed in with flags of other nations, banners and umbrellas to shield pilgrims from the springtime sun. Security was tight as civil protection crews in neon uniforms funnelled pilgrims into quadrants in the piazza while priests hurried into St Peters Basilica to get ready for the mass. Pope Leo holds hands after receiving the fishermans ring, a symbol of the papacy, from Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, one of the papabile during the conclave (AP) Born in Chicago, the 69-year-old pontiff spent many years as a missionary in Peru and also has Peruvian citizenship. As well as becoming the first American pope, he is the first to have Peruvian citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robert Prevost, a relative unknown on the world stage who only became a cardinal two years ago, was elected pope on 8 May after a short conclave of cardinals that lasted just 24 hours. He replaces Pope Francis, from Argentina, who died on 21 April after leading the church for 12 often turbulent years during which he battled with traditionalists and championed the poor and marginalised. The first American pope succeeded the late Pope Francis (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) US vice-president JD Vance shakes hands with Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky as they arrive to attend a holy mass for the beginning of the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) US vice-president JD Vance, a Catholic convert who clashed with Francis over the Trump administrations hard-line immigration policies, led a US delegation alongside secretary of state Marco Rubio, who is also Catholic, at the mass. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky is also in attendance, alongside his wife, Olena Zelenska, his chief adviser Andriy Yermak and foreign minister Andriy Sybiha. Mr Zelenskys spokesperson suggested they were open to further peace talks in Rome after the ceremony, following the success of the Ukrainian presidents impromptu meeting with Donald Trump at Pope Franciss funeral. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Zelensky and Mr Vance were seen greeting one another in the run-up to the ceremony. The pair smiled as they shook hands just a few months after they were locked in a fiery exchange in the White House, when Mr Vance accused Mr Zelensky of being ungrateful for American support for Ukraine. The clergy pray during the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV (Getty Images) Women read books during Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass at the Vatican, in Rome, Italy (Reuters) The inauguration mass is a ritual filled with symbolism that connects back to Peter, Jesuss apostle, and his special mission as head of the Catholic Church. No new role is conferred but Leo will receive two crucial signs of his pontificate, the pallium and the fisherman's ring, marking his role as successor of Peter. The pallium is a narrow stole-like vestment with two pendants to be worn across the shoulders, decorated with crosses representing Jesuss wounds. It is made of white wool in an elaborate procedure where the lambs traditionally were blessed before being sheared, just like for the similar vestments given to archbishops on their ordination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fishermans ring recalls the Gospel passage where Jesus appeared to the apostles after his resurrection, as they had spent a night fishing with no catch. He told Peter to cast in a specific spot, and the nets strained with lots of large fish, some of which the apostles then shared with Jesus in a lakeside breakfast. An image of Peter with the net, standing for the churchs evangelisation mission and its unity, is engraved on the ring alongside the popes name. When a pope dies, the ring is crossed over so it can no longer be used as a seal for papal documents. Cardinal Luis Tagle of the Philippines, who was widely regarded as a papal contender, will present Leo with the ring. Pope Leo XIV took a subtle dig at the Trump administration during his first homily as the Catholic Churchs new leaderwith JD Vance in attendance. In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earths resources and marginalizes the poorest, he said on Sunday. Leo told attendeeswhich included Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carneythat love was the ideal way to capture peoples attention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was never a question of capturing others by force, by religious propaganda or by means of power, according to The New York Times. Pope Leo XIV talks to US Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha. Leo had criticized Vance on social media earlier this year. / ALBERTO PIZZOLI / Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty The comments came as Trump has attacked nearly everyonefrom world leaders to the media to law firmswho oppose him, disparaged and rounded up immigrants, and openly mused about seizing foreign land and resources. Trump has contemplated invading Greenland, said the United States would take over the Gaza Strip, and struck a deal with Ukraine to give the U.S. preferential treatment to mine the countrys minerals. Vance and Rubio were in Vatican City for the popes inauguration, which came nearly a month after the death of Pope Francis. Leo, born Robert Prevost, had taken shots at Vance and the Trump administrations anti-immigration policies on a since-deleted X account with his name, including reposting an opinion column with the blunt title: JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesnt ask us to rank our love for others. Vance and second lady Usha Vance also briefly met Leo after the Mass, shaking hands in what some speculated was a gesture of goodwill after the popes past criticism of the vice president. Vance brushed off the criticism earlier this month: I try not to play the politicization of the Pope game, he said. Vice President JD Vance, pictured with his wife Usha, has been criticized by the Pope for the administration's immigration policies. / JACQUELYN MARTIN / Jacquelyn Martin/Pool/AFP via Getty Vance met Pope Francis briefly before his death, another pontiff who criticized the administrations hostility toward immigrants. Francis and Leo were close before the formers April 21 death. He visited Francis tomb on Saturday and appeared to wear the tie Francis had gifted him last month, according to the Daily Wire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leo said on Sunday the world presented unique challenges that the Churchs college of cardinals hoped he could help solve with his electionand then took direct aim at the anti-immigration ideologies sweeping nations, including Donald Trumps in the U.S. He also highlighted multiple nations plights toward the end of the Mass, noting how children and families in Gaza are reduced to hunger and how fighting in Myanmar has claimed young innocent lives, according to The New York Times. About 200,000 people gathered for the Mass, according to the Times. Pope Leo XIV pledged to unite the Catholic Church and not rule like an autocrat in his inauguration mass in front of world leaders and royals on Sunday. In his short homily, the new Pope referred to unity seven times and called for a reconciled world, where peace reigns, and a united Church that welcomes everyone, values diversity and rejects hatred. Brothers and sisters, I would like that our first great desire be for a united Church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Referring to St Peter, the apostle who is considered the first pope, Leo said: Peter must shepherd the flock without ever yielding to the temptation to be an autocrat, lording it over those entrusted to him. On the contrary, he is called to serve the faith of his brothers and sisters, and to walk alongside them. Pope Leo was overcome by emotion at one point during his inaugural Mass, at which he delivered a powerful message of his intentions for the papacy - Yara Nardi/Reuters The crowd in St Peters Square was estimated at 250,000 and included delegations of leaders and royalty from dozens of countries - Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images The new papacy comes after years of turbulence under Pope Francis, an outspoken progressive who battled with traditionalists. It also comes as the Trump administration in the US has shaken up the world order. Pope Leo also used his homily to call for peace in Ukraine, as well as an end to other conflicts. It is never a question of capturing others by force, by religious propaganda or by means of power. Instead, it is always and only a question of loving, as Jesus did, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a sign of a pro-Ukraine position, he referred to the war-torn country as having been martyred. He was due to have a private meeting later on Sunday with Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, who was among the leaders in the crowd. Mr Zelensky was earlier seen shaking hands with JD Vance, the US Vice-President. The two men clashed bitterly in the Oval Office the last time they met earlier this year. Volodymyr Zelensky exchanged a handshake with Vice-President JD Vance, with whom he clashed in the White House in February - Jacquelyn Martin/AFP via Getty Images The Chicago-born Pope, who has dual Peruvian citizenship after spending many years as a missionary in the South American country, also hinted at concern for the climate. He said: In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earths resources and marginalises the poorest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The enthusiastic crowd, estimated at 250,000 people, chanted Papa Leone and cheered as the newly elected pontiff was driven through the sunny square in his open Popemobile, heavily guarded by security officers. A nun lost in prayer among the worshippers in St Peters Square - Flavio Brancaleone/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock In the crowds waiting for the inaugural Mass, some worshippers took the chance to read newspaper coverage about Papa Leone Italian for Pope Leo - Christopher Furlong/Getty Images The Pope also fought back tears as he was handed the ring that formally marks the beginning of his papacy. He appeared to choke up as Cardinal Luigi Tagle slipped the Fishermans Ring on to his finger. After receiving the ring, he patted his heart in a show of gratitude for the audiences applause. More than 200 foreign delegations were in attendance at the historic event, with the US represented by Mr Vance and by Mario Rubio, the Secretary of State. Both men are Catholic but clashed publicly with the former pope. 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. Thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square in Rome for Pope Leo XIVs inauguration mass on Sunday, May 18 The new pontiff received a fisherman's ring a symbol of his papal authority and the pallium, a white garment worn by popes Pope Leo XIV was elected as the new pontiff on May 8 after just three rounds of voting Pope Leo XIV's inauguration is here. The celebratory Mass began on Sunday, May 18, at 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter's Square and saw a range of global leaders and dignitaries gathering for the new pontiff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The service marks the official start of Leo's papacy just under a month after the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis. The ceremony began with a procession from St. Peter's Basilica where Leo and other church leaders visited St. Peter's tomb to pray to St. Peter's Square, where the Inauguration Mass was held. Pope Leo XIV prayed before sprinkling water towards those gathered for the mass as a remembrance of baptism. Following The Gloria hymn of praise, more prayers and several readings from the Bible were shared. FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle puts the Fisherman's Ring on the finger of Pope Leo XIV Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle puts the Fisherman's Ring on the finger of Pope Leo XIV As part of the rites, Leo received the ring of the fisherman from Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle a symbol of the pontiff's authority and reference to Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, regarded as the first pope as well as the pallium, a white vestment traditionally worn by the pope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pallium a strip of lambswool was placed on Leos shoulders with three pins representing his role as a shepherd and the nails of Christs crucifixion. The choir sang in Greek before a couple representing marriage approached the Pope, and two children representing all the children of the world paid tribute to him. He went on to greet all those gathered with a heart full of gratitude before sharing a message written by St. Augustus. He then noted how the death of Pope Francis filled our hearts with sadness. Leo said he was chosen with no merit of my own to become the new leader of the Catholic church as the Conclave was placed in Gods hands. Among his intentions, he shared in the homily a desire to be a servant of your faith and joy and for the church to be united amid a time of violence, prejudice, fear of difference and an economic paradigm that exploits the worlds resources and marginalizes the poorest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pope Leo led prayers before attendees received communion at the inaugural mass. He noted that the "spiritual presence of Pope Francis" could be felt throughout. Dignitaries in attendance included Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh and brother to King Charles, as well as Vice President J.D. Vance, whom the pope had been critical of before being elected, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The PEOPLE App is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Pope Leo previously known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was born in Chicago and holds dual citizenship between the United States and Peru. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is the first pope from the United States. Leo was elected on Thursday, May 8, following just three rounds of voting during a two-day conclave in the wake of Francis' death from a stroke on April 21. Stefano Spaziani/Europa Press via Getty Pope Leo XIV's first address as pontiff. Pope Leo XIV's first address as pontiff. 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 new pontiff's first public address, in early May, included gratitude to his predecessor, his "brother cardinals" and his home diocese in Chiclayo and focused primarily on a message of peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leo stressed that all are welcome and "evil will not prevail," he said to a packed St. Peter's Square. "We must be a synodal church. A church that walks. A church that always seeks peace. Always seeks charity. Always tries to be close especially to those who suffer," he said. Read the original article on People Pope Leo XIV called for greater global unity and denounced the harms of unchecked capitalism and power during his inaugural Mass in St Peter's Square before tens of thousands of people, including state guests, on Sunday. "In our time, we still experience too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, fear of others, and an economic model that exploits the Earth's resources and marginalizes the poorest," said the new pontiff at the Vatican. Pope Leo, the 69-year-old former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, said he hoped the Catholic Church could become a force for healing and reconciliation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inaugural Mass marks the official beginning of Leo's papacy. Since his selection as the 267th pope by cardinals on May 8, he has repeatedly called on world leaders to work toward ending global conflict. He recently offered the Vatican as a venue for peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Leo is considered a moderate bridge-builder, who can mediate between different camps within the Church. It is widely believed that this is one of the reasons why he was chosen so surprisingly quickly by the conclave of cardinals. In his inaugural message, Pope Leo said he would work on unifying the Church - and that this cohesion could serve as an example for others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dear brothers and sisters, I would like this to be our first great desire: a united Church, a sign of unity and communion that becomes the leaven of a reconciled world," he said in his homily, speaking in Italian. "I come to you with fear and trembling, as a brother who wishes to make himself a servant of your faith and your joy, and to walk with you on the path of God's love, who wants us all to be one family," continued Leo, who is the first pope from the United States but also holds Peruvian citizenship. During the service, the pope received two regalia representing the papal power: the gold signet Fisherman's Ring, which features an engraving of the Apostle Peter fishing, symbolizing Jesus' words that he would make Peter a "fisher of men," as well as a lamb's wool pallium to symbolize the pope's role as shepherd. Leo arrived at the ceremony in the popemobile, waving and smiling to onlookers running to catch a glimpse of the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, following the death of his predecessor, pope Francis, on April 21. Numerous US flags, as well as Peruvian flags, could be seen in the crowd. US Vice President JD Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte were in attendance. Pope Leo XIV called for greater global unity and denounced the harms of unchecked capitalism and power during his inaugural Mass in St Peter's Square before tens of thousands of people, including state guests, on Sunday. "In our time, we still experience too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, fear of others, and an economic model that exploits the Earth's resources and marginalizes the poorest," said the new pontiff at the Vatican. Pope Leo, the 69-year-old former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, said he hoped the Catholic Church could become a force for healing and reconciliation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inaugural Mass marks the official beginning of Leo's papacy. Since his selection as the 267th pope by cardinals on May 8, he has repeatedly called on world leaders to work toward ending global conflict. He recently offered the Vatican as a venue for peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. The newly-minted pontiff is considered a moderate bridge-builder, who can mediate between different camps within the Church. It is widely believed that this is one of the reasons why he was chosen so surprisingly quickly by the conclave of cardinals. In his inaugural message, Pope Leo said he would work on unifying the Church - and that this cohesion could serve as an example for others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dear brothers and sisters, I would like this to be our first great desire: a united Church, a sign of unity and communion that becomes the leaven of a reconciled world," he said in his homily, speaking in Italian. "I was chosen without any merit, and I come to you with fear and trembling, as a brother who wishes to make himself a servant of your faith and your joy, and to walk with you on the path of God's love, who wants us all to be one family," continued Leo, who is the first pope from the United States but also holds Peruvian citizenship. During the service, the pope received two regalia representing the papal power: the gold signet Fisherman's Ring, which features an engraving of the Apostle Peter fishing, symbolizing Jesus' words that he would make Peter a "fisher of men," as well as a lamb's wool pallium to symbolize the pope's role as shepherd. Speaking the Regina Caeli prayer, Leo called on the world not to forget the many conflicts raging across the globe, singling out Gaza, Myanmar and Ukraine in particular. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Praying for the people in the regions, the new head of the Roman Catholic Church said on St Peter's Square in front of some 150,000 people: "Amid the joy of faith and communion, we must not forget those brothers and sisters who are suffering from war." "In Gaza, children, families and elderly people who have survived are starving. In Myanmar, new hostilities have cost innocent lives. And tormented Ukraine is eagerly awaiting negotiations on a just and lasting peace," said Leo. Leo arrived at his inauguration in the popemobile, waving and smiling to onlookers running to catch a glimpse of the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, following the death of his predecessor, pope Francis, on April 21. Numerous US flags, as well as Peruvian flags, could be seen in the crowd. US Vice President JD Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte were in attendance. According to the Holy See, Leo is set to receive Zelensky in the afternoon. The pope is also due to meet Vance, but no official time has been given yet. Pope Leo XIV called for greater global unity and denounced the harms of unchecked capitalism and power during his inaugural Mass in St Peter's Square before tens of thousands of people, including state guests, on Sunday. "In our time, we still experience too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, fear of others, and an economic model that exploits the Earth's resources and marginalizes the poorest," said the new pontiff at the Vatican. Pope Leo, the 69-year-old former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, said he hoped the Catholic Church could become a force for healing and reconciliation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inaugural Mass marks the official beginning of Leo's papacy. Since his selection as the 267th pope by cardinals on May 8, he has repeatedly called on world leaders to work towards ending global conflict. He recently offered the Vatican as a venue for peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. The newly-minted pontiff is considered a moderate bridge-builder, who can mediate between different camps within the Church. It is widely believed that this is one of the reasons why he was chosen so surprisingly quickly by the conclave of cardinals. In his inaugural message, Pope Leo said he would work on unifying the Church - and that this cohesion could serve as an example for others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dear brothers and sisters, I would like this to be our first great desire: a united Church, a sign of unity and communion that becomes the leaven of a reconciled world," he said in his homily, speaking in Italian. "I was chosen without any merit, and I come to you with fear and trembling, as a brother who wishes to make himself a servant of your faith and your joy, and to walk with you on the path of God's love, who wants us all to be one family," continued Leo, who is the first pope from the United States but also holds Peruvian citizenship. During the service, the pope received two regalia representing the papal power: the gold signet Fisherman's Ring, which features an engraving of the Apostle Peter fishing, symbolizing Jesus' words that he would make Peter a "fisher of men," as well as a lamb's wool pallium to symbolize the pope's role as shepherd. Speaking the Regina Caeli prayer, Leo called on the world not to forget the many conflicts raging across the globe, singling out Gaza, Myanmar and Ukraine in particular. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Praying for the people in the regions, the new head of the Roman Catholic Church said on St Peter's Square in front of some 200,000 people: "Amid the joy of faith and communion, we must not forget those brothers and sisters who are suffering from war." "In Gaza, children, families and elderly people who have survived are starving. In Myanmar, new hostilities have cost innocent lives. And tormented Ukraine is eagerly awaiting negotiations on a just and lasting peace," said Leo. Leo arrived at his inauguration in the popemobile, waving and smiling to onlookers running to catch a glimpse of the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, following the death of his predecessor, pope Francis, on April 21. Numerous US flags, as well as Peruvian flags, could be seen in the crowd. US Vice President JD Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte were in attendance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leo met with Zelensky in the afternoon following his inauguration Mass. Posting on X after the meeting, the Ukrainian president thanked the pope for his support and said he is "a symbol of hope for peace." "We appreciate the support for Ukraine and the clear voice in defense of a just and lasting peace," he added. Despite reports the pontiff was expected to meet with the US vice president, a converted Catholic, it remained unclear if it would happen before Vance's return to the US. Pope Leo XIV waves to the crowd during his inauguration at St. Peter's Square. Robert Francis Prevost is the first pontiff from the United States. Michael Kappeler/dpa Pope Leo XIV, who was officially inaugurated on Sunday, has called on the world not to forget the many conflicts raging across the globe, singling out Gaza, Myanmar and Ukraine in particular. Praying for the people in the regions, the new head of the Roman Catholic Church said on St Peter's Square: "Amid the joy of faith and communion, we must not forget those brothers and sisters who are suffering from war." "In Gaza, children, families and elderly people who have survived are starving. In Myanmar, new hostilities have cost innocent lives. And tormented Ukraine is eagerly awaiting negotiations on a just and lasting peace," said Leo, speaking the Regina Caeli prayer in front of around 150,000 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Holy See, Leo, the first US-born pope, is set to receive Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was among the many state guests who travelled to Rome to attend the ceremonial Mass, in the afternoon. The pope is also due to meet US Vice President JD Vance, but no official time has been given yet. Pope Leo XIV highlighted Ukraines plight during his inauguration ceremony on 18 May. Source: ANSA, as reported by European Pravda Details: In his Regina Caeli address, the Pope described Ukraine as "war-torn" and expressed hope for negotiations to achieve a just and lasting peace, echoing the language used by the late Pope Francis. He also mentioned the conflict in Gaza, noting that children, families and elderly people there are facing starvation. Background: On Sunday 18 May, the inauguration mass marking the start of Pope Leo XIVs pontificate took place. Tens of thousands gathered in St Peters Square in Rome, joined by world leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who attended with his wife, Olena Zelenska. Zelenskyy and US Vice President JD Vance were reported to have shaken hands during the mass. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! VATICAN CITY (AP) Pope Leo XIV s inaugural Mass on Sunday morning in St. Peters Square and Basilica is a ritual filled with symbolism that connects back to Peter, Jesus apostle, and his special mission as head of the Catholic Church. No new role is conferred the pontiff is already the head of the Vatican and of the faith counting some 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, tens of thousands of whom gathered in the square for the Mass alongside government representatives. Leo will receive two crucial signs of his pontificate, the pallium and the fishermans ring, marking his role as successor of Peter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what to know about them and more rituals in the solemn liturgy replete with ancient languages and Scriptural references all after Leo takes a spin around the square in the popemobile. Whats the inauguration Mass? In most parts, its a celebration of the Eucharist just like any Sunday Mass held in Catholic churches around the world. There will be prayers, music, readings from the New Testament, a homily and Communion, all in the usual order. Symbolism is interwoven even in some of the typical aspects, though. The Gospel passage, for instance, will focus on Jesus giving Peter responsibility as the shepherd of the church a reference Leo made in his first public words the day he was elected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will be proclaimed first in Latin and then in Greek. As the main languages of the nascent church 2,000 years ago, today they signify the churchs attempt to reach everyone and be universal, said the Rev. Giuseppe Midili, a professor and consultant with the Vatican's liturgy office. In a more personal touch, the Vatican says that by the outdoor altar there will be an image of the Mother of Good Counsel an icon of Mary from a sanctuary in a small village outside Rome served by Augustinians, Leos religious order. The signs of Peter a vestment and a ring Two of the most significant moments will be right before the homily, when cardinals will give Leo the pallium and his fishermans ring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pallium is a narrow stole-like vestment with two pendants to be worn across the shoulders, decorated with crosses representing Jesus wounds. Its made of white wool in an elaborate procedure where the lambs traditionally were blessed before being sheared, just like for the similar vestments given to archbishops on their ordination. Its the symbolism of the good shepherd who carries the sheep on his shoulders, Midili said. Pastor means shepherd in Latin and Scriptures often refer to the good shepherd who gives his life for his flock, a reference to the crucifixion of Jesus, and of Peter, who was martyred. Leo will receive it from Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, who told the world the new popes name on May 8. The fishermans ring recalls the Gospel passage where Jesus appeared to the apostles after his resurrection as they had spent a night fishing with no catch. He told Peter to cast in a specific spot and the nets strained with lots of large fish, some of which the apostles then shared with Jesus in a lakeside breakfast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An image of Peter with the net, standing for the churchs evangelization mission and its unity, is engraved on the ring alongside the popes name. When a pope dies, the ring is crossed over so it can no longer be used as seal for papal documents. Cardinal Luis Tagle of the Philippines, who was widely regarded as a papal contender, will present Leo with the ring. At the beginning of the celebration, both ring and pallium are taken from the chapel of St. Peters tomb, underneath the Basilica where the pope prays accompanied by the patriarchs of eastern rite Catholic churches out to the altar set up in St. Peters Square. Meet and greet, from the faithful to world leaders Just after the giving of those two insignia, a delegation representing different roles in the church, from cardinals to the faithful, including a married couple, will greet Leo in the rite of obedience that symbolizes the church turning to the new pontiff to follow his guidance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Mass, Leo will greet the government representatives, royalty and religious delegations. U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, both Catholics representing an administration that often sparred with Pope Francis, are scheduled to attend Mass for the first U.S. pope. Also expected at Mass, according to the Vatican, are more than 20 heads of state including Italys president, Sergio Mattarella, and Premier Giorgia Meloni, as well as Dina Boluarte, the president of Peru, where Leo has citizenship and spent many years as missionary and bishop. The presidents of two countries involved in wars that Leo mentioned in his first Sunday blessing are also on the list Israels Isaac Herzog and Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The king and queen of Spain are planning to attend alongside other royalty from Europe and as well as Gulf kingdoms including Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi of the United Arab Emirates. ___ 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. Pope Leo XIV vowed Sunday to work for unity in a polarized Catholic Church and world, as historys first American pope offered a message of healing during an inaugural Mass in St. Peters Square before an estimated 200,000 pilgrims, presidents, patriarchs and princes. Leo officially opened his pontificate by taking his first popemobile tour through the piazza, a rite of passage that has become synonymous with the papacys global reach and mediatic draw. The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary smiled and waved from the back of the truck to people waving U.S., Peruvian and other national flags, and stopped to bless some babies in the crowd. During the Mass, Leo appeared to choke up when the two potent symbols of the papacy were placed on him the lambswool stole over his shoulders and the fishermans ring on his finger as if the weight of responsibility of leading the 1.4-billion strong church had just sunk in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He turned his hand to look at the ring and then clasped his hands in front of him in prayer. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, one of the last foreign officials to see Pope Francis before he died, led the American delegation honoring the Chicago-born Leo. Vance paid his respects at Francis tomb after arriving in Rome late Saturday. The theme of Leos papacy In his homily, Leo said that he wanted to be a servant to the faithful through the two dimensions of the papacy, love and unity, so that the church could be a force for peace in the world. I would like that our first great desire be for a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world, he said. In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earths resources and marginalizes the poorest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His words echoed some of Francis key priorities, but his call for unity was significant, given the polarization in the Catholic Church in the United States and beyond. Francis radical 12-year pontificate, which emphasized care for the poor and marginalized, and disdain for the capitalist economic system, often alienated conservatives who begged for a new pope who could pacify divisions. Leos election on May 8, after a remarkably quick 24-hour conclave, appears to have pleased conservative Catholics who seem to appreciate his more disciplined, traditional style and Augustinian background, emphasizing core truths of Catholic doctrine. Leo drove that message home by wearing the papacys formal red cape, or mozzetta, to receive Vance and official government delegations after the Mass. Francis had eschewed many of the formalities of the papacy as part of his simple style, but Leos return to the traditional garb has pleased conservatives and traditionalists, who breathed a sigh of relief when he came out onto the the loggia wearing the red cape on May 8. But Leo did break protocol when he gave his older brother, Louis Prevost, a self-described political MAGA-type, a bear hug in the basilica when he and his wife came up to greet the pope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let us build a church founded on Gods love, a sign of unity, a missionary church that opens its arms to the world, proclaims the word, allows itself to be made restless by history, and becomes a leaven of harmony for humanity, Leo said. John Guinan, dean of Xaverian Brothers High School, says it is a moment rich with symbolism. Beginning with the shawl known as the pallium. And what it symbolizes is his role as shepherd, Guinan said. He also receives the fishermans ring, which is a symbol of his authority. Tight security and protocol Strict diplomatic protocol dictated the seating arrangements at the inaugural Mass, with both the U.S. and Peru getting front-row seats thanks to Leos dual citizenship. Vance, a Catholic convert who tangled with Francis over the Trump administrations mass migrant deportation plans, was joined by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who arrived in Rome ahead of time to try to advance Russia-Ukraine peace talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peruvian President Dina Boluarte was one of around a dozen heads of state who attended, as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Russia had planned to send its culture minister, but was represented by its ambassador, reports said. Diplomatic protocol also dictated the dress code: While most wore black, a handful of Catholic royals Queen Letizia of Spain and Princess Charlene of Monaco, among others wore white in a special privilege allowed them. Three dozen of the worlds other Christian churches sent representatives, the Jewish community had a 13-member delegation, half of them rabbis. Other representatives headed Buddhist, Muslim, Zoroastrian, Hindu, Sikh and Jain delegations. Security was tight, as it was for Francis funeral on April 26, which drew an estimated 250,000 people. The Vatican said that 200,000 were on hand Sunday in the piazza and surrounding streets, parks and piazzas, where giant television screens and portable toilets were set up. At the end of the Mass, Leo expressed hope for negotiations to bring a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and offered prayers for the people of Gaza children, families and older people who are reduced to starvation, he said. Leo made no mention of hostages taken by Hamas from southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, as Francis usually did when praying for Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy later had a formal audience with Leo at the Vatican, and then met with Vance and Rubio at the U.S. residence in Rome. In a post on X, Zelenskyy said that he stressed the need for a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible and for diplomatic pressure on Russia until they are eager to stop the war. His experience working in Peru with the poor obviously gives him a special sensitivity for the marginalized and the poor, and I think that is something that will certainly be a theme throughout his papacy, Guinan told Boston 25. Americans are rejoicing Susan Hanssen, a professor who was born in Chicago and just arrived in Rome to teach, said that she thought Leos homily about unity would resonate in the U.S. and beyond. I think he will inspire, she said after the Mass. What I particularly loved was the phrasing, unity within the doctrine of the faith, and then in love. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. seminarian Ethan Menning, 21, from Omaha, Nebraska, wrapped himself in an American flag, purchased at a truck stop in Iowa, to celebrate. Rome always felt like home for a Catholic, but now coming here and seeing one of our own on the throne of Peter ... it almost makes Jesus himself more accessible, he said. The two symbols of the papacy handed to Leo were the pallium stole and the fishermans ring. The pallium, draped across his shoulders, symbolizes the pastor carrying his flock as the pope carries the faithful. The ring, which becomes Leos official seal, harks back to Jesus call to the apostle Peter to cast his fishing nets. Gregory and Susan Hudak, who lived for 40 years in the Chicago area, found themselves in Rome after booking a trip in February, with just a faint hope of perhaps glimpsing the pope. Seeing the popemobile pass by in front of them, with Leo on board, was even better than watching Michael Jordan play, said Gary Hudak, a former altar boy wearing a Chicago Bears hat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Originally, the only hope I had coming here was to see the inside of the Sistine Chapel, he said. Seeing the pope was not scheduled, it was a long-shot hope. And this was a treasure, simple as that. ___ Giovanna DellOrto, David Biller and Isaia Monteleone contributed to this report. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW VATICAN CITY Chicago native Pope Leo XIV called for unity in an increasingly divided world Sunday during his inaugural Mass in St. Peters Square, marking the official start of his historic papacy as the first American-born pontiff. The 69-year-old Augustinian priest, a longtime missionary, also urged care for the environment and well-being of the poor, causes championed by his late predecessor Pope Francis. Brothers and sisters, I would like that our first great desire be for a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world, the new pope, a native of the south suburbs, declared during his homily. In this time we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earths resources and marginalizes the poorest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Billowy white clouds flanked the iconic dome of St. Peters Basilica as seagulls soared across the sunny blue sky. About 150,000 people filled the square to witness the popes first Mass, according to the Holy See press office. Most of those worshippers stood shoulder to shoulder on the square, surrounded by the piazzas majestic 284-column curved colonnades, designed to represent the church embracing humanity. Statues of 140 saints adorn the top of the landmarks 284 columns and 88 pilasters, gazing down at visitors below. Men, women and children stretched out onto Via della Conciliazione, the roughly 1,600-foot-long cobblestone thoroughfare that links the piazza to the Tiber River. Large screens lined the avenue so even those far away could witness the new pope formally begin his term as the 267th pontiff. Travelers from the Chicago area were in attendance, hoping to get a glimpse of their home-grown pontiff. Among the local spectators were students from Loyola University Chicagos Arrupe College. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For me, its a moment in history, said Esdaini Lopez, 20, who lives on the Southwest Side of Chicago. She was raised in an atheist household but has been exploring her faith since attending a Jesuit school. Its really a beautiful thing, she said. The students were already in Rome on an annual trip to Catholic pilgrimage sites, a visit scheduled long before the stunning news earlier this month that an American from their hometown was elected pontiff. They quickly altered their itinerary so they could be present for the installation. Angel Guillen, 20, of Hickory Hills, said his parents were overjoyed and a little jealous that hes able to experience the installation of the pope from Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a lot of emotions, Guillen said. Im just grateful to be here. Im forever grateful. Rebecca Pawloski, adjunct professor at the Loyola University John Felice Rome Center, said she appreciated the pontiffs metaphor of a symphony conductor, speaking of himself as a servant of faith and joy. Accompanied by your prayers, we could feel the working of the Holy Spirit, who was able to bring us into harmony, like musical instruments, so that our heartstrings could vibrate in a single melody, the pope said during his homily. I come to you as a brother, who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy, walking with you on the path of Gods love, for he wants us all to be united in one family. Pawloski hopes the new pope can help overcome the polarization thats gripped humanity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is his motto and already in his first words he is going to be a pope that seeks to unite, she said. Ancient rites, a Chicago flag The event began with Pope Leo XIV waving to and blessing the multitudes from the famous popemobile, a vehicle specially constructed to transport the pontiff for public appearances, allowing him to be visible while still protected. Some in the audience chanted Peru, others shouted USA, a nod to the popes dual citizenship. The Holy Father appeared to spot and point at a Chicago flag near a group that included Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Maria Shriver and the Rev. Manuel Dorantes of Waukegan. A litany of world dignitaries, royalty and faith leaders from across the globe were also in attendance, including Vice President J.D. Vance, who led an American delegation to the celebration. Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, was joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also Catholic, and second lady Usha Vance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The liturgy commenced inside St. Peters Basilica, where Pope Leo XIV accompanied by the patriarchs of the Eastern Catholic churches descended to the tomb of St. Peter, where they paused for prayer, incensing the site. The new pope was conferred several ancient symbols of the papacy. One was the pallium, which is Latin for mantle or cloak; the white wool vestment is intended to evoke the image of the good shepherd who lays the lost sheep on his shoulders, according to Vatican News. Crosses decorate the pallium, and three pins were used to fasten it to the popes shoulders, symbolizing the three nails in Christs crucifixion. He was also given the fishermans ring, also known as the piscatory ring, which represents the popes connection to St. Peter. The ring is unique for each pope and then smashed or broken after a pontiffs death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To Cardinal Blase Cupich, the most pivotal moment during a popes installation is when he is seated in the cathedra, or bishops chair, describing it as the point where everything becomes real. The archbishop of Chicago was part of the historic conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV on May 8; at the inauguration Mass, he was seated with other cardinals to the right of the pope. During an interview with the Tribune in Rome on Saturday, Cupich said the popes installation is an opportunity to remember that were part of something much bigger than ourselves. That youre linked to not only the people who are gathered there but a tradition that goes back 2,000 years, he added. We are a part of something much bigger. And we should never forget that. A real brother Pope Leo XIV was born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago on Sept. 14, 1955. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raised in south suburban Dolton, he was the youngest of three brothers in a close-knit devout Catholic family. They attended the now-closed St. Mary of the Assumption on the Far South Side, where he went to school and sang in the choir. His older brothers have recounted how he used to play pretend Mass as a little boy; during grade school, a neighbor and a nun at school both predicted he would one day become pope. He served as head of Augustinians worldwide from 2001 to 2013, based in Rome, and before that led the Chicago province of the order. Much of his career was spent as a missionary in a region of Peru where Chicago Augustinians have long had a presence. Fellow Augustinian friar and longtime friend the Rev. Bernie Scianna flew into Rome Saturday morning to attend the installation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has been a mentor for me in so many ways, said Scianna, who was raised in the Pilsen neighborhood and is now the senior associate dean of students at Villanova University, the popes alma mater. I just think hes got the right qualities to be our Holy Father, Pope Leo. While the pontiff is widely known to be a White Sox fan, Scianna cheers for the Cubs, embodying the famed cross-town rivalry. So theres a little disagreement there, he said, laughing a little, the day before the installation. But we live with disagreements. We look for common ground. To have a Chicagoan a Chicagoan, a Villanovan, a friend as pope it just makes it all so much more real, he added. We can say we know the pope. Hes walked the places we walked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Serving as the leader of some 1.4 billion Catholics might be a heavy cross to bear, Scianna added. But we hope he knows that we are with him in prayer and community and love, he said. Augustinian Friar David Relstab recalled that Prevost would often return to the Chicago area and stay at the friary at Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, where Relstab lives and works. As a newer member of the province, of the order, he welcomed me just like I was a regular brother, Relstab said. Prevost was always an easy-going house guest, having dinner with everyone and sipping coffee while reading the newspaper in the morning, Relstab recalled. He even helped wash the dishes after every meal, the friar added. Hes a brother to us, Relstab said. To know that hes the leader of the Catholic Church is just an amazing thing to be a part of and to be able to witness, especially at his installation. Challenges and hopes Pope Leo XIV is taking the reins during a particularly turbulent time for both the global Catholic church and the secular world. The new pontiff has inherited the Vaticans ongoing financial crisis, despite reforms and cuts made by his predecessor Pope Francis. The Holy Father also must to grapple with the Catholic churchs sexual abuse scandal. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests released a statement criticizing Prevosts selection as pontiff, citing his alleged mishandling of abuse allegations years ago; the organization also called for a truly universal zero tolerance law for sexual abuse and coverup. Messages encouraging peace and unity laced the pontiffs first public address and social media post, as war rages on in Ukraine and Gaza with no signs of ceasing. He suggested the Holy See could help mediate or facilitate peace talks during a Thursday address at the Vatican with Eastern Rite Catholics, communities deeply impacted by conflicts in Ukraine, the Holy Land, Lebanon and the greater Middle East. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the inaugural Mass on Sunday and was expected to have a private audience with the pope following the service. The Rev. Joe Roccasalva, who grew up in the Beverly neighborhood, described the crowd at the installation as electric. The friar recalled that he cried tears of joy when he heard his fellow Augustinian brother was elected pontiff. Roccasalva flew into Rome on Saturday to attend the Mass, calling the chance to see a pope from Chicago installed a once in a lifetime opportunity. He believes this is the right moment in history for an Augustinian pontiff. Our charism is building community, Roccasalva said. Pope Leo can easily bring that charism into his ministry to the church. This is desperately needed in a world thats mired in strife, he added. May he bring about unity for the church and the world, Roccasalva said. _____ LONDON and ROME -- Pope Leo XIV spoke on Sunday of the remarkable times during which he's been elevated to the papacy, saying in his first homily as pontiff that he will rise to the task "with fear and trembling," while still seeking to serve all with "faith and joy." That homily was delivered during the American pope's inaugural mass, called the Holy Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. An open-topped popemobile had driven Leo on Sunday morning through St. Peter's Square, where about 100,000 people had gathered to catch a glimpse of him, according to the Vatican's press office. The pope said during his homily that there's "too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and the economic paradigm that exploits the Earth's resources and marginalizes the poorest." PHOTO: Pope Leo XIV tours St. Peter's Square in his popemobile at the Vatican prior to the inaugural Mass of his pontificate, May 18, 2025. (Domenico Stinellis/AP) MORE: Pope Leo XIV to celebrate inaugural mass Sunday, thousands expected to gather Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called for the world's 1.4 billion Catholics to embrace a "missionary spirit," rather than closing themselves off "in our small groups." He called for the faithful to discard feelings of being "superior to the world." PHOTO: Pope Leo XIV on his popemobile tours St. Peter's Square at the Vatican prior to the inaugural Mass of his pontificate, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (Andrew Medichini/AP) "We are called to offer God's love to everyone, in order to achieve that unity which does not cancel out differences but values the personal history of each person and the social and religious culture of every people," he said. Attendees at the mass, which marks the official beginning of Leo's papacy, included Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with other political figures and religious dignitaries. PHOTO: Pope Leo XIV talks to U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha after a Holy mass for the beginning of his pontificate, in St Peter's basilica in The Vatican, May 18, 2025. (Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images) Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Australian Prime Minster Anthony Albanese were in attendance. And representatives of the Ecumenical, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Zoroastrian and Jain churches were there, the Vatican's Holy See press office said. PHOTO: Ukraine's President Volodymr Zelenskyy, left, and Vice President JD Vance greet each other as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, center, looksin St. Peter's Square attended by heads of state, royalty and ordinary faithful, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (Gregorio Borgia/AP) Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy greeted each other and shook hands prior to the mass. The Vatican said later Sunday that the pope had held a private audience with Zelenskyy and his wife in the Vatican. The pope met with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte prior to the mass, the Vatican said. PHOTO: Pope Leo XIV meets with president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife Olena Zelenska at the end of the Inauguration Mass In St. Peter's Square, May 18, 2025 in Vatican City. (Vatican Media/Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leo, who was formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, is a 69-year-old native of Chicago, Illinois. Elected on May 8, he's the first American to lead the church. PHOTO: Cardinal Luis Tagle places the Fisherman's Ring on the finger of Pope Leo XIV during the inaugural Mass in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, May 18, 2025. (Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters) During the ceremony, Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle presented Leo with his Ring of the Fisherman. Leo will wear that ring, which celebrates Saint Peter, who was the first pope, throughout his papacy. Pope Francis, Leo's predecessor, died on April 21, after he was discharged from a weeks-long hospital stay. The newly installed pontiff also paid tribute to him, saying on Sunday his death "filled our hears with sadness." PHOTO: Pope Leo XIV greets his brother Louis Prevost at the end of the Holy Mass for the beginning of his pontificate, in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, May 18, 2025. (Fabio Frustaci/EPA-EFE/Shuttersterstock) And he gave some insight into the papal conclave that saw him elected earlier this month. PHOTO: Pope Leo XIV greets the crowd from the popemobile before a Holy mass for the beginning of his pontificate, in St Peter's square in The Vatican on May 18, 2025. (Tiziana Fabi/AFP via Getty Images) As 133 cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel, they "could feel the working of the Holy Spirit," Leo told the crowd on Sunday, adding that the spirit "was able to bring us into harmony, like musical instruments, so that our heartstrings could vibrate in a single melody." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I was chosen, without any merit of my own, and now, with fear and trembling, I come to you as a brother," he said, "who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy, walking with you on the path of God's love, for he wants us all to be united in one family." PHOTO: People fill Saint Peter's Square as Pope Leo XIV leads the Holy Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate, at St. Peter's Square, in Vatican City, May 18, 2025. (Massimo Percossi/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock) By the time the Regina Caeli Prayer was to be read, toward the end of the mass, the crowds in the square and those lining the surrounding streets had swelled to some 200,000 people, according to the Vatican's press office. PHOTO: Pope Leo XIV holds a baby as he arrives ahead of the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV in St Peter's Square, May 18, 2025 in Vatican City. (David Ramos/Getty Images) Leo, in remarks before the prayer, offered a warm welcome to those thousands, thanking many for making pilgrimages from far afield. He said he had during mass "strongly felt the spiritual presence of Pope Francis accompanying us from heaven." And he closed by urging the faithful to "support and comfort for those who suffer." "In the joy of faith and communion, we cannot forget our brothers and sisters who are suffering because of war," he said. "In Gaza, the surviving children, families and elderly are reduced to starvation. In Myanmar, new hostilities have cut short innocent young lives. Finally, war-torn Ukraine awaits negotiations for a just and lasting peace." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC News' Megan Forrester and Clark Bentson contributed to this report. Pope Leo XIV calls for unity and 'missionary spirit' during inaugural mass at Vatican originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The celebratory Mass to inaugurate Pope Leo XIV began in the Vatican on Sunday, with hundreds of thousands of worshippers gathered in St Peter's Square to observe the historic moment. It marks the official beginning of Leo's papacy, who was elected the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church on May 8. He is also the first US-born pope. The new pontiff prayed at St Peter's tomb in St Peter's Basilica before walking out onto St Peter's Square. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the service, the pope will receive two regalia representing the papal power: the gold signet Fisherman's Ring, which features an engraving of the Apostle Peter fishing, symbolizing Jesus' words that he would make Peter a "fisher of men," as well as a lamb's wool pallium to symbolize the pope's role as shepherd. Dozens of state leaders, including US Vice President JD Vance - the last top politician to meet with pope Francis before he died on April 21 - royals and senior church representatives travelled to Rome to attend the inauguration. Leo is expected to issue a personal address to worshippers during the service. During his inauguration in 2013, Francis asked Catholics to "Be protectors of God's gifts!" A Popeyes employee in North Carolina allegedly shot a coworker during a shift on May 11 A witness reportedly told authorities that the incident started over a disagreement about "burnt biscuits" Rodney Wood, 22, has since been arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon A Popeyes employee is facing a first-degree murder charge after allegedly shooting a coworker over biscuits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rodney Wood, 22, was arrested in Charlotte, N.C., at about 6 p.m. local time on Sunday, May 11, according to Mecklenburg County public arrest records. Wood has been charged with both attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, per the arrest details. The altercation initially began inside a Popeyes location on South Boulevard, local news outlet WBTV reported. According to a police affidavit obtained by the outlet, a customer who witnessed the incident said that Wood got in a disagreement with a fellow employee over "burnt biscuits." mecksheriff Rodney Wood Rodney Wood The witness said the employees took the argument outside after one challenged the other. This allegedly led to a physical altercation, at which point Wood allegedly took out a gun and shot the other employee two times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In court documents, authorities state that video taken from the scene allegedly shows Wood discharging his firearm twice at point-blank range, per WBTV. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The outlet reported that the bullets hit the victim whose name has not been released in the groin and chest. He was rushed to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery. Barry Williams/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Police outside a Popeyes location in 2023 Police outside a Popeyes location in 2023 Wood allegedly ran from the Popeyes after the shooting, but authorities found him shortly after in the same shopping center as the restaurant, per WBTV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He allegedly told authorities that his coworker had punched him in the face three times once they stepped outside and claimed that he fired two warning shots that were not intended to be fatal, per WBTV. However, authorities said that Wood failed to articulate a credible, imminent threat of deadly force necessary to support a self-defense claim under state law, per the affidavit obtained by the outlet. Both Wood and the victim were managers at the Popeyes location, local news outlet WCNC reported. PEOPLE reached out to the Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office for comment on Saturday, May 17, but did not receive an immediate response. Woods bond is set for $50,000. Read the original article on People PORT BARRE, La. (KLFY)- Community members held the first annual Archangels Child Abuse Prevention event at Boscos Specialty Meats, focused on taking action against the growing issues of child abuse in America. Van Godeau, the organizer of the event, a shared how he believes child abuse has become an epidemic. Its time, oh my goodness, for something to be done, we have an epidemic of child abuse throughout the nation and complacency of our leaders, said Godeau. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the event, there was food, music, and plenty of fun for the kids. Godeau said beyond raising awareness, their mission is to get child abuse prevention taught in schools. We attempting to get it into the schools, thats the primary objective, innocent people stand up to plead and get active in this, make it a high priority, make it a high priority, Godeau said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Andre Moreau, a news anchor with Louisiana First News, also attended the event. Moreau shared with me he too experienced abuse as a child. Now, he said hes using his voice to speak for children who feel like they cant use theirs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to give children a voice because the young child, and I was eight when it started for me, doesnt tell anybody, we tell kids not to get in the car with a stranger, why wouldnt you tell them that there are predators out there that exist, Moreau said. Moreau said he is grateful for the parents and children who showed up to take a stand but hopes even more families will join the cause. Its something that nobody wants to talk about, but I mean, I applause these parents, for being here with their children because theyre way ahead of others who are not here or havent had a chance to hear this message, Moreau said. Latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The Sam Day Foundation held a buddy run in Portland Saturday morning in an effort to raise money to help children undergoing cancer treatment. Twenty runners gathered at Doernbecher Childrens Hospital, embarking on a 12-mile run that ended at Terra Linda School in Beaverton. A great opportunity: Nonprofit revives summer fun at Sellwood Parks historic Shack Runners were paired with buddies that are fighting cancer, but there were also a handful of others running in memory of a child lost to cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive grown up around a few different people that have gone and battled toe-to-toe with pediatric cancer, said runner Ian Cruickshank. Its always been a passion. You dont go and do this, all the fundraising, if youre not passionate about it. Ian Cruickshank was a participant in the Sam Day Buddy Run on May 17, 2025. (KOIN) Lorna Day at the Sam Day Buddy Run on May 17, 2025. (KOIN) The Sam Day foundation is a nonprofit founded by Portland Police Chief Bob Day and his wife Lorna. Both lost their son Sam back in 2016 to Ewing sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Hello Kitty Cafe Truck rolls into Portland for 50th anniversary When families know that someone is working on the research, they have hope, said Lorna And every day you have hope is 100 times more tolerable than a day without hope for a kid with cancer. Thats what we needed when Sam was alive and thats what were trying to give to other families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizers said they hope to raise close to $90,000 at the end of the run, but they encourage donations at any 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 KOIN.com. HAMPTON Learn about a new perspective on the Vietnam war through a first-hand account during a presentation in Hampton. The Fletcher Memorial Library will host Jamie Boss, who will discuss his latest book Coming of Age in Vietnam Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Boss will also exhibit photographs taken during his tour of duty in 1968 and 1969. Boss, still a teenager, had been a civilian mechanic and became a tank repairman during the war, where he was often sent out in the battlefield. Now a local musician with a background in graphic design, he has self-published three books, including this latest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was concerned with the lack of information out there about Vietnam, Boss said about his decision to write this memoir. My presentation will be about the Vietnam no one ever told you about, how we lived day to day and the types of jobs. The event is free of charge. The library is located at 257 Main Street/Route 97. TRINITY COUNTY, Texas (KETK) The Boggy Slough Conservation Area (BSCA) in Houston and Trinity counties has received the 2025 Texas Leopold Conservation Award. This award was presented in the annual Lone Star Land Steward Awards. Trinity County Jail overcrowding burdens local taxpayers, sheriff says Texas Parks and Wildlife is pleased to see this award go to such a deserving recipient, private lands program leader for TPWD Tim Siegmund said. Boggy Slough has been a cornerstone of the Neches River corridor for the better part of a century. The careful stewardship by the T.L.L. Temple Foundation, and its enrollment into a conservation easement, ensure it will continue to serve as a cornerstone and example of excellent land management for generations to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The T.L.L. Temple Foundation, which owns the property, will also receive $10K to help maintain the property. The Texas Leopold Conservation Award, named after conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes the achievements of voluntary conservation and natural resource management by American ranchers, farmers and foresters in 28 states. These award recipients are examples of how Aldo Leopolds land ethic is alive and well today, Sand County Foundation President Kevin McAleese said. Their dedication to conservation is both an inspiration to their peers as well as a reminder to all how important thoughtful agriculture is to clean water, healthy soil and wildlife habitat. Not only is BSCA surrounded by the Neches River but it is also surrounded by around 4,500 acres of forests. Boggy Slough is thought to have brought deer back into East Texas through their restocking program, as well as their management of the property. BSCAs mission is to serve as a model of excellence for East Texas through ecological research and outreach to promote conservation, management, and stewardship of natural resources. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. King Charless brother, Prince Edward, is representing the British head of state today at Pope Leo XIVs inauguration mass in Vatican City. Following Pope Leos election, King Charles sent a private message congratulating the new pontiff and passing along his good wishes. At the inaugural mass today, the Duke of Edinburgh, who was pictured wearing a hat, was not joined by his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. Other royals in attendance included King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco, and more. The Duke of Edinburghs attendance at the papal inauguration is not without precedent; in 2013, at Pope Franciss inauguration, Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, attended on behalf of his cousin Queen Elizabeth, and in 2005, at Pope Benedict XVIs inauguration, Prince Philip represented his wife. Daniele Venturelli - Getty Images Peter Macdiarmid - Getty Images Prince Edward, as a senior working royal, regularly steps in for his brother on important occasions, including recently the state funeral of former president Jimmy Carter. He also joins the British royal family on all important occasions, such as the events surrounding the 80th anniversary of VE Day. As a Counsellor of State, Prince Edward can also stand in for Charles on official occasions to carry out official duties of the sovereign. WPA Pool - Getty Images Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prince Edward also carries out regular royal duties of his own; earlier this month, he hosted the Gold Award celebrations for the Duke of Edinburghs award recipients at Buckingham Palace. Hes also president of the Royal Windsor Horse Show, which concludes today. Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images YUI MOK - Getty Images This is his first time visiting Vatican City in an official capacity; at Pope Franciss funeral, Prince William attended on behalf of King Charles. You Might Also Like Prince Edward represented the British royal family at Pope Leo XIV's inauguration ceremony in Rome The youngest brother of the King was joined at the May 18 event by British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Foreign Secretary David Lammy Prince Edward's attendance comes after Prince William represented his father, King Charles, at Pope Francis' funeral in April Prince Edward represented the British royal family at the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The youngest brother of King Charles traveled to Vatican City for the May 18 event on behalf of the monarch, where he joined dignitaries at the inauguration mass for the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and first-ever American pontiff. Prince Edward, 61, attended the ceremony alongside British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Foreign Secretary David Lammy. He was also joined by several world leaders, including Vice President J.D. Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium. The Duke of Edinburgh as Prince Edward is titled, taking on his father Prince Philip's former styling is a working member of the royal family and often takes on duties on behalf of the monarchy. Buckingham Palace confirmed to PEOPLE that Prince Edward is representing King Charles at the inauguration ceremony on May 10. This comes after the King sent a congratulatory message to the newly elected pope as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Associated Press/YouTube Prince Edward shaking hands with Pope Leo Prince Edward shaking hands with Pope Leo Last month, King Charles sent another representative on his behalf to the funeral of Pope Francis: his eldest son and heir, Prince William. The Prince of Wales, 42, joined foreign dignitaries and religious leaders from around the world, including U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and U.S. President Donald Trump as well as other royals such as Prince Albert of Monaco, King Philippe of Belgium, King Felipe of Spain and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 77, met with Pope Francis during their state visit to Italy on April 9, just 12 days before he died. After their original plans to meet were canceled amid the late pope's health struggles, they met privately and exchanged gifts. Following the news of the pontiff's death on Easter Monday, the King released an official statement via Buckingham Palace. My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis, the monarch said. Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry. AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, May 18 Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, May 18 His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others, King Charles continued his tribute. His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! King Charles holds the title of "Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England," dating back to the reign of King Henry VIII, who famously separated from the Catholic Church in 1534 and made himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England. However, he regularly meets with leaders from different faiths. During his time as heir, Charles made a central part of his work to promote tolerance and greater understanding between different faiths and communities. Read the original article on People Monacos Prince Albert and Princess Charlene sat front row at Pope Leo XIVs papal inauguration on Sunday. The Princess wore an embroidered powder white dress by Elie Saab with a scalloped hemline and A-line silhouette, matched with white heels and a white lace veil. Typically, only Catholic queens are permitted to wear white to the inaugural mass, and as Monaco is a principality, the crown princess is permitted as well. Antonio Masiello - Getty Images Antonio Masiello - Getty Images Franco Origlia - Getty Images Prince Albert responded quickly to the announcement of Pope Leo as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, writing on Instagram on May 9, On the occasion of Your Holinesss elevation to the Pontifical Throne, my family and I assure You of our fervent prayers for the greatness of Your Pontificate and humbly offer our respectful congratulations. Together with the people of the Principality, we express our deepest hope that the fulfillment of this eminent and weighty spiritual mission of universal scope will be marked by many satisfactions. I ask Your Holiness to kindly accept the respectful homage of my deep and filial devotion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Catholic royals, the Monegasque family has long maintained close ties to the Holy See. The royal couple issued condolences to social media for Pope Francis immediately following his death and attended his funeral last month. They had been present at Pope Franciss papal inauguration in 2013 and met with him at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City in 2013, 2016, and 2022. Princess Charlene converted prior to her marriage to Albert in 2011, in keeping with the state religion of Monaco, and is one of only seven women granted "the privilege of the white"a permission given to Catholic queen, allowing them to wear a white lace veil in the popes presence, as opposed to the black version required of most women. (And since Monaco is a principality, this privilege is extended to the princess consort.) The inauguration of Pope Leo could be seen as extra poignant for Prince Albert given he is also part-American through his mother, the late Princess Grace. Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, is the first American pontiff, born in Chicago in 1955. You Might Also Like The royal family has had a packed month of events starting at the beginning of the month with the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), which commemorates the end of WWII in Europe on May 8, 1945. The Monday, May 5, festivities alone included a military procession, a flypast and a royal guest list full of familiar faces. Prince William and Kate Middleton were front and centerand their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, also made a rare joint appearance. But the royal kids werent the only unexpected guests catching attention. Photos from the commemorative event revealed a rare appearance by none other than Lady Sarah McCorquodalePrincess Dianas older sister. The 70-year-old was seated front row in the royal box, alongside Queen Camilla, King Charles and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh. Chris Jackson/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another shot captured by cameras, King Charles, Lady Sarah and Duchess Sophie teamed up to wrap veteran Joy Trew in blankets as the wind picked up. Chris Jackson/Getty Images For those unfamiliar, Lady Sarah is more than just Dianas sistershe actually dated then-Prince Charles before he dated Diana. Their brief romance in the late 70s led to Diana and Charles meeting for the first time. According to The Guardian, years later, Lady Sarah joked about her part in royal history, saying, I introduced them. Im Cupid. And the Diana connections didnt stop there. Kate Middleton honored her late mother-in-law in a subtle but meaningful way, accessorizing her magenta Emilia Wickstead coatdress with a three-strand pearl bracelet that once belonged to Diana. From surprise appearances to sentimental style choices, it was a week full of emotion, elegance and surprising royal reunions. Want all the latest entertainment news sent right to your inbox? Click here. Princess Dianas Brother Just Shared a Rare Baby Photo of His Sisterand It Made Me Do a Double Take Proposed federal cuts to Medicaid and food assistance could result in more New York children losing insurance coverage or facing hunger, according to child advocates. In New York City, about 1.8 million people receive benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program, or SNAP including 560,000 children, according to figures compiled by the city comptrollers office. Medicaid enrollment for residents from birth to age 20 is about 1.2 million. This budget hurts millions of people fighting to remain in this increasingly unaffordable city, Comptroller Brad Lander said in a statement. Draconian figures like Trump have tried to gut our social safety net before, but hardworking New Yorkers and their families will remember every time they visit a hospital or go to bed hungry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Republicans are looking to push through a package of tax breaks and spending cuts to advance President Trumps agenda, which includes a multibillion-dollar cash infusion for immigration enforcement and the military. The plan has faced pushback from Democrats and from GOP hard-liners who insisted on deeper cuts. As of Friday, the latest iteration could cut Medicaid by hundreds of billions of dollars, including by new work requirements focused on nondisabled adults without dependents. States, such as New York, that use their own funds to give insurance to undocumented immigrants could also be penalized. Supporters of the measures say they would help root out waste and fraud. I will never cast a vote that takes Medicaid away from eligible recipients who rely on this vital program, such as seniors, children, the intellectually and developmentally disabled, single mothers and families facing tough times, Rep. Mike Lawler (R-Hudson Valley) wrote in a recent op-ed on Lohud. Rather, my commitment has always been to strengthen these programs by cracking down on scam artists exploiting them at taxpayer expense. But child advocates warned of the ripple effects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simply put, the impact of these proposals would be enormous for a lot of children and families throughout out New York, said Raysa Rodriguez, executive director of the Citizens Committee for Children of New York, which released an online tool to help parents learn about the potential impact of Medicaid and SNAP cuts to their congressional district. The lookup function also lets families know if their representative voted for the budget resolution that called for the cuts. Rodriguez noted that Medicaid goes toward health care coverage for families that are income-eligible, but it is also a mechanism for supporting public services from school health clinics to special education that are financed in different shapes and forms through Medicaid funding. Sweeping changes could also affect what resources the state has on hand for other policies that support children and families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of the concern is changes of this magnitude and size would result in a bigger, more significant burden on the state, and could have an impact on the type and scope of services provided [and] how we determine eligibility, Rodriguez said. This level of decimation of funding would really limit the ability of New York State to respond to the needs of families and children. Its not hypothetical. Landers analysis also found more than half of babies delivered in New York City each year are born to parents covered by Medicaid. The package would also cut federal spending on SNAP, largely by shifting substantial new costs to states for the first time and increasing work requirements for parents of children as young as 7 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates focused on child hunger also warn against cuts to SNAP benefits that do not take effect immediately but could limit the ability of food assistance programs to keep pace with the rising cost of groceries. We know when kids have regular access to meals, they thrive. They have higher attendance rates; they do better in school. They struggle less with chronic health issues like asthma, said Rachel Sabella, director of No Kid Hungry New York. If federal cuts undo years of progress made in fighting child hunger, Sabella added, Im terrified about what that would mean to families. After the House passes a bill, it faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where a majority of Republicans need to agree to an identical measure to avoid a filibuster under a complicated legislative process known as reconciliation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want every member of the New York State congressional delegation, especially our Republican members that have a powerful voice right now, to remember we shouldnt be playing politics with peoples ability to put food on the table, Sabella said. With News Wire Services PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) A lounge in Providence is temporarily closed after a man said he was shot at the location early Saturday morning, according to a spokesperson for the Providence Police Department. The spokesperson said police were called to Rhode Island Hospital just after 2 a.m. for reports of a person shot. The man, who suffered not life-threatening injuries, told officers he was shot at Passion Lounge, according to the spokesperson. The Providence Board of Licenses held an emergency meeting Saturday afternoon and ordered the business to close for 72 hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The business told 12 News the incident did not happen inside. Now we do not control what happens outside of my establishment into the street, they added. An investigation into the shooting is underway. Editors note: This article has been updated to include a comment from the business. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. May 18Spending cuts proposed by congressional Republicans would result in an estimated 34,000 Maine people losing Medicaid coverage, harming health care providers and patients, experts say. But the current version of the budget proposal is not as draconian as some expected. The bill has the support of President Donald Trump, but its fate is uncertain. Some Senate Republicans are concerned about the impacts of $625 billion in proposed Medicaid cuts over 10 years, while some Republicans in the House of Representatives want deeper spending cuts in general to prevent growth in the federal deficit. On Friday, the bill failed a vote in a key House committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservative House Republicans want certain provisions such as work requirements for able-bodied adults to take effect sooner. In the current bill, work requirements would not begin until 2029. But moderate Senate Republicans including Sen. Susan Collins of Maine have balked at Medicaid cuts that are also opposed by Democrats. With slim majorities in the House and Senate, Republican leadership can't afford to lose more than a few votes in each chamber and still pass the bill. The entire Maine congressional delegation is against the proposed cuts to Medicaid, or MaineCare as it is known here. Medicaid is a federal program operated by the states and funded with a blend of federal and state dollars. It primarily serves lower-income people, those with disabilities, and some people age 65 and older who receive both Medicaid and Medicare benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FIGHT IN CONGRESS OVER MEDICAID James Myall, policy analyst for the Maine Center for Economic Policy, a progressive think tank, said the bill "undermines the whole purpose of Medicaid, which is to keep people healthy." "It's making fundamental shifts in a program designed to help people in hard times," Myall said. "In order to be eligible for Medicaid, it would be contingent on extra hoops (work requirements) people would have to jump through in service of giving more tax cuts to the wealthy." But Chris Pope, a senior fellow and health policy expert at the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank, said the bill is not as ambitious as some other ideas that were floated to curtail Medicaid, such as reducing federal matching funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A lot of these provisions in the bill are less significant when you look at the details of how they are designed," Pope said. The bill contains loopholes that would permit states to evade many of its so-called requirements, he said. "My general take on this bill is that it's trying to create the appearance of savings. The actual savings are pretty minimal. It's carefully crafted to not do too much," Pope said. Jeff Austin, vice president of government affairs for the Maine Hospital Association, said the proposals that could have the most detrimental impacts on hospitals have so far been avoided, but "there are still reasons to be concerned." The bill introduced in Congress would fund much of the federal government, but most cutbacks in the bill are aimed at Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Maine Center for Economic Policy estimates that 34,000 Maine people who are currently enrolled in Medicaid would lose health insurance coverage and be in danger of going uninsured. Many would be eligible for insurance under the Affordable Care Act, but Congress is also considering reducing subsidies that help people afford ACA premiums, which could push coverage out of reach for more people. About 400,000 Maine people are currently enrolled in Medicaid. The number of enrollees grew in recent years, partly because of the pandemic, and the Mills administration and lawmakers are debating proposals to shrink enrollment. Along with reducing eligibility, the federal proposal could substantially increase Maine's costs. The Maine Center for Economic Policy is projecting a $90 million annual reduction in federal Medicaid funding per year, assuming Maine continues to allow children of immigrants and pregnant women who are immigrants to enroll in MaineCare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maine is one of 14 states that allow children of immigrants and pregnant immigrants to enroll in Medicaid. "This seems to be less intended to generate substantial fiscal savings. Instead, it's putting pressure on states to change their immigration policies," Pope said. HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS WORRIED ABOUT IMPACTS As Congress considers changes to the bill, Maine health care providers said they are worried about any cutbacks to Medicaid, given an already financially strained health care system. Even at current funding levels, Maine is struggling with its Medicaid budget. Maine needs to plug a $118 million funding hole in the current fiscal year, and has had to reduce MaineCare payments to hospitals and other providers to keep the budget balanced. At the same time, the Mills administration and some lawmakers are fighting over cost-of-living increases to direct care workers who are already in short supply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The financial strain is only adding to a crisis in health care access in Maine, with long waits for primary care services and specialty care. Adam Bloom-Paicopolos, executive director of the Alliance for Addiction and Mental Health Services, Maine, which advocates for nonprofit agencies, said MaineCare patients are waiting eight to 10 months for mental health and substance use disorder services. "It's hard enough right now in the current environment," Bloom-Paicopolos said. "There is already a crisis in access to behavioral health services." The access crisis is primarily caused by a workforce shortage which advocates say is made worse by low pay for direct care workers coupled with a surge in demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said behavioral health is "tremendously reliant" on Medicaid for funding, and they are "extremely concerned" about funding proposals in Congress. It's a similar story for nonprofits that provide services such as group homes and residential support for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Laura Cordes, executive director of the Maine Association for Community Service Providers, said the agencies are 100% funded by Medicaid. "We fear any cuts are going to significantly decrease community-based access," Cordes said. Hospitals in Maine are also in a precarious financial position, with birthing centers closing and Inland Hospital in Waterville closing in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Austin said if more people become uninsured, "they become more reliant on hospital charity care and financial assistance." "Our members currently provide almost $200 million in uncompensated care now. That amount will surely rise if implementation of these proposals results in less coverage," Austin said. Myall, of the Maine Center for Economic Policy, said that more people becoming uninsured would result in health insurance pools with a higher percentage of people who are older and sicker. That drives up the cost of insurance premiums in the ACA and private insurance. Medicaid cuts could be compounded by other proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps. The proposal, if approved, would result in a loss of $97 million in federal funding for Maine, Myall said, primarily by expanding work requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If lower-income people have to spend more of their own money on groceries, that would cause a ripple effect in the economy, with people spending less of their disposable income on other items, Myall said. The irony, Myall said, is that both Medicaid and SNAP support working adults, and imposing work requirements will result in fewer people in the workforce. "People are going to be sicker and suffering," Myall said. "Part of the workforce will become too sick to work, and not able to see the doctor because they're not working." Copy the Story Link Vladimir Putin has claimed Russia has the strength and resource to finish what it started with the invasion of Ukraine. His comments on Sunday came after he again refused to sign up to a 30-day temporary ceasefire that would lead to further direct talks with Kyiv. We have enough strength and resources to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the result that Russia needs, he said, without clarifying further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin invaded Ukraine with the goal of taking Kyiv and controlling the entire country, but the front lines have largely been frozen in the east for some two years. Aim is to guarantee Russias security In an interview with state television, Putin said that Moscows goal remains to eliminate the causes that triggered this crisis to guarantee Russias security. Russian officials often cite the elimination of the root causes of the conflict, shorthand for its goals of the demilitarisation of Ukraine, and, in some cases, its eradication as a country. The first direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv in three years took place in Istanbul on Friday, but ended without significant progress. Putin did not attend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European leaders have accused Putin of delaying peace and buying more time for his forces, which are slowly gaining ground in Ukraine. On Sunday, Russia also launched its most intense drone attack on Ukraine since the invasion in 2022, firing a total of 273 exploding drones and decoys overnight, Ukraines air force said. Of those, 88 were intercepted and a further 128 lost, probably after having been electronically jammed. The attacks targeted the countrys Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions. Yuriy Ihnat, the head of the communications department of the Ukrainian air force, said that the barrage was the biggest drone attack since the start of the war. Russias previous largest known single drone attack was on the eve of the wars third anniversary, when it pounded Ukraine with 267 drones. Woman killed by Russian barrage Mykola Kalashnyk, the head of the government of Kyiv region, said a 28-year-old woman was killed in a drone attack on the region and three other people, including a four-year-old child, were wounded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russias defence ministry said its air defences shot down seven Ukrainian drones overnight, and a further 18 on Sunday morning. The attacks came after the Istanbul talks failed to yield a ceasefire. Putin had spurned an offer for a face to face meeting from Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, after he himself proposed direct negotiations as an alternative to the temporary ceasefire urged by Ukraine and Western countries, including the US. President Trump has said he plans to speak to Putin in a phone call on Monday, and will then speak to Mr Zelensky and various Nato country leaders about ending the war in Ukraine. 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. King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain were among the royal attendees at the inaugural mass for Pope Leo XIV on Sunday in Vatican City. Letizia was one of a small group of women who wore all-white, a privilege afforded to her by historic custom. Letizia chose a simple tea-length dress in white crepe from Redondo Brand that featured long sleeves and asymmetrical draped detail at the neckline. The Spanish occasionwear label was founded by Jorge Redondo in 2019. More from WWD Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She accessorized with a lace mantilla, small white handbag as well as earrings featuring Australian pearls from Ansorena1845. Her ring was from Coreterno. She chose a pair of neutral Magrit pumps. She often wears shoes from the brand and chose the companys Clara style. King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain arrive ahead of the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV in St Peters Square on May 18, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. For some royal women, all-white dressingPrivilege du Blancsymbolizes purity and Vatican ties for Catholic queens and consorts. Letizia did not have the privilege during the inaugural mass of Pope Francis, but received it when Felipe became King. Queen Letizia of Spain and King Felipe VI of Spain take their seats ahead of the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV in St Peters Square on May 18, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Other attendees at Pope Leos mass included U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, and Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco. Pope Leo made history on May 8 when he became the first American to hold the role. Pope Leo XIV waves as he arrives ahead of the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV in St Peters Square on May 18, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost) presided over his inauguration mass in St Peters Square after his election on May 8. View Gallery Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Launch Gallery: Pope Leo Inauguration Mass Brings Usha Vance, Queen Letizia and More: Guest Arrivals Photos, Live Updates [PHOTOS] Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. May 17Classic cars, high school bands and queens and princesses meandered through downtown Spokane on Saturday night for the 87th rendition of the Spokane Lilac Festival Armed Forces Torchlight Parade. Draped in purple dresses, University High School senior Raegan Miller and the royal court waved to the crowd as the exquisite float they stood on proceeded through the downtown streets. "I think it's just really awesome that we're here bringing many communities together and showing back the love that Spokane has always given to us," Miller said as the parade units staged on the Washington Street Bridge minutes before the parade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller was shocked when she was crowned queen earlier this spring, saying every one of the six princesses who joined her on the float Saturday deserved to be queen. "It was honestly crazy when I found out I won because I was just so appreciative and I knew that all the girls beside me were going to help me get through this and help me be the best leader I can be," she said. Miller, who will attend Saint Mary's College in California after graduation, said the past few months have been fun with plenty of memories created. "It's been super busy, but I love being busy," she said. "I love making new connections with new leaders in this community. These girls, we've grown really close together and we became really good friends over these past few months." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearby, Valleyfest royalty Aimee Cook, Chloe Nelson and Makenna Babb were also ready to hit the streets on their float. Valleyfest, held in September, is Spokane Valley's community festival. Cook, who is Miss Spokane Valley, said she enjoyed connecting with the other royalty from the region. Nelson and Babb said they were excited to see the children lining the streets at the parade. "Seeing the little girls always makes me so happy, and I love seeing them and making a good positive impact on them," said Nelson, who is student body president at Spokane Valley Tech. Bill Beckstrom, a U.S. Navy World War II veteran, rode in an army green 1944 Jeep with two other World War II veterans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beckstrom said he served aboard the USS Curtiss and survived a Japanese pilot who barreled his plane into their ship. Dozens of his fellow comrades died, however, and the ship had to return to San Diego because of the strike. Beckstrom, a 98-year-old Spokane Valley resident, said his family came to watch him in the parade. Beckstrom also said he looked forward to seeing the youngsters at the parade. "I get a kick out of the kids," he said. Tens of thousands of people lined the streets to take in the floats and bands. Alison Long was one of the attendees. She sat in chairs with her grandson and mother, Maryann Canterbury. They came to see family members, one of whom is Miss Davenport, on the Davenport float. Canterbury, 73, said she hasn't been to the Lilac parade in decades. She said she loves the lights and the bands that play. "I always enjoy the sparkle," she said. MURRAY, KyThe Missouri State Bears trip to Murray, Kentucky turned out to be a lost weekend. MoState lost Thursday night to the Racers. Fridays game was rained out. And Saturdays double header was cancelled because of wet field conditions. In our Bear Nation update, that means Missouri State and Murray State tied for first place in the Valley regular season. But because the Racers won Thursdays game, Murray State gets the number one seed in the conference tournament that starts next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the seventh and last time that the Bears have won outright or shared the Valley title. Missouri State will move into Conference USA in July. The only difference between the top seed and second seed, is game time on Wednesday. MoState will play the winner of Illinois State and Indiana State at 7 p.m. in Normal, Illinois. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. SHAVERTOWN, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A Luzerne County restaurant hit a high note Saturday night, raising money and awareness for suicide prevention. Farmers Inn in Shavertown hosted its first-ever Karaoke for a Cause, supporting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP.) Two week search for missing girl has tragic ending A 10$ entry got visitors into karaoke and basket raffles, with all proceeds going directly to the AFSP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farmers Inn also made a separate $5,000 donation directly to the foundation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. Back-to-back early evening rallies are planned on the Friday and Saturday of Memorial Day weekend for Lonene Ray Rogers, who has been missing more than 44 years. The rallies are set for 5 to 7 p.m. May 23 and 24 outside the Pennsylvania State Police barracks, 11025 Murray Road in Vernon Township. Following the May 24 rally, a candlelight vigil begins at 7. The events have a two-fold purpose, according to Alison Duiker, Rogers now-adult daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One is to keep Rogers memory alive and the other is to keep pressure on state police, Duiker told The Meadville Tribune in a phone interview. Duiker is concerned that state police at Meadville have concentrated on two more-recent missing persons cases from 2022 that like Rogers remain open investigations. One is Candice Caffas, a special-needs woman who was 34 when she disappeared from her parents Union Township home July 16, 2022. The other is Debra Daniel, who was 67 when she left the Holland Towers apartment complex in Meadville around 3:40 p.m. Aug. 13, 2022, with a known man. In April this year, state police released photos of Daniel and the man leaving Holland Towers. Police have declined to identify the man but have called the case a homicide investigation. On April 29, an extensive large-scale search for Daniel was done on state game lands near Townville without result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now is the time to act, Duiker said. We want justice for everybody. Rogers, a mother of two young children, was 29 years old when she disappeared from her Littles Corners home near routes 98 and 198 in Hayfield Township. She was last seen at her home Jan. 7, 1981, disappearing without a trace, according to state police, who continue to work the case. Her husband, Clinton Rogers, reported being at home with Lonene and their children on the evening of Jan. 6. However, the couple had an argument at their residence, police said. Clinton told authorities that he last saw Lonene on Jan. 7 at 12:45 a.m. when he went to bed, according to police. He reported waking up during the early-morning hours of Jan. 7 and discovered she wasnt at the residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rogers, who is almost completely deaf and unable to speak fluently, had left her home during a severe snowstorm, police said. She is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 140 pounds with long sandy brown hair and gray eyes. She might have been wearing a navy blue pea coat, blue jeans and high brown boots when she left home, police said. But Rogers left without her purse, hearing aids, glasses, car and keys and her children. From October 2024 until early April this year, Duiker had a billboard along routes 6 and 19, about 2 miles of Meadville, with her mothers photo, asking those with information to contact state police at (814) 332-6911. The billboard was funded by Season of Justice, an Indiana-based nonprofit, that provides funding toward helping solve cold cases. The way Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul sees it, President Donald Trump is coming off a positive week of dealmaking in the Middle East. But White House efforts to accept a $400 million Boeing jet as a gift from Qatar threaten to undermine all that momentum. "I think my fear is that it detracts from a largely successful trip where the president is talking about opening up and doing more trade with the Middle East, which is a good thing, particularly amidst all the protectionism and directing away from trade that weve had going on," the Republican told host Jonathan Karl on Sunday on ABC's "This Week." Trump is selling the Qatari jet as a victory for American consumers, an aircraft for the White House to use with Boeing years behind schedule in its efforts to complete two more planes that will replace the ones currently serving as Air Force One. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the president has acknowledged his library would take possession of the plane post-presidency. Critics, including key MAGA allies, have panned the president's push to accept the jet, citing security concerns and negative optics, plus the cost of rebuilding and refitting the jet to meet the standards for a plane used as Air Force One. Some have said Congress should get involved in the matter. "Those are things I think we all have to attain the highest standard, regardless of where you are, the executive branch or the legislative branch," Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Va.), a senior House Armed Services Committee member, said at the POLITICO Security Summit last week. "So, I do think those are questions that have to be entertained and things that we as members of Congress have to address." The White House said Trump locked in more than $2 trillion in investment agreements during his trip to the region, part of a "commerce, not chaos" push to prioritize economics over diplomacy in his foreign policy. But much of the coverage has honed in on the Qatari plane. "So, could it color the perception of the administration if they have a $400 million plane to be more in favor of these things? Perhaps," Paul told Karl. "It at least gives the appearance of a conflict of interest. I dont think its worth the headache." Look to Canada as the United States North Star Ann Arbor, Mich.: What does it mean for a government to serve the people and not corporations, lobbyists or partisan donors? Does the U.S. live up to that promise? No. But Canada comes closer. Our neighbor to the north has built a framework rooted in accountability, transparency and integrity while we fall further behind. In Canada, open government isnt a PR stunt, its the foundation. New ministers, like Prime Minister Mark Carney are reminded: government must earn and keep the publics trust. We treat transparency like a photo op speeches written by staffers and abandoned when the cameras switch off. Wannabe government contractors meet behind closed doors at fundraisers and we call it democracy. Thats corruption in a tailored suit. In Canada, ministers are warned: dont discuss policy at fundraisers. In the U.S., we auction off influence. Want to shape health care? Write a six-figure check to a PAC. Want a tax break? Host a steak dinner for a senator. Its legalized bribery. In Canada, ministers are accountable for their departments. If something goes wrong, they own it or theyre gone. In the U.S., cabinet officials lie to Congress, break ethics rules and then rake in book deals after leaving office when they finally share their truth. If we held our politicians to Canadas standards, the president, vice president and half of Congress would be out of a job tomorrow. Were learning that there are no ethics standards for the Supreme Court. If we ever hope to rebuild public trust, we must rebuild the system with rules, ethics and real accountability. Lets stop pretending the U.S. is the gold standard of democracy. Not until we act like one. Steven M. Stein No checks? Manhattan: Where are the true patriots, if there are any? Who are in positions to make a difference and actually stand up for our country and go after the perverted convict in charge? He is robbing the U.S. blind with his outright corruption and money grab. Joseph Duffy Not right in the head Jersey City: What world do know-nothing President Trump apologists like Voicer Frank Barnett live in? Trump starts an impossible trade war with off-the-wall tariffs on products largely no longer manufactured in the U.S. (the only valid use of tariffs: to protect domestic manufacturing) and prices skyrocket, the stock market crumbles and Trumps billionaire buddies make another fortune buying low because their buddy postpones a lot of his tariffs, stock prices go back up but prices for the rest of us do not go back down. Per Barnett: Trump pretty much ends up being right? Only if you admit it was all a corrupt scheme to begin with, or a president who says he doesnt know that he swore to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution is more mentally enfeebled than any president since Woodrow Wilson at the end of his term! John Esche Unvetted Brewster, N.Y.: The illegal department, DOGE, and its illegal head, Elon Musk, cut benefits to veterans and laid off veterans working for the federal government. Meanwhile, the president is planning an elaborate military parade on June 14 (Flag Day) that will cost upwards of $45 million. Instead of an unnecessary parade, couldnt that money be better used by hiring back some of those veterans and restoring their benefits? Does the president even care? To quote Charlton Heston in the first Planet of the Apes movie: How did this upside down world get started? We can fight back, though. Dont attend the parade. Dont watch it on television. And write to your representatives and senators. Tell them to cancel this parade and give that money to veterans! Larry Maslak Assault on knowledge Dartmouth, Mass.: The firing of the librarian of Congress is one of the most democracy-threatening actions by Trump. The Congressional Research Service, a department within the Library of Congress, provides unbiased, well-researched and documented information to congressional offices. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) serves the Congress throughout the legislative process by providing comprehensive and reliable legislative research and analysis that are timely, objective, authoritative, and confidential, thereby contributing to an informed national legislature. This department has existed for more than 100 years and has generated thousands of reports, statistics and even speeches for representatives and senators. It compensated for the inequality of status within both houses, where some members have more staff for research and writing. If a new librarian chosen by Trump fires researchers and replaces them with MAGA recruits, it will create a factory of disinformation and speeches with the appearance of credibility for every Republican legislator aligned with this administration. Betty Ussach Rise and resist Providence, R.I.: To Voicer Fredrick Washam, who began, Brace yourselves, America, the worst is yet to come!: Brace yourselves, America, the worst is yet to come / This is bound to happen if we let ourselves go numb / We can do much better than just lie back and succumb / Lets resist attempts to make our land a moral slum. Felicia Nimue Ackerman Skewed statistics Woodside: Because I was tired of the same-old, same-old lack of choice in primaries, I didnt want Joe Biden to run for a second term. I recalled that in 2019, he promised aides that hed only run for a single term (apparently, Trump isnt the only one whose ego gets the better of him). However, I question S.E. Cupps use of data from Echelon Insights/Puck, which are right-wing (The Dems are still hiding from Biden cover-up, column, May 14). Quoting these outfits in an article regarding Democratic operative David Plouffes new book obscures the truth. Whose side is she on, anyway? Sheila Richardson Blame rename Somerset, N.J.: Have you heard of the San Andreas Fault on the West Coast? It is rumored that Trump wants to rename it the Bidens Fault. Arthur Bressler Indecent ad Staten Island: I find it extremely offensive that Scott Stringer, who is currently on the ballot for mayor, calls Trump in his TV ad campaign a schmuck. Him being of the Jewish faith should know better than to use a vulgar, obscene Yiddish term meaning, in a derogatory way, a penis. As he signs off on this ad, he says, Hell tell Trump where to stick it. Myra Goodman In defense of Bezos Rego Park: At times, I can be as sympathetic for a revolution as Bernie Sanders and AOC, but I still think Jeff Bezos is misjudged. The guy is really smart. He was a National Merit Scholarship Finalist thats like the top .01%. Hes no nepo baby. His bike mechanic father abandoned him and his good-looking flower child mother when he was a baby. Amazon wasnt an overnight success, it took 10 years to turn a profit. Who doesnt have a dozen useful or even life-changing products they wouldnt have if not for Amazon? If his idea of a good time is cruising to nowhere on a half-billion-dollar monstrosity with a boatful of so-called friends, then maybe hes the fool. This should make your $2 slice or $5 beer all the more enjoyable. Jeff Rosenblatt Red line Flushing: The Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) Act in Albany needs to be stopped! Human life is precious, not disposable. Humans are not animals, yet you want to treat them the same or even worse. Nobody has a right to end a persons life. Stop the MAID Act now! Szymon Salwa Deserves confinement Glen Ridge, N.J.: The piece of garbage who held 48 scared and neglected dogs trapped in a filthy apartment for their entire lives, without ever going outside or experiencing kindness and love, should spend the rest of his miserable life trapped inside a cage. He is a disturbed and despicable human being, and I use the term human very lightly. Francine Ferrara No escape? Yonkers: It was disgusting to read about the depraved behavior that Sean Diddy Combs subjected Cassie Ventura to. Its difficult to understand how a human being could inflict such grotesque and depraved behavior on another. I also find it strange that the victim endured this despicable behavior for so long. Why didnt she leave after the first instance or inkling of this degrading and abnormal behavior? Frank Brady May 17DIXON The Reagan Middle School student council recently presented a $320 check to the Dixon Family YMCA to support its YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. The check was presented to the Dixon Family YMCA on May 7. The funds were raised during a volleyball tournament held in April. The check was presented by Bridgette Becker, Reagan Middle School student council adviser, to Andy McFarlane, Dixon Family YMCA CEO. The Russians launched 273 attack UAVs on the night of 17-18 May. A total of 88 drones have been shot down and another 128 have disappeared from radar (without causing adverse effects). Source: Ukraines Air Force Details: A total of 88 attack UAVs were confirmed shot down over the east, north and central parts of the country, and one UAV is still in the air. The Russian attack affected Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk oblasts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: The previous record was set a few months ago. On the night of 22-23 February, the Russians attacked Ukraine with ballistic missiles and 267 attack UAVs. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Note: The Attached video is from previous storm coverage in the Four States MIAMI, Okla. The storms that rattled northeast Oklahoma have resulted in a disaster declaration, officials confirm. According to officials with the City of Miami, a Disaster Emergency Proclamation was approved concerning the storm damage from April 19 to May 2 in Ottawa County. Tornado near Grove Grove storm damage Courtesy: Kristi McChurin Grove storm damage Courtesy: Kristi McChurin Grove storm damage Courtesy: Kristi McChurin Storms, such as the ones that impacted northeast Oklahoma on April 29, caused widespread damage. From buildings being damaged to uprooted trees, the path for recovery from spring 2025 continues to unfold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ MORE: Storms damage NE Oklahoma, disrupts internet and email services at NEO The National Weather Service reported winds as strong as 61 mph in Ottawa County on April 29. Wind near Grove High School resulted in uprooted trees. Additionally, damage was reported to the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Jay, Oklahoma. An outbuilding near Turkey Ford School was blown away. Officials with NEO shared that damage to their Library Admin building resulted in disruption to electronic services. The National Weather Service shared that three tornadoes had passed through Delaware County, with no fatalities reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more about the details of that storm system by visiting our previous coverage, 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 KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. The challenges facing someone experiencing homelessness are numerous. There is, obviously, the lack of shelter from the elements and of a bed to sleep on. Theres also typically a shortage of food, clean clothing and access to medical care. But one aspect of homelessness that might fly a bit under the radar is not having a place to take showers. While shelter, food, clothing and medical care are topics which local nonprofit groups have for decades worked to address, providing those experiencing homelessness with a chance to take a refreshing, rejuvenating shower has been a blind spot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not anymore. At a ceremony Saturday at West Lawn United Methodist Church, the nonprofit group Refresh Berks unveiled its brand-new mobile shower unit. The trailer which features two fully-functioning shower rooms and a pair of small multipurpose rooms is only the second of its kind to be put in use in Pennsylvania. The 7,000-pound trailer will officially go into service this fall, traveling with the Reading Hospital Street Medicine Team. One of two shower rooms in Refresh Berks new mobile shower unit. (DAVID MEKEEL READING EAGLE) Charlotte Rismiller, a volunteer for Refresh Berks, said the unit is about much more than cleanliness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its about the belief that everyone deserves a fresh start and that we see you, she said. The idea to create a mobile shower unit for those experiencing homelessness was born in Berks County about a ear-and-a-half ago, said Refresh Berks chair Amy Stewart-Himes. A group was formed to tackle the challenge, which worked tirelessly to raise funds to make the idea a reality. Amy Stewart-Himes, chair of Refresh Berks, speaks at an event Saturday to unveil the nonprofit groups new mobile shower unit. (DAVID MEKEEL READING EAGLE) The group received a major boost when state Sen. Judy Schwank helped it secure a $250,000 state grant that covered the cost of the mobile unit, a pickup truck to pull it and the building of a garage where both can be stored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schwank said Saturday that she thought the idea was amazing. Its not going to solve all the problems (of homelessness), but it will provide dignity, she told the crowd gathered for Refresh Berks Kickoff Splash. Schwank said that she hopes the shower unit will provide some needed relief for those experiencing homelessness, and that being able to get clean will help them become more ready to take the next steps towards getting off the street. State Sen. Judy Schwank speaks at an event Saturday to unveil Refresh Berks new mobile shower unit. Schwank helped secure a $250,000 state grant for the project. (DAVID MEKEEL READING EAGLE) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jack Williams, executive director of the Berks Coalition to End Homelessness, said thats the whole idea behind the mobile unit. He said it eliminates barriers, and provides those experiencing homelessness a resource they can take advantage of on their own turf. If youre in a ight against homelessness, you meet them on the street, he said. You meet them where they are. Williams said that, along with the help of Schwank, Refresh Berks has also received an incredible about support from a variety of local organizations and individuals. The community came together and said Lets put our foot down we care about this, lets do something about this, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jack Williams, executive director of the Berks Coalition to End Homelessness, speaking during an event Saturday where Refresh Berks new mobile shower unit was unveiled. (DAVID MEKEEL READING EAGLE) Rismiller is certainly one of those community members who care. She joined Refresh Berks when she was still a senior in high school, and said an internship at the Berks Coalition to End Homelessness put the importance of the mobile shower unit into perspective. She said she was able to see homelessness face-to-face instead of through a car window, and those experiencing it as more than just statistics. I saw faces, I heard stories, she said. I met people and called them by their names. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And those very real people deserve a hot shower, she said, they deserve to be treated with respect. We see you as human beings, as neighbors, as members of the community, she said. While Refresh Berks has received funding to get its effort started, more funding will be needed to keep it going. The organization will have ongoing operational expenses things like gas for the truck and generator, soap and towels, maintenance to make sure the units remain available. Members of the organization said they would also like to expand the services provided trough the units to include things like hair cuts, clothing and food giveaways and a place to provide medical treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have places to grow beyond showering, Stewart-Himes said. For more information about the unit or to donate to Refresh Berks visit refreshberks.org. Charlotte Rismiller, a volunteer for Refresh Berks, chats during a ceremony Saturday to unveil the groups new mobile shower unit. (DAVID MEKEEL READING EAGLE) Nearly eight decades after he gave his life for his nation, the partial remains of a New Jersey soldier who had been declared killed in action in 1944 have finally been identified. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has now accounted for U.S. Army Pvt. Roman Cherubini, a 22-year-old twin and World War II soldier from Bridgeton. Cherubini was serving with the 475th Infantry Regiment in the China-India-Burma Theater when he was killed. Roman Cherubini (left) and his twin brother, Raymond, both fought in WWII. POW/MIA His remains were said to have been buried in at least eight different locations, including the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, the DPAA had his remains exhumed and tested. Late last year, an identification was made using dental, anthropological and mitochondrial DNA analysis. The DPAA said Cherubini fought in a series of running battles against numerically superior Japanese forces in the jungles of Burma in 1944. The light infantry formation, known as Merrills Marauders, was equivalent to a regular regiment in size and was specialized for jungle fighting behind enemy lines. Merrills Marauders entered Burma in February 1944 and began assaulting the supply lines of the Japanese 18th Division in the Hukawng and Mogaung valleys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 17, the Marauders seized a strategic airfield near the village of Myitkyina with the help of two Chinese infantry regiments. Cherubinis death was covered in local papers. POW/MIA Cherubinis remains were interred in at least eight different locations. POW/MIA Cherubini died fighting in the jungles of Myanmar. The Washington Post via Getty Images Japanese forces in Myitkyina were finally routed on Aug. 3 after more than two months of grueling jungle combat. He died June 16, 1944, in the midst of the battle for Myitkyina, but the exact circumstances around his death are unknown. The remains of servicemen killed in that battle were buried in temporary cemeteries as well as isolated burial locations. Their mission complete, Merrills Marauders were disbanded. They had marched 750 miles through the jungle and fought in five major engagements. Over two hundred of the Marauders were killed by disease and enemy action, and many were lost in the back-and-forth battles in harsh jungle terrain, according to the agency. Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Occupational medicine physician Robert Nathan Clapp discusses his article, Why you should take a closer look at occupational and environmental medicine. Addressing the pervasive issue of physician burnout, Robert introduces occupational and environmental medicine (OEM) a specialty under preventive medicine as a compelling but often overlooked field boasting high job satisfaction and low burnout. He notes that despite its appeal, only about 20 percent of OEM residents knew about the specialty before finishing medical school, leading many to transition later in their careers. Robert explains that OEM focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating workplace and environmental injuries and illnesses, uniquely blending clinical care with public health principles. Key advantages drawing physicians to OEM include extremely diverse career paths (ranging from 100 percent clinical to 100 percent non-clinical in various settings like corporations, government, and academics), excellent work-life balance with minimal call or weekend work, a focus on functional outcomes rather than volume metrics, competitive salaries, and high demand. Furthermore, residency training is accessible (often two years, or even one year for those with prior GME) and includes a master of public health (MPH) degree, with prior specialty experience often being highly valued. Actionable takeaways encourage physicians feeling dissatisfied or burnt out, as well as medical students, to explore OEM as a pathway to a more sustainable and rewarding medical career. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, its backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertiseand its built on a foundation of trust. Its time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended Transcript Kevin Pho: Hi, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today we welcome Robert Nathan Clapp. Hes an occupational medicine physician. Todays KevinMD article is Why you should take a closer look at occupational and environmental medicine. Nate, welcome to the show. Robert Nathan Clapp: Thanks, Kevin. I appreciate it. Kevin Pho: Lets start by briefly sharing your story and journey. ADVERTISEMENT Robert Nathan Clapp: OK. I was originally a family medicine physician in the Navy for about 14 years. I did a mix of what we call operational medicine, working as a flight surgeon, taking care of helicopter squadrons for both Navy and Marine Corps, doing international deployments and stationed abroad as well as based across the nation. And then over time, I really enjoyed more the care of the workforce, and military medicine is very much that. And so I desired to switch to occupational medicine, which is worker health across all industries. I ended up getting out of the Navy and doing a residency at the University of California, San Francisco. I got exposed to a wide variety of industries, and that evoked more of the passion of why I switched over, and it made it very rewarding. I found at points in my career as a family physician, I got tired at times of certain things. Hypertension, diabetes, all of that is really important. But at times it gets monotonous and can be boring. And also just the pull from different aspects of clinic, hospital, ER, OBall those factors were making it hard to feel fulfilled and sustained, which is one reason I switched. Thats what got me and a number of my colleagues at ACOM, which is the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Theyre working on trying to recruit more physicians into the occupational medicine sector. And its an area that a lot of people dont know about. And its often thought of as just workers compensation care, but it is environmental medicine, climate change. It includes keeping people in the hospital safe and healthy. It is travel medicine. It is a wide variety of aspects, and theres a niche for everyone. So, for me it was a second career, and thats actually true for a lot of physicians who do occupational medicine. They wanted a change in their career, whether it was because they wanted to tailor their care to certain populations, or there was some burnout, a combination of both, or they just didnt know about it earlier on. And found out about it later in life. And so the purpose of the article was to try and let people know about this specialty and the pros and cons of it. There are a lot of pros, and I think its a great solution to some of the burnout that we can experience, especially in primary care. But other specialties will dabble in occupational medicine factors as well. Kevin Pho: Why do you think occupational medicine is relatively unknown despite the satisfaction rates among those in the profession? Robert Nathan Clapp: I think part of it is its only thought of as workers compensation from a lot of sectors, and thats not true. We also do employee health and surveillance of medical programs for noise, so hearing issues, exposure to certain chemicals. And then for things like firefighters and drivers, were very much involved in keeping them healthy and making sure theyre safe to do their job. Other reasons are the funding system sources for residencies in the U.S. are not traditional Medicare, Medicaid funding. Its a bunch of grants from NIOSH educational grants and other sources of funding, and it can fluctuate at times. And so funding, I think, plays a role. So a lot of people dont get exposure to these types of rotations in medical school or residency. And if youre not somewhere near an occupational, a workers compensation clinic, or employee health clinic, you may not get a chance to ever see what thats involved. And also some of the jobs are corporate. So youre working as a medical director for some company, whether its in the U.S. or outside or spread across the world. Kevin Pho: Now, are the majority of occupational medicine physicians taking that on as a second career? Do you get a lot of new graduates going into occupational medicine? Robert Nathan Clapp: I think its somewhere around 50-50. At least when I was switching overI got out of the Navy and switched to occupational medicine in 2018I think it was a little more than 50 percent were from a prior career. But there are a number of people who were doing it as their first and only training just because they had an opportunity to see whats involved and there may be something that speaks to them. And if youre working with someone who really enjoys taking care of employees and gets excited about the different hazards and taking care of certain sectors of industry, thats going to resonate with them and get them interested. Kevin Pho: What is the day-to-day like as an occupational medicine physician? And granted, I know that there are a lot of different tracks as you previously mentioned. In your day-to-day, whats it typically like? Robert Nathan Clapp: I work at a large multi-facility medical group. And I do mostly workers compensation, but I do take care of the hospital employees as well as doing pre-employment physicals and surveillance for some of the employers out in town. But most of what I do is workers compensation. And I work in an area that has a wide variety of industries, from agriculture to construction, lots of law enforcement, correctional facilities, first responders. A whole host of fabrication, office workers, education systemsa pretty wide range compared to some of the other cities that may have a much narrower focus. So for me, its exciting because there are so many different types of injuries that you can see. A lot of training in occupational medicine will let you do some site visits to different factories, work sites. And you get to see the hazards, and sometimes once youve seen one pattern, when a patient is speaking to you about how they got hurt, you have some familiarity and you can fine-tune it and really understand how they got hurt, which makes a big difference. But we get a range of polytrauma from amputations to multiple rib fractures, lung disease, skin disorders. So Im still getting to use a lot of the educational skills I developed as a family physician. And Ive built on more of the musculoskeletal than I was using before, as well as some of the trauma that, even in the Navy, Im seeing stuff here that is challenging, so its great. Kevin Pho: Now, do you have the same administrative bureaucracy that typical primary care physicians would have a focus on? Metrics, performance, RVUs, productivity? Whats that like in the occupational medicine world? Robert Nathan Clapp: There are going to be some similarities and there are going to be some differences. Patient satisfaction plays a role, but some workers come in who are being seen under workers compensation, and theyre not going to be satisfied. And you do your best to control that. Some of the things that we follow are timelines of getting your reports done and processed for the insurance adjuster. We do impairment reports for when were wrapping up a claim and measuring how much injury their body sustained on a permanent basis, and if they need permanent restrictions for life, and deadlines for those. And then we still follow a lot of the HEDIS measures for our facility. Our low back pain guidelines for X-rays still hold true; for instance, Choosing Wisely principles still apply. We have the ability to help our patients complete their preventive screenings when their primary care physician has badgered them and theyre not making progress. I can say, This is important. I was great on this in the past, and its important to me because its important to your health. So I can help speak for and be an advocate for their primary care. And so I help their physician look good, help the patient get good routine primary care, as well as the facility. Immunization rates are also relevant. I think the main bureaucratic complaint that people will have is the paperwork for workers compensation. There will be some similarities to pre-authorizations for your requests. So there are guidelines about when we can and cannot request consults. Imaging has to meet the standard of care or have a good justification for why youre requesting it early or with this particular patient. But thats typical of any medical career, but we get a lot of requests for response from the insurance adjuster, or the adjuster is getting a complaint or a question from the employer, and then theyre relaying it back to us. And were trying to advocateunder HIPAA, were still advocating for the patient or to help answer what may be a concern. Kevin Pho: Now, for those who transitioned to occupational medicine as a second career, are most previously family physicians? Robert Nathan Clapp: No, theres a wide range. I think the majority are going to be primary care: internal medicine, family medicine. There are a number of pediatricians that switch over to do some level of occupational, and they often will go into environmental medicine. Addressing issues like asthma and pollution, which is really relevant to the health of children. But theres also a lot of people that do occupational medicine as orthopedists, cardiologists, pulmonologists. There are some OB-GYNs that will dabble in it as well for reproductive health and its interaction with the workplace or environmental contaminants. So theres a pretty wide variety, and once in a while youll see some dermatologists who really get into the occupational realm as well. Kevin Pho: Differentiate between the occupational and the environmental aspects of the specialty. Does one typically focus more on one aspect? You, for instance: whats your proportion between the occupational and the environmental aspects of your specialty? Robert Nathan Clapp: I think for most clinics that are doing workers compensation care, the majority of it is going to be the occupational or worker health realm. Some clinics, depending on if theyre near a research center or they have close connections with pulmonologists that also treat asthma, COPD, and air pollution, they may naturally have a stronger association with that. And theyre kind of like a gateway to pulmonologists. Some of the environmental medicine work is done with pulmonologists. So I think theres a small chunk where they really only do environmental medicine. But for most occupational clinics, I would say that the majority is going to be industrial or work site injury. But I work in Central California, and so forest fires and agriculture, all that plays a role in air quality. And so I do some of it, but not as much as other places may do, where theres more of a robust research that some of the academic facilities will do. Kevin Pho: Now, if a physician is interested in transitioning to occupational medicine, what exactly would that entail? Robert Nathan Clapp: There are different paths. You dont have to do a second residency in occupational medicine to do it. But you do want to learn, have some exposure to someone who knows your state laws, because every state is going to vary on their workers compensation laws. And you dont want to get in trouble by violating laws ignorantly. But there are a number of people who start working at a workers compensation clinic, and they were not formally trained in occupational medicine. But they required some training and mentoring by people who do workers compensation. So theres that route. Theres a lot that are just like me that did a previous residency or some people who start a residency and then realize, This isnt what I want to do. And often theyll find out about occupational medicine and switch over and then theyll actually do a formal residency. Every occupational medicine residency, which falls under the American Board of Preventive Medicine, requires a Master of Public Health. And so, because youre doing a lot of public health, preventive medicine, and population health and biostatistics for what youre justifying, especially if youre managing an industry, youre using the biostatistics pretty regularly for population health for different industries. Kevin Pho: Now, for those medical students who may be listening to you now, what kind of traits should they have? What type of questions should they ask themselves to see whether occupational medicine is right for them? Robert Nathan Clapp: I think the biggest thing, if you ask most occupational physicians, is: do you care about worker health? And dont take that negatively. I mean, it helps for that to be a passion. Or does some sector of industry or population really excite you? So people that really care about agricultural workers or peace officers, law enforcement, first responderssometimes thats what drives them. Others are heavy in the tech industry, and they build relationships and start learning about the hazards, whether chemical or even ergonomic hazards, from those sectors, and thats what gets them excited. So if you like a wide variety of things similar to family medicine, I think occupational medicine fits that becauseand it depends on where you workbut I get to do a lot of eye injuries, wound care, wound repair, fracture management, post-operative management, chronic health conditions. So you have a pretty wide range of types of conditions you can be treating and managing along with your specialists. And that will vary based on where you live and what industries are nearby. It also depends on where you work and which insurance companies will use your clinic for the care of their employees. That plays a role. But I think for medical students, if youre interested in worker health, thats a great start. Or if youre passionate about a particular population, theres a niche for you in occupational medicine. Kevin Pho: Were talking with Nate Clapp. Hes an occupational medicine physician. Todays KevinMD article is Why you should take a closer look at occupational and environmental medicine. Nate, share some take-home messages that you want to leave with the KevinMD audience. Robert Nathan Clapp: I think the first one addresses one of the concerns that people have when theyre doing workers compensation: how do they say no to patients? How do they give workers appropriate restrictions, fight the battle of requested time off? I think if you stick with your clinical experience, your knowledge of anatomy and physiology, pathogenesis of the disease process, and expected timeline of recovery, and you hold to that, you can guide them to the appropriate transition back to their maximal improvement. And when they dont meet that, often thats a sign that youre no longer dealing with that actual injury. Theres something else going on. And that probably isnt the realm of what you should be doing. As you practice that and you get used to generating restrictions and being specific based on evidence-based medicine, I think it gets easier to properly protect patients from further injury, let them heal, and then get them back to full function both in and out of work. So thats one of the joys that I have. And I think the other take-home message is: Regardless of what youre passionate about, there is probably a place for you in our sector. And if you are late in your career and somethings dissatisfying you to a degree that youre really unhappy with medicine, a number of people felt that way and they have found a place for themselves that makes them thrive in occupational medicine. And it renews their vigor and their zest for care of the workforce and their patients. Kevin Pho: Nate, thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight, and thanks again for coming on the show. Robert Nathan Clapp: Thank you, Kevin. I appreciate it. May 18Mountain Brook is a blink-and-you-miss-it kind of place. Located on the eastern edge of the Flathead Valley, the rural community has never boasted more than a handful of residents. Longtime resident Susan Horner-Till said there's one surefire way to know you're in the right spot: look for the old schoolhouse. "This is the focal point," she said, gesturing around the school grounds on Foothill Road east of Creston. "You know you're in Mountain Brook when you're here." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The little white schoolhouse has stood sentinel over Mountain Brook since 1922, though a myriad of safety concerns now bars the building from use. Cracks zigzag through the concrete foundation. Chips of white paint drift from the siding like oversized asbestos-infused snowflakes. Inside, a plastic tarp hammocks a growing collection of mold between two rafters. Such symptoms are familiar to many of the state's rural schools. Montana boasts more one-room and two-room schoolhouses than any other state in the nation. Most were built in the early 20th century to serve small pioneering towns like Mountain Brook that now face declining populations. About 60 of Montana's 800 documented one-room schoolhouses currently operate as educational institutes. A handful of others have been converted into museums and historical sites. Many have been abandoned to time, left to decay in far-flung corners of the state. The loss of these historic schools extends far beyond simple brick and mortar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That architecture, that building is very special to us, but it's also this vessel for these stories," said Dustin Kalanick, an architect specializing in the preservation of historic buildings. While schools and other historic structures often carry deep meaning, residents often lack the funds and technical expertise to undertake renovations on their own. Kalanick recently partnered with the nonprofit Preserve Montana to address this issue through a series of workshops aimed at catalyzing community projects that preserve and restore rural schoolhouses. At each stop in the series, Kalanick and Preserve Montana's restoration director, Eli Smith, met with local leaders to evaluate the repair needs and brainstorm future uses of a decommissioned historic schoolhouse. "There's a lot of this that's just listening to the building and what it is giving us," said Kalanick. UNDERSTANDING THE full story of the Mountain Brook campus requires a trip back to 1908, when locals erected a log cabin to serve as the community's first classroom. The population of the booming timber town quickly outgrew the cramped structure, and in 1922, residents pitched in to build a new schoolhouse. Small luxuries such as a front porch and running water and electricity were added over the years, but the 1922 schoolhouse retained many of its original rustic charms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the 1990s, the student body of Mountain Brook School began to dwindle. Few students meant few funds to address a growing list of maintenance needs. In 1992, Mountain Brook School was consolidated into Cayuse Prairie School, though a few students continued to attend classes at the old campus through 1995, including Horner-Till's eldest daughter. For the remainder of the 20th century, Cayuse Prairie used the rural campus for field trips, including an annual event called Holocaust Day of Hiding, in which students walked to Mountain Brook School from Cayuse Prairie School and hid in the old buildings, pretending to be European Jews during World War II. Other special educational events, such as Medieval Day and Pioneer Day, featured demonstrations from local parents donning traditional garb. Gradually, though, these events waned. From her house across the street, Horner-Till watched as the old schoolhouse was boarded up. She mourned the sound of children at play. "I just have this feeling that the campus likes being used by the community," she said. "I just feel that the community belongs here. This is the center of Mountain Brook." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2002, Horner-Till gathered with other concerned residents to form the Mountain Brook Homestead Foundation. The group lobbied the school board to take over ownership of the unused school campus. It was far from a simple process. Back in 1927, the Brown family donated the acre of land the school stands on, under the stipulation that if the property was no longer being used for educational purposes, the deed would revert back to their family. Generations had since died, and it was unclear who should inherit the title to the land. While Cayuse Prairie initiated a quiet title suit to identify the rightful owner, the Mountain Brook Homestead Foundation took over maintenance of the campus. For the annual price of $12 plus the cost of utilities and insurance, the organization rented Mountain Brook School from Cayuse Prairie. The foundation quickly converted the newer gymnasium building into a community library and meeting space, but the one-room schoolhouse had far greater repair needs. The group devoted what time and energy they could to the building. Volunteers retrofitted the beams, tore out flooring riddled with asbestos and patched up holes in the roof. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, in 2020, the court identified Earleen French as the rightful heir to the school campus. French, in turn, donated the school to the Mountain Brook Homestead Foundation. She said her decision meant the property went "back to the community, where it should be." THE FOUNDATION is now focused on returning the schoolhouse to a usable state. Sharon Martin has spearheaded much of these recent efforts after joining the organization in 2023. The small community group, she said, has undergone "a lot of growing pains, but really good growing pains" in recent years. Last month, the organization secured funding through Montana West Economic Development to test the campus for lead paint, asbestos and other potentially harmful substances, and Martin is now coordinating with officials to add the campus to the National Register of Historic Places. The Preserve Montana workshop is another step in the right direction. On a crisp morning in late April, Martin, Horner-Till and a dozen other members of the Mountain Brook School gathered on the steps of the schoolhouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kalanick and Smith lead the crowd around the building, pointing out various age spots in need of repair. There was undoubtedly a lot of work to be done, but that was to be expected. Old buildings can be finicky, even demanding. "They're a bit emotional. They get lonely really easily," Kalanick told the group. "It's clear this building has been cared for and loved." "It's grateful," Smith agreed. At the end of the day, the prognosis was hopeful. With a little time and effort, Kalanick and Smith assured the foundation that the old schoolhouse could be restored to its former glory. Over lunch, board members simmered with ideas on how to use the space once renovations were complete. Ideas of a museum or a cottage craft school formed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only time will tell how the schoolhouse is reformed for the modern age, but one thing is certain. Mountain Brook School still has plenty of stories to tell. For more information on the Mountain Brook Homestead Foundation, visit mtbrookfoundation.org. Reporter Hailey Smalley may be reached at 758-4433 or hsmalley@dailyinterlake.com. The historic Mountain Brook School can be seen from Foothill Road. (Hailey Smalley/Daily Inter Lake) The earliest known photo of the Mountain Brook School shows the building before it was expanded in 1955. (Mountain Brook Homestead Foundation) Eli Smith points out a hole in the foundation of the building. He suggested covering the opening with mesh to prevent animals from entering the building. (Hailey Smalley/Daily Inter Lake) Flaking paint was among Susan Horner-Till's chief concerns. The paint is likely lead-based and needs to be covered or removed. (Hailey Smalley/Daily Inter Lake) DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A street was renamed to honor a local religious leader this Sunday. Gold Street is now Rev. Dr. P.E. Henderson Jr. Way. The Corinthian Baptist Church, at 700 S. James H. McGee Blvd., held a renaming ceremony which began at 11 a.m. Rev. Dr. Henderson Jr. is the lead pastor at Corinthian and Moderator of the Miami Valley Baptist District Association. Throughout his life, he has left a remarkable impact on both Dayton and the Miami Valley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NATO summit has blood center seeking more donors, just in case He began preaching at 16 years old, he was licensed and ordained by his father, late Rev. P. E. Henderson, Sr. Hendersons education spans multiple local institutions. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Central State University; a Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisville, Kentucky); and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary of Dayton. He has preached and lectured at several colleges and seminaries across the country. He was invited to The White House with over 200 major religious leaders in 2000 to speak with former President Clinton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1990, Henderson wrote The Black Church Credit Union, which is renowned for its historical look at Christian stewardship and traditional African values. WDTN photo via Kris Sproles. WDTN photo via Kris Sproles. WDTN photo via Kris Sproles. To learn more about Corinthian Baptist Church, 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. The Food and Drug Administration, now under the leadership of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has severely restricted the use of the NovavaxCOVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine will now only be available to high-risk individuals and will not be administered to those who may need it to protect others. Kennedys FDA approved the use of the Novavax Covid-19 vaccine, but with strict conditions. It will only be made available to older people and those over the age of 12 with at least one medical condition that leaves them at high risk from Covid, The New York Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisers have been discussing whether to recommend the vaccine only for those most at risk. The new restrictions mean that healthy people over the age of 65 wont be able to get the Novavax vaccine, even if they have an immunocompromised friend or family member. Critics have slammed the restrictions for being in line with Kennedys vaccine skepticism (Getty) Critics have slammed the restrictions for being in line with Kennedys vaccine skepticism. The secretary has ordered an investigation into the debunked claim that vaccines cause autism. The Novavax vaccine was previously only allowed to be used in emergencies. Meanwhile, the FDA gave full approval to vaccines by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna in 2022 under the Biden administration. Both companies are producing updated versions of their vaccines for the fall. Former CDC adviser and Massachusetts General Hospital infectious disease physician Dr Camille Kotton told The Times that the new restrictions were incredibly disappointing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know why they would make this restriction; I dont know of any indication to make this change, she added. She noted that many people are still sent to hospital and dying because of Covid-19. She called it a dark day in American medicine. The vaccine's approval requires the company to finish studies into whether it is connected to several heart conditions. However, some of the necessary research can be done with existing data. However, The Times reported that one of the new studies would force the company to follow thousands of people between the ages of 50 and 65, a study that may cost tens of millions of dollars. Dr. Ofer Levy of Boston Childrens Hospital, where he directs the precision vaccine program, is a vaccine adviser to the FDA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve got to make sure the vaccine safety is crystal clear to engender public confidence, Levy noted. On the other hand, wheres that line where you put in too much regulation, it starts to become so challenging that the economics of even making a vaccine are called into question? I dont pretend to know the answer, Levy added. Dr. Paul Offit is a vaccine expert at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. I think the goal of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is to make vaccines less available, more expensive, and more feared, he told the paper. His goal is to tear away at the vaccine infrastructure, because he believes that vaccines are not beneficial and are only harmful. Photo by Getty Images. The National Institutes of Healths sweeping cuts of grants that fund scientific research are inflicting pain almost universally across the U.S., including in most states that backed President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. A KFF Health News analysis underscores that the terminations are sparing no part of the country, politically or geographically. About 40% of organizations whose grants the NIH cut in its first month of slashing, which started Feb. 28, are in states Trump won in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has singled out Ivy League universities including Columbia and Harvard for broad federal funding cuts. But the spending reductions at the NIH, the nations foremost source of funding for biomedical research, go much further: Of about 220 organizations that had grants terminated, at least 94 were public universities, including flagship state schools in places such as Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Nebraska and Texas. The Trump administration has canceled hundreds of grants supporting research on topics such as vaccination; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and the health of LGBTQ+ populations. Some of the terminations are a result of Trumps executive orders to abandon federal work on diversity and equity issues. Others followed the Senate confirmation of anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the NIH. Many mirror the ambitions laid out in Project 2025s Mandate for Leadership, the conservative playbook for Trumps second term. Affected researchers say Trump administration officials are taking a cudgel to efforts to improve the lives of people who often experience worse health outcomes ignoring a scientific reality that diseases and other conditions do not affect all Americans equally. KFF Health News found that the NIH terminated about 780 grants or parts of grants between Feb. 28 and March 28, based on documents published by the Department of Health and Human Services and a list maintained by academic researchers. Some grants were canceled in full, while in other cases, only supplements extra funding related to the main grant, usually for a shorter-term, related project were terminated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among U.S. recipients, 96 of the institutions that lost grants in the first month are in politically conservative states including Florida, Ohio, and Indiana, where Republicans control the state government or voters reliably support the GOP in presidential campaigns, or in purple states such as North Carolina, Michigan, and Pennsylvania that were presidential battleground states. An additional 124 institutions are in blue states. Sybil Hosek, a research professor at the University of Illinois-Chicago, helps run a network that focuses on improving care for people 13 to 24 years old who are living with or at risk for HIV. The NIH awarded Florida State University $73 million to lead the HIV project. We never thought they would destroy an entire network dedicated to young Americans, said Hosek, one of the principal investigators of the Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions. The termination doesnt make sense to us. NIH official Michelle Bulls is director of the Office of Policy for Extramural Research Administration, which oversees grants policy and compliance across NIH institutes. In terminating the grant March 21, Bulls wrote that research based primarily on artificial and nonscientific 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adolescents and young adults ages 13 to 24 accounted for 1 in 5 new HIV infections in the U.S. in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its science in its highest form, said Lisa Hightow-Weidman, a professor at Florida State University who co-leads the network. I dont think we can make America healthy again if we leave youth behind. HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard said in an emailed statement that NIH is taking action to terminate research funding that is not aligned with NIH and HHS priorities. The NIH and the White House didnt respond to requests for comment. As we begin to Make America Healthy Again, its important to prioritize research that directly affects the health of Americans. We will leave no stone unturned in identifying the root causes of the chronic disease epidemic as part of our mission to Make America Healthy Again, Hilliard said. Harm to HIV, Vaccine Studies The NIH, with its nearly $48 billion annual budget, is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, awarding nearly 59,000 grants in the 2023 fiscal year. The Trump administration has upended funding for projects that were already underway, stymied money for new applications, and sought to reduce how much recipients can spend on overhead expenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those changes plus the firing of 1,200 agency employees as part of mass layoffs across the government are alarming scientists and NIH workers, who warn that they will undermine progress in combating diseases and other threats to the nations public health. On April 2, the American Public Health Association, Ibis Reproductive Health, and affected researchers, among others, filed a lawsuit in federal court against the NIH and HHS to halt the grant cancellations. Two National Cancer Institute employees, who were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press and feared retaliation, said its staff receives batches of grants to terminate almost daily. On Feb. 27, the cancer institute had more than 10,800 active projects, the highest share of the NIHs roughly two dozen institutes and centers, according to the NIHs website. At least 47 grants that NCI awarded were terminated in the first month. Kennedy has said the NIH should take a years-long pause from funding infectious disease research. In November 2023, he told an anti-vaccine group, Im gonna say to NIH scientists, God bless you all. Thank you for public service. Were going to give infectious disease a break for about eight years, according to NBC News. For years, Kennedy has peddled falsehoods about vaccines including that no vaccine is safe and effective, and that there are other studies out there showing a connection between vaccines and autism, a link that has repeatedly been debunked and claimed falsely that HIV is not the only cause of AIDS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KFF Health News found that grants in blue states were disproportionately affected, making up roughly two-thirds of terminated grants, many of them at Columbia University. The university had more grants terminated than all organizations in politically red states combined. On April 4, Democratic attorneys general in 16 states sued HHS and the NIH to block the agency from canceling funds. Researchers whose funding was stripped said they stopped clinical trials and other work on improving care for people with HIV, reducing vaping and smoking rates among LGBTQ+ teens and young adults, and increasing vaccination rates for young children. NIH grants routinely span several years. For example, Hosek said that when the youth HIV/AIDS networks funding was terminated, she and her colleagues were preparing to launch a clinical trial examining whether a particular antibiotic that is effective for men to prevent sexually transmitted infections would also work for women. This is a critically important health initiative focused on young women in the United States, she said. Without that study, women dont have access to something that men have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other scientists said they were testing how to improve health outcomes among newborns in rural areas with genetic abnormalities, or researching how to improve flu vaccination rates among Black children, who are more likely to be hospitalized and die from the virus than non-Hispanic white children. Its important for people to know that if, you know, they are wondering if this is just a waste of time and money. No, no. It was a beautiful and rare thing that we did, said Joshua Williams, a pediatric primary care doctor at Denver Health in Colorado who was researching whether sharing stories about harm experienced due to vaccine-preventable diseases from missed birthdays to hospitalizations and job loss might inspire caregivers to get their children vaccinated against the flu. He and his colleagues had recruited 200 families, assembled a community advisory board to understand which vaccinations were top priorities, created short videos with people who had experienced vaccine-preventable illness, and texted those videos to half of the caregivers participating in the study. They were just about to crack open the medical records and see if it had worked: Were the group who received the videos more likely to follow through on vaccinations for their children? Thats when he got the notice from the NIH. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is the policy of NIH not to prioritize research activities that focuses gaining scientific knowledge on why individuals are hesitant to be vaccinated and/or explore ways to improve vaccine interest and commitment, the notice read. Williams said the work was already having an impact as other institutions were using the idea to start projects related to cancer and dialysis. A Hit to Rural Health Congress previously tried to ensure that NIH grants also went to states that historically have had less success obtaining biomedical research funding from the government. Now those places arent immune to the NIHs terminations. Sophia Newcomer, an associate professor of public health at the University of Montana, said she had 18 months of work left on a study examining undervaccination among infants, which means they were late in receiving recommended childhood vaccines or didnt receive the vaccines at all. Newcomer had been analyzing 10 years of CDC data about childrens vaccinations and had already found that most U.S. infants from 0 to 19 months old were not adequately vaccinated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her grant was terminated March 10, with the NIH letter stating the project no longer effectuates agency priorities, a phrase replicated in other termination letters KFF Health News has reviewed. States like Montana dont get a lot of funding for health research, and health researchers in rural areas of the country are working on solutions to improve rural health care, Newcomer said. And so cuts like this really have an impact on the work were able to do. Montana is one of 23 states, along with Puerto Rico, that are eligible for the NIHs Institutional Development Award program, meant to bolster NIH funding in states that historically have received less investment. Congress established the program in 1993. The NIHs grant terminations hit institutions in 15 of those states, more than half that qualify, plus Puerto Rico. Researchers Cant Just Do It Again Later The NIHs research funds are deeply entrenched in the U.S. health care system and academia. Rarely does an awarded grant stay within the four walls of a university that received it. One grants money is divvied up among other universities, hospitals, community nonprofits, and other government agencies, researchers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erin Kahle, an infectious disease epidemiologist at the University of Michigan, said she was working with Emory University in Georgia and the CDC as part of her study. She was researching the impact of intimate partner violence on HIV treatment among men living with the virus. They are relying on our funds, too, she said. Kahle said her top priority was to ethically and safely wind down her nationwide study, which included 418 people, half of whom were still participating when her grant was terminated in late March. Kahle said that includes providing resources to participants for whom sharing experiences of intimate partner violence may cause trauma or mental health distress. Rachel Hess, the co-director of the Clinical & Translational Science Institute at the University of Utah, said the University of Nevada-Reno and Intermountain Health, one of the largest hospital systems in the West, had received funds from a $38 million grant that was awarded to the University of Utah and was terminated March 12. The institute, which aims to make scientific research more efficient to speed up the availability of treatments for patients, supported more than 5,000 projects last year, including 550 clinical trials with 7,000 participants. Hess said that, for example, the institute was helping design a multisite study involving people who have had heart attacks to figure out the ideal mix of medications to keep them alive before they get to the hospital, a challenge thats more acute in rural communities. After pushback from the university the institutes projects included work to reduce health care disparities between rural and urban areas the NIH restored its grant March 29. Among the people the Utah center thanked in its announcement about the reversal were the states congressional delegation, which consists entirely of Republican lawmakers. We are grateful to University of Utah leadership, the University of Utah Board of Trustees, our legislative delegation, and the Utah community for their support, it said. Hilliard, of HHS, said that some grants have been reinstated following the appeals process, and the agency will continue to carry out the remaining appeals as planned to determine their alignment. She declined to say how many had been reinstated, or why the University of Utah grant was among them. Other researchers havent had the same luck. Kahle, in Michigan, said projects like hers can take a dozen years from start to finish applying for and receiving NIH funds, conducting the research, and completing follow-up work. Even if there are changes in the next administration, were looking at at least a decade of setting back the research, Kahle said. Its not as easy as like, OK, well just do it again later. It doesnt really work that way. Methodology KFF Health News analyzed National Institutes of Health grant data to determine the states and organizations most affected by the Trump administrations cuts. We tallied the number of terminated NIH grants using two sources: a Department of Health and Human Services list of terminated grants published April 4; and a crowdsourced list maintained by Noam Ross of rOpenSci and Scott Delaney of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, as of April 8. We focused on the first month of terminations: from Feb. 28 to March 28. We found that 780 awards were terminated in total, with 770 of them going to recipients based in U.S. states and two to recipients in Puerto Rico. The analysis does not account for potential grant reinstatements, which we know happened in at least one instance. Additional information on the recipients, such as location and business type, came from the USAspending.gov Award Data Archive. There were 222 U.S. recipients in total. At least 94 of them were public higher education institutions. Forty-one percent of organizations that had NIH grants cut in the first month were in states that President Donald Trump won in the 2024 election. Some recipients, including the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, are medical facilities associated with higher education institutions. We classified these as hospitals/medical centers. We also wanted to see whether the grant cuts affected states across the political spectrum. We generally classified states as blue if Democrats control the state government or Democratic candidates won them in the last three presidential elections, and red if they followed this pattern but for Republicans. Purple states are generally presidential battleground states or those where voters regularly split their support between the two parties: Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The result was 25 red states, 17 blue states, and eight purple states. The District of Columbia was also blue. We found that, of affected U.S. institutions, 96 were in red or purple states and 124 were in blue states. KFF Health News intern Henry Larweh contributed to this report. This article first appeared on KFF Health News and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) The Rhode Island Brick Convention returned to the West Warwick Civic Center this weekend. This is the events third year running. Special guests and some elaborate set builds were featured. The annual event raises money for Creations for Charity, a non-profit that buys LEGO sets for under-privileged children around the world during the holidays. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. VATICAN CITY (AP) Pope Leo XIV vowed Sunday to work for unity in a polarized Catholic Church and world, as history's first American pope offered a message of healing during an inaugural Mass in St. Peters Square before an estimated 200,000 pilgrims, presidents, patriarchs and princes. Leo officially opened his pontificate by taking his first popemobile tour through the piazza, a rite of passage that has become synonymous with the papacys global reach and mediatic draw. The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary smiled and waved from the back of the truck to people waving U.S., Peruvian and other national flags, and stopped to bless some babies in the crowd. During the Mass, Leo appeared to choke up when the two potent symbols of the papacy were placed on him the lambswool stole over his shoulders and the fishermans ring on his finger as if the weight of responsibility of leading the 1.4-billion strong church had just sunk in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He turned his hand to look at the ring and then clasped his hands in front of him in prayer. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, one of the last foreign officials to see Pope Francis before he died, led the American delegation honoring the Chicago-born Leo. Vance paid his respects at Francis' tomb after arriving in Rome late Saturday. The theme of Leo's papacy In his homily, Leo said that he wanted to be a servant to the faithful through the two dimensions of the papacy, love and unity, so that the church could be a force for peace in the world. I would like that our first great desire be for a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world, he said. In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earths resources and marginalizes the poorest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His words echoed some of Francis key priorities, but his call for unity was significant, given the polarization in the Catholic Church in the United States and beyond. Francis radical 12-year pontificate, which emphasized care for the poor and marginalized, and disdain for the capitalist economic system, often alienated conservatives who begged for a new pope who could pacify divisions. Leos election on May 8, after a remarkably quick 24-hour conclave, appears to have pleased conservative Catholics who seem to appreciate his more disciplined, traditional style and Augustinian background, emphasizing core truths of Catholic doctrine. Leo drove that message home by wearing the papacy's formal red cape, or mozzetta, to receive Vance and official government delegations after the Mass. Francis had eschewed many of the formalities of the papacy as part of his simple style, but Leo's return to the traditional garb has pleased conservatives and traditionalists, who breathed a sigh of relief when he came out onto the the loggia wearing the red cape on May 8. But Leo did break protocol when he gave his older brother, Louis Prevost, a self-described political MAGA-type, a bear hug in the basilica when he and his wife came up to greet the pope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let us build a church founded on Gods love, a sign of unity, a missionary church that opens its arms to the world, proclaims the word, allows itself to be made restless by history, and becomes a leaven of harmony for humanity, Leo said. Tight security and protocol Strict diplomatic protocol dictated the seating arrangements at the inaugural Mass, with both the U.S. and Peru getting front-row seats thanks to Leos dual citizenship. Vance, a Catholic convert who tangled with Francis over the Trump administrations mass migrant deportation plans, was joined by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who arrived in Rome ahead of time to try to advance Russia-Ukraine peace talks. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte was one of around a dozen heads of state who attended, as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Russia had planned to send its culture minister, but was represented by its ambassador, reports said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diplomatic protocol also dictated the dress code: While most wore black, a handful of Catholic royals Queen Letizia of Spain and Princess Charlene of Monaco, among others wore white in a special privilege allowed them. Three dozen of the worlds other Christian churches sent representatives, the Jewish community had a 13-member delegation, half of them rabbis. Other representatives headed Buddhist, Muslim, Zoroastrian, Hindu, Sikh and Jain delegations. Security was tight, as it was for Francis funeral on April 26, which drew an estimated 250,000 people. The Vatican said that 200,000 were on hand Sunday in the piazza and surrounding streets, parks and piazzas, where giant television screens and portable toilets were set up. At the end of the Mass, Leo expressed hope for negotiations to bring a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and offered prayers for the people of Gaza children, families and older people who are reduced to starvation, he said. Leo made no mention of hostages taken by Hamas from southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, as Francis usually did when praying for Gaza. Zelenskyy later had a formal audience with Leo at the Vatican, and then met with Vance and Rubio at the U.S. residence in Rome. In a post on X, Zelenskyy said that he stressed the need for a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible and for diplomatic pressure on Russia until they are eager to stop the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Americans are rejoicing Susan Hanssen, a professor who was born in Chicago and just arrived in Rome to teach, said that she thought Leos homily about unity would resonate in the U.S. and beyond. I think he will inspire, she said after the Mass. What I particularly loved was the phrasing, unity within the doctrine of the faith, and then in love. U.S. seminarian Ethan Menning, 21, from Omaha, Nebraska, wrapped himself in an American flag, purchased at a truck stop in Iowa, to celebrate. Rome always felt like home for a Catholic, but now coming here and seeing one of our own on the throne of Peter ... it almost makes Jesus himself more accessible, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two symbols of the papacy handed to Leo were the pallium stole and the fishermans ring. The pallium, draped across his shoulders, symbolizes the pastor carrying his flock as the pope carries the faithful. The ring, which becomes Leos official seal, harks back to Jesus call to the apostle Peter to cast his fishing nets. Gregory and Susan Hudak, who lived for 40 years in the Chicago area, found themselves in Rome after booking a trip in February, with just a faint hope of perhaps glimpsing the pope. Seeing the popemobile pass by in front of them, with Leo on board, was even better than watching Michael Jordan play, said Gary Hudak, a former altar boy wearing a Chicago Bears hat. Originally, the only hope I had coming here was to see the inside of the Sistine Chapel," he said. "Seeing the pope was not scheduled, it was a long-shot hope. And this was a treasure, simple as that. ___ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giovanna Dell'Orto, David Biller and Isaia Monteleone contributed to this report. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A teacher at Riverview High School was arrested Friday after being accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a student, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office. Detectives said they opened an investigation after being informed about an inappropriate relationship between Brooke Anderson, 27, and a male student. After interviewing the student, detectives reported that the relationship began in September 2024 with explicit text message exchanges. Credit: Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office In the weeks leading up to the arrest, the relationship escalated, and detectives said the student told them about multiple instances of sexual activity, the most recent occurring in Andersons classroom the morning of her arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This teacher betrayed the trust of a student, a school, and an entire community, said Sheriff Chad Chronister. What should have been a safe, supportive environment for learning was exploited for abuse. Her actions are criminal, calculated, and deeply disturbing. The Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office arrested Anderson and charged her with unlawful sexual activity with a minor. Anyone with information regarding this case should contact the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office 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. Romanias pro-European Union, centrist presidential candidate Nicusor Dan won the countrys election Sunday, defeating his ultranationalist rival in a shocking upset. With 100% of the votes counted, the centrist candidate won nearly 54% of the ballots cast, a clear win over hard-right candidate George Simion, who is a fan of US President Donald Trump. Simion, who opposes providing military aid to Ukraine and is critical of the EU, looked on track to win the election after he swept the first round on May 4. But Dan gained ground after trouncing Simion in a televised debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While addressing a crowd of his jubilant supporters on Sunday, Dan said that the vote proved the incredible power of the Romanian society, according to Reuters. Elections are about community. In todays elections, a community of Romanians who want a profound change in Romania won, the 55-year-old mayor said. He also encouraged his supporters to have patience, saying a difficult period lies ahead, but necessary in order to balance the economy of this country, to build the foundations of a healthy society. Dan, who is currently the mayor of the capital Bucharest, is a strong supporter of Romanias NATO membership and has pledged to continue providing aid to Ukraine, which he sees as key to Romanias own security against the threat from Russia. He also campaigned on a promise to crack down on corruption. I feel relieved. I am happy. I feel hopeful, voter Alina Enache, 42, told Reuters. Im happy that were not heading towards the extremist way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simion conceded defeat in a video posted to X on Sunday night, despite calling himself the new president earlier in the day. But he also vowed to continue to fight alongside the sovereigntist patriots and conservatives around the world. He still captured the support of Romanias diaspora, one of the largest of any country in the world. About 60% of the diaspora voted for Simion in the first round. Since then, he spent a lot of time outside Romania, traveling to Austria, Italy, Poland, Belgium, France and the United Kingdom, in an effort to win over voters abroad. It was an honor for me to represent our movement in this battle. We lost this battle, but we didnt and will never lose our war, Simion said. The election comes five months after the result of the original vote, which saw former far-right outsider Calin Georgescu surge in popularity, was annulled over allegations of Russian interference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgescu was later banned from this months rerun after being charged with various crimes, including founding a fascist group. More than 10 million Romanians cast their vote in Sundays election, which was widely seen as a choice between East and West and a litmus test for the rise of Trump-style nationalism in Europe. An array of European leaders congratulated Dan on his victory, including Frances Emmanuel Macron, Polands Donald Tusk and Moldovas Maia Sandu. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also applauded Dans historic victory and Romanias role as a reliable partner to Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her eagerness to work with Dan as he becomes the countrys new leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Romanian people have turned out massively to the polls. They have chosen the promise of an open, prosperous Romania in a strong Europe. Together lets deliver on that promise, von der Leyen said on X. On Sunday, Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Andrei Tarnea said that the hallmarks of Russian interference were seen in the election. A viral campaign of fake news on Telegram and other social media platforms is aimed to influence the electoral process. This was expected and authorities debunked the fake news, Tarnea said. Russias Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova responded by questioning the integrity of the election. Its impossible to interfere in something like that only to get smeared in it. So dont smear anyone else with your electoral mess, she asserted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov added on Monday that the elections were strange, to say the least and criticized the earlier removal of far-right candidate Georgescu. CNNs Lauren Kent contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Royal Navy plans to replace the tugs that guide Britains 1bn nuclear submarines through narrow Scottish lochs as part of an overhaul of its ageing support vessels. Six tugs, including two that will operate at the Faslane nuclear base on the Clyde, are among 24 support boats due to be ordered under an 850m contract over the next decade. The tugs will be responsible for towing Astute-class hunter-killer submarines and Britains four Vanguard-class vessels that carry Trident nuclear missiles, which are themselves due to be replaced with 17,000-tonne Dreadnought subs from the early 2030s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The programme also involves the deployment of four new tugs to Devonport, a base for frigates and amphibious vessels. All of the craft are due to be built by Dutch shipbuilder Damen, which produces tugs, ferries and specialist craft. Dreadnought subs will replace Britains four Vanguard-class vessels from the early 2030s - BAE Systems Portsmouth, the main base for the Navys surface warships, already has a new supertug, the Tempest, which was commissioned from Damen to help manoeuvre aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. The new vessels will replace some that are decades old, including the Faslane-based tug Impulse, which was built in 1993 and helped bring HMS Astute back to port in 2010 after the submarine ran aground off Skye during sea trials. Some of the tugs scheduled to be retired in Devonport were built before the Falklands War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also due for replacement are vessels that transport personnel between warships in port, ammunition barges, barge-mounted cranes, a pilot vessel and a fuel barge, as well as craft that flush out the holds of other ships. Support services company Serco will be responsible for procuring the new fleet following a contract award from the Ministry of Defence. The companys marine services arm operates more than 90 vessels and has been supporting the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary for 28 years, although the latest renewal is the biggest it will have taken on. Anthony Kirby, Sercos boss, said the modernisation programme was vital to provide the Navy with the support it requires, day in, day out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Serco was also awarded a five-year contract to support military training exercises at the British Underwater Test and Evaluation Centre, a marine firing range near Skye. A third contract spanning 10 years includes offshore support for training exercises involving the Victoria and the Northern River, which carry rapid pursuit craft used by the Special Boat Service. 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. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday expressed cautious optimism about the Kremlins commitment to brokering peace with Ukraine as the U.S. continues to press for an end to the war thats stretched on for nearly three years. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke with Rubio on Saturday and, per Rubio, Lavrov said Russia is in the process of drafting a ceasefire proposal. He communicated in our call, that they are, their side will be working on a series of ideas and requirements that they would have in order to move forward with a ceasefire and further negotiations, Rubio said in an interview on CBSs Meet the Press. So well await that, and hopefully its a document that is close enough to what the Ukrainians want to be able to get to that point and maybe work out those differences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Are they tapping us along? Well, thats what were trying to find out, and well find out pretty soon, Rubio added. But the nations top diplomat stressed that the U.S. is in a new role as a possible peace accord starts to form. Were no longer flying all over the world trying to set up meetings; were responding to meetings that are set up and we always said were willing to do whatever it takes to bring them together if the opportunities present themselves, Rubio said. President Trump repeatedly has voiced frustration over the stagnant talks and recently threatened harsher sanctions on Russia if progress isnt made. He announced Saturday that he plans to speak separately with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky spoke with Rubio and Vice President Vance on Sunday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that if there is no progress in ceasefire negotiations with Russia in Ukraine in the near future, the US Senate will pass a new sanctions bill against Russia. Source: Marco Rubio, in an interview with CBS News Details: When asked by the interviewer whether Russia is deliberately delaying talks, Rubio responded that the United States is assessing whether Russia is genuinely committed to ending hostilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted that, at recent negotiations in Istanbul, the Ukrainian and Russian delegations agreed to exchange ceasefire proposals, which the US expects to reflect realistic and reasonable positions. Rubio warned that Russias continued imposition of unacceptable conditions would significantly influence Washingtons stance. "So we don't want to be involved in this process of just endless talks, there has to be some progress, some movement forward," he emphasised. He further stated that Washingtons patience is limited, and Congress is preparing a new sanctions package against Russia. Rubio indicated that, if Russia persists in delaying negotiations without showing intent to compromise, the Senate will act independently, regardless of the White Houses position. Rubio highlighted that a sanctions bill, initiated by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, has sufficient support from 80 senators, enough to override a potential presidential veto. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "The Senate is going to act, ultimately. I mean, I think in the past, we've asked to give us a little time to see if we can make some progress on our talks. But we've also been pretty clear with the Russian side for weeks now, going back six or seven weeks. We've been communicating to the Russian side that this effort was being undertaken. That we anticipated that when all was said and done, it would have close to 80 cosponsors in the Senate So I think that's just coming to fruition now." Background: In early May, Republican Lindsey Graham, one of Donald Trumps key allies in the US Senate, claimed that over 70 of his colleagues are ready to vote for new "bone-crushing" sanctions against Russia and huge tariffs on countries that assist Moscow. On 16 May, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the latest actions of Russian ruler Vladimir Putin demonstrate his unwillingness to pursue peace, and therefore sanctions against him must be tightened. On 16 May, for the first time in over three years, direct talks were held in Istanbul between Russian and Ukrainian delegations. The media also reported that the Russian delegation in Istanbul demanded that US representatives not be present at the talks with the Ukrainian side and put forward demands that are unrealistic and go far beyond what was previously discussed. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Russian Federation on May 18 detained an oil tanker sailing from the Estonian port of Sillamae, Estonia's Foreign Ministry reported. The incident comes three days after Russia reportedly violated NATO airspace with a fighter when Estonia attempted to intercept a suspected "shadow fleet" vessel in the Baltic Sea. The oil tanker Green Admire was a Greek-owned vessel sailing under a Liberian flag, the Estonian Foreign Ministry said. It departed from Estonia following a previously agreed-upon route via Russian territorial waters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The route was "selected for its maritime safety and not aligned strictly along national boundaries" and "established through mutual agreement between Russia, Estonia, and Finland," the ministry said in a statement. As a precaution, Estonia plans to redirect traffic to and from the Sillamae port exclusively through its own territorial waters. The ministry has also informed NATO allies of the incident. "Today's incident shows that Russia continues to behave unpredictably," Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said. A map of the Baltic Sea Region. (Lisa Kukharska/The Kyiv Independent) Baltic nations have sounded the alarm about Russia's increasing aggression in the Baltic Sea, including suspected acts of sabotage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, Latvia's Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD) reported that Russian military behavior in the Baltic Sea region is "increasing the threat of accidental military incidents." The report cited Russia's aggressive tactics, such as unauthorized airspace incursions and close encounters with NATO ships and aircraft. A Russian military jet on May 15 violated NATO airspace after the Estonian Navy tried to stop the Jaguar, a tanker believed to belong to Moscow's shadow fleet. Russia's "shadow fleet" of oil vessels consists of aging tankers used to circumvent sanctions, including those imposed by the EU, U.K., and U.S. Previously, on April 11, the Estonian Navy for the first time detained an oil tanker belonging to the shadow fleet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Russia plans training launch of Yars intercontinental ballistic missile overnight on May 19, Ukraines HUR claims Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. In the first incident of its kind, Russia detained the Green Admire, a Greek oil tanker which had set sail from the Estonian port of Sillamae, on Sunday 18 May. Source: Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by European Pravda Details: The Liberian-flagged Green Admire was intercepted in Russian territorial waters while sailing on a pre-approved route. Estonia's Foreign Ministry stated that the route, which had been chosen for maritime safety reasons and did not strictly follow national borders, had been established by mutual agreement between Russia, Estonia and Finland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To prevent similar incidents in the future, vessels bound for the Port of Sillamae will be rerouted through Estonian territorial waters. Quote from Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna: "Russia continues to behave in an unpredictable manner. Our Allies have been informed." Background: A few days prior to this incident, Estonia's navy had attempted to stop the Jaguar, a tanker sailing through international waters in the Gulf of Finland towards the Russian port of Primorsk. The tanker is believed to be part of Russia's shadow fleet, used to circumvent sanctions. The available information indicates that its crew refused to comply with orders from the Estonian border authorities, but the vessel later left Estonia's exclusive economic zone. The Jaguar is on the UK sanctions list. In response to Estonia's actions, Russia reportedly dispatched a fighter jet that violated Estonian airspace, the Estonian military said. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Russian military attacked Donetsk Oblast on May 17, killing one person and injuring an additional eight. This was reported by the Governor of Donetsk Oblast, Vadym Filashkin, on Telegram. The drone strike occurred in the morning and impacted the Yablunivka settlement, as well as Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad, and Andriivka. In Yablunivka, Russian forces attacked the settlement with an FPV drone, killing a 27-year-old woman. Russian forces also used drones to strike a civilian car in Andriivka, injuring five people including one minor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An additional two people were injured in Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. Earlier in the day, Russian shelling hit 18 towns and villages in Donetsk Oblast, as well as other oblasts across Ukraine. Donetsk Oblast has been the epicenter of Russian aggression since 2014, with increased fighting after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Read also: Explosions heard in Kyiv amid Russian drone attack as Ukraine-Russia peace talks loom Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russia battered Ukraine over the weekend with its largest drone attack since the war began, Ukraines military said Sunday, ahea d of an expected phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on ending hostilities. Russia launched 273 Shahed drones in one night, the Ukrainian Air Force said Sunday, predominantly targeting the central Kyiv region, where they killed a 28-year-old woman and wounded three others, including a 4-year-old child, according to the regions governor. More strikes hit overnight, killing at least two people and injuring 13 others, local authorities said Monday. The Ukrainian Air Force said Russia launched a further 112 drones in the early hours of Monday, attacking the regions of Kharkiv, Sumy, Donetsk, Cherkasy and Kirovohrad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The barrages came as Trump said he would speak to Putin by phone on Monday, which the Kremlin has confirmed. The Russian leader has previously ignored a proposal from Washington and Kyiv for a 30-day ceasefire and last week snubbed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys call to meet face-to-face for talks in Istanbul. Trump has said he doesnt think there will be a significant breakthrough on peace talks until he speaks with Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Monday that Russia is grateful to the American side for its mediation efforts, adding, if they really help us achieve our goals by peaceful means, then this is indeed preferable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US president is growing frustrated with Putin, Finlands President Alexander Stubb told local media on Sunday, after he spoke with Trump by phone the day before. Zelensky is patient, but Trump is starting to grow impatient toward Putin, Stubb told a press conference in Estonia. Meanwhile, Russian forces downed 75 Ukrainian drones over the weekend, state-run news agency TASS reported Sunday, citing Moscows defense ministry. A firefighter works at the site of a Russian drone strike outside of Kyiv. - Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters Days of back-and-forth These latest Russian aerial assaults come after a drone attack on a bus in Ukraines northeastern region of Sumy killed at least nine people and injured seven Saturday, just hours after the two countries met for the first direct peace talks since the early weeks of Russias 2022 invasion. The negotiations in Turkey failed to produce a major breakthrough. The two countries discussed a possible meeting between their presidents, a ceasefire and agreed a prisoner swap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The talks capped days of back-and-forth: Putin called for the face-to-face meeting but did not attend, instead sending a junior delegation after rejecting Ukraines proposal of a 30-day ceasefire. During the talks, Russia demanded Ukraine cede land that was still under Kyivs control, a source familiar with Fridays negotiations told CNN, a position Ukraine has long dismissed. The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Poland called Russias stance in the talks unacceptable. In a TV interview with a Russian state media journalist released Sunday, Putin said he wanted to eliminate the causes of the conflict. The footage had a date banner reading March 27, but its release Sunday perhaps signals Moscows unchanged stance ahead of any future talks. Zelensky, for his part, said he had had a good meeting Sunday with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Italy, where the trio discussed Fridays peace talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also touched on Russian sanctions, the battlefield situation and future prisoner swaps, the Ukrainian president added in a post on social media. Sunday marked the first meeting between Zelensky and Vance since their spat in the Oval Office in February, where the vice president castigated the Ukrainian leader for purportedly not demonstrating enough gratitude for American support. CNNs Victoria Butenko, Nick Paton Walsh, Olesya Dmitracova, Andrew Carey, Anna Chernova and Lauren Kent contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Russia carried out its largest single drone attack since the start of its full-scale invasion, launching 273 drones overnight on May 18, Ukraine's Air Force reported. The attack comes just two days after Ukraine and Russia held their first direct peace talks since 2022, and one day ahead of a planned call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kyiv Oblast Governor Mykola Kalashnyk reported that the attack killed one person and injured three others. Actual casualties from the attack are still being clarified, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv Independent journalists in the capital heard multiple explosions throughout the night as air defenses worked. Ukraine's Air Force said it intercepted 88 drones, while 128 others vanished from radars, likely used as decoys to overwhelm air defenses. The air defense involved the coordinated use of electronic warfare units, mobile fire teams, and anti-aircraft systems. The previous largest drone attack of the full-scale invasion occurred on Feb. 23, when 267 drones entered Ukrainian airspace, Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said at the time. Despite increasing international pressure for an unconditional ceasefire, Moscow has intensified its assaults, displaying ongoing resistance to and disdain for diplomatic efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russian delegation at the May 16 peace talks in Istanbul consisted solely of lower-ranking officials, despite the Kremlin proposing the discussions. President Volodymyr Zelensky had called on Putin to attend personally, saying only the Russian leader could authorize a ceasefire. Russian negotiators reiterated sweeping demands: that Ukraine abandon NATO aspirations, renounce foreign military support, drop reparations claims, and accept Russian control over Crimea and four occupied regions demands Kyiv has categorically rejected. Trump has pushed to broker a deal but has yet to impose new sanctions on Moscow despite mounting frustration from U.S. allies over Russia's refusal to halt its attacks. Ukraine accepted a U.S.-proposed 30-day unconditional truce in March. Russia has ignored the offer and continued targeting Ukrainian cities with missiles, drones, and guided bombs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: How Russias Shahed drones are getting more dangerous and what Ukraine is doing about it Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine's military intelligence agency said on Sunday Russia planned to conduct a "training and combat" launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile to intimidate Ukraine and the West. The overnight launch was ordered to be implemented from Russia's Sverdlovsk region, the GUR agency said in a statement on the Telegram app. It added the flight range for the missile was more than 10,000 kilometers (6,200 miles). "In order to demonstratively pressure and intimidate Ukraine, and also EU and NATO member states, the aggressor state of Russia intends to make a training and combat launch of the RS-24 intercontinental ballistic missile from the Yars complex," GUR said in the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no immediate comment from Russia on the Ukrainian military intelligence statement. Russia does not answer questions about its plans to test launch nuclear missiles, the details of which it classifies as a military secret, although it issues statements after such launches. More than three years into the war against Russia, Ukraine is under enormous pressure as Russia seeks frontline gains in the Ukrainian east, and diplomatic efforts to end the war have so far yielded no results. (Reporting by Olena Harmash; editing by Barbara Lewis) Russia plans to conduct a demonstrative training and combat launch of an RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile on the night of 18-19 May. Source: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Details: Ukrainian intelligence noted that the purpose of the launch is to intimidate Ukraine and exert pressure on EU and NATO member states, a tactic seen as part of nuclear blackmail. Quote: "A missile equipped with a training munition has been ordered to be launched from a mobile ground-based system by the 433rd Regiment of the 42nd Division of the 31st Army of the Strategic Missile Forces of the aggressor state." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The launch site is near the village of Svobodny in Russia's Sverdlovsk Oblast, with training ammunition planned for use. The three-stage solid-fuel missile has a range exceeding 10,000 km. Background: On the evening of 9 May, the US Embassy in Ukraine warned American citizens to exercise caution due to the risk of a large-scale airstrike in the following days. Subsequently, Russia announced that it will close its airspace over the Kapustin Yar missile testing range for two days on 12 and 13 May to allow for the potential launch of ballistic missiles. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russia is planning a "training" launch of an RS-24 intercontinental ballistic missile overnight on May 19, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) reported on May 18. According to the agency, the missile will be equipped with a "training" warhead, and the move is intended to intimidate Ukraine, as well as EU and NATO member states. The possible launch of the nuclear-capable missile follows peace talks in Istanbul on May 16 and comes just hours before a scheduled phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The launch is set to take place near the village of Svobodny in Sverdlovsk Oblast, roughly 100 kilometers northeast of Yekaterinburg, according to HUR. The agency did not specify what the potential target of a possible attack might be. Yars, or RS-24, is a strategic solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile system adopted by Russia in 2009. It has a claimed range of 11,000 kilometers and, when equipped with a combat warhead, an explosive power equivalent to a million tons of trinitrotoluene (TNT). The Kyiv Independent could not verify all the claims. The possible launch echoes Russia's use of an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) in an attack on Dnipro on Nov. 21, 2024, which followed the lifting of U.S. and U.K. restrictions on long-range Ukrainian strikes inside Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That strike was also followed by a Russian media campaign aimed at eroding Western support for Ukraine. Read also: Russia launches record 273-drone attack on Ukraine ahead of planned Trump-Putin call Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russia intends to launch a ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead on Sunday to intimidate Ukraine and the West, Ukrainian military intelligence warned. An RS-24 intercontinental rocket will be launched from Russias central Sverdlovsk region for training and combat purposes, the GUR agency said. The missile has a flight range of more than 10,000 kilometres (6,200 miles), nearly double the distance from Russia to the UK, and was wheeled through Moscow on the Victory Day parade on May 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine said the test launch was designed to demonstratively pressure and intimidate Ukraine, and also EU and NATO member states. Russia fired what was thought to be an intercontinental ballistic missile at Ukraines Dnipro in November last year, but Vladimir Putin later claimed the weapon used was an intermediate-range rocket. The news of the launch came as Putin on Sunday claimed Russia has the strength and resource to finish what it started with the invasion of Ukraine. His comments followed a refusal to sign up to a 30-day temporary ceasefire that would lead to further direct talks with Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have enough strength and resources to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the result that Russia needs, he said, without clarifying further. Putin is scheduled to speak with Donald Trump, the US president, in a telephone call on Monday, during which the US president will urge his Russian counterpart to stop the bloodbath. The call follows a meeting between JD Vance, the US vice-president, and Volodymyr Zelensky in the Vatican on Sunday in what was the pairs first official audience since their fiery Oval Office clash in February. 05:51 PM BST Thats it for today Thank you for following todays liveblog on the war in Ukraine. Here is a summary of the days key events: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Volodymyr Zelensky and JD Vance met for around 40 minutes in the Vatican to discuss the war in Ukraine in their first official meeting since the fiery Oval Office row. Russia launched the largest drone attack since the start of the war, sending 273 drones to Ukrainian cities. Estonia said it would continue to check suspected Russian shadow fleet vessels, even in the wake of the Baltic Sea jet stand-off. European leaders want to speak to Donald Trump before his call with Vladimir Putin on Monday, Friedrich Merz has said. Vladimir Putin has claimed Russia has the strength and resource to finish what it started in Ukraine. Friedrich Merz mediated relations between Giorgia Meloni and Emmanuel Macron amid a row over the Italian prime ministers exclusion from talks with the White House on Ukraine. Thats it for today. If you would like to read more of our coverage on Ukraine, you can do so here. 05:45 PM BST Zelensky had good talk with Vance Volodymyr Zelensky said his meeting with the US vice-president and secretary of state was good. The Ukrainian president released photographs of officials from the two nations sitting around a round table and smiling. The talks between Mr Zelensky, JD Vance and Marco Rubio reportedly lasted 40 minutes, according to Ukrainian media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Zelensky said: I reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to be engaged in real diplomacy and underscored the importance of a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible. Volodymyr Zelensky (centre left), the Ukrainian president, JD Vance (centre right), the US vice-president, and Marco Rubio, (second right), the US secretary of state, meet at the US ambassadors residence in the Vatican - Official State Department photo by Freddie Everett Volodymyr Zelensky and JD Vance reportedly spoke for around 40 minutes - UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE/Reuters 05:37 PM BST Russia launches largest drone attack since war began Russia has launched its largest drone attack on Ukraine since the war began, the day before Donald Trump is set to have a phone call with Vladimir Putin discussing a proposed ceasefire. Ukraines air force said Russia launched 273 drones at Ukrainian cities, surpassing an existing record set in February on the third anniversary of the war. The attack came as Ukraines intelligence service said it believed Moscow intended to fire an intercontinental ballistic missile later on Sunday in an attempt to intimidate the West. There was no immediate response from Moscow to the accusation. 05:11 PM BST Estonia will continue to check Russian shadow fleet Estonia will continue to check Russian shadow fleet vessels after an attempt to detain a sanctioned tanker on Thursday led to a stand-off with Russian jets, its prime minister said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kristen Michal said the incident last week, in which Russian and Nato aircraft came to face-to-face in a confrontation over the Baltic Sea, doesnt change a thing and Estonia would continue to investigate suspicious ships. I would say that everybody Estonians, Finns will be monitoring these kind of ships, and if theres something suspicious we will ask about it. Everybody will do that, Mr Michal said in an interview. Nato member Estonia spotted the sanctioned Jaguar tanker heading towards Russia and dispatched a helicopter and a navy patrol boat to try to stop the ship, which was allegedly sailing under no flag. Nato aircraft, including Polish MiG-29s, were scrambled as the vessel refused to co-operate. In response, Moscow scrambled a Su-35 to protect the sanctioned tanker, and is alleged to have entered Nato airspace while trying to do so. The tanker was able to escape and is now anchored near the Russian port of Primorsk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia receives an estimated 60 per cent of its oil revenues via shipments by the shadow fleet to buyers in countries such as China and India, according to Estonian estimates. 04:50 PM BST European leaders want to speak with Trump before Putin call The leaders of Britain, Germany and France want to speak with Donald Trump ahead of his conversation with Vladimir Putin about Ukraine on Monday, Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, said. Mr Merz said he had spoken with Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, about the upcoming phone conversation, a Germany government statement said. We have agreed to speak again with the American president to prepare for this discussion, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Europeans and Americans are determined to work together, in a targeted way, so that this terrible war ends quickly, the German chancellor added. We have made some small steps forward in recent days... the parties to the conflict are talking to each other, he said. 04:44 PM BST Putin: Russia is strong enough to end what it started Vladimir Putin has claimed Russia has the strength and resource to finish what it started with the invasion of Ukraine. His comments on Sunday came after he again refused to sign up to a 30-day temporary ceasefire that would lead to further direct talks with Kyiv. We have enough strength and resources to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the result that Russia needs, he said, without clarifying further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin invaded Ukraine with the goal of taking Kyiv and controlling the entire country, but the front lines have largely been frozen in the east for some two years. In an interview with state television, Putin said that Moscows goal remains to eliminate the causes that triggered this crisis to guarantee Russias security. 04:32 PM BST Russian RS-24 Yars capable of carrying nuclear warheads The RS-24 Yars ICBM will be fired from a mobile ground-based launcher and equipped with a non-nuclear warhead by part of the 42nd division of Russias 31st strategic missile army, from a site near the town of Svobodny, according to HUR. The missile is a three-stage, solid-fuel missile, with a range of more than 10,000 kilometres (6,200 miles) and can carry multiple nuclear warheads if needed. 04:07 PM BST Previous ballistic strike on Dnipro Russia fired what was initially believed to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at Ukraine in November last year, hitting the southern city of Dnipro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in a surprise address to the nation later that day, Vladimir Putin challenged Ukrainian claims to confirm it was in fact a new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) named Oreshnik, or hazelnut tree. The missile was confirmed to be a RS-26 Rubezh, which oscillates between being classified as a ICBM and an IRBM, depending on its configuration and the comparative definition. The missile hit Dnipro a few minutes after it was fired from a site in Astrakhan, by the Caspian Sea, with Kyiv claiming it was launched in response to Ukraines use of Western-made missiles in Russia. Putin said at the time the missile could travel at 2.5-3 km per second, which amounts to ten times the speed of sound. Credit: Telegram / dnepr_operativ 03:45 PM BST Zelensky meets Vance for first time since White House row Volodymyr Zelensky and JD Vance held their first official meeting since their fiery Oval Office row. The Ukrainian president and US vice-president were both in the Vatican for Pope Leo XIVs inaugural mass, with the pair meeting briefly to shake hands before the service. The Pope also met Mr Zelensky earlier and told crowds that a martyred Ukraine would be granted peace. A spokesman for Mr Vance said he was meeting Mr Zelensky in the US ambassadors residence. Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, and Andriy Yermak, Mr Zelenskys top aide, also attended discussions, which come ahead of a call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin on Monday. JD Vance and Volodymyr Zelensky shake hands briefly before Pope Leos inaugural mass in their first meeting since their Oval Office clash - JACQUELYN MARTIN/AFP 03:36 PM BST Zelensky-Vance meet went better than Oval Office row A meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and JD Vance went better than the disastrous shouting match in the White House in February, an official said. The pair spoke about Donald Trumps upcoming phone call with Vladimir Putin, and his intention of ending the bloodbath in Ukraine, a day after the first direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv in more than three years failed to bring results, the unnamed official confirmed. Trump on Saturday said that he would speak by phone with Putin to end the bloodbath in Ukraine, a day after the first direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv in more than three years did not yield a ceasefire. The message is the same as before: we want to end the war, and they dont, said the source, referring to what Zelensky told Vance during the encounter. 03:13 PM BST Zelensky and Vance discussed upcoming Trump-Putin phone call Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the upcoming phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin during a brief meeting with JD Vance on Sunday, a senior Ukrainian official said. The Ukrainian president and the US vice-president spoke about the situation on the front, preparations for the [US president and his Russian counterparts] conversation on Monday, the possibility of sanctions against Russia if there are no results, a ceasefire, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. 03:07 PM BST Merz mediates Meloni-Macron row The German chancellor has mediated relations between Giorgia Meloni and Emmanuel Macron amid a row over the Italian prime ministers exclusion from discussions between European leaders and the White House on Ukraine. Friedrich Merz has sought to temper the dispute between Rome and Paris after the French president accused Ms Meloni of spreading false information about the talks in Albania, which she was noticeably absent from. The meeting between Mr Merz, Mr Macron, the UKs Sir Keir Starmer and Polands Donald Tusk was held in the wake of peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Turkey, which ended in acrimony. It took place while all the leaders, including Ms Meloni, were in Tirana for a European Political Community summit. The discussion resulted in the four leaders issuing a statement branding Putins demands as unacceptable and instigating a call between Donald Trump, the US president, and Volodymyr Zelensky, his Ukrainian counterpart. In response, Ms Meloni said she had not been included in the negotiations as she was unwilling to send troops to Ukraine as part of the proposed coalition of the willing. Italy has long stated that it is not willing to send troops to Ukraine, and it would not make sense for us to participate in formats that have objectives we have not agreed to/ in which we are not willing to participate. Mr Macron hit back by saying: The discussion is about a ceasefire lets avoid spreading false information. There is already enough of that coming from Russia. 02:43 PM BST No resolution in sight after Turkey talks Much-anticipated peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Turkey did not bring about the resolution many had hoped. The negotiations, the first direct discussions between the two sides since the early weeks of the invasion, ended with the Ukrainian delegation condemning their counterparts demands as unacceptable. Vladimir Putin snubbed the talks entirely, instead choosing to meet with a banker in the Kremlin, leaving Volodymyr Zelensky to accuse the Russian leader of being too afraid to show his face. Just hours after the talks ended, a Russian drone struck a Ukrainian minibus in the region of Sumy, leading the Ukrainian president to claim it was a deliberate killing of civilians and leaving the peace talks further in tatters. 02:35 PM BST White House clash: A recap The Oval Office meeting between Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky and JD Vance in February descended into an extraordinary shouting match, and it was all caught on camera. I think its disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media ... You should be thanking the president for trying to bring an end to this conflict, the US vice-president told the Ukrainian leader during the heated exchange. Mr Zelensky then asked Mr Vance if he had ever been to Ukraine, to which the vice-president angrily responded, speaking of propaganda tours. Youre either going to make a deal or were out, a furious Mr Trump told Mr Zelensky, as his Ukrainian counterpart did his best to advocate for his countrys fight for survival. Youre not in a good position. You dont have the cards right now, the US president added. Mr Vance doubled down, asking Mr Zelensky: Have you said thank you once this entire meeting? No. The acrimonious meeting ended suddenly, with Mr Trump declaring it would make great television and no deal agreed. 02:24 PM BST Welcome Hello and welcome to this liveblog ahead of the first official meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and JD Vance since their clash in the Oval Office. A spokesman for Mr Vance said the pair would meet in Villa Taverna, the US ambassadors residence. We will continue to bring you the latest updates once we know more. 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. Russia carried out an airstrike on a residential area in the city of Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast on the morning of Sunday 18 May, injuring three civilians. Source: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office Details: The explosion is reported to have occurred near a residential building at around 09:30, with a guided bomb hitting the road nearby. As a result: A 55-year-old man sustained a blast injury. Two women, aged 75 and 55, suffered acute stress reactions. The aftermath of the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office The strike also damaged houses and outbuildings. The aftermath of the attack. Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office Early reports indicate that the Russians used a FAB-500 aerial bomb equipped with a Unified Gliding and Correction Module (UMPK) for converting unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions. Quote from the Prosecutor's Office: "A pre-trial investigation has been launched into the commission of a war crime (Article 438.1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine)." The aftermath of the attack. Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: On the night of Sunday 17-18 May, Russia launched a record 273 drones on Ukraine. Ukrainian air defence units destroyed nearly a third of them, while a further 128 disappeared from radar. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated. An overnight Russian drone strike in Kyiv Oblast killed one person and injured three more, Governor Mykola Kalashnyk reported on May 18. As a direct result of the Russian drone attack, a 28-year-old woman died from her injuries, Kalashnyk wrote on Telegram. A 59-year-old man, a 61-year-old woman, and a 4-year-old child were also injured and have been taken to the hospital for medical treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Civilian targets, including a house and a multi-story residential building, were also partially damaged in the attack. Emergency services are currently working at the scene. In recent days, Russian attacks have resulted in civilian casualties across Ukraine. Russia launched 273 drones at Ukraine overnight, including Iranian-designed Shahed-type suicide drones, according to Ukraine's Air Force. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 88 drones, while 128 vanished from radars, likely used as decoys to overwhelm defenses. Read also: How Russias Shahed drones are getting more dangerous and what Ukraine is doing about it Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine's armed forces have "hit" 1,159 Russian tanks since the beginning of 2025, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on May 17. "Ukrainian soldiers continue to destroy the enemy and his equipment," he said in a post on Facebook. "Since the beginning of this year alone, the Defense Forces have hit more than one thousand occupying tanks (1,159) and more than two and a half thousand war-armored vehicles (2,510)," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syrskyi did not specify if the military vehicles had been damaged or destroyed, but Ukraine's General Staff on May 18 reported Russia has also lost 10,832 tanks since the start of the full-scale invasion. The Kyiv Independent could not verify the figures. At the start of the full-scale invasion, Russia was estimated to have around 3,300 operational tanks, suggesting that all those that initially drove into Ukraine and then some, have been taken out over the course of two-and-a-half years. It's impossible to know for certain exactly how many tanks Russia has lost during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, so any figures need to be treated as estimates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further complicating matters is what exactly Ukraine's General Staff counts as a "tank," with Ukraine's official count being plausible, yet most likely misleading. "The daily figures from Kyiv just say tanks, but because it has a separate section for armored personnel vehicles, so it's my interpretation that they group main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles," Sascha Bruchmann, visiting research fellow for defense and military analysis at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), told the Kyiv Independent last year. Figures from the open-source investigative project Oryx put the number of tanks damaged or destroyed at 3,984. How many tanks does Russia have left? At the beginning of its full-scale invasion, Russia had around 3,330 operational tanks, according to the Military Balance 2021 database. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The database included all tank types then employed by Russias military, notably T-72s, T-80s, and T-90s, and their modifications. Clearly, the most recent figures of Russian tanks destroyed would mean almost the entire tank fleet employed by the Kremlin at the start of the full-scale invasion had been destroyed. A view of a destroyed Russian tank in the village of Dovhenke located between Izium, Kharkiv Oblast, and Sloviansk, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on June 22, 2023. (Wojciech Grzedzinski/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) But Russia had thousands of tanks in storage which it has been forced to use as the war dragged on far beyond what the Kremlin initially envisaged. A September 2023 report by the Institut Action Resilience using OSINT data calculated Russia has an estimated maximum of 7,000 tanks in storage. Can Russia replace lost tanks? Russia does have the capacity to replace the tanks it had lost since February 2022, though there's a massive caveat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Russia can maintain the quantity of tanks at the front, the quality is diminishing all the time, experts say. Retired military officer and defense expert Viktor Kevliuk told the Kyiv Independent last year, the "figure (of destroyed tanks) means that the enemy has lost almost all of the modern tanks that it had at the beginning of the invasion." "The capabilities of Russian industry to produce modern tanks are extremely limited, with 100-200 tanks per year," he adds. "The bulk of the tanks supplied to the front are restored machines from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: How Russias Shahed drones are getting more dangerous and what Ukraine is doing about it Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian forces have attacked the Obukhiv district of Kyiv Oblast, killing a woman and injuring three people, including a child. Residential buildings have been damaged. Source: Mykola Kalashnyk, Head of Kyiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote: "Unfortunately, a woman was killed as a result of the enemy attack on the Obukhiv district. A 61-year-old man, a 59-year-old woman and a 4-year-old child were injured. They were taken to hospital in a moderate condition. All necessary medical assistance is being provided." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Kalashnyk reported that a house was destroyed and windows were blown out in a nearby apartment building as a result of the attack. Additionally, a fire broke out on the territory of an animal feed mill in the Fastiv district. Background: Russian UAVs attacked Kyiv Oblast on the night of 17-18 May. Ukrainian air defence systems responded to the attack. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Russian delegation brought documents from the 2022 talks with Ukraine to the negotiations in Istanbul on 16 May but threatened to increase the number of annexes fivefold, which would significantly escalate their demands. Source: Ukrainska Pravda, citing sources familiar with the negotiations Details: Sources told Ukrainska Pravda that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had opened the talks, stating that they lay the groundwork for a future leader-level meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from a source: "The Russians allowed themselves to insult the Turkish side by saying they could stay at the talks if they wished to. As guests, they had no right to say that. [Vladimir] Medinsky [Head of the Russian delegation in Istanbul] did most of the talking, speaking at length and with defiance, making manipulative historical references. He brought the papers from the 2022 negotiations with him and applied pressure by saying, 'You see, there are 17 pages, including annexes, but the situation has changed so much in recent years that there could now be 85 pages'. Such blackmail has not impressed anyone." Details: Ukrainska Pravda sources confirmed foreign media reports indicating that at the meeting, Russia claimed that it "can fight indefinitely" and that "Ukraine needs to withdraw from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts". At one point, the Russian delegation raised the issue of Ukraine's neutral status. They said it was important for the Kremlin not to allow any foreign contingents on Ukrainian soil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "As 'arguments', Medinsky began to claim that they [the Russians] possessed NATO strategic documents indicating that the Alliance could launch an attack on Russian Federation territory in 2030. In response, the Ukrainian delegation emphasised that our side is also aware of the Kremlin's strategic plans to launch an attack on NATO members in the next few years. Following this statement, the Russians became nervous and began to shift the subject in a different direction." Background: On 16 May, direct talks were held in Istanbul between Russian and Ukrainian delegations for the first time in over three years. Following the meeting, Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umierov said the discussions had covered the ceasefire, humanitarian issues and a potential leader-level meeting. Heorhii Tykhyi, the spokesperson for Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, told reporters in Istanbul that during the talks, "the Russian delegation made some remarks that we consider unacceptable". However, he refused to elaborate on the issue. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Trump struck some major AI tech deals on his Gulf tour this week. The deals have alarmed some lawmakers who worry the technology could fall into the wrong hands. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called those critics "naive." President Donald Trump went to the Gulf this week and struck some deals that AI companies in Silicon Valley are excited about. Lawmakers, on the other hand, are less excited. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called those critics "naive" in an X post on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This was an extremely smart thing for you all to do and i'm sorry naive people are giving you grief," Altman said on X, responding to David Sacks, Trump's AI czar and a former PayPal executive. In his own X post, Sacks said he was "genuinely perplexed" how anyone could see Trump's AI deals in the Gulf as anything but "hugely beneficial for the United States." Among the deals announced during Trump's tour was a partnership between chipmakers Nvidia, AMD, and Humain, a new Saudi AI company launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to bring billions in chips and hardware to the kingdom. Amazon Web Services also announced a $5 billion plan to build an "AI Zone" in Saudi Arabia. The UAE announced a new AI campus. OpenAI, too, is ramping up investment in the Middle East. The company this week announced plans for a new data center in the UAE. It may end up as one of the largest in the world, and is another sign that the tech industry is eyeing the region as a new AI hub. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Washington, however, these deals have drawn critics from both sides of the aisle who worry the emerging technology could end up in the wrong hands. During a speech on the Senate floor on Thursday, Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer said the chip deal was "dangerous because we have no clarity on how the Saudis and Emiratis will prevent the Chinese Communist Party, the Chinese government, the Chinese manufacturing establishment, from getting their hands on these chips." The Republican-led House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, meanwhile, said in a post on X that "Reports of new U.S. chip deals with Gulf nations without a new chip rule in place present a vulnerability for the CCP to exploit." The competition between the United States and China to dominate AI technologies has ramped up in recent years. The US has tightened export controls on advanced chips and manufacturing tools to curb China's progress, while also boosting domestic production. China, meanwhile, has accelerated investment in its own AI companies and sought suppliers outside the United States. Read the original article on Business Insider SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) After an explosion outside a reproductive health facility in Palm Springs late Saturday morning was deemed by the FBI as an intentional act of terrorism, the San Diego County Sheriffs Office issued a public statement that deputies would be increasing patrols at area fertility centers. The sheriffs office said Saturday evening there were no known threats to the San Diego County region in connection to the Palm Springs explosion, but that deputies would be increasing patrols at county fertility centers out of an abundance of caution. Person of interest in Palm Springs IVF clinic explosion confirmed dead: FBI Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The San Diego County Sheriffs Office is aware of the explosion that happened today [Saturday] in Palm Springs. Our thoughts are with those affected by the incident. We want to reassure the public that their safety and well-being will always be a priority for the Sheriffs Office and local law enforcement, the statement read in part. Monday afternoon, the sheriffs office said they ended the extra patrols that took place over the weekend as the incident in Palm Springs was found to be isolated. The San Diego County Sheriffs Office said they will remain vigilant and encourages the public to report any suspicious activity to their local law enforcement agency. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sandburg has announced the winners of its 2025 alumni awards. Dr. Doug Brining, a 1988 graduate, was selected as the Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient, and Craig Dickerson, a 2017 graduate, received the Pacesetter Award. Brining and Dickerson are also Sandburgs nominees for the Illinois Community College Associations Distinguished Alumnus and Pacesetter awards. The ICCTA award winners will be announced at the organizations banquet June 6 in Normal. 2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award Dr. Doug Brining 88 Dr. Doug Brining is a dedicated leader with exemplary accomplishments that have created a profound impact. Hes given extensive time and dedication to the field of science and veterinary research while collaborating on the examination of the worlds most infectious diseases. Brining has published 40 articles, served on more than 20 committees and has performed numerous exploratory surgical procedures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In high school, Brining believed his counselor when told he wasnt college material. A first-generation college student, Brining enrolled at Sandburg as a chance to meet people, but he soon realized his passion for science. Brining found himself enrolling in all science classes offered by the biology instructor who gave inspiration to his studies. Brining graduated from Sandburg with an Associate in Science in 1988. Though still not convinced he was college material, Brinings friends encouraged him to apply and continue at a four-year institution. Brining earned two bachelors degrees and later his doctorate from Texas A&M University. Brining now holds four employment titles with the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. He serves as assistant vice president for research administration (animal programs), executive director of UTMBs Animal Resources Center, attending veterinarian and assistant professor of microbiology and immunology. In addition to his work at UTMB, Brining is a diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine. It would be difficult for me to overstate the influence and importance that my time at Carl Sandburg College had on both my future academic and professional career, Brining said. Over 35 years have passed since my time there, and Ive often shared how much I benefited by attending community college. When I started my coursework there, I truly didnt have a specific end goal in mind and would have never imagined the journey this foundational decision would set in motion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Carl Sandburg College, I developed fundamental academic skills and discovered the joy of learning for the sake of interest, he added. I clearly remember the quality of the professors and their dedication and enthusiasm about the subjects they taught. Their excitement and passion were genuinely contagious. It was there I developed an intense interest in biology and life sciences, which led me to a career in marine biology, veterinary medicine and academic research. Ill be forever thankful about my decision to attend and for the powerful influence that choice had on my life. 2025 Pacesetter Award Craig Dickerson 17 As someone who prioritizes goals and is dedicated to making them a reality, Craig Dickerson exemplifies what it means to be a pacesetter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While a student at Sandburg, Dickerson worked as a supervisor at a local restaurant to assist with paying for college. He was also an NAACP member, participated in Relay for Life, volunteered for La Grace Hall of Hope, presented at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day breakfast and was active in Men of Distinction. After graduating from Sandburg in 2017 with an associate degree, Dickerson earned his bachelors in sales and marketing from Illinois State University. In 2019, Dickerson began work for Verizon as a retail specialist. Early in his career, he set the goal of joining Verizons Learning and Development team. Dickerson was named to Verizons Diamond Club in 2022 and recognized as a premier senior account manager the following year. Last September, Dickerson achieved his goal of becoming as a senior trainer with the companys Learning and Development team. In addition to working for Verizon, Dickerson has worked at Staples, ESPN3, Scope Health & Fitness and for the Peoria County government. I wouldnt be where I am or who I am today without the experiences I had during my time at Carl Sandburg College, Dickerson said. Being born and raised in Galesburg, you sometimes arent exposed to all the world has to offer or have the chance to interact with people who are vastly different from you. However, while attending Sandburg I was able to partner, befriend and be supported by individuals from places like Scotland, Brazil, Jamaica and multiple states, giving me the opportunity to see what life was like outside of a small town and all that I could do. Sandburg gave me the time to mature, grow and get to know myself in a way I didnt know possible, and for that, I will be forever grateful. I had the pleasure of taking dual credit classes while attending high school and being exposed to higher education at an early age. During this time, I knew I wasnt quite ready to leave home. Sandburg gave me a home for the next two years until I knew I was prepared and ready to take on my undergraduate degree at Illinois State University. After graduating from ISU in 2019, Ive been successful in climbing the corporate ladder and moving across the country to Denver. I wouldnt have been able to accomplish all the things I have without the love and support Sandburg gave me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. They may look frightening, but alligators are great for the environment, which makes them great for us. Alligators are ancient creatures, with ancestors dating back 245 million years, according to National Geographic. Although these reptiles can grow up to 12 feet, per the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and have a rather fearsome appearance, a new study suggests that they are a vital part of Florida's ecosystem, the BBC reported. When it comes to animals and the environment, much of the debate covers the effects of methane from farming or the destruction of habitats impacting various species. However, what may be lesser known is that some animals have a positive impact on the environment around them, and alligators are one example. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BBC report focused on members of the Miccosukee Tribe in the north of Florida's Everglades who live in harmony with a 60-year-old alligator playfully dubbed Mama Gator. This new research shows that alligators are "guardians of the Everglades" and help protect ecosystems. These reptiles carry around nutrients that enrich ecosystems by traveling from marshes into freshwater, per the study published in the Journal of Animal Ecology. Their habitats and nests also provide shelter for frogs and fish and encourage plant growth, meaning that the area's biodiversity flourishes. Alligators have faced near-extinction due to hunting and the fashion industry's penchant for leather, but conservationists helped save the species from being wiped out. Today, over 3 million alligators live in Florida and Louisiana, according to the BBC. Saving a species from endangerment is a massive win for animals and humans alike. Now, more protections can be put in place to protect the species. With more knowledge of alligators' importance to ecosystems, people will be less likely to hunt them or cause damage to their habitats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservation of land and the creatures that live there is vital for the planet's biodiversity. It not only helps prevent the extinction of animals but also provides natural beauty for people to enjoy and protects those who rely on these natural environments for food or employment. From conserving forests and wetlands to eradicating invasive species, many scientists are working tirelessly to protect the flora and fauna that the planet relies on to survive. For members of the Miccosukee Tribe, living in harmony with local animals is a way of life. Kendall Osceola, a staff member at the Miccosukee Indian Village cultural center, said: "We were always told if there's a body of water in Florida, there's going to be an alligator in there. Yet Miccosukee stories depict them as 'benevolent creatures.'" Biologist Christopher Murray also hopes that humans and alligators can live in close proximity in peace: "Do they command respect? Yes. But are they monsters? Are they to be feared? No." 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. Scott Bessent said on Sunday that Donald Trump could raise tariff rates again for certain nations. "This means that they're not negotiating in good faith," Bessent told NBC's Kristen Welker. All eyes are on the Trump administration's trade talks, particularly with China. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday during an NBC interview that President Donald Trump will raise tariff rates again for nations that don't negotiate trade deals with the United States in "good faith." During an interview on "Meet the Press," Bessent pointed to the higher tariffs imposed on myriad countries after Trump's April "Liberation Day" speech as a consequence of any failed talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think that it would be the April 2nd level," Bessent replied when asked by host Kristen Welker about the tariff rates some nations may face by the administration. "Some countries were at 10%, some were substantially higher," he said. "The negotiating leverage that President Trump is talking about here is if you don't want to negotiate, then it will spring back to the April 2nd level." Bessent also addressed Trump's remarks on Friday, when the president said nations may receive a letter from the administration outlining their effective tariff rate if talks are being held without sincerity. "This means that they're not negotiating in good faith," Bessent said. "They are going to get a letter saying, 'Here is the rate.' So I expect that everyone would come and negotiate in good faith." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Trump's "Liberation Day" speech, which sent global markets reeling, the president issued a 90-day pause on the higher "reciprocal" tariff rates that he sought to impose on numerous nations. Instead, most countries have been subject to a baseline 10% tariff rate while they conduct their respective trade discussions with the US. A notable exception has been China. The US in April raised tariff rates on Chinese goods to a high of 145%. Last week, the US temporarily cut the tariff rate on Chinese goods to 30% as the two countries continue to engage in high-level trade talks. China also lowered its levies on US goods from 125% to 10%. Earlier in May, the Trump administration announced a trade framework with the UK, with the US rescinding tariffs on British steel and automobiles and US farmers gaining increased market access in the UK. Read the original article on Business Insider SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) The community shifted its support from people in running shoes to members in marching boots. The Annual Northeast Pennsylvania Armed Forces Day Parade kicked off immediately after the race. Military service members of all branches marched the route that began at Gino J. Merli Veterans Center on Penn Ave in Scranton and extended to the citys Courthouse Square. Supporters lined the streets to cheer on those who serve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Showers pass through Pennsylvania this weekend We have soldiers, sailors, airmen, coast guard, you name it, theres somebody serving from Northeast Pennsylvania, and todays the day to recognize them, President of the NEPA Armed Forces Day Parade Committee and Pennsylvania Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Cliff Morales stated. Ive always wanted to be in the Army so Ive always dreamed of being in this parade someday, 14-year-old Isabella Lutz said. The event was organized by the NEPA Armed Forces Day Parade Association. It also featured vendors full of food trucks and face painters. This is the 50th year the parade has been held in Scranton, honoring local heroes rain or shine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. Washington Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, blocked a bill that would have helped the Tri-Cities secure billions in economic investment and more than 1,000 jobs. A Seattle-based state leader thinks he knows what is best for this side of the Cascade Mountains. House Bill 1210, sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco, was close to passage. It had already passed the House with bipartisan support and was heading toward a floor vote in the Senate in the waning days of the legislative session. The bill would have modified the rules for Targeted Urban Areas. TUAs are areas that local governments create to lure manufacturing and industrial development with temporary property tax breaks. Businesses commit to investing in improvements and creating living wage jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richland was the first city to create a TUA. It includes the Northwest Advanced Clean Energy Park, the Horn Rapids Industrial Park and the Richland Airport. Richlands Targeted Urban Area attracted several projects, among them proposals by Framatome Inc. and Washington Energy LLC. The two companies operate in the nuclear power industry. Framatome already has facilities in the area and planned to spend $375 million expanding its nuclear fuel plant. Washington Energy, meanwhile, is considering building a $3 billion nuclear fuel plant. These companies are poised to play a significant role in the future of nuclear fuel production, a sector where the Tri-Cities possess expertise and infrastructure thanks to its history with the Hanford site and the presence of the Columbia Generating Station. The hitch is that state law sets a timeline for businesses in a TUA to deliver their projects and the accompanying jobs. The tax breaks last for a decade, but only on projects completed in five years or less. Thats fine for a lot of businesses, but nuclear fuel companies face a lengthy federal approval process from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which can take years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barnard introduced HB 1210 to address that regulatory reality. It would have granted nuclear projects in Targeted Urban Areas up to an additional four years to receive their certification, build and hire workers. Pedersen wasnt having it. As majority leader, he has the power to reroute a bill from a floor vote, effectively killing it, and he did just that. Pedersen cited budget shortfalls as one reason to block the bill, but HB 1210 would not have affected state revenue. The only taxes involved are local. Richland is gambling on these companies delivering what they promise, not the state. Hopefully local leaders have done their homework and carefully thought it through. Pedersen also expressed concern about the lack of a national nuclear waste storage facility. That view caters to nuclear-phobia among his liberal base in the Puget Sound area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tri-Cities is already home to a nuclear power plant that responsibly manages its spent fuel. Moreover, Framatome, a company with a long-standing presence in Richland, demonstrated its commitment to safe operations during a recent dustup with federal regulators over nuclear materials. To suggest that a lack of a permanent federal repository to hold nuclear waste should halt all progress in nuclear energy and manufacturing ignores the current safe storage practices. Adding to the urgency is the need for more energy to power electric cars and digital industries as well as to replace energy generation capacity that could be lost due to dam removals. Nuclear power offers a reliable, carbon-free alternative that can produce energy 24 hours a day, unlike wind and solar. Blocking HB 1210 was not just a setback for the Tri-Cities; it was a missed opportunity for all of Washington to embrace clean energy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hard to imagine Pedersens predecessor, Sen. Andy Billig from Spokane, pulling this same sort of aggressive legislative maneuvering on a bill that would help this side of the state. We urge Pedersen to reconsider his stance and invite him to visit the Tri-Cities. Firsthand engagement with this community might cultivate a deeper understanding of the nuclear expertise here and a clearer view of the economic opportunities at stake. Then, if a similar bill is introduced next year, he might at least let senators vote on it. BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) A second person was arrested Sunday in connection with a gas station burglary that took place on May 6. Anthony Zampagna, 28, of Johnson City, Tennessee, was taken into custody on Sunday near Oak Grove Road in Bristol, Virginia. PREVIOUS: Man arrested, another sought after Bristol gas station break-in, burglary Zampagna was wanted in connection with the May 6 burglary of the Shell Roadrunner Market at Exit 10 on Lee Highway. Surveillance footage had previously identified him as a second suspect in the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is currently being held at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. (WBTW) State officials have lifted a short-term swimming advisory along a section of the Georgetown County coastline that was issued Sunday because of bacteria levels in the water that were found to be above state and federal standards. The affected areas included the access point at Hazard Street on Pawleys Island and the access point at Luvan Way on Debordieu Beach in Georgetown County. Short-term swimming advisories typically last just a few days, the SCDES said. They are usually lifted once follow-up water sampling shows that bacteria levels have returned to normal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SCDES tests water quality along the oceanfront in accordance with federal and state laws. The water is tested for enterococci bacteria, which are naturally found in warm-blooded animals, including humans. However, high levels of enterococci bacteria in water indicate the potential risk for other organisms that might cause disease in humans, such as gastrointestinal illness or skin infections. SCDES routinely collects water samples at more than 120 locations along South Carolinas beaches to monitor bacteria levels. More information about monitoring and testing can be found on the agencys website or by calling 843-238-4378. * * * Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * * * Jordan White is a Digital Producer at News13. She joined the News13 team in August 2024. Jordan, a Myrtle Beach native, graduated from St. James High School in Murrells Inlet and is a graduate of Coker University. Follow Jordan on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. The US Navy is deploying two UAV interceptors to defend its aircraft carriers from drones. Anduril's Roadrunner-M and Raytheon's Coyote are set to launch from destroyers. The move could solve the "cost-curve" problem of firing costly missiles to down cheap drones. The US Navy is arming its warships with two reusable anti-drone interceptors designed to counter aerial threats at a fraction of the cost of traditional missiles. Anduril's Roadrunner-M and Raytheon's Coyote Block 2 interceptors will be launched from Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, which will accompany the Navy supercarrier USS Gerald R. Ford on its deployment to the Middle East later this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid the rising aerial threat posed by Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, the Roadrunner-M and the Coyote are designed to act as expendable and automated interceptors against other drones. They can be airborne when the strike group is in a threatening area and then assigned to an incoming threat that's detected, cutting the response time. The autonomous systems are part of the sea service's efforts to address its "cost-curve problem" of spending far more to defend its fleet from hostile threats than adversaries spent to launch them. The missiles are more expensive than much of the Houthi arsenal, but they still substantially reduce the US Navy's cost of self-defense. Bolstering carrier defenses Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers typically deploy alongside an aircraft carrier to protect it from enemy fire. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Najwa Ziadi Earlier this year, the Ford carrier strike group departed its homeport in Norfolk for a routine training exercise ahead of its potential deployment to the US 5th Fleet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The composite training unit exercise was adapted to prepare US forces for the drone fight against Houthi drones and missiles in the Red Sea, putting the anti-drone interceptors to the test. Capt. David Dartez, commander of Carrier Air Wing Eight, told the Norfolk local news station WTKR that a "big example" of the changes includes "a lot of unmanned aircraft and training against those unmanned aircraft." The anti-drone missile interceptors are designed to act as short-range loitering munitions, capable of targeting drones nearly 10 miles away. Raytheon Coyote The Coyote, equipped with an advanced seeker and warhead, identifies and eliminates enemy unmanned aerial vehicles. Raytheon The Raytheon Coyote Block 2 is an expendable counter-drone aircraft designed for surveillance, electronic warfare, and precision strikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The small high-speed drone is estimated to cost about $125,000 per unit. The Coyote launches from a small container and deploys wings; it can operate for up to one hour and carry various payloads. The Coyote is propelled by a boost rocket motor and a turbine engine, allowing it to "handle reasonably large accelerations during launch, a critical feature for all tube-launch applications," according to Raytheon." Anduril Roadrunner-M The Roadrunner-Munition is a modular, twin-jet-powered autonomous air vehicle capable of vertical takeoff and landing. Anduril Anduril founder Palmer Luckey described the Roadrunner-Munition as "somewhere between a reusable missile and a full-scale autonomous aircraft." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The roughly $500,000 Roadrunner-M, the explosive variant of Anduril's reusable autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV), is purpose-built to detect and target aerial threats. Its twin turbojet engines are capable of vertical take-off and can fast-maneuver to intercept an assigned target, or even circle around until one is acquired and land back on its ship if not. From land to sea The US Army selected the Coyote drone as part of its counter-UAS strategy. US Army photo by Staff Sgt. Fred Brown The US military has already acquired Roadrunner-M and Coyote drones as part of the Pentagon's push for AI-driven ground-based air defense capabilities. In October, the Defense Department procured over 500 Roadrunner-M interceptors as part of a nearly $250 million contract with Anduril. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US Army has also integrated the Coyote as a crucial component in its counter-UAS strategy, known as the "Low, slow, small, unmanned aircraft Integrated Defeat System" (LIDS). "Both these systems were originally designed for use over land; however, the US Navy has tested and demonstrated these systems in the maritime environment," Capt. Ronald Flanders, a spokesman for the Navy's research and acquisition department, told Military.com. Expendable loitering munitions The Roadrunner-M and the Coyote are specifically designed as anti-drone loitering munitions. Nathan Howard/REUTERS The Roadrunner-M and the Coyote are "both specifically designed to go after UAVs," Navy Adm. Daryl Caudle, head of US Fleet Forces Command, told reporters in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The anti-drone interceptors add more firepower and magazine capacity to protect high-value naval assets like aircraft carriers without sacrificing larger and more expensive missiles stored in the ship's vertical launchers. Costing from $125,000 to $500,000 per unit, the drone-killers come at a fraction of the cost of the cheapest interceptors with a similar range currently in use by the Navy. The Roadrunner-M is just over half the $920,000 cost of the short-range Rolling Airframe Missile, and it only gets more expensive from there. The medium-range Evolved Sea Sparrow Block 2 interceptor costs about $1.5 million per unit, the longer-range SM-2 missiles carry a price tag of about $2 million, and SM-6 missiles cost over $4 million each. The Navy said in January that nearly 400 munitions, including over 100 SM-2 missiles, 80 SM-6 missiles, and 20 ESSM and SM-3 missiles, had been fired to counter Houthi strikes since October 2023. The Trump administration called off an intensified air war in early May in exchange for a Houthi agreement to cease attacks on shipping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Navy's 'cost-curve' problem The Navy is considering solutions to its "cost-curve" problem of using expensive weapons to counter low-cost enemy targets. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Maxwell Orlosky Because multimillion-dollar missiles and other expensive weapon systems are often used as counter-drone defense, the Navy is facing mounting pressure to address its so-called "cost-curve problem." Smaller missiles to counter smaller threats may be only part of a future solution. The UK military is deploying a new laser weapon to four of its ships. Lasers face technical issues at sea but offer the possibility of zapping an unlimited number of threats. Read the original article on Business Insider Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said former President Joe Biden isnt solely to blame for President Donald Trumps return to the White House for a second presidential term. While appearing Sunday on NBCs Meet the Press, Murphy admitted that Biden shouldve gotten out of the race earlier ahead of the 2024 election, but also passed the buck onto the Democratic Party. It was a mistake for democrats to not listen to the voters earlier and set up a process that wouldve gotten us in a position where we couldve been more competitive, he explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When host Kristen Welker firmly asked Murphy to confirm whether he also takes responsibility for the partys failure, the politician replied, I think we all bear responsibility. We maybe didnt listen as early as we should have, in part because we have immense loyalty to [Biden] who had led this country out of a pandemic, who had been maybe the most prodigious legislator as a president, Murphy explained. Despite taking ownership, Murphy told Welker that you cant defend what the Democratic Party did as Trumps administration continues to cause a stir among voters and lawmakers amid his second term. But ultimately, in retrospect, you cant defend what the Democratic Party did because we are stuck with a madman, with a corrupt president in the Oval Office, and we should have given ourselves a better chance to win, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere in the interview, Welker referenced claims made against Biden and his aides in the upcoming book, Original Sin, by CNNs Jake Tapper and Axios Alex Thompson, set to release Tuesday. In the book, the two journalists allege that Bidens aides covered up the politicians physical and cognitive decline from the public. Welker questioned Murphy over whether he believes White House officials orchestrated a cover-up on Bidens behalf. I saw a president who was in control, Murphy, who stated he had not read the book, said of his interactions with Biden in 2022 and 2023. But I admit that by 2024, the American public had made up their mind, right, that they wanted the Democratic Party to nominate somebody new, and it was absolutely a mistake for the party to not listen to those voters. Watch Murphys appearance on Meet the Press here. Related... A memorial honoring San Carlos Apache teen Emily Pike can be seen at the intersection of Mesa Drive and McKellips Road in Mesa, the location where she was last seen in January. (Photo by Shondiin Silversmith/Arizona Mirror) Emily Pikes mother found out that her 14-year-old daughter had been murdered when she saw photos of garbage bags containing human remains posted on social media. Police didnt call Stephanie Dosela; she called them after viewing the photos that had been leaked from the Gila County Sheriffs Department. Emily, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, had been missing for 18 days after running away from a group home in Mesa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A mother should not find out on social media about her daughters dismembered body, Dosela said in a written statement to Arizona state legislators on May 14. The unthinkable way that Dosela said she found out about her daughters murder is emblematic of the poor communication and failures of the individual pieces of the tribal, county and state systems first, to keep Emily safe, and then to find her after she went missing. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX During a Joint Legislative Oversight Committee hearing on May 14, Arizona lawmakers heard from law enforcement officials, leaders of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, Emilys family and the Arizona Department of Child Safety about the failures of the system and ways to prevent what happened to Emily from happening again. Police, legislators and Emilys family members alike could be seen quietly sobbing at various points during the nearly three-hour-long hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emily went missing from the Mesa group home on Jan. 27. Her remains were found near Globe, just outside of the reservation where her family lives, on Feb. 14. But the systemic deficiencies that led her to disable the alarm on her bedroom window and to run away from the Mesa group home date back years. In 2023, a 911 call was made from a remote area of the San Carlos reservation near Emilys home, to report that she had been sexually assaulted. But instead of a San Carlos Apache police officer trained in dealing with sexual assaults, the tribes fish and game department responded. San Carlos Apache Police Chief Elliot Sneezy couldnt tell legislators specifically why fish and game responded instead of one of his officers, but said that fish and game are the experts in finding people in extremely rural areas of the reservation and that police were busy that day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that time, Sneezy said, there were only 22 police officers on staff to cover the entire 1.8 million acre reservation. The family member who Emily accused of assaulting her was arrested, but was soon released without being charged. Emily, meanwhile, was taken into the custody of San Carlos Apache social services for her own safety and sent to the Mesa group home. Community members wait in line at the water tank in Peridot, Arizona, so that they can place a red hand print of the mural honoring Emily Pike and everyone impacted by the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples crisis. (Photo by Shondiin Silversmith/Arizona Mirror) The Bureau of Indian Affairs previously told the Arizona Republic that it dropped the sexual assault case due to insufficient evidence, but other agencies disputed that claim. My niece was a victim, but yet she was punished and removed from her home, Emilys uncle, Allred Pike Jr., told legislators. Thats how justice failed her. The person that she accused of hurting her got to go home. How is that justice? Its just backwards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Terry Ross, director of tribal social services, told the committee that its often difficult to prosecute such cases when family members decide to protect the accused. What I experience with our tribe is that all the families will support the perpetrator, and we cant do anything but to remove the child (for their safety), Ross said. After tribal social services removed Emily from her home and sent her to Mesa, more than 100 miles away, she attempted suicide and ran away multiple times. She was placed in a residential mental health treatment facility for more than a year before being released back to the Mesa group home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement read by family spokesperson Gail Pechuli, Dosela said that Emily experienced culture shock when she was taken from her rural home near the tiny town of Peridot and placed in Mesa, a city of more than 500,000 people in the Phoenix metropolitan area. My Emily was far from home, she was alone and homesick, Dosela said, adding that she told her grandmother that she missed home-cooked traditional foods like acorn soup and tortillas. The red handprint of Emily Pikes mother, Stephanie Dosela, is placed in the murals center. Her red handprint is the only one in that area, as requested by the artists to honor Emily. (Photo by Shondiin Silversmith/Arizona Mirror) Emily lived on the reservation with her mother and other family members. Her father is currently in prison for an arson-related conviction. In her statement, Dosela said that she suffers from addiction issues and lives in poverty, but said she believed Emily was safe in the group home where she was sent. Sen. Carine Werner, co-chair of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on the Department of Child Safety, said that the group home was not given background information on why Emily was there, something that she said was vital to her caregivers understanding of her behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Emily was living in a facility that is licensed by DCS when she went missing, she was not in the departments custody she was in the custody of the tribe, which contracts with the group home for placements. The San Carlos tribe has only one tiny group home on the reservation and must place children in other locations when its full. Because Emily was in the custody of the tribe a sovereign nation certain reporting requirements outlined in Arizona law when a child in DCS custody goes missing didnt apply to her. Kathryn Ptak, director of the Arizona Department of Child Safety, explained that an amended state law signed last year in response to a surge in runaways from DCS group homes didnt pertain to Emily because she wasnt in the DCS system. The law requires family, friends and the school of the missing child to be contacted within 24 hours of their disappearance to obtain any information about where they might be. It also stipulates that the childs family and tribe must be contacted by phone and in writing to inform them that the child is missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Therein lies one of the major issues identified by numerous people who spoke to the committee: Tribal sovereignty means that the state generally doesnt have the power to pass laws that control tribes. DCS has memorandums of understanding with four of Arizonas tribes, but not currently with San Carlos Apache. When a child is living on tribal land and either eligible for enrollment or enrolled in a tribe, the tribe has exclusive jurisdiction, Ptak said. The state cant come in and tell them what to do with their children. She added that, because Emily was never in DCS custody, the department didnt have access to information necessary to contact her family and friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Theresa Hatathlie, a Democrat from Coal Mine Mesa and a member of the Navajo Nation, argued that, no matter their race or tribal affiliation, all missing children should be treated the same. Emily Pike was born in the state of Arizona, resided in Arizona all of her life, regardless of what tribe shes a member of, Hatathlie said. The senator added that DCS should not just sit by and refuse to help because of jurisdictional issues. The group home reported Emily missing to police on Jan. 27, and the tribe was informed the next day. But her tribal case worker did not immediately consider her disappearance an emergency, San Carlos Attorney General Alex Ritchie explained, since she had run away and returned several times before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Carlos Apache Social Services didnt inform Emilys family that she was missing until shed been gone for a week. After Emilys body was found, the San Carlos Apache tribe called for an investigation into group home licensing, and also agreed to investigate how her sexual assault report was handled. Several of the speakers on May 14, including Ritchie, recommended that every child who goes missing from a group home be immediately considered missing instead of labeled as a runaway. A sign that reads Justice for Emily Pike. No More MMIW is held up during a candlelight vigil outside the Encounter AZ church in Mesa, Arizona, on March 6, 2025, to honor and support San Carlos Apache teen Emily Pike, whose tragic death was reported in February. (Photo by Shondiin Silversmith/Arizona Mirror) Our recommendation is that every child, the moment theyre not accounted for, they are missing, Ritchie said. That way the level of scrutiny is heightened. Of course, there will be folks who dont agree with that, but these are children. They are the most defenseless and the most in need of folks looking out for them. But because teens will regularly run away from group homes for the weekend, only to show back up the following Monday, Ptak recommended that reporting requirements be loosened so that group homes wouldnt be required to report a child missing if theyre told they cant go somewhere and they leave anyway, especially if caretakers know where theyre headed. Nearly all of the speakers agreed that better communication between all the entities involved was vital to any attempts to prevent another tragedy like Emilys death from happening in the future. Suggestions included better sharing of background information about children in their custody between tribal social services and group homes, that group homes have pertinent information ready to provide to police when they report a child missing and that the tribes enter into agreements with DCS for information sharing about children in the group homes that they license. Emilys mother asked that the Gila County Sheriffs Office look into how it handles the sharing of sensitive information on social media, and that the San Carlos Apache Tribe open a larger group home, with better mental health services, on the reservation. Sneezy told legislators that group homes that house Native children should be better informed about their cultures, and that law enforcement entities should work on better communication, especially since local law enforcement doesnt have jurisdiction on tribal land. What Ive heard today is the failure of agencies, our departments, our jurisdictional issues, federal, state, tribal, Allred Pike said. We need to stop working in silos. We need to start sharing information. We need to start working together so this wont happen again. The committee plans to host multiple stakeholder meetings in the coming months to figure out workable solutions, with plans to recommend changes in law during the next legislative session in 2026. This jurisdictional thing sounds easy but I know its not, but I commit, and Im sure the whole legislature commits to finding solutions to make sure that this never happens again, said Sen. Hildy Angius, R-Bullhead City. The Gila County Sheriffs Office, along with the San Carlos Apache Tribal Police Department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the FBI are collaborating in the ongoing investigation into Emilys murder. Earlier this week, Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a new law that would create a Turquoise Alert, a new kind of alert that can be issued by the Department of Public Safety when a Native person goes missing. The legislation was introduced before Emily went missing but was renamed Emilys Law after her body was found. Arizona Mirror is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Arizona Mirror maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jim Small for questions: info@azmirror.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Salary increases amid Sac budget woes Sacramento mayor, council salary increases amid budget talk, (sacbee.com, May 14) Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty and city council members clearly do not prioritize serving their constituents. They could have worked within the charter rules to route more money to public safety and less into their own pockets. Shame on them. Barbara Stockman Sacramento Opinion Newsom ignores the problem Newsom calls for cities, counties to adopt policies eradicating homeless encampments, (sacbee.com, May 12) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It boggles the mind that Gov. Gavin Newsom thinks that banning homelessness will make the problem go away. It will take a coordinated, multi-faceted effort without egos, turf wars or NIMBYism to solve the problem. Like when California ignored the Employment Development Department and Department of Motor Vehicles debacles, those problems did not fix themselves. What world does the governor live in? Daniel W. Christensen Folsom Newsom should change parties Newsom calls for cities, counties to adopt policies eradicating homeless encampments, (sacbee.com, May 12) If Gov. Gavin Newsom is going to advocate for policies beloved by the GOP, including not funding social programs, he should change parties officially. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PJ Evans Chatsworth Save Alzheimers centers California has highest estimated Alzheimers cases in US. These counties have the most, (sacbee.com, Aug. 3, 2023) California Alzheimers Disease Centers are in trouble, with some at risk of closure by July, leaving many with Alzheimers unserved. Established 40 years ago at university medical centers, Californias 10 Alzheimers Centers leverage federal research dollars to expand access to diagnosis, treatment and training for primary care providers. Theyre critical educational centers for caregivers, medical students and communities of color, who are disproportionately affected and face challenges accessing experts and care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These centers have been consistently underfunded, while demand for their services grows. If they close, patients will face longer wait times and travel longer distances for appointments. State legislators must increase funding for these centers. Without action, well lose critical infrastructure and risk being unprepared to serve an aging population. Mark White Sacramento Protect 340B 340B fails Black Californians and helps corporations profit, (sacbee.com, May 7) NAACP California/Hawaii State Conference President Rick Callenders op-ed claims 340B no longer helps low-income Californians. In decades of practicing medicine and leading a health care organization that served millions of low-income patients, Ive seen nothing like it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In California, hospitals used hundreds of millions of dollars in 340B savings in recent years to keep clinics open and medications accessible. UC San Diego and UC Davis alone reported over $560 million combined. That funding supports cancer treatment, prenatal care and prescription access for people who often have nowhere else to turn. 340B isnt perfect, but it is working. If we cut 340B, we wont be fixing a problem. Instead, well be cutting off cancer treatment, closing clinics and leaving people without life-saving medicine. Dr. Mario Molina Arlington, Va. PFAS legislation is premature CA must stop using forever chemicals that harm our health, (sacbee.com, Aug. 11, 2023) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 682 seeks to broadly ban perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals, without fully assessing individual risks. It is a costly and premature measure that threatens over 500,000 jobs and nearly $150 billion in gross domestic product. These substances are essential to sectors like aerospace, semiconductors and air conditioning technology. A sweeping ban would burden small and mid-sized businesses, increasing prices and risking job losses. Legislators should reject SB 682 and, instead, back targeted, science-driven regulations that protect public health without jeopardizing Californias economy and innovation. Kevin Fay Executive director, Sustainable PFAS Action Network For the record: 6:18 p.m. May 19, 2025: An earlier version of this story referred to Sharonys replacement as Alisa Hart. Her last name is Hartz. After one of her first visits to L.A. County's juvenile hall in Sylmar, Efty Sharony filed a report that said she witnessed conditions worse than anything she'd seen in "over 20 years of experience visiting every level of carceral facility in California." Teens housed in the county's Secure Youth Treatment Facility could be heard screaming throughout the building, slamming their bodies against doors, crying and howling, she wrote in a 2023 report to the state's Health and Human Services secretary at the time, Dr. Mark Ghaly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Urine flowed from beneath cell doors housing youths who had been held in isolation for more than 18 hours during a lockdown, according to Sharony's report. The unit, at the time, held dozens of youths who had been convicted of serious and violent crimes. The conditions at Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall were exactly the kind of problems Sharony hoped to help solve as part of a broader effort led by Gov. Gavin Newsom to ensure humane treatment amid a remaking of the state's youth prison system. In her role as the ombudswoman for the state's Office of Youth and Community Restoration, Sharony said supervisors told her she was supposed to be "the only teeth" the agency had. Weeks after Sharony sounded the alarm bells about Nidorf, an 18-year-old housed there died of a drug overdose. The California Board of State and Community Corrections ordered the hall closed the same day. But instead of encouraging her to keep digging, Sharony alleges her bosses soon told her to stop investigating juvenile halls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three months later, she was fired and replaced by an attorney who had previously worked for the Newsom administration but had no prior experience with juvenile justice, according to a whistleblower complaint Sharony filed last year. "It became clear that Efrats superiors were more interested in creating the illusion of addressing the many crises in the states juvenile facilities rather than doing anything about it," the complaint read. A spokeswoman for the state department of Health and Human Services declined to comment on confidential personnel matters, but said the agency remains committed to promoting "trauma responsive, culturally informed, gender honoring, and developmentally appropriate services for youth involved in the juvenile justice system." That approach, the statement said, includes giving the ombudsperson "full authority" and "sole direction" to investigate complaints from detained youths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ensuring every complaint is thoroughly investigated is critical to protecting youth across the state and a primary goal of OYCR," the spokeswoman said. Sharony's attorney, Matthew Umhofer, said he has not received any response to the whistleblower complaint, which is a precursor to a lawsuit. Efty was fired in retaliation for doing her job. She was fired because her findings about the deplorable conditions in juvenile facilities didnt align with the states political narrative. Thats illegal," he said. "Weve given the state every opportunity to right the wrong here, but if they dont, were prepared to fight for Efty in court. Sharony's allegations that state officials have little appetite to fix chronic issues in L.A.'s juvenile halls echo other recent concerns about flagging efforts to improve the county's crumbling youth facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: A.G. Bonta considers stripping county control of L.A.'s chaotic juvenile halls Faced with questions about his office's failure to enforce a four-year-old court settlement mandating reforms in the halls, Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta said earlier this month that he is considering placing them in "receivership," essentially wresting local control of the facilities away from the L.A. County Probation Department. The California Board of State and Community Corrections also ordered another L.A. facility, Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, shut down last year, but the Probation Department ignored the order for months without consequence. A judge finally intervened last month, and roughly 100 youths will be relocated from Los Padrinos to other facilities under a plan made public by the Probation Department earlier this month. Sharony's firing infuriated local officials who have watched the situation at the halls deteriorate for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Caroline Menjivar (D-Panorama City), who authored a bill to revoke probation departments from overseeing how juveniles are housed, said Sharony's firing was a colossal mistake. I was livid that they fired someone that was passionate, who had experience in this space, and they brought in somebody from the inside," Menjivar said. "How are you going to have accountability when you hire somebody who is already on the team? Efty Sharony, the former ombudswoman for the state Office of Youth and Community Restoration, a role in which she investigated conditions at L.A. juvenile halls. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) Sharony who previously worked as an adjunct professor at Loyola Law School's Juvenile Innocence & Fair Sentencing Clinic and oversaw prisoner reentry programs under former L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti said she believed the ombudswoman's post would allow her to be part of the state's reimagining of the juvenile justice system. Newsom announced his intentions in 2019 to shut down the state's youth prison system, which formerly housed juveniles convicted of serious crimes such as murder until they turned 25. The Office of Youth and Community Restoration was created by the Legislature in 2021 in part to oversee conditions at the local juvenile halls that would receive the state's youngest prisoners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sharony said her oversight role allowed her to drop in on juvenile facilities with just 48 hours notice to conduct spot checks and review conditions identified in a complaint. It didn't take long, she claims, for those visits to ruffle feathers. When she left business cards with youths at a Contra Costa facility while investigating concerns about access to mental health services, Sharony said the department chief called her supervisors within the Office of Youth and Community Restoration to complain. After she documented the squalid conditions at Nidorf, local officials again allegedly tried to go over her head and voice frustrations, said Sharony. In the whistleblower complaint, Sharony said "her colleagues vocally prioritized political relationships over the timeliness of their investigations." The HHS spokeswoman declined to comment on Sharony's specific allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Contra Costa County Probation Department said they had "never filed a complaint with OYCR and would not characterize any of our conversations with OYCR as a complaint." "Our relationship and interactions with OYCR are consistent with how we engage with any state agency or oversight body," the department said in a statement. "We work within the processes and policies established to maintain a constructive and professional relationship." Sharony said in her whistleblower complaint that her reports out of Los Angeles went ignored by state officials. "She was left in the dark, confused about why she was suddenly removed from conversations regarding the serious findings of her initial investigation, the complaint read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An HHS spokeswoman said the Office of Youth and Community Restoration did not have the authority to investigate whether a Secure Youth Treatment Facility complex was in compliance with state regulations. Sharony said in an interview that didn't preclude them from acknowledging concerns about conditions there. In an email attached to the whistleblower complaint, Sharony's bosses said they were pausing her in-person visits "as we make final adjustments to our Policies & Procedures and continue to hire and onboard new staff. Its expected that field visits will resume in the next few weeks. But then, in June 2023, Sharony was fired. She said she was never given a reason for her termination. She was replaced by Alisa Hartz a former deputy legal secretary in Newsom's office who helped work on the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and had previously worked with the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. She also previously worked as a staff attorney with the pro bono civil rights firm Public Counsel. Sharony contends Hartz's lack of experience working in the juvenile justice system made her less qualified for the ombudswoman's post. A spokeswoman for the Office of Youth and Community Restoration said the agency "hires the most qualified candidate when filling a vacant position," but declined to answer specific questions about Hartz other than to point to her biography on a state website. A spokeswoman for Newsom said the governor had no hand in her hiring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kate Lamb, the HHS spokeswoman, said the ombudswoman's office received 49 complaints from Nidorf and Los Padrinos juvenile halls last year. Investigations into 22 of those complaints have not been completed, Lamb said. An aerial view of Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) In 2023, when Sharony worked in the ombudswoman role for half of the year, the office received twice as many complaints and all have since been closed out, according to Lamb. Some of those complaints were handled after Sharony had exited the agency. Those who frequent L.A.'s juvenile halls said Sharony's removal is just one indication that state officials are not taking the county's youth justice crisis seriously. The first ombudsperson was someone who was widely known and respected as a veteran stakeholder in the juvenile system here in L.A.," said Jerod Gunsberg, a veteran criminal defense attorney who represents juveniles. "Then after that, the ombudsperson is removed from her position, and weve never heard anything again here in L.A." 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. Lieutenant Kateryna is the only female combat pilot in the Ukrainian defence forces, serving at a frontline helicopter base alongside dozens of male colleagues. In 2023, she joined the 18th Army Aviation Brigade. Since then, she has completed over 30 combat missions aboard a Mi-8 helicopter. Source: The New York Times Details: Kateryna says her desire to fly began in childhood when she first visited an airbase where her father served as an officer. After her first flight on a Mi-8 helicopter at the age of 10, she decided she wanted to become a pilot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was so loud and so scary, but I felt that I wanted to fly it," she said. At the age of 16, Kateryna enrolled in the Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University, where she was the only female student. She remembers a lecturer once asking her: "What are you doing here? This is not for girls. You will not make it". A female instructor working with helicopter simulators gave her the motivation to keep going. "She told me not to listen to anyone, and I thought, if she can fly, why cant I?" Kateryna said. In 2023, she joined the 18th Army Aviation Brigade and began flying combat missions in September 2024. Since then, she has completed more than 30 sorties as co-pilot and navigator aboard a Soviet-designed heavy Mi-8 helicopter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In flight, I love everything," she said. Journalists observed Kateryna as she prepared for a mission. She braids her hair tightly into two plaits so it doesnt get in the way, puts on the male military uniform since there is no other option and grabs her tablet used for navigation before stepping outside. There, she is met by her all-male crew. Together, they discuss the flight route she has prepared this time, the mission involves three helicopters. The crews then walk to their helicopters, hidden in the forest to avoid Russian attacks. Kateryna dons her helmet, gets comfortable in her seat and takes off with her commander. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two helicopters tasked with striking Russian targets fly ahead. Behind them follows a third helicopter, which serves as a kind of relay radio station. It is this last aircraft that Kateryna pilots. Although it stays behind the others, it is often exposed to greater danger due to flying at a higher altitude. "I never stress during the flight," she said. "All the heavy thoughts can come before or after. During the flight, my mind is clear." "I fly and look over my country, thinking how beautiful it is, and then, when we enter the frontline area and I see how everything is destroyed burned and bombed the villages, towns, homes and factories, I think: how did we get here in the 21st century?" she reflected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After completing the mission, the three helicopters returned to their forest clearing. "Once I hear on the radio that we hit the target like today I know the job is done," Kateryna said after she returned. "I feel like, phew, great, we completed our task." She rarely sees her family but dreams of taking her younger sister for a flight once the war ends. After missions, Kateryna finds time to relax by watching movies with fellow soldiers. She has learned to ignore sexist comments and she finds encouragement in the respect shown by other pilots and the trust commanders place in her abilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Possibly, I ruined the stereotype," Kateryna said. However, she admitted that overcoming prejudice from male commanders and soldiers remains a challenge. Female service members, she noted, are often marginalised in the military and are given fewer assignments than their male counterparts. "Its like that in any profession when youre a woman not just in the army," Kateryna added. Background: Earlier, we reported on how former teacher Nataliia Hrabarchuk shot down a Russian cruise missile with a portable air defence system during a large-scale attack. The Ministry of Defence later honoured her and her fellow defenders with awards. Read more: Natasha, you got it! The former kindergarten teacher who downed a Russian missile Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Cuauhtemoc, a training ship used for the Mexican Navy that crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, was embarking on an annual transcontinental journey The ships voyage marks the completion of cadet training The training ship was set to visit 22 ports in 15 nations The ship that crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge was embarking on a transcontinental journey that marks the completion of cadet training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cuauhtemoc, a training ship used for the Mexican Navy, crashed into the New York City landmark on Saturday, May 17, the government agency confirmed in a statement on X. The large ship was carrying over 250 people. New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that two people died in the crash, while at least 19 others were injured, with two said to be in serious condition. According to The New York Post, the Cuauhtemoc has sailed annually for the last four decades in coordination with cadet training. The ship first launched in 1982, when it sailed from Spain to Mexico. Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty The Cuauhtemoc crashing into the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, 2025 The Cuauhtemoc crashing into the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, 2025 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. Per the outlet, the vessel is docked in Acapulco, Mexico, until the cadets finish their training at the Mexican naval academy, Heroica Escuela Naval Militar. The ship arrived in N.Y.C. on Tuesday, May 13, as the third stop in its planned eight-month voyage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foxs LiveNOW reported that the Cuauhtemoc was set to visit 22 ports in 15 nations over the span of 254 days. Officials previously revealed that the crash was due to a mechanical mishap. "The pilot lost power of the ship," N.Y.C.s mayor said during a press conference. The ship had taken off from the nearby Pier 17 shortly before the incident. Chief Wilson Aramboles of the New York Police Department's Special Operations Division stated that the ship was en route to Iceland. Stephanie Keith/Getty The Cuauhtemoc crashing into the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, 2025 The Cuauhtemoc crashing into the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, 2025 New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez also said during the press conference that a preliminary assessment found no signs of major damage to the bridge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams added that 277 people total were onboard at the time of the crash. No one fell into the water, per officials. President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum mourned the deaths of the two crew members who were onboard the ship. We are deeply saddened by the loss of two crew members of the Cuauhtemoc Training Ship, who lost their lives in the unfortunate accident in New York Harbor, she wrote on X. Our sympathy and support go out to their families. Read the original article on People Leslie Reeves and Chris Smith were shot during their first date. Only Smith survived. A look at how he defied the odds to make a remarkable recovery. The scene of the crime The exterior of Chris Smith's Farmersville, Illinois, home. / Credit: Illinois State Police On the night before Thanksgiving 2021, Smith went on a first date with a woman named Leslie Reeves. The morning after, first responders found Smith in his Farmersville, Illinois, home with a bullet lodged in his brain. Reeves was dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shooting victim in a coma Chris Smith was placed in a medically induced coma after brain surgery. / Credit: Chris Smith EMTs rushed Smith to a hospital where he underwent brain surgery and was placed in a medically induced coma. A bullet lodged in his brain An X-ray shows a bullet fragment in Chris Smith's brain. / Credit: Chris Smith Fragments of the bullet remained in Smith's brain. His doctors say that to retrieve the bullet could risk causing further damage. Family support Sharon Costanza with her son Chris Smith during his hospitalization. / Credit: Chris Smith Smith's mother, Sharon Costanza, and sister, Ashli Holcomb, sat by his side during his recovery. Doctors told them chances were very low that Smith would return to his previous level of functioning. No memory Chris Smith shares his story with Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January 2022, Smith woke from his coma and asked where he was and what had happened. He remembered nothing from the night of the shooting. He had no memory of his date with Reeves, even though he'd been talking on the phone and messaging with her two weeks before the shooting. A poor prognosis Dr. Victor Williams, Chris Smith's neurosurgeon, talks with Due to Smith's injuries, his neurosurgeon, Dr. Victor Williams, told Smith he likely would not be able to walk again. Williams and his team were dedicated to doing everything they could to aid Chris' recovery. A life forever changed Chris Smith / Credit: CBS News Smith's left leg is partially paralyzed from his hip to his knee. From his knee to his toes, he is completely paralyzed.After he left the hospital, he had to move back in with his mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regaining his strength After intense physical therapy, Chris Smith has made incredible strides. He's much stronger than when he awoke from a coma, but he discovered there are gaps in his memory / Credit: CBS News Most days, Smith goes to the gym and works on regaining his strength so that someday he'll be able to walk without assistance. A survivor Smith says he is determined to hold on tight to his new lease on life. He is back singing with his rock band. And he proposed to his fiancee, Michelle Albrecht. New aspirations Chris Smith is back as the lead singer with his rock band. / Credit: CBS News 'Smith hopes to become a motivational speaker and has his own website. A miracle recovery Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith's mother says his recovery is nothing short of a miracle. Raw Video: Mexican navy training ship hits Brooklyn Bridge Surprising facts about Mark Twain that biographer Ron Chernow learned while writing new book Family's goodbye to beloved dog becomes a lesson in letting go ORLANDO, Fla. An early morning argument at a downtown Kissimmee bar and restaurant last week spilled into the street and then ended with gunfire. The shooting left two people injured and quickly reignited discussions among Kissimmee leaders about whether alcohol sales should end earlier than 2 a.m., the current cutoff. Commissioners had one testy exchange hours after the May 6 shooting and likely will discuss the issue again next month. About 20 miles north, Orlando continues to grapple with similar concerns about alcohol, public safety and gun violence in its downtown, and Monday city leaders will again wrestle with possible solutions. In both cities, some officials say ending alcohol sales at midnight should be considered. Orlando currently requires its downtown bars to have a permit to pour liquor after midnight, with last call at 2 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kissimmee restaurant and bar owners are fearful their city wants to mirror some of Orlandos existing nightlife policies. They say those expensive rules which require bars to help cover the costs of extra police protection could shutter businesses even as Kissimmee undergoes a multi-million dollar revitalization effort in its downtown. But Kissimmees mayor, who owns a downtown restaurant and bar, says its time for change. Mayor Jackie Espinosa said the city, business owners and residents must find a happy medium as Kissimmee begins a more than $16.3 million road improvement project in its downtown corridor and continues to push for a long-sought hotel for the area. The road project aims to help make downtown more walkable. Kissimmees dream of a downtown hotel seems closer to reality as developers are set to come back to the city in June with their proposals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Something has to happen before all this development starts though, Espinosa said. Obviously we dont want to scare people away from moving to the downtown hotels. Ray Parsons, who owns two popular restaurants and bars in downtown, 1881 and Breeze, isnt convinced. Last weeks incident began in Breeze with an argument between two patrons who were asked to leave just before midnight on May 5. Breeze was also the site of a 2023 shooting. In that incident, the shooter fired a single shot into the crowd, injuring one person. It could have happened at any time these incidents just happen randomly, Parsons said of last weeks argument. These are tragic events but right now I just dont see how punishing the businesses downtown will fix this. Parsons said ending alcohol sales earlier could absolutely lead to the closure of some downtown bars as happened in Orlando. He makes roughly 25% of his sales after midnight, so cutting that off would be a big detriment, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back when I was young and going to bars in Orlando there just wasnt this kind of violence, Parsons said. To tie it to alcohol sales I just dont think its fair. The two people wounded by gunshots one shot in the head, the other in the leg around 1:15 a.m. on May 6 are in stable condition and the investigation is ongoing, Kissimmee Police Chief Charles Broadway said at the Kissimmee commission meeting. The meeting got heated when commissioners discussed ending alcohol sales earlier an ongoing conversation for nearly two years and raising fees for businesses who dont comply with the citys noise ordinance. You want action, Commissioner Noel Ortiz said. Lets take some action, he added, suggesting alcohol sales end at midnight Thursdays through Sundays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But no other commissioner immediately supported that idea, and they made no decision. City staff, however, is working on a proposal to revise the ordinance that regulates the hours of alcohol sales and the fees for noise ordinance violations, city spokeswoman Alibeth Suarez said in an email this week. Espinosa said that before the city considers changes, she wants the citys new police chief to have time to assess how the current rules work. Broadway was sworn in on April 1. Im not opposed to closing earlier, Espinosa said. Safety should be our priority but in all fairness I do feel that we need to also allow the chief to make these decisions with us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Orlando police shot and killed a man on Orange Avenue last month who flashed a gun during an argument and fired a shot into the air, city officials are again expected to debate at a workshop Monday ways to create a safer downtown. Orlando has required a permit to sell alcohol after midnight for the past two years meaning bars and nightclubs are required to pay about $90 an hour for off-duty officers to patrol the bar district. The permit has various security requirements, including a fee to help cover the cost of up to 30 police officers to patrol the area. Those rules came after several shootings on the streets near the nightlife district, spanning the Orange Avenue area from Washington to Church streets, usually when bars and nightclubs were closing down for the night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orlando again revisited its downtown rules after a mass shooting on Halloween last year left two dead and eight injured. In response, the city moved to keep Orange Avenue which would close to vehicles on the weekends open to traffic, in hopes of ridding the area of the street party officials have long blamed as a contributor to the violence. While state law bans guns in bars and nightclubs, under Floridas permitless carry law, legal gun owners can carry a firearm in public places. State law also bans cities and counties from regulating firearms, so Orlando, for example, cannot ban guns on downtown streets nor screen for them as the Kia Center does at Orlando Magic games. Some bar owners have bristled at the permit costs, saying it threatens their ability to turn a profit and noting the shootings arent happening inside their doors. But the shooting last month means nightlife in downtown again faces scrutiny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve been talking about this for three-plus years, and tragedies continue to happen, said Commissioner Jim Gray last month, days after the shooting. Gray, who has criticized downtown for years for having too many bars and too few other amenities, said the city needs new ideas. We just continue to have violence downtown and our strategies, as much as were trying, do not seem to be effective, he said. At the workshop on Monday, city staff is expected to update commissioners on the current state of downtown, discussing crime statistics, costs associated with its current permitting and potentially setting the stage for new ways to combat problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Interim Commissioner Shan Rose, whose district includes the bar district, said at last months meeting that she wanted bar operators to be a part of whatever conversation was ahead. It seems like every time theres a policy that comes out of a city hall, it continues to negatively impact the bars and nightclubs downtown, she said. We need to stop doing knee-jerk reactions to things happening downtown and look at a holistic plan. Mayor Buddy Dyer, who agreed to call the workshop, said he saw few other policy steps the city could take beyond shutting down alcohol sales earlier. Right now theres only one other solution than anything were already doing and thats closing at midnight, he said. Water firms have warned customers to take shorter showers if they want to avoid a hosepipe ban. England has had the driest spring on record since 1961, with April receiving just half of its expected rainfall, according to official figures. The Environment Agency has now warned that there is a medium risk of a drought this summer. Tim Mcmahon, Southern Waters managing director of water, told BBC News drought conditions would be likely unless there were significant periods of rain over the next three months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have long-term plans for new sources of water to combat the significant challenge of water scarcity in the region, but right now, we must all work together to keep our taps running, said Mr Mcmahon. SES Water said it was ready for summer and its resources were in a very strong position. The one thing none of us can control is the weather and we know demand for water rises in warmer months, so everyone should keep using water wisely, the company added. The Environment Agency recently warned water companies they need to be better prepared for regular droughts. Richard Thompson, the deputy director of water for the Environment Agency, said: The changing climate means we will see more summer droughts in the coming decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last two years were some of the wettest on record for England but drier conditions at the start of this year mean a drought is a possibility and we need to be prepared. Its heartening to see more people looking to reduce their water use and we expect water companies to do more to cut leakage and roll out smart meters. The Governments National Drought Group met earlier this month to urge water companies to do more to safeguard water supplies. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said that whilst there are currently no plans for hosepipe bans if the dry weather continues, water companies may need to activate their dry weather plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The warning comes as customers have been hit with large increases in their water bills. The average annual bill has risen by 123 this year a 26 per cent jump, according to Water UK. Southern Water has imposed the largest rise of 47 per cent, expecting next years average bill to be 703. Most of the UKs river levels are expected to be below normal levels in May, apart from the south-west of England and southern Wales. Experts are concerned that reservoir levels are much lower than is usual at this time of year. One of the UKs highest reservoirs, Blackstone Edge Reservoir in the Pennines, has turned into sand and grit in the wake of Britains dry spring weather, despite sitting at 1,250ft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The low temperatures in the mountainous area normally leave the reservoir surrounded by snow for six months of the year, but the Pennines have become dry and barren during the past few weeks. Phil Taylor, a 62-year-old photographer from Bolton, Greater Manchester, discovered the scene after a recent trip to the area. He said it was quite concerning that the areas reservoir levels are so low at this time of year. Ive been photographing them for the last eight years, and this is probably the lowest Ive seen them at this time of year, Mr Taylor said. High up in the Pennines, almost 1,300ft above sea level, where sometimes in winter the road is blocked due to snow, its surprising to see a reservoir where the surroundings have more or less become a beach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The signs telling people to avoid deep water seem superfluous, as the area has just become a mud flat. The reservoir is owned by United Utilities, who issued a warning earlier this month urging residents of the north-west of England to use less water as reservoir levels sit at 69 per cent full, far below the usual 90 per cent at this time last year. Matt Hemmings, chief operating officer at United Utilities, said: We have ramped up our operations as this dry spell continues to manage water resources and get water to where it is needed. With local reservoir levels lower than we would expect for the time of the year, we can all play our part to make sure theres enough water for people, wildlife and the environment. 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. SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO) Despite the chilly start to Saturday morning, dozens of people laced up their shoes to walk for a cause. Participants gathered at Cherry Rock Park in Sioux Falls for the Walk MS event. The fundraiser supports research to help find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a condition that impacts the central nervous system. About one million Americans are affected by the disease. The event is centered around its Circles of Support theme, an interactive way for participants to self-identify their place within the MS community. Participants could carry an orange, green or yellow circle throughout the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One and three mile routes were available to choose from. This years goal is to raise $96,000. You can visit the donation page here. Ink, tattoos and mental health awareness Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has said he would support a referendum on lifting sanctions against Russia should one be organised. Source: Slovak public broadcasting network STVR, as reported by European Pravda Details: Fico equated sanctions against Russia to a plague, claiming that they have no effect on Moscow and only harm the European economy. When asked by an STVR presenter whether he would support a referendum on lifting sanctions, Fico stated that he would back it without needing a public vote to make his decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Fico: "If such a referendum is held, I will support it without hesitation. I speak for myself, but I will back it." Details: Fico also criticised discussions on new sanctions against Russia at a time when, in his view, initial signs of peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow are emerging. Quote: "How can we be preparing a large-scale package of sanctions against the Russian Federation at a time when peace talks are underway? This only confirms that conversations I hear in the West are completely insincere." Details: In early May, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini received a petition from the far-right Slovak Renaissance Movement (SHO) calling for a referendum on lifting sanctions against Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pellegrini stated that he would evaluate the petition, which garnered 400,000 signatures, and decide within 30 days whether to call a referendum. For a referendum's results to be valid, at least 50% of Slovak voters must participate, with an absolute majority approving the outcome. Background: In March, Fico threatened to block further European sanctions against Russia if he views them as jeopardising the peaceful settlement of the war in Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! SOMERSET, Ky. (FOX 56) Creek Church of Somerset is opening its doors to anyone who has been impacted by devastating storms. Offering cleaning supplies, food, and clothes, Jessica Maybrier said they are doing their part to serve the community. So, doors are open. Were here ready to serve whoever to bag up things, send them out, she explained. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jakob Maybrier said they are also planning to deliver items to those who need them. Sometimes its hard to ask for help. So, if you just know people that need help, just get them there. Get us their name, get us addresses, phone numbers, whatever you can for us to contact them. And then we can send a crew out to them. Well be here all day tomorrow, Sunday, and probably on into the early week to come pick things up, he said. Jakob said you can contact the Creek Church by visiting its website or Facebook page to learn how you can either donate or receive donations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Thanks, Biloxi Kudos to the City of Biloxi for re-striping Pass Road. It looks great. There are so many negative comments in Sound Off about the cities, I thought it would be refreshing to recognize the Biloxi for the good work they are doing. Genocide Its completely reckless of the Sun Herald to print the May 15th Sound Off promoting genocide. The media has lost its credibility in these matters. Genocide is wrong, regardless of who is being killed. Do better. Birthright citizenship Good on President Trump and the Republicans for seeking to put an end to birthright citizenship. Beware of gifts President Trump once called Qatar funders of terrorism. Now, he wants to accept an airplane from them. What could possibly go wrong? Can you say Trojan Horse? FEMA trouble In words of warning to his employees, the current acting FEMA administrator said I will achieve the presidents intent. I am as bent on achieving the presidents intent as I was on making sure that I did my duty when I took my Marines to Iraq. This makes it pretty clear that the current administration is not about serving the people of the United States. They are about serving and glorifying the wanna be dictator who sits in the White House. We are going to be in big trouble this hurricane season. Not equal So, the mayor of Newark and some congressional Democrats should be jailed for assaulting police officers, but the Jan. 6 attackers are patriotic victims? Yall need to get your outrage together and be consistent. But at last, FOX News must tell you what to think and say first. Great experience My wife spent last week in the Ocean Springs hospital. I can only say great things about all of her caregivers. She needed lots of attention and promptly got it every time she called the nurses desk. They were consistently polite and friendly. They were pleasant to be around. The staff made my wifes visit so much easier. Seeking credit Thankfully, President Trump is trying to now work a peaceful nuclear deal with Iran. Oh, thats right, we had one under President Obama that Trump immediately pulled out of showing the U.S. cannot be trusted in standing up to its international agreements. Guess now if Trump gets a deal hell want all the credit for saving the world from nuclear war. Tattoos All tattoos are not professionally done. Have you ever seen some of the tattoos on prisoners? It is very possible that MS 13 gang members do not wish to go to a public tattoo parlor to get gang tattoos and have someone in the gang do the tattoo. Ergo, you have a crude tattoo. Improvements While driving in Gulfport, I saw two major street improvements. Both were access roads near businesses. I guess Ill have to rezone my street so we can get sidewalks. Dozing duo First we had Sleepy Joe. Now we have Dozing Donald. If we cant have a competent, honest president, lets at least get one who can stay awake. THC soda Four different flavors of THC Seltzers are advertised in todays Sun Herald grocery section. These drinks will stone you. Teenagers are big fans. Send your Sound Offs to soundoff@sunherald.com. By Hyunsu Yim SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea's presidential candidates faced off in a heated first TV debate on Sunday evening, ahead of a snap election on June 3 to choose a successor to former President Yoon Suk Yeol who was impeached over his short-lived martial law declaration in December. Lee Jae-myung, the main opposition Democratic Party's candidate and the frontrunner in the race, has faced criticism from opponents as being too friendly to China, citing his comments that South Korea does not need to get involved in China-Taiwan disputes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Lee, who considers pragmatism as key to his foreign policy, said the country "should not go all-in" on its alliance with Washington, and said managing China and Russia relations was important, although security cooperation with the U.S. and Japan is necessary. He also advocated more investment in artificial intelligence, protection for unionized workers, a 4-1/2-day working week, and putting South Korea's interests first in responding to U.S. tariffs. There was no need for Seoul to rush to reach a trade agreement with Washington, Lee said during the two-hour debate. "I think we should prepare well for this situation delicately and competently," Lee added, also arguing South Korea needs to nurture high-tech and renewable energy industries to overcome low economic growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We will focus on developing so-called sovereign AI so our people can at least use something like ChatGPT for free like an electronic calculator," he said. Kim Moon-soo, candidate for the conservative People Power Party, vowed to create jobs and deregulate to foster businesses. POLITICAL TURMOIL Asia's fourth-largest economy contracted in the first quarter as exports and consumption stalled, amid fears over the impact of Washington's aggressive tariffs and political turmoil at home. South Korea has begun trade talks with the United States and is seeking a waiver from the tariffs. U.S. President Donald Trump slapped 25% tariffs on South Korea in April, after which Seoul was one of the first countries to hold face-to-face talks with Washington, following in the footsteps of Japan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee has vowed to raise AI investment to 100 trillion won ($71.5 billion) and offer a production tax credit of up to 10% for semiconductors manufactured and sold domestically. Kim has pledged to create a government agency dedicated to innovating regulations and to invest more than 5% of the budget in research and development. Lee holds a lead with 51% support in the latest Gallup Korea poll released on Friday, with Kim trailing far behind at 29%. Former President Yoon was ousted last month over his short-lived imposition of martial law on December 3, stoking political turmoil and triggering the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee called earlier in the day for constitutional reform to allow a four-year, two-term presidency and a two-round system for presidential elections through a referendum. South Korean presidents currently serve a single five-year term. He also vowed to curb the presidential right to declare martial law and hold to account those responsible for the December 3 declaration. "We must gather the people's strength to root (them) out and strictly hold (them) accountable," he told a press briefing. ($1 = 1,398.1200 won) (Reporting by Hyunsu Yim; Additional Reporting by Ju-min Park and Jack Kim; Editing by Shri Navaratnam and David Holmes) MCDONALD CO., Mo. A McDonald County Teacher is charged with a child sex crime after a man came forward and reported sexual encounters with her 7 to 9 years ago when he was her student. McDonald County Prosecutor Maleia Cheney filed a charge of statutory rape against Joelle Stark, 41, on Friday. According to court records, the man told authorities that when he was Starks student, between 2016 and 2018, Stark would write notes to get him out of class and would take him to her house for sex. He also told investigators that Stark would touch him inappropriately while other students were in the classroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The McDonald County School District issued a statement saying it placed Stark on administrative leave as soon as it was made aware of the investigation. District officials say they are cooperating with law enforcement and have directed all questions to the prosecutors office. FOUR STATES CRIME You can read the districts full statement below. The McDonald County R-1 School District was recently notified by law enforcement of an ongoing investigation involving a district teacher. Upon receiving this information, the district immediately placed the teacher on administrative leave, following standard policy and procedure. The McDonald County Prosecuting Attorney has now filed formal charges. This remains an active criminal investigation, and as such, the district is limited in the details it can share publicly. The district is fully cooperating with law enforcement and will continue to do so throughout the course of the investigation. The district is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and professional learning environment while ensuring due process is upheld for all individuals involved. District Statement Regarding Ongoing 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 KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. Can a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, be seen farther south, in Palm Beach County skies? If the conditions are right, yes! And when this so Florida thing occurs, it's very Instagram-worthy. Though rockets here launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center near Merritt Island, Florida, or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, people from West Palm Beach and Boca Raton can sometimes see this #SoFlorida phenomenon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover, a rocket launch from Floridas Space Coast could be visible from Jacksonville Beach and Daytona Beach to Vero Beach and West Palm Beach (see videos and photo gallery with this story). When theres a launch window in the middle of the night or very early morning, theres an opportunity for unique photos the rocket lights up the dark sky and the contrail after makes for a great photo. Below is more information on rocket launches in Florida and suggestions on where to watch them from the Palm Beach County area. Rocket launch tally: Here's a list of all 2025 missions from Cape Canaveral, Florida (psst, there's a lot) For questions or comments, email FLORIDA TODAY Space Reporter Rick Neale at rneale@floridatoday.com or Space Reporter Brooke Edwards at bedwards@floridatoday.com. For more space news from the USA TODAY Network, visit floridatoday.com/space. When is the next SpaceX rocket launch in Florida? Monday, May 19, 2025: SpaceX Starlink 12-15 Mission: SpaceX will launch a payload of Starlink satellites on a Falcon 9 rocket into low-Earth orbit, according to a Federal Aviation Administration operations plan advisory. Launch window time and day: 11:40 p.m. EDT Monday, May 19, 2025, to 12:46 a.m. Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Location of rocket launch: Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida Sonic booms: No Trajectory : Southeast Live coverage starts 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space: You can watch live rocket launch coverage from USA TODAY Networks Space Team, which consists of FLORIDA TODAY space reporters Rick Neale and Brooke Edwards and visuals journalists Craig Bailey, Malcolm Denemark and Tim Shortt. Our Space Team will provide up-to-the-minute updates in a mobile-friendly live blog, complete with a countdown clock, at floridatoday.com/space, starting 90 minutes before liftoff. You can download the free FLORIDA TODAY app, which is available in the App Store or Google Play, or type floridatoday.com/space into your browser. Where to see a Florida rocket launch in Palm Beach County: What does a West Palm Beach rocket launch view look like? Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover, some rocket launches from the Space Coast can be visible in Palm Beach County. When theres a launch window in the middle of the night or very early morning, with a southeast trajectory, theres an opportunity for unique photos. Some examples include United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy rocket launch and SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From Cape Canaveral, Florida, to West Palm Beach, Florida, it's about 150 miles. What the views look like: Rocket launches from Cape Canaveral spotted in West Palm Beach Rocket launches from Cape Canaveral can often be seen from Palm Beach County, and it can be as easy as walking out of your house and looking north. Try to get away from any obstructions, such as trees, tall buildings, and bright lights. Obviously, cloud cover can also get in the way. If the forecast is for clear skies and you want a better view, some good places to watch the rocket launch from Palm Beach County include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: What time is SpaceX rocket launch near NASA, Kennedy Space Center? SPRINGFIELD With the neighborhood signing off on a proposal to install a new 5,000-gallon diesel tank at the Peter Pan Bus Lines garage, the company will soon be able to resume fueling its vehicles on site and at a lower cost. The City Council voted 13-0 last week to allow the long-standing business to put in an above ground diesel tank at its 11 Liberty St. garage. The petition for a fuel storage permit was relatively routine, especially since there were two underground tanks that held more than three times the amount of fuel at the site until 2018. More recently there was a temporary 500-gallon tank at the site. But the lack of neighborhood input sparked a long City Council debate last month and ended up delaying the vote until residents could be consulted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recently, officials for Peter Pan Bus Lines and Fire Chief Bernard J. Calvi met with members of the Metro Center Association to address any concerns and explain both the plan and federal safety measures they are required to take. We left the meeting satisfied that this will not adversely affect the neighborhood and would help ensure Peter Pans viability, Betsy Johnson, president of the association, wrote in a letter to the City Council last week. Frank Fitzgerald II, vice president of Opal Real Estate Group who was representing Peter Pan Bus Lines, explained the company was hoping to install the tank as soon as possible since the company recently removed the temporary tank. The companys only option now is to fuel buses at a gas station, which is inefficient and more expensive because it is paying retail rather than wholesale prices, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While city regulations do not require businesses applying for fuel storage permits to meet with the neighborhood associations, the City Council grappled with balancing the need to get input from residents with the idea of fast-tracking approvals for a long-standing company that backs local causes. City Councilor Maria Perez, who represents the Metro Center area, pushed for an informational meeting before the fuel tanks were approved saying the residents should at least have a chance to discuss safety concerns and any negative impacts the tanks could bring. When the community is included in decisions, it brings a more a positive outcome, Perez said just before last weeks vote. Other councilors agreed after reviewing the letter and speaking with Fitzgerald. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im thrilled that you were able to meet very quickly with the Metro Center (Association) and resolve this, City Councilor Victor Davila said. It is important for the neighborhood to be heard and Im glad this is a good outcome. I wish you the best success. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. BURLINGTON, Vermont Two Springfield, Mass. men, who were charged last fall in state court in a drug-debt homicide case in Waterbury, now have been indicted by federal authorities as part of a major drug trafficking conspiracy based in Vermont. Fabrice Savage Rumama, 21, and Samuel Smitty Niyonsenga, 19, are charged with knowingly and intentionally conspiring with others to distribute crack cocaine and more than 40 grams of fentanyl between September and October 2024 in Vermont and elsewhere. They both pleaded not guilty during separate arraignments in U.S. District Court in Burlington last week. The more than 40 grams makes the maximum penalty, if convicted, up to 40 years, records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rumama and Niyonsenga were ordered held without bail at the request of prosecutor Jared Engelking, a trial attorney from the Violent Crime & Racketeering Section for the U. S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. The issue of bail in the federal case in Vermont was moot because Rumama and Niyonsenga are both being held without bail on a pair of state homicide charges. Washington County States Attorney Michelle Donnelly has charged Rumama and Niyonsenga with both second-degree murder and aiding in the commission of second-degree murder for the fatal shooting of Shawn Spiker, 34, of Croydon, N.H. on Oct. 14, 2024. Spiker was gunned down about 12:45 a.m. at the Kneeland Flats Trailer Park, State Police Detective Sgt. Seth Richardson said in a court affidavit. The autopsy showed the Sullivan County man died from multiple gunshot wounds, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Perry, 57, of Waterbury also was wounded during the shooting, according to Richardson, who is assigned to the Major Crime Unit. Donnelly said after the federal arraignment the state homicide charges, which carry up to life in prison, remain pending against both men. A motion to consider Niyonsenga as a youthful offender under Vermont law and to send his case to family court for secret proceedings was initially filed by the defense in state court. Records show the request has since been withdrawn and the criminal case continues in adult court. Niyonsenga also is charged with an unrelated felony case of fentanyl trafficking for a reported sale before the shooting, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donnelly has maintained the evidence against Rumama and Niyonsenga is great. Judge Michael Harris agreed with her in a 17-page decision in which he ordered both men held without bail. Engelking, the prosecutor from Washington, D.C., said at the federal court hearing there is considerable evidence to share with the defense. It includes law enforcement reports, search warrants, photos, audio and video of drug buys, lab reports, and cellphone extractions, he said. Federal Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle agreed with a request by defense lawyer Natasha Sen, who represents Rumama, to give her 120 days to explore the case and to consider pre-trial motions. She said the case was tied into multiple defendants in other cases. Sen did not identify the other defendants and cases at the arraignment or when interviewed after the hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doyle set a Sept. 10 deadline. Sen said if the homicide charges are dismissed for some reason in state court, she may seek to revisit the no bail issue in federal court. When defense lawyer Matthew D. Anderson of Rutland appeared later with Niyonsenga, Doyle offered the same four-month deadline for motions. The nation of origin for both defendants was not listed in court papers, but Doyle told both defendants during their respective arraignments that under a U.S. treaty, the federal government may be required to notify the consulate for their homeland if they are not U.S. citizens. Rumama and Niyonsenga fled the mobile home in Waterbury after the shooting and returned to a residence in the town of Orange, where they had been dealing drugs, Richardson wrote. A cooperating person at the residence said the homicide was soon discussed with those at the home, records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State police, along with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, raided the residence on U.S. 302 in Orange on Oct. 18 after obtaining a search warrant. Rumama and Niyonsenga tried to flee, but both were eventually caught, police said. Investigators said they found fentanyl in both bulk and individual packages, two handguns, an AR-style rifle, ammunition and about $3,000 in cash, Richardson said. The house in Orange was part of another ongoing drug investigation, police said. Read the original article on MassLive. As crews surveyed the damage from a tornado that ripped through St. Louis, authorities said Saturday that at least five people were dead and 38 injured citywide. Meteorologists at the National Weather Service in St. Louis confirmed the powerful tornado touched down shortly after the agency issued a warning around 2:30 p.m. Friday. Emergency crews were working Saturday to clear debris from streets and urging people to stay away from damaged areas for their safety. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department provided an update on social media on Saturday afternoon, saying 38 people have reported injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deadly storm was one of several tornadoes that tore through the region, leaving at least 23 dead since Friday, The Associated Press reported. A neighborhood resource center opened Saturday at Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, 1408 N. Kingshighway, to provide assistance to those affected by the storm. Several GoFundMe pages have launched asking for community assistance for lost homes, injuries and lost loved ones. GoFundMe set up a landing page of verified fundraisers for people interested in donating. The St. Louis-area tornado touched down near Clayton and moved east across the Mississippi River into Illinois and reached a width of about three blocks, a fire department spokesperson said Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson estimated 500 first responders were part of the storm effort Friday evening. There is very significant damage because of this storm, he said Friday. This was a very destructive storm. Previous reporting by The Stars Nathan Pilling contributed to this story. Monday sees a summit in London between the UK and the EU which could lead to what the British government terms an EU reset. What should we expect? A good deal of what is going to be discussed concerns defence. The likely agreement here is largely going to be formalising the existing situation. Britain and France have been leading the attempt to establish a Coalition of the Willing to support Ukraine. And it has been obvious for some time that with the US growing increasingly weary of paying for the defence of Europe, European countries, including the UK, are having to step up to the plate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, there is a potential economic benefit to the UK from a defence agreement. It seems likely that UK companies will be able to bid for and win defence contracts funded by the EUs 150bn (126bn) defence scheme. This would undoubtedly be good news. But it is hardly a game changer. To put this apparently enormous sum into perspective, it represents about 4pc of the UKs GDP. So if British firms were able to win about 10pc of the contracts available, this would represent a total boost to UK demand of just under 0.5pc of our GDP. But this boost would be spread over a number of years so the impact on GDP in any one year is likely to be pretty small. The deal may also involve removing customs checks on British food exports into the EU, which would be a considerable boost to this sector. The downside, however, is that, once again, our fishermen are likely to be sold out by the British Government in order to secure a deal. Moreover, a removal of checks on British food exports to the EU is likely to come at a higher price, namely British agreement to so-called dynamic alignment. This means adopting all new EU regulations with regard to the production and movement of food and food products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Making such an agreement would render it extremely difficult for the UK to forge a full Free Trade Agreement with the United States, since the treatment of US food exports has, all along, been one of the principle sticking points. Furthermore, if we were to agree to dynamic alignment on foodstuffs, we could easily find ourselves pressured into adopting dynamic alignment with regard to all other forms of production and distribution. In that event, we would effectively be back inside the EUs regulatory ambit even though we were no longer a member of the bloc. This would be a betrayal of all those who voted for Brexit since the ability to fashion our own regulatory regime was one of the principle sources of potential gain from leaving the EU. This Government finds it difficult to understand that economic growth is forged by risk-taking businesses, not governments signing agreements and treaties and that over-regulation stifles business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can see how the changing shape of international relations is pushing the UK closer to Europe in a number of spheres. But the economic urge to align more closely with the EU surely derives from the belief, widely held in the Government and the economic establishment, that Brexit has cost the UK dearly. The number that has somehow become lodged in the collective consciousness is a cost from Brexit to the UK of 4pc of GDP, even though this figure has not been satisfactorily established. Indeed, believing it requires quite a leap of faith. It is striking, for instance, that since Brexit, UK exports to the rest of the world have been just as weak as our exports to the EU. How can this be explained by Brexit? A more likely explanation is that UK exports in general have been damaged by some other factor, probably to do with the sectoral composition of British exports. As the trade expert Phil Radford recently explained in Less than Meets the Eye the Real Impact of Brexit on UK Trade (published by Policy Exchange), UK exports have been strongly affected by the weakness of its two largest goods export sectors: cars and aerospace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aerospace industry was devastated by the impact of Covid-19 as orders for aircraft plunged, while the car industry has been going through a period of costly upheaval triggered by net zero. Moreover, Radford also points out the significance of the collapse in exports of clothing and footwear to the EU since our departure. Yet before the fall-off, our production in these sectors was extremely low. In fact, these exports were in reality re-exports of goods that had been imported into the UK for re-export to the Continent, thereby adding virtually nothing to the UKs GDP. This is not to say that I think Brexit has brought the UK decided economic benefits so far. On the contrary, I always thought it likely that there would be some short-term economic loss inflicted by Brexit. And there probably has been although its quantification is extremely difficult and I suspect the figure of 4pc is much too high. But it must be remembered that Brexit was a once in a generation event. And we only formally left the EU on January 1, 2021, not yet even five years ago. It is really rather early to be attempting an overall assessment, particularly since the political, economic and military scene on the Continent is so uncertain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UK Government is right to be trying to improve our relations with our close neighbours on defence and related matters. But it must not kid itself into believing that on economic matters the EU is the future. In economic matters, it remains a laggard, dogged by over-regulation, high taxes and out-of-control welfare spending, all of which we should ourselves be trying to escape from. Most importantly, however difficult it may be to do business with Donald Trumps administration, it needs to be remembered that America will still be there long after Trump has left the White House. Roger Bootle is senior independent adviser to Capital Economics and a senior fellow at Policy Exchange. roger.bootle@capitaleconomics.com 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. May 17DIXON State Rep. Bradley Fritts, R-Dixon, recently announced his summer tour of District 74. The tour will be held Wednesdays from June 4 through Aug. 27. "I am excited to begin my third annual summer tour to speak with constituents," Fritts said in a news release. "These annual summer tours have become one of my favorite parts of being a state representative. It allows me to meet with hundreds of constituents and have authentic conversations about their needs and priorities. Being able to assist them with state issues or bringing their ideas back with me to Springfield is what this job is all about." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tour includes town halls and coffee and conversation events. The coffee and conversation events will be held in local coffee shops and restaurants. Fritts also will tour local businesses and attend community events. "I look forward to meeting with as many of my constituents as possible this summer, as I work to better understand the needs of every community in the 74th District," Fritts said in the release. The tour's first coffee and conversation event will be at 8 a.m. June 4 in Franklin Grove. A town hall also is set for 6 p.m. June 4 in Waterman. To view the tour schedule, visit RepFritts.com/SummerTour. HUNTINGDON, Pa. (WHTM) A state trooper injured in the line of duty in the Midstate was honored this weekend. Lt. James Wagner of the Pennsylvania State Police received an honorary degree Saturday at Juniata Colleges commencement ceremonies in Huntingdon County. A 21-year veteran of the force, Wagner was injured when a gunman opened fire on the Lewistown barracks in Juniata County in June 2023. Wagner risked his life to stop a gunman who opened fire at the Lewistown Station, Juniata College said in an announcement of commencement speakers. He sustained a debilitating injury while courageously coordinating a high-risk response that aided in locating the gunman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trooper Jacques Rougeau, Jr., was killed in a separate encounter with the gunman. Wagner was supervising operations at the Lewistown barracks the day of the shooting. He was also recognized at a ceremony in 2024. Get daily news, weather, breaking news and alerts straight to your inbox! Sign up for the abc27 newsletters here He was one of three honorary degree recipients at Saturdays commencement ceremonies. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (NEXSTAR) There is something idyllic about walking down a tree-lined street, especially in spring when blooms are bursting. Its why visitors from far and wide flock to Washington, D.C., every spring to admire the cherry blossoms. There are some blooming ornamental trees that, while impressive, have been found to be menacing to native species. Theyre so problematic, officials in some states have issued a bounty for it. The species, the Callery pear tree, has a complicated origin story in the U.S. Originally imported from Asia in 1909 for the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University, the tree was again brought to the U.S. a decade later by the Department of Agriculture to help the common pear (a non-native but naturalized species here) develop resistance against a destructive bacterial disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once its ornamental value and hardiness were recognized in the 1950s, the Callery pear was used to develop cultivars, including the Bradford pear tree, according to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. You may be familiar with other cultivars that have since been created, including the Cleveland Select, Aristocrat, and Redspire. Closeup of Pyrus calleryana tree in autumn with yellow leaves and tiny pear fruit An aerial shot of a Callery pear tree with its white blossoms against a cloudy sky Callery pear tree. Rosaceae deciduous tree. White flowers bloom in spring and produce fruits about 1 cm in size in summer. It is designated as an endangered species. Dense white blossoms cover the branches of a flowering Callery Pear tree (Pyrus calleryana), an ornamental species introduced from Asia that has become invasive across much of the eastern United States. Known for its striking spring blooms and fast growth, this tree has escaped cultivation and now spreads aggressively, outcompeting native flora and altering natural habitats. Its cultivars, such as the Bradford Pear, were once popular in landscaping but are now discouraged due to ecological impacts. This image serves as a visual reminder of the importance of planting native species and protecting biodiversity for future generations. A callery pear tree is pictured on Monday, April 23, 2018. Photo by Natalie Kolb (Photo By Harold Hoch/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images) A Callery pear tree is seen in Auburn, Ga., on Sunday, March 13, 2021. A stinky but handsome and widely popular landscape tree has become an aggressive invader, creating dense thickets that overwhelm native plants and bear four-inch spikes that can flatten tractor tires. (AP Photo/Alex Sanz) A callery pear is seen in Johns Creek, Ga. on Sunday, March 13, 2021. A stinky but handsome and widely popular landscape tree has become an aggressive invader, creating dense thickets that overwhelm native plants and bear four-inch spikes that can flatten tractor tires. (AP Photo/Alex Sanz) It was believed, initially, that the trees were not able to reproduce, which experts later found to be inaccurate as the species found a way to cross-pollinate because of the cultivars, Shad Hufnagel, Forest Health Coordinator for the Kansas Forest Service, told Nexstars KSNW. While the pear trees have many apparent benefits they grow quickly, can adapt to different regions, tolerate droughts and pollution, produce a dazzling bloom, and form a symmetrical shape the Callery is less than desirable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They typically have dense growth and thorns, per the USDA, which can prove detrimental to equipment and livestock that encounter them. Their ability to grow among pine plantations can impede some forest management practices, while their dense growth can block out native species. The Callery pear trees are also known to be weak, causing them to be damaged by storms frequently, experts note. $95M settlement over Siri eavesdropping claims approved: How to make a claim And yet, theres something worse about them: their odor. The fragrance of Callery pears has been described as smelling like dead fish, vomit, urine, and other undesirable things, Ken Johnson, a horticulture educator at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, wrote last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nonetheless, the trees have rapidly spread across the U.S. and can be found in several states, primarily throughout the East. Some of those states are inviting residents to annihilate the trees, oftentimes in exchange for a preferred native species or even money. Earlier this year, the Virginia Department of Forestry offered a Callery pear exchange program, offering residents free native, young, healthy replacement trees for the removal of the trees from their property. Hundreds of residents, who were responsible for all costs related to removing the Callery pear tree, took advantage of the program. Missouris Invasive Plant Council offered a native tree in exchange for one or more Callery pear trees in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kansas Forest Service expects to host a buyback program in the fall. Organizations in Ohio have launched bounty and exchange programs, some of which target other invasive species as well. Pennsylvania recently launched its own program to replace invasive trees and shrubs. Similar programs have been offered in South Carolina. Several states have outlawed the Callery pear tree in their state. It may look stunning, but officials want you to kill this bug if you see it Ohio became the first state to make it illegal to sell, grow, or plant the tree in 2023, followed by Pennsylvania and South Carolina in 2024. Next year, Minnesota will prohibit the trees sale statewide. Starting in 2027, Callery pear trees and their relatives can no longer be moved or sold within Kansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Callery pear trees are identifiable by their white blooms in spring, which typically come early and produce the aforementioned foul smell, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture explains. Its leaves are wavy, rounded to teardrop-shaped, and have fine teeth. Thorns can be found on branches and stems. Callery pears can also produce large crops of tiny, hard pears that are green to brown that become soft after the first frost. Come fall, the trees leaves will be brilliantly colored, if they arent tarnished by frost due to their late color change. Johnson told Nexstar that while fall is the best time to do woody plant management, as trees are sending resources from the leaves back down to the roots, you can still take down a Callery pear tree now. He recommends cutting down the tree and treating the stumps with an herbicide, and watching for suckers stems that can grow from the base of a tree or its roots. Why Costco, Sams Club typically have lower gas prices than other stations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it isnt considered invasive in every state, including Illinois, and can still be purchased, Johnson noted the species does still have invasive qualities. Just because you can still buy it doesnt mean you should. We know it causes problems, he explained, noting that that is true for all the cultivars of the Callery pear tree. Look for something else you want. Those spring blooms, redbuds, dogwoods, things like that, still have those nice blooms and the added benefit at least they dont smell bad. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Dana DiFilippo/States Newsroom In the wake of President Donald Trumps executive order aiming to reinstate common sense school discipline, more states may follow and expand the authority of teachers and school officials to deal with disruptive students. The order, signed in April, repeals prior federal guidance that encouraged schools to address racial disparities in discipline, arguing that such policies promoted discriminatory equity ideology and compromised school safety by pressuring administrators to underreport serious student misconduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some states, new legislation already is trending toward giving teachers more authority to address student misbehavior. In West Virginia, for example, a new law creates a structured process for responding to violent, threatening or disruptive behavior among students in grades K-6. Under the law, a student exhibiting such behavior can be immediately removed from class, evaluated by counselors or behavioral specialists and placed on an individualized behavior plan. If theres no improvement after two rounds of intervention, the student could be moved into a behavioral intervention program or an alternative learning environment. West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey, a Republican, and supporters say the law empowers teachers to maintain safe classrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This legislation provides teachers with the tools to regain control of the classroom and ensure safe learning environments for our kids, Morrisey said at the bills signing. In April, the Texas House of Representatives passed a bill referred to as the Teachers Bill of Rights with a bipartisan vote of 124-20. That bill, now sitting in the Senates education committee, would significantly expand the grounds for out-of-school suspensions, allowing students to be suspended for repeated disruptions or threats beginning in third grade. It would reverse earlier changes that limited suspensions for younger students. It also would mandate that students making terroristic threats or assaulting school employees be placed in alternative education programs for at least 30 days. Texas civil rights groups argue that the bill would impose a one-size-fits-all punitive approach, rather than addressing students developmental and behavioral needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alycia Castillo, associate director of policy at the Texas Civil Rights Project and a former teacher, said state lawmakers are taking the wrong approach by mandating sweeping discipline policies for a state as diverse as Texas. Children are naturally disruptive thats part of their development. Alycia Castillo, associate director of policy at the Texas Civil Rights Project During the 2020-21 school year, according to the latest data available from the U.S. Department of Education, Black students faced the highest rates of disciplinary action across all categories suspension and expulsion among all racial and ethnic groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were 39% more likely than white students to receive in-school suspensions, 70% more likely to face out-of-school suspensions, and 71% more likely to be expelled. The disparities were even starker for Black students with disabilities, who experienced suspension and expulsion rates far exceeding those of both their white peers and non-disabled students. Reviving old, harsh disciplinary policies risks disproportionately harming students of color, students with disabilities and those from low-income backgrounds, Castillo said. What works in Austin may not work in West Texas, Castillo said. Children are naturally disruptive thats part of their development, she added. Excluding them only harms their growth into functional adults. Restorative justice models In recent years, some other states have passed laws promoting restorative practices in schools, in which students and teachers work through problems and focus on repairing the harm caused by disruptions or conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigans 2017 law requires schools to consider restorative approaches before suspensions or expulsions, aiming to repair harm rather than exclude students. Nevada began mandating restorative justice approaches in 2019, but scaled back that approach in 2023. This year, Maryland passed a law requiring the state to establish restorative practices schools, specific schools with trained educators who use the approach in everyday discipline. Kimberly Hellerich, an assistant professor at Sacred Heart University and a former K-12 teacher, said discipline policies should go beyond punitive measures to foster accountability and community healing. Adding restorative practices to accompany codes of conduct can allow students to recognize the impact of their actions on themselves, peers, the teacher, the class and the school community, Hellerich said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her own classrooms, Hellerich used what she called community circles to guide students in processing behavior, offering apologies and rebuilding trust. The apology served as a way to restore the students relationship with the entire class community, she said. Calls for a cultural shift on expectations While lawmakers debate discipline procedures, other education advocates warn that an even deeper issue is unfolding inside classrooms: the gradual erosion of behavioral expectations and academic rigor. Discipline is the backbone of effective learning. Jessica Bartnick, co-founder and CEO of Foundation for C.H.O.I.C.E. Jessica Bartnick, co-founder and CEO of the Dallas-based mentorship program Foundation for C.H.O.I.C.E., said that declining school discipline and lowered standards are quietly undermining educational outcomes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Discipline is the backbone of effective learning, Bartnick, who supports the Texas legislation, told Stateline in an email. Without it, classrooms become chaotic, instructional time is lost and teachers are forced to shift their focus from instruction to behavior management. Bartnick said efforts to promote equity sometimes inadvertently lower behavioral standards and deprive teachers of the tools they need to maintain safe learning environments. She also criticized lenient grading policies and unlimited test retakes, arguing that they diminish the value of preparation, responsibility and resilience. If students are shielded from the discomfort of failure, they are also shielded from the growth that comes with it, she wrote. If we want to prepare students for a world that will not offer endless second chances, we must return to a classroom culture grounded in discipline, responsibility, and rigor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stateline reporter Amanda Hernandez contributed to this report. Stateline reporter Robbie Sequeira can be reached at rsequeira@stateline.org. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Severe thunderstorms will continue to batter the central United States through Tuesday, with tornadoes, damaging hail and flash flooding all posing a risk to life and property, according to AccuWeather experts. Since Thursday, approximately 1,700 reports of severe wind gusts (58 mph or greater), hail and tornadoes have been compiled by the Storm Prediction Center from the southern Plains to the Upper Midwest and New England. Around eight dozen tornadoes have been confirmed as of early Monday morning. After another wave of severe thunderstorms developed on Sunday, the storm driving this turbulent weather pattern has started to shift eastward early this week. Travelers across the region should remain alert for hazards such as debris on roadways, downed power lines, damaging hail and flooded areas over the coming days. Severe weather dangers spread eastward into midweek, flood risk to increase On Tuesday, the severe weather threat will move eastward into the lower Ohio Valley and Tennessee Valley, putting regions that were impacted by powerful storms as recently as last Friday once again at risk. AccuWeather.com "Damaging wind gusts, hail and tornadoes will be possible once again which can exacerbate the damage that has occurred in some areas and delay cleanup efforts in others," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Mike Youman said. GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trees weakened by saturated soil or compromised by recent strong wind gusts may face an increased risk of damage during the upcoming storms, experts warn. AccuWeather.com "While thunderstorms will be rather progressive in nature through Tuesday, similar areas will be impacted on back-to-back days. As a result, these heavy downpours occurring on already saturated grounds can lead to flooding issues," Youman said. The risk of flooding will include most of but also expand outside of the severe weather risk zones through Tuesday night. "The likelihood of flash urban flooding can be followed by the flooding of small streams and significant rises on some of the secondary rivers in the region," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said. AccuWeather.com Heavy thunderstorms will reach western Maryland on Tuesday night, as crews continue to clean up in the wake of extensive flooding last week, which prompted a state of emergency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few thunderstorms could briefly intensify to severe levels along the Southeast coast on Wednesday. Meanwhile, as the storm slows dramatically upon reaching the East Coast, the Northeast can expect several days of wet, dreary and cooler weather conditions for the second half of the week. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer. TOPEKA (KSNT) Graduation season is in full swing. For many high school seniors this means heading to Stormont Vail Event Center. 27 News spoke to the event center to find out how they keep things running smoothly with a packed schedule. With six graduations in one weekend, Stormont Vail Event Center is the go-to spot for many Topeka high schools. Behind each ceremony is a carefully coordinated plan. The team flips the space between ceremonies within an hour to ensure each school gets a professional event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National Weather Service staffing impacts Kansas The effort that it takes for our team to both make sure everybody here is having a great time and celebrating those milestone achievements for the graduates, General Manager, Kellen Seitz said. Its tough to turn them over this quickly, but we do our best. With three more schools to go, the event center says its very important to arrive early to the ceremonies. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. An elementary school in England was forced to evacuate after a young student brought a WWII-era hand grenade to school for show and tell on Friday, May 16 The school's head teacher, Jeanette Hart, carried the weapon out of the building and placed it behind a tree as staff waited for authorities to arrive "It was entirely innocent," Hart said of the student who brought the grenade to school. "I don't think he ever really knew what it was. We'd been talking about VE Day, and he knew it was from the war and just thought it was an interesting thing" A bomb squad was called to a British elementary school after a student brought a World War II hand grenade to school for a show-and-tell presentation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the BBC, teachers and administrators at Osmaston Church of England Primary School in Ashbourne, England located about 35 miles outside of Sheffield were shocked when a boy pulled a World War II-era hand grenade out of his pocket to present at show and tell on Friday, May 16. The school's head teacher, Jeanette Hart, told the outlet that although she didn't know if the grenade was live or not, she carefully took the weapon from the student and carried it outside, leaving it behind a "substantial" tree in the parking lot. "It looked old and I thought it might be safe, but I didn't want to take the risk," Hart said, sharing that the boy had brought the family heirloom to school without telling his parents. "I ended the assembly, took it off him and slowly carried it outside and put it behind a far tree in the car park," she recalled to the BBC. "I wasn't 100% happy carrying it, to be honest." MatlockSNT/Facebook Police cars wait outside the school. Police cars wait outside the school. Emergency personnel were called to the school, including officers from the Matlock, Cromford, Wirksworth and Darley Dale Police SNT, who shared that the weapon was a "grade 5 hand grenade" in a Facebook post on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local police wrote in their statement that military weapons experts were also called to the scene and confirmed that the grenade was not live. "Thanks to the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) [for] popping along and deeming the device safe (not active), through x-rays we even got to see those images and [were] told a detailed analysis of how there was nothing that would set the grenade off," police said. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "It was quite an eventful assembly," Hart added to the BBC of the surprising incident. "It was going fine and there was a boy who brought an old bullet case in, which I knew about, but then his friend produced a hand grenade from his pocket." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That, I was not expecting," she added. Hart also told the outlet that most of the children were not aware of what was happening and were swiftly taken outside. "The children didn't really know what was going on, but they knew something was different and they were excited because they saw the police and because they were playing out when they would have been in school," she said. MatlockSNT/Facebook An exterior view of the school grounds. An exterior view of the school grounds. Hart also told the BBC that she had a "little chat" with the boy and his family after the incident. "It was entirely innocent," she said. "I don't think he ever really knew what it was. We'd been talking about VE [Victory in Europe] Day, and he knew it was from the war and just thought it was an interesting thing." The PEOPLE App is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! "His family didn't know [he took it], and they were a little taken aback," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their statement, police warned parents and guardians to keep a close eye on what their kids bring to school. "Just a word of guidance for parents and guardians double check what your kids are taking to show and tell, especially when they are family heirlooms," they wrote. Read the original article on People SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Sailors aboard submarine USS Alexandria have returned to their homeport in San Diego after a seven-month deployment to the U.S. Indo-Pacific, the Department of Defense announced on Friday. The crew aboard the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Alexandria (SSN 757) returned to Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego on May 15. According to the U.S. Navy, Alexandria left Naval Base Point Loma in 2024 on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of national security objectives to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This crew went above and beyond, no matter what was asked of them, said Cmdr. Chris Rose, Alexandrias commanding officer. Deploying on submarines is a demanding but rewarding and consequential task. I could not be prouder of my crews resolve over the past seven plus months in demonstrating every day what makes our boats and our crews the apex predators of the maritime domain. WATCH: Talking with sailors aboard USS Cape St. George homeported at Naval Base San Diego According to the Commander, Submarine Squadron 11, while deployed, Alexandria conducted an integrated exercise with U.S. Marine Corps personnel assigned to Third Reconnaissance Battalion during and immediately after a scheduled port visit to Guam. The Navy said the crew also made a scheduled port visit to Busan, South Korea while deployed, where U.S. submarine forces conducted exercises, training, operations and other military cooperation activities with our Republic of Korea Navy allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really enjoyed Busan, South Korea because I have never been to that part of the world, said Fire Control Technician 3rd Class Justin Guerra. Port visits give us that time to explore new places, get some well-earned rest, and experience the culture, food, and hospitality of our Allied and partner nations. When the sailors arrived home, Electronics Technician, Submarine, Navigation 3rd Class Dylan Caruthers was the first Alexandria Sailor to depart the boat for the first kiss. Heroes Next Door: Step into a Submarine! I am thrilled to be home with my family and Im proud of all the great work we accomplished on deployment, said Torpedomans Mate 3rd Class Ezekiel Hamner. This morning when I heard the order to station the maneuvering watch and send line handlers topside, it really hit that we were at the end of our deployment. It was an awesome feeling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 46th Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine and was commissioned June 29, 1991. Alexandria is assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 11, home to four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines, which are capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, according to the Navy. This crew did a phenomenal job in all aspects of this deployment, said Master Chief Machinists Mate (Auxiliary) Mitchell Gatton, Alexandrias chief of the boat. I am especially proud of the 35 submarine warfare devices earned by Alexandria Sailors, which to me underscores the crews commitment to continued growth and development. The USS Alexandria submarine is the third Navy ship with the name Alexandria, named for both Alexandria, Virginia and Alexandria, Louisiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Subordinates resisting the president is not patriotic Guest columnist David Skidmores May 4 piece represents a voters viewpoint that is the polar opposite of mine. Initially he praises the work of those who opposed Donald Trump's first presidency. That opposition included public servants. Unfortunately, he said that "public servants did their jobs," when the exact opposite is true. After Trump's 2016 presidential victory, many federal government employees took it upon themselves to undermine Trump and his agenda. How dare they. In an election, we vote for the political candidate, not the government's civil servants. I always assumed that the employees of any business knew that their position on the ladder of importance wasn't such that they could just do as they pleased. Is Skidmore praising the janitor who won't sweep the floor because he doesn't like the new boss? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then Skidmore goes on to say that "Trump is attacking universities, the media, elite law firms, and the Federal Reserve." The key word here is "elite." What is the current definition of the word "elite"? A group of the finest and most powerful people, sure, but does it now include "who know what is best for the rest of the worlds knuckleheads"? To be honest, I also believe I know what's best for the world; does Skidmore want to live under my rules? In all honesty, the most aggravating part of Skidmore's message is his neglect to honestly show us the alternative. A Democratic presidential candidate who is entering or already in a state of dementia. A Squad that represents a small minority of United States citizens. A social agenda that would embarrass my grandparents. The Democratic Party claims to be the party of the working people. Let's be honest, the Democratic Party is the party of the non-working people, and those who still wear rose-tinted glasses. Donald C Parsons, Sioux City Iowa Medicaid changes are about kicking people off, not adding to workforce Make no mistake about Iowas Republicans and their purpose in changing the states Medicaid program. While they claim to seek to eliminate unqualified recipients and encourage people to work, there are not enough of those people in the program to reach their goal of $50 million in savings (which they intend to fork over to their wealthy supporters). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, they are not at all concerned with who gets their health care eliminated, as long as it amounts to a significant number. The application process will become complicated, difficult, and endlessly repetitive on purpose. Iowans who would qualify will fall by the wayside in frustration. They not only know that, they are counting on it. Even worse, some of them seem to think there is no good reason a young woman in a wheelchair cant get a job detasseling corn. Robert Runge, Des Moines Setting an example, like Jay Byers As a retired school administrator, I would often remind my colleagues, and myself, that our students were always watching us and to be mindful of that so that we could continue to set an example that they might find worthy of following. After we introduced the six pillars of character (i.e., trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship) from Character Counts, we were better able to demonstrate these core values through our communication with students, families, and each other. As time has passed, we still see some individuals and groups adhere to these values; yet, sadly, some appear to be just going through the motions of repeating these values or words without incorporating them into their daily behavior on a consistent basis. One only has to read or listen to others about disagreements between groups or individuals, whether it is at the national, state, county, city, or school levels, or maybe even a family member or neighbor, to see the pillars of character appear to be unsteady as we continue to name call or point fingers at each other claiming Im right and youre not with no end in sight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It does not have to be this way for us as adults and I was a recent witness to this. On April 25 people came from far and wide to celebrate the life of Jay Byers at his memorial service held at a packed Hoyt Sherman Place, which in case you missed it, was so thoughtfully described by Courtney Crowders piece in the Register on April 26. If you had not had the opportunity to know Jay, he seemed like he was everywhere, always helping and spreading that special sauce with others to move onward. During the service, speaker after speaker fought back tears, while sharing stories of Jay throughout his years which many found amusing, but calming in that Jay never gave up on pursuing what was needed to make central Iowa the best it could be. When you would see Jay, conversations started out by him checking out how you were doing before the conversation turned to family. To say he was a proud husband and father would be an understatement, especially as his portrait on stage looked on smiling as both of his daughters shared, in their own way, what Dad meant to them. The response from the audience to these two examples reinforced the pillars as they continued to stand strong and even grow! For you see, for approximately 100 minutes that morning, those in the audience appeared to be on the same page. No accusations, no finger pointing, or questioning the honesty or integrity of another. In the days since, it appears sadly that we are falling back into a routine of Im right and youre not. That morning though, the adults in attendance acted like we were one as we all shared that secret sauce that Jay was so willing to share. Its too bad the students were not able to watch, as it would have given them and us some hope. I miss my friend, but I will never forget him! Onward! Greg Robinson, Urbandale Afghan refugees should not be abandoned Lutheran Services in Iowa is welcoming an Afrikaner family, continuing its humanitarian mission despite refugee resettlement challenges. CEO Renee Hardman notes LSI is "navigating the waters" while serving those in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I support LSI's stellar work with all refugees, yet I must ask our government: If we can expedite refugee status for 59 Afrikaners, why have we abandoned our Afghan allies? Nearly 900 Afghan refugees came to Iowa after the Taliban takeover in 2021. Now, as Afrikaners were welcomed to Iowa, some Afghan allies were receiving deportation notices from the Department of Homeland Security ordering them to leave the country within days. These allies risked their lives serving alongside American forces. Iowa veterans understand the terror they'd face if returned. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America works with veterans organizations, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, to advocate for Afghan resettlement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I urge Iowans to contact Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst and your U.S. representatives. Ask them to work with President Donald Trump to reopen refugee resettlement for Afghan allies. If we can fast-track South African families, we can honor promises to those who stood with us in Afghanistan. Michael Wilker, Decorah MidAmerican keeps our lights and air conditioners on A recent letter by Mike Tramontina excoriates Des Moines resident and soon-to-be Berkshire Hathaway chairman Greg Abel for multiple alleged environmental and commercial offenses, the most egregious being his supposed responsibility in producing CO2 that has caused great harm to Iowans, including "derechos, tornadoes, major floods, and multi-year droughts." Well, Greg Abel has certainly accomplished many achievements within Iowa and the nation. However, Tramontina's belief that Abel should replace MidAmerican's generation facilities with a balanced approach of renewables, storage and conservation" is unrealistic and rather silly. One might ask how we Iowans would keep the lights on and the air conditioner running in our warmest months of the summer without the benefit of MidAmerican's base load power generation? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tim Will, Des Moines Nobody is slowing speeders down Recent trips to who knows where, which includes gravel roads, two-lane hard surface roads, and four-lane controlled access highways; I see no reason why my gas tax or other public transportation taxes should be spent on speed limit signs, as they seem to be a total waste. In an 8-mile stretch on Interstate Highway 29 with my cruise control set to 65 mph, I was passed by 17 cars. On a recent trip over a four-lane uncontrolled access highway with the cruise set at the same 65 mph, we were passed by nine cars in a 6-mile stretch. I seldom see any enforcement of the speed limits. In a recent round trip to a city 80 miles from home we never saw a single enforcement vehicle. In a zone with increased enforcement," a car passed me doing considerably more than the posted 65 mph limit and I saw no "increased enforcement." Then I was passed by a police car in a 55-mph zone with no siren or emergency lighting displayed. In addition, I do not comprehend hands-free enforcement of popular cellphones. I understand the reasoning behind the law; however, the automotive industry is providing a wide-screen TV on the dash of cars. Is that not a glaring distraction also? Where is the disconnect here? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement George Cox, Hornick Congress tackles the big issues I want to personally take this opportunity on behalf of myself, and I hope all Iowans, to "thank" all of our representatives in Congress who voted to codify the changing of the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. I know I can finally rest easy knowing that's done. Ronald Davidson, Clive Reynolds should trust Iowans to shop for food I don't understand why Gov. Kim Reynolds doesn't trust lower-income Iowans to feed their families healthy food. Does she really think they are going to spend federal summer food money unwisely, or is this politically motivated? Either way it's demeaning. Nancy Moon, Des Moines Many, many Christians are pro-choice Letter writer Donald Bohlken calls Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott a hypocrite for being a Christian pastor and pro-choice (Real Christian pastors dont support abortion, May 8). Well, many Christians about 60% in many polls are pro-choice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In support of his opinion, Bohlken cites a couple ambiguous Bible passages that have nothing to do with abortion. So God hates abortion and wants to make that clear, but in his 1,200-page moral guide, says only these things? Bohlken disregards the anti-life parts of the Bible, such as the death penalty for trivial offenses, and the numerous genocides. He doesnt mention that God drowned all humanity, including babies and pregnant women. Jesus said nothing about abortion, but lots about taking care of people. I expect that Trone Garriott will continue to promote the issues important to Iowans while showing some compassion. She is no hypocrite. Timothy Olson, West Des Moines Anti-marriage resolution still sounds familiar State Sen. Sandy Salmon is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn its decision in Obergefell that affirmed the right of same-sex couples to marry. The resolution she filed with the Iowa Senate says it is "by Salmon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In reality the resolution is plagiarized almost in its entirety from the first paragraph of Justice Clarence Thomas' dissent in Obergefell, nearly word for word. No original thoughts set forth. That, Senator, is considered stealing: one of the big ten. So, we have a Christian senator seeking to overturn a Supreme Court decision based on religion and she filed a document she plagiarized in support. You cannot make this up. Kolleen Samek, Des Moines This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Speeders run rampant on Iowa highways and streets | Letters MADISON TOWNSHIP Debonne Vineyards celebrated the installation of five arrays of solar panels with a ribbon cutting Thursday afternoon. The winerys owners were joined at the ribbon cutting by prominent business and political leaders from eastern Lake County. Theres no other winery that I know in the state of Ohio right now thats got a solar field, especially of this size, Debonne owner Tony Debevc said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The array of panels helps power the vineyards wine production, Debevc said. We were at the beginning of this industry, and were proud to continue that reputation, he said. Were expanding our business, were opening a new facility in Harpersfield. Debevc said the winery production relies on lots of electricity, especially for refrigeration, bottling and other equipment. This was a way for us to control some of our costs in the future of our business, he said. Debonne got federal grants during the COVID-19 pandemic because the winery kept its employees. The federal support helped them still profit during the pandemic, as wine demand increased while people were stuck in quarantine, Debevc said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We decided, lets use that money for something positive for the community and sustainable for our environment, and not just buy a condominium somewhere in Florida, he said. That didnt make a lot of sense to me. The winery got other federal grants to more directly fund the project, too. We got Debonne a [Department of Agriculture] grant, specifically for this, Sun Lion Energy President Jess Ennis said. They also got a 30% tax credit. Sun Lion Energy sets up solar projects across northern Ohio. Were based in Summit County, Ennis said. We design and build solar power systems, mainly for commercial entities, especially farms. Weve been doing that for eight or nine years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ennis said the solar panels are connected with the power grid. Whenever theyre generating power, and its more than theyre using for their loads to run the equipment, what happens with is the excess is first it replenishes the batteries, he said. Then once the batteries are full, then the system will export excess power back to the utilities, and that in effect makes Debonnes meter run backwards. The winery will get credit for the power being exported, Ennis said. Whatever customer is drawing power from First Energy thats close by, likely theyll get that electricity, he said. Ennis said the array of panels will save costs for the winery. This system is producing even more than we projected on the high end, he said. Two days before one of Haitis biggest national holidays, the streets in the heart of Miamis Haitian community are unusually quiet. Few cars move up and down Northeast Second Avenue flying giant-size blue and red flags as has been customary and few patronize the sidewalk vendors selling Flag Day T-shirts, caps and bandannas. Last year, there were more people who came. This year, things are slow, Farilia Antoine, an artist and vendor said as she was arranging her wares on a table along Northeast Second Avenue and 59th Street. The mood, according to vendors and the few seen out venturing in Little Haiti on Friday, could best be summed up by a mural not far from where Antoine stood, located at the southern end of the Little Haiti Cultural Complex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anmweyyy, the all too common cry of unbearable pain, screams in bold letters in Haitian Creole as a hand with a broken chain grabs the countrys bi-color flag. Underneath, the phrase, Haiti Is Suffocating, is written in Creole. Jean Dondy Cidelca (center) leads a group of people on Saturday May 18, 2025 during a HistoryMiami Museum Little Haiti History and Culture Walk where he talked about the celebration of Haitis Flag Day on May 18. May 18 has long been a celebration of Haitian identity and heritage, and the country as a nation. The date commemorates the creation of the first Haitian flag in 1803 in the town of Arcahaie, where the white was reportedly ripped from a French flag and the blue and red stripes were sewn together by heroine Catherine Flon to represent the union of Blacks and mulattoes, the two main groups in Haitis fight for independence from France. Its a day that usually overflows with pride and celebration that marks Haitis path from enslaved nation to free Black republic and symbolizes Haitians collective identity. But as the Caribbean nation suffocates under the lawlessness of gang rule, and Haitians in the United States face the threat of being returned under President Donald Trumps mass deportation promise, many are approaching the moment with mixed feelings, and a mood that is more somber than celebratory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont feel at ease; with the way things are in Haiti I cant be at ease, at all, said Linda Louis, strolling in front of the Little Haiti Cultural Complex. Originally from Croix-des-Bouquets, Louis, 42, said it brings tears to my eyes when she thinks of Haiti, and her once bustling community on the eastern outskirts of Port-au-Prince. Like the town of Arcahaie, which has been made off-limits by the widespread violence, Croix-des-Bouquets is now controlled by violent gangs that are burning businesses, shuttering schools and attacking cities. I cant even go to my country, she said. Things are not necessarily better here. Louis, who has two teenagers, a preteen and her mother living in Haiti, arrived in South Florida two years ago from Brazil after making the dangerous 7,000 mile trek on foot with her two young sons, now ages 5 and 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both kids donned the flags colors on their T-shirts and heads, the younger in a bandanna and the older in a construction paper crown of blue and red. Haitian flags for sale on a street in Little Haiti ahead of the Haitis Flag day celebration. They are proud to be Haitian, Louis said. They wanted another T-shirt to put on for Sunday, but I dont have any money. Like many of the more than half million Haitians in the U.S. currently living under the threat of deportation back to Haiti, Louis says she is feeling the financial and emotional weight of the Trump administrations decision to roll back immigration protections for the community despite their homelands turmoil. I dont see clearly yet, she said, adding that while her kids are basking in their pride over being Haitians, she doesnt feel the celebratory spirit. Conflicting emotions over Haiti Flag Day Evelyne Bital, who moved to the U.S. over 30 years ago and is involved in promoting Haitian culture, has mixed emotions when it comes to May 18. She is approaching the day with both pride and a heavy heart. Shes proud of how Haiti achieved nationhood, by defeating the worlds most powerful army at the time, but her heart is heavy because of what our country has become now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel that we should be in a better place. The country should be flourishing and doing way better than where we are now, said Bital, who recently opened a store, Lobey Art and Travel, in Little Haiti to showcase the culture. So I have a heavy heart just commemorating that day, but I want to keep our pride alive, so thats why I opened the store because I want people to continue seeing what we can do. Artist Louis Rosemont, wears a Haitian flag shirt ahead of the Haitis Flag Day May 18 celebration, in Little Haiti, a neighborhood he has lived for 30 years, that is ripe for real estate development and looks nothing like the community it once was. Still, for many Haitians, May 18 is somber reminder of what has been lost and how their once vibrant nation is now facing collapse. How is it that we go from a very thriving nation, where, at one point, Haiti was one of the main tourism countries in the world, everybody was going to Haiti just to enjoy a piece of the Caribbean, to now, where, for the most part, the people who are destroying that particular country are the people themselves? said Nelda Augustin, owner of NTea Shop inside the Caribbean Marketplace in Little Haiti. So how could one not feel disappointed? Its disappointing. She hopes Haitians use the commemoration to do some self-reflecting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont look into the next person and ask why theyre not helping us, or what did they do to us, or what is wrong with the rest of the world, Augustin said. The message needs to be self-reflection. You need to look within first and try to find a reason as to why. We need to reflect on ourselves and find a way to solve our own problems. During an evening celebration at Sounds of Little Haiti on Friday night, the new head of the Little Haiti Cultural Center, Dasha Saintremy, asked the crowd for a moment of silence for Haiti. READ MORE: France forced Haiti to pay for independence. 200 years later, should there be restitution? The evening had featured a live performance by Haitis legendary Tropicana Orchestra, whose longevity after 62 years has made it one of the countrys most popular musical groups. Its distinct big band sound and rhythms attracted both young and old on Friday night including Haitian konpa fans pushing walkers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There used to be beautiful Haitian Flag Day celebrations in Haiti when I was young, Milva Celeger, 89, said as she looked at the young people in the crowd dancing to music by the street band Rara Lakay. But in spite of the music, the mood was still somewhat solemn, with some Haitians saying they are not yet ready to dance. All of the flags being waved in the U.S. is not enough, Djenane St. Fleur, the vice president of the Haitian American Chamber in Broward, said. We need to do more, we need to be more focused and be more impactful and...were doing the same thing, the dancing, the food, but we need to be impactful. View of different items with the Haitian flag for sale at the Madeleine store in Little Haiti on Saturday May 17, 2025 ahead of the Haitis Flag day celebration, on May 18. Staying home this year Haitians have tried to bring out the joy this month, from art galleries to childrens readings to galas. But community leaders and event organizers acknowledge that a lot of people are not going out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For some its economic, while for others its fears of immigration raids, whether real or rumored in the world of social media postings. The months biggest event, the Haitian Compas Festival, for example, downsized to a smaller venue this year from Bayfront Park to The NoMi Village in North Miami. Ticket pre-sales failed to take off and regular attendees began canceling over fears of traveling to Florida, some say. Richard Cave of Kai riles up the crowd during @compas_fest on Saturday in North Miami. Promoter Rodney Noel was given the key to the city & a Welcome back home. This was the festivals 27th year celebrating Haitian music, culture & Flag. pic.twitter.com/jS5glxF0m7 Jacqueline Charles (@Jacquiecharles) May 18, 2025 Still, some made the trip anyway for the celebration of Haitian music and culture on Saturday. Delphine Moss, 30, who lives in Paris, has been vacationing in Orlando since the end of April. She made the trip down to Miami for Compas Fest, she said, in order to soak in the culture. I love Haitian Flag Day and I love the culture, said Moss, who was born in France of Haitian descent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, festival goers donned Haitian Flag Day T-shirts while listening to konpa musicians who, amid their live performances, yelled Haiti wont perish in Creole and called on the thousands of concertgoers to wave their flags. Miami Dade County Commissioner Marleine Bastien, who joined North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme on the stage, called on Haitians to acknowledge Sunday, May 18 by protesting with the hashtag #LetHaitiLive. Haitian Flag Day is a powerful reminder of who we are as a people resilient, proud and rooted in the fight for freedom, Desulme said, noting that his city has sponsored a multitude of events to celebrate this month. Julian Rodriguez and Johanna Sherry hold a couple of Haitian Flag on Saturday May 18, 2025, during a HistoryMiami Museum Little Haiti History and Culture Walk lead by Jean Dondy Cidelca (center) who talked about the celebration of Haitis Flag Day, on May 18, in Miami. As both mayor and a Haitian American, Desulme said he hears his residents concerns about the immigration crackdown and feels their frustrations over whats unfolding back home in Haiti. His own family hails from Arcahaie, where once again the Haitian government will not be able to travel to celebrate Flag Day because of gangs control of roads. The political instability, the violence, and the lack of basic resources are devastating and whats more painful is the lack of coordinated support from the international community, especially from the United States, Desulme said about Haiti. But even with the challenges facing Haiti, Desulme said he shares the hope that Haitians will come together not just in celebration of our flag, but in a renewed commitment to advocate for our people both here and back in Haiti. A recall of a popular frozen food product has shed light on the perils of plastic contamination. What's happening? As Food Safety News detailed in early May, Lamb Weston Inc. recalled a whopping 34,801 cases of its frozen Lamb Weston Hashbrown Patties due to "the presence of foreign material, specifically plastic pieces ranging from 1 millimeter to 8 millimeters in size." The recall was initiated on April 19 and remains ongoing, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration told Food Safety News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Class II recall indicates "a low risk" of serious health consequences, though temporary or reversible effects remain a possibility. The products included in the recall were distributed to Arizona and Hawai'i, as well as internationally to Japan, Kuwait, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates. "Consumers who have purchased the recalled Lamb Weston Hashbrown Patties are urged not to consume them," Food Safety News stated. "The products should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase." Why is microplastic consumption concerning? While no adverse reactions were reported at the time of the recall, this issue highlights the dangers of plastic pollution. As Food Safety News noted, "the presence of plastic pieces in food products poses risks such as choking, oral injury, or gastrointestinal damage if ingested." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, this issue is becoming far too common. Even a major company like Kraft Heinz had to recall thousands of cases of its Singles American cheese due to a machine error that left plastic in the slices. The recall was triggered after customers had reported choking or gagging incidents, and Kraft advised returning affected products to the store for a full refund. These instances also raise concerns for microplastic consumption, as these tiny particles are already incredibly invasive, accumulating in the environment and even inside our bodies. Do you think we use too much plastic in America? Definitely Only some people Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The health effects are still being determined, but microplastics have already been linked to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and ALS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Microplastics can be found everywhere, from the air we breathe to the food we eat, so ingesting food contaminated with plastic creates even more risks to our health. What's being done about this? Any consumers experiencing adverse effects after consuming recalled products should seek medical attention immediately. These cases of plastic contamination underscore the importance of seeking sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging. It's necessary to reduce the reliance on single-use plastics in food products due to the hazards they can pose. Supporting initiatives such as the development of biodegradable solutions and reusable food wraps are among the small changes that can go a long way toward reducing microplastic pollution and protecting the planet. 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. Few know the name Joseph Vacher even though his crimes surpassed those of the worlds most infamous serial killers. Even Jack the Ripper to whom Vacher is often compared was linked to fewer than half the murders his French counterpart later confessed to before his execution in 1898. But Vachers case which left its mark not only on folklore but also on the field of forensic science is rarely mentioned in conversations about historys most notorious serial killers. I think the reason that he disappeared into obscurity, while the name of Jack the Ripper continues to live, is that Jack was never caught, said author Douglas Starr, whose 2010 book on Vacher and the birth of forensic science, The Killer of Little Shepherds, once led him on a step-by-step tour of the killers life in France. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jack the Ripper taunted the authorities in the course of his killing spree, but no closure was ever brought to his story, Starr says. To this day, every few years, someone comes up with a theory about who Jack the Ripper may have been, the author adds, yet, the case of Vacher was open and shut there was never any question of who committed the murders although no one has ever been able to understand why. Apic/Getty Art depicting Joseph Vacher in prison Art depicting Joseph Vacher in prison Many have struggled to comprehend Vachers killings. Upon his execution via guillotine in December 1898, The New York Times reported that Vachers defense attorneys claimed his homicidal mania was perhaps a result of having been bitten by a rabid dog when he was a child. Others at the time pointed to a failed relationship, according to the Times. Lovelorn, Vacher shot himself twice in the head after attempting to kill the woman who turned down his entreaties. Both survived and Vachers face was permanently disfigured, Starr recounts in his book, which is based on an exhaustive review of historical documents, interviews, and research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some texts suggest Vachers disfigurement from the shooting led to him being mocked or stared at in public, causing him to develop a hatred for others. I am an Anarchist, and I am opposed to society, Vacher admitted during his 1898 trial, according to the Times. 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. Alamy Stock Photo Joseph Vacher Joseph Vacher The story of The French Ripper, as Vacher became known, made international headlines after he was caught attempting to kill a farm worker before her husband and a group of neighbors fought him off and held him captive until police arrived. Vacher was a serial rapist, who assaulted his victims before and after he mutilated them, according to Le Dauphine, which looked back at the 19th-century murder case in a 2022 Crimes & Mysteres podcast episode. Vacher eventually confessed to killing at least 11 people throughout the French countryside, often stalking his victims in farm fields, leading to Starrs description of him as The Killer of Little Shepherds. But French trial records show Vacher was accused of murdering more than 50 people throughout the course of his three-year spree. The victims he confessed to killing ranged between the ages of 12 and 68, while he was accused of attacking children as young as 7. His victims included men, women and children. Vacher was not simply evil, says Starr, the author. He was a man consumed by pain and self-pity, capable of soaring passions, but also unspeakable crimes. Read the original article on People May 18---- A juvenile suspect is in custody in the May 12 shooting death of a juvenile male in Willmar. Capt. Michael Anderson reported that a male juvenile was arrested and taken into custody around 2 p.m. Saturday. The suspect was transported to Prairie Lakes Youth Programs in Willmar, where he is being held, according to the news release from the Police Department. Possible charges include second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder, according to Anderson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case remains under investigation and is ongoing. The fatal shooting was reported around 11 p.m. Monday, May 12. Police officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 1800 block of Seventh Avenue Southeast. They found an unresponsive juvenile male at the location. Medical attention was provided, but he was declared deceased at the scene by medical responders, according to previous information from the Police Department. The identities of the victim and suspect have not been released. DENVER (KDVR) The suspect accused of shooting and killing a 14-year-old at a house party in Lakewood last April was arrested in Colorado Springs earlier this week. The U.S. Marshals Service Colorado announced Friday that it arrested Philix Baca, 20, in connection with the April 13, 2024 shooting death of Francisco Laqui. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Baca was wanted by the Lakewood Police Department on a felony arrest warrant for first-degree murder. The USMS said multiple other defendants were apprehended within days of the shooting, but Baca had been on the run for over a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USMS Colorado Violent Offender Task Force in Denver learned that Baca might be in the Colorado Springs area on Wednesday. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including Lakewood police, surveyed the area and located a person matching Bacas description walking into a home. Investigators obtained a search warrant and the Colorado Springs police Departments Tactical Enforcement Unit executed the search, during which Baca was safely taken into custody. The USMS said Baca was booked in the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center on the outstanding homicide 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 FOX31 Denver. A 25-year-old man with reportedly nihilistic ideations has been named as the suspected bomber behind Saturdays explosion outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, Calif. Authorities announced in a news conference Sunday that suspect Guy Edward Bartkus of Twentynine Palms, Calif., is thought to have died in the blast that injured four other people and damaged several downtown businesses near the targeted American Reproductive Centers in vitro fertilization clinic. Yesterday, a man intent on harming others in our city failed, Palm Springs Police Chief Andrew Mills said. Palm Springs survived, and we are stronger and more resilient as a result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBIs Los Angeles field office, called the attack one of the largest bombing investigations weve had in Southern California and acknowledged that Bartkus wasnt on the FBIs radar. Bartkus allegedly used an improvised explosive device carried in a 2010 silver Ford Fusion sedan. The subject had nihilistic ideations, and this was a targeted attack, Davis said. We believe he was attempting to livestream it and yes, that is also part of our investigation. Davis added that authorities are sifting through a manifesto purportedly written by Bartkus before the bombing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. GENEVA (AP) Swiss authorities evacuated around 100 people from their homes after a mudslide threatened their Alpine village of Blatten in the Lotschental Valley. The evacuation Saturday night was calm and orderly, local spokesman Matthias Ebener told Swiss newssite 20 Minuten. Everyone was able to find private accommodation with relatives or friends, or in other hotels. The tourists affected were relocated to nearby hotels, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasn't immediately clear when the residents would be able to return to their homes, but likely not before Tuesday. There is a real risk of rockfalls, Ebener said, referring to the nearby Kleine Nesthorn Mountain and the Birch Glacier. Several hiking paths and roads were also temporarily closed. Last year, residents of the village of Brienz also had to pack up their belongings and leave because of the threat of a possible rockslide from an Alpine mountainside overhead. DAMASCUS (Reuters) -Syria will set up commissions for justice and missing persons tasked with probing crimes committed during the rule of the Assad family, compensating victims and finding thousands of people whose whereabouts remain unknown, the presidency said. Syria's grinding 13-year civil war has left hundreds of thousands of people, most of them civilians, dead and more than 100,000 people missing, according to United Nations estimates and human rights groups. Former leader Bashar al-Assad was ousted by Islamist rebels Hayat Tahrir al-Sham last year in a stunning 11-day offensive, a shift met with jubilation by many Syrians who nonetheless want to see accountability for abuses suffered under the former government, including in a notorious dungeon-like prison system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Transitional Justice Commission's remit is "exposing the truth about the grave violations committed by the former regime and holding those responsible accountable, in coordination with relevant authorities," said a statement from the presidency seen by Reuters on Sunday. It did not say whether the commission would be responsible for investigating and addressing violations by other parties involved in the Syrian war, such as Islamic State. Hassan al-Dughaim, a close adviser to the new Syrian leadership, told Reuters the transitional justice commission would focus on physical and moral reparations and national reconciliation. There will also be trials for those legally proven to have committed crimes, but the process of gathering legal evidence that can be used in court against some individuals associated with the Assad government is difficult and complex, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Syrian Major General Ibrahim Huwaija, accused of being implicated in the 1977 assassination of Lebanese Druze leader Kamal Joumblatt, will be among those to stand trial, al-Dughaim said. Syrian security forces arrested Huwaija in March. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa also announced the formation of a National Commission for Missing Persons, which will be tasked with investigating and uncovering the fate of missing and forcibly disappeared persons, documenting cases, creating a national database, and providing humanitarian and legal support to their families, a presidency statement said. The UN Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP) welcomed the formation of the commission in a post on social media. (Reporting by Feras Dalaty and Timour Azhari in DamascusEditing by Gareth Jones) DAMASCUS (Reuters) -Syria's defence minister has called on small armed groups that have yet to merge with the security apparatus to do so within 10 days or face unspecified measures, in a bid to consolidate state authority six months after Bashar al-Assad was toppled. A plethora of weapons outside government control has posed a challenge to interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa's efforts to establish control, as groups that both back him and oppose him remain armed. Syrian Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, in a statement late on Saturday, said "military units" had now been integrated into "a unified institutional framework", calling this a great achievement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We stress the need for the remaining small military groups to join the ministry within a maximum period of 10 days from the date of this announcement, in order to complete the efforts of unification and organisation," he said. He did not say which factions he was talking about. The statement did not seem aimed at the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a large Kurdish-led force in the northeast that signed an agreement with Sharaa earlier this year aimed at integration with state institutions. Damascus received a big diplomatic boost last week when U.S. President Donald Trump met Sharaa and announced sanctions on Syria would be lifted. Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab has said the decision would support efforts "to consolidate security and stability and promote civil peace in Syria and the region". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sunni Muslim Arab rebel groups which, like Sharaa's Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, fought Assad during the war agreed in December to dissolve into the Defence Ministry. Syria has faced several outbreaks of violence this year. In March, Sunni militants killed hundreds of members of the Alawite minority in revenge killings prompted by what the government described as deadly attacks by Assad-loyalists on its forces in the coastal region. More than 100 people were reported killed by fighting that erupted in late April in Druze areas near Damascus, pitting Sunni militants against Druze fighters. The Syrian authorities conducted raids on Saturday targeting Islamic State cells in Aleppo. (Writing by Tom Perry;Editing by Helen Popper) LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Last fall, Dr. Brendan Kelly became the third president of the Arkansas State University System, which covers campuses from Jonesboro to Mountain Home and Malvern. Talk Business & Politics host Roby Brock met with Kelly to find out the appeal for him to come to Arkansas and what his vision for the future is for the A-State system. Roby then talks with Arkansas Democrat-Gazette columnist John Brummett to discuss this weeks most high-profile political movements in the Natural State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Talk Business & Politics airs Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on FOX 16. For more coverage, head to TalkBusiness.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 KLRT - FOX16.com. Two people have died after a three-masted Mexican Navy sailing ship, the Cuauhtemoc, reportedly carrying around 200 people, crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge on New Yorks East River. New York Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the two deaths hours after a news conference. The Mexican navy later added that at least 22 others had been injured, including 11 who were in critical condition and nine in stable condition. Mr Adams said all those hurt had suffered injuries on the ship and that no one had gone into the river, as had been previously reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The collision occurred just before 9 p.m., with all three of the ships 147-feet-tall masts striking the bridge and snapping as the vessel appeared to be moving backward. Pictures emerged online, appearing to show multiple sailors clinging to rigging high up on the masts in the aftermath. X user @orenjinoir was standing on the waterfront in Brooklyn when the collision occurred and caught the moment on video. The ship appears to strike some type of scaffolding or gantry on the underside of the bridge, which can be seen swinging in the aftermath. In other footage from bystanders, people on the waterfront are seen fleeing as the ship veers toward them after the collision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Debris can be seen falling toward the deck of the ship, including portions of the masts, lights, and rigging. The sails were not up at the time. The Cuauhtemoc sits stranded after colliding with the Brooklyn Bridge (AP) The Post reports that some of the injured were transported to local hospitals and the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The Mexican navy said in a post on the social platform X that the vessel was damaged in an accident with the Brooklyn Bridge that prevented it from continuing its voyage. It added that the status of personnel and material was under review by naval and local authorities, which were providing assistance. The Secretary of the Navy renews its commitment to the safety of personnel, transparency in its operations and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Armada, it said in Spanish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cuauhtemoc, a training vessel in the Mexican Navy, sailed into New York Harbor on Tuesday as part of a goodwill visit to the U.S., with dozens of naval cadets seen standing on the masts as others dressed in cultural Mexican attire awaited nearby. A large Mexican flag was flying at the stern of the vessel when the collision occurred. A woman waves at the Cuauhtemoc at Havana Harbor on April 28, 2025 (AFP via Getty Images) Built in Bilbao, Spain, in 1982, the ARM Cuauhtemoc is considered an ambassador vessel for her country, along with three sister ships. The tall ship is believed to have traveled 400,000 nautical miles and has visited 228 ports across 73 countries over 43 years. On its current voyage, the ship left Acapulco on April 6, and was scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 nations, including Kingston, Jamaica; Havana, Cuba; Cozumel, Mexico; and New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It had also planned to go to Reykjavik, Iceland; Bordeaux, Saint Malo, and Dunkirk, France; and Aberdeen, Scotland, among others, for a total of 254 days 170 at sea and 84 in port. New York Citys Emergency Management Department is responding to the emergency and has warned New Yorkers to avoid the area. NYCEM is responding to an incident at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge. The situation is developing and details are not confirmed at this time. Emergency alerts, including recommended actions, will be issued through @NotifyNYC as updates become available. To stay informed, text https://t.co/XZjJIk9INF NYC Emergency Management (@nycemergencymgt) May 18, 2025 New York Attorney General Letitia James said she was praying for those involved and urged New Yorkers to follow local guidance while our first responders do their jobs. At about 10.30 p.m. est the New York emergency notification system said that Brooklyn Bridge had reopened, although it warned of delays. TATTNALL COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) UPDATE: The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has released more details on the apparent murder-suicide that happened near Glennville Saturday night. Tattnall County deputies responded to a 911 call of shots fired at a home off Baxter Durrence Road. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the bodies of four deceased individuals from an apparent murder-suicide. Three additional residents, including a six-month-old baby, were located at the home and were not injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deceased victims have been identified as Veronica Quevedo Torres, 51, Leslie Johana Marrufo Tores, 24, Edilberto Eddie Marin-Torres, 18, and the suspected shooter, Octavia Chihuahua Castro, 42. Castro was found with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The victims will be taken to the GBI Medical Examiners Office in Pooler for autopsies. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Tattnall County Sheriffs Office (TCSO) is investigating what they are calling an apparent murder-suicide. Four individuals were found dead on Baxter Durrenece Road just outside of Glennville early Sunday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two Hispanic males and two Hispanic females including the suspected perpetrator have been confirmed deceased. The investigation is ongoing and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is involved. WSAV News 3 will bring you updates as they become available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. A teen boy arrived at a Pittsburgh hospital with a gunshot wound on Saturday. Pittsburgh Police said the 16-year-old arrived at a hospital Saturday evening. He had been shot in the leg and was last listed in stable condition. Police said this happened after a ShotSpotter alert went off on the 600 block of Perry Street in the Hill District. Multiple shell casings were found there. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW A Georgia teen is behind bars in connection with a fraud case. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Police in Columbus, Georgia, told our sister station, WSB-TV, that William Chadwick Jones, 19, opened a business account with Synovus Bank in Alpharetta in January 2025. Investigators said shortly after that Jones deposited five bogus checks totaling $545,770.97 into the account via mobile deposit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the money was quickly moved through wire transfers, debit card purchases, and peer-to-peer payment platforms like Zelle, WSB reported. TRENDING STORIES: CPD said some of the funds were used to pay a criminal attorney retainer tied to a previous fraud arrest in Forsyth, Ga. Police said Jones also purchased a Porsche, which he was driving during the time of his arrest. According to officials, although the fraudulent activity occurred in Alpharetta, the case was referred to CPD in March 2025 due to Synovus Bank being headquartered in Columbus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CPD worked with the Johns Creek Police Department, the area where Jones live, to arrest him. Jones was taken to Muscogee County and is awaiting a hearing in Recorders Court, according to WSB. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A 13-year-old boy was shot overnight in the South Side Slopes. Per Pittsburgh Public Safety Department, a ShotSpotter detected one possible round fired near Magdalene and Oporto streets just before 2:45 a.m. Responding officers found the boy laying in the street shot in the chin and chest. Officers treated the boy until medics could take him to the hospital. Officials say he was last listed in critical but stable condition. Violent Crime Units are investigating. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW MOSCOW (Reuters) - The founder of the Telegram messaging app said on Sunday he had refused a request by a Western government, which he did not name but appeared to imply was France, to silence conservative voices in Romania ahead of a presidential election run-off there. Romanians were voting on Sunday in a run-off that pits a hard-right eurosceptic against a centrist independent. The outcome of the contest will have significant implications for both Romania's struggling economy and European Union unity. The vote takes place nearly six months after the initial ballot was cancelled because of alleged Russian interference - denied by Moscow - in favour of far-right frontrunner Calin Georgescu, who was banned from standing again. "A Western European government... approached Telegram, asking us to silence conservative voices in Romania ahead of today's presidential elections. I flatly refused," founder Pavel Durov wrote on Telegram. "Telegram will not restrict the freedoms of Romanian users or block their political channels," Durov said, adding to his post an emoji of a baguette which might hint at France. "You can't 'defend democracy' by destroying democracy. You can't 'fight election interference' by interfering with elections. You either have freedom of speech and fair elections or you don't. And the Romanian people deserve both," he said. In a post on X accompanied by a screenshot of Durov's message, the French foreign ministry denied any interference by France. "Completely unfounded allegations are circulating on Telegram and Twitter (X) regarding alleged French interference in the Romanian presidential election," it said. "France categorically rejects these allegations and calls on everyone to exercise responsibility and respect for Romanian democracy." Durov, who was born in Russia and is based in Dubai, was detained last year in France amid an investigation into crimes related to child pornography, drug trafficking and fraudulent transactions associated with the app. In March Durov, who denied any wrongdoing, returned to Dubai. (This story has been refiled to add the dropped word 'a' in paragraph 7) (Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Gareth Jones) AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of protesters marched through The Hague on Sunday demanding a tougher stance from the Dutch government against Israel's war in Gaza. Organiser Oxfam Novib said around 100,000 protesters had joined the march, most dressed in red expressing their desire for a "red line" against Israel's siege on Gaza, where it has cut off medical, food and fuel supplies. The march also passed the seat of the International Court of Justice, which is hearing a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide and last year ordered Israel to halt a military assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel dismisses accusations of genocide as baseless and has argued in court that its operations in Gaza are self defence and targeted at Hamas militants who attacked Israel on Oct. 7. Oxfam Novib said the Dutch government had ignored what it said were war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza, and urged protesters to demand a tougher line. Dutch Foreign Affairs minister Caspar Veldkamp earlier this month said he wanted the EU to reconsider cooperation agreements it has with Israel. But the Dutch government has so far refrained from harsher criticism, and the leader of the largest party in the government coalition, anti-Muslim populist Geert Wilders, has repeatedly voiced unwavering support for Israel. Wilders called Sunday's protesters "confused" and accused them in a post on X of supporting Hamas. (Reporting by Bart Meijer) WILLIMANTIC The Connecticut Department of Housing and the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority have signed financing agreements for 12 developments that will contribute to constructing or preserving 1,279 housing units. These developments will include affordable housing units for low- and moderate-income renters, designated as permanent supportive housing. One of those developments is located in Willimantic at Terry Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Willimantic Housing Authority owns the 68-unit affordable community at Terry Court in Willimantic. It will undergo significant rehabilitation and add new accessible units. The projects scope includes hazardous materials abatement, new windows, doors and siding and the reconstruction of eight homes to create ADA-compliant apartments. The upgrades will extend the life of the 1949-built community while better serving individuals and families. As Tony the Tiger says, its great! Terry Court was built after World War II for low-cost housing for our veterans at a time when construction of housing included using hazardous materials, Windham Mayor Tom DeVivo said. This is a good opportunity. Willimantic public housing suffered from decades of neglect caused by funding shortfalls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeVivo added the town has been supporting CBDG funding for the last six or seven years to help improve the housing options infrastructure, and this funding will boost these endeavors. I would like to thank Representative [Susan] Johnson and Senator [Mae] Flexer for their leadership in acquiring this much-needed grant, DeVivo said. As part of the states effort to revitalize the state-sponsored housing portfolio, the redevelopment is supported by $4.49 million in grants from DOH, $3 million in financing and $500,000 in HTCCs from CHFA. Every investment in affordable housing is an investment in stronger, more resilient communities, said Seila Mosquera-Bruno, Connecticut Housing commissioner. These developments reflect our commitment to preserve and expand housing options whether its building new homes or adding quality affordable rentals. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Sunday was the third annual Bike Belmont Ride at the B&O Station in downtown Youngstown to highlight how community partners want to promote a Better Belmont Initiative. The event was free to attend, and there were two routes to choose from. The first started at noon was a 32-mile journey for experienced riders, going all the way to the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. The second started at 2 p.m. and was a 12-mile community ride thats more relaxed, perfect for families and casual cyclists. The ride also had a police escort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both routes took riders to Belmont Avenue and into Liberty Township. There was also a post-ride BBQ celebration. The vision of Building a Better Belmont is to transform Belmont Avenue into a premier destination for dining, retail and more. The goal of the bike ride is to remind people how vital the stretch of road is. It connects Youngstown and Liberty Township and all the way to the airport in Vienna. It connects Mahoning and Trumbull Counties, and one of the great things about this event that Youngstown, Liberty working together. You see the ride, we have the Youngstown in the front, Liberty police being the back, taking us all throughout the ride, said Jack Kravitz, chairperson for Bike Belmont. Another important part of the ride was promoting bike safety. If you are driving and see a cyclist sharing the road, allow more and move into the other lane when possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. New York City residents witness plenty of shocking events in the city that never sleeps, but the fatal crash of a Mexican navy ship into the historic Brooklyn Bridge stunned even the most hardened New Yorkers. The ships captain lost control because of a mechanical issue, Mayor Eric Adams said, causing the naval training ships tall masts to hit the bottom of the 142-year-old bridge connecting Brooklyn to Manhattan. Two of the 277 crew members and cadets were killed and 22 more were injured, according to Mexico's navy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor of the Mexican state of Veracruz, Rocio Nahle, on Sunday identified one of the dead as cadet America Yamilet Sanchez. Oaxaca Gov. Salomon Jara Cruz identified the second victim Sunday evening as Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos. Shortly after the crash Saturday night, videos of the collision made the rounds online and hundreds of people flocked toward the water to see the damage for themselves. Ishmael Alvarado, who lives on the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge, said his son started calling for him to come look out the window as they heard some noise outside. The Mexican navy tall ship floats between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges on the East River on Saturday. (Stephanie Keith / Getty Images) I thought it was a movie. I didnt know it was actually happening, he told NBC News on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After hearing about the two people who lost their lives, Alvarado wanted to see the ship in person to pay his respects. I feel really sad, and I feel for the families of the sailors that were there, Alvarado said. Im a Marine Corps veteran myself, so I understand people who serve. ... Theyre serving their country in Mexico. Mexican authorities said its naval ship was on a training cruise called the Bicentennial of the Consolidation of Independence at Sea. It was meant to dock in New York for just a few days as part of a cultural exchange before setting off to Iceland to continue its journey. The cause of the collision is under investigation by the New York Police Department, the National Transportation Safety Board and the Mexican government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo thanked Adams for his support to her countrys nationals and assured that the Mexican navy was caring for its wounded. The Mexican navy training ship that hit the Brooklyn Bridge was moored in lower Manhattan on Sunday. (Ana Fernandez / AFP - Getty Images) We are very sorry to hear of the death of two crew members of the Buque Escuela Cuauhtemoc, who lost their lives in the regrettable accident in the port of New York, Pardo wrote on X. Our solidarity and support for the families. Theresa Lee came to see the ship Sunday along with her two dogs. When she first saw the videos of the crash, Lee said she thought it was a fabrication generated by artificial intelligence. I didnt think it was a real thing that was occurring, Lee said. She added that the crash seemed to be occurring in slow motion, like the masts are breaking so slowly and that it was going backwards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laureen Smith was returning to the area from dinner in Manhattan on Saturday night and rushed back home to see the ship after getting text messages about the shocking news from her family. Normally, what we see is ferries that go back and forth, or be like cargo ships with containers on them, but not big ships like this, Smith said Saturday. Never seen one like this before. Smith said she immediately felt concern for the people on board. I just couldnt believe it, like, why? Smith said. How could they possibly have missed that they didnt fit under the Brooklyn Bridge? Zach Iscol, the citys emergency management commissioner, called the collision heartbreaking, not just because of the loss of life but also because of how the deaths have impacted the crew. Reports on what happened remain preliminary, Iscol said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ship was moving from the Seaport to Bay Ridge, in south Brooklyn, to anchor and refuel when the crash happened. Something happened during that movement where the ship reportedly lost power, lost steerage, and thats when because of the current it looks like it ended up under the Brooklyn Bridge, Iscol said. And thats where the tragedy occurred with the mast. People were gathered all around Brooklyns shoreline on the warm Saturday night, many viewing the wreckage as paramedics and divers aided those on board. Andrew Schiff, a New Yorker who takes part in a local sailing club, said he was at a jazz concert in the area and saw the ship about 10 minutes after it crashed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I thought it was like some kind of movie set or something, Schiff said. Schiff noted that hes had experience navigating the Hudson River and called the power of the currents around the bridge very significant. I mean, sometimes the East River flows out towards the ocean 3 or 4 knots, which is a pretty strong current, he said. He added that boats trying to navigate the waters require a lot of engine power to help keep their ships in control. The ferries have it, but if you dont, if you have a sailing ship with not a lot of engine power, it could toss you around, Schiff said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com MACON, Ga. (AP) Four people were fatally shot and eight others injured in less than 48 hours in a central Georgia city this weekend, including one shooting at a bar where three people died. The Bibb County Sheriff's Office was investigating the fatal shooting of three people who were killed in the parking lot outside of the Midtown Daiquiri Bar and Grill in Macon, Georgia, on Sunday after 12 a.m. Bibb County chief coroner Leon Jones identified the victims as Jedarrius Meadows Jr., 28; Javonta Faulks, 32; and Javarsia Meadows, 24. Six other people were injured and are in stable condition, according to Jones. Its frustrating and its depressing to see the killing, said Jones, who also runs a local organization that tries to prevent gun violence. "We were doing so good, but this week alone weve had five homicides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three deceased men were pronounced dead outside the bar at approximately 1:10 a.m. Deputies are investigating the shootings. Less than 24 hours earlier, a 25-year-old man was fatally shot at a graduation party on a residential block, the sheriff's department said. That victim was identified as Jaurice Markel Haywood, according to the Bibb County coroner. Two other men were injured and transported to a local hospital, including a 24-year-old man who was in critical condition. The sheriff's department didn't say whether anyone had been arrested in connection with either of the shootings. Macon-Bibb County is in central Georgia and has a population of just under 160,000 people, according to the U.S. Census. On Thanksgiving afternoon in 2021, emergency medical technician Dennis Hobson was summoned to a house in the tiny village of Farmersville, Illinois. It was the house where his friend Chris Smith lived with his dog Tiki. What he encountered is the subject of "Fatal First Date," reported by "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty and streaming on Paramount+. A 911 call had been placed to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office by someone checking on Smith, and Hobson walked into a bloody scene. Tiki, a beagle-terrier mix, huddled with her owner Chris Smith, providing much needed warmth in the 12 hours before he was rescued after the shooting. / Credit: Chris Smith The side door of Smith's house had been broken, and Hobson found his friend barely alive lying on the floor of the blood-soaked kitchen. Smith had a gunshot wound to the head and a woman, later identified as Leslie Reeves from nearby Troy, Illinois, was lying dead on the living room floor with a single bullet wound to her head, according to a sheriff's report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friends later told sheriff's deputies that the couple had gone on their first date the previous night after meeting online. In the first hours of the investigation, no one knew what happened, but investigators believed a third person was involved because no gun was found at the scene. Leslie Reeves and Chris Smith / Credit: Bethany Smith Stephan/Sharon Costanza Smith survived the shooting but doesn't remember anything from that Thanksgiving Day. Hobson later told him some details. "He said I had no pulse," Smith told Moriarty. "He screamed my name three times, and I took a gasp and I said, 'Denny, I'm f***ing freezing.'" Hobson later told Smith that Tiki likely helped to save his life. The temperature inside the house on that Thanksgiving Day was much colder than normal because the suspect had broken the glass on the side door. "But somebody was keeping you warm," Moriarty said. "I had Tiki there," Smith replied. "My little girl, my little four-legged daughter." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith had owned Tiki, a beagle-terrier mix, for three years. He says he found her in a Craigslist ad and adopted her when she was a pup. Tiki apparently was Smith's lifesaver when she huddled with him, and provided much needed warmth, in the 12 hours before he was rescued. "Tell me about [Tiki]," Moriarty asked Smith. "Well she apparently when Denny walked in and saw her laying by me I was in the fetal position and she was cuddled up next to me," he replied. Chris Smith and Tiki. Smith says he found her in a Craigslist ad and adopted her when she was a pup. / Credit: CBS News The dramatic story of Smith and Reeves' "Fatal First Date" and Smith's remarkable recovery is being told for the first time on "48 Hours." The broadcast will include an exclusive interview with Reeves' convicted killer, a former boyfriend of hers named Robert Tarr, who denies that he was the shooter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Montgomery County Sheriff's report later pieced together what happened that night. Smith and Reeves, after a night of barhopping and getting to know one another, had returned to his rented house in Farmersville. Sometime around 1 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning 2021, authorities believe an assailant broke into a side door while Smith and Reeves were in the ground floor kitchen warming up a late-night frozen pizza. A deputy sheriff told a friend of Reeves' that she died immediately and "did not suffer." Investigators later concluded that the assailant that night was Robert (Bobby) Tarr, an ex-boyfriend of Reeves who had secretly followed her to Smith's house, according to Andrew Affrunti, the prosecutor in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tarr was convicted of murder and attempted murder in April 2024 and was sentenced to 85 years in prison. Smith, who had three strokes in the hospital and was put into a medically induced coma, has been recovering since the shooting and making progress. He still uses a wheelchair and a cane but has returned to singing in his rock and roll band and is looking for work. He has been unable to care for Tiki himself as he recovers, but she lives nearby, and they see each other often. Smith also has started a business as a motivational speaker and has created a website: ChrisSmithmotivatingyou.com. He also bought a new house and just proposed to his girlfriend, now fiancee, Michelle Albrecht. Raw Video: Mexican navy training ship hits Brooklyn Bridge Surprising facts about Mark Twain that biographer Ron Chernow learned while writing new book Family's goodbye to beloved dog becomes a lesson in letting go (NEXSTAR) Where can you buy a new pair of trendy sunglasses, an influencer-branded skincare line and a foldable chair that fits in your palm (for 27 cents!)? TikTok Shop, the online marketplace where you can buy useful kitchen tools or useless tchotchkes with a quick click, is increasingly where folks are spending their money. TikTok cites research from 2024 proclaiming TikTok Shop was the fastest-growing online retailer last year. In some ways, the platform works like other major e-tailers like Amazon. You can search for specific products, read reviews, and purchase products that get shipped straight to your door. But the social media side of TikTok makes the shopping experience very different from Amazon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TikTok users can buy products they see in creators videos and livestreams. One example displayed on TikTok Shops site shows a creator doing a makeup tutorial. Users can click a shop icon to purchase any or all of the makeup products and tools used in the video. Making money on your social media posts: How does it work? While TikTok is the marketplace, its not the manufacturer. The products on its platform come from all sorts of places. Some you may have heard of like Nike, Benefit Cosmetics and Crocs but other products come from foreign shops that have a hodgepodge of items, as TikTok personality Alyssa Pannozzi put it to the New York Times. Some of the products are drop-shipped, the same business model that cheap Chinese retailers Shein and Temu rely on. What that means is the seller doesnt maintain an inventory of the product theyre selling. Say you buy a dress from a business that uses drop-shipping. The business wont have the dress in your size waiting in a warehouse somewhere. Instead, once you place the order, they notify the supplier, which will fulfill the order and ship it to you. Is TikTok Shop impacted by tariffs? Because some of the products sold on TikTok Shop are made abroad, like in China, theyd be subject to any tariffs on imported goods the U.S. government has in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the sky-high tariffs on Chinese imports are currently on pause, lowered from 145% to 30%, there is uncertainty about how things may change over the next few months. While peak tariffs were in place, TikTokers were making videos showing how much more expensive goods sold on the platform had gotten. Theres another looming issue for TikTok Shop: the legal ban on the entire TikTok app thats supposed to be going into place. President Donald Trump has deferred the ban twice, but the law Congress passed to ban the app has not been overturned. At publication time, the ban was postponed until mid-June, but it could be postponed again. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) slammed President Donald Trump in a speech Saturday, condemning the president for the genuine emergency he has created. Walz, the 2024 vice presidential nominee, told graduating law school students at the University of Minnesota that they are entering a dangerous world. Gov. Tim Walz slammed President Donald Trump on Saturday amid rumors that he may run for president in 2028. / Kent Nishimura/Getty Images Right now, more than any other time in my lifetime, we need you to live up to the oath that youre about to make. Because, I have to be honest with you: You are graduating into a genuine emergency, he told the students during their commencement ceremony. Every single day, the president of the United States finds new ways to trample rights and undermine the rule of law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walz added that lawyers are the first and last line of defense against Trump, who he suggested was a dictator. This is what the crumbling of rule of law looks like in real time, he said. And its exactly what the founders of this nation feared: A tyrant, abusing power to persecute scapegoats and enemies. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz told law students on Saturday that they are graduating The president has spent the last several months cracking down on immigration and deporting migrants without due process. Most have been sent to an infamous mega prison in El Salvador known for its humanitarian violations. Walz also warned applauding students of the feckless and cowardly major law firms that have bent the knee to Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a flagrant betrayal of the oath they took as lawyers, he said. Tim Walz may be in the running to be the next president in 2028, along with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. / Jeff Swensen/Getty Images Walz is among the list of potential 2028 presidential candidates who are gaining traction in a party that is at record-low favorability ratings. Other contenders include New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has garnered attention after traveling around the country with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in their Fighting Oligarchy tour, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has seemingly attempted to reach across the aisle toward conservative media personalities in his new podcast. Pete Buttigieg, a former presidential candidate and Joe Bidens transportation secretary, drew applause in an Iowa town hall when he denounced Trump. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is also a potential nominee, and the Democrat insulted his own party for being do-nothing lawmakers who fail to oppose the president. Pritzker received accolades in February when he used part of his State of the State address to compare Trumps administration to Nazi Germany. In our weekly list of business people on the move, we highlight Palm Beach County professionals who are making a difference. These are people from across the spectrum of public and private endeavors, those working in charities, court houses, private practices and beyond. They are moving up within their industry, advancing their careers and standing out for their services within our community. Here are this week's professional standouts: Lord's Place names CEO Christine Frederick The Lords Place recently announced the appointment of Christine Frederick as the social impact agencys next chief executive officer. After an eight-month national search and thorough screening and evaluation process of close to 100 candidates, the CEO search committee with unanimous approval of the board of directors confidently selected Frederick as the next permanent leader to continue to grow and inspire the agencys 45-year mission of breaking the cycle of homelessness in Palm Beach County. Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League names director of operations Alex Serrano Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League has announced that Alex Serrano is the organizations new director of operations. Born and raised in Miami, Serrano has a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of Florida. While in school, she worked as an emergency technician at the UF Small Animal Hospital, assisting in high-stress emergency cases and surgeries, which deepened her commitment to helping animals in need. Serrano joined Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League in 2022 as the clinic and safety net manager. Now, as director of operations, she is dedicated to optimizing shelter operations, expanding community partnerships, and improving outcomes for pets and their families. Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League is an independent nonprofit organization, operating continuously since 1925. Peggy Adams provides critical services to more than 35,000 animals each year and collaborates with local area organizations to expand the lifesaving work in Palm Beach County. Endodontic care center in West Palm Beach welcomes doctor Dr. Sandra N. Ghattas Located in West Palm Beach, Endodontic Associates of the Palm Beaches recently welcomed Dr. Sandra N. Ghattas to their practice. The Houston, Texas native attended Texas A&M and University of Texas-Clear Lake. Endodontic Associates of the Palm Beaches is exclusively dedicated to endodontic care. Boca Raton/New York City firm bolsters ranks with latest addition Veteran estate planning attorney Chioma Deere has joined the South Florida office of Schwartz Sladkus Reich Greenberg Atlas LLP as senior counsel. Deere focuses her practice on wills and trusts, probate administration, Medicaid planning, and nursing home protection. She operated her own firm, Deere Law Firm, for nearly four years before joining SSRGA. SSRGA has offices in Boca Raton and New York City. Chioma Deere Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Place of Hope fills two leadership positions Gina Franano Place of Hope recently celebrated 25 years of service to children and families in Palm Beach County and has filled several senior leadership positions. Gina Franano has been named vice president of advancement for mid county and Robin Friedman was named vice president of philanthropy. Place of Hope is dedicated to providing a stable and loving environment for children, youth and families in crisis. They are committed to meeting desperate needs in our community by sharing Gods love and placing hope in their lives- one life at a time. They have five campus locations in Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Robin Friedman County nursing center wins three distinctions for excellence The Health Care District of Palm Beach Countys Skilled Nursing Center (formerly Healey Center) recently earned three prestigious distinctions for nursing home excellence. These include Newsweeks Americas Best Nursing Homes 2025, U.S. News & World Reports highest honor for both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care, and the 2024 Silver National Quality Award from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living. The Health Care Districts Skilled Nursing Center is home to a younger adult population than most nursing facilities, with an average resident age of 65, many of whom have experienced traumatic injuries, strokes, or debilitating illnesses. The Health Care Districts Skilled Nursing Center professionals include (from left to right) Sonja Susnjevic, quality manager; Terretha Smith, BSN-RN, director of clinical services; Shelly Ann Lau, associate vice president & administrator, Skilled Nursing Center; and Shauniel Brown, senior risk manager If you are looking for more insight into the movers and shakers operating in the Palm Beaches, subscribe to our real estate newsletter, The Dirt, keep an eye out for stories and perspective from veteran reporters Kimberly Miller and Alexandra Clough. If you have an announcement for Business People on the Move, please send it to Pbbusiness@pbpost.com. Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Best businesses, professionals, business people in Palm Beach County As we kick off a new week, let's take a look back at the week that was. Top stories this past week included: School Committee member Kevin Aguiar submitted a letter to the school board at its May 12 meeting, alleging that new Police Chief Kelly Furtado had made comments several years ago, when she was a school resource officer, that Mayor Paul Coogan and former B.M.C. Durfee High School administrators covered up sexually inappropriate situations with students. An investigation conducted by the Fall River Police Department will occur, Coogan said. What we know, as of this writing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents who have been unsatisfied with the MBTAs South Coast Rail service can take their complaints right to the top when MBTA General Manager Phil Eng hosts a meeting in Fall River on May 22. A Fall River man has been convicted of murder, assault and battery with a firearm and other firearms offenses for the October 2019 homicide of 17-year-old Paul Collazo-Ruiz in New Bedford, which also paralyzed a second victim. What we know, as of this writing. Hannah Santos, a former Joseph Case High School track star, excelled in her freshman year at Stonehill College, breaking the school high jump record. The much-anticipated transformation of Fall River's historic carousel and pavilion is almost complete, and it won't be long before the unveiling. Here's when you can take a spin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking for some things to do this weekend? Here are some events happening around the SouthCoast. The Durfee High School Alumni Association will host its annual meeting and awards program on May 22. The Fall River Arts and Culture Coalition, in partnership with the Pocasset Tribe of the Wampanoag Nation, presents "Echoes of the Pocasset & the Falling River," a multi-location cultural and recreational project that follows the forgotten route of the Quequechan River. The public unveiling was this weekend. Learn more about the project, here. Art, music, and more: What to see at the Narrows Center this June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greater Fall River Re-Creation's fourth annual Community Block Party has been postponed. Here's when it will be. Take a wine tour this summer: Top SouthCoast spots to visit. Pier 52 in Fall River will soon be opening for the 2025 season. A Swansea store sold a winning $1M Powerball ticket. These were the winning numbers. Empire Ford will host its seventh annual Mustangs & More Car Show on June 21 at Bristol Community College. Swansea resident Karen Koutsogiannis's first wedding anniversary after the death of her husband brought her a touching surprise. Walgreens is closing two stores in Greater Fall River. How to transfer your prescriptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Childrens Museum of Greater Fall River, which has operated since 1999, has a new executive director in Ellen Lough, and she's working to make the museum more accessible to every member of the community. The latest Greater Fall River real estate report, featuring a custom Cape Cod-style home in Freetown that sold for $815,000. The home on County Road was built in 1930, and it boasts a gourmet chefs kitchen with a walk-in pantry, a spacious living room with a stone fireplace, a handsome library, and a luxurious primary suite. Check out this property, as well as other recent top-sellers. These were the most read stories of the week on HeraldNews.com: Fall River appoints Kelly Furtado, first female police chief in history The citys interim Police Chief Kelly Furtado has been appointed as permanent chief with a one-year contract, following a 5-4 vote from city councilors taken at the May 13 City Council meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is Fall River's first female police chief. Kelly Furtado of the Fall River Police Department has been named the department's new police chief. Herald News Reporter Emily Scherny has the story. First female police chief: Fall River appoints Kelly Furtado, first female police chief in history. What to know. Rumbling train noise at Fall River MBTA station is keeping neighbors awake all night MBTA commuter rail trains are parked at the Weaver's Cove Layover station in Fall River overnight. Neighbors of the station say vibrations and noise from the trains happens at night and early morning, disrupting sleep. The MBTA and Keolis, the private company contracted to run the commuter rail system, have been made aware of the complaints and are scheduling a public meeting May 22 to address them. Casandra and Ollie Spears with neighbor Lindsay Nunes near the N. Main St. rail depot in Fall River May 1, 2025. Here's what the station's neighbors are saying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seeking resolution: Rumbling train noise at Fall River MBTA station is keeping neighbors awake all night Portuguese families 'living under fear' are leaving US, returning to Azores Undocumented Azoreans living in Greater Fall River who overstayed on their tourist visas are now planning to return to the Azores. Anywhere between 15 and 20 families have already "self-deported." Helena DaSilva Hughes, president of the nonprofit Immigrants Assistance Center at 58 Crapo St. in New Bedford, said about 1,000 undocumented families living in Greater Fall River who visited the United States and overstayed their tourist visas while putting down roots deep enough to run businesses, purchase homes and start families are now planning to return to Western Portugal and the Azores Islands, where they still have family and community connections. Helena Dasilva Hughes at the Immigrant Assistance Center in New Bedford on May 7, 2025. What we know, as of this writing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'No way to live': Portuguese families 'living under fear' are leaving US, returning to Azores. Here's why. Fall River woman sentenced for stealing $87K of her child's Social Security benefits A 45-year-old Fall River woman was sentenced May 12 in federal court in Boston for stealing nearly $90,000 of her childs Social Security benefits over the course of six years. Nancy Taylor was sentenced Monday to 10 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $86,994 in restitution, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts. This is what we know, as of this writing. Sentencing: Fall River woman sentenced for stealing $87K of her child's Social Security benefits Popular ice cream shop rolling out of Fall River. See what's next for Ice 'N' Roll. Ice 'N' Roll, 4263 N. Main St., Fall River, will be taking its photo-worthy ice cream creations to a new location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The popular Fall River stop will be moving to the Dartmouth Towne Center on State Road, with a projected opening date sometime in mid-summer. Crazy milkshakes, rolled ice cream served in a pineapple, shaved ice and refreshing drinks are among the highlights of the menu at Ice 'N' Roll, moving from Fall River to Dartmouth Towne Center. This is what's planned for their next chapter. Ice cream shop moving: Popular ice cream shop rolling out of Fall River. See what's next for Ice 'N' Roll. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Top stories: Fall River appoints Furtado as first female police chief At least one tornado touched down in Russell County and moved into western Pulaski County during severe storms late Friday and early Saturday in Kentucky, according to the National Weather Service. A preliminary report from the weather service confirmed an EF-2 level of damage from the storm. One person died in Pulaski County. The victim was identified as Melody Godby, 68, of Somerset, said Coroner Clyde Strunk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A woman also died of carbon monoxide poisoning in Russell County after power went out on her houseboat during the storm, and she turned on her generator. A business off Parkers Mill Road in southern Somerset was damaged after significant overnight storm damage on May 17, 2025. The damage could be upgraded to an EF-3 depending on further assessments. Wind speeds were confirmed up to 145 miles per hour. This first preliminary investigation includes only Russell and Pulaski Counties. Surveyors are on the ground Sunday in Laurel County, which saw widespread destruction and had recorded 17 deaths as of Saturday, conducting assessments. Survey assessments are expected to last most of Sunday and into Monday, Mark Jarvis, a meteorologist with the NWS said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Enhanced Fujita scale is a system used to categorize tornado intensity based on the damage they cause, ranging from the weakest ranking, EF-0, to the highest, EF-5. Jarvis said the EF scale is based on damage to structures not characteristics of the tornado itself. Surveyors with the NWS analyze damage to buildings, trees, outbuildings, and cars to estimate the EF rating. The damage level takes into account the homes structure, foundation and whether it is up to code. Those factors help surveyors determine the strength and speed of the winds. For example, Jarvis said, if a home is built well with heavy bracing and it is significantly damaged, engineers can determine the winds were more severe. But engineers often see homes built quickly and poorly that are not anchored or up to code. Those homes may take damage from less severe winds. This is a developing story. At least 32 people were killed in Kentucky, Missouri and Virginia after storms and tornadoes tore through the region as part of an extreme weather outbreak on May 16, "leaving behind a trail of destruction," authorities said. The toll includes at least 23 dead in Kentucky and seven in Missouri, authorities there said. The number of fatalities was expected to continue increasing, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said. The Kentucky deaths were concentrated in Laurel County in the southeastern part of the state, where a tornado tore through the city of London. A Laurel County firefighter died while responding. Randall Weddle, mayor of the city of London, told the Louisville Courier Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, that at least 23 people there died. Beshear confirmed at least 18 deaths: 17 in Laurel County and one in Pulaski County. The youngest victim is a 25-year-old Laurel County man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beshear said during a 5 p.m. press conference on May 17 that he expected the Kentucky death toll to "potentially rise." This was a devastatingly strong tornado that tore through a subdivision in the middle of the night and that is the worst type of natural disaster," he said. The tornadoes came amid a severe weather outbreak with preliminary reports of tornadoes in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and even New Jersey. The tornado that struck the south end of Laurel County leveled more than a dozen houses to their foundations in the Westland neighborhood and left the streets full of brick, wood and personal belongings, the Courier Journal reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ive never felt the ground vibrate so hard, said Keith Clark, whose family huddled in a closet during the storm. It was really bad. Then hearing neighbors scream and you cant get to them, its pretty scary. St. Louis tornado: Up to a mile wide, maximum winds 150 mph The National Weather Service St. Louis released preliminary information on the May 16 twister that killed five people in the city and injured at least 38. The tornado was an EF3 with winds of 150 mph, according to a NWS social media post. Its path was at least eight miles long and up to a mile wide. It began in the city of Clayton at 2:41 p.m. Central. Roads closed, homes damaged Destruction to buildings and roadways has been widespread, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eric Gibson, who heads Kentucky's Emergency Management department, said hundreds of homes have been damaged in the state. Parts of 24 state highways were closed May 17 because of the disaster, Beshear said. The Laurel County Sheriffs Office, London Police Department and Kentucky State Police answered more than 4,000 calls for service related to the disaster, the governor said. Nearly 70,000 without power in Kentucky Beshear said 69,218 people remain without power statewide. Thats down from a high of 172,711 power outages in the immediate aftermath of the disaster. A man inspects damage from a tornado in London, Kentucky, on May 17, 2025. Beshear, a Democrat, said he spoke with federal emergency officials about disaster recovery and is working with President Donald Trumps administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Politics has no place in responding to national disasters like this one, and for the two events that we've already had this year, we've seen a White House and a FEMA organization that has performed well and has done what we've asked, he said. Kentucky victims range in age from 76 to 25 Beshear listed the sex and age of those who died in the Kentucky storms. The oldest is a 76-year-old man, the youngest a 25-year-old man, both from Laurel County, a community of 63,000 people south of Lexington in the Appalachian region. The tornado also killed a 48-year-old and a 51-year-old woman from Laurel County. Beshear didn't know the ages of three other individuals who died. The other confirmed fatalities are individuals in their 60s and 70s. At least 10 people are in critical condition and others are receiving medical care, Beshear said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All our efforts are still focused on searching and rescuing anyone who might still be in danger," the governor said. "And tending to those who are still fighting for their lives." Kentucky tornado had powerful winds, possibly up to 165 mph Beshear said he was awaiting more information on the strength of the Kentucky tornado. The information he received from the National Weather Service, which he said was relayed to him "secondhand," is that the tornado was an EF3 when it went through the Somerset community. An EF3 tornado has winds of 136 to 165 mph. Damage from a tornado is seen in London, Kentucky, on May 17, 2025. 'A roar like I've never heard before' Sharon Deaton ran up the stairs of her home in Laurel County to grab a candle. When I get to the top of the stairs, the roar was unreal, Deaton said, recalling a reported tornado that struck the area Friday. Then, there it was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She and her family huddled against a wall in a small portion of the family room thats underground. We covered our heads up and prayed really hard, she said. Everyone says it sounds like a freight train, but to me it was a roar like Ive never heard before. One of many aircraft at London-Corbin Airport damaged or destroyed after a tornado ripped through parts of Laurel County and London, Kentucky. May 17, 2025 The family began to hear glass and window panes breaking. When it passed, Deaton looked around, saw her family was safe, and I said, There is nothing in this house that I cant leave behind.' When the family tried to leave, though, they found they were trapped because they couldnt get through the garage door or the back door. As she was rushed by other family members to vehicles and taken to safety, she couldnt see the neighborhood shed lived in since the 80s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then she returned to it during the daylight of Saturday morning. It broke my heart, Deaton said as she stifled a sob. She loved this neighborhood by the London-Corbin airport, loved the quiet street where she walked her dog. Now, her clothes were being stacked in the back of an SUV and several cars sat in her front lawn. We dont even know whose those are, she said. Deaton placed her hands over her mouth as she looked across the hills of trees reaching toward the sky with no leaves and houses exposed to their beams. Im just believing that, yes its changed, but I know a God that restores, so thats where were at, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement -Louisville Courier Journal Firefighter dies responding to tornado Major Roger Leslie Leatherman died after being fatally injured while responding to a reported tornado in Kentucky, the Laurel County Fire Department shared in a social media post. The department said Leatherman "was a dedicated public servant for 39 years, answering the call to protect and help others in their most critical time of need. Please keep Major Leathermans family, friends, and fellow responders in your thoughts and prayers, the post said. -Louisville Courier Journal Laurel County residents, injured in storm, return to destruction Tammie Warren crouched on the debris that used to be her home, calling out for her nearly 2-year-old gray miniature schnauzer, named after country music legend Willie Nelson. The wind blew through Laurel County, rustling siding and spraying water from broken water pipes in a house next door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Willie, she called out. Come on, baby, lets go for a ride. Willie, do you want a treat? she called again. Damage in the Sunshine Hills subdivision seen on May 17, 2025, after a tornado tore through Laurel County and London, Kentucky. When her phone alerted her to a tornado the night before, she ran to her front windows to see neighbors hopping in their trucks to leave. As she ran to a utility door, she couldnt get it open. Then, a rush of air blew the door open, threw her to the ground and dropped her hot water heater on her left leg. It must have been adrenaline, but I pulled my leg out, she said. I was under that granite slab right there. I crawled out and sat on that slab for probably 45 minutes until the fire department was able to come rescue me. Tammie Warren is looking for her dog, Willie, after a tornado tore through the neighborhood off Saddle Road in London, Kentucky. May 17, 2025 Warren's husband was found in the kitchen, a cut to his neck. He was taken to a hospital in Lexington. And her son, blood still leaking from wounds to his legs and wearing a hospital band, walked dazed through the property shouting for Willie. Jesus, let me find him, Warren said, as she tried to step through the debris and saw nails sticking up near her foot. She stopped and began to cry. Please, Jesus, let me find him. Stephanie Mink stood at an intersection of two unidentifiable roads that no longer had street signs. How do we find out what happened to the people in this home? she asked. She was looking for family. As she relayed her phone number, her voice began to tremble. -Louisville Courier Journal 2 dead in Virginia storms Severe weather in Virginia led to at least two deaths, authorities said on May 16. In Fairfax County, a woman was killed in her car after a tree fell on it, police said. Another driver was killed at about 6 p.m. when a tree fell on a vehicle along the George Washington Memorial Parkway near Morningside Lane, in Fort Hunt, Virginia, the U.S. Park Police said in an email to USA TODAY. Tornado one of worst storms in St. Louis history, mayor says The catastrophic tornado is believed to be one of the worst storms in the history of St. Louis, Mayor Spencer said in a May 17 news conference. Spencer said in addition to the five killed in the city, at least 38 people were injured. About 5,000 buildings have been damaged or destroyed in the storm, she said. Sirens could be heard in the distance as Spencer and Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe gave updates. The tornado downed trees and ripped entire walls off of homes, as photos of the destruction showed. "The devastation is truly tremendous," Spencer said. St. Louis resident Joan Miller said she narrowly escaped when the tornado struck her brick house. One of the neighborhoods devastated when a tornado tore through parts of Laurel County and London, Kentucky. Saturday, May 17, 2025 "The wind started, the tree out front was shaking so violently," Miller said. "And suddenly all the doors shut, the windows flew out from the bedroom ... the entire back of my house ... you can see straight into the alley now." About 130 miles away in Scott County, Missouri, the sheriff's office said two more were killed in a tornado that tore through rural areas there. "The tornado moved from the eastern part of the county, leaving behind a trail of destruction, with multiple homes completely lost and areas left unrecognizable," Sheriff Derick Wheetley said in a statement. One of the people killed during the storm was in a car at the time, St. Louis Police Chief Robert Tracy said. Authorities didn't give additional details about the circumstances of the deaths or injuries. The death toll in St. Louis did not increase as search and rescue crews combed through the debris overnight, which is good news, Spencer said. The teams worked through about 2:30 a.m. to go door-to-door, said Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson. They searched about 4,000 homes and plan to continue searching and repeating searches. "We've got a lot of work left to do," Jenkerson said. "We wont leave any stone unturned." Tornadoes kill at least 23, injure more in Kentucky Authorities in Kentucky expect the death toll to increase as they continue to search the ravaged areas. In Laurel County, the toll rose from nine earlier on May 17 to 23. The tornado there hit just before midnight on May 16, the sheriff's office said. Many more were injured. Four were injured in Louisville when a tree collapsed "across the center" of a home. The injured included two adults and two children who were trapped in the house before being rescued, the fire department said, according to the Louisville Courier Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network. The National Weather Service reported possible tornadoes in Pulaski and Laurel counties in southeastern Kentucky. According to a May 16 storm report, a trained spotter reported a tornado in Somerset, while "likely tornado damage" was shown at the London-Corbin Airport. A relief station was set up at South Laurel High School gym, according to Laurel County Clerk Tony Brown. The station has supplies for victims of the tornado, as well as food for victims and first responders. London Mayor Randall Weddle said people came out overnight with chainsaws and other tools to help. "It's just been amazing to watch all the moving parts here in our city and our county," Weddle said. "Right now, they're still searching for people through all this debris." -Bailey Loosemore, Stephanie Kuzydym and Hannah Pinski, the Louisville Courier Journal Post office destroyed after storms hit in Indiana Tornadoes touched down in Bloomington, Greene County, Brown County and elsewhere across Indiana on May 16, according to the Herald-Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. A video on social media showed softball-sized hail in Greene County. Ashley Byarlay was driving home at 7:30 p.m. when she watched a tornado form over a housing subdivision in Bloomington, Indiana. The remains of the Post Office on South Rogers Road in Clear Creek, Indiana, on Saturday, May 17, 2025. "My dream job was to be a storm chaser," she said, "so I got to live my dream job today." She said she watched the tornado touch down near South Rogers and That Road and then lift up and travel farther east before dropping down again. The Clear Creek Post Office was destroyed along with several other buildings. Transformers and power lines were lying in the street as people came out from their homes and drove by in cars to see the damage. -Carol Kugler, The Herald-Times More: Trump cuts leave National Weather Service scrambling to cover vital shifts 50 million people affected by severe storms from Texas to New York over the weekend, forecasters say Severe storms over the weekend are expected to stretch from Texas and Georgia up to New York, according to AccuWeather. Approximately 50 million people are at risk of tornadoes and thunderstorms over vast swaths of the country on May 17 and 18, the forecasting company reported. Beginning the afternoon of May 17, AccuWeather reported a high risk of isolated tornadoes, large hail and flooding in the southern U.S., particularly in and around Dallas. On May 18, tornadoes, large hail and downpours are projected to hit parts of Kansas and Oklahoma. In the Northeast, residents can expect flooding downpours and wind gusts upwards of 50 mph starting the evening of May 17. Forecasters project severe weather continuing early next week in the central United States across the Plains and Mississippi Valley. - Eduardo Cuevas Power outages across several states after storms Crews worked to slowly restore power to the tens of thousands in the dark on May 17 after storms hit across the central part of the United States the day before, according to USA TODAY's power outage tracker. There were about 73,000 Kentucky homes and businesses without power, down from the more than 100,000 reported earlier in the morning by Beshear. Five counties had also reported states of emergencies. In Missouri, about 78,000 customers were in the dark. Of those, nearly 40,000 were in St. Louis where a deadly tornado caused destruction. Another large cluster of power outages was impacting customers in Michigan after severe storms on the nights of May 15 and 16. About 135,000 homes and businesses were without power. There were early reports of five tornadoes, hail and high winds across Michigan on May 15, according to the Lansing State Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network. Tornado hits Atlantic County New Jersey The National Weather Service said an EF0 tornado hit Collings Lakes in Atlantic County New Jersey on May 16, according to the local ABC station. An EFO has maximum winds of 65 to 75 mph. The tornado was on the ground for a minute, felling tree branches and ripping metal roofing from a building. Contributing: Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tornadoes, storms turn deadly in Kentucky, Missouri, Virginia: Updates Water is sacred and central to the way of life of Indigenous tribes in the Great Lakes region. For generations, the interconnected streams, rivers and lakes have been a source of food, transportation, and cultural identity through ceremonies and traditions. That is why they have been fighting for over a decade to remove the Line 5 pipeline not only from land they own but also from proximity to the life-giving watershed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Line 5, owned by Calgary-based Enbridge, transports over 20 million gallons of crude oil and natural gas liquids from Wisconsin to Ontario each day via the Straits of Mackinac, which connect lakes Michigan and Huron. And each day, the pipelines aging infrastructure and vulnerability to anchor strikes pose a risk to the drinking water of tens of millions in the Great Lakes region, according to activists and Indigenous communities. I always tell people that the Straits of Mackinac is like a heart attack waiting to happen, when weve already suffered all these other injuries and risks elsewhere along the line, said Whitney Gravelle, president of the Bay Mills Indian Community located in Michigans Upper Peninsula, 50 miles north of the straits. More than 1 million gallons of oil have reportedly spilled in the past 50 years along the pipelines 645-mile route, though never at the straits. Experts say its hard to quantify, or even imagine, the impact of that much oil spilled in varying quantities over such a long time. Operators are only required to report spills of a particular size or cost threshold. Gravelle, who recently joined another Ojibwe tribal leader in Chicago to talk about their fight against Line 5, said a component of their resistance is rooted in tribal sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if you pull the scope back, its really about clean water, she said. And for us to not respect that or want to take care of it is very shocking, especially when were running into water issues in other parts of the country as well as other parts of the globe. President Donald Trump declared an energy emergency the day he took office. Under the executive order, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced it would accelerate the review process for Enbridges project to build an underground tunnel to house a new Line 5 pipeline. In a March letter, tribal leaders said the Army Corps had failed them and said the final straw was not being consulted over the decision to expedite Enbridges construction permit under the emergency declaration. How is it an emergency when (Line 5) is already operational, product is already flowing through it? Youre forcing these permits through under the guise of an emergency, Gravelle said. I saw it as a convenient loophole to force this project ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an April 15 public notice about the emergency permitting procedure for the tunnel project, the Army Corps said the project would address an unacceptable hazard to life, a significant loss of property, or an immediate, unforeseen, and significant economic hardship. In a request last week for further comment, the Army Corps did not clarify what those concerns would entail. In protest, seven Michigan tribes withdrew from negotiations a day after the public notice was posted. As cooperating agencies under the National Environmental Policy Act, they were involved in reviewing the project. Why would we stay a part of this when you already havent been listening to us? And now youve demonstrated, even further, that this process that weve been participating in is essentially meaningless, Gravelle said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys general from 15 states, including Illinois, filed a lawsuit May 9 against the Trump administration in federal court for the Western District of Washington state over the energy emergency declaration. The states are asking the court to declare the directive illegal and stop agencies from fast-tracking permits, claiming they are being rushed under false pretenses without proper environmental review. Enbridge has also reapplied for a permit from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. The current permit is set to expire next year. This state permit has to be granted before the Army Corps issues a decision on the federal permit in the fall. In a recent news release, the Army Corps Detroit District announced it would shorten the public comment period from 60 days to 30 days on the environmental impact assessment that will be released May 30. The 30-day comment period will provide an opportunity for meaningful public input while meeting the intent of (the executive order), which requires the Corps of Engineers to expedite its permit review of the proposed project, said Army Corps spokesperson Carrie Fox in an emailed statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency maintains open communication and ongoing consultation with Indigenous communities, she added. Previous input submitted by the tribes will still be considered in the environmental impact statement and the groups can still review and comment on the draft once it is released, she added. The withdrawal of Tribal Nations from cooperating agency status does not negate Tribal input, Fox wrote. The Corps of Engineers has worked to achieve regular, meaningful, and robust communication with Tribal Nations throughout its review of Enbridges permit application. In areas where Enbridge has assets, the company values its relationship to those communities, said company spokesperson Ryan Duffy. As we continue to move closer to construction, he said, we remain committed to including Tribes and Tribal citizens in this incredibly important and consequential project and welcome constructive dialogue and engagement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Indigenous and activist groups dont want Line 5 replaced; they say they want it shut down. Despite assurances of safety from the company, they say the route poses too big a risk. And they have expressed concerns that the accelerated project in the straits would entail a less thorough review of possible impacts on environmental and cultural resources, especially given that Enbridges operations in North America caused more than 800 spills that dumped nearly 6.8 million gallons of oil between 1999 and 2010, according to a National Wildlife Federation report. Experts say the complex currents could make a spill at the straits catastrophic, spreading oil rapidly and across long distances in lakes Michigan and Huron. It could pollute miles of shoreline, harm countless species and habitats, and cause billions in damages. Cleanup would also be extremely difficult. Line 5 alone has had 33 incidents in the last five decades, spilling 1.1 million gallons of oil as reported by Enbridge to the federal agency that regulates pipelines, according to research by NWF Great Lakes climate and energy director Beth Wallace. The most recent signaling that weve seen from the Department of Interior, as well as from this administration, is that our natural resources are an untapped resource that we should be deriving greater benefit and profit from, Gravelle said. And thats a very extractive mindset. We know better than anyone that theres only so far you can push your environment before it turns on you and we all suffer the consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Enbridge applied for state and federal project permits in April 2020, they have completed more than 40,000 hours of environmental and cultural surveys, according to Duffy. This infrastructure project will enhance the safety and reliability of energy transportation in the Great Lakes region while protecting the environment and respecting the concerns of local communities, he wrote to the Tribune. Reservation reroute Another contentious Line 5 project proposal in northern Wisconsin is also eligible for emergency permitting, according to a spokesperson from the Army Corps St. Paul District. A public notice was posted on an agency database in April. Patrick Moes, deputy public affairs chief for the district, said over email that Enbridge requested to proceed with the regular 60-day public comment timeline for this project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While an expedited review had not been initiated as of Friday, the possibility has raised concerns among members of a tribe on the other side of Lake Superior: the Bad River Band of Chippewa Indians. Five years ago, Enbridge proposed a reroute to remove the pipeline from tribal lands and away from Lake Superior in response to yearslong disagreements over the future of the portion that crosses 12 miles of the tribes reservation. As erosion moves the course of the Bad River, it risks unearthing the buried pipeline. According to a federal complaint by the tribe, the river was 320 feet from Line 5 in 1963. Almost six decades later, it was no more than a dozen feet away. Duffy previously told the Tribune that Enbridge had reached agreements with all private landowners along the proposed 41-mile reroute, which was chosen because it minimizes construction impacts and protects critical and cultural resources. But the alternative has done little to reassure the tribal citizens, who think its still too close and would remain a threat to their way of life. A relocation would also threaten spills in other places, including the Kakagon Sloughs the only extensive coastal wild rice bed in the Great Lakes region and downstream into Copper Falls State Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That reroute is going to take (the pipeline) through over 100 streams and tributaries that go into Bad River, said Robert Blanchard, chairman and CEO of Bad River Band. Its part of our watershed, and its going to create a bigger problem if they have a release. This week, the Army Corps held a virtual public hearing in response to an objection from the tribe under the Clean Water Act against Enbridges application to discharge dredged and fill material in waterways, including wetlands, for the so-called segment relocation project. There are no conditions that can be imposed on the project, as designed, that will ensure that it doesnt violate the Bad River Bands water quality standards, said Stefanie Tsosie, a senior attorney at litigation nonprofit Earthjustice who represents the tribe, during the Wednesday hearing. (The) standards are in place to protect human health, wildlife and aquatic life the richness and the diversity of the bands reservation waters. In 2013, the tribe refused to renew an easement allowing Enbridge to operate on their land after the previous one expired. Three years earlier, Enbridges Line 6B pipeline spilled more than 1 million gallons into the Kalamazoo River system due to external corrosion after protective tape coating detached from its surface. It was one of the largest inland oil spills in U.S. history. We realized then that we dont want something happening here that happened there, Blanchard recalled. Well, the rest is history, because its been a big fight since, back and forth in courts and its still in the courts. Almost a decade after the easement expired, a federal judge in Wisconsin ruled the continued presence of Line 5 in the reservation meant the company was trespassing on tribal land. Enbridge was later ordered to close the pipeline segment by 2026. Imagine a pipeline or any other piece of infrastructure running through your yard with no easement and no permission to be there, said Rachel Haverlock, founder and director of the Freshwater Lab at the University of Illinois Chicago. For now, Bad River Band leaders are just waiting for the other shoe to drop if the reroute is fast-tracked. I think its coming. So we have to, I guess, be prepared for that, Blanchard said. But its a battle almost every day. Something comes up every day and we have to try to put out the fire. Shortages and price hikes Line 5 supplies almost 40% of the crude oil used at refineries in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Canada. That oil, as well as natural gas transported by the pipeline, is turned into propane and used by millions of people for cooking, heating homes and drying farm crops. Enbridge says decommissioning Line 5 would cause refined product shortages and price hikes throughout the region. Refineries in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Ontario and Quebec would receive 45% less crude product than their current demand, according to the company. It would also mean a shortfall of about half the current transportation fuel supply in the same states and provinces. The company also says rail provides less than 10% of the volume of light crude delivered by Line 5. But opponents disagree. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has said prices would only go up by 5 cents to 11 cents a gallon, and expert testimony in court has indicated increases in Michigan and Wisconsin might be less than 1 cent per gallon. Viable alternatives? Some opponents have suggested an alternative to Line 5 moving the product through Enbridges Line 6, which consists of two segments. Gravelle said making the switch might require some upgrades, such as pumps, to push more product through. But you can essentially decommission Line 5 and remove it from the Great Lakes altogether, she said. The company, however, says there are no viable alternatives to transport a substantial volume of the Line 5 product currently being supplied to the Upper Midwest and Canada. Our other pipelines are already at or near capacity, Duffy said. Line 6A starts in Superior, goes down through the heart of Wisconsin and west of Chicago, then turns east near Joliet to arrive in northwest Indiana. Line 6B originates there, then cuts across southern Michigan to end up in Sarnia, Ontario. After the 2010 Kalamazoo River spill, Enbridge fully replaced Line 6B, doubling its capacity to 500,000 barrels per day. But Line 6B is not able to transport both crude oil and natural gas liquids like Line 5 currently does, according to Duffy. Line 5s continued operation is the solution to the regions energy needs, he said. It will help us keep energy safe and affordable for all families as we embark on a just energy transition. Even as the Trump administration prioritizes energy projects, clean water was the top environmental concern for most Americans as recently as 2024, according to a Gallup poll. And protecting the Great Lakes, one of the worlds largest surface freshwater ecosystems, has become urgent as population growth and human-made climate change cause water shortages in parts of the United States. Its almost unfair to call them lakes, Gravelle said. Theyre more like inland seas. But despite its abundance here, water in the Great Lakes is not an infinite resource and demands care, she said. We want our land. We want to be able to hunt, to fish, to gather and to harvest. Things that my grandfather did, things Im doing, things I want my grandkids to do, Blanchard said. Thats what its about. For me, anyway. For a lot of us, actually. adperez@chicagotribune.com Tributes poured in from both sides of the aisle for former President Joe Biden on Sunday after his office announced that he has prostate cancer. Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Bidens recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery, said President Donald Trump on Truth Social. Bidens former Vice President Kamala Harris took to X to praise her former boss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Bidens prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time, she said. Joe is a fighter and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery. The former Second Gentleman, Doug Emhoff, added: Sending love and strength to my friend @JoeBiden. Cancer is the absolute worst, said Meghan McCain, whose father, the late Republican Sen. John McCain, died of brain cancer. It is hell. It is incredibly difficult for any family, anywhere that has to deal with it. Wishing nothing but healing, prayers, light and strength to President Biden and his family. I dont believe times like these are appropriate for politics. Democratic California Rep. Ro Khanna said on X: Praying for @JoeBiden and his family to defeat the cancer hes recently been diagnosed with. He and Jill have always been fighters and I am confident they will meet this challenge with grit and grace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said she was sorry to see this news. Cancer is truly awful. My Dad passed away in 2021 with cancer. Prays for Joe Biden and his family. A spokesperson for the ex-commander-in-chief said on Sunday that the diagnosis was made on Friday after doctors found a small nodule on Bidens prostate, which needed further evaluation. Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone, the statement said. While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management, the spokesperson added. The president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians. Joe Biden received tributes from across the political spectrum following his cancer diagnosis (Getty Images) Democratic strategist and political commentator Symone Sanders-Townsend said, Joe Biden is a fine man, a dedicated public servant, a loving father, husband and grandfather. If youre a praying person like I am, offer one up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gun control advocate Fred Guttenberg also took to X to praise the former president. If you have followed my story, you know how much I love @JoeBiden and how much he means to me, he said. He is a testament to decency and civility and all that is good about America. Sending President Biden and his family much love as they now pursue medical options. Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins said she was saddened to hear of President Bidens cancer diagnosis and am wishing him and his family well as he begins treatment. North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis said he was praying for his full recovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utah Republican Senator Mike Lee lamented the sad news. Virginia Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, the 2016 vice presidential nominee, said he was praying for President Biden and his family as they take on this challenge. Americans will be with them every step of the way. British journalist and broadcaster Piers Morgan took aim at social media users appearing to celebrate the news. Im going to block anyone I see - and theres already a lot of this vile crap flying around - mocking, celebrating, or playing partisan politics with Joe Bidens health news, he said. The man has served his country for 50yrs and is fighting for his life. Show some bloody respect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Biden spokesperson TJ Ducklo wrote on the social media platform that No one in America is stronger than Joe Biden. Mine metastasized to the bones too. Cancer has no f****** idea who its dealing with. Betting against Biden has never been and still remains a bad f****** bet. Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom said, Our hearts are with President Biden and his entire family right now. A man of dignity, strength, and compassion like his deserves to live a long and beautiful life. Sending strength, healing and prayers his way. Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman said Biden has been a fighter his whole life. He will prevail. Sending Dr. Jill Biden and their family my absolute support. Democratic Maryland Governor Wes Moore, seen by some observers as a possible 2028 presidential contender, said, Dawn and I carry @JoeBiden and his family in our hearts today. He stood with me during some of the toughest times in our state, and we stand with him today. We pray for his strength and a swift recovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Ken Martin, said, Like so many of us, Joe Biden is a man of faith. In times like these, our faith carries us through hardship and powers us to persevere. Jen and I are keeping the President and his family in our prayers. Illinois Democratic Governor JB Pritzker joined in with the tributes, saying, President Biden knows that when you get knocked down, you get back up and fight. I join the nation in sending strength to President Biden and his family and hope for a full recovery. Were with you in this fight, Joe. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, Jeanette and I are united in prayer for the Biden Family during this difficult time. One person was arrested after three men were slashed outside a Manhattan bar during a fight early Saturday, cops said. The fracas erupted around 3:30 a.m. after closing outside Sallys Bar on Lexington Avenue near East 29th Street in Kips Bay, police said. The victims were approached by a group of men who asked them if they had any drugs, a police source said. The fight happened early Saturday outside Sallys Bar in Manhattan. J.C. Rice One of the men then pulled out a pocketknife and slashed the threesome, the source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One victim, who was in his 30s, was cut in his abdomen, a 45-year-old was slashed on the shoulder and a 46-year-old was cut on his neck, cops said. They were taken to Bellevue Hospital in stable condition, cops said. Arlo Willner, 20, was arrested and charged with first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault and three counts of criminal possession of a weapon, police said. He has no prior arrests, a police source said Matthew Adams, 49, a tattoo artist for 26 years who works in the neighborhood, said too many people are armed. Its a shame that people walk around with knives, he said. He already has a stupid mentality. Hes carrying a knife, hes looking for a fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The neighborhood is usually safe, he added. Possible blood on a sidewalk outside Sallys Bar on Lexington Avenue. J.C. Rice The three men were slashed outside Sallys Bar, a neighborhood watering hole in Kips Bay. J.C. Rice But Im a New Yorker, he said. Anything can happen anywhere. Its very unfortunate this happened here because you have blood on the sidewalk of a nice neighborhood. Rachelle Loyear, 50, who works in the security industry and has been living in the neighborhood for 10 years, said she was shocked by the incident. I would absolutely walk up and down the street at 2 oclock in the morning and feel perfectly safe, she said, adding she may now change her ways. I may choose not to do that. May 18 (UPI) -- The United States may impose regional tariffs rather than issue blanket ones as a deadline approaches for racing a global plan, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday. The Trump administration originally said it would impose 90 deals in 90 days, but has backed down recently, acknowledging the complexities of negotiating trade pacts with dozens of countries on a compressed timeline, despite stepped-up efforts, President Donald Trump said during his recent trip to the Middle East. "But it's not possible to meet the number of people that want to see us," Trump explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said while in the Middle East that he and Commerce Secretary Scott Lutnick would begin advising some countries on U.S. plans for tariffs in the next two to three weeks. During an appearance on CNN's "State of the Union," Bessent said the United States will focus on a short list of countries in its initial round of tariffs. "My other sense is that we will do a lot of regional deals," Bessent said. "This is the rate for Central America, this is the rate for this part of Africa, but what we are focused on right now is the 18 important trading relationships." Following a move by Moody's Ratings last week to downgrade the United States' credit rating, Bessent called the service a "lagging indicator" during an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think that's what everyone thinks of credit agencies," he said, and asserted that the credit downgrade was in response to Biden fiscal policies. In response to concerns about tariff costs being passed on to consumers, Trump has said large merchants like WalMart, which imports a significant amount of its merchandise from China, should instead absorb the price increases. Bessent said Sunday that WalMart CEO Doug McMillion told him that the retail giant would "eat some of the tariffs" as it had done in previous years. Bessent did not offer a specific date for the tariff imposition. TUPELO Air service in Tupelo could be affected by a drastic cut in the Essential Air Service program, which provides subsidized air service in 177 smaller communities around the country. Besides the All-America City, the proposed cut would affect two other Mississippi cities: Greenville and Hattiesburg. The Trump administration's budget proposal released earlier this month seeks to slash federal spending and includes a $300 million reduction to EAS. At the end of 2024, the Department of Transportation provided EAS subsidies worth nearly $592 million to the 177 communities. "The EAS program funnels taxpayer dollars to airlines to subsidize half-empty flights from airports that are within easy commuting distance from each other, while also failing to effectively provide assistance to most rural air travelers," the administration says in its budget proposal. "Spending on programs is out of control, more than doubling between 2021 and 2025. The budget reins in EAS subsidies by proposing a mix of reforms to adjust eligibility and subsidy rates to help rural communities air transportation needs in a more sustainable manner." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The budget doesn't outline what steps it would take to initiate reform nor identifies which communities would be affected by the cut or what would replace EAS. Tupelo Airport Authority board chairman Eric Gibens said the board is monitoring the situation closely. "Any cuts are a concern," he said. "Contour has been successful, and when they review that, they will see the flights are needed here. Hopefully, they look at the numbers and see their flights are for business and leisure and our flights are full. We'll definitely keep an eye on it, but it's wait and see at this point" Tupelo has taken part in the EAS program since 2009 after Northwest Airlines, followed by Delta Airlines, ended their regional flights to Memphis and Atlanta. Following the unsatisfactory performance from two airlines from 2009-2015, a new airline, Contour, stepped up in April 2016. It has provided air service since, and passenger enplanements, or boardings, have soared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Tupelo, Contour has recorded at least 10,000 boardings in seven of the eight full years it has provided service. The only exception was in 2020, with the start of the pandemic. Currently, Contour provides daily round-trip flights to Nashville and Dallas. Through the first three months of this year, boardings were up 37% compared to a year ago. Contour's four-year contract, which began last October and runs through Sept. 30, 2028, has an annual subsidy of $6,924,450 in the first year, with a yearly increase of 5% in each of the next three subsequent years. Mississippi's two U.S. Senators said they support EAS and hope the administration backs off from talk of drastic cuts to its funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not unusual for administrations to suggest that EAS be terminated. However, there is strong bipartisan support for this program, and I am confident the House of Representatives and Senate will continue our strong support," said U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker. In statements to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith expressed her disappointment with the proposed budget cut to the EAS program. I was disappointed to see that the administration proposes drastic cuts to the Essential Air Service program. As we have discussed, the EAS program connects our nations rural communities to the broader transportation network by facilitating safe air travel for customers traveling to and from smaller markets like in Greenville, Mississippi, Tupelo, and Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Hyde-Smith told Duffy. I know you understand the importance of this program from your time as a congressman when you had multiple EAS-supported airports in your district. Drastically cutting this program will have a severe impact on EAS-supported rural communities and regions that rely on having access to the broader transportation network. Hyde-Smith added that businesses rarely locate in areas without dependable commercial air service. Supporting these rural airports is vital for future economic development, the senator said. US President Donald Trump said he will speak with his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts, Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, and NATO officials on Monday in an effort to stop the war, as Russia's pounding of Ukraine continued on Saturday. Trump, in a post on his Truth Social network, said he will speak with Putin by phone at 10 am (1400 GMT) on Monday and will speak with Zelensky and some NATO members after that. Just hours before the post, Russia deliberately attacked civilians in a drone attack on a bus in the border town of Bilopillia in the Sumy region, leaving nine people dead, Zelensky charged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All the deceased were civilians. And the Russians could not have failed to understand what kind of vehicle they were targeting. This was a deliberate killing of civilians," he said in a post on X that was accompanied by a photo showing a van that had been destroyed. Seven people were injured. Zelensky said they suffered burns and broken bones. The attack came a day after Russian-Ukrainian talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, launched by Russia more than three years ago. Zelensky said he saw the attack as further proof that Russia has no interest in a ceasefire and demanded stronger pressure in the form of sanctions on Moscow in order to stop the killing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement British Foreign Minister David Lammy also condemned the attack. "Appalled by Russia's attack in Sumy, mere hours after talks in Turkiye," Lammy posted on X, using an alternative spelling of Turkey. "If Putin is serious about peace, Russia must agree to a full and immediate ceasefire, as Ukraine has done," he said. Trump sees himself as key dealmaker Trump, who has long seen himself as a dealmaker, had said that he would end the Russia-Ukraine war even before he took office, which was nearly four months ago. At his talks last week in the Middle East, Trump told reporters that a deal was not going to get done unless he got involved. But he skipped talks in Turkey between Ukraine and Russia after Putin announced he would not be there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After 90 minutes of those talks, Ukraine and Russia agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each. Trump, in his Saturday Truth Social post, said, as he did during talks in Abu Dhabi that largely focused on business deals, that 5,000 people are being killed weekly in the conflict. He wrote: "THE SUBJECTS OF THE CALL WILL BE, STOPPING THE 'BLOODBATH' THAT IS KILLING, ON AVERAGE, MORE THAN 5000 RUSSIAN AND UKRAINIAN SOLDIERS A WEEK, AND TRADE." Trump expressed hope that the talks would amount to a "PRODUCTIVE DAY" and that a ceasefire will be agreed to so this "VERY VIOLENT WAR" can end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that the war "SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED." The war started when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of its neighbour, Ukraine, on February 24, 2022. Ukraine has been defending itself with Western support, but has recently been forced into a defensive position on several fronts, particularly after the US government under Trump significantly reduced its military aid to Kiev. Trump and Putin have already spoken twice since Trump took office in January: once in mid-February and again in mid-March. During the March conversation, Putin agreed to a US proposal to halt all attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure for 30 days, provided Kiev did the same. But he did not agree to a general ceasefire. Russia's earlier response Earlier on Saturday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the results of the negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conversation took place at the initiative of the US, a statement from the ministry said. It said Rubio had welcomed the news of the prisoner exchange, and the agreement by both sides to present their views on the necessary conditions for a ceasefire. Zelensky also celebrated the agreed prisoner exchange, during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. "We were truly expecting Putin, but he didnt come. We believe he is afraid of direct bilateral talks. Anyway, I think the decision on the exchange of prisoners of war is very important. One thousand people its a lot. And I hope we will get this result," Zelensky said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lavrov praised the US role in bringing about the talks in Istanbul. "He reiterated Moscow's willingness to continue working with US colleagues in this context," the statement said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia has not ruled out a meeting between Putin and Zelensky but said progress in the negotiations is a prerequisite, though he remained vague on the details. Zelensky and other European leaders have criticized Russia for insisting on what they see as a maximum position - not allowing Ukraine to join NATO and retaining captured territory. Zelensky meets with leaders of Switzerland and Canada Meanwhile, Zelensky met with Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter and Carney in Rome to discuss a ceasefire, strengthening support for Ukraine and the need to increase pressure on Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky discussed Swiss companies helping fund Ukraine's reconstruction with Keller-Sutter. "We are also grateful for the humanitarian support provided by your Government, especially for what matters most to us: shelters for our schools, for our children. Thank you for this assistance," Zelensky told Keller-Sutter. During his meeting with Carney, Zelensky pushed the importance of coordinating joint efforts with partners. "We must increase the pressure on Russia, on Putin, to truly achieve peace as soon as possible. And, of course, an unconditional ceasefire is essential. Thats why pressure is needed more pressure, more sanctions." DENVER (AP) Tucked deep in the thousand-plus pages of the multitrillion-dollar budget bill making its way through the Republican-controlled U.S. House is a paragraph curtailing a courts greatest tool for forcing the government to obey its rulings: the power to enforce contempt findings. Its unclear whether the bill can pass the House in its current form it failed in a committee vote Friday whether the U.S. Senate would preserve the contempt provision or whether courts would uphold it. But the fact that GOP lawmakers are including it shows how much those in power in the nation's capital are thinking about the consequences of defying judges as the battle between the Trump administration and the courts escalates. Republican President Donald Trump raised the stakes again Friday when he attacked the U.S. Supreme Court for its ruling barring his administration from quickly resuming deportations under an 18th-century wartime law: THE SUPREME COURT WONT ALLOW US TO GET CRIMINALS OUT OF OUR COUNTRY! Trump posted on his social media network, Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump vs. the district courts The most intense skirmishes have come in the lower courts. One federal judge has found that members of the administration may be liable for contempt after ignoring his order to turn around planes deporting people under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Trump's administration has scoffed at another judges ruling that it facilitate the return of a man wrongly deported to El Salvador, even though the Supreme Court upheld that decision. In other cases, the administration has removed immigrants against court orders or had judges find that the administration is not complying with their directives. Dan Bongino, now Trump's deputy director of the FBI, called on the president to ignore a judges order in one of Bongino's final appearances on his talk radio show in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whos going to arrest him? The marshals? Bongino asked, naming the agency that enforces federal judges criminal contempt orders. You guys know who the U.S. Marshals work for? Department of Justice. Administration walking close to the line The rhetoric obscures the fact that the administration has complied with the vast majority of court rulings against it, many of them related to Trump's executive orders. Trump has said multiple times he will comply with orders, even as he attacks by name judges who rule against him. While skirmishes over whether the federal government is complying with court orders are not unusual, it's the intensity of the Trump administration's pushback that is, legal experts say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems to me they are walking as close to the line as they can, and even stepping over it, in an effort to see how much they can get away with, said Steve Vladeck, a Georgetown law professor. Its what you would expect from a very clever and mischievous child. Mike Davis, whose Article III Project pushes for pro-Trump judicial appointments, predicted that Trump will prevail over what he sees as hostile judges. The more they do this, the more it's going to anger the American people, and the chief justice is going to follow the politics on this like he always does, Davis said. The clash was the subtext of an unusual Supreme Court session Thursday, the day before the ruling that angered the president. His administration was seeking to stop lower courts from issuing nationwide injunctions barring its initiatives. Previous administrations have also chafed against national orders, and multiple Supreme Court justices have expressed concern that they are overused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, at one point, Justice Amy Coney Barrett pressed Solicitor General D. John Sauer over his assertion that the administration would not necessarily obey a ruling from an appeals court. Really? asked Barrett, who was nominated to the court by Trump. Sauer contended that was standard Department of Justice policy and he assured the nations highest court the administration would honor its rulings. He's NOT coming back Some justices have expressed alarm about whether the administration respects the rule of law. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown-Jackson, both nominated by Democratic presidents, have warned about government disobedience of court orders and threats toward judges. Chief Justice John Roberts, nominated by a Republican president, George W. Bush, issued a statement condemning Trump's push to impeach James E. Boasberg, the federal judge who found probable cause that the administration committed contempt by ignoring his order on deportations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even after the Supreme Court upheld a Maryland judges ruling directing the administration to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the White House account on X said in a post: he's NOT coming back. Legal experts said the Abrego Garcia case may be heading toward contempt. U.S. District Court Judge Paula Xinis has complained of bad faith from the administration as she orders reports on what, if anything, its doing to comply with her order. But contempt processes are slow and deliberative, and, when the governments involved, theres usually a resolution before penalties kick in. What is contempt of court? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Courts can hold parties to civil litigation or criminal cases in contempt for disobeying their orders. The penalty can take the form of fines or other civil punishments, or even prosecution and jail time, if pursued criminally. The provision in the Republican budget bill would prohibit courts from enforcing contempt citations for violations of injunctions or temporary restraining orders the two main types of rulings used to rein in the Trump administration unless the plaintiffs have paid a bond. That rarely happens when someone sues the government. In an extensive review of contempt cases involving the government, Yale law professor Nick Parrillo identified only 67 where someone was ultimately found in contempt. That was out of more than 650 cases where contempt was considered against the government. Appellate courts reliably overturned the penalties. But the higher courts always left open the possibility that the next contempt penalties could stick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The courts, for their part, dont want to find out how far their authority goes, said David Noll, a Rutgers law professor, and the executive doesnt really want to undermine the legal order because the economy and their ability to just get stuff done depends on the law. Its truly uncharted territory' Legal experts are gaming out whether judges could appoint independent prosecutors or be forced to rely on Trumps Department of Justice. Then theres the question of whether U.S. marshals would arrest anyone convicted of the offense. If you get to the point of asking the marshals to arrest a contemnor, its truly uncharted territory, Noll said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a second form of contempt that could not be blocked by the Department of Justice - civil contempt, leading to fines. This may be a more potent tool for judges because it doesnt rely on federal prosecution and cannot be expunged with a presidential pardon, said Justin Levitt, a department official in the Obama administration who also advised Democratic President Joe Biden. Should the courts want, they have the tools to make individuals who plan on defying the courts miserable, Levitt said, noting that lawyers representing the administration and those taking specific actions to violate orders would be the most at risk. There are other deterrents courts have outside of contempt. Judges can stop treating the Justice Department like a trustworthy agency, making it harder for the government to win cases. There were indications in Friday's Supreme Court order that the majority didn't trust the administration's handling of the deportations. And defying courts is deeply unpopular: A recent Pew Research Center poll found that about 8 in 10 Americans say that if a federal court rules a Trump administration action is illegal, the government has to follow the courts decision and stop its action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's part of the reason the broader picture might not be as dramatic as the fights over a few of the immigration cases, said Vladeck, the Georgetown professor. In the majority of these cases, the courts are successfully restraining the executive branch and the executive branch is abiding by their rulings, he said. The National Weather Service office providing forecasts and hazardous weather warnings for the greater Tri-Cities area will no longer be staffed at night because of Trump administration job cuts and a federal hiring freeze. The office in Pendleton, Ore., serves one of the largest areas outside of Alaska. Its Washington state service area includes Benton, Franklin, Walla Walla, Yakima, Columbia, Kittitas and Klickitat counties. It also covers 11 counties in Eastern Oregon, including Umatilla and Morrow counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Washington Post reported Friday that it is one of about seven areas in the nation where overnight forecasting will no longer be done. It said that other weather service offices, many of which also have had staff cuts, will provide overnight coverage for offices that are no longer staffed around the clock. In the Pacific Northwest other offices include those in Seattle, Spokane, Portland, Boise and Medford, Ore. The weather service office in Pendleton tracks and forecasts hazardous weather conditions and issues alerts and warnings for hail storms, wind storms, thunderstorms, flooding, heat waves, ice storms, freezing rain, heavy snowfall and blowing dust or snow that can reduce visibility on roadways and cause dangerous pileups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Information is important to commuters, outdoor workers, farmers with crops and animals to protect, and school officials deciding whether classes should be canceled, among others. The weather service also provides information on changing weather conditions critical to fighting wildland fires in the shrub steppe land of Eastern Washington and forest fires in the Blue Mountains. Overnight staffing at the Pendleton office of the weather service, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will end this week, Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., said Friday night. The Trump administrations dismantling of the NOAA workforce is crippling the National Weather Service, she said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unacceptable that the weather forecast office for central Washington state will no longer have enough meteorologists to staff overnight shifts, which will jeopardize local forecasts and warning information which is imperative for firefighters, transportation workers, the public and emergency managers, she said. She called on the Trump administration to immediately approve NOAAs request for a public safety exemption and lift the hiring freeze. At a hearing in February for the confirmation of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, she asked if he believed NOAA should be dismantled as called for in Project 2025. Mr. Lutnick gave very tepid support for NOAA, she said then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cantwell, the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, sent him a letter then saying that the Jan. 20 executive order instituting a hiring freeze for all federal civilian employees should be lifted for NOAA, due to the critical role that agency plays in public safety and supporting our economy. NOAA is the nations leading scientific agency charged with forecasting weather, monitoring our oceans and atmosphere, managing our fisheries, restoring our coasts, and supporting maritime commerce, the letter said. NOAA products and services, such as forecasts, are crucial to the U.S. economy and affect more than one-third of Americas gross domestic product. Last year there were 27 weather disasters in the nation that cost more than $1 billion each and led to 568 deaths, she said. The National Weather Service had no one available Saturday to provide information on staffing changes. Special envoy Steve Witkoff on Sunday said the Trump administration vowed to avert a humanitarian disaster in Gaza but offered a caveat: "It is a very complicated situation there." Speaking Sunday on ABC's "This Week," President Donald Trump's envoy to the Middle East said when it comes to attempting to feed hungry Gazans: "It is complicated. It is logistically complicated. And the conditions on the ground are dangerous. There are still many unexploded shells all over the place. So, we have to be mindful of that. "But that said," Witkoff added, "we do not want to see a humanitarian crisis, and we will not allow it to occur on President Trumps watch." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The situation in Gaza has deteriorated in recent weeks, prompting alarm from critics of Israel's government. I happen to believe that what is going on in Gaza is horrific, that we are seeing children, right now as we speak, starving to death," said Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Thursday. Trump himself said last week "a lot of people are starving." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has revived Israel's military assault on Gaza to root out Hamas, something which is almost certain to worsen conditions on the ground. Dozens of people were killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza on Sunday. Regardless, Witkoff said Trump and Netanyahu are aligned in their goals. "I dont think theres any daylight between President Trumps position and Prime Minister Netanyahu's position," he told host Jonathan Karl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witkoff also addressed other crisis areas; saying "we think that we will be meeting sometime this week in Europe," Witkoff said he is hoping for progress with Iran on a deal that will prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. "We have one very, very clear red line, and that is enrichment," Witkoff said. "We cannot allow even 1 percent of an enrichment capability. Weve delivered a proposal to the Iranians that we think addresses some of this without disrespecting them. And so, thats important." Witkoff also said that he expects Trump's negotiating ability will ultimately pay dividends when it comes to the war between Russia and Ukraine, which Trump had said on the campaign trail he would end on his first day in office. With more discussions pending this week, Witkoff said that while Ukraine and Russia appear to be far apart, they are "staking out their positions" on the way to some sort of possible peace agreement. "Youve got people who are at each other. Theres a lot of emotion, a lot of hatred, and the carnage has to end. And so, I think in a negotiation like this, people take positions," he told Karl. The Trump Justice Department, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, is weighing a move that could end the Public Integrity Sections power to oversee indictments of members of Congress, potentially opening the door to politically motivated prosecutions, The Washington Post reports. If the proposed changes go through, U.S. attorneys positions appointed by the president could indict members of Congress without the sign-off from attorneys in the Public Integrity Section (PIN), reducing the offices ethical watchdog role. Prosecutors would no longer need to consult PIN at key points during investigations and prosecutions of public officials in all three branches of government, including federal, state, and local lawmakers as well as judges. The PIN was established following the Watergate scandal in order to consolidate in one unit of the Criminal Division the Departments oversight responsibilities for the prosecution of criminal abuses of the public trust by government officials, the DOJs website states. PIN also supervises the nationwide investigation and prosecution of election crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the paper, a source confirmed the proposed change is being reviewed but has not yet been decided. In March, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, raised the alarm in a letter to Bondi requesting information about the dismantling of PIN after The Associated Press reported DOJ had reduced the size of the office from 30 prosecutors to around five. Some of the reductions in staff came from resignations among PIN leadership when a top DOJ official directed prosecutors to drop corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams. Any move that further weakens the Public Integrity Section would signal that the Trump Department of Justice intends not to protect the American people against corruption, the Rhode Island Democrat wrote. Created in response to Watergate, the Public Integrity Section exists to ensure that the Department of Justice fairly and thoroughly investigates corruption by government officials at the federal, state, and local level without regard to those officials political views or allegiances. This Section has steadfastly pursued justice against both Republicans and Democrats. PIN prosecutors have been involved in the Adams corruption investigation and indictment and the prosecution of former Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, who was sentenced to 11 years in prison for corruption-related charges. The office also intervened when now former interim U.S. attorney Ed Martin sought to prosecute Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for remarks he made about two Supreme Court justices years before. PIN attorneys told Martin that the comments were not a prosecutable threat, according to multiple Post sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is part of a shift in limiting the power of law enforcement experts in public corruption, Georgetown Law professor and former PIN attorney Paul Butler told the paper. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Any deal between the United States and Iran must include an agreement not to enrich uranium, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said on Sunday, a comment that drew criticism from Tehran. While Witkoff was reiterating President Donald Trump's position about uranium enrichment, Iran's response was evidence that the two sides have a long way to go to reach any agreement over Iran's nuclear program. "We have one very, very clear red line, and that is enrichment. We cannot allow even 1% of an enrichment capability," Witkoff said during an interview aired on ABC's "This Week" program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everything begins, from the Trump administration's standpoint, "with a deal that does not include enrichment. We cannot have that. Because enrichment enables weaponization. And we will not allow a bomb to get here," Witkoff said. The response from Tehran was swift. "Unrealistic expectations stop negotiations, enrichment in Iran is not something that can be stopped", Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency cited Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, as saying on Sunday. "I think he is completely at a distance from the reality of the negotiations," Araqchi said of Witkoff, and added that enrichment will continue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witkoff said he is optimistic about negotiations and thinks the parties will hold talks again in Europe this week. "We hope that it will lead to some real positivity," Witkoff said. Araqchi said the date and location of the next round of talks will be announced soon. Trump said on Thursday that the United States was getting very close to securing a nuclear deal with Iran, but on Friday said Iran needs to move quickly. Trump told reporters on Friday aboard Air Force One after departing the United Arab Emirates: "They have a proposal. More importantly, they know they have to move quickly or something bad - something bad's going to happen," according to an audio recording of the remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Araqchi said on social media that Tehran had not received a U.S. proposal. During his first term as president, Trump withdrew the United States from a 2015 deal between Iran and world powers that placed strict limits on Tehran's uranium enrichment activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump also reimposed sweeping U.S. sanctions. (Reporting by Katharine Jackson, Steve Holland and Elwely Elwelly; Editing by Scott Malone and Will Dunham) President Donald Trump offered measured condolences on Sunday, after the office of his predecessor Joe Biden announced that the former president has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Bidens recent medical diagnosis, the president posted on Truth Social. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery. Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer on Friday, after doctors found a prostate nodule while examining the former president for increased urinary symptoms. The 82-year-olds diagnosis received a Gleason score of 9, which indicates his cancer is among the most aggressive. The cancer has already metastasized to his bones, according to his office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management, Bidens office said in a statement. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians. Bidens age and health had come to the forefront during his reelection campaign against Trump, ultimately leading to his stepping down as the Democratic candidate so that then-Vice President Kamala Harris could take his place with just months until the election. The former president has been facing renewed concerns about his health, after reporting in Jake Tapper and Alex Thompsons new book Original Sin alleged that Biden aides hid the extent of his health issues from the public while he was in the White House. Trump himself has gone after Biden for his health issues, despite also fielding concerns about his cognitive health at an advanced age. In the years before the Constitution was written, two of the most famous figures of the American Revolution were caught up in controversy over fears of undue foreign influence caused by their receipt of opulent gifts from European kings. One was a gold snuff box encrusted with 408 diamonds that King Louis XVI of France gave to Benjamin Franklin. The other was a horse, given to John Jay by the King of Spain. Both of these gifts were publicly reported to the new Confederation Congress, and despite vocal public objection, both men kept the gifts. The controversies were still ripe in the minds of American leaders when they soon went to draft a new constitution. They worried that large and valuable gifts might inappropriately influence American officials in their dealings with foreign statesthat a snuff box or a horse could psychologically warm a person to another country, distorting his ability to put Americas interests first. To prevent that distortion, the drafters made anti-corruption provisions a cornerstone of the new constitution. Indeed, if the frequency of their attention to a particular issue is a measure of how significant their concern was, then few issues were as alarming to them as corruption, which the original Constitution explicitly addresses in four separate instancesplus a fifth that was later added. President Donald Trumps instinct for self-enrichment is a horrific exemplar of what the Founders hoped to prevent: a president profiting from public office. Trumps venturesintending to accept the gift of a Qatari jet, profiting from the sale of a self-referential cryptocurrency, auctioning off a chance to have dinner with himall reflect his disregard for the Founders concern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two of the Constitutions efforts to restrict conflicts of interest are direct and distinct prohibitions on profiteering by the president. One of these (in Article II, Section 1) was an absolute ban on domestic gifts to the president: Aside from compensation for his service, he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them. Emolument, a word first recorded in the 15th century, signifies a profit or gain arising from station, office, or employment. That is, making money off ones position by, say, selling favors to fellow citizens (for example, the opportunity to dine with the president) is expressly prohibited. [Yair Rosenberg: The darker design behind Trumps $400 million plane] The second prohibition (in Article I, Section 9) was conditional. Presidents may not accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State without Congresss consent. In other words, the answer to the offer of a personal gift (such as the use of an airplane either during or after presidential service) is a constitutionally required no, unless Congress affirmatively authorizes it. Rejecting a gift is not stupid, as Trump suggestedits required by the law of the land, and for good reason. In addition to these direct limitations on presidential conduct, also notable is that the impeachment clause (Article II, Section 4), which generally authorizes impeachment for high crimes and misdemeanors names two (and only two) crimes specifically as grounds for impeachment: treason and briberyreceipt of a gift in exchange for an official act. Not all gifts are bribes, but some are, and those would be grounds for removal from office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond these three instances, the Constitution twice addresses the problem of possible profiteering by other federal officials, namely members of Congress: in Article I, Section 6 and in the Twenty-Seventh Amendment (which restricts Congresss ability to increase its own pay, and which was originally proposed in 1789). What animated the Founders fear of conflicts of interest? An understanding of human nature and a respect for history. First they recognized that influence could be readily purchased from unprincipled leaders. As Alexander Hamilton put it in Federalist No. 22: One of the weak sides of republics, among their numerous advantages, is that they afford too easy an inlet to foreign corruption. Commenting on human nature, he went on to explain: In republics, persons elevated from the mass of the community, by the suffrages of their fellow-citizens, to stations of great preeminence and power, may find compensations for betraying their trust, which to any but minds animated and guided by superior virtue, may appear to exceed the proportion of interest they have in the common stock, and to over-balance the obligations of duty. In short, Hamilton argued, the average citizen might (unless he or she was a person of superior virtue) put their own financial interests above their duty to the country. [Jonathan Lemire and Russell Berman: The MAGA-world rift over Trumps Qatari jet] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The requirement of congressional consent for foreign gifts persists today. When I served as a minor official at the Department of Homeland Security 20 years ago (I was the acting assistant secretary for international affairs and routinely interacted with foreign officials), any ceremonial gifts above a de minimis limit that foreign officials gave me as part of my official duties were, as constitutionally required, turned over to the department for receipt, processing, and storage. Congressional consent to keep a few small gifts was authorized by the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act. Trumps proposed acceptance of the Qatari jet, which he plans to use after he leaves office, stems from his view that Qatar is a country we have successfully defended for many years with a special royal family. This sort of conflict of interest is precisely what the Founders feared. Americans cannot know now whether Qatari security continues to be in Americas best interests or only in Trumps desire to please his special friends. That doubt is exactly why the Framers adopted a formal practice of requiring the notice and consent of Congress before foreign gifts may be accepted. An unfortunate flaw in the Founders design was that they anticipated ready compliance with the prohibition on gift receipt. I think they could have barely imagined a president accepting a personal gift without congressional consent despite the express words of the constitutional text. Nor could they have readily imagined a president soliciting personal benefits to himself or his family as a condition of access to and influence on his decision making. Perhaps even more to the point, in the absence of such compliance, the Framers no doubt anticipated aggressive congressional oversight to enforce the obligations of consent, buttressed by the ultimate remedy of impeachment to compel compliance. And they might even have anticipated enforcement of the anti-emolument provisions in the courts. But Congress today is supinethis, perhaps more than anything, is what they could not possibly have imagined. And when, in the first Trump administration, emoluments cases were brought in the courts, they were delayed until after Trump left office and ultimately dismissed, leaving open questions of standing and substantive scope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of which puts the nation in an exceedingly uncomfortable place. The emoluments clauses were integral to how the Founders sought to constrain human nature, fearful as they were of self-interest triumphing over constitutional duty. But today, faced with a president who seemingly has no concern for constitutional limitations, the carefully crafted restrictions of the Constitution appear to be unenforceable; the courts are ineffective, and Congress doesnt seem to care. The Framers, one suspects, would weep. Article originally published at The Atlantic U.S. President Donald Trump is becoming more impatient with Russia as he attempts to negotiate a ceasefire in the war against Ukraine, Finnish President Alexander Stubb said at a press conference on May 18, according to the Finnish news outlet Ilta-Sanomat. Stubb's remarks come after he held talks with Trump on May 17 and a separate conversation with President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 18. "If you put it together, you could say that Zelensky is patient and President Trump is getting impatient, but in the right direction, which is towards Russia," Stubb told reporters on the sidelines of the Lennart Meri defense conference in Tallinn, Estonia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Progress towards a ceasefire has been moving "slowly but surely" in a better direction for Ukraine, Stubb said. The Finnish leader's comments come a day before Trump is set to hold a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 19. Following his talk with Putin, Trump plans to speak with Zelensky and "various members of NATO." Trump has said he hopes the talks will result in a ceasefire agreement. The planned calls follow failed peace talks in Istanbul, which Putin proposed as an alternative to accepting Ukraine and Europe's demand for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. Zelensky agreed to meet Putin in Turkey, but Putin instead sent a delegation of lower-level aides to represent Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The talks, which represented the first direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia since the early days of the full-scale invasion in 2022, failed to result in a ceasefire. Moscow repeated its maximalist demands, including sweeping territorial concessions and neutral status for Ukraine, while hurling insults at Ukrainian leadership. A map showing Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine as of 2025. (The Kyiv Independent) The countries did agree to to a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange, which Ukraine's military intelligence says may take place next week. The swap will mark the largest such exchange throughout the war. Stubb said that the prisoner exchange was a positive sign and that he urged Trump to hold a summit with both Zelensky and Putin. He did not have any details to share regarding the upcoming call between Putin and Trump. "After (the call) we will be a degree wiser. We'll go a little bit day by day," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European leaders want to show Trump that Ukraine's position is relatively strong and Russia has serious weaknesses, Stubb said. "So there has been a lot of talk that Ukraine is strongly at a loss. The answer is that it is not," he said. "Russia has been trying to invade Ukraine for three years. This year they have advanced less than a percentage point of Ukrainian land." Russia's economy is also weaker than it may seem, he said. Trump has several times threatened to impose new sanctions against Russia if it does not agree to a ceasefire, but has not yet followed through on any of those threats despite the Kremlin's continued stalling. The Trump administration has instead consistently put pressure on Ukraine to make concessions towards a peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine first agreed to a U.S. proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire on March 11. Russia continues to refuse. Read also: Investigation: Uncovering the secret Russian FSB operation to loot Ukraines museums Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Former President Joe Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer last week, his office said in a statement on Sunday. The news came after it was revealed that a "small nodule" was detected during a "routine physical exam," a spokesperson for the former president told ABC News on May 13. His prostate cancer diagnosis is "characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone," his office said Sunday. "While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Biden and his family review treatment options, former President Barack Obama, President Donald Trump and other political leaders began reaching out to share support for the former leader of the United States. PHOTO: President Joe Biden appears on 'The View,' Sept. 25, 2024. (ABC News) Obama posted a sincere message on X on Sunday evening, saying, "Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family. Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery." Trump took to Truth Social the same day, posting, "Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Bidens recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery." Former Vice President Kamala Harris also posted on X on Sunday, saying she and her husband are keeping President Joe Biden and his family in their prayers. "Joe is a fighter and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership," she wrote. Her husband, Doug Emhoff, the former second gentleman under Biden, separately posted his regards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also sharing her regards was former State Secretary Hillary Clinton, who posted, "Im thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease theyve done so much to try to spare other families from. Wishing you a speedy, full recovery." Former President Bill Clinton also added a note on his own account, saying, "My friend Joe Bidens always been a fighter. Hillary and I are rooting for him and are keeping him, Jill, and the entire family in our thoughts." Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X, "Jeanette and I are united in prayer for the Biden Family amid this difficult time." "Our hearts are with President Biden and his entire family right now," California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted to X on Sunday upon learning the news. "A man of dignity, strength, and compassion like his deserves to live a long and beautiful life. Sending strength, healing and prayers his way." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "President Biden knows that when you get knocked down, you get back up and fight," Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker posted, adding, "Were with you in this fight, Joe." "President Biden has served our nation with distinction," New York Gov. Kathy Hochul wrote on X. "During this difficult time, Bill and I are praying for his health and a speedy recovery." Hochul was joined by other Democratic leaders from her state in those sentiments. "I hope all Americans join me in sending him and his family prayers as they navigate the road ahead with this medical team. We are all hoping for a speedy recovery," New York Mayor Eric Adams posted on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York Attorney General Letitia James also wrote a note on X, saying, "Heartbreaking news this afternoon. Im praying for President Biden and his entire family, and I hope he makes a full recovery." MORE: Former President Joe Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive' prostate cancer Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, also said that she was praying for Biden's family in her social media post. "This is horrible news. My heart is with former President Biden and his entire family," said Arizona Gov. Katie Dobbs in a social media post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Like so many of us, Joe Biden is a man of faith. In times like these, our faith carries us through hardship and powers us to persevere," wrote Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin. "Jenn and I are keeping the President and his family in our prayers." Maryland Gov. Wes Moore wrote on X, "He stood with me during some of the toughest times in our state, and we stand with him today. We pray for his strength and a swift recovery." "Gwen and I are praying for President Biden and his family," said Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who was also the Democratic vice presidential candidate in the 2024 elections, on X. "A truly decent man and a friend. Were wishing him all the best." Former Republican presidential candidate and current Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy showed optimism and called for unity between parties, posting, "Politics aside, lets pray for the health of our nations former President. His case of metastatic prostate cancer appears to be still in the hormone-sensitive disease stage, which leaves open the possibility of effective treatment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Tammy and I are keeping former President @JoeBiden in our prayers and wishing Jill and the entire Biden family strength during this difficult time," New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy posted. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro also expressed support for both Biden and his wife, saying on X, "May they find strength and hope in one another, and be lifted up by the thoughts and prayers of Americans across the country who are thinking of them right now." Former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra also offered prayers for the former president. "President Biden is a man of deep faith and extraordinary resilience," Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg wrote on X. "Chasten and I are keeping him, and the entire Biden family, in our prayers for strength and healing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on social media that she is praying for Biden and sends love to him and his family. MORE: Small nodule found in Joe Biden's prostate during recent physical Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle also took to social media to share well wishes for the Biden family. Democratic senators who lent their support included Peter Welch of Vermont, Ruben Gallego of New Mexico, Tim Kaine of Virginia and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. Republican senators included Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Susan Collins of Maine and Roger Marshall of Kansas. Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California wrote, "He and Jill have always been fighters and I am confident they will meet this challenge with grit and grace." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As you face this health challenge, my prayers are with youfor continued courage, grace in this moment of trial, and a full recovery," Rep. Joyce Beatty, Democrat of Ohio, wrote on X. Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia wrote on X, "Im sorry to see this news. Cancer is truly awful. My Dad passed away in 2021 with cancer. Prays for Joe Biden and his family." Republican Reps. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida and Mike Lawler of New York also expressed their well wishes. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries released a statement on Sunday evening, saying, "Over the years, the Biden family has confronted unimaginable adversity with grace and steadfast perseverance. We stand with President Biden as he confronts this moment with the same courage and resilience he has shown throughout his life." Obama, Trump, Harris and other political leaders react to Biden's cancer diagnosis originally appeared on abcnews.go.com US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff believes that a phone conversation between Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin on 19 May will be "very successful". Source: Witkoff on ABC News, as reported by European Pravda Details: Witkoff stated that the Trump-Putin call will "clear up some of the logjam and get us to the place we need to get to". "I believe that the president is going to have a successful call," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump envoy refused to comment on Putin's refusal to attend peace talks in Istanbul, but emphasised his belief in the success of the US-Russia conversation. "They [Trump and Putin] know each other. The president is determined to get something done here ... if he can't do it, then nobody can," Witkoff said. He further noted that the US aims "to narrow that wide berth between the parties". "And I think to some extent we've done that," the special envoy added. Quote: "To some extent each party is staking out their positions. And I think Monday will go a long way towards identifying where we are and how we complete this negotiation." Background: Trump announced a phone call with Putin on Monday 19 May, followed by conversations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO allies. The US president noted that the call with Putin is scheduled for 10:00 Washington time (17:00 Kyiv time) and will focus on ending the war between Russia and Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that preparations are being made for the Trump-Putin call. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Donald Trump has said hes saddened after his predecessor and rival Joe Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Bidens recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery, Trump said on Truth Social. A spokesperson for Biden said on Sunday that the diagnosis was made on Friday after doctors found a small nodule on his prostate, which needed further evaluation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone, the statement said. While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management, the spokesperson added. The president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians. Trump sent warm wishes to the Biden family on Sunday after his predecessors cancer diagnosis (Getty) Trumps fellow Republicans also commented on the news of Bidens diagnosis. Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins said she was saddened to hear of President Bidens cancer diagnosis and am wishing him and his family well as he begins treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis said he was praying for his full recovery. Utah Republican Senator Mike Lee lamented the sad news. Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said she was sorry to see this news. Cancer is truly awful. My Dad passed away in 2021 with cancer. Prays for Joe Biden and his family. Biden dropped out of the 2024 rematch against Trump after a disastrous debate in late June last year. Biden appeared frail and struggled to finish sentences. Trump has regularly mocked his predecessor as Sleepy Joe and he has frequently blamed the Biden administration for any setbacks during the beginning of his second term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats have been agonising over their handling of the 2024 election and whether they should have stepped in sooner to urge Biden to step aside. However, theres no indication that theres a connection between Bidens cancer and his physical and verbal struggles which led to questioning if he was able to serve another four years. Biden is the oldest-serving president in American history and his recent announcement puts the focus on the age of other U.S. politicians, including the 78-year-old Trump, who will become the oldest-serving president in history if he serves out his full term in the White House. With the swirl of a black Sharpie marker, President Donald Trump issued an executive order on his first day back in the White House, cracking down on what he calls illegal and radical diversity, equity and inclusion practices. It was the first in a series of actions to make good on campaign promises to wipe out DEI. Over 100 days in office, the president purged diversity initiatives in the federal government and the military, threatened to strip billions of dollars in federal funding and grants from universities and pressured major corporations to roll back diversity initiatives or risk losing federal contracts or worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the anti-DEI campaign that began in his first term now topping the White Houses economic and cultural agenda, Attorney General Pam Bondi threatened investigations and prosecutions. The Federal Communications Commission opened probes into Comcast and Disney. I ended all of the lawless, so-called diversity, equity and inclusion bullshit all across the entire federal government and the private sector, Trump said at a rally in Michigan marking his 100th day in office. But has he? DEI is not dead yet, people on both sides of the political aisle say. The White House will need to focus on making sure companies are doing what they said they would do when they announced they were turning away from DEI, said Jonathan Butcher, a senior research fellow with the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank. Goldman Sachs, Disney, IBM and others all made announcements just this year, so are they just renaming programs or actually ending race-based hiring policies or DEI-focused employee training? DEI retreat or reset? The Trump administration struck mighty blows in the first 100 days, reshaping DEI policies across industries and touching virtually every American workplace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even before Trumps inauguration, Facebook owner Meta abandoned its practice of considering diverse candidates for open roles. McDonalds dropped diversity targets for its executive ranks. In Trumps first week back in the White House, defense contractor Lockheed Martin said it would take immediate action to ensure continued compliance and full alignment with President Trumps recent executive order. Software giant Salesforce.com, which told USA TODAY in 2023 that it would stand up to Trump on DEI, deleted the word diversity from its annual report and scrapped goals to diversify its workforce. DEI explained What is DEI and why is it so divisive? What you need to know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration has certainly created a chilling effect where many organizations are reluctant to keep or advertise perfectly legal strategies to advance diversity, said Adia Harvey Wingfield, a sociology professor at Washington University in St. Louis. Even as major companies pare back or flatline diversity commitments, a few, including Costco and Cisco, have publicly defended DEI. Shareholders at American Express, Apple and Levis have overwhelmingly voted in favor of DEI. And the silent majority is continuing the work despite growing political pressure to defund DEI, said sociology professor Donald Tomaskovic-Devey, who runs the Center for Employment Equity at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. The vast majority of organizations have simply gone quiet, neither retreating from or defending their DEI programs in the public square, Tomaskovic-Devey said. The data seems to bear that out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just 8% of business leaders surveyed by the Littler law firm are seriously considering changes to their DEI programs as a result of the Trump administrations executive orders. Nearly half said they do not have plans for new or further rollbacks. Hundreds protest outside a rally held byPresident Donald Trump at Macomb County Community College in Warren, MI, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 after his first 100 days in office. Instead of backing off, corporations are evolving their diversity programs to focus on what works and jettison what does not, said Joelle Emerson, CEO of culture and inclusion platform Paradigm. Some 85% of companies report that their executive teams are just as committed or even more to building fair and inclusive workplaces as they were a year ago, according to a recent Paradigm survey. Were seeing organizations back away from highly scrutinized and increasingly legally risky efforts like setting and sharing representation goals as well as evolving their language, moving away from the politically charged acronym DEI, Emerson said. But most appear to be continuing or even doubling down on initiatives that have the greatest impact. Benefits that allow a broader range of people to thrive in the workforce. Processes that empower companies to cast wider nets and hire and advance the best talent. Training and other programs that focus on creating cultures for everyone where all employees can do their best work. Is DEI doubling down? Over half of the nations 3,000 largest companies continue to build and expand DEI-related programs, according to Olivia Knight, racial and environmental justice manager at shareholder advocacy group As You Sow, which has advocated for corporate DEI programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With good reason, said Meredith Benton, workplace equity manager at As You Sow and founder of Whistle Stop Capital. In the coming years, minority groups will become a majority of the U.S. population and they will expect businesses to reflect the nations diversity. Early on, there was sincere confusion about the relevancy of these topics to financial returns, Benton said. We are no longer having that conversation. The conversation now is about the best way to ensure that workplaces are managing against bias and discrimination. While corporations try to "fly below the radar" in the words of a large retailer just this week, Benton said she continues to have conversations with corporate executives that show their deep understanding of how workforce cohesion, employee belonging, and employee loyalty is essential to their business success. 'Root out DEI' Why red states are enlisting in Trump's war on 'woke' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some corporations are not sitting on the sidelines. At the Great Place to Work For All Summit, a leadership event in Las Vegas, CEO Anthony Capuano recalled the debate over whether Marriott should make changes to its DEI policies. Thinking back to conversations with his mentor and former chairman Bill Marriott, he told employees: The winds blow, but there are some fundamental truths for those 98 years. We welcome all to our hotels, and we create opportunities for all, and fundamentally, those will never change. Twenty-four hours later, Capuano said he had 40,000 emails thanking him. At Starbucks annual meeting, CEO Brian Niccol talked up DEI, telling shareholders it is critical for the coffee giant to reflect the diversity of its customers and staff in every single one of our stores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starbucks is a tremendously, tremendously diverse organization and will continue to be a tremendously diverse organization, Niccol said. Its still early days, and Im sure this administration will have more items in their bag of tricks, but I do think its notable that a lot of work is continuing despite the unprecedented assault (DEI) has faced, said David Glasgow, executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at the NYU School of Law. President Donald Trump speaks to the media before boarding Marine One as he departs for Michigan to attend a rally to celebrate his first 100 days in office. Short-sighted organizations that abandon DEI wont do so for long, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian predicts. Successful companies are not checking a box but building policies that support a wide range of people, the entrepreneur and investor told Forbes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think that the biggest sham is that we have somehow identified these types of goals with not being meritocratic," Ohanian said. "Those of us who've been out here building multibillion-dollar companies with an eye towards having diversity, equity, and inclusion, we're hiring for greatness. That never stopped." Paul Argenti, a professor of corporate communication at Dartmouth, said the business case for diversity has never been stronger. The choice isn't between merit and diversity. The highest-performing organizations know that having a meritocracy means you need to make sure that diverse candidates have the same chance to show their merit as others, Argenti wrote in a LinkedIn post. Companies with diverse leadership consistently outperform their homogeneous counterparts in innovation, risk management and financial returns. Trump banks on DEI backlash DEI initiatives swept through corporate America and the federal government after George Floyd's 2020 murder forced a historic reckoning with race in America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those efforts to increase the stubbornly low percentage of female, Black and Hispanic executives seemed to get results. Between 2020 and 2022, the number of Black executives rose by nearly 27% in S&P 100 companies, according to a USA TODAY analysis of workforce data collected by the federal government. That momentum was met with a forceful backlash. Critics like Stephen Miller and Edward Blum threw down legal challenges that reframed these DEI efforts as illegal discrimination. Consumer boycott threats from anti-DEI activists like Robby Starbuck intensified. In 2023, the ranks of Black executives fell 3% from the prior year at twice the rate of White executives, USA TODAY found. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump telegraphed a dramatic shift to America's approach to civil rights, vowing to take on "anti-white" racism. "I think there is a definite anti-white feeling in this country and that cant be allowed," Trump said. Some of DEIs sharpest critics now hold powerful positions in the Trump administration and they are leaning into deep divisions over DEI. A narrow majority of the public 53% disapproves of the Trump administrations actions to end DEI, while 44% approve, according to the Pew Research Center. The split is sharper along party lines. Nearly 8 in 10 Republicans approve while nearly 9 in 10 Democrats disapprove. According to data intelligence firm Morning Consult, DEI is one of the hot-button issues that produces the widest partisan gaps in what Americans want brands to talk about. Democrats are far more likely to want to hear about DEI than Republicans but even they are prioritizing it less than last year, down from 78% to 71%, Morning Consult found. If you want to have a government that enforces civil rights laws, we need to have a government that enforces civil rights laws for everyone. Not just the favored groups, but for every individual, DEI critic Christopher Rufo said on a recent New York Times podcast. So what does that look like? It looks like what the Trump administration is doing: To say anti-White bigotry should face just as severe a sanction as anti-Black bigotry. Many of the Trump administrations actions in the first 100 days were pulled straight from the pages of Project 2025, the Heritage Foundations blueprint for Trumps second term, from overhauling civil rights offices that enforce civil rights and antidiscrimination laws to the removal of a cornerstone of civil rights law known as disparate impact liability that the government used to challenge exclusionary policies in employment. At the Departmentof Justice, Harmeet K. Dhillon, the new head of the civil rights division that has been at the center of the struggle for racial equality since its creation in 1957, has purged top lawyers and reoriented the agency to focus on combating antisemitism and transgender athletes in womens sports, among other Trump priorities. The job here is to enforce the federal civil rights laws, not woke ideology, Dhillon told conservative commentator Glenn Beck. In the coming weeks, Bondi is expected to submit a report with recommendations to encourage the private sector to end illegal discrimination and preferences, including DEI, including each agencys list of up to nine civil compliance investigations. Thats when the rubber will really hit the road as we move from the realm of bluster and threats into the realm of actually determining whether illegal DEI is as pervasive as they seem to think it is, Glasgow said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why is Trump trying to kill DEI? War on 'woke' DEI explained US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that President Donald Trump is eager to meet with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin as soon as possible to address Russias war of aggression against Ukraine. Source: Rubio in an interview with CBS News, as reported by European Pravda Details: Rubio expressed his belief that a personal meeting between Trump and Putin is the only way to progress negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted that Trump has publicly proposed such a meeting. "The mechanics of setting that kind of meeting up would require a little bit of work, so I can't say that's being planned as we speak in terms of picking a site and a date. But the president wants to do it. He wants to do it as soon as feasible," Rubio said. Background: US President Donald Trump said on Friday 16 May that he "may" call Russian leader Vladimir Putin to discuss ending Russia's war in Ukraine. Trump also believes that Putin is tired of the war and insists that a peace agreement requires his direct involvement. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Donald Trump is raging against the Supreme Court after it temporarily blocked his administration from using a centuries-old wartime law to fast-track migrant deportations. On Saturday, the president ramped up his attacks by highlighting a plan to move terrorists near justices homes. The president should release these terrorists near the Chevy Chase Country Club, with daytime release, former GOP staffer Mike Davis wrote online. Trump shared the post. The President re-posts a suggestion from an adviser that he release terrorists near the homes of Supreme Court justices whove merely ruled that the government cant send people to a foreign gulag without due process pic.twitter.com/UsRKryOUWG Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) May 17, 2025 Davis, a MAGA loyalist and contender for attorney general, continued: The Supreme Court still has an illegal injunction on the President of the United States, preventing him from commanding military operations to expel these foreign terrorists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Maryland country club referenced reportedly counts Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh among its members. Former Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau entered the online fray by summarizing the madness: The President re-posts a suggestion from an advisor that he release terrorists near the homes of Supreme Court justices whove merely ruled that the government cant send people to a foreign gulag without due process. Davis jumped on the rebuttal, replying Yes to Favreau, and suggesting migrants be sent to wealthy white liberal enclaves, like Chevy Chase and Marthas Vineyard... Then lets see how much due process you liberals want. Yes. We should send these Maryland fathers where they will feel safe and protected: Wealthy white liberal enclaves, like Chevy Chase and Marthas Vineyard. Instead of working-class minority neighborhoods, like Aurora. Then lets see how much due process you liberals want. https://t.co/nnVVkeeWfE Mike Davis (@mrddmia) May 17, 2025 The Supreme Court ruling that has set Trump off is Fridays 7-2 decision to continue its temporary block on deportations attempted under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. The court found that his administration had violated due process by giving migrants just 24 hours notice before being sent packing and providing them with insufficient information to mount a defense. It does not pass muster, the justices wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement THE SUPREME COURT WONT ALLOW US TO GET CRIMINALS OUT OF OUR COUNTRY! Trump complained on Truth Social. He followed his outburst with a lengthy rant later on. One man, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, was deported to El Salvador despite a court order preventing it, prompting the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. to demand his returnsomething the Trump team has so far ignored. Funding challenges are a constant in the nonprofit sector as organizations try to survive economic recessions, the COVID-19 pandemic and federal budget cuts. Phones at the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits have been ringing off the hook as organizations seek money and support to keep them afloat, said Marnie Taylor, the group's executive director. But some organizations in Oklahoma are facing a new wave of funding challenges as corporate donors pull back their charitable giving to nonprofits aimed at diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. The Trump administration has applied increasing pressure to defund DEI initiatives, even outside of the public sector. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Performers, LGBTQ+ advocates fear potential impact of anti-drag bills on OKC's Pride festivals Board members of Oklahoma Pride Alliance said theyve lost some annual corporate sponsors for Oklahoma City PrideFest, leaving them to fill a $150,000 fundraising gap for their annual festival in downtown Oklahoma City. "A lot of corporations are pulling their DEI [policies] and their support for LGBTQ+ employees in the workplace, which is really difficult to see," said Oklahoma Pride Alliance President Kylan Durant. "We thought we were making some big progress, I would say, over the last decade." Sponsors tell LGBTQ+ advocacy group that support is 'too risky' Another Oklahoma-based LGBTQ+ advocacy group, Freedom Oklahoma, also has seen corporate sponsors disappear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nicole McAfee, the groups executive director, said while Freedom Oklahoma isnt new to politically based funding cuts, pushback from corporate sponsors has ramped up with the second Trump administration. People walk in the 2024 PrideFest Parade in downtown Oklahoma City. This year's PrideFest will be held June 27-29 in Scissortail Park. McAfee estimated the group has lost out on tens of thousands of dollars, and is prepared to see those numbers grow. We often get apologies from people who have to be the bearer of bad news, McAfee said. Just an assessment that as they think about their profits and their risks, theyve decided that it feels too risky to contribute to organizations that have any stances that are seen as especially politicized right now. In January, President Donald Trump began issuing executive orders to dismantle DEI programs across the federal government and in higher education. The president also signed an executive order at the beginning of his second term banning transgender troops from serving openly in the U.S. military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The political atmosphere is especially charged in Oklahoma. Lawmakers considered banning state employees from displaying Pride flags earlier this year and voted to ban state funds from supporting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at higher education institutions. Senate Bill 796 was approved by the governor in May. Participants carry flags as they walk in the 2024 PrideFest Parade in downtown Oklahoma City. About two in five corporations are decreasing their marketing efforts for Pride Month, according to Gravity Research, a Washington, D.C.-based company that advises companies on social, political and reputational risks. After conservative activists confronted employees and vandalized Pride displays last year, Target is scaling back its Pride collection this year and won't carry the merchandise in all stores, according to USA TODAY. Bud Light, owned by beer giant Anheuser-Busch, is still struggling from repercussions over a 2024 social media campaign with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. LGBTQ+ pride celebrations across the country, such as San Francisco Pride and the Houston Pride Festival and Parade, are reporting their corporate sponsors are withdrawing support. People line the street at the 2024 PrideFest Parade in downtown Oklahoma City. Durant said Oklahoma Pride Alliance hopes to raise more money for PrideFest this year through small donations, merchandise sales and VIP tickets. The nonprofit started an initiative to raise money called "Pride by the People." Fundraising events have included drag shows, yoga and T-shirt sales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PrideFest will be June 27-29 in Scissortail Park in downtown Oklahoma City. The group estimated the event, which draws as many as 45,000 people, will cost $330,500. Coming together with other queer people really builds community, so that you fight for each other and find each other and really create these coalitions of other queer people to stand together with and support and build community with, Durant said. Thats just something that I'm really reminding people of is that the level of visibility that PrideFest creates is incredibly important, because it draws the community together. Like Oklahoma Pride Alliance, Freedom Oklahoma has moved to asking its base of supporters to donate to the cause, even in small amounts. Its both continuing to do that work and figuring out where we build those networks to help sustain this funding through really tough moments, and its also continuing to figure out how we build across organizations who are facing similar fears in this moment to create some sustainability in a moment where the scarcity feels especially scary, McAfee said. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma PrideFest losing sponsors as corporate giving drops President Donald Trump joked that he was not thrilled with the tiny amount of oil he received as a gift during his trip to the United Arab Emirates on Friday. A clip shared online by Margo Martin, Trumps special assistant and communications adviser, captured the moment the president was presented with a memento during his diplomatic visit to the Gulf nation. The gift, given by Sultan Al Jaber, head of the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., was a box containing a small amount of Murban crude oil visible through glass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the highest quality oil there is on the planet, and they only gave me a drop, Trump said, prompting laughter from those around him. So Im not thrilled, but its better than no drop. Donald Trump was handed the gift during at a business forum held at Abu Dhabi's Qasr Al Watan palace. / REUTERS/Brian Snyder Trumps visit to the UAE on Friday marks the end of his four-day charm offensive in the Middle East, which also included stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. At a business forum held Friday at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, Trump was wooed by industry leaders and oil tycoons. It was there that Al Jaber presented him with the small memento. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was also in attendance as Trump toured the event held at the royal palace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the meet-and-greet, Trump was shown a presentation highlighting the UAEs aviation sector, where he offered praise for Boeing. Donald Trump is ending his four-day Middle Eastern trip in the UAE. / REUTERS/Amr Alfiky Its just my opinion, but Boeing makes the best planes, Trump said, reported Sky News. Theyve had some headaches over the last few years, but they make the best planes. Trumps Middle East tour has been plagued by controversy over his plans to accept a $400 million Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from the Qatari royal family to use in place of the current Air Force One. On Thursday, the White House announced a major deal between Boeing and GE Aerospace with Etihad Airways, the UAEs national airline. As part of efforts to strengthen ties between the U.S. and the Gulf state, Etihad agreed to purchase 28 U.S.-made Boeing 787 and 777X jets powered by GE engines in a deal worth over $14.5 billion. President Donald Trump threatened to sue ABC News yet again after the news station critiqued the $400 million jumbo jet gifted to him by Qatars royal family. Why doesnt Chairman Bob Iger do something about ABC Fake News, especially since I just won $16,000,000 based on the Fake and Defamatory reporting of Liddle George Slopadopolus, the president complained on his Truth Social platform. Trump claimed he had previously given the SleazeBags at the news station warnings and would continue to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The wonderful country of Qatar, after agreeing to invest more than 1.4 Trillion Dollars in the United States of America, deserves much better than Misleading (Fake!) News, he wrote. Everyone, including their lawyers, has been told that ABC must not say that Qatar is giving ME a FREE Boeing 747 Airplane, because they are not. President Donald Trump threatened to sue ABC News again over their coverage of his $400 million jet gift from Qatar. (AFP via Getty Images) Trump continued: Instead, and as Fake News ABC fully knows and understands, this highly respected country is donating the plane to the United States Air Force/ Defense Department, AND NOT TO ME. By so doing, they are saving our country, and the American Taxpayer, hundreds of millions of dollars. ABC Fake News is one of the WORST, he wrote. Trumps decision to accept the Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet as a gift from Qatars royal family has drawn swift backlash. Reports have revealed that it would require expensive upgrades that will take several years to complete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even still, Trump has claimed only a stupid person would decline a proposed upgrade on Air Force One, even though the cost of retrofitting the plane to make it an appropriate substitute for the existing presidential transport could make it cost as much as $1bn. The cost of retrofitting the plane to make it an appropriate substitute for the existing presidential transport could make it cost as much as $1bn. (Getty) Trump and the Disney-owned news station have also previously sparred. In December, ABC News agreed to pay Trump $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit over comments made by star anchor Stephanopoulos that Trump was found liable for rape in the E. Jean Carroll case. A jury found Trump was liable for sexual abuse of Carroll, but his actions didnt meet New Yorks stringent legal definition of rape. By Samia Nakhoul and James Mackenzie DUBAI (Reuters) -Nothing captured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's isolation more starkly this week than the image of U.S. President Donald Trump shaking hands with Syria's Islamist leader Ahmed alSharaa - a man Israel has branded "an alQaeda terrorist in a suit." "He's got the potential. He's a real leader," Trump told reporters after talks with Sharaa on Wednesday in Riyadh - a meeting brokered by his Saudi hosts, with whom the U.S. president agreed a slew of arms, business and technology deals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's whirlwind four-day tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates this week was more than just a diplomatic spectacle marked by lucrative investments. It sealed the emergence of a new Sunni-led Middle East order - one that eclipses Iran's shattered 'axis of resistance', and leaves Israel sidelined, according to three regional and two Western sources. Amid growing irritation in Washington with Israel's failure to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, Trump's tour was a snub to Netanyahu, a close U.S. ally who was the first foreign leader to visit Washington after the president returned to office in January, the sources said. The message was clear: in Trump's less ideological, more results-driven vision of Middle East diplomacy, Netanyahu could no longer count on unconditional U.S. support for his right-wing agenda, the sources said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This administration is very frustrated with Netanyahu and that frustration is showing," said David Schenker, a former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs under Republican former President George W. Bush. "They're very, very transactional, and Netanyahu isn't giving them anything right now." The sources said that the U.S. was not about to turn its back on Israel, which remains a vital U.S. ally whose support in Washington runs deep and is bipartisan. But the Trump administration wanted to deliver the message to Netanyahu that America has its own interests in the Middle East and it does not like him standing in its way, the sources added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. patience has been strained not just by the Israeli prime minister's refusal to countenance a Gaza ceasefire but also his objection to U.S. talks with Iran over its nuclear program, according to sources familiar with the matter. Netanyahu's office did not respond to requests for comment. It has made no public statements on Trump's regional visit. A spokesperson for the White House's National Security Council emphasized Trump was a friend to Israel. "We continue to work closely with our ally Israel to ensure remaining hostages in Gaza are freed, Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon, and to strengthen regional security in the Middle East," NSC spokesman James Hewitt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While publicly insisting U.S.-Israeli relations remain strong, Trump administration officials have privately expressed irritation with Netanyahu's refusal to fall into line with Washington's positions on Gaza and Iran, according to sources familiar with the matter. Six regional and Western sources said friction between the U.S. and Israel was building before Trump's regional trip. The tension began when Netanyahu flew to Washington on a second visit in April seeking Trump's backing for military strikes on Irans nuclear sites - only to discover, to his shock, that Trump was opting for diplomacy. An unbending advocate for a hardline stance against Tehran, Netanyahu was caught off guard, learning just hours before his meeting that negotiations were about to start. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the following weeks, Trump's declaration of a ceasefire with the Houthis in Yemen, rapprochement with Syria's new Islamist leadership and bypassing of Israel on his Gulf visit showed how the traditionally close relations have become strained, the sources said. David Makovsky, a fellow at the Washington Institute, where he directs a project on Arab-Israeli relations, said Washington and Tel Aviv "don't seem in sync on the big questions the way they were in the first hundred days" of Trump's presidency. GAZA PROVES DIVISIVE During his election campaign, Trump made clear he wanted a ceasefire in Gaza and the hostages there released before he returned to the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But months into Trump's presidency, Netanyahu has continued to defy ceasefire calls, expanded the offensive, and offered no endgame or a post-war plan after 19 months of conflict. The death toll in Gaza has passed 52,900 in recent days, according to local health officials. The war - which has sparked international outcry over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza - was triggered by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel that killed around 1,200 people and captured some 250 hostages. Any hope that Trump could use his regional visit to cement his image as a peacemaker and announce a deal to end the bitterly divisive war were dashed. Instead, Netanyahu - who is charged with war crimes in Gaza by the International Criminal Court - has doubled-down on his aim of crushing Hamas. Netanyahu is also on trial in Israel over corruption charges, which he denies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Trump wrapped up his visit, Israel launched a new offensive on Friday in Gaza. Israeli strikes have killed hundreds of Palestinians in recent days. Trump's other key priority - expanding the Abraham Accords establishing diplomatic ties between Israel and Arab states to include Saudi Arabia - has also been blocked by Netanyahus intransigence. Riyadh has made it clear it will not normalize relations with Israel until the war has ceased and there is a path to Palestinian statehood, something Netanyahu rejects. "He's got no strategy, no day-after plan on Gaza," Schenker said. "And hes standing in the way." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Publicly, Trump himself has dismissed any talk of a rift. In an interview with Fox News, broadcast after the regional visit, Trump denied being frustrated with Netanyahu, who he said faced "a tough situation" over the war in Gaza. But Trump is forging ahead without Netanyahu. With unapologetic self-interest, the American president is driving a realignment of U.S. diplomacy toward wealthy Sunni states, anchored by oil-rich Riyadh. One senior regional source said Trump's visit had crowned the influential role of Saudi Arabia as the leader of the Sunni Arab world. By contrast, years of Iranian overreach - and Israel's heavy military blows to its proxies Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon - have left Shi'ite regional power Tehran diminished. "Iran had the leading role; now Saudi Arabia has entered with other tools: the economy, money, investment," the source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUNNI ASCENDANCY Although Netanyahu led the fight against Iran, the new regional order is being shaped in Riyadh, Doha and Abu Dhabi. These Gulf monarchies are eager to gain access to sophisticated weaponry to shield them from attacks by Iran and its proxies, as well as to secure advanced U.S. chips and AI technology. They have found a willing partner in a U.S. president whose foreign policy can sometimes blur with his family's financial interests. In Qatar, on the second leg of his tour, Trump was offered a luxuriously outfitted 747 Boeing jet, and welcomed with regal fanfare befitting a monarch. Amid a lavish ceremony, sword dances, a cavalry parade and royal banquet, Trump declared Qatar - which has provided major financial support to Hamas - was "absolutely trying to help" with the Israeli hostage crisis. Trump's statement struck a nerve in Jerusalem, where officials view Doha as a strategic threat bankrolling one of their bitterest enemies. Many Israelis "don't understand just how central Qatar has become to the U.S.", said Yoel Guzansky, a Senior Fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University, noting it hosts the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East. While its ties to Hamas make Qatar a threat to Israel, its vast natural gas wealth, financial clout and diplomatic influence have turned it into an indispensable ally to Washington, Guzanksy added. In total, the White House estimated the tour secured more than $2 trillion in investment commitments for the U.S. economy - including major orders of Boeing planes, deals to buy U.S. defense equipment, data and technology agreements. A Reuters tally of publicly announced deals put the total value at closer to $700 billion. In Saudi Arabia, Trump agreed a record $142 billion arms deal with Riyadh, stoking Israeli fears over losing air superiority in the region if Riyadh gains access to Lockhead's F-35 jet. At the same time, in a recalibration of U.S.-Saudi ties, Trump offered Riyadh leeway on establishing relations with Israel, telling its rulers they could do so in their own time. Now, Trump is negotiating a US-led civil nuclear investment for Saudi Arabia - another deal causing concern in Israel. Sunni states also pushed their own diplomatic agenda. Trump's surprise announcement during his tour that he would lift sanctions against Syria - another major shift in U.S. policy - came at the behest of Saudi Arabia and over the objections of Israel. Until December, when Sharaa toppled Syrian autocrat Bashar al-Assad, Washington had a $10 million reward for his capture. Gulf nations have also applauded Trump's truce with the Houthis in Yemen, part of Iran's regional 'axis of resistance', which put an end to a costly U.S. military operation in the Red Sea. The announcement, which followed the opening of nuclear talks with Iran, came just two days after a Houthi missile struck Israel's Ben Gurion Airport. "Israel is more and more looking like a spoiler, that stands in the way not just of the US, but the international community, as it tries to shape the region differently after the fall of al-Assad and Hezbollah, and maybe end the Gaza war," said Guzansky, a former coordinator of Iran-Gulf affairs at Israel's National Security Council. While Netanyahu's right-wing government has maintained silence on Trump's visit, Israeli media has voiced concern that the country's standing with its most important ally has been eroded. Opposition politicians have criticized the prime minister for leaving Israel sidelined while old alliances are reconfigured. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who is preparing a return to politics, delivered a blistering indictment of Netanyahu's government, capturing the sense of alarm gripping many in Israel's political and security establishment. "The Middle East is undergoing tectonic changes before our eyes, our enemies are getting stronger, and Netanyahu...and his gang are paralyzed, passive, as if they don't exist," the former prime minister and minister of defense said on social media platform X. (Reporting by Samia Nakhoul in Dubai and James Mackenzie in Jerusalem; Additional reporting by Matt Spetalnick in Washington, Tom Perry and Laila Bassam in Beirut; Writing by Samia Nakhoul; Editing by Daniel Flynn) We have come together to stay together: Uddhav > < 21:51 8 dead in fire at factory in Solapur Eight persons, including three women and a child, were killed in a massive fire at a factory in Maharashtra's Solapur district on Sunday, officials said. Prima facie, a short in the circuit triggered the blaze around 3:45 am at Central Textile Mills situated on the Akkalkot... Read more > 21:39 Prashant Kishor denied entry into ancestral village of Nitish Kumar Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor was on Sunday stopped by the administration from entering Kalyan Bigha, the ancestral village of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, where he wanted to interact with locals during his visit to Nalanda district.Kishor, who wanted to launch his party's... Read more > 20:28 SC to hear MP minister Vijay Shah's plea tomorrow The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Monday a plea by Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah against a high court order directing a first information report (FIR) against him for his remarks targeting Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.As per the apex court's cause list of May 19, the plea is slated to come... Read more > 20:16 MP teacher suspended for sharing video of Pak woman A government school teacher was placed under suspension in Sehore in Madhya Pradesh after she allegedly shared on social media a video of a Pakistani woman praying for the safety of soldiers of that country during Operation Sindoor, an official said on Sunday.Sehore District Education Officer... Read more > 19:46 Lashkar terrorist killed by unidentified gunmen in Sindh Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Razaullah Nizamani alias Abu Saiullah, who was the brain behind the 2006 attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh headquarters, was killed by unidentified gunmen in Sindh province of Pakistan, officials here said.Nizamani, who had been provided security by the Pakistani... Read more > 18:54 UK judge notes 'confidential impediment' in Nirav Modi extradition case A London high court judge who refused Nirav Modi's latest bail application this week has taken note in his judgment of a 'confidential impediment' in the long-drawn extradition proceedings against the imprisoned diamantaire wanted in India on fraud and money laundering charges.Justice Michael... Read more > 18:47 Gaurav Gogoi visited Pak on ISI invitation: Himanta Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday alleged that Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi visited Pakistan on an invitation from its spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence, and that he worked closely with the establishment of the neighbouring nation. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of... Read more > 18:08 Raut wants INDIA leaders to boycott all-party delegations Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday said Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) constituents should have boycotted the Union government's move to send all-party delegations to different countries to put across India's resolve to tackle terrorism against... Read more > 18:00 Ground shaking, thunderclap spark panic in Kozhikode A mild ground shaking accompanied by a thunderclap-like rumble from underground triggered panic in a village in northern Kozhikode district, residents said.According to villagers, the shaking lasted only a few seconds on Saturday night.Following complaints from residents of Ellikkampara in... Read more > 17:38 Over 42 unexploded shells from recent shelling destroyed in Poonch Security forces on Sunday destroyed 42 unexploded shells in different forward villages near the Line of Control in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir in a major operation to clear civilian areas following a military confrontation between India and Pakistan, officials said.Indian Army, in close... Read more > 17:07 Would prefer hell over Pakistan: Javed Akhtar Noted lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar, who is often targeted for his views on patriotism and religion, says that if there comes a time he has to choose between Pakistan and hell, he would prefer to go to hell.Akhtar, 80, was speaking at Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Sanjay... Read more > 16:32 Cops probe Jyoti Malhotra's links with Odisha YouTuber The Odisha Police have started an investigation into the alleged links between a Puri-based YouTuber and Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested on the charge of passing on sensitive information to Pakistani intelligence operatives, an officer said on Sunday.The police found that Malhotra, who runs a... Read more > 15:24 It won't happen again: Akhilesh on party's X post After an alleged objectionable post targeting Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak was posted on Samajwadi Party's official X handle, party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday said he has taken assurance from his people that this will not happen again.He also said he hoped that Pathak... Read more > 14:49 Cow smugglers mow down cop in UP; one killed A cow smuggler was killed and two were injured in an encounter with police in Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh, officials said on Sunday.The encounter broke out while the three cow smugglers and their associates were trying to flee after hitting a police head constable with their pick-up van... Read more > 13:57 Owaisi slams RSS outreach to Muslims as cheap talk All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Asaduddin Owaisi has dismissed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat's placatory statements towards Muslims as hypocritical 'cheap talk', saying 'never shall the Twain meet' because the Hindutva organisation only wants to destroy India's... Read more > 13:09 HC to hear on Monday Turkish firm Celebi's plea against revoking of security clearance The Delhi high court will hear on Monday two pleas by Turkish company Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd and another firm against the decision of aviation watchdog BCAS revoking its security clearance in the 'interest of national security'.The security clearance of the firms was revoked days... Read more > 12:54 IMF imposes 11 new conditions on Pak Sajjad Hussain, PTIThe International Monetary Fund (IMF) has slapped 11 new conditions on Pakistan for the release of the next tranche of its bailout programme and warned that tensions with India could heighten risks to the scheme's fiscal, external, and reform goals, according to a media report... Read more > 12:02 Kerala Cong passes the buck on Tharoor controversy The Congress in Kerala on Sunday distanced itself from the controversy over Shashi Tharoor's decision to accept the Centre's invite to lead a multi-party delegation abroad, stating that it is for the party high command to comment on the matter.Responding to a reporter's query, Leader of... Read more > 11:20 Two held in Meghalaya for posting anti-India content on social media Two persons were arrested in Meghalaya's North Garo Hills district for allegedly posting anti-India content on social media, the police said on Sunday.The two were picked up from their residences in different villages under Bajengdoba police station area.They posted on Facebook a video in which... Read more > 11:14 8 killed in fire at a building in Hyderabad File image Eight people were killed in a massive fire that broke out at a building in Gulzar House near the historic Charminar on Sunday. A senior official of a private hospital here told PTI that eight people were brought dead. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the incident and... Read more > 11:08 Babil Khan to exit Sai Rajesh's project: Things didn't go ahead as planned Actor Babil Khan/Courtesy Babil Khan/Instagram Actor Babil Khan shared a post on social media hinting at the possible exit from the project with filmmaker Sai Rajesh. The 27-year-old actor was supposed to star in Rajesh's Hindi remake of the film Baby. He uploaded a note on his Instagram handle on Saturday claiming things didn't go... Read more > 10:52 2 killed, 19 hurt as Mexican navy ship hits Brooklyn Bridge Mexican Navy ship collides into Brooklyn Bridge/Reuters/ANI Photo Two people have died and 19 people sustained injuries while two after a Mexican Navy ship carrying 277 passengers lost power and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge, Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, said on Sunday (local time).Sharing the details of the incident on X, the New York City Mayor... Read more > 10:29 Miss World contestants to visit police command centre in Hyderabad today 109 Miss World 2025 contestants pose for a picture during their visit to the Charminar As part of 'Secure Hyderabad, Safe Tourism' initiative, Miss World contestants will visit Telangana police's Integrated Command Control Center (ICCC) in Hyderabad on Sunday. This awareness programme highlights the strength of the Telangana police forces and the state's law and... Read more > 10:05 Pause in India-Pak hostilities to continue: Army official File image The cessation of hostilities agreed upon by India and Pakistan on May 12 will continue, an army official said on Sunday. Dispelling notions that the pause was temporary and it will end today, he said, As far as the continuation of break in hostilities as decided during the interaction of the... Read more > 09:57 Bangladesh can't survive if they go against India: BJP's Dilip Ghosh As India imposes port restrictions on import of several categories of goods from Bangladesh, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Dilip Ghosh on Sunday asserted that the neighbouring country in the east couldn't survive if it ventures out against India.When we can tighten screws on Pakistan, then what... Read more > 09:46 Youth held in Haryana on charges of spying for Pak File image A 26-year-old man was arrested in Haryana's Nuh district on charges of spying for Pakistan, a police official said. The accused, Armaan, was arrested on Saturday for sharing information related to the Indian Army and other military activities with Pakistan through an employee posted at the... Read more > 09:43 Four militants arrested in Manipur Four militants belonging to different proscribed outfits, and involved in extortion and recruiting of new cadres, were arrested by security forces from Imphal East, Imphal West and Thoubal districts, the police said on Sunday. All the arrests were made on Saturday. Security forces... Read more > 09:21 Traders in Gwalior decide to boycott trade with Turkey, Azerbaijan File image As India takes a firm stand against countries that extended support to Pakistan during the recent conflict between the two countries, the traders in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior have decided to boycott any form of trade relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan.Bhupendra Jain, president of the... Read more > 08:58 IIT Bombay to snap ties with Turkish varsities Amid a growing trend of Indian educational institutions and business organisations re-evaluating their engagements with Turkiye, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay has announced its plans to suspend its existing agreements with Turkish universities. This decision, that was announced... Read more > 08:41 Joint team of air forces work together to address snag on USAF C-17 aircraft File image The Indian Air Force on Saturday said that an IAF maintenance team worked alongside US Air Force personnel to address a technical snag on a USAF C-17 aircraft in Jaipur. The IAF also shared some photos in a post on X. An IAF maintenance team worked alongside USAF personnel to address a... Read more > 08:20 Probe launched into 'attempts' to convert Sikhs to Christianity in UP File image The district authority in Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit has initiated a probe into allegations of widespread conversion of Sikhs into Christianity, officials said on Saturday. The probe was launched after a delegation from a Sikh body brought the matter to the authority's notice. Confirming... Read more > 08:16 1 killed, 5 hurt in suspected terror blast outside US clinic File image A deadly explosion which is suspected to be a potential act of terrorism has left one dead and at least five injured outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs in the US's California, on Saturday (local time), the New York Post reported.According to the New York Post, officials claim that it was... Read more > President Trumps four-day visit to the Middle East was marked by a flurry of activity: Billion-dollar trade deals, a meeting with Syria's new president and diplomatic efforts to resolve the nuclear standoff with Iran. But the fate of Palestinian people and the war in Gaza, where the dead are piling up in recent days under an Israeli onslaught, appears to have received short shrift. Trump finished his visit to the Persian Gulf on Friday, touting his abilities as a deal maker while he forged trade agreements worth hundreds of billions of dollars his administration says trillions from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But despite his repeated insistence that only he could bring a peaceful end to the worlds intractable problems and saying Friday that "we have to help" Palestinians there were no breakthroughs on the Israel-Hamas war, and the president repeated his suggestion of U.S. involvement in the Gaza Strip. Noting the widespread destruction in the territory, Trump said, "I have concepts for Gaza that I think are very good make it a freedom zone. Let the United States get involved and make it just a freedom zone." President Trump walks down the stairs of Air Force One upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Md., on Friday. (Luis M. Alvarez / Associated Press) Palestinians struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, Thursday, May 15, 2025. Jehad Alshrafi / Associated Press Islam Hajjaj holds her 6-year-old daughter Najwa, who suffers from malnutrition, at a shelter in central Gaza City, on May 11, 2025. Amnesty International accuses 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 dismisses as ''blatant lies''. Majdi Fathi / NurPhoto via Getty Images Trump's comments Friday came as the Israel military began the first stages of a ground offensive it called Operation Gideons Chariots an apparent fulfillment of a threat by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this month that he would launch an attack on Gaza to destroy Hamas and liberate detainees if there wasnt a ceasefire or a hostage deal by the time Trump finished his time in the Middle East. Trumps concerns are deals that benefit the U.S. economy and enhance the U.S. global economic positions, or preventing costly military entanglements in Iran or Yemen, said Mouin Rabbani, a nonresident fellow at the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies, based in Qatar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike Syria or Iran," Rabbani said, "ending the Gaza war provides no economic benefit to the U.S., and doesnt risk American troops getting involved in a new war. Ahead of Trumps four-day trip, there were moves that had buoyed hopes of a ceasefire or allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza, which Israel has blocked for more than two months as aid groups warn of impending famine. On May 12, Hamas released Edan Alexander, a soldier with Israeli and U.S. citizenship and the last American detainee in its hands, as a goodwill gesture to Trump, and there were rumors of a meeting between Trump and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. But that meeting never took place, and instead of a ceasefire, Israel launched strikes that health authorities in the enclave say have killed at least 250 people in the last few days, 45 of them children, according to UNICEF. A man looks at burned vehicles in the Barkan Industrial area, near Salfit in the occupied West Bank, on Friday, after more than 17 Palestinian workers' cars were reportedly set on fire by Israeli settlers the night before. Since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, violence has soared in the West Bank where Israeli settlements are illegal under international law. (John Wessels / AFP via Getty Images) Netanyahu insists his aim is to destroy Hamas, which attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and seizing roughly 250 hostages. Israels military campaign has so far killed at least 53,000 people in Gaza including combatants and civilians, but mostly women and children, according to health authorities there and many believe that toll to be an undercount. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A ceasefire that Trumps incoming administration brokered in January broke down in mid-March after Israel refused to continue second-stage negotiations. "We expect the U.S. administration to exert further pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu's government to open the crossings and allow the immediate entry of humanitarian aid, food, medicine and fuel to hospitals in the Gaza Strip, said Taher El-Nounou, a Hamas media advisor, in an interview with Agence France-Presse on Friday. He added that such moves were part of the understandings reached with U.S. envoys during the latest meetings, under which Hamas released Alexander. Yet there has been little sign of that pressure, despite fears in Israeli circles that Trumps actions before and during his Middle East trip which skipped Israel, saw Trump broker a deal with Yemens Houthis and lift sanctions on Syria without Israeli input was a snub to Netanyahu. President Trump speaks on Air Force One at Abu Dhabi International Airport before departing on Friday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press) Speaking to reporters on Air Force One as he left the Emirati capital, Abu Dhabi, on Friday, Trump sidestepped questions about the renewed Israeli offensive, saying, I think a lot of good things are going to happen over the next month, and were going to see. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have to help also out the Palestinians, he said. You know, a lot of people are starving in Gaza, so we have to look at both sides." On the first day of Trump's Mideast trip, in Saudi Arabia, he announced that the U.S. was ending sanctions on Syria, now headed by an Islamist government that overthrew longtime dictator Bashar Assad in December. He met Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and praised him as a "tough guy" and a "fighter. Israel views Al-Sharaa's government as a threat and has made incursions into its territory since Assad's fall, and launched a withering airstrike campaign to defang the fledgling government's forces. When asked whether he knew Israel opposed the lifting of sanctions, Trump said, I dont know, I didnt ask them about that. Palestinians struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip, on Friday. (Abdel Kareem Hana / Associated Press) Commentators say that although Washingtons leverage over Israel should make a Gaza ceasefire easier for a Trump administration seeking to project itself as an effective peacemaker, the conflict there remains a low priority for Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Gaza may seem like low hanging fruit on the surface, but its also low political yield how does acting decisively on Gaza benefit Trump? It doesnt," said Khaled Elgindy, a visiting scholar at Georgetown Universitys Center for Contemporary Arab Studies. He added that going along with Netanyahu would be more in line with Trump's vision for owning and remaking Gaza, while on Iran, Syria and the Houthi rebels in Yemen, it makes sense to separate U.S. interests from Israel's. "Palestinians have nothing to offer Trump. And the Gulf states offered their investments for free, with no conditions on Gaza. Gaza is a moral imperative, not a strategic one, and Trump is not known for acting on moral grounds." 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. JACKSONVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) Two people were arrested in connection to an armed robbery in Jacksonville over the weekend. On Saturday around 9:25 p.m., officers with the Jacksonville Police Department, Illinois State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted an investigation and surveillance into two serial armed robbers. Jacksonville Police issues warning, advice on peddlers after recent complaints Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement said the two were suspected of targeting a business in the 1100 block of W. Morton Ave. Soon after the detail began, the two suspects entered the business and committed an armed robbery. The Jacksonville Police Department identified the suspects as 43-year-old Mitchell Smith from East Peoria, and 32-year-old Titus Alexander from Peoria. After the armed robbery, Smith and Alexander exited the business and entered into a hidden vehicle which was parked across the road. Law enforcement then apprehended both suspects safely. Man found dead in wooded area in Sangamon Co. A victim of the armed robbery was treated and released by EMS after receiving minor injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Jacksonville Police Department said they believe this was an isolated, targeted occurrence. They do not believe there is a further threat to the community at this time. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Jacksonville Police Department or Crime Stoppers at (217) 479-4630. You can also contact the ATF at (312) 846-7200. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Two people are in custody after a man was shot to death at a Hernando, Mississippi, apartment complex on Saturday, police confirmed. At 6:51 p.m., officers of the Hernando Police Department responded to a 911 call regarding a physical altercation that led to one person being shot at the Avondale Apartments located in the 900 block of Hill Street. They found a 41-year-old male victim and began administering life-saving measures to him until he was taken to Baptist DeSoto Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim passed away from his injuries. Multiple shootings reported in Memphis overnight Officers spoke with witnesses who gave them information about a possible suspect and officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle fleeing the scene. Two people were detained during the traffic stop and a firearm was found. Edrick Thornton (left) and Keshay Jones (right). The driver, identified as Edrick Thornton, 49, has been charged with murder. The passenger, identified as Keshay Jones, 35, has been charged with accessory after the fact and tampering with physical evidence. Both Thornton and Jones are being held at the DeSoto County Detention Center without bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. ELBERTA, Ala. (WKRG) Two women from Lillian are dead after a multi-vehicle crash in Elberta Friday. According to a news release from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, an SUV was hit from behind by a pickup truck and then hit head-on by another pickup. The passenger in the SUV, 55-year-old Toni Robinson, was killed at the scene. The driver of the SUV, 89-year-old Johanna Martin was taken to a hospital but died from her injuries. ALEA says the drivers of the two pickup trucks were taken to Baldwin Health (formerly South Baldwin Regional Medical Center) for treatment of their injuries. The crash happened at about 1:30 Friday afternoon in the Elberta City limits on Highway 98. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. TYLER, Texas (KETK) DKT Investments will be donating profits from their three Whataburger locations in Tyler to the Sam Lively Memorial Fund on Monday. Tyler PD Officers gather to remember fallen officer Sam Lively was a Tyler Police Department officer who died in a motorcycle crash on April 26, while he was off duty. Mondays sales from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the following Whataburger locations will be donated to the fund in order to honor Lively and his family: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1739 S. Beckham Ave., 75701 1717 SSE Loop 323, 75701 4825 S. Broadway, 75703 Those sales will then be given to the Sam Lively Memorial Fund at Lindales Southside Bank. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two new countries were added to the list of travel warnings from the United States over the weekend. On May 16, the U.S. issued a Level 2, "exercise increase caution" warning for Peru and Tajikistan for concerning reasons. The decision came not long after the United States added two new countries with a Level 4, "do not travel" warning earlier in May. Peru made the list this weekend due to crime, civil unrest, and the risk of kidnapping. The United States particularly warned travelers against making their way to several specific areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do not travel to: The Colombia-Peru border area in the Loreto Region due to crime. The Valley of the Apurimac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM), which includes Vilcabamba, due to crime and threats of terrorism. Some areas within the regions of Ayacucho, Cusco*, Huancavelica, and Junin, due to crime and threats of terrorism. "Crime is common in Peru. Petty theft, carjackings, muggings, assaults, and other violent crime often happen even in daylight hours and with many witnesses around. Kidnapping is rare, but it does occur. The risk of crime increases at night. Criminal groups sometimes set up roadblocks to rob people in areas outside of Lima," the United States said in a statement. Tajikistan, meanwhile, made the list due to the risk of terrorism, unexploded landmines, occasional violence near the border with the Kyrgyz Republic, and limited ability to assist U.S.-Tajik dual nationals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those considering travel to the country were specifically warned against: Tajikistans border with Afghanistan due to terrorism. Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) due to the potential for armed conflict. "Terrorist organizations are known to have a presence in the region and have targeted foreigners and local authorities in the past," the U.S. said in its statement. The United States has handed out travel warnings to 15 countries this month. Related: American Airlines Announces Major Change for Travelers ROME (Reuters) -U.S. Vice President JD Vance met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Sunday, and said he hoped their encounter would help move forward trade talks between the EU and the United States. Von der Leyen later said she was confident a solution to transatlantic trade tensions could be found. "Europe is an important ally of the United States... but, of course, we have some disagreements, as friends sometimes do, on issues like trade," Vance said, sitting alongside von der Leyen and Meloni in Rome after they had all attended Pope Leo's inaugural Mass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think we'll have a great conversation, and hopefully it will be the beginning of some long-term trade negotiations and some long-term trade advantages between both Europe and the United States," he added. The White House has imposed a 25% tariff on imports of steel, aluminium and cars, as well as a baseline 10% tariff on almost all countries, with additional "reciprocal" tariffs -- making for a combined 20% in the EU's case -- lined up if negotiations during a 90-day pause fail. Von der Leyen said the EU-US trade relationship was the largest in the world and worth more than $1.5 trillion a year and added that the two sides had exchanged papers outlining the various areas of future discussion. "We both want a good deal that delivers for people and business on both sides of the Atlantic. Our teams are working around the clock to find solutions. We're confident that we will get there," the EU executive chief wrote in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, she said that experts were discussing the details. "Everybody knows that the devil is in the detail, but what unites us is that at the end, we want together to have a good deal for both sides," she said before her talks with Vance. Von der Leyen has not managed to hold a formal meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump since he regained the U.S. presidency in January, exchanging words only briefly at Pope Francis's funeral last month at the Vatican. Besides discussing tariffs, she said she also wanted to talk to Vance about Ukraine and defence spending. (Reporting by Crispian Balmer; additional reporting by Philip Blenkinsop in Brussels; Editing by Gareth Jones and Diane Craft) HONOLULU (KHON2) Over 2,500 graduates participated in University of Hawaii at Manoas 2025 Spring Commencement ceremonies on May 17, with a ceremony in the morning and another in the afternoon. Graduates walked in the commencements at the Stan Sheriff Center and were joined by thousands of UH Manoa community members, including friends, family, faculty and staff. Hawaii Island nurses hold informational picket Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commencement featured Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion surfer Carrissa Moore as this years speaker, and also marked UH President Wendy Hensels inaugural commencement. It is such a special time of year, always, but really so this year since its my first as president of the system, Hensel said. And seeing the joy on the faces of our graduates and the excitement about the future is just unmatched. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You UH West Oahu was the first UH campus to have a commencement on May 10, with UH Manoa and UH Hilo marking the final set of commencements on May 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For graduates, commencement is a time to reflect on the past several years of their life, and the hard work they put into getting their degree. UH Manoa has given me so many opportunities from internships to student work opportunities and just being able to get immersed into my passions and what I like to do, and Im just overall so grateful for everything, 2025 graduate McKenzie Kurosu 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 KHON2. A general election in Portugal today (Macau time) was poised to deliver yet another minority government, an exit poll suggested, as the countrys increasingly fragmented political landscape defies efforts to unite behind policies on issues such as immigration, housing and the cost of living. The center-right Democratic Alliance captured between 29% and 34% of the votes in the countrys third general election in three years, according to the exit poll by Portugals Catholic University for public broadcaster Radiotelevisao Portuguesa. The center-left Socialist Party got between 21% and 26% while the hard-right populist party Chega (Enough) had between 20% and 24%, the poll indicated. With that tally, the Democratic Alliance could get between 85 and 96 seats, short of the 116 needed for a majority in Portugals 230-seat parliament. It could form a minority government or forge partnerships with smaller parties to obtain a majority. Most official results are expected by midnight (2300 GMT). Cheers and applause broke out at the Democratic Alliance campaign headquarters when the exit poll was broadcast. The Socialist headquarters was largely silent as the party faced what could be its worst result since 1987. Chegas possible count was a surprise, potentially putting it close to a level footing with the Socialist Party. Chega competed in its first election six years ago, when it won one seat. Sundays exit poll gave it as many as 61, up from 50 in last years election as it fed off discontentment with the traditional main parties. A second consecutive minority government in Portugal would dash hopes for an end to the worst spell of political instability in decades for the European Union country of 10.6 million people. For the past 50 years, two parties have dominated politics, with the Social Democrats, who head the Democratic Alliance, and the Socialist Party alternating in power. But public frustration with their record in government has fueled the growth of new alternatives in recent years. That has denied the bigger parties enough seats in parliament for a majority needed to ensure that they serve a full four-year term. This campaign was very, very weak, had ridiculous moments, like clownish. Very little was spoken about Portugal within the European Union its like we are not part of it, teacher Isabel Monteiro, 63, said in Lisbon, adding that she felt disenchantment with all parties. The center-right alliance had led opinion polls The Democratic Alliance, which also includes the smaller Popular Party, lost a confidence vote in parliament in March after less than a year in power, as opposition lawmakers teamed up against it. That triggered an early election, which had been due in 2028. The confidence vote was sparked by a political storm around potential conflicts of interest in the business dealings of Social Democratic Prime Minister Luis Montenegros family law firm. Montenegro has denied any wrongdoing and is standing for reelection. Corruption scandals have dogged Portuguese politics in recent years. That has helped fuel the rise of Chega, whose leader Andre Ventura says he has zero tolerance for misconduct in office. But Chega has recently fallen foul of its own lawmakers alleged wrongdoing. One is suspected of stealing suitcases from the Lisbon airport and selling the contents online, and another allegedly faked the signature of a dead woman. Both resigned. We are lacking people with character, with righteousness, said Alexandre Cardoso, a 75-year-old retiree. It worries me more due to my grandchildren. There is a lot of disenchantment, a lot, especially for people of my generation that have gone through what we did. I dont see the light at the end of the tunnel. Immigration and housing are key issues Chega owes much of its success to its demands for a tighter immigration policy that have resonated with voters. Portugal has witnessed a steep rise in immigration. In 2018, there were fewer than a half-million legal immigrants in the country, according to government statistics. By early this year, there were more than 1.5 million, many of them Brazilians and Asians working in tourism and farming. Thousands more lack the proper documents to be in Portugal. The outgoing government announced two weeks before the election that it was expelling about 18,000 foreigners living in the country without authorization. Though such a step is routine, the timing drew accusations that it was trying to capture votes from Chega. Socialist leader Pedro Nuno Santos, who is also standing for prime minister, described the move as a Trumpification of Portuguese politics, referring to U.S. President Donald Trumps focus on immigration policies. A housing crisis has also fired up debate. House prices and rents have been soaring for the past 10 years, due in part to an influx of white-collar foreigners who have driven up prices. House prices jumped another 9% last year, said the National Statistics Institute, a government body. Rents in and around the capital Lisbon, where around 1.5 million people live, last year saw the steepest rise in 30 years, climbing more than 7%, the institute said. The problem is compounded by Portugal being one of Western Europes poorest countries. The average monthly salary last year was around 1,200 euros ($1,340) before tax, according to the statistics agency. The government-set minimum wage this year is 870 euros ($974) a month before tax. MDT/AP BARRY HATTON and HELENA ALVES, LISBON Ten children have been moved to safety from the border area of Sumy Oblast after their mothers were caught in a Russian attack on an evacuation bus on 17 May. Source: Main Directorate of Ukraine's State Emergency Service in Sumy Oblast on Facebook Details: The attack resulted in two children losing their mother, while the mother of eight others was injured. The children were transported in armoured vehicles to a safer location, as reported by the Main Directorate of the State Emergency Service in Sumy Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the evacuation, the children will receive psychological and medical support. Background: On 17 May, Russian forces used a drone to attack a bus evacuating residents of Sumy Oblast. The strike injured seven people and killed nine. Emergency workers reported that most of those caught in the attack were women of retirement age. The bodies of some bus passengers had to be recovered using special equipment. An entire family a father, mother and daughter was killed in the Russian attack on the evacuation bus in Sumy Oblast. Following the Russian attack on Bilopillia in Sumy Oblast, 17, 18 and 19 May were declared days of mourning. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Serhii Kyslytsia, a member of Ukraines delegation at the Istanbul talks with Russia, stated that the Russian representatives, led by Vladimir Medinsky, behaved aggressively and issued direct threats to the Ukrainian side. Source: Serhii Kyslytsia, First Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine, on X (Twitter); Sky News Quote: "There was a chilling moment when the Russians are reported to have threatened their interlocutors like gangsters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe some of those sitting here at this table will lose more of their loved ones, Mednisky said. Russia is prepared to fight forever." Sky News noted that this situation holds personal significance for Kyslytsia, whose nephew, Maks, was killed in 2022 fighting Russian forces shortly after the start of Russias full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. The news outlet reported that the Russian side showed no willingness for constructive dialogue, instead demanding the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian Armed Forces from four temporarily occupied regions and two additional regions, without conditions. In a recent Fox News interview, journalist Bret Baier repeatedly asked US President Donald Trump whether he could pressure Vladimir Putin to end Russias war of aggression against Ukraine. Trump, however, focused on his Gulf tour earnings, criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former President Joe Biden, and praised his special envoy Steve Witkoff, avoiding direct answers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sky News suggested that such responses indicate Putin has little to fear from US pressure. Background: On 16 May, direct talks were held in Istanbul between Russian and Ukrainian delegations for the first time in over three years. The media also reported that the Russian delegation in Istanbul demanded that US representatives not be present at the talks with the Ukrainian side and put forward demands that are unrealistic and go far beyond what was previously discussed. Russian representatives voiced several demands to the Ukrainian delegation during a closed meeting in Istanbul on 16 May, setting out the conditions under which Moscow is ready to cease fire. Among them are Ukraine's renunciation of territories and claims for reparations. Vladimir Medinsky, the head of the Russian delegation in Istanbul, said during the talks that Russia was ready for an endless war against Ukraine and threatened to seize Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts. "We fought Sweden for 21 years. How long are you ready to fight?" he asked the Ukrainian side. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Key developments on May 17-18: Russia launches record 273-drone attack on Ukraine ahead of planned Trump-Putin call Trump to talk to Putin on May 19 in push to end Ukraine war 'bloodbath' Russia plans 'training' launch of Yars intercontinental ballistic missile overnight on May 19, Ukraine's HUR claims New clips from Putin documentary suggest Russia dismissed Ukraine peace talks, ceasefire weeks ago Ukraine's 47th Brigade battalion commander resigns, slams military leadership over 'stupid objectives' Russia carried out its largest single drone attack since the start of its full-scale invasion, launching 273 drones overnight on May 18, Ukraine's Air Force reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack comes just two days after Ukraine and Russia held their first direct peace talks since 2022, and one day ahead of a planned call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kyiv Oblast Governor Mykola Kalashnyk reported that the attack killed one person and injured three others. Actual casualties from the attack are still being clarified, he said. Kyiv Independent journalists in the capital heard multiple explosions throughout the night as air defenses worked in the city. The Air Force said it intercepted 88 drones, while 128 others vanished from radars, likely used as decoys to overwhelm air defenses. The air defense involved the coordinated use of electronic warfare units, mobile fire teams, and anti-aircraft systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The previous largest drone attack of the full-scale invasion occurred on Feb. 23, when 267 drones entered Ukrainian airspace, Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said at the time. Despite increasing international pressure for an unconditional ceasefire, Moscow has intensified its assaults, displaying ongoing resistance to and disdain for diplomatic efforts. Read also: How Russias Shahed drones are getting more deadly and what Ukraine is doing about it Trump to talk to Putin on May 19 in push to end Ukraine war 'bloodbath' U.S. President Donald Trump said he will be speaking, by telephone, to President Vladimir Putin of Russia on May 19, at 10 a.m. Trump's comments come as peace talks in Istanbul on May 16 ended with no breakthrough, and Russia once again issued sweeping demands, including Ukraines adoption of neutral status, dropping claims for war reparations from Moscow and the recognition of its loss of Crimea and four occupied regions none of which Russia fully controls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The subjects of the call will be stopping the 'bloodbath' that is killing, on average, more than 5,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, and trade," he wrote on Truth Social. "I will then be speaking to President Zelensky of Ukraine and then, with President Zelensky, various members of NATO," he added. "Hopefully it will be a productive day, a ceasefire will take place, and this very violent war a war that should have never happened will end. God bless us all!!!" Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed to Russia's state-owned TASS news agency on May 17 that the preparations for the call are underway. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us Following his Middle East trip, Trump told Fox News' Bret Baier in an interview published on May 16 that he believes Putin is ready to strike a deal to end the war in Ukraine, but warned that if negotiations fail, his administration will move forward with sanctions against Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Honestly, I will (impose sanctions), if we're not gonna make a deal," Trump said. "This is turkey time, were talking turkey, and well see what happens. This would be crushing for Russia because they're having a hard time now with the economy, oil prices are low." Trump said he believes a deal won't be possible without his involvement and expressed plans to meet with Putin soon, adding: "I have a very good relationship with Putin." Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call on May 17, reportedly initiated by the U.S., to discuss bilateral relations and recent peace talks in Istanbul, Russian state media said. Lavrov welcomed what he called Washington's "constructive" role in encouraging Kyiv to accept Putin's proposal to resume talks. Rubio reportedly praised the 1,000-for-1,000 POW exchange and ongoing efforts to define ceasefire terms. Russia plans 'training' launch of Yars intercontinental ballistic missile overnight on May 19, Ukraine's HUR claims Russia is planning a "training" launch of an RS-24 intercontinental ballistic missile overnight on May 19, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) reported on May 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the agency, the missile will be equipped with a "training" warhead, and the move is intended to intimidate Ukraine, as well as EU and NATO member states. The launch is set to take place near the village of Svobodny in Sverdlovsk Oblast, roughly 100 kilometers northeast of Yekaterinburg, according to HUR. The agency did not specify what the potential target of a possible attack might be. Yars, or RS-24, is a strategic solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile system adopted by Russia in 2009. It has a claimed range of 11,000 kilometers and, when equipped with a combat warhead, an explosive power equivalent to a million tons of trinitrotoluene (TNT). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kyiv Independent could not verify all the claims. The possible launch echoes Russia's use of an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) in an attack on Dnipro on Nov. 21, 2024, which followed the lifting of U.S. and U.K. restrictions on long-range Ukrainian strikes inside Russia. That strike was also followed by a Russian media campaign aimed at eroding Western support for Ukraine. Read also: Investigation: Uncovering the secret Russian FSB operation to loot Ukraines museums New clips from Putin documentary suggest Russia dismissed Ukraine peace talks, ceasefire weeks ago Vladimir Putin said on March 27 that Moscow has "enough forces and means" to bring its war against Ukraine to a "logical conclusion" without making any meaningful concessions, it has been revealed in new clips from a documentary released on May 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Russia has enough forces and means to bring what we started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the result Russia needs," Putin said while recording the film "Russia. Kremlin. Putin. 25 Years." "This result is the elimination of the causes that led to this crisis, the creation of conditions for long-term sustainable peace, and the security of the Russian state." The documentary aired on May 4 but made only passing references to the U.S.-led peace process ongoing at the time of the interview. The latest comments publicly withheld until now and posted on Telegram by the interviewer come nearly four months into U.S. President Donald Trump's push for a ceasefire which has been repeatedly rejected by Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A source in the Ukrainian President's Office told the Kyiv Independent that Russia's delegation in Istanbul on May 16 reiterated demands for Ukraine to retreat from all annexed territories. A map showing Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine as of 2025. (The Kyiv Independent) In the new comments, Putin said a priority is securing Russian-speaking populations in territories Russia claims as its own a reference to Crimea and the partially occupied Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts. The Kremlin declared its annexation of the four regions in 2022 after sham referenda, despite not fully controlling any of them. Moscow also insisted Ukraine abandon NATO ambitions, forgo reparations, and accept a neutral status with no foreign military support demands Kyiv has categorically rejected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite initiating the Istanbul talks, the Kremlin dispatched only mid-level officials. Zelensky had called on Putin to attend personally, stressing that only the Russian president could authorize a ceasefire. Kyiv and European governments continue to push for an unconditional truce, which Ukraine accepted in March. Moscow has ignored the offer and intensified its strikes on Ukrainian cities. Read also: Everything is translation 13th Book Arsenal festival in Kyiv to bridge gaps between language and war Ukraine's 47th Brigade battalion commander resigns, slams military leadership over 'stupid objectives' Oleksandr Shyrshyn, battalion commander of the 47 Separate Mechanized Brigade, has submitted his resignation, sharply criticizing Ukraine's military leadership for what he described as senseless orders and unnecessary casualties. "I have never received more stupid objectives than in the current direction," Shyrshyn wrote in a blunt Facebook post announcing his decision on May 16. "Someday I will tell you the details, but the stupid loss of people, trembling in front of a stupid generals, leads to nothing but failures." "I hope your children will also serve in the infantry and carry out your orders," he added. Ukraine's General Staff initiated an internal investigation on May 18 in response to Shyrshyn's accusations. The Kyiv Independent reported in 2023 that the brigade, which was formed from scratch in 2022 and is often known by the name "Magura," was prepared with the summer 2023 counteroffensive in mind; its soldiers were trained in NATO countries and equipped with superior new Western equipment. In 2024, the brigade was engaged in combat operations within Russia's Kursk Oblast. Ukraine launched its cross-border incursion into Kursk Oblast in August 2024, marking the first major foreign ground offensive into Russian territory since World War II. The operation sought to delay a planned Russian push into Ukraine's Sumy Oblast and redirect Russian forces away from eastern Donetsk Oblast. Moscow began a major counteroffensive in early March, retaking large portions of territory including the town of Sudzha. Ukrainian forces have since withdrawn from much of the area but still maintain limited control in some zones as of late April despite Russia's claims that its forces have fully recaptured the territory of the region. Meanwhile, Shyrshyn on May 16 accused the military command of focusing on punishments rather than results. "All they are capable of is reprimands, investigations, imposition of penalties. Everyone is going to hell," he wrote. "Political games and assessment of the real state of affairs do not correspond to either reality or possibilities. They played games." Shyrshyn said he has filed a formal report requesting dismissal from his post and expressed hope that it would be accepted soon. Read also: Ukraines General Staff responds after accusations of stupid objectives from 47th Brigade battalion commander Note from the author: Ukraine War Latest is put together by the Kyiv Independent news desk team, who keep you informed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you value our work and want to ensure we have the resources to continue, join the Kyiv Independent community. Read also: Zelensky meets Pope Leo XIV at Vatican Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine's General Staff initiated an internal investigation on May 18 following the resignation of Oleksandr Shyrshyn, commander of the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade, who criticized military leadership for what he described as senseless orders and unnecessary casualties. "By order of the chief of the General Staff, a working group has been set up for a comprehensive study of the circumstances outlined (by Shyrshyn)," the General Staff wrote in a statement. It pledged to analyze orders issued at multiple levels of the command hierarchy for their relevance to the battlefield situation and make "appropriate decisions" following the inspection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shyrshyn's resignation, posted to Facebook on May 16, was unusually direct. "I have never received more stupid objectives than in the current direction," he wrote. "The stupid loss of people, trembling in front of stupid generals, leads to nothing but failures." Shyrshyn added, "I hope your children will also serve in the infantry and carry out your orders." He further accused top brass of focusing on punishments over results. "All they are capable of is reprimands, investigations, imposition of penalties. Everyone is going to hell," he wrote. The 47th Brigade, known as "Magura," was formed in 2022 and became one of Ukraine's most prominent Western-trained units ahead of the summer 2023 counteroffensive. Its soldiers were trained in NATO countries and equipped with modern U.S.- and European-made gear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, the brigade participated in Ukraine's cross-border incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast the first Ukrainian ground operation into Russian territory since World War II. The operation sought to delay a planned Russian push into Ukraine's Sumy Oblast and redirect Russian forces away from eastern Donetsk Oblast. After initial gains in August 2024, Russian forces launched a major counteroffensive in March 2025, retaking much of the territory, including the town of Sudzha. Ukrainian forces withdrew from most of the area, though they still hold limited positions as of late April. Read also: Russia plans training launch of Yars intercontinental ballistic missile overnight on May 19, Ukraines HUR claims Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A 15-year-old boy has been brought back to Ukraine from Russian-occupied territory and reunited with his father after three years apart. Source: Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights Details: The boys return was made possible thanks to the involvement of Qatar as a mediator. The Bring Kids Back UA initiative reported that the boys mother had died in early 2022 and he had remained in the care of his aunt, grandfather and grandmother, while his father was in Ukrainian-controlled territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although he was well cared for by his relatives, the teenager longed to reunite with his father. However, the family was unable to arrange this on their own. Throughout this time, the father stayed in contact with his son, supported his late wifes family and looked for ways to bring the boy home. Achieving this without outside support was well-nigh impossible, so the father contacted the Office of the Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights. A safe evacuation route was arranged through joint efforts and mediation from Qatar. "Today, the boy is finally back with his father after a long separation, uncertainty, and living under occupation," Bring Kids Back UA said. "We continue to fight to ensure that every Ukrainian child reunites with their family." Background: Earlier, Ukraine brought back six children from Russian-occupied territories, including a brother and sister from a family that had previously tried to leave without success, and a girl who had been at risk of being taken away from her mother by the Russian authorities. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Air travel has been a major topic within the United States over the last few months, but one major luxury airline is looking to add some positivity after a difficult run for the aviation industry. Etihad is adding two new routes in southern American states with direct flights to Abu Dhabi. The first route will take travelers from Atlanta and is expected to debut in July, while a route from Charlotte, North Carolina to Abu Dhabi will be established in 2026. "Charlotte represents a strategic addition to our U.S. network, unlocking direct access to one of the countrys most dynamic and fast-growing regions," said Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Were excited to be the first airline from our region to serve this market, and we look forward to connecting more travelers to Abu Dhabi and beyond." The new route will operate on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner four times a week, and it will offer passengers the option of an economy or business-class flight. The upscale first-class offerings will only be available on Etihad's flights from larger cities like New York, Chicago and Washington. Travelers who want to get a head start on booking the first flights out of Charlotte can do so through Etihad's website. The first voyages to Abu Dhabi on May 4 and May 6, 2026 are available for as low as $2,143. Etihad believes that Charlotte is a "thriving centre for finance, technology, motorsport and culture," and that serving the city would allow the airline to connect to additional regions through its other partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abu Dhabi is also one of the few international airports that employs U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents for pre-clearance travel, meaning that those who come to Charlotte will be able to do so as though they have already legally crossed the border. The facility at the airport was established in 2014, with CBP agents stationed to handle the large flow of passengers heading to or coming from the United States. Abu Dhabi is also the capital of the UAE, includes an American embassy as well as an American military base. We'll see how travelers respond to the new option as another way to see one of the world's most beautiful cities is now available. TRIPOLI (Reuters) -The U.S. embassy in Libya denied on Sunday a report that the U.S. government was working on a plan to relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Libya. On Thurdsay, NBC News said the Trump administration is working on a plan to permanently relocate as many as one million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Libya. NBC News cited five people with knowledge of the matter, including two people with direct knowledge and a former U.S. official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The report of alleged plans to relocate Gazans to Libya is untrue," the U.S. embassy said on the X platform. The Tripoli-based interionationally-recognised Government of National Unity was not available for immediate comment. Trump has previously said he would like the United States to take over the Gaza Strip and its Palestinian population resettled elsewhere. Palestinians vehemently reject any plan involving them leaving Gaza, comparing such ideas to the 1948 "Nakba," or "catastrophe," when hundreds of thousands were dispossessed of their homes in the war that led to the creation of Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Trump first floated his idea after taking the presidency, he said he wanted U.S. allies Egypt and Jordan to take in people from Gaza. Both states rejected the idea, which drew global condemnation, with Palestinians, Arab nations and the U.N. saying it would amount to ethnic cleansing. In April, Trump said Palestinians could be moved "around to different countries, and you have plenty of countries that will do that". During a visit to Qatar this week, Trump reiterated his desire to take over the territory, saying he wanted to see it become a "freedom zone" and that there was nothing left to save. Trump has previously said he wants to turn Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East." (Reporting by Ahmed Elumami, Tom Perry in Beirut, editing by Deepa Babington) Utah Republican Party Chair Rob Axson, running for reelection, speaks with delegates during the party's organizing convention at Utah Valley University on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch) The Utah GOPs state delegates have charted the next chapter for the states dominant political party sticking with an incumbent who characterized himself as a bridge builder rather than a burner. With nearly 64% turnout during their organizing convention at Utah Valley University in Orem on Saturday, 2,555 Utah Republican Party state delegates voted to reelect Rob Axson as their party chair, handing another loss to his challenger and unsuccessful gubernatorial candidate Phil Lyman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Axson won with about 52.4% (1,340 votes), to Lymans 47.5% (1,215 votes), according to the partys election results. The vote settled what many delegates considered a toss-up contest but Axson won with a healthy majority. Though Lyman and his Make Utah Great Again campaign was given a warm reception with loud cheers from passionate supporters, Axson was a formidable incumbent, buoyed by an endorsement from President Donald Trump about a week before the convention. To Axson, his victory showed delegates want to see more of what hes started in the Utah Republican Party. They want to see additional momentum. They want to see growth, Axson told reporters after his win. Theyve seen what Ive delivered over the last two years and that is now the new foundation. Lets build from there. Utah Republican Party Chair Rob Axson speaks with reporters after his win was announced during the Utah GOPs organizing convention at Utah Valley University on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch) Axson vs. Lyman Axson who championed his fundraising record as chair of the party since 2023 and framed himself as a bridge builder rather than a burner was also endorsed by other Utah Republican Party heavyweights, including Sen. Mike Lee and other Utahns in Congress, as well as high-ranking state leaders including House Speaker Mike Schultz, and former party chair Carson Jorgensen. Lyman, on the other hand, campaigned against the establishment, continuing a barrage of unsubstantiated claims that he peddled during his unsuccessful bid last year against Gov. Spencer Cox that theres corruption and election fraud in Utah government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the end, though, delegates signaled they liked the track Axson has put the party on over the last two years, while they rejected Lymans pitch for a more combative perhaps even unlawful future GOP. While challenging Axson for party chair, Lyman painted himself as a leader who would position the Utah GOP to more aggressively assert its capability to select Republican nominees rather than follow SB54, a 2014 state law that allows a dual path to the primary through both the caucus and convention process and through signature gathering. Though Axson also agreed Utah Republicans should continue fighting SB54, he disagreed with taking Lymans approach, which Axson argued would amount to breaking the law. Instead, Axson said the party should focus on working with the Utah Legislature to change the law. During his speech, Axson told delegates that SB54 still undermines the principles of our party. However, he also said the law is the law, and claiming otherwise is not a strategy for success, no matter how loudly you do so. @UtahGOP chair incumbent Rob Axson, who was introduced by @BasedMikeLee, also got a warm reception from delegates. #utpol Heres his full speech: pic.twitter.com/lZEedDGgt4 Katie McKellar (@KatieMcKellar1) May 17, 2025 We must repeal SB54, but we cannot unless we are united, he said. We cant beat SB54 if we spend all our time beating one another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without naming Lyman during his speech, Axson said theres a clear difference between me and others: I am not willing to break the law, especially to break the law in a way that will jeopardize our Republican candidates and force them to get signatures instead of leaning into the delegate process that we all believe in. Axson also touted the endorsement from Trump, along with support from members of Utahs congressional delegation and others. Ultimately if we want to be successful beyond the next 20 years, if we hope to bring the next generation into the Republican Party, we must build, he said. Lyman, during his speech, didnt specifically address SB54 or specifics about his vision as party leader, but he focused on his philosophical stance for a government that belongs to the people. Utah Republican Party chair candidate Phil Lyman speaks with delegates during the partys organizing convention at Utah Valley University on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch) I wish that I lived in 1765 back in Boston, Lyman said, adding that if he did, I would have been a member of the Sons of Liberty, referring to a secretive and sometimes violent political organization in the 13 American Colonies that worked to fight taxation by the British government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would have been there in 1770 when the Boston Massacre occurred, I would have been there in 1773 when the (Boston) Tea Party took place, Lyman said. Because those people were pushing back against the government that did not have their interests at heart. Thats what were about. Lyman said the Sons of Liberty were called all kinds of horrible names too, including bridge burners, but they actually burned bridges to impede the direction of their enemy. Lyman also issued a call to action to unite Utah Republicans, regardless of the outcome of the race for GOP chair. From this point, we will be united, he said. I will stand behind Rob Axson. Hes a friend of mine. I love Donald Trump, hes my president. Ive supported him. I appreciate Sen. Lee. I recognize their efforts, I support them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Lyman concluded his speech by telling delegates this is a time for you. This is your party. The Republican Party is yours. And today you will decide what direction this party takes, he said, to loud cheers. In the race for @UtahGOPs chair, Phil Lyman got loud applause from delegates both as he was entering and exiting the stage. Heres his full speech: #utpol pic.twitter.com/eRcBiXpjKD Katie McKellar (@KatieMcKellar1) May 17, 2025 Continued angst with SB54 On full display throughout the convention was Republican delegates continued hatred of SB54. Utah lawmakers passed the law more than 10 years ago as a compromise to ward off a looming ballot initiative to do away with the caucus and convention system altogether in favor of signature gathering. But ever since, Utah Republican Party caucus system loyalists have despised the law, even though its survived multiple court challenges that almost drove the Utah GOP to bankruptcy. Its become one of the largest wedges dividing Utah Republicans, and Republicans strategy to continue fighting it was at the heart of the contest between Axson and Lyman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if there was an early indication that most delegates werent in favor of taking a scorched earth approach to challenge SB54 further, one of the first votes they took Saturday morning was to strip from the agenda a proposed amendment to the partys constitution that would temporarily revoke a Republican candidates party membership if they gain access to the ballot through signature gathering rather than through the caucus and convention system. The Utah Republican Party holds its 2025 organizing convention at Utah Valley University on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch) State law specifies two types of political parties: registered parties and qualified political parties. Candidates of registered parties must use signature gathering to access the ballot, while candidates of qualified parties (a designation the Utah GOP currently functions under), can either gather signatures or be nominated at convention. Utah law does not have a designation that lets parties only allow ballot access through nomination. If the state GOPs proposed amendment to strip a candidates party membership for using a legal pathway to the ballot had passed, it would have violated state law and possibly could have led to yet another court challenge. The amendments sponsor, Arnold Gaunt, motioned to remove it from the agenda, saying theres a better path for responding to the problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Axson told reporters that hes not a fan of SB54 and the signature gathering path, but he focused his message on not lawsuits, not division, not purity tests. Its building something that cant be ignored. If we build an apparatus that every Utahn and every community feels that theres a value in that, well theyre going to come along with us, Axson said. Theyre going to be supportive of what were trying to do, and the Legislature is going to listen to that. Campaign signs promoting Phil Lyman and Rob Axson in the race for the Utah Republican Partys chair sit on display at Utah Valley University during the Utah GOPs organizing convention on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch) Axson said his preference would be for the Legislature to repeal SB54. Pressed on whether thats a real possibility, he told reporters the votes are there in the House while theyre not there yet in the Senate. But it cant be a vitriolic conversation. Its not threats. It has to be a conversation thats transparent and up front and collaborative, Axson said. If we can show the value of what the Republican Party is doing and trying to grow and build additional capacity, we make it a lot easier on these elected officials to take the hard votes of repealing SB54. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Axson acknowledged its going to take some time. How long or how short that is, I dont know, Axson said. But I do know we have in our ability the opportunity to build a strong party, and that will be a benefit in repealing SB54 or solving other complex issues. Axsons influential supporters The morning of the convention, Axsons predecessor, former Utah GOP Chair Carson Jorgensen, was chatting up delegates wearing an Axson button on his shirt. He said Axson is the right leader for the party, lauding him as a proven organizer and fundraiser who helped bring the party out of bankruptcy after multiple failed legal challenges of SB54. Jorgensen said Axson will take the right approach by focusing on working with lawmakers to strengthen the caucus-convention system rather than more lawsuits. I like Phil personally as a friend, I think hes a nice guy, Jorgensen said. But heres the thing. There are three ways were going to navigate SB54, and only three. One is the lawsuit route. Weve tried it. It doesnt work. Phil is 0 for 5 on lawsuits. The party cant afford another lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jorgensen said the next option is a legislative fix, which requires a relationship with the Legislature. Sorry, but Phil has burned every every bridge he had with any legislator, Jorgensen said. The last option, he said, is the party opts to hold its own primary. What does that take? Money, Jorgensen said. If the partys going to hold their own primary, theyve got to fund it. We figure between $1.5 and $3 million to run it. Rob has shown he can raise that kind of money. So Axson has two of the three that need to happen, and Phil doesnt have any, Jorgensen concluded. Thats why I support Rob. Jorgensen also issued a call to Utah Republicans to set their differences aside and coalesce behind the new chair. Everybody needs to get back on the same page. This has been a pretty toxic election, he said, adding that someone recently called him an establishment RHINO hack. To that, he said, you obviously dont know me and youre on the wrong side of things, because you dont find anybody more conservative than I am. Another Axson supporter seen mingling with delegates was House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, who was also acting as a delegate Saturday. He told Utah News Dispatch that hed be voting for Axson for party chair because we need somebody to bring all sides together. Thats what we do in the Legislature, Schultz said. We have to work to find common ground. Why not Lyman? Schultz declined to comment, focusing his remarks instead on his support of Axson. Trumps endorsement of Axson, Schultz said, indicates Trump has noticed something different about Utah. He has embraced Utah and sees Utah as being able to help push the agenda that hes pushing on a nationwide level, Schultz said. I think thats why you saw President Trump chime in and say, what youre doing in Utah is working, stick with it. Schultz added that Utah Republicans need to realize if we split up our party, we lose. If the party gets split, its the best thing that can happen for Democrats in the state of Utah, he said. So finding ways to keep the party together keeps Utah Republican, it keeps Utah conservative. Thats what President Trump sees and thats why Im supporting Rob Axson. How will Utah lawmakers tackle SB54? Pressed on efforts to repeal SB54, Schultz told Utah News Dispatch he and lawmakers are open to working with the Utah Republican Party to find a path forward thats focused on strengthening the caucus and convention system but he also warned that completely undoing SB54 could have negative consequences. Count My Vote has been very open and saying that they will run a ballot initiative that does away with the caucus convention altogether, he said. I think that would be very harmful to the grassroots of our party. Schultz added: I love the caucus convention system because it does keep money out of politics. So I would like to look for ways to make the caucus and convention system stronger and get their people involved in the caucus and convention system. That is a good pathway forward, he said, but he didnt offer any specifics of what that could look like in legislative action. I truly dont know, he said, but I think we need to understand the consequences of (undoing SB54). We look at the polling, and its not even close. If it goes to ballot initiative, we lose the caucus and convention system. And I think that would be horrible. I would rather find ways to make the caucus and convention system stronger. Utah Republican Party chair candidate Phil Lymans supporters speak with delegates during the partys organizing convention at Utah Valley University on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch) The MUGA message that resonated with many, but failed Wearing a maroon MUGA hat in support of Lyman, Tiffany Mendenhall, of Ivins, said she was all in favor of Lyman for chair. Lyman has our best interest at heart, she said, adding that she didnt like the outcome of the governors race last year and the direction the Utah GOP has been heading. Phil is very well aware of whats going on with all the crookedness and all of that stuff. He intends to get us back to more traditional voting methods so that theres no fraud. Though Utahs election was certified and Cox legally qualified as a Republican candidate before he went on to win the election, Mendenhall said she believed the governors race was absolutely stolen, arguing he didnt have the signatures. While signature gathering audits did find some errors and that based on statistical error rates Cox could have initially fallen short of the 28,000-signature requirement, auditors also reported that had clerks told him he hadnt qualified (which they didnt), he would have had 28 days more days to submit enough signatures. Ultimately, the audits concluded Cox followed the law and qualified for the primary. Mendenhall, however, stood firm on the false claim that Lyman has repeatedly pushed throughout both his gubernatorial and Utah GOP chair campaigns that Cox was an illegitimate candidate and stole the election. You cant tell us that it wasnt. And so how can we feel that we have a fair election when our governor in charge is a cheat? Mendenhall said. She argued Axson hasnt done enough to challenge what happened during the governors race. He hasnt stood up to take care of this. This shouldnt have happened. Correction: An earlier version incorrectly stated the vote total for Rob Axson. He got 1,340 votes, not 1,430 votes. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Vice President Vance and second lady Usha Vance met Pope Leo XIV while in Vatican City for the pontiffs inauguration mass on Sunday. Before exiting St. Peters Square, the vice president and second lady greeted Leo, a spokesperson for the vice president said. Vice President Vance and the first American pope shook hands and appeared to talk for several seconds. The second lady stood with Vance, wearing a black lace veil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance led the U.S. delegation to the inauguration mass, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife, Jeanette Rubio. Vance converted to Catholicism in 2019 and met with Pope Francis last month just before he died. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also attended the mass and greeted the pope after. The pope recently offered to host leaders from Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican to broker a peace deal in their ongoing war. Vances greeting with the pope is also notable because Leo has shared criticism of the vice presidents stance on immigration in the past. In February, he shared an opinion article that criticized Vance on the social platform X with the headline, JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesnt ask us to rank our love for others. He also shared an article with the headline Pope Francis letter, JD Vances ordo amoris and what the Gospel asks of all of us on immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance has received criticism from other Catholics over his stance on migrants and his comments that Christians love their families, neighbors and fellow citizens before the rest of the world. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. US Vice President JD Vance and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized their shared desire to improve relations just before meeting in Rome on Sunday. "Hopefully, we'll be the beginning of some long-term trade negotiations and some long-term trade advantages between both Europe and the United States," Vance said at the start of the meeting, which was organized by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as leaders gathered in Rome for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV. In recent weeks, tensions between the US and Europe have flared, primarily due to US President Donald Trump's announcement of plans to impose tariffs on the European Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After strong protests and turbulence in stock and financial markets, Trump suspended the tariffs in April for 90 days. The EU has expressed its readiness to take decisive measures, including counter-tariffs, should negotiations fail. Vance anticipates 'great discussions' Von der Leyen said "it is important now we have exchanged papers that our experts are deep diving discussing the details. Everybody knows that the devil is in the detail. But what unites us is that at the end, we want together to have a good deal for both sides." The European Commission president highlighted that the EU and the US share the world's largest trade partnership, with an annual volume of around $1.5 trillion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Europe and its individual countries are important allies of the United States, Vance said. "Of course, we have some disagreements, as friends sometimes do, on issues like trade," he said, adding "we also have many agreements and many things that we can work on together." Vance said he is "looking forward to this conversation," adding: "I think we'll have a great conversation." Von der Leyen on Ukraine: Next week 'decisive' Von der Leyen added that, in addition to trade and tariff issues, other topics such as Ukraine would also be discussed. She praised US efforts, saying "I think the next week will be crucial on that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, US President Donald Trump is scheduled to hold a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has been waging an all-out war against Ukraine for more than three years. Meloni expressed hope that the dialogue in Rome could mark a diplomatic "restart" between Washington and the EU. Vance praises Meloni as a 'bridge-builder' Vance explicitly praised Meloni, stating that Meloni had offered to be a "bridge builder" between the US and the EU, adding that he and Trump "are excited to accept" the Italian leader's offer. The Italian prime minister had recently been somewhat sidelined diplomatically, including in discussions about a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Thirteen people were displaced, and one was hospitalized, after an apartment fire in Vandalia. According to the City of Vandalias Division of Fire, the fire began shortly after midnight on Sunday, May 18. Crews were dispatched to the 900 Block of Stewville. When they arrived, officials said the crews saw a heavy fire coming from the second floor of the two-story multi-family building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A person leaped out of the second-story window as police and bystanders worked to rescue her. Then, a second person was saved from the first floor by Ladder 3s crew. In total, thirteen people were evacuated and displaced, the American Red Cross is helping them. From the group, one person was taken by medics to a nearby hospital in serious condition, and one person was treated on the scene. The cause of the fire is under active investigation. There was also a fire in this apartment complex back in 2018. 2 NEWS will update this article when more 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 WDTN.com. (FOX40.COM) The San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office is investigating after a construction development was vandalized on Tuesday evening. Video above: How to report a public safety threat According to SCSO, three males, possibly juveniles, were seen riding bicycles through a new construction development near North Girardi Drive and West Calabria Drive in Mountain House at around 7:16 p.m. FAA investigates plane crash leaving two injured near Yuba County Airport Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses reported that the individuals were knocking over traffic cones at a roundabout in the area, stated SCSO. On Wednesday morning, a reporting party arrived and found significant damage to two newly constructed homes. At one of the homes, the staircase framing had been torn out, holes were punched in the walls, and concrete had been poured into the bathtub, said SCSO. At the second home, there were graphic images that were spray-painted, and caulking was smeared across the walls and floors. The San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office is actively investigating this incident, said SCSO. We are asking for the communitys help in identifying those responsible. Authorities ask if there is any information regarding this incident to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office at (209) 468-4400. Image: San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office Image: San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the Vatican is prepared to host negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, including a potential direct meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. Source: Rubio in an interview with CBS News Details: Rubio confirmed that the Vatican has offered to facilitate a direct meeting between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia, as well as to support other negotiation formats, including technical discussions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "So it's a very generous offer that may be taken up on. I mean, it would be a site that all parties would feel comfortable [with]. So hopefully we'll get to that stage where talks are happening on a regular basis and that the Vatican will have the opportunity to be one of the options." Details: When the interviewer noted that Putin did not attend the Istanbul negotiations he himself had initiated, Rubio suggested that Russia remains open to talks under the right conditions. Background: The new Pope Leo XIV proposed the Vatican as a platform for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia after it became clear that the talks in Istanbul would not lead to the desired result. On 17 May, the Kremlin stated that a meeting between Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is possible, but only if certain agreements are reached by the delegations. On 16 May, direct talks were held in Istanbul between Russian and Ukrainian delegations for the first time in over three years. Serhii Kyslytsia, a member of Ukraines delegation at the Istanbul talks with Russia, stated that the Russian representatives, led by Vladimir Medinsky, behaved aggressively and issued direct threats to the Ukrainian side. Russian representatives voiced several demands to the Ukrainian delegation during a closed meeting in Istanbul on 16 May, setting out the conditions under which Moscow is ready to cease fire. Among them are Ukraine's renunciation of territories and claims for reparations. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6873 (VFW) hosted over 300 riders on their way to the Vietnam Memorial Wall in D.C. at their Run For The Wall event. Run For The Wall is an organization that travels from Ontario, California, to Washington, D.C., and from Marseilles, Illinois, every May with over 1,800 participants nationally. The organizations goal is to honor veterans and their families and friends, and its mission is to ride for those who cant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The riders are on day four of their trip, fueling up in Colorado City and Cisco and then heading to the Dallas/Fort Worth area until day 10, when they arrive in Washington, D.C., and end at the Vietnam Memorial Wall. David Buzz Mullins, the Assistant Route Coordinator for the Ride For The Wall Southern Route, emphasized that safety is a top priority for these bikers. All of these people from Ontario to D.C. and do it safely. We have rogue guards to help us. We have support vehicles. We have chase vehicles in case a motorcycle breaks down. They put them in a trailer and theyre home to the next shop to get them fixed, Mullins said. The participants left Key City around noon and made their way to the Dallas/Fort Worth area for their next stop. They are expected to finish their trip on Saturday, May 24, in Washington, D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. Its a long shot. But its a shot worth taking. House Republicans, including Kerns Republican Rep. David Valadao, and Democrats have introduced the Farm Workforce Modernization Act for the fourth time in as many Congresses. Earlier bills passed the House on a bipartisan vote only to be defeated in the Senate. With the goal of stabilizing the agricultural workforce by reforming the H2A agricultural worker visa program, the FWMA also would provide a path to legalization for undocumented workers currently living in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would allow farmworkers to seek certified agricultural status a temporary status for those who have worked at least 180 days in agriculture over the last two years. That would allow workers to apply for a green card contingent on additional years of work in agriculture. People with 10 years of agricultural work prior to the date of enactment would be required to complete four additional years of such work. Workers with less than 10 years would have to complete eight additional years. After completion of those requirements and with a green card in hand, workers could apply for the naturalization process. Acknowledging the bill has a long-shot chance at passing, Valadao told The Californian, I just want something that works for agriculture and that works for the people who work in agriculture. Repeatedly, immigration reform has been derailed by raw politics. One party wants reforms, while the other wants to use the nations failed immigration system as a hammer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the U.S. came close to reforming immigration policy with a bipartisan bill negotiated by conservative Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma and Independent Sen. Krysten Sinema of Arizona. Before the bills release, it faced strong opposition from then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who had made immigration a top campaign issue. Republican support quickly disappeared. Only four Republican senators, including Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who had delegated Lankford to negotiate the bill, voted for it. A group of about 100 Oklahoma GOP leaders condemned Lankford for his efforts and a popular conservative political commentator threatened to destroy him if immigration reformed passed during the presidential election. Although the bill contained many provisions desired by Republicans such as building more border wall, hiring more Border Patrol agents, expanding detention capacity and speeding deportation it was dead on arrival in the Republican-controlled Senate. Conceding the political climate remains complicated, Valadao said about this years bill, One of the things Ive heard for a long time is when the border is secure, we can then have the conversation about resolving programs like the guest worker program. So, I do believe theres an opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legalization and an option for citizenship has earned the FWMA the endorsement of the United Farmworkers union, which in the past has opposed expansion of the H2A program. Across the country, immigrant farmworkers are going to work every day to feed America, UFW President Teresa Romero said in a news release. Yet these same workers are all too often afraid of getting deported simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. A UFW spokesman noted that it is the height of hypocrisy that during the COVID-19 pandemic, farmworkers were designated essential, while they were denied the ability to just exist legally in our society. We have failed as a federal government, Congress and the White House. For decades, we havent been able to have a system that worked, said Valadao. Weve created a system that has helped people, or encouraged people to essentially break our laws and live here for 20 years in the shadows. And now were just supposed to tell them never, ever can they come back? Adoption of a reasonable and fair immigration policy is long overdue. The first step begins with setting aside xenophobic political posturing and passing the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) The Virginia Beach Public Library will be one of only 50 U.S. libraries to host Virginia Beach Public Library to host Americans and the Holocaust, a traveling exhibition from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association (ALA) that examines the motives, pressures, and fears that shaped Americans responses to Nazism, war and genocide in Europe during the 1930s and 1940s. We are honored to be selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants from all across the nation to host this impactful exhibition, said Library Director Kimberly Knight. The exhibit will run from May 23 through June 28, examining various aspects of American society such as: the government, the military, refugee aid organizations, the media and the general public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We invite community members to come to experience it, and were excited to be partnering with the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater to offer programs for teens and adults, Knight explained. The exhibition will challenge people to reflect, not only asking What would I have done? but also, What will I do? The exhibit will be focused towards adults and teens, with various events scheduled in June. There will also be guided tours of the exhibit for both adults and teens on Saturdays, June 14, and June 28, from 10 a.m. 4 p.m., as well as select evening during the week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information about Americans and the Holocaust and related programming at Virginia Beach Public Library, visit VirginiaBeach.gov/AATH. To learn more about the exhibition, visit ushmm.org/americans-ala. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. UPDATE: Virginia State Police said Monday evening that a Chesapeake girl, Courtney Mentz, has been found safe. CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) Virginia State Police have issued a CODI Alert on the behalf of the Chesapeake Police Department for a missing 16-year-old girl. Courtney Mentz (Courtesy: Chesapeake Police Department) Courtney Mentz was last seen at her residence in the Deep Creek area on Saturday at midnight. Mentz is described as being 54 and 108 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a tan sweatshirt, black sweatpants and two gold necklaces. She also has a nose piercing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mentz requires life-saving medication. She does not have her medications with her, increasing concern for her wellbeing. She is not believed to be in possession of a phone or vehicle at this time. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact the Chesapeake Police Department at (757) 382-6161 or call 911 immediately. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. A high-level meeting between the European Union and the United States is set to take place in Rome on Sunday, following the official inauguration of Pope Leo XIV. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, US Vice President JD Vance and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will meet at 3:30 pm (1330 GMT) at Palazzo Chigi, Melonis official residence in central Rome, her office announced on short notice. The primary focus of the talks will be the strained trans-Atlantic relations. Tensions were sparked by US President Donald Trump's sweeping tariff measures, with the EU among the targets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EU has signalled it is ready to respond with reciprocal tariffs should negotiations fail. Alongside trade, broader geopolitical issues - chiefly Russias war on Ukraine - are also expected to feature prominently in the trilateral discussions. Von der Leyen, Vance, and Meloni were among the many international dignitaries who attended Pope Leo XIVs inauguration Mass earlier in the day at the Vatican. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was also in attendance and had met privately with Meloni on Saturday. The United Arab Emirates wants to become an AI leader by 2031. It's leveraging its oil wealth to attract new talent and fund new research initiatives. The UAE's AI minister believes we'll have "centers and nodes of excellence across the world." The AI revolution is expanding far beyond Silicon Valley. From the shores of Malta to the streets of Paris, hubs for AI innovation are forming worldwide. And the United Arab Emirates is emerging as a key center in the Middle East thanks to a rush of investment from US President Donald Trump. This week, during Trump's tour of the Middle East, the US and the UAE agreed on $200 billion in commercial deals, according to a statement from the White House. The two countries also signed an agreement for the UAE to build the largest AI campus outside the US, which would also give the UAE expanded access to AI chips. The deal marks a major win for the region which, under President Biden, had more restricted access to chips due its ties with China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UAE has long been marking its name on the AI map. In October, the UAE made headlines by participating in the most lucrative funding round in Silicon Valley history: the $6.6 billion deal closed by OpenAI. The investment was made through MGX, a state-backed technology firm focused on artificial intelligence and semiconductors. The move was part of the UAE's bid to become a global AI leader by 2031 through strategic initiatives, public engagement, and research investment. Last year, the country's wealthiest emirate, Abu Dhabi, launched Falcon its first open-source large language model. State-backed AI firm G42 is also training large language models in Arabic and Hindi to bridge the gap between English-based models and native speakers of these languages. Another indication of the UAE's commitment to AI is its appointment of Omar Sultan Al Olama as the country's AI Minister in 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The minister acknowledged in a video interview with DC-based think tank Atlantic Council that the UAE faces tough competition from powerhouses like the US and China, where private investment in AI technology in 2023 totaled $67.2 billion and $7.8 billion, respectively, according to Stanford's Center for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence. In the video, he said he is embracing cooperation over competition. "I don't think it's going to be a zero-sum game where it's only going to be AI that's developed in the US, or only going to be AI that's developed in China or the UAE," Al Olama said at an event hosted by the Atlantic Council, a DC think tank, in April. "What is going to happen, I think, is that we're going to have centers and nodes of excellence across the world where there are specific use cases or specific domains where a country or player or a company is doing better than everyone else." The UAE is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, mostly due to its vast oil reserves. The UAE is among the world's 10 largest oil producers, with 96% of that coming from its wealthiest emirate, Abu Dhabi, according to the International Trade Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abu Dhabi's ruling family also controls several of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds, including the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Mubadala Investment Company, a founding partner of MGX. These funds have been used to diversify the country's oil wealth and could now be diverted to funding new AI companies. AI could contribute $96 billion to the UAE economy by 2030, making up about 13.6% of its GDP, according to a report by PwC, the accounting firm. But capital is only part of the equation. The bigger question is whether the tiny Gulf nation can attract the requisite talent to keep up with Silicon Valley. Recent developments show promise. Between 2021 and 2023, the number of AI workers in the UAE quadrupled to 120,000, Al Olama said at the Atlantic Council event. In 2019, it rolled out a 'golden visa' program for IT professionals, making entry easier for AI experts. It's also making the most of its existing talent. In May, Dubai launched the world's biggest prompt engineering initiative. Its goal is to upskill 1 million workers over the next three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, it's also faced criticism for its treatment of workers, especially lower-skilled migrant workers. Migrant workers comprise 88% of the country's population and have been subject to a range of labor abuses, including exposure to extreme heat, exploitative recruitment fees, and wage theft, according to Human Rights Watch. The UAE has responded by passing several labor laws that address protections for workers around hours, wages, and competition. Over the last decade, Abu Dhabi has become a nexus for AI research and education. In 2010, New York University launched a branch in Abu Dhabi that has since developed a focus on AI. And, in 2019, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence opened as a "graduate research university dedicated to advancing AI as a global force for good." Professors from the university also helped organize the inaugural International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence in August, which drew students from over 40 countries worldwide. "Abu Dhabi may not directly surpass Silicon Valley, however, it has the potential to become a significant AI hub in its own right," Nancy Gleason, an advisor to leadership on AI at NYU Abu Dhabi and a professor of political science, told Business Insider by email. Its "true strengths lie in the leadership's strategic vision, substantial investments in AI research and compute capacity, and government-led initiatives in industry. The UAE has also made strategic educational investments in higher education like the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and NYU Abu Dhabi." Beyond that, she noted, it's "very nice to live here." Read the original article on Business Insider ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Saturday was full of celebration for many local Catholics as they reinstated the local unit of the Knights of Peter Claver Council & Ladies Auxiliary Court. This comes after a decades-long hiatus during which it was inactive. Deputy Marvin Bardo, who oversees the northern states district of the national organization, shared his excitement for the newly introduced chapter. To bring this organization back to the City of Rochester is a win-win, not only for the people of the Archdiocese of Rochester, but for the Knights of Peter Claver as a whole, Bardo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Knights of Peter Claver was founded in Alabama in 1909 in response to the Knights of Columbus not allowing black parishioners to join their organization. The Knights of Peter Claver, alongside the Ladies Auxiliary Court, value the contributions of the black community to the Catholic church by promoting fellowship, standing for social issues, and supporting communities across the nation. Newly-appointed Deputy Grand Knight for Rochester Council 106, Melvin Tatum, shared why todays mass was especially important to him. It shows the endurance, the love, and the passion that we have, and Im just so fortunate to have been appointed to this position, Tatum said. As a knight, we want to make the church better. With this, Grand Lady for Rochester Court 16, Lynn Fulmore, explained her outlook as the reinstated unit embarks on its new chapter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peter Claver is not just for women of color, its for everyone, Fulmore said. We welcome all women who are of Catholic faith, and hope theyll come and join us. Heart Ball celebrates work of Rochester American Heart Association The reinstatement of Rochesters unit of The Knights of Peter Claver comes the day before the installation of Pope Leo XIV, which parishioners attending Saturdays mass were looking forward to. Grand Knight for Rochester Council 106, George Fontenette, explained the significance behind the papal name Leo. Pope Leo XIII was the one who recognized the original Knights of Peter Claver, so to have a Pope take on the same name means a whole lot, Fontenette said. To have that tradition with a new pope, to bring us to a new millennium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bishop Salvatore Matano presided over the reinstallation mass, providing his blessing as its members begin their community outreach in the coming days. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Weather watches and warnings A live data feed from the National Weather Service containing official weather warnings, watches, and advisory statements. Tap warning areas for more details. Sources: NOAA, National Weather Service, NOAA GeoPlatform and Esri. Open A deep marine layer will develop Saturday morning, bringing patches of mist and drizzle along with cooler-than-normal temperatures to the Central Coast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Sunday, gale-force, northwesterly winds will arrive, clearing the skies and ushering in a warming trend through the following weekend. Meanwhile, the long-delayed, infamous spring winds of April will finally make their appearance in May. An upper-level trough of low pressure will bring a deep marine layer to the coastal regions on San Luis Obispo County on Saturday morning and night, accompanied by well-below-normal temperatures. Fresh to strong (19 to 32 mph with gusts up to 40 mph) northwesterly winds on Saturday afternoon will make the air feel even cooler. Meanwhile, a robust 1,032-millibar Eastern Pacific High, anchored about 1,100 miles west of Monterey Bay, will keep the storm track well to the north. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This high-pressure system will generate strong to gale-force (25 to 38 mph with gusts up to 45 mph) northwesterly winds along the Northern and Central California coast starting Sunday and persisting through next weekend. An upper-level ridge will also develop, producing gentle to moderate (8 to 18 mph) Santa Lucia winds during the mornings on Sunday and Monday. These down-slope winds will help limit marine cloud development, allowing for sunnier skies and warmer temperatures. Inland valleys like Paso Robles will warm into the low to mid-80s, while coastal valleys such as San Luis Obispo will reach the upper 70s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most beaches will see highs in the upper 60s to low 70s, though southerly facing beaches like Cayucos, Avila Beach and Shell Beach could climb into the upper 70s thanks to these localized winds. Persistent northwesterly winds from Tuesday through the weekend will allow the marine layer, with patches of fog and mist, to redevelop along the coast during the night and in the morning. However, skies will clear by the afternoon, with temperatures continuing to warm. Inland valleys will climb into the 90s, coastal valleys into the 80s, while most beaches will remain cooler in the upper 50s to low 60s. Again, southerly facing beaches will be the exception, likely reaching to the 70s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking further ahead, long-range models indicate that dry conditions are expected to continue through the first week of June. Surf report Gale-force, northwesterly winds along the California coastline will generate a 7- to 9-foot northwesterly (310-degree deep water) sea and swell (with a 5- to 9-second period) through next weekend ushering in rough oceanographic conditions. Whether you are a scuba diver, surfer, fisher or just a beach visitor, you will undoubtedly notice the frigid temperature of the ocean along our rugged coast as gale-force northwesterly winds will blow this week. So why do these winds generate such cold ocean temperatures? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the northwesterly winds blow parallel to our coastline, the friction of the wind causes ocean surface water to move. Combined with the rotation of the earth, these winds push the surface waters to the right of the wind direction pushing these waters out to sea, which creates a void. Cold and nutrient-rich water is drawn from below to fill this void. The upward movement of this colder water is called upwelling. During periods of strong to gale-force northwesterly winds, Ive seen seawater temperatures along the immediate coastline drop nearly 7 degrees in just one day. Surface seawater temperatures will range between 49 and 51 degrees through next weekend. On this date in weather history (May 18) 1980: Mount St. Helens erupted in Washington, spewing ash and smoke 63,000 feet into the air. Heavy ash covered the ground to the immediate northwest, and small particles were carried to the Atlantic Coast. (David Ludlum) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2012: A rare annular eclipse occurred in San Luis Obispo. The partial eclipse began at 5:21 p.m. with the maximum eclipse at 6:36 p.m. The event ended at 7:42 p.m., shortly before sunset. 2020: A late-season cold front passed through the Central Coast with rain, gentle winds and mild temperatures. Rainfall amounts ranged from 0.67 of an inch at the Morro Toro Cal Fire Station Number 14 off of Highway 41, 0.44 of an inch at Lopez Dam and 0.33 of an inch both at Arroyo Grande and Nipomo. Cal Poly and Los Osos reported 0.14 of an inch of rain. This weeks temperatures LOWS AND HIGHS, PASO ROBLES SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN 44, 80 49, 87 54, 92 55, 93 56, 97 53, 88 52, 85 52, 86 LOWS AND HIGHS, SAN LUIS OBISPO AND COASTAL VALLEYS SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN 47, 77 51, 81 56, 83 55, 81 57, 85 55, 74 53, 72 54, 75 John Lindsey is a retired PG&E marine meteorologist. Email him at JohnLindseyLosOsos@gmail.com or follow him on X @PGE_John. This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com Not allowing states to regulate artificial intelligence would be dangerous, Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown said Thursday. House Republicans surprised tech industry watchers and outraged state governments when they added a clause to Republicans signature big, beautiful tax bill that would ban states and localities from regulating artificial intelligence for a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The brief but consequential provision, tucked into the House Energy and Commerce Committees sweeping markup, would be a major boon to the AI industry, which has lobbied for uniform and light touch regulation as tech firms develop a technology they promise will transform society. Brown and more than three dozen attorneys general are speaking out against the idea. At the pace technology and AI moves, limiting state laws and regulations for 10 years is dangerous, Brown said. If the federal government is taking a back seat on AI, they should not prohibit states from protecting our citizens. AI clause faces long odds in the Senate While the clause would be far-reaching if enacted, it faces long odds in the U.S. Senate, where procedural rules may doom its inclusion in the GOP legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know whether it will pass the Byrd Rule, said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, referring to a provision that requires that all parts of a budget reconciliation bill, like the GOP plan, focus mainly on the budgetary matters rather than general policy aims. That sounds to me like a policy change. Im not going to speculate what the parliamentarian is going to do but I think it is unlikely to make it, Cornyn said. Senators in both parties have expressed an interest in artificial intelligence and believe that Congress should take the lead in regulating the technology. But while lawmakers have introduced scores of bills, including some bipartisan efforts, that would impact artificial intelligence, few have seen any meaningful advancement in the deeply divided Congress. An exception is a bipartisan bill expected to be signed into law by President Donald Trump next week that would enact stricter penalties on the distribution of intimate revenge porn images, both real and AI-generated, without a persons consent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AI doesnt understand state borders, so it is extraordinarily important for the federal government to be the one that sets interstate commerce. Its in our Constitution. You cant have a patchwork of 50 states, said Sen. Bernie Moreno, an Ohio Republican. But Moreno said he was unsure if the Houses proposed ban could make it through Senate procedure. The AI provision in the bill states that no state or political subdivision may enforce any law or regulation regulating artificial intelligence models, artificial intelligence systems, or automated decision systems. The language could bar regulations on systems ranging from popular commercial models like ChatGPT to those that help make decisions about who gets hired or finds housing. State regulations on AIs usage in business, research, public utilities, educational settings and government would be banned. The congressional pushback against state-led AI regulation is part of a broader move led by the Trump administration to do away with policies and business approaches that have sought to limit AIs harms and pervasive bias. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Half of all U.S. states so far have enacted legislation regulating AI deepfakes in political campaigns, according to a tracker from the watchdog organization Public Citizen. Most of those laws were passed within the last year, as incidents in democratic elections around the globe in 2024 highlighted the threat of lifelike AI audio clips, videos and images to deceive voters. California state Sen. Scott Wiener called the Republican proposal truly gross in a social media post. Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat, authored landmark legislation last year that would have created first-in-the-nation safety measures for advanced artificial intelligence models. The bill was vetoed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a fellow San Francisco Democrat. Congress is incapable of meaningful AI regulation to protect the public. It is, however, quite capable of failing to act while also banning states from acting, Wiener wrote. Bipartisan group of state attorneys send letter to Congress A bipartisan group of dozens of state attorneys general, including Washingtons Nick Brown, also sent a letter to Congress on Friday opposing the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AI brings real promise, but also real danger, and South Carolina has been doing the hard work to protect our citizens, said South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, a Republican, in a statement. Now, instead of stepping up with real solutions, Congress wants to tie our hands and push a one-size-fits-all mandate from Washington without a clear direction. Thats not leadership, thats federal overreach. As the debate unfolds, AI industry leaders are pressing ahead on research while competing with rivals to develop the best and most widely used AI systems. They have pushed federal lawmakers for uniform and unintrusive rules on the technology, saying they need to move quickly on the latest models to compete with Chinese firms. Sam Altman, the CEO of ChatGPT maker OpenAI, testified in a Senate hearing last week that a patchwork of AI regulations would be quite burdensome and significantly impair our ability to do what we need to do. One federal framework, that is light touch, that we can understand and that lets us move with the speed that this moment calls for seems important and fine, Altman told Sen. Cynthia Lummis, a Wyoming Republican. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Sen. Ted Cruz floated the idea of a 10-year learning period for AI at the same hearing, which included three other tech company executives. Would you support a 10-year learning period on states issuing comprehensive AI regulation, or some form of federal preemption to create an even playing field for AI developers and employers? asked the Texas Republican. Altman responded that he was not sure what a 10-year learning period means, but I think having one federal approach focused on light touch and an even playing field sounds great to me. Microsofts president, Brad Smith, also offered measured support for giving the country time in the way that limited U.S. regulation enabled early internet commerce to flourish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot of details that need to be hammered out, but giving the federal government the ability to lead, especially in the areas around product safety and pre-release reviews and the like, would help this industry grow, Smith said. It was a change, at least in tone, for some of the executives. Altman had testified to Congress two years ago on the need for AI regulation, and Smith, five years ago, praised Microsofts home state of Washington for its significant breakthrough in passing first-in-the-nation guardrails on the use of facial recognition, a form of AI. Ten GOP senators said they were sympathetic to the idea of creating a national framework for AI. But whether the majority can work with Democrats to find a filibuster-proof solution is unclear. I am not opposed to the concept. In fact, interstate commerce would suggest that it is the responsibility of Congress to regulate these types of activities and not the states, said Sen. Mike Rounds, a South Dakota Republican. If were going to do it state by state were going to have a real mess on our hands, Rounds said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Crushing Fascism A 98-year-old World War II veteran, who served in the British Army, absolutely destroyed a Tesla vehicle with the license plate "FASCIM" in a recently shared YouTube video. As first spotted by Gizmodo, veteran Ken Turner used a Sherman tank, one of the most widely used tanks used by the US and its western allies against the Nazis in World War II, to turn a navy blue Tesla into a pancake. The video was uploaded by the British anti-Brexit and anti-conservative political group Led by Donkeys to send a clear message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, is using his immense power to support the far-right in Europe, and his money comes from Tesla cars," the group wrote in the video's caption. "Weve crushed fascism before and well crush it again." Tesla Smackdown The symbolic stunt highlights Musk's embrace of extremist and racist views. The mercurial CEO has used his considerable platform to further unhinged conspiracy theories and spread hurtful anti-immigrant rhetoric. And who could forget president Donald Trump's post-inauguration celebration, during which Musk performed not just one but two Nazi salutes? He has appeared at a rally for the Alternative for Germany party a growing, far-right nationalist contingency boasting ties to neo-Nazism and attended meetings with Italian right-wing populist political party Lega. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, anti-Musk sentiment has soared, giving life to an international protest movement, dubbed "Tesla Takedown." It's a terrifying new predicament, with experts warning of the rise of technofeudalism, ruled by a tiny number of "broligarchs," like Musk. To some, it's an eerie deja vu of some of the darkest chapters in recent human history. "Im old enough to have seen fascism the first time around, now its coming back," said veteran Turner in the latest video before crushing the Tesla in a tank. More on Elon Musk: As Sales Continue to Plummet, Tesla Is Considering a Massive Payday for Elon Musk CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) First responders launched a water rescue operation Sunday afternoon following the disappearance of a boy in Clarksville. The Clarksville Police Department said it responded to Billy Dunlop Park just after 1:45 p.m. on Sunday, May 18 to help Clarksville Fire Rescue and Montgomery County EMS with a water rescue. Lebanon police investigating shooting that left 1 injured According to authorities, a father reported his 12-year-old son went missing after he was last seen in the river. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials announced shortly before 3 p.m. that Billy Dunlop Park, Robert Clark Park, and the Blueway were closed until further notice as a precaution. At 9:22 p.m., police announced the dive teams suspended their operations for the night and will resume their efforts at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, May 19, but personnel from Clarksville Fire Rescue will continue to conduct recovery operations for a little while longer this evening. Efforts to find the 12-year-old continued Monday morning with search and rescue dogs joining the search. At 7:05 p.m., authorities said operations had been suspended until Tuesday morning. Courtesy: City of Clarksville Courtesy: City of Clarksville Courtesy: City of Clarksville Courtesy: City of Clarksville READ MORE | Latest headlines from Clarksville and Montgomery County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We searched until about 10 last night, halted the search then, and came back at 8:30 this morning and continued right on. So right now, weve got a local cadaver dog team running, Cumberland Canine Search and Rescue, trying to give us a good location of the child, said Brandon McCurdy, assistant chief of special operations at Clarksville Fire Rescue. So hopefully we can get a good spot for the divers to search, then the divers are going to continue their search. We also have TWRA here with their underwater ROV camera to assist with that also, he added. No additional details have been released about this incident. Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) After a series of robberies, the Waterbury Police Department officers are urging residents to take extra safety precautions. In each incident on May 9, May 12 and May 17, victims were lured to the area of Fiske Street after trying to sell electronics on Facebook Marketplace, police said. Each of the victims were robbed by an individual with a firearm threatened or displayed. Officers said no one was injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When selling items online, meet at safe exchange zones, such as a police department, to exchange. In addition, bringing a family member or a friend can help with security. If you have any information related to these incidents, please contact the Waterbury Police Department Detective Division at (203) 574-6941, or CRIME STOPPERS at (203) 755-1234. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) On This Week in Louisiana Politics, a funding bill heads to the Senate, teacher pay raises, an update on the anti-hazing bill, and East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards proposed tax plan. Heres a recap of the latest in Louisiana political news. HB 1, authored by Jack McFarland, passed out of the House Committee on Appropriations. The bill seeks to deliver a balanced budget with $200 million less in revenue, while still funding priorities identified by the legislature and Gov. Jeff Landry, such as state police offices, LDWF, and behavioral health offices. Rep. Josh Carlsons HB 466 is headed to the Senate, along with Julie Emersons HB 473. Both bills would pave the way for a $2,000 annual raise for all teachers. Lawmakers said if theyre getting the stipend, theyd get the actual raise if this becomes a law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan is to pay down debt in the Teachers Retirement Fund. HB 279, or formerly known as the Caleb Wilson Act, passed out of the Education Committee with slight changes. These changes would shift responsibility to educate on hazing from the universities to the organizations and increase the required course hours from one hour to two hours. The majority of Edwards proposed tax plan was approved by the metro council and will appear on the ballots in November. Edwards Thrive! Plan aims to address the budget while maintaining critical services and reducing debt without increasing taxes. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. NEW YORK Federal transportation officials have launched an investigation into why a Mexican navy tall ship hit the Brooklyn Bridge in a collision that snapped the vessels three masts, killed two crew members and left some sailors dangling from harnesses high in the air. The ship known as the Cuauhtemoc was visiting New York on a global goodwill tour when the accident occurred Saturday evening. The vessel could be seen in multiple eyewitness videos traveling swiftly in reverse toward the bridge near the Brooklyn side of the East River. Then its three masts struck the bridge and snapped, one by one, as the ship kept moving. It was unclear what caused the ship to veer off course. The National Transportation Safety Board announced that it was sending a team to investigate. Investigators were expected to arrive Sunday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While docked at Pier 35, Sunday, May 18, 2025 in New York, a sailor climbs the mast rigging on the Cuauhtemoc, a masted Mexican Navy training ship that collided with the Brooklyn Bridge the night before. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) New York City Mayor Eric Adams said the 142-year-old bridge escaped major damage, but at least 19 people aboard the ship needed medical treatment. Two of the four people who suffered serious injuries later died, Adams announced on social media. Videos showed heavy traffic on the span at the time of the 8:20 p.m. collision. No one on the bridge was hurt. The vessel, which was flying a giant Mexican flag and had 277 people aboard, then drifted into a pier on the riverbank as onlookers scrambled away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sailors could be seen aloft in the rigging on the damaged masts but, remarkably, no one fell into the water, officials said. Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz told The Associated Press they were sitting outside to watch the sunset when they saw the vessel strike the bridge. We saw someone dangling, and I couldnt tell if it was just blurry or my eyes. And we were able to zoom in on our phone, and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least like 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them, Katz said. Just before the collision, Nick Corso took his phone out to capture the backdrop of the ship and the bridge against a sunset, Instead, he heard what sounded like the loud snapping of a big twig. Several more snaps followed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People in his vicinity began running and pandemonium erupted aboard the ship, he said. He later saw a handful of people dangling from a mast. I didnt know what to think, I was like, is this a movie? he said. The Mexican navy said in a post on the social platform X that the Cuauhtemoc was a training vessel. It said a total of 22 people were injured. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum lamented the loss of the two crew members. Our solidarity and support go out to their families, Sheinbaum said on X. Mexicos naval secretary, Adm. Raymundo Pedro Morales Angeles, said in a statement Sunday that the navy was in contact with the families of victims and vowed to conduct a transparent investigation. He thanked the first responders in New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Brooklyn Bridge, which opened in 1883, has a nearly 1,600-foot (490-meter) main span supported by two masonry towers. More than 100,000 vehicles and an estimated 32,000 pedestrians cross every day, according to the citys transportation department. Its walkway is a major tourist attraction. Traffic was halted after the collision but was allowed to resume after an inspection, city officials said. New York Police Department Special Operations Chief Wilson Aramboles said the ship had just left a Manhattan pier and was supposed to head out to sea, not toward the bridge. He said an initial report was that the ship lost power due to a mechanical problem, though officials cautioned that the information was preliminary. Videos show a tugboat was close to the Cuauhtemoc at the time of the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As midnight approached, the broken boat was moved slowly up the East River, going under and past the Manhattan Bridge, aided by a series of tugboats, before docking at a pier. Onlookers continued to gather on the waterfront to watch the spectacle. Each year the Cuauhtemoc sets out at the end of classes at the naval military school to finish cadets training. This year it left the Mexican port of Acapulco, on the Pacific coast, on April 6, the navy said. It arrived May 13 in New York City, where visitors were welcome for several days, the Mexican consulate said. The ship was scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 nations over 254 days, 170 of them at sea. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." After Pope Leo XIV was elected pontiff by the College of Cardinals, President Donald Trump posted on social media, It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment! Trump, however, was not among the world leaders and royalty in attendance at Pope Leos inaugural mass in Vatican City today. Instead, Vice President JD Vance attended. (Notably, Trump was in attendance at Pope Franciss funeral in April.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Trump traveled to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, the first major international trip of his second term. Before Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost became pope, he had a semi-active social media account, which he used to criticize the Trump administration and Vice President Vance. In one post, he shared an OpEd titled JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others. I dont think hell stay quiet for too long if he has something to say, Pope Leos brother, John Prevost, told the New York Times. I know hes not happy with whats going on with immigration. I know that for a fact. How far hell go with it is only ones guess, but he wont just sit back. I dont think hell be the silent one. Many in Trumps circle have already criticized Pope Leos politics. His former chief strategist, Steve Bannon, told the BBC that theres definitely going to be friction between the president and the pope. You Might Also Like This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). The storm is clearing now, though the occasional bolt of lightning illuminates our passage. As my eyes slowly adapt, the world around me reveals itself in flickers and bursts: slender palms bent in prayer over the silent water; the villager to my left clutching a brace of pucker-mouthed catfish; fireflies darting like embers through the gloom. Were bound for Tiwai, a remote river island of 4sq miles situated in one of the last portions of ancient rainforest in West Africa. We set off from Freetown that morning, leaving the capitals blue-green shores to follow increasingly non-existent roads east into Sierra Leones Southern Province. It hasnt been an easy journey to this point, but with the first stars glimmering on the waters surface, and the distant howls of primates all around, I feel sure Id travel to the moon if it sounded even half as beautiful as nighttime on the Moa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a reminder that some of the most euphoric moments Sierra Leone has to offer cant truly be appreciated without first enduring a bit of discomfort hardly surprising given this is a nation where prehistoric forests, former slaving stations, abolitionist utopias and world-class surf all coexist within an area thats around three times smaller than the UK. The plan is this: after searching for Tiwais 11 primate species, my guide Peter Momoh Bassie and I will cross back over the river to Kambama village and return to Freetown. Occupying the seaward nib of a forested peninsula, the port city will serve as our base as we explore the islands of the Sierra Leone River and the coastal communities of the wider Western Area, visiting people and landscapes whose stories remain largely unknown to outsiders. I think its just us, says Peter when we reach our camp: a circle of netted huts set around a jungle clearing, each furnished with several frisbee-sized spiders. This is accommodation for wildlife-lovers who regard the term luxury safari as an oxymoron. Therell be no sunset gin and tonics tonight. In fact, there may not even be any dinner, the freshly caught fish I had my eye on during our crossing currently bound for the wildlife research station downriver. Peter, furrowed brow framed by a military-grade crop, has gone in search of food, leaving me to quell my hunger with one of the sweet-scented oranges we were smart enough to buy from one of Freetowns wandering street hawkers. The bark of the bele is a powerful medicine, says forest guide Mohamed Koroma, standing at the foot of Tiwais 200-year-old bele tree. The leaves provide food for red colobus monkeys and, if youre lost in the forest, you can hammer the wood and the sound will be heard in the closest village. Photograph by Aisha Nazar Sierra Leone is full of surprises. The first is that its oranges arent orange at all theyre green, the peel so thick it takes a good 15 minutes to excavate the sweet flesh within. Its an apt symbol for a nation that, from the outside, can often seem impenetrable, its charms long overshadowed by the civil war that tore through the country between 1991 and 2002. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Peter finally returns, having convinced Tiwais research scientists to part with a few portions of flame-charred river fish, we huddle around the camps dining table to eat and talk long into the night. The guide was just 11 when he was captured by rebel soldiers in his hometown of Makeni, Northern Province. Tasked with carrying ammunition, he was fortunate enough never to fire a shot, though it took years of counselling to come to terms with the violence he witnessed. I was very angry at that time, he says, spooning purple-flecked wild rice onto my plate. When I came home, even my brothers were afraid of me. After the war, Peter began working as a guide for the NGO workers and missionaries who poured into the country in the early 2000s. But in a nation grappling with the transition to peace, the past had a way of haunting the present. While guiding some visitors around Makeni, he spotted his old army captain sitting by the side of the road. Its not easy seeing someone whos caused you suffering, but its the future that matters, Peter tells me. I have daughters at home. I want them to know my story, because, if they do, I know that angry boy will not live on in them. Aided by British abolitionists looking to establish a free Black settlement in Sierra Leone, they laid the foundation for a Province of Freedom that, following the abolition of slavery, would welcome peoples from across the African diaspora and come to be known as Freetown. The healing forest The following morning, I find myself in the shadow of a giant. The skin around her trunk is barbed with spines, her upper reaches cloaked in wisps of cloud. Some 40 feet in height, she looms over the forest floor, dwarfing bamboo canes the height of church spires. Shes a 200-year-old Piptadeniastrum africanum, a deciduous species that Tiwai forest guide Mohamed Koroma tells me is known to the local Mende one of the largest ethnic groups in Sierra Leone as the bele tree. Mende is one of several Sierra Leonean languages spoken by Mohamed ironic given hes a man of so few words. His reticence, it occurs to me, isnt shyness but the result of a lifetime listening to the language of the forest. Its left him able not only to identify and occasionally imitate Tiwais every bird and primate, but also given him an encyclopaedic knowledge of its plant life. The bark of the bele is a powerful medicine, he tells me, reeling off a list of uses that includes everything from alleviating insanity to curing scabies a reminder that traditional medicines remain a key line of defence in rural communities. The leaves provide food for red colobus monkeys and, if youre lost in the forest, you can hammer the wood and the sound will be heard in the closest village. He gives the trees cavernous roots a swift thump and the beat skims across the landscape like a pebble over still water. Tiwai is a gift. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just a few centuries ago, the canopy formed by such giants would have been near continuous, covering much of West Africa in a tangle of red ironwood, lianas vines and yellow-lipped orchids. By 1975, 84% of the Upper Guinea Rainforest had been lost to deforestation, and today, Tiwais 31-mile trail network winds through one of the ancient habitats last remaining fragments. We walk in silence, hands brushing against ruby-red hyacinths wet with dew. Mohameds elder brother, a senior forest guide, taught him to navigate these emerald corridors, and he seems to move without thinking, deep-set eyes drinking in the forests every detail. Pygmy hippos, he whispers, crouching low to inspect a trail of prints in the mud. They were grazing here last night. Though were unlikely to see one now, their mere presence on Tiwai is enough to make my skin prick. By 1993, widespread habitat loss meant there were fewer than 2,000 pygmy hippos left in West Africa, to which they are endemic. A woman prepares wild rice in Kambama, with the village's red earth laden with piles of rice and cocoa beans. Photograph by Aisha Nazar The civil war did nothing to aid their survival here either, with rebel soldiers relentlessly poaching the islands mammals for bushmeat, virtually eradicating its diana, red colobus and sooty mangabey monkeys. Its little wonder Mohamed seems so keen to savour the silence here. This forest once crackled with gunfire. Now, its filled by the mellifluous cooing of hornbills. Protected by eight host communities from the locally governed Koya and Barri chiefdoms, its one of the best places to spot pygmy hippos in the wild, and home to one of the highest concentrations of primates anywhere in the world. This isnt a zoo, Mohamed assures me. The monkeys move quickly, so you must be quiet. Dont step on the twigs. I keep my eyes fixed on his footfall, hyper-aware of the world at my feet: the fluid trickle of ants pouring in and out of their nests; foot-long black millipedes shimmering like onyx. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, a rustle from above; pale leaves falling like jade confetti. Mohamed stabs a hole in the air with his machete, and there they are the rust-red backs of a dozen red colobus monkeys leaping from tree to tree. Using his hands to form a cone around his mouth, he imitates their cry: a high-pitched chow that flies like a boomerang into the highest branches. A moment later, the troop returns the call. As they leap and chatter, I turn to see Mohamed with his eyes closed, basking in their language. The hungry earth We cross back over the Moa River to find hearth smoke rising over Kambama. Everywhere I look, something is being reaped or readied, the red earth laden with piles of rice and cocoa beans. Kind-eyed farmer Lihias Lukalay spots me admiring the fruits of his labour and guides me down to a dappled grove where, between leaves as thick as elephants ears, his cocoa pods are slowly ripening in the midday sun. Sometimes, you can get 150 from one tree, he says proudly. They start off green then turn gold thats when I know theyre ready to open. He brings his machete down and splits a pod into two mirrored halves, digging out a bean and offering it to me on his upturned palm. The flavour stays with me, bitterness dissolving into an earthy sweetness, as Peter and I bump our way back to Freetown in a battered people carrier. Such roads once made driving between the capital and the provinces a near impossible feat, but improvements in infrastructure over the past few years mean that this stretch is now the exception to the rule. They call this the African massage, Peter says, his laughter rising and falling in pitch as we trundle from pothole to pothole. We watch rice paddies fade to cashew groves until the hills above Freetown come into view. When the Portuguese first saw this hilly peninsula in the 15th century, they thought its peaks resembled a lion. With the wind roaring, they named it Serra Lyoa, or Lion Mountains. They didnt stay long, soon setting sail to chart the routes that would shape the Atlantic slave trade. The arrival of the capitals founding settlers in 1792, mostly formerly enslaved people from North America who had sided with the British during the American War of Independence, reversed the trades flow of human cargo. Aided by British abolitionists looking to establish a free Black settlement in Sierra Leone, they laid the foundation for a Province of Freedom that, following the abolition of slavery, would welcome peoples from across the African diaspora and come to be known as Freetown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But forging such a utopia wasnt easy when one of the largest British slaving forts in West Africa lay just 20 miles upriver, as I discover when we take a boat to Bunce Island the following morning. From a distance it seems a haven: a deep thicket of tamarind and baobab trees where fisherfolk from Freetown pause for shade. Its only when we trek to the ruin at its heart that I realise Im on an island of ghosts. Lunch in Sierra Leone: fish, black-eyed beans and plantains. Photograph by Aisha Nazar Around 30,000 West Africans passed through here before they were taken to places like Georgia and South Carolina, and today many Americans come to Bunce as a sort of pilgrimage," says guide Peter Momoh Bassie. Photograph by Aisha Nazar Bunce Island was the centre of slavery for the whole of West Africa, Peter explains as we wander beneath shattered watchtowers and crumbling archways, occasionally finding rusted cannons and nameless graves in the hungry grass. Around 30,000 West Africans passed through here before they were taken to places like Georgia and South Carolina, and today many Americans come to Bunce as a sort of pilgrimage. A sapphire-blue butterfly pauses to rest on Peters arm and Im struck by the dissonance in my surroundings, the landscapes tranquillity so at odds with the violence its witnessed. But as Peter recounts the tale of Sengbe Pieh, a Mende farmer who won his right to return to Sierra Leone after leading a revolt aboard a Spanish slave ship in 1839, I begin to understand that reading such places only for their dark histories is to overlook the tales of strength that have emerged from them. The dancing tide That afternoon, Peter and I take a boat back to Freetown to meet Mary-Ann Kai Kai, a local fashion designer for whom Sierra Leones heritage has long been a source of inspiration. We find the city thick with heat and life, its streets filled with market vendors dressed in cloth so vibrant they seem to leave a trail of colour as they wander kerb to kerb, great baskets of oysters, oranges and plantain balanced on their heads. Youll see a lot of Sierra Leonean women wearing their traditional fabrics on Fridays, says Mary-Ann as we amble across town, her flowing, tie-dyed gown a beacon amid the citys sea of tin roofs and timber-framed colonial buildings. Sierra Leonean style is a blend of new ideas and old customs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Descended from one of the countrys few female paramount chiefs a term used by the British in place of king or queen when referring to local rulers Mary-Ann is the force behind fashion label Madam Wokie, which has helped to create jobs for some 3,000 young female tailors over the past three years. Its outfits are crafted using gara, a type of hand-dyed cloth historically coloured with indigo leaf or kola nuts. Gara patterns change as you go around the country, Mary-Ann says, cowrie shell earrings glinting in the afternoon sun. But all Sierra Leoneans love bright colours, she adds with a smile. The stress of living here means you need something to brighten your mood. Madame Wokies trainee tailors chat between sheets of gara cloth, a traditional Sierra Leonean fabric. The fashion label has created jobs for some 3,000 young female tailors over the past three years. Photograph by Aisha Nazar The mood could hardly be brighter at her studio, where some local musicians have gathered with slender wooden drums, their rippled beats and half-chanted vocals setting the pace as 100 busy hands craft fresh lengths of gara and batik. While the eldest workers thread needles through milk-white fabric, the youngest, many sporting their own designs, douse crumpled sheets with iridescent blue-green dye or use candlewax to decorate them with trippy galaxies of colour, their easy laughter filling any space the music doesnt. For me, Sierra Leone is one of the happiest places to be in the world, but it can also be unpredictable, Mary-Ann shouts above the hubbub. When you live in a place like this, you have to find a way of empowering others and that means working with what you find within your surroundings. The following day, we drive south to Bureh Town to meet someone for whom that came instinctively: local surfer John Small. Born and raised here, the muscular 24-year-old is one of the founding members of Bureh Beach Surf Club, the wellspring of Sierra Leones burgeoning surf scene. I meet him for a beginners lesson on the clubs thatch-roofed verandah, beyond which sage-green waves slide onto a crescent of ochre sand. As a child, I spent months watching expats surf here, he recalls as we pad out onto the beach. When I finally got a board, I already knew how to stand up. Palms sway above Bureh Bureh Beach, home of Bureh Bureh Surf Club, the wellspring of Sierra Leones burgeoning surf scene Photograph by Aisha Nazar Local surfer John Small was born and raised in Sierra Leone, and is one of the founding members of Bureh Beach Surf Club, the wellspring of Sierra Leones burgeoning surf scene. Photograph by Aisha Nazar For me, its not coming so easily. Thankfully, Johns a safe pair of hands, though he does fail to contain his laughter when I attempt to push myself into a standing position only to faceplant the sand. You look like a professional, he says. He may be a liar, but hes also something of a local legend, having taught almost all of Burehs instructors. One of them joins us in the wash: steely-eyed Kadiatu Kamara, Sierra Leones only professional female surfer. Im trying to encourage other girls to take up surfing, but its not easy, she says as we follow John into the bays waters. We have the beaches but not the resources to make it accessible. Thats what were trying to do with Bureh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I carry that determination with me as I kick myself shoreward, managing to stand just long enough to glide, not so elegantly, into the wash. The ensuing buzz drives me straight back into the water. My dream is to have a surf shop here, John tells me, gazing shoreward. All our boards, including the one youre using, were donated by friends from outside Sierra Leone. Every other professional surfer has their own board, so why not me? Why not us? My trunks are still dripping when we say goodbye. Peters anxious to make the 4pm ferry set to take me from Freetown back to the airport, though he still finds the time to make a pit stop for fruit and roasted corn on the way. We make it to the quay just in time, where my guide all relieved smiles and weary eyes presses a green-skinned orange into my hands just as Im swept up by a shoal of boarding passengers. The clouds have been thickening all day, but a change in the wind soon rakes them threadbare, leaving swallows dogfighting in a cornflower sky, and me, never so content, eating sunny mouthfuls of honey-sweet fruit. Published in the May 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only). "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Shortly after Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV, his brothers John and Louis Prevost became frequent guests on network TV. We kind of knew he was special. We used to tease him about being pope when he was 6 years old, Louis told NBC Miami. John quickly traveled to Rome to be with his brother. Were waiting to see, were supposed to have lunch, were supposed to go somewhere. We get to travel with the Pope to some special place and well just figure it out. Because were only here until Tuesday, John told NBC Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, May 10, John had dinner with his brother at his place, a.k.a. the Apostolic Palace. Notably, they ate pizza. The trip marked his fifth time visiting Rome; two of his previous trips were with his brother, now Pope Leo. Is he still the same old Bob? Lester Holt asked John, to which he replied, It depends who hes talking to. If its just the two of us, yes, hes the same. But if its public, then hes Holiness. He knows when to turn it on and when to turn it off. John continued, He had his first public appearance yesterday, and we went with him to that. When we were driving to these two churches, both sides of the road were packed with people screaming, Papa! Papa! Papa! And he rolled down the window, and would shake hands as the car would drive by. And the people were just in tears. Its just everyday life now. Its very hard for me to believe, but he just takes it all in. You Might Also Like Spains King Felipe and Queen Letizia attended Pope Franciss inaugural massthough, then they were known as Crown Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia. Twelve years later, theyre once again among the royals at an inauguration of a new pontiff: This time for Pope Leo XIV. We congratulate Cardinal Prevost on his election as the new pontiff, Pope Leo XIV. His call for peace inspires us, encourages us, and reflects the deep wishes and feelings of the Spanish people, the Spanish royal couple wrote after Pope Leos election. Sean Gallup - Getty Images King Felipe and Queen Letizia arrived at Pope Leos inaugural mass together. They were seated in the front row, alongside other royals. Jacquelyn Martin - Getty Images Queen Letizia wore white, as one of only seven women in the world currently given Le privilege du blanc or the privilege of the white while meeting the Pope. She accessorized with pearl drop earrings. Franco Origlia - Getty Images Back in 2013, however, she wore black to Pope Franciss mass. Europa Press Entertainment - Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Pope Franciss funeral, the Spanish royals were also in attendance, and seated near President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in the front row. Alessandra Benedetti - Corbis - Getty Images King Felipe and Queen Letizia are two of the most prominent Catholic royals in Europe. Throughout his pontificate, His Holiness Pope Francis has borne witness to the importance that love of neighbor, fraternity, and social friendship have for the world of our century, King Felipe wrote in memory of Pope Francis. We will always continue to be inspired by his conviction in the need to bring encouragement and comfort to the poorest and most needy, and by the importance he attached to dialogue and consensus in order to achieve a more just and united world. You Might Also Like WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) A local business and nonprofit are reporting an uptick in workers looking for seasonal jobs. One operations manager that KSN spoke with attributes the trend to the rising cost of everyday goods. Andrew Haffner is the operational manager for Parking Company of America in Wichita. One of the fastest parking companies in America did this season is that we worked, the Interest Bank Arena in the NCAA tournament, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haffner says seasonal work has many benefits, including filling employment gaps. It also allows the person, if its just temporary work, it allows them to get a little extra income, he said. Religious statue bashed outside of clinic in Wichita This is why the South YMCA sees more seasonal workers applying earlier than in past years. And so thats been exciting because there is a lot of training that has to happen prior to being employed and so this has given us a little bit more wiggle room to get ready for opening day for camp water parks, things like that, Kasey Williams, the senior program director for the South YMCA, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams says some teens want to help support their parents with some expenses. We have found a lot more people looking for second jobs, so already working but they have, you know, 15, 20 hours that they would like to give to us as well seasonally, she said. This growing trend reflects how some workers are adapting to a more challenging financial landscape. Theres multiple employers in Wichita in the surrounding areas that are looking for seasonal workers, especially when school is getting out, said Haffner. 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. To watch our shows live on our website, click here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. Winds have picked up once again across the state again this afternoon. A storm system scrapes across New Mexico Sunday and Monday, bringing high winds back in the afternoon hours, especially for areas along and south of I-40. This is where wind gusts up to 55 mph will be possible both afternoons. Areas of blowing dust are likely in southern New Mexico. A high fire danger will also develop with these high winds and dry conditions. Meanwhile, isolated showers and storms will move through northwestern and northern New Mexico. Some snow will be possible across mountain peaks as well with an isolated shower possible as far south as Santa Fe and Albuquerque Monday afternoon. Winds will quickly die down Monday night with calmer conditions by the middle of next week. An area of high pressure will develop over New Mexico, bringing in calmer, but more dry weather. Temperatures will also be climbing. Some of the warmest weather so far this year will arrive next Friday, with Albuquerques first 90 day of the year possible. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. May 17Albuquerque police have charged a woman in connection with a fatal stabbing Friday night on the West Side. Ashlynn Battle, 20, was arrested on an open count of murder following a domestic dispute in which Reina Aragon, 18, was killed, the Albuquerque Police Department said. The stabbing occurred after Battle said she saw Aragon damaging the windshield of her boyfriend Jason Clifford's pickup truck and the two got into a confrontation, the criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint also states that Battle and Aragon had issues in the past, noting that Clifford and Aragon had a romantic relationship at one point. Battle told investigators in an interview that after she stabbed Aragon, she got back up and continued to "verbally assault" her and Clifford. She told investigators that Clifford proceeded to smash the windows of Aragon's car. Officers responded to the Sandia Village apartments in the 5100 block of Prospector NW, near McMahon, following a 911 call at 11:15 p.m. Friday. Police learned a friend drove Aragon to Lovelace Westside Hospital, where she died. Before the stabbing, Battle and Clifford went to the Burger King where Clifford and his roommate worked, suspecting the roommate had a romantic relationship with Aragon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After seeing the two get into a vehicle together, Clifford confronted the roommate, and a skirmish ensued. Afterward, Clifford told investigators he packed up his roommate's belongings and told him to come pick them up, then walked outside and noticed the tires of his truck were slashed. Clifford and Battle suspected Aragon or the roommate and searched for the two to ask for money to cover the damages or to seek revenge, according to the complaint. The couple said they returned to the apartments and saw Aragon damaging Clifford's truck. Battle told detectives she had put a folding knife in her pocket before arriving at the apartments, according to the complaint. She said once Aragon approached her passenger's side door, she opened it and Aragon tried to hit her. "She stated that Reina continued to come towards her," and that was when she stabbed her, the complaint said, adding that Battle also told investigators that Aragon wasn't armed. Police spokesperson Gilbert Gallegos said they may pursue charges for Clifford's role in the incident at a later date. A woman was arrested after leading officers on a 100-mile pursuit across multiple Southern California counties. On Saturday morning, Simi Valley police responded to reports that a woman was refusing to leave the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library premises. When an officer arrived, they spotted the suspect, Melissa Kotulski, 47, of Connecticut, in her vehicle. When Kotulski saw the officer approaching, she reportedly drove directly toward the officer, narrowly missing her and her patrol vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect headed onto the southbound 101 Freeway and continued speeding away, eventually transitioning to the 134 and 210 Freeways. Simi Valley police handed off the chase to California Highway Patrol officers. Kotulski led CHP on a winding 100-mile pursuit that eventually ended in the Claremont area when spike strips successfully deflated the womans tires. Officers surrounded Kotulski and took her into custody for assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer and reckless evading. She was booked at the Ventura County Sheriffs Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. A woman in northeast Ohio has burns on 90 percent of her body after a fire broke out at an apartment complex on Saturday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The fire was reported around 8:45 a.m. in Akron, according to our CBS affiliate in Cleveland, WOIO. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When firefighters got to the scene, there was heavy smoke and fire coming from a 2.5-story apartment building. Firefighters were able to put the fire out and rescue a woman from the building. The Akron Fire Department confirmed to WOIO that the woman was badly burned and had burns covering 90 percent of her body. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition. The fire is under investigation by the State Fire Marshals Office. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A woman is facing several charges after reportedly attempting to hit a police officer with her car in April. After the incident, officers found drug paraphernalia and forged checks in her car. Shanni Lee Ireland-Decker, 55, is facing 12 charges, including one count of aggravated assault targeting law enforcement with bodily injury, a first-degree felony; eight counts of possession of forged writing or device for writing, all third-degree felonies; and one count of use or possession of drug paraphernalia, a class B misdemeanor. See the full list of charges at the end of this article. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, a gas station employee called to report that a person identified as Ireland-Decker had been unconscious in their car at a gas pump for over an hour. 1 dead, 1 in custody after stabbing at Riverdale apartment complex When officers arrived at the gas station and one parked in front of Ireland-Deckers car, the suspect immediately began to back away from him, documents said. The suspect stopped after an officer told her to, after which that officer spoke to Ireland-Decker through the passenger window. While speaking with Ireland-Decker, the officer noticed tinfoil scraps and a glass pipe, according to documents. Officers commanded the woman to turn off her car and get out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, after being instructed to turn off the car, documents said Ireland-Decker placed the vehicle in gear and drove toward [the officer] who was approaching the drivers side door, just missing him as she fled eastbound on 4700 South. Troopers with Utah Highway Patrol later reported that they had found the suspect vehicle abandoned near 4200 South Bangerter Highway, and that the car appeared to have been disabled after striking a raised island. Officials searched the abandoned vehicle and found burnt tinfoil, glass bongs, and eight checks in the name of someone else. Detectives confirmed that the checks were fraudulent. Charging documents for Ireland-Decker were filed on May 14, and the incident happened on or around April 27. According to documents, the full list of charges against her is as follows: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One count of aggravated assault targeting law enforcement with bodily injury, a first-degree felony Eight counts of possession of forged writing or device for writing, all third-degree felonies One count of failure to respond to officers signal to stop, a third-degree felony One count of use or possession of drug paraphernalia, a class B misdemeanor One count of accident involving property damage, a class B misdemeanor Latest headlines: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Amentha Hunt claims that when she attended her late uncle's viewing in April, she found a stranger in his suit and casket instead of him Along with her uncle's wife, Hunt is now suing Harrison-Ross Mortuary for the mix-up, which she claims staff tried to deny, requiring her to show photos to confirm the body was not him Harrison-Ross Mortuary has denied Hunt's claims, and is reportedly preparing to send a cease-and-desist letter to her When a California woman arrived to mourn her late uncle, she said she was shocked to see the body of a complete stranger and even more shocked when a mortuary worker allegedly told her she was wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his death in February, Otis Adkinsons family made arrangements at Harrison-Ross Mortuarys Crenshaw Blvd. location for a viewing and funeral service. When Otis niece, Amentha Hunt, arrived for the viewing on April 7, she was shocked to see a stranger in the casket where her uncle should have been, according to her complaint filed in court and viewed by PEOPLE. Not only was the wrong corpse in her uncles casket, but the stranger was wearing the suit the family had handpicked for the viewing, according to the document that Hunt and Otis wife, Willie Mae Adkinson, filed against Harrison-Ross Mortuary on May 15. "It was a guy lying there in my uncle's suit, but it wasn't my uncle," Hunt recalled to CBS affiliate KCAL News. I just kept looking at him. I was like, 'Wait a minute, he couldn't have gotten that dark.' " Naturally, Hunt immediately attempted to remedy the error, but a staff member at the mortuary insisted that the body in the casket belonged to her uncle, she claims in the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The employee she spoke with doubled down, insisting that it was in fact the correct body, per the complaint. So Hunt showed living pictures to the employee to prove that the body in the casket was not her uncles and only then did the staff member realize their mistake, the complaint alleges. It took several hours to remedy the mix-up take the incorrect corpse to another facility, switch the suit to the correct body and place it in the casket by which time there was little to no time left for any viewing, per the complaint. And it should not have been necessary in the first place, according to Hunt. "It shouldn't have happened, she told KCAL News. I didn't make arrangements there to see the wrong body. The mortuary has denied Hunts allegations and is preparing to send Hunt a cease-and-desist letter to her, according to KCAL News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harrison-Ross Mortuary did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on Sunday, May 18. Google Maps Harrison-Ross Mortuary Harrison-Ross Mortuary 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. Along with her aunt, Hunt is suing the business for negligence and breach of contract, as well as both intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. Hunt and Willie Mae have suffered tremendously from the mortuary staffs shameful conduct, the complaint alleges. The mystery and horrific facts surrounding the treatment of [Otis] has caused and continue to cause the pair immense mental suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, inconvenience, grief, anxiety, humiliation and emotional distress, per the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hurting. I still think about it, Hunt told KCAL News. Thats something thats never going to go away, to view the wrong corpse. I still can see that guy. Hunt and her aunt also claim that the rest of the family was impacted, stating in the complaint that relatives at the April 7 viewing were extremely distraught leading to confusing, emotional distress and arguments about the mix-up. In a statement to KCAL News, Hunts attorney, Elvis Tran, said, For them to come in and see the wrong corpse, and for the mortuary to deny that it's the wrong corpse we think it's really just a basic standard of care that they messed up on. The funeral homes staff, Tran added, really need to improve their ways so they don't do this to another family. Read the original article on People CLINTON, Ill. (WCIA) Officers with the Clinton Police Department responded to Clinton Square Friday night after a woman was hit by a car. Police said the incident happened around 9:50 p.m. At the time, the Square was barricaded and closed to traffic for the Chamber of Commerces MayDays Festival. UPDATE: Two dead after vehicle vs. semi-truck crash on I-57 in Neoga The victim was brought to a local hospital but is expected to be okay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, Clinton Police arrested 28-year-old Damian Multine of Phoenix, AZ for leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury. This is a class four felony. Multine was processed at the Dewitt County Jail and released on a Notice to Appear in court per the Illinois Safe-T Act. The Clinton Police Department said on Facebook that as part of speculation/rumor control there is no correlation between Multine and the MayDays Carnival/Festival. They added that all suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Two months after Benjamin Netanyahu broke the short-lived ceasefire, the situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels. Aid, medicine, and essentials have dried up thanks to Israels complete blockade, and the IDFs relentless bombing has resumed. Countless humanitarian organisations have warned that the blockade is on the precipice of killing tens of thousands of people in a widespread famine. Now, the mobilisation of 70,000 IDF reservists for a new land offensive in Gaza Operation Gideons Chariots is on the cards. Netanyahus declared aim is the permanent occupation of most of the Gaza Strip and the forced displacement of two million Palestinians first to the southernmost part of Gaza, and then from their homeland entirely. This amounts to nothing short of a new Nakba. With this escalation, Netanyahu is openly turning his back on the idea of returning the hostages, effectively signing their death warrants. This is fuelling a seething hatred towards him in Israeli society where 70 percent of the population would prefer the end of the war if it means the return of the hostages. 87 percent of Israelis, furthermore, believe that Netanyahu should accept responsibility for the 7 October attacks, and 72.5 percent believe that he should resign. As the threads of Israeli society fray under the strain of this war, Netanyahu is desperately attempting to cling to power by tying himself to the most extreme elements in the Knesset. The military escalation is taking place amidst deteriorating relations between Israel and the US. Donald Trump continues to reiterate the idea of turning Gaza into the Riviera of the Middle East an idea he has now dubbed a freedom zone by expelling Palestinians in Gaza to Egypt and Jordan. However, he is now also stating that he seeks an end to this brutal conflict a stance that flies in the face of Netanyahus insistence on fighting the war to the end. Meanwhile he was negotiating directly with Hamas for the release of the last remaining US hostage, Edan Alexander, bypassing Israel entirely. At a time when Netanyahu is throwing the remaining hostages to the wolves, this is a political humiliation. Things have reached such a low that Trump is said to have broken off all relations with Netanyahu. For Netanyahu, who has been conducting military interventions on five fronts since 7 October 2023, the blank cheque that he has been able to draw upon from the US has been central to the whole policy that has kept him in power. But Trump is signalling that he will not stake all of US imperialisms interests in the region on Israel, and he is now striking myriad deals with other regimes that cut Israel out entirely. This is a sharp change in US foreign policy, which before the arrival of Trump was near unbounded support for Netanyahu. Trump cuts Netanyahu out In a week where Donald J. Trump has been touring the Gulf signing big, headline deals with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates on trade, oil, and investment, Netanyahu appears to have been completely relegated to the sidelines. Trump has struck a $1 trillion deal with Saudi Arabia, including on uranium enrichment for Saudi Arabias civilian nuclear programme, a deal sure to cause alarm in Jerusalem. Such deals, and in particular deals related to a potential Saudi nuclear programme, have always been linked with normalisation of relations with Israel. That clause was no longer present in any of the deals of the past week. Trump has even agreed to entirely lift sanctions on Syrias new Islamist regime. For Israel, this represents another bitter blow. The IDF has systematically bombed Syrian military installations since Assad's fall, even expanding its operational zone beyond the Golan Heights further into Syrian territory. By undermining Israels strategy of keeping al-Jolani's regime fragile, this move strengthens Israels Turkish rivals, who are the primary backers of the new rulers of Damascus. In a week where Donald J. Trump has been touring the Gulf signing big, headline deals, Netanyahu appears to have been completely relegated to the sidelines / Image: public domain All of these dizzying series of deals were carried on completely behind the back of Netanyahu. They followed a deal negotiated with the Houthis where Israel, again, was kept in the dark. In exchange for the US ceasing its assault on Yemen, the Houthis agreed to halt their attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes. Most tellingly, the deal imposed no restrictions on Houthi attacks against Israel, effectively leaving Israel to confront this threat alone. This agreement came just one day after the Houthis successfully struck Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, with many international airlines suspending flights to Israel for weeks. Perhaps most ominous for Netanyahu, Trump has been engaged in negotiating a nuclear deal with Iran, preparing for a fifth round of talks in Oman. The Houthi truce serves as another goodwill gesture to Tehran, demonstrating Trumps commitment to finalising an agreement. True to form, Trump's messaging on Iran remains deliberately ambiguous. Yet his harsh treatment of former security adviser Mike Waltz speaks volumes. Waltz reportedly pursued his own hawkish agenda pressuring the Trump administration on behalf of Netanyahu and Israeli officials to carry out a strike on Iranian nuclear facilities only to be swiftly demoted. Though Netanyahu claims to have spoken with Waltz only once, Trump clearly didn't buy this explanation. Things have deteriorated to such a point that Netanyahu is now thinking the unthinkable: that the day may come when US military assistance will end. He told his cabinet, I think well reach a point where we wean ourselves off [US military assistance]. All this represents a sharp turn in US foreign policy. From backing Israel to the hilt, as Biden had done, and as Trump seemed to be doing when promoting his own plan to ethnically cleanse Gaza, Trump is now seeking to make deals and find other points of support in the region, to the detriment of Israel. Trumps goal When Trumps Gaza plan was first announced in the Oval Office, the prospect had Netanyahu and his far-right cabinet gushing. But while Trump does not have any principled opposition to Israel and its continued expansion, he has his own regional objectives that dont align with unconditional support for Netanyahu. Ultimately, Trumps support is conditional, hinging on his ability to pursue a broader Middle East policy, particularly regarding Iran. Trump firmly believes the American dog should wag the Israeli tail, not vice versa. It is in this context that we must understand the sudden souring of relations between Netanyahu and Trump. Far from being a mere personal rift, this development reveals diverging strategic interests regarding Israel's and America's future roles in the Middle East. Donald Trump is no pacifist. But, the Middle East occupies secondary importance in his calculus. His regional objectives focus chiefly on securing deals that avoid further destabilisation while benefiting US economic interests, enabling him to concentrate on domestic priorities, as well as China. He wants to withdraw US forces from the Middle East, but he wants to do so without further destabilising the situation. This is easier said than done. He is also acutely aware that the continuation of the war in Gaza is full of revolutionary implications, in Jordan, in the Gulf States, in Egypt and beyond. Trump's thinking does not, of course, stem from any sympathy for the Palestinians, but from recognising that unlimited support for an increasingly reckless and genocidal ally would drag the US into another military adventure like the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Trump firmly believes the American dog should wag the Israeli tail, not vice versa / Image: public domain It was Trump and Steven Witkoff who originally forced Netanyahus hand into agreeing to a multi-stage ceasefire as a way to ultimately end Israels war. While the plan for the day after was anything but clear, it cannot be denied that Trump saw ending the Gaza war as a priority. Netanyahu could not end the war, however, as its end would have meant the end of his political career and his own demise. He thus took the first opportunity to break the ceasefire after its first phase. This threw a spanner in the works of Trumps plans. For Trump, it was a clear indication that Netanyahu was prepared to undermine him for the sake of political survival. Trumps Gaza plan announced during the ceasefire was essentially a gesture to Netanyahu, signalling that while he would support Israels Zionist goals, this must be done on American terms. When Netanyahu broke this imperialist peace to maintain his alliance with his far-right coalition partners, he indirectly told Trump that his governments survival and the continuation of the war mattered more than US interests. Such behaviour doesnt sit well with Trump, particularly when coming from someone claiming to be Americas closest ally. A senior Trump ally reportedly told Ron Dermer Netanyahus closest confidant that the presidents greatest irritation is being perceived as naive or manipulated, and that Netanyahu was doing exactly that. When Trump says America First, he means it. This inevitably makes Netanyahu's hardline Israel First (or rather, Netanyahu First) policy a source of friction with the potential of creating a full-blown crisis between the US and Israel over both Gaza and Iran. Friends and foes The old adage holds that nations have no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests. Trump has demonstrated this truth first in Europe, and now even in the special relationship between the US and Israel. The Houthi truce highlights Trump's implicit recognition that American imperialism can no longer afford to police every global conflict. With the U.S. national debt ballooning and the federal deficit widening, Trump sees such open-ended commitments on secondary fronts as fundamentally unsustainable. The old adage holds that nations have no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests / Image: public domain This exemplifies Trump's cut-your-losses approach. Previously, the notion of abruptly ending military operations (effectively admitting defeat) to negotiate with one of Israel's principal Iranian-backed adversaries would have been unthinkable. No longer. Ultimately, Trump viewed the campaign as a poor investment, failing to achieve its objectives, draining finances, and squandering military resources that could better be used to secure its own backyard and deter China. Much has been said about Trump dismantling the old world order in Europe, but the Middle East too faces seismic shifts in US engagement. Trumps policy is a recognition that US imperialism is no longer an all-powerful hegemon. It has been forced to recognise this fact and cut deals, at the expense of the US main ally: with the Saudis, with the Turks, and above all with Iran, as Obama before him was forced to do with the Iran nuclear deal in 2015. But his attempts to disentangle US imperialism from the contradictions in which it is caught will not lead to greater stability. Quite the contrary. In openly opposing this turn, Israel, which has long been a key strategic asset, risks becoming a liability for Washington. Netanyahus desperate bid But Netanyahu is not going to back off easily. His calculation is, on the one hand, to keep himself at a safe distance from any legal proceedings that a pause in the genocidal campaign might allow. Even before 7 October, both Qatargate and a slew of other corruption cases had been a constant source of concern, with the potential to bring him down, and Israel had seen a series of mass mobilisations, with a powerful section of the Israeli ruling class pitted against him. The lengths to which Netanyahu will go to force the judicial genie back into the bottle were clearly demonstrated when he broke the ceasefire just hours before an important court hearing, creating a justification for its indefinite postponement. Moreover, the past few months have seen Netanyahu engaged in open conflict with Ronen Bar, the head of the Israeli security agency, Shin Bet. Bar publicly accused Netanyahu of breaking the law by instructing the security agency to spy on and clamp down on anti-government protests, as well as ordering Bar to obey Netanyahu himself over the Israeli High Court. This is no minor accusation, and it shows how the war in Gaza far from uniting the states ruling branches is pitting different layers of the ruling class against each other. In turn, this undermines the Israeli regime itself and sets the stage for major political and social crises in the coming period. Netanyahu clearly saw the danger of Bars accusations becoming the centre of a major trial and viciously counter-attacked. In the end, this pressure forced Bar to step down, annulling the immediate effect of his accusations before a formal legal proceeding could come about. At the same time, Netanyahus political coalition is resting on the support of far-right elements in the form of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir. These fanatics view the completion of the Zionist project the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians and the permanent occupation of Gaza and the West Bank as Israels one and only goal. While Netanyahu cannot ignore Trump fully, he is constantly tying his own political fate more tightly to Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. The resumption of the war in March was not only a means to get out of his own legal tangle, but was also the only way for him to get a new budget passed in the Knesset. Without getting Ben-Gvir and Smotrich on board again by resuming the war, the budget would not have passed and the parliament would have been automatically dissolved, triggering new elections. That would have been the end of Netanyahu. As such, Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have become Netanyahus kingmakers, and they are well aware of this fact. They now openly state in Israeli media that the goal of the war is not and has never been to free the Israeli hostages, but to conquer Gaza. Within a few months Gaza will be totally destroyed, Smotrich said recently. As for Trumps original plan to depopulate Gaza and carry through a forced exodus of millions of people, Smotrich has said that the government has no right to exist if it does not go through with this plan. Destroying Hamas is an illusory goal, something Netanyahu is well aware of but uses cynically to further his own rule / Image: IDF Spokespersons Unit, Wikimedia Commons Netanyahu is set on wrecking any possible hostage deal that might come about from Trumps visit to the Gulf. Repeating this position before reluctantly sending an Israeli delegation to Doha on the orders of Trump, Netanyahu stated that Israel will accept nothing less than a complete disarmament of Hamas, which must then give up governance of Gaza. In a meeting with wounded IDF soldiers on Monday, Netanyahu was reported to have said that within days, things are going to happen in Gaza that you have never seen before until now, and that Israel would occupy Gaza forever. The line of trajectory of the Israeli regime is clear. Netanyahu intends to go all the way in Gaza, come what may. This will not only widen the cracks opening up between Israel and the US, but also fan the flames of crisis within Israel itself. Already, serious doubt is being cast publicly by leading figures in the IDF on Israels ability to sustain another prolongation of the war. According to the IDF, it will consider itself fortunate if 60-70 percent of those who are called actually present themselves for duty. This is down from 120 percent presenting themselves for duty at the start of the war that is, more IDF reservists were volunteering to fight than were called up falling to 80 percent earlier this year, and falling further since. The war is now pulling Israeli capitalism apart by the seams. Political, military, economic and social tensions are all rising. With Netanyahu dragging on the genocide, the long-term implications for Israel are growing. The fact is that the war has solved nothing for the Zionist ruling class. Destroying Hamas is an illusory goal, something Netanyahu is well aware of but uses cynically to further his own rule. While Hamas has lost many of its leaders, the war has enormously radicalised Palestinian youth who are ready to replenish the ranks of the organisation. Even Netanyahus own demands tacitly make clear the impossibility of defeating Hamas. Among his conditions for any Israeli ceasefire is the demand that Hamas reveal who its leaders are. That is to say, Hamas has been beheaded and to a certain extent has turned into a leaderless resistance movement, without any clear targets to strike. Israel is becoming more exposed and fragile both internally and on the world stage. The genocide at the end of the day has not strengthened Israel, but weakened it. The Zionist ruling class has always built its social support on the myth that it is able to protect the Israeli population. Far from ensuring security, it is throwing the lives of Israelis into turmoil. It is estimated that 100,000 Israelis have developed mental illnesses as a result of the war. With Trump plotting to secure his own interests elsewhere, Netanyahu is desperately pushing the idea that Israel can survive and prosper as a highly militarised state in a never-ending war. But reality is demonstrating the opposite to be the case, with aggression and violence opening the door to a disorderly breakdown of stability in Israel itself. Even some tops of the Israeli military are becoming fearful of where this ends for Israel. According to a senior security analyst, Amos Harel, speaking on the Haaretz Podcast, many Israelis, and especially the IDF top brass, are actually hoping that President [Donald] Trump will again intervene and reach some kind of deal. Crisis on the horizon Trump will leave the Gulf having struck deals worth hundreds of billions of dollars with the Saudis, Emiratis and Qataris. But the biggest deal of them all, peace in the Middle East, will elude him. Netanyahu has set his sights on the complete seizure of Gaza. Such an operation under the conditions of an escalating famine would once again put Israels genocide to the fore of the world situation. New and shocking images of a hastening ethnic cleansing by gunpoint of the IDF will not only put pressure on Trump, but could also reignite the Palestine movement across the world. The shifts in global relations and regional balances are not opening a period of stability in the Middle East. Trumps wheeler-dealer logic, Netanyahus desperate war and the attempts of capitalist governments across the world to maintain the status quo will fail to solve the problems of capitalism. In Gaza, Trump's promises of peace and freedom cannot turn back the clock on events. While he might try to wrestle Netanyahu harder, or even go so far as to threaten to cut aid to Israel, there is no fix under capitalism to the web of contradictions in the Middle East. A woman has sustained a serious arm injury due to the detonation of an unknown device near her home in the village of Novooleksandrivka in Kherson Oblast. Source: Kherson Oblast Military Administration on Telegram Details: Kherson Oblast Military Administration reported that a 58-year-old woman was hospitalised after tripping over an unknown object near her home which then detonated, causing a severe arm injury. Background: Two people were killed and 13 others injured in Kherson Oblast between 16 and 17 May due to Russias war of aggression against Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! By Jennifer Rigby and Emma Farge LONDON/GENEVA (Reuters) -Hundreds of World Health Organization officials will join donors and diplomats in Geneva from Monday with one question dominating their thoughts: How to tackle crises from mpox to cholera without their main funder, the United States. The week-long annual assembly usually showcases the scale of the U.N. agency set up to tackle disease outbreaks, approve vaccines and support health systems worldwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year - since U.S. President Donald Trump started the year-long process to leave the WHO with an executive order on his first day in office in January - the main theme is scaling down. "Our goal is to focus on the high-value stuff," Daniel Thornton, the WHO's director of coordinated resource mobilisation, told Reuters. Just what that "high-value stuff" will be is up for discussion. Health officials have said the WHO's work in providing guidelines for countries on new vaccines and treatments for conditions from obesity to HIV will remain a priority. One WHO slideshow for the event, shared with donors and seen by Reuters, suggested work on approving new medicines and responding to outbreaks would be protected, while training programmes and offices in wealthier countries could be closed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States had provided around 18% of the WHO's funding but it was not on the list of attendees released on Sunday, and on Monday as the assembly began, the U.S. chair was empty in the main hall. "We've got to make do with what we have," said one Western diplomat who asked not to be named. Staff have been getting ready - cutting managers and budgets - ever since Trump's January announcement in a rush of directives and aid cuts that have disrupted numerous multilateral pacts and initiatives. The year-long delay, mandated under U.S. law, means the U.S. is still a WHO member - its flag still flies outside the Geneva HQ - until its official departure on January 21, 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump - who accused the WHO of mishandling COVID, which it denies - muddied the waters days after his statement by saying he might consider rejoining the agency if its staff "clean it up". But global health envoys say there has since been little sign of a change of heart. So the WHO is planning for life with a $600 million hole in its budget for this year and cuts of 21% over the next two-year period. CHINA TAKES LEAD As the United States prepares to exit, China is set to become the biggest provider of state fees - one of the WHO's main streams of funding alongside donations. China's contribution will rise from just over 15% to 20% of the total state fee pot under a pre-agreed overhaul of the funding system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have to adapt ourselves to multilateral organisations without the Americans. Life goes on," Chen Xu, China's ambassador to Geneva, told reporters last month. On Monday, host country Switzerland's health minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider opened the assembly with a new voluntary donation of $80 million over four years. Others have suggested it might be time for a broader overhaul. "Does WHO need all its committees? Does it need to be publishing thousands of publications each year? said Anil Soni, chief executive of the WHO Foundation, an independent fund-raising body for the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is also the urgent need to make sure key projects hold up during the immediate cash crisis. That meant going to donors with particular interests in those areas, including pharmaceutical companies and philanthropic groups, Soni said. The ELMA Foundation, which focuses on children's health in Africa, has already stepped in with $2 million for the Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network - more than 700 labs which track infectious disease threats, he added. Other business at the assembly includes rubber-stamping a historic agreement on how to handle future pandemics and drumming up more cash from donors at an investment round. But the focus remains on funding under the new world order. In the runup to the event, one WHO manager emailed staff asking them to volunteer, without extra pay, as ushers. (Additional reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Hugh Lawson) BRIDGEWATER TWP. A Greene, New York, man faces charges after state police said he returned to a Susquehanna County property after being evicted. Troopers responded to 11273 state Route 29 on Tuesday around 1 p.m. for the report of an evicted male on the property. Once on scene, troopers took Brian Marble into custody and discovered he had been previously evicted from the residence by Susquehanna County sheriffs. Police charged Marble, 41, with criminal trespass and defiant trespass. Marble was released on $2,500 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing is set for Monday at 1:30 p.m. America Yamilet Sanchez of Veracruz, Mexico, has been identified as one of the two fatal victims of the Brooklyn Bridge ship crash The tragedy occurred when a Mexican Navy training vessel carrying 277 people collided with the New York City landmark at approximately 8:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, May 17 In addition to the two fatalities, 19 people were injured, with four facing serious injuries One of the two fatal victims of the Brooklyn Bridge ship crash has been identified as a young Mexican Navy cadet from Veracruz, Mexico, according to a statement from Veracruz's governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I deeply regret the passing of Veracruz cadet America Yamilet Sanchez, Gov. Rocio Nahle Garcia wrote on X on Sunday morning, May 18, hours after the May 17 tragedy. My love, support and solidarity go out to her family." My gratitude to the Secretariat of the Navy and my wishes for a speedy recovery for those injured. Veracruz is with you, Garcia added. Sanchez was 20, according to the New York Post. Stephanie Keith/Getty Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtemoc after it slammed into the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, 2025 Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtemoc after it slammed into the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, 2025 The accident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. local time. An official with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) told The New York Times that there were 277 people onboard, and everyone is currently believed to be accounted for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Earlier tonight, the Mexican Navy tall ship Cuauhtemoc lost power and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge, New York City mayor Eric Adams shared in an update on X on Saturday. "At this time, of the 277 on board, 19 sustained injuries, 2 of which remain in critical condition, and 2 more have sadly passed away from their injuries," he added. The Mexican Navy also shared a statement regarding the incident on social media, writing, "During the sailing maneuver of the Cuauhtemoc sailboat in New York, a mishap occurred with the Brooklyn Bridge, causing damage to the training ship, preventing the continuation of the training cruise for the time being. Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtemoc after it slammed into the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, 2025 Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtemoc after it slammed into the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, 2025 Video footage shared online shows the massive boat colliding with the Brooklyn Bridge, before sections of the top half of the ship broke apart. Another post features a photo that shows numerous people hanging from the ship's mast after the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. The Cuauhtemoc arrived in the area earlier in the week, according to NBC New York. It was docked at Pier 17 of the South Street Seaport Museum and had been open for tours. The ship, per the museum's website, was built at the Celaya Shipyards in Bilbao, Spain, in 1981. The vessel's name means "Descending Eagle." Read the original article on People YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Military veterans were honored in Youngstown on Saturday. At Oak Hill Cemetery, volunteers decorated the graves of those who served in red, white and blue. Close to 2,000 flags were placed in the morning. Daniele Phillips says she does it every year in honor of her family. I do it for my grandma. Her husband passed away in World War II. So, its special to me, and I kind of feel her when I do it, Phillips said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Veterans and volunteers were also decorating graves at Calvary Cemetery. Members of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts helped out. Those at the cemetery say its a great learning session for the younger generation. The big thing is these kids out here, the young, the youth of today, to make them understand what this means, the sacrifices that the men and women in this cemetery in particular and all over the country, said Commander Terry Mackey. Mackey says its important for everyone to honor veterans on Memorial Day. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Youngstown police are investigating a shooting on the citys East Side on Saturday afternoon. Police say a person was shot in the 1000 block of McGuffey Road around noon. It happened near a convenience store. Detective Mohammad Awad says the victim is in stable condition and is not cooperating with police. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 18, following the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV, where the leaders discussed sanctions on Russia and recent peace talks in Istanbul. The meeting marked the first public encounter between Zelensky and Vance since their heated Oval Office exchange with U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 28. "During our talks we discussed negotiations in Istanbul to where the Russians sent a low level delegation of non-decision-makers," Zelensky wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to be engaged in real diplomacy and underscored the importance of a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible." "We have also touched upon the need for sanctions against Russia, bilateral trade, defense cooperation, battlefield situation and upcoming prisoners exchange," Zelensky added. The meeting also occurred one day before a scheduled call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin and followed negotiations in Istanbul on May 16, where Russia sent only low-level delegates, raising doubts about Moscow's commitment to ending the war. Read also: Investigation: Uncovering the secret Russian FSB operation to loot Ukraines museums Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Pressure is needed against Russia until they are eager to stop the war," Zelensky said. In one positive development, Russia and Ukraine reached an agreement on May 16 for the exchange of prisoners of war (POWs) on a 1,000-for-1,000 basis, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who was leading Ukraine's delegation, told reporters. Trump, who has not imposed new sanctions on Russia to pressure it into establishing a ceasefire, plans to speak with Putin on May 19, followed by calls with Zelensky and NATO leaders. He said the talks are intended to end the "bloodbath" and achieve a ceasefire. Ukraine accepted a U.S.-proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire in March. Moscow has continued its large-scale drone and missile strikes, including the largest drone attack of the war on May 18, when 273 drones entered Ukrainian airspace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Washington, Republican lawmakers have echoed the call for punitive actions against Moscow. U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg told Fox Business that the "Russian Sanctions Act of 2025 is ready to go." At least 72 senators support the legislation, which includes sweeping financial penalties and 500% tariffs on countries that continue buying Russian oil, gas, or uranium, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said on May 1. Read also: Russia plans training launch of Yars intercontinental ballistic missile overnight on May 19, Ukraines HUR claims Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of his visit to Rome for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV. During the talks, Zelensky briefed the US officials on what he described as the "unrealistic conditions" set by the Russian delegation at the peace negotiations in Istanbul on Friday, according to a statement released by his office on Sunday. "I reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to be engaged in real diplomacy and underscored the importance of a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible," Zelensky wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting also covered the need for additional sanctions against Russia, developments on the battlefield and an upcoming prisoner exchange - 1,000 detainees on each side - which emerged as the only concrete outcome from the latest round of peace talks. "Pressure is needed against Russia until they are eager to stop the war," Zelensky emphasized. "And, of course, we talked about our joint steps to achieve a just and durable peace." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of his visit to Rome for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV. During the talks, Zelensky briefed the US officials on what he described as the "unrealistic conditions" set by the Russian delegation at the peace negotiations in Istanbul on Friday, according to a statement released by his office on Sunday. "I reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to be engaged in real diplomacy and underscored the importance of a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible," Zelensky wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting also covered the need for additional sanctions against Russia, developments on the battlefield and an upcoming prisoner exchange - 1,000 detainees on each side - which emerged as the only concrete outcome from the latest round of peace talks. "Pressure is needed against Russia until they are eager to stop the war," Zelensky emphasized. "And, of course, we talked about our joint steps to achieve a just and durable peace." European leaders seek coordination with Trump Meanwhile, ahead of anticipated talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, the leaders of Britain, France and Germany are seeking a conversation with Trump to coordinate their positions, sources told dpa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are looking to speak to Trump on Sunday, sources close to the chancellor in Berlin said. Starmer, Macron and Merz have held two recent phone calls with Trump to align their Ukraine strategies. On both occasions, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk joined the discussions. However, he is not expected to participate in this latest round of talks. German government sources told dpa that the three leaders have requested to talk to Trump on Sunday evening in Europe. Trump, in a post on his Truth Social network on Saturday, said he will speak with Putin by phone at 10 am (1400 GMT) on Monday and will speak with Zelensky and some NATO members after that. Russia launches largest drone strike on Ukraine since 2022 Elsewhere, Ukraine endured the largest Russian drone assault since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, according to a tally given on Sunday by the war-torn country's military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The air force said a total of 273 unmanned aerial vehicles were launched by Russia overnight. According to Ukrainian media, that surpasses the previous record of 267 drones reported on February 23. One woman was killed in the capital, Kiev, and three others were injured, including a 4-year-old child, authorities said. The regions of Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk were also targeted in the overnight attacks. Ukraine said they downed 88 drones, while another 128 failed to reach their targets. The military did not disclose details on potential damage or specific impact sites, in line with usual protocol. The figures could not be independently verified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assault came just days after Russia and Ukraine held their first direct peace talks since 2022 in Istanbul, although Zelensky and Putin did not take part. Despite agreeing to a prisoner exchange and further negotiations on a ceasefire, Moscow has rejected calls from Ukraine, the United States and European allies for a halt to hostilities before a broader agreement is reached. Russia unimpressed by threats Moscow's latest wave of attacks is widely seen as a response to mounting threats of tougher sanctions from the United States and the European Union. The EU announced on Friday new plans for additional sanctions on Moscow after Putin failed to travel to Turkey to negotiate with Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new package of sanctions would primarily affect the financial and energy sectors. Russia, for its part, has repeatedly stated that it will not be intimidated by ultimatums or threats. Both the EU and the US have already imposed numerous restrictions intended to cripple Russia's economic capacity to sustain its war against Ukraine. Yet, Western analysts acknowledge the resilience of the Russian economy - an outcome that defied early expectations. Despite clear economic challenges, such as restricted access to Western technology, Russia continues to generate significant revenue from oil and gas exports. These earnings are helping to prop up its wartime economy, underscoring the limitations of sanctions alone in curbing the Kremlin's military ambitions. Syrian Foreign Minister, Assad Al-Shibani, expressed his countrys sincere gratitude and appreciation to King Mohammed VI for his decision to reopen the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Damascus. Al-Shibani made the statement during a press briefing following talks in Baghdad Saturday with his Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita on the sidelines of the 34th Arab Summit. Al-Shibani, who described Moroccan-Syrian relations as being very good, expressed thanks to the Moroccan King and government for their interest in developing these relations, which we aspire to be economically and investment-wise outstanding in the Arab world. King Mohammed VI had announced in his address to the Arab Summit Moroccos decision to reopen its embassy in Damascus, which was closed in 2012. The Monarch affirmed that this decision will contribute to opening wider horizons for the historical bilateral relations between our two brotherly countries and peoples. The Monarch described the move as a reaffirmation of Moroccos support for the promising course of action in the country and steadfast backing for Syrias territorial integrity and national sovereignty, as well as a gesture of solidarity with the aspirations of the Syrian people for freedom, security, and stability. The Kingdom of Morocco reaffirms its unwavering, historical position set out in the letter I sent to my brother, HE President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, namely that we stand by and support the proud Syrian people as they seek to fulfil their aspirations for freedom, security, and stability and to preserve Syrias territorial integrity and national sovereignty, the King said in his address before the Summit. In the context of implementing the Royal decision, Nasser Bourita announced that a Moroccan technical delegation would visit Syria next week to assess the necessary arrangements for the embassys reopening. Bourita confirmed that the embassy will be a channel for communication and coordination in various fields between the two countries. For his part, Assad Al-Shibani announced that he would also send a technical team to Morocco to reopen the Syrian Embassy in Rabat, in a reciprocal step that underscores both countries desire to fully resume and develop diplomatic relations. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described his meeting with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome on Sunday 18 May as "good". Zelenskyy briefed them on the "unrealistic conditions" put forward by Russia at the Istanbul talks. Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Photo: Ukraine's President's Office Details: During the meeting, the parties discussed the talks held in Istanbul on 15 May. Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine is ready "to be engaged in real diplomacy" and is calling for the "full and unconditional ceasefire". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "We have also touched upon the need for sanctions against Russia, bilateral trade, defence cooperation, battlefield situation and upcoming prisoners exchange. Pressure is needed against Russia until they are eager to stop the war. And, of course, we talked about our joint steps to achieve a just and durable peace. Thank you to all American people for the support and leadership in saving lives." Update: The presidents press service later reported that Zelenskyy had briefed Vance and Rubio on the talks in Istanbul and Russias unrealistic conditions for establishing a lasting ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy said the low level of the Russian delegation indicated that it had no authority to make any decisions. The president also spoke about how Russia has violated the ceasefire it had itself proposed. Zelenskyy stressed that all of this shows Moscow has no intention of ending the war, and that is why pressure is needed to force Russia to agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire. Background: Zelenskyy met with Vance on 18 May after Pope Leo XIVs inauguration Mass at the Vatican. The two had previously shaken hands during the inauguration. Zelenskyy also met US President Donald Trump at the Vatican last month at the funeral of Pope Francis. The White House described that brief meeting as "very productive", and Zelenskyy said it had the potential to become historic. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Rome, where they discussed defence support for Ukraine, cooperation within the coalition of the willing and increasing pressure on Russia. Source: Office of the President of Ukraine Details: Zelenskyy briefed Albanese on the negotiations in Istanbul and emphasised that Russia is currently doing everything possible to prolong the war and the killings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also noted that Ukraine is coordinating its efforts with US President Donald Trump and consistently supports American proposals. The leaders discussed sanctions that could pressure Russia into abandoning its preconditions for an unconditional ceasefire and coordination with international partners. Quote: "It is a good thing that we have allies from different continents. Together we can truly bring the current situation closer to peace by exerting pressure on Russia. And we are very grateful for the sanctions." More details: The topic of defence support was tackled separately. Albanese confirmed that Abrams tanks are already en route to Ukraine, while the total amount of aid provided stands at $1.5 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Russia's illegal aggression must be stopped, and we stand clearly and unequivocally on the side of Ukraine," Albanese stated. "Of course, we also call for peace and insist that it is Ukraine that should determine its future." Zelenskyy and Albanese also discussed the potential involvement of Australia in the coalition of the willing and security guarantees for Ukraine after a just and lasting peace is achieved. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! During their meeting on Sunday 18 May, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented Pope Leo XIV with a unique icon painted on part of a box that had been used to store heavy artillery munitions and was brought from the Izium area in Kharkiv Oblast. Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter) , : Telegram The icon gifted to the Pope. Photo: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter) Quote: "Today, we presented Pope Leo XIV with a special icon the Holy Mother with the Infant, painted on a fragment of a crate used to store heavy artillery munitions, brought from near Izium. This icon speaks of our children. Of those who have suffered from the war, who were deliberately abducted and deported by Russia, and who are very much awaited at home in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We pray for the lives of all our deported children and hope for the Vatican's support in this matter, so that all of them, both the children and Ukrainian prisoners, can return home." Background: Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska met with Pope Leo XIV following the conclusion of his inauguration mass at the Vatican. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Pope Leo XIV will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after the inauguration mass on Sunday 18 May. Source: press services for the Vatican and Zelenskyy, as reported by European Pravda Details: Serhii Nykyforov, spokesperson for the Ukrainian president, told journalists that following the inauguration mass, Pope Leo XIV will hold an audience with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Vatican also announced that the meeting between the Pope and the Ukrainian president would take place on Sunday after the inauguration mass, Reuters reported with reference to the Holy See's press service. Background: On 12 May, Zelenskyy and Pope Leo XIV held their first phone conversation. During Sundays inauguration mass, Pope Leo XIV also prayed for "war-torn" Ukraine, which awaits negotiations for a "just and lasting peace". Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is meeting with US Vice President JD Vance in Rome. Source: Suspilne, a Ukrainian public broadcaster Details: A Suspilne correspondent has reported that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also attending the meeting. Before that, Zelenskyy and Vance shook hands at the inaugural mass of the new Pope. Background: Zelenskyy and Vance last met at the White House on 28 February, when a dispute between them erupted over Russia's war against Ukraine. In addition, Zelenskyy met US President Donald Trump last month at Pope Francis's funeral in the Vatican. The White House described the brief meeting as "very productive", while Zelenskyy said it had the potential to become historic. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! During a meeting with Pope Leo XIV on Sunday 18 May, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Vatican for its willingness to serve as a venue for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia and expressed readiness for dialogue in any format for the sake of tangible results. Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda After the inauguration Mass, we had a meeting with Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex. We are grateful to His Holiness for the audience. For millions of people around the world, the Pontiff is a symbol of hope for peace. The authority and voice of the Holy See can play an important role in pic.twitter.com/6pFGJfcrae Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) May 18, 2025 Details: Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska met with Pope Leo XIV following his inaugural Mass in the Vatican. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ukrainian leader noted that "the authority and voice of the Holy See can play an important role" in bringing Russia's war against Ukraine to an end. Quote: "We thank the Vatican for its willingness to serve as a platform for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. We are ready for dialogue in any format for the sake of tangible results." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US Vice President JD Vance have shaken hands during the inauguration mass for Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. Source: Bloomberg; European Pravda Details: Bloomberg published a photo of Zelenskyy and Vance shaking hands and smiling. Zelenskyy was seated next to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, with Vance nearby. Background: The last time Zelenskyy and Vance met was at the White House in February, when a spat broke out between them over Russias war against Ukraine. Last month, Zelenskyy met with US President Donald Trump at the Vatican during the funeral of Pope Francis. The White House described that brief meeting as "very productive", while Zelenskyy said it had the potential to become historic. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Looking for a break? Test your knowledge of this week's news from the Yakima Valley. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Waist-to-height ratio predicts heart failure incidence, according to research presented at Heart Failure 2025. Obesity affects a substantial proportion of patients with heart failure (HF) and it has been reported that the risk of HF increases as body mass index (BMI) increases. Study presenter, Dr. Amra Jujic from Lund University, Malmo, Sweden, explained why the current analysis was carried out. "BMI is the most common measure of obesity, but it is influenced by factors such as sex and ethnicity, and does not take into account the distribution of body fat. "Waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) is considered a more robust measure of central adiposity, the harmful deposition of fat around visceral organs. In addition, whereas BMI is associated with paradoxically good HF outcomes with high BMI, this is not seen with WtHR. We conducted this analysis to investigate the relationship between WtHR and the development of HF." The study population consisted of 1,792 participants from the Malmo Preventive Project. Participants were aged 4573 years at baseline and were selected so that approximately one-third had normal blood glucose levels, one-third had impaired fasting glucose and one-third had diabetes. All participants were followed prospectively for incident HF. The study population had a mean age of 67 years and 29% were women. The median WtHR was 0.57 (interquartile range, 0.520.61). During the median follow-up of 12.6 years, 132 HF events occurred. Higher WtHR was associated with a significantly increased risk of incident HF (hazard ratio [HR] per one standard deviation increase 1.34; 95% CI, 1.121.61; p=0.001), independent of confounders. When WtHR was categorized into quartiles, individuals with the highest values of WtHR (median of 0.65) had a significantly higher risk of HF compared with individuals in the other three quartiles (HR 2.71; 95% CI, 1.644.48; p<0.001). Study co-author, Dr. John Molvin from Lund University and Malmo University Hospital, Sweden, noted, "The median WtHR in our analysis was considerably higher than 0.5, the cut-off for increased cardiometabolic risk. Having a waist measurement that is less than half your height is ideal." He concluded, "We found that WtHR was a significant predictor of incident HF and our results suggest that WtHR may be a better metric than BMI to identify patients with HF who could benefit from therapies for obesity. Our next step is to investigate whether WtHR predicts incident HF and also other cardiometabolic disorders in a larger cohort." More information: Waist-to-height ratio as a predictor of incident heart failure. esc365.escardio.org/Heart-Fail -prognosis-outcome-3 For devotees of Lord Shiva, undertaking a pilgrimage to the 12 Jyotirlingas is not just a journeyits a profound spiritual experience. Each Jyotirlinga is believed to be a divine manifestation of Shiva, where he appeared as a column of light (Jyoti) to bless his followers. These shrines are spread across India and have deep mythological and historical significance. If youre planning this spiritual journey, heres a complete guide to help you with the checklist and the most logical travel sequence to cover all 12 holy sites. What Are the 12 Jyotirlingas? The Jyotirlingas are revered as the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva, where he is worshipped in the form of a lingam of light. According to Hindu scriptures, visiting these sites with true devotion can help one attain moksha (liberation). Each of the 12 Jyotirlingas has its own story, deity form, and energy, offering a unique spiritual experience to the pilgrim. The Complete Checklist of the 12 Jyotirlingas Here are the names and locations of all the Jyotirlingas you should include in your pilgrimage: Somnath in Gujarat is believed to be the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas and holds great historical importance. Situated on the Arabian Sea coast, its a majestic temple with a turbulent past. Mallikarjuna at Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh is set amidst the Nallamala Hills. It is considered one of the most powerful Shakti Peethas as well as a Jyotirlinga. Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is the only Jyotirlinga facing south and is one of the most ancient temples, believed to be time-defying (Mahakaal). Omkareshwar, also in Madhya Pradesh, is located on an island shaped like the sacred 'Om' symbol in the Narmada River. The temple has a peaceful, divine aura. Kedarnath in Uttarakhand is set in the majestic Himalayas. Its accessible only by foot or helicopter and remains closed during winter due to heavy snowfall. Bhimashankar in Maharashtra, near Pune, lies in the Sahyadri hills. Its surrounded by dense forests and is also a protected wildlife sanctuary. Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is among the most famous Shiva temples. Located on the banks of the Ganga, it's a vital part of Hindu spiritual tradition. Trimbakeshwar, near Nashik in Maharashtra, is where the Godavari River originates. The temple features a unique lingam with three faces symbolizing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Vaidyanath or Vaijnath, located in Deoghar, Jharkhand, is known as the Doctor of Gods, where Shiva is said to have healed Ravana. Nageshwar, near Dwarka in Gujarat, is an iconic temple representing protection from all poisons and negativity. Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu is deeply connected to Lord Ramas journey to Lanka. Its also one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Grishneshwar, near the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, is the twelfth Jyotirlinga, rich in architectural and cultural heritage. Suggested Travel Sequence for Efficiency While you can visit the Jyotirlingas in any order based on your convenience or spiritual calling, the following sequence is recommended for efficient travel, keeping geographical continuity in mind: Start in western India with Somnath and Nageshwar in Gujarat. Then move into Maharashtra, where you can visit Trimbakeshwar, Bhimashankar, and Grishneshwar. From there, head into central India to see Omkareshwar and Mahakaleshwar in Madhya Pradesh. Next, move north to Kedarnath in the Himalayas and then toward the holy city of Varanasi to visit Kashi Vishwanath. From the north, travel to eastern India to seek blessings at Vaidyanath in Jharkhand. Finally, conclude your journey in the south, visiting Mallikarjuna in Andhra Pradesh and then Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu. Helpful Tips for Your Pilgrimage Plan your trip by season: Avoid traveling to Kedarnath or other high-altitude regions during the monsoon or winter months. The best time is from April to June and September to November. Book in advance: Accommodations and temple darshan slots can fill up quickly during festivals and peak seasons. Prepare for physical activity: Some temples, like Kedarnath, require long treks. If needed, arrange for pony rides or helicopters. Respect local customs and dress codes: Many temples require traditional attire and have specific entry rules for pilgrims. Combine with local tourism: Jyotirlingas are often near historical and cultural landmarks, like Ellora Caves (Grishneshwar), Dwarka (Nageshwar), or Sarnath (Kashi). JAC Class 10th, 12th Result 2025: Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) is expected to release the class 10th and 12th board examination results soon. However, the board has not given any particular date for the result announcement but according to past trends as in 2024, the class 10th Jharkhand Board result was declared on 19th April and class 12th result was released on 30th April in 2024. This year, it is expected to be released in the mid-to-end of May. Once released, students will be able to check their results from the official JAC website, i.e. jacresults.com. The other official website to check the results is jac.jharkhand.gov.in. The Jharkhand board class 10th examination took place from 11th February, 2025 to 9th March, 2025. Approximately 4.6 lakh students appeared for the exams this year. The result is expected to be released in a press conference that will be conducted by the Jharkhand Board in which they will announce the pass percentage of this year along with toppers list and other things. JAC Class 10th, 12th Result 2025: Steps To Check the Result Step 1- Go to the official JAC website- jacresults.com Step 2- You will see the link of Results of Annual Secondary Examination-2025 or JAC 10/12th Result 2025 on the homepage, click on it. Step 3- A new page will be opened to login Step 4- Enter the required credentials like your roll code and roll number or anything that is mentioned and submit it. Step 5- After submission, your result for JAC Class 10th or 12th result 2025 will be displayed on the screen. Step 6- Check your scores and download the page. Step 7- Print out your scorecard for future reference. JAC Class 10th, 12th Result 2025: Past Year Pass Percentage In 2024, the overall pass percentage of class 10th was 90.39 percent while the pass percentage of class 12th stood at 85.48 percent, the pass percentage for arts stream was 72.7 percent, 90.60 percent for commerce stream and pass percentage of arts stream stood at 93.7 percent. All the students are advised to keep checking the official website for all the important updates. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to visit the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany from May 19-24, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Sunday. It further noted that during his three-country visit, the External Affairs Minister will meet with the leadership of the three countries and hold discussions on the entire range of bilateral relations. Discussions will also take place on global and regional matters of mutual interest. EAM Jaishankar's visit to Germany comes as Friedrich Merz took over the office as the new Federal Chancellor of Germany earlier in May this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended his warm congratulations to Friedrich Merz and expressed his eagerness to work closely with Chancellor Merz for further strengthening the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. Sharing a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "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." In the wake of the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack, the three countries were a part of the several countries from across the world who had expressed solidarity with India. The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, offered support to India and condemned all acts of terrorism. She also extended condolences to the victims of the attack and their families. "Terrible news from Pahalgam. Denmark stands with India and strongly condemns all acts of terrorism. Our condolences to the victims of the attack and their families and loved ones," Denmark PM's office wrote on X. Former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had condemned the terrorist attack against tourists in Pahalgam. He had offered condolences to the people of India and wished a speedy recovery for all the people injured in the attack. President of Netherlands, Dick Schoof had said, "The Netherlands stands shoulder to shoulder with India in the fight against terrorism, now and in the future." India shares warm and friendly ties with the three countries. The ties of India and Denmark are based on historical links, common democratic traditions and shared desire for regional, as well as international peace and stability. The current development of renewed India-Denmark relations has been guided by the "Green Strategic Partnership", MEA noted in a statement. The diplomatic ties between India and the Netherlands are over 75 years old. As per the MEA, the two countries enjoy strong political, economic & commercial relations. High level mutual exchanges have provided impetus to the multifaceted partnership between the two countries. According to the MEA, India and Germany have a strategic partnership, with India being one of the first countries to have established diplomatic ties with Germany after World War II over seventy years ago. In a significant ruling aimed at curbing urban encroachment on ecologically sensitive land, the Supreme Court has directed the authorities in Maharashtra to take back 11.86 acres of forest land in Kondhwa, Pune, currently occupied by the Purohit Hills Cooperative Housing Society (CHS). In his first judgement after assuming the office, CJ Gavai in this landmark judgement concluded that the land had been illegally allotted by the state government and stressed that forest land cannot be diverted for private residential purposes. In a scathing judgement authored by chief justice BR Gavai and delivered by a bench comprising Augustine George Masih and justice K Vinod Chandran, the apex court pulled up the state authorities for collusion with private developers. The present matter is a classic example as to how the nexus between the politicians, bureaucrats and the builders can result in the conversion of precious Forest Land for commercial purposes under the garb of resettlement, the court observed. "It has been noticed that a vast stretch of the land which is notified as forest land is still in possession of the revenue department. Such a situation creates many complexities as is evident in the present matter. The revenue department, despite resistance from the forest department, allotted the land to private individuals and institutions for non-forestry purposes. This, in turn, reduced the vital green cover. We, therefore, find that it is necessary that a direction needs to be issued to all the state government and the Union territories (UTs) to hand over the possession of the lands which are recorded as forest land and which are in possession of the revenue department to the forest department," the bench says. The judgement underscored the states fiduciary responsibility to protect forest land under Article 48A of the Constitution. The land in question has already been declared as a private forest as early as in the year 2006 and as such, no development activity can be permitted on the said land, the Court noted. The 11.86-acre parcel forms part of Survey No8/2A/1 of Kondhwa khurd village which was earlier identified as private forest under the Maharashtra Private Forests (Acquisition) Act, 1975. The land was leased to the housing society by the state government through orders passed in 2006 and 2017. However, the Court held these orders were 'totally without jurisdiction' and 'non est in the eyes of law'. The state government was only a custodian of the forest land it could not have dealt with the said land in a manner prejudicial to the interest of the forest, the bench says, adding that the principle of public trust doctrine applied to the land in question. The matter had reached the apex court after a series of orders by the Bombay High Court, which had upheld the cancellation of the lease and ordered the eviction of the society. While hearing the appeal filed by the housing society, the Supreme Court observed that any construction undertaken or possession held over forest land without due approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, was unauthorised. No individual, including the state government, can use the forest land for non-forest purpose without prior approval of the central government, the Court ruled. It cited the landmark TN Godavarman Thirumulpad case to reinforce that land recognised as forest even if privately owned cannot be diverted without Central sanction. In response to arguments that the land was not forest due to the presence of dry shrubs and degraded vegetation, the bench held that ecological degradation cannot strip land of its forest status. Even degraded forest lands are forest lands and cannot be allowed to be taken over under the garb of non-use, the judgement stated emphatically. The Court ordered the Maharashtra government and the Pune Municipal Corporation to resume possession of the land and initiate eviction proceedings if the occupants do not vacate voluntarily within three months. It also directed that no further construction shall take place on the property. The bench, further says, "It would, therefore, be imperative that wherever it is possible to take back the possession of such land, the state or UT should do so and hand over the possession to the Forest Department for forestry purposes. However, if on account of such lands already being converted for non-forest activities, it is found that taking back the possession of the land would not be in the larger public interest, then the states or UTs should recover the cost of the land from such individuals and institutions and use the said amount for the purpose of afforestation, restoration and conservation." This ruling is expected to have wider implications for forest land governance in Maharashtra and other states where private parties have sought regularisation of encroachments based on flawed or retrospective administrative orders. The present case is a classic example of how forest land is attempted to be taken over by private parties for development, the Court remarked, calling for stricter scrutiny in the future. Environmentalists have welcomed the order, viewing it as a precedent that reinforces judicial commitment to protecting urban green zones amid mounting pressures of real estate development. The Supreme Court also warned authorities against the misuse of government powers to regularise illegal occupation of forest areas. A wrong decision does not create a precedent or right that can be enforced, it said. A Decades-long Land Grab The disputed parcel, admeasuring 11.86 acres, forms part of Survey No21 (earlier Survey No20-A) in Kondhwa Budruk. It was originally notified as reserved forest under the Indian Forest Act, 1878, through a gazette notification issued on 1 March 1879. A portion was de-reserved in 1934, but the remainder 29 acres and 15 gunthas continued to be recognised as forest land. In the 1960s, the Chavan family, whose land had earlier been acquired for a leprosy hospital, requested alternate land for cultivation. They were given temporary permission to cultivate a small portion on an annual (eksali) lease in 1968. Despite the lease never being renewed, a 1994 recommendation by the divisional commissioner led to the eventual allotment of the entire 11.86 acres to the family in 1998 bypassing mandatory Central government approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. The Chavan family soon transferred development rights to Aniruddha Deshpande, chief promoter of Richie Rich Co-operative Housing Society (RRCHS), even before the land was formally allotted. Construction of multi-storeyed residential buildings followed, supported by a series of permissions granted by the Pune administration. Forest Land 'Traded away' The Court found that the Chavan family acted merely as a conduit for RRCHS and that the state authorities had wilfully ignored the law. The state government was only a custodian of the forest land it could not have dealt with the said land in a manner prejudicial to the interest of the forest, the bench held, invoking the public trust doctrine. No individual, including the state government, can use forest land for non-forest purpose without prior approval of the central government, the Court ruled, citing provisions of the 1980 Forest Act and its own precedent in the TN Godavarman Thirumulpad case. The Richie Rich Society argued it was a bona fide purchaser and that the land had long ceased to function as a forest. Rejecting this claim, the court stated: Even degraded forest lands are forest lands and cannot be allowed to be taken over under the garb of non-use. It also dismissed reliance on a 1944 Gazette notification submitted by the developer, finding it to be a forged document following a probe by the crime investigation department (CID) ordered by the Court. With this landmark verdict, the apex court has reaffirmed the constitutional and statutory mandates to safeguard Indias forest resources against encroachment, no matter how influential or well-established the encroachers may be. New Delhi: Following Operation Sindoor, which concluded after four days of precise air and drone strikes in retaliation for the April 22 Pakistan-backed terror attack in Pahalgam, attention has turned to the history of military confrontations between India and Pakistan. Since Partition in 1947, the two neighbours have been locked in a bitter rivalry marked by wars, cross-border skirmishes and diplomatic standoffs. The first war between India and Pakistan broke out in 1947, immediately after Partition. In October that year, Pakistan-backed tribal militias invaded Jammu and Kashmir. In response, India airlifted troops to Srinagar on October 27, following the erstwhile states formal accession to the Union of India on October 26. Then Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel led the call for immediate military action to push back the invaders. Then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru took the matter to the United Nations, which brokered a ceasefire in 1949 under the Karachi Agreement. India retained two-thirds of the territory, while the remaining third came under Pakistans control, giving birth to the enduring Kashmir dispute. The second full-scale war erupted in 1965 after Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar, a covert mission aiming to infiltrate thousands of soldiers into Jammu and Kashmir to incite rebellion. The plan failed, leading India to launch a 17-day counteroffensive across the International Border. Indian forces targeted Lahore and Sialkot, engaging in what became the largest tank battle since World War II. Notably, Indian troops repelled Pakistani forces at the Battle of Asal Uttar. India gained air superiority and captured key territory in Lahore and Rajasthan sectors. A United Nations Security Council resolution led to a ceasefire on September 23, and the war formally ended with the Tashkent Declaration on January 10, 1966, brokered by the Soviet Union in Uzbekistan. The third and most decisive war came in 1971, rooted not only in Kashmir but also in the political turmoil in East Pakistan. After Pakistan launched Operation Searchlight to suppress Bengali nationalism led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, atrocities led to a humanitarian crisis with nearly 10 million refugees flooding into India. India intervened militarily, capturing over 15,000 square kilometres of Pakistani territory across PoK, Punjab and Sindh, although it later returned the land. The war culminated in the surrender of more than 90,000 Pakistani troops and the creation of Bangladesh on March 26, 1971. It was the largest military surrender since World War II. Celebrating the victory, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had said, The world admires a deed well done. And I think, with all modesty, we can say we have done the task well. By 1987, tensions escalated again following the controversial Jammu and Kashmir elections, which sparked separatist sentiment. India accused Pakistan of providing logistical and financial support to militants. Both nations built up military presence along the Line of Control, leading to frequent clashes. India conducted a massive military exercise, Operation Brasstacks, near the Pakistan border, which Islamabad interpreted as a threat of invasion. In 1990, the standoff nearly escalated into a nuclear confrontation, prompting calls for de-escalation from the United Nations. The unrest in Kashmir and cross-border skirmishes continued through the 1990s. In 1999, the Kargil conflict broke out after Pakistani soldiers and paramilitary forces crossed the LoC and occupied Indian positions in the Kargil sector, aiming to disrupt the Srinagar-Leh Highway and change the LoC unilaterally. Initially, Pakistan denied involvement, calling the infiltrators freedom fighters. However, India presented irrefutable evidence of regular Pakistani troops involvement. After weeks of heavy fighting, Indian forces reclaimed most of the lost territory. Under international pressure, especially from the then U.S. President Bill Clinton, Pakistan was forced to withdraw. The conflict cost Pakistan over 4,000 soldiers, though it initially denied the losses. Later, then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif acknowledged the casualties and the strategic defeat. In addition to these wars, India and Pakistan have engaged in several significant but limited conflicts. In early 1965, before the full-scale war, the two sides clashed in the Rann of Kutch after Pakistan launched Operation Desert Hawk. The boundary in this area has remained disputed since 1947. Another prolonged standoff occurred in Siachen from 1984 to 2003. India preemptively occupied the glacier under the Operation Meghdoot and later reinforced its position with Operation Rajiv in 1987. India took control of the 70-km-long glacier, its tributaries and critical passes like Saltoro Ridge, Bilafond La, Gyong La and Sia La. Pakistan retained the valleys to the west. Though a ceasefire was declared in 2003, both countries maintain a heavy military presence in the region, making Siachen the worlds highest and most inhospitable battlefield. Despite multiple ceasefires, diplomatic talks and international mediation efforts, India-Pakistan relations remain volatile. Pakistans persistent support for cross-border terrorism continues to undermine regional peace and stability. From full-scale wars to proxy conflicts, the history between the two nations remains one of hostility and mistrust. The recent Operation Sindoor is a reminder that while conventional wars may have become rare, the threat of terrorism and hybrid warfare continues to test Indias resolve and security apparatus. Indias All-Party Delegations: After the list of Members of Parliament (MPs) and All-Party Delegations that are going to represent India's resolve against terrorism was announced on Saturday, Congress slammed the Centre for picking only one out of the four nominated leaders names. The seven All-Party Delegations are set to visit key partner countries, including members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), later this month. This comes in the context of 'Operation Sindoor' and India's continued fight against "cross-border terrorism." In a post on the social media platform X, the official handle of Congress posted a statement from the party's General Secretary in charge of Communications, Jairam Ramesh. In the statement, the Congress Leader criticised the Centre for picking only one of the four suggested names for the All-Party Delegations. "Very late tonight (May 17th) the full list of members of all delegations has been officially released. Most regrettably only 1 of the 4 names suggested by the INC leadership has been included. This proves the complete insincerity of the Modi Govt and shows the cheap political games it always plays on serious national issues," the post read. "The 4 eminent Congress MPs/leaders who have been included at the instance of the Modi Govt will, of course, go with the delegations and make their contributions," it continued. The four Congress leaders picked for the All-Party Delegations are- Shashi Tharoor, Dr. Amar Singh, Manish Tewari, and Anand Sharma. Statement by Shri Jairam Ramesh On May 16th morning the Modi Govt asked for 4 names of Congress MPs/leaders to represent the INC in the delegations being sent abroad to explain India' stance on terrorism from Pakistan. These 4 names were conveyed in writing by the LoP Lok Sabha Congress (@INCIndia) May 17, 2025 Earlier, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, in a statement, had said, "The All-Party Delegations will project India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations. They would carry forth to the world the country's strong message of zero-tolerance against terrorism." Who Are Members Of the Seven All-Party Delegations? The following MPs will lead the seven delegations- 1- Shashi Tharoor, INC 2- Ravi Shankar Prasad, BJP 3- Sanjay Kumar Jha, JDU 4- Baijayant Panda, BJP 5- Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, DMK 6- Supriya Sule, NCP 7- Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Shiv Sena Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, in a post on X, informed about the MPs and delegations that will represent India's front on a global stage. One mission. One message. One Bharat Seven All-Party Delegations will soon engage key nations under #OperationSindoor, reflecting our collective resolve against terrorism. Heres the list of MPs & delegations representing this united front. https://t.co/1igT7D21mZ pic.twitter.com/3eaZS21PbC Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) May 17, 2025 Pakistan To Launch Similar Mission In a similar move to New Delhi's, Islamabad could also send a delegation to present its "case for peace" globally. Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, in a post on Facebook, stated that Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had asked him to lead a delegation for the same. "I was contacted earlier today by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who requested that I lead a delegation to present Pakistan's case for peace on the international stage," Zardari said in the post. Operation Sindoor The diplomatic move by New Delhi, to send seven All-Party Delegations on a global mission, came days after Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks on Indian territory following India's Operation Sindoor, launched to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack. India's All-Party Delegations: Following India's announcement of sending seven All-Party Delegations worldwide to highlight its stance against 'cross-border terrorism,' Pakistan is set to dispatch a delegation, led by Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman and former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, to advocate for "peace" on the global stage. India on Saturday had announced that in the context of 'Operation Sindoor' and India's 'continued fight against cross-border terrorism', seven All-Party Delegations are set to visit key partner countries, including members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), later this month. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs' statement read, "The All-Party Delegations will project India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations. They would carry forth to the world the country's strong message of zero-tolerance against terrorism." Following this, Bhutto Zardari, in a post on the social media platform Facebook, said that Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had asked him to lead a delegation to present Pakistan's case for "peace" on the international stage. "I was contacted earlier today by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who requested that I lead a delegation to present Pakistan's case for peace on the international stage," Zardari wrote. Also Read: Govt-Cong Tussle Over Multi-Party Delegations Nomination Escalates | Full List Here India's Seven All-Party Delegations Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, on Saturday, announced that seven All-Party Delegations will be visiting key partner countries, including members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), later this month in the context of Operation Sindoor and India's continued 'fight against cross-border terrorism'. The MPs who will lead the seven delegations are: Congress Leader Shashi Tharoor, BJP Leaders Ravi Shankar Prasad and Baijayant Panda, JDU's Sanjay Kumar Jha, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi of DMK, NCP (SP) Leader Supriya Sule, and Shiv Sena Leader Shrikant Eknath Shinde. India-Pakistan Tensions In a gruesome terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, 26 individuals were killed. Following this, India announced several measures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty of 1960. New Delhi also took a series of punitive measures against Islamabad. The Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). According to ANI, after the airstrike, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling across the Line of Control (LoC) and J-K, and attempted drone attacks along the border regions, following which India carried out a coordinated strike and damaged radar infrastructure, communication centres, and airfields across 11 airbases in Pakistan. (with ANI inputs) Ali Khan Mahmudabad, 42, who teaches political science at Haryana-based Ashoka University, has been arrested for remarks on Operation Sindoor. Mahmudabad was arrested on a complaint filed by Yogesh Jatheri, the general secretary of the BJP Yuva Morcha in Haryana, sources said. Ali has been arrested under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita pertaining to inciting armed rebellion or subversive activities and insulting religious beliefs. Also, sedition charges have been filed against him. Police are, however, yet to issue an official statement on his arrest. "Haryana police have illegally arrested Dr Ali Khan. Taken to Haryana from Delhi without transit remand. FIR at 8 PM. Police reached his home the next morning at 7 AM," Delhi University professor Apoorvanand said in a post on X. "The Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court must intervene. Please see the Pravir Purkayastha judgment of the Supreme Court," he wrote. Haryana State Commission for Women Chairperson Renu Bhatia took suo motu cognisance of Mahmudabad's remarks, which were alleged to be disparaging toward women in the Indian Armed Forces and promoting communal disharmony. The commission summoned the professor, but he failed to appear. Later, he said the commission had "misread" his comment. "...I am surprised that the Women's Commission, while overreaching its jurisdiction, has misread and misunderstood my posts to such an extent that they have inverted their meaning," Mahmudabad had said on X. Regarding the arrest of the professor, Ashoka University said, "We have been made aware that Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad has been taken into police custody earlier today. We are in the process of ascertaining details of the case. The university will cooperate with the police and local authorities in the investigation fully." New Delhi: Jyoti Malhotra, a popular travel vlogger known for her YouTube channel Travel with Jo, has been arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan along with six others. It all started when intelligence agencies reportedly noticed a suspicious pattern in her international travel. She visited Pakistan for 12 days in April 2024 under the pretext of exploring the country for her channel. What raised eyebrows was her subsequent trip to China just weeks later, where she was seen frequenting luxury stores and travelling in expensive vehicles a behavior that, as per security agencies, seemed far beyond her means. It raised serious concerns among security agencies. Following these red flags, surveillance on Malhotra intensified. Investigators, as claimed, discovered that she had obtained her Pakistani visa by visiting the countrys embassy in New Delhi, where she came into contact with a man named Danish. Their relationship reportedly deepened over time. In 2023, she was granted a 10-day visa to Pakistan. There, she allegedly met operatives of Pakistans intelligence agency. According to sources, Malhotra saved one officers number under a fake name - Jatt Randhawa to conceal her connection. After returning to India, she is believed to have started transmitting sensitive information to Pakistani handlers through apps like WhatsApp, Telegram and Snapchat. She was arrested as part of a broader crackdown by security agencies that led to the arrest of six individuals involved in the alleged spy network. Among them were Armaan from Nuh, Gazala (a widowed from Punjabs Malerkotla), Yameen Mohammad and Devinder Singh Dhillon from Kaithal. However, the spotlight remains firmly on Malhotra, whose fame as a YouTuber has turned this case into a national talking point. Malhotra has been booked under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923. These sections deal with espionage, communication with foreign agents and sharing confidential government information and carry penalties ranging from three years in prison to life imprisonment. Given the nature of the charges, her chances of early release appear slim. She has been placed on a five-day police remand, and her mobile phone, laptop and other digital devices have been seized for further investigation. Investigators also revealed that Malhotra was tasked with presenting a favorable image of Pakistan on Indian social media platforms. She was allegedly in a close relationship with a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) agent, with whom she recently spent a week in Bali, Indonesia. These connections are being scrutinised as part of the expanding investigation. Another aspect under review is Malhotras possible link to the Pahalgam massacre. She had visited the region in December-January, just before her March 2024 trip to Pakistan, prompting some to speculate whether there is a deeper connection. However, no official confirmation has been provided by agencies so far. While the investigation continues, the case has ignited debates on whether Malhotra was a deliberate participant in espionage or if she was manipulated possibly under the guise of a romantic or ideological connection. Some even question whether she might have been a victim of so-called love jihad, though authorities have not commented on this angle. As more layers unfold, the arrest of Jyoti Malhotra highlights how digital platforms and personal networks are becoming new battlegrounds in international intelligence and how even seemingly ordinary influencers can end up at the center of high-stakes espionage operations. Hyderabad Fire: A massive fire broke out in a building at Gulzar House near Hyderabad's Charminar on Sunday morning, killing 17 individuals, including children as young as 1.5 years. In a release, the Telangana Fire Disaster Response Emergency and Civil Defence informed that upon receiving information at 06:16 am about the fire in the G+2 building at Gulzar House Chowrasta, Charminar, the Moghalpura water tender and its crew rushed to the scene of the fire. It added that due to the access constraints and to speed up the search and rescue operations, an assist call was given to other fire stations, and in total of 12 appliances reached the fire ground and participated in the firefighting and rescue operations. It took two hours to extinguish the fire. "The suspected cause of the fire is under investigation. The value of the property damaged is yet to be ascertained," the release added. ANI quoted the Telangana Disaster Response and Fire Services DG, Y Nagi Reddy, as saying, "The preliminary examination shows that the cause was a short circuit." The cause of death of all the 17 people was smoke inhalation, "nobody had burn injuries," Reddy added. The individuals who lost their lives include Prahalad (70), Abhishek (31), Pankaj (36), and others, according to the release. 17 people have lost their lives in the fire incident that broke out in a building in Gulzar House near Charminar in Hyderabad earlier today: Telangana Fire Disaster Response Emergency & Civil Defence. pic.twitter.com/AjQGiczzyZ ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2025 Union Minister and Telangana BJP Chief G Kishan Reddy, who was present at the scene of the tragedy, informed that several people were feared to be dead and added that the accident occurred due to a short circuit. Talking to reporters, Reddy added that the fire broke out in a pearl shop and continued to inform about the deaths and injuries. He said, "The fire broke out in a pearl shop owned by a family. Their house was on the floor above the shop. The accident happened due to a short circuit. Many people have died in the accident. Some have been injured." "I am not blaming anyone, but since Hyderabad is a rapidly developing city, the police, municipal, fire, and electricity departments should be strengthened. The fire departments here do not have enough equipment. The family told me that the fire tenders had insufficient equipment until 7:30 am... The state government must allocate more money to the fire department... After speaking to the Prime Minister, I will get the central government to provide financial assistance for the families of the deceased," Reddy continued. #WATCH | Hyderabad, Telangana | Union Minister and state BJP chief G Kishan Reddy says, "The fire broke out in a pearl shop owned by a family. Their house was on the floor above the shop. The accident happened due to a short circuit. Many people have died in the accident. Some https://t.co/Tk0NBMaMbR pic.twitter.com/NzNPizPyJm ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2025 A total of 11 fire engines were dispatched to the spot to bring the fire under control. In a video from IANS, dark and thick smoke can be seen at the spot of the accident. Telangana: A massive fire broke out at Gulzar Houz in Hyderabad. Fire fighters reached at the site pic.twitter.com/zcYLBsN5EC IANS (@ians_india) May 18, 2025 Speaking to ANI, Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said that while the fire broke out around 6 am and by 6:16 am the fire department of the Telangana government was present at the spot. He said, "The fire broke out around 6 am, and by 6:16 am, the fire department of the Telangana government was present at the spot. They tried to save everyone. But the fire had spread massively... The majority of the people inside the building have died." Prabhakar added that Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy had a word with the family who were living in the building that caught fire. "The Chief Minister has spoken to the family. The state government will fully support the family. We will conduct a thorough review to ensure fire safety and avoid any such incidents in the future. The public also has to support the fire department in this," he added. PMO Announces Ex-Gratia In a post on the social media platform X, the Prime Minister's Office expressed condolences and said, "Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy in Hyderabad, Telangana. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon." In addition, the PMO's post added that an ex gratia of Rs. 2 Lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased, and the injured would be given Rs. 50,000. "An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy in Hyderabad, Telangana. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 18, 2025 According to ANI, another accident on May 14 was reported in which fire broke out in a three-storey building in Hyderabad's Begum Bazar. (with agencies' inputs) New Delhi: When the dust settled after Operation Sindoor, one question echoed across defence circles: how did India mobilise its military might so quickly and in such coordinated fashion? The answer lies not in chance, but in a series of war games and strategic foresight. Between April 18 and 21, just days before tensions erupted following the Pahalgam terror attack, Indias armed forces were engaged in Exercise Haldi Ghati a tri-services communication drill designed to test and perfect interoperability between the Army, Navy and Air Force. There was a singular goal of the exercise ensure that all three forces could communicate with each other seamlessly, no matter the situation. At the same time, out in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy was executing Exercise Tropex its theatre-level operational readiness drill involving nearly all major warships. This massive show of force was not just for training, it turned out to be a crucial asset in the weeks that followed. The April 22 Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives, triggered immediate action from Indias top defence brass. Led by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the Department of Military Affairs wasted no time. What had been simulated days earlier was now being applied to real-world deployment. The trial runs during Haldi Ghati had paid off. The forces had already rehearsed how to speak the same language in battlefield conditions. In the critical two-week window between the terror attack and Indias precision strikes on May 7, inter-service communication channels were tested, refined and fully activated. Simultaneously, Joint Air Defence Centres were established along the India-Pakistan border, pooling together weapon systems and command nodes from all three services. This allowed the military to build a unified air defence shield, which played a pivotal role in neutralising Pakistans drone incursions on May 7, 8 and 9. Real-time clarity became another force multiplier. Thanks to integrated communications, commanders at defence headquarters in Delhi had a live and unbroken view of battlefield developments, capability that shaped strategic responses during the operation. Meanwhile, the Indian Navys presence in the Arabian Sea, bolstered by Tropex, had an immediate impact on Pakistans posture. Indias forward-deployed warships covered key zones, forcing the Pakistan Navy to withdraw and station its assets closer to the Makran coast, effectively neutralising any threat from the sea. By the time Operation Sindoor was executed, Indias war machine was not only activated, it was already running at full tempo. Exercises Haldi Ghati and Tropex were not just drills; they were blueprints for real-time dominance, implemented just in time. Pahalgam Terror Attack: A travel vlogger and YouTuber, Jyoti Malhota, now in police custody for allegedly spying for Pakistan, visited Pahalgam in January while on a five-day tour to Kashmir. A look at her Instagram handle shows that she also visited Pakistan and a party at the Pakistani High Commission in India. Notably, terrorists killed 26 tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, almost three months after her visit. Now, the police are investigating whether she carried out a recce and passed information to her Pakistani handlers. SP Hisar Shashank Kumar Sawan said that an investigation is on to establish any linkage between the terrorist attack and her visit. "She was in Pakistan before the Pahalgam attack, and the investigation is on to establish linkages, if there are any. We are also investigating, as we have leads that other people were also involved with her," says Sawan. He also said that Pakistani agents were developing Jyoti Malhotra as an asset. The SP said that Malhotra was in touch with other YouTube influencers, and they were also in touch with the Pakistani operators. "Modern warfare is not only fought on the border. The PIOs are trying to recruit some social media influencers, and they use that to push their narrative. We received inputs from the central agencies, and we arrested Jyoti Malhotra. She had visited Pakistan multiple times and China once. She was in contact with the PIOs. We have taken her on a 5-day police remand. We are analysing her financial details. During the conflict (Indo-Pak), she was in touch with the PIOs... Her travel details are defying her total income...," said the SP. Earlier, Jyoti Malhotra was sent to five days of police remand by a local court, officials said. According to police, "suspicious things" were found after the police recovered her laptop and mobile. Additionally, the Deputy Superintendent of Hisar, Kamaleet said that the vlogger was in "continuous contact" with a Pakistani citizen. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati has again put her faith in nephew Akash Anand by appointing him the party's chief national coordinator. The appointment was made at a high-level national meeting of the party on Sunday at the BSP central office at Lodhi Road, Delhi. Senior functionaries and office-bearers from various parts of the country, such as state presidents, general secretaries, national coordinators, and district-level leaders from Uttar Pradesh, attended the meeting. Return After 40 Days Of Expulsion Akash Anand's reinstatement to a leadership position is less than a month since he was ousted from the party on March 3. Mayawati had expelled him, citing fears over the increasing control of his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, which she claimed was not in the party's and Ambedkarite movement's interest. But on April 13just 40 days laterMayawati inducted Akash back into the party, cautioning him against coming under external pressure. She also urged workers to reassure and motivate him. Heir Apparent Reemerges Akash Anand had previously served as BSP's National Coordinator and was publicly declared Mayawati's political successor. His reappearance beside Mayawati at Sunday's crucial meeting has reignited speculation about his future in the party and whether he is being groomed once again for a larger leadership role. Sources close to the BSP suggested that Mayawati's decision to entrust him with significant responsibilities signals a renewed political push for Akash within the party's top ranks, possibly as a step toward long-term leadership transition. Pakistan, in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, finds itself confronting harsh realities about its air defence and drone warfare capabilities. Recent Indian drone and missile strikes, which devastated key military sites across the border, have laid bare serious weaknesses in Pakistans defence setup prompting calls from within to urgently modernise and rethink its strategic posture. Well-known Pakistani strategic analyst Dr. Qamar Cheema bluntly described Pakistans predicament, Our current defence systems are not equipped to handle the new generation of warfare. We desperately need advanced models like S-400. Without them, we remain vulnerable to Indian aerial dominance. His observations highlight how Indian forces reportedly breezed past Pakistans Chinese-made air defence systems, causing confusion and panic. The Indian Air Forces rapid and precise strikes targeted radar installations, command centres and ammunition depots at multiple locations including Lahore, Chaklala and Bholari. These strikes neutralised Pakistans Pechora and OSA-AK missile systems and even destroyed Chinese-supplied air defence units in Lahore and Chaklala. The use of Indias indigenous Akash missile system, equipped with sophisticated electronic counter-countermeasures, further demonstrated New Delhis growing technological edge. Pakistans own military leadership has acknowledged the damage inflicted. Retired Air Marshal Masood Akhtar confirmed the loss of a vital AWACS aircraft at Bholari airbase. He emphasised the severity of the strikes and the challenges faced by Pakistani pilots under missile attack. Cheema warned that future conflicts will heavily rely on technology drones, electronic warfare and cutting-edge air defence systems. This is not just a conventional war. It is a battle for technological superiority. Pakistan must urgently develop indigenous capabilities and invest in drone countermeasures before it is too late, he said. Operation Sindoor has thus served as a reminder for Pakistan: adapting to modern warfare demands far more than traditional weaponry. India currently holds a clear advantage in the modern warfare. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a final reminder to investors affected by the Karvy Stock Broking Ltd (KSBL) default, urging them to submit their claims before the 2 June 2025 deadline. The National Stock Exchange (NSE) had declared KSBL a defaulter on 23 November 2020 following multiple payment failures and regulatory violations. As per NSE bye-laws, investors were subsequently invited to file claims against the defaulting broker. The deadline for doing so was fixed as 2 June 2025. In a statement released over the weekend, SEBI says, As the deadline for submitting investors' claims against default broker Karvy Stock Broking is approaching shortly, investors are advised to take note of the above deadline and are urged to file their claims before the deadline, if not lodged already. The market regulators notice serves as a final call for clients of the now-defunct brokerage to seek redress through the established mechanism. Those who fail to file by the cut-off date may forfeit their eligibility for compensation under the investor protection framework. Karvy Stock Brokings downfall began after it was found to have misused client securities worth over Rs2,300 crore by pledging them to raise loans for its own purposes a violation that led to regulatory crackdowns and its eventual expulsion from NSE membership. SEBI has repeatedly emphasised the need for investors to remain vigilant about broker operations and to act promptly in the event of default. Investors who wish to file claims can do so through the NSEs prescribed process, details of which are available on the Exchange's official website, SEBI says. In November 2019, Karvy had unauthorisedly transferred securities worth Rs2,300 crore of more than 95,000 clients, into its account, by misusing the power of attorney (PoA) given by its clients. On 22 November 2019, SEBI barred Karvy from taking new clients in respect of its stock broking activities and also prevented it from using the PoA given by clients after the broker was found to have allegedly misused clients' securities. Karvy had, instead of pledging its own shares, pledged shares belonging to clients and utilised them to raise funds. Some of these funds were, in turn, transferred to its sister concerns such as Karvy Realty Ltd. The Karvy group, once a prominent player in India's financial market, has faced a series of regulatory challenges over the past few years. In April 2023, SEBI issued an order restraining Karvy Stock Broking Ltd (KSBL), the group's flagship entity, from accessing the securities market for seven years. This action was taken due to KSBL's involvement in misusing the client's funds and securities, including unauthorised transfers and pledging of client securities without consent. Subsequently, in May 2023, SEBI cancelled KSBL's registration as a stockbroker, further intensifying scrutiny of the group's affiliated entities. As of August 2024, National Stock Exchange (NSE) has paid Rs1,118 crore towards settling 70,897 claims filed by investor clients of the top-10 defaulting brokers out of its investor protection fund (IPF) trust from 1 January 2019 to 22 August 2024. As expected, investor clients of Karvy Stock Broking Ltd filed the maximum number of claims and received Rs448 crore from the IPF. Earlier in March this year, Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has cancelled the certificate of registration (CoR) of two entities associated with the Karvy GroupKarvy Capital Alternative Investment Trust (KCAIT) and KCAP Alternative Investment Fund (KCAP AIF). SEBI's examination revealed that KCL and these AIFs failed to meet the 'fit and proper person' criteria as outlined in SEBI's AIF Regulations, 2012, and the Intermediaries Regulations, 2008. A critical factor in this assessment was KSBL's substantial ownership stake in KCL, which exceeded 20%. Given KSBL's disqualification from the securities market, this ownership was deemed a violation of the 'fit and proper person' standards. New Delhi: Signaling a shift in how regional conflicts are being waged, India executed a sophisticated campaign of electronic misdirection and surgical airpower to neutralise Pakistans frontline airbases. A web of decoys, digital warfare and long-range precision missiles left Pakistan scrambling for cover in a modern war masterclass. While the world watched in silence, Indian forces pulled off a bold military offensive as part of Operation Sindoor involving fake radar signatures, autonomous munitions and precision-guided strikes that overwhelmed Pakistans defensive grid before it could respond. Indian defence planners employed a decoy-first strategy: launching dummy unmanned aircraft with radar signatures mimicking Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets. These ghost planes were never meant to strike but to provoke a reaction. The trap worked. Pakistani air defence systems got activated, revealing their hidden radar positions and missile batteries. That is when the real offensive began. With enemy systems exposed, India deployed a mix of loitering munitions drones capable of circling a target before striking along with long-range missile systems. These included Israeli Harops and homegrown BrahMos units. The missiles, as per reports, were not only aimed at physical structures but also targeted communication nodes and radar arrays. It effectively blinded large parts of Pakistans defensive infrastructure. Among the high-value targets reportedly struck were airbases in Sindh and Punjab provinces, where critical surveillance and drone assets were either destroyed or rendered inoperable. Military observers say that the operation was not just about retaliating, it was about reshaping the rules of engagement. Reports suggest that 11 out of 12 forward Pakistani airbases were put out of commission or severely degraded, forcing their air force to relocate assets deep into the interior. A particularly costly loss appears to be an airborne early warning aircraft reportedly struck while still on the ground an incident described by analysts as a major intelligence blow to Pakistans aerial capabilities. Caught off-guard by the pace and precision of the operation, Pakistans military command, according to the reports, requested high-level talks mere hours after the strikes began. Within the day, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO)-level discussions were initiated, and both sides agreed to a ceasefire by late afternoon. This campaign marks the first known combat use of several advanced Indian assets, including the BrahMos supersonic missile system in active conflict. Military experts note that the success of the mission lay not just in the firepower, but in the sequence deception, exposure and strike executed with digital finesse. What unfolded was not merely a retaliatory strike but a demonstration of how modern warfare now transcends dogfights a calculated, multi-layered digital battlefield where perception can be weaponised just as powerfully as precision. New Delhi: What began as wanderlust-fueled travel content has now spiraled into one of Indias most talked about espionage revelations in recent times. Jyoti Malhotra, a 33-year-old YouTuber from Hisar in Haryana popularly known online as Travel with JO has landed in police custody under serious charges of spying for Pakistan. Once admired for her immersive travel content and laid-back storytelling style, she now faces accusations of being groomed as a long-term Pakistani intelligence asset. Investigators allege she was part of a covert network of social media influencers being used to manipulate public opinion and quietly serve the agenda of Indias arch-rival. A Secret Mission? With over 380,000 subscribers and videos from destinations across India and abroad, Malhotra maintained a vibrant digital persona. But behind the camera, authorities claim, was a troubling link to dubious people in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi, specifically officials now expelled from India on espionage charges. She reportedly maintained contact with these individuals during the high-voltage military standoff in early May, triggered by the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 innocent civilians. As India launched a retaliatory strike under Operation Sindoor, intelligence agencies picked up suspicious cross-border communication involving Malhotra. An Unsettling Pattern Malhotra's frequent overseas travel raised red flags, especially her visits to Pakistan and China. According to investigators, her 2023 visa process put her in direct contact with high-level Pakistani operatives. What began as a visit arranged under the guise of cultural exchange allegedly evolved into something more sinister. Sources say accommodations were set up for her by intermediaries with intelligence links, including a handler named Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish, who was posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi and recently declared persona non-grata. Her plans to travel to Kashmir soon before the Pahalgam attack only added to growing suspicions. During the four-day military standoff that followed the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead, she allegedly maintained contact with the Pakistani diplomat, now at the center of an espionage storm. Weaponising Influence? This is not a spy thriller from the Cold War era. Authorities believe Malhotras value was not in stealing files or military secrets, it was her platform. In an age where perception shapes policy, narrative warfare is the new battleground. Influencers like Malhotra were allegedly being cultivated as pawns. She had influence, reach and access to other influencers. That makes her a potential amplifier for propaganda, whether knowingly or not, said a senior police officer. The police said she had contacts with other influencers who may also have been exploited by Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) to cleverly push anti-India narratives. This is also (a kind of) warfare, in which they try to push their narrative by recruiting influencers, he said, Hisar SP Sawan said on Sunday. He said the PIOs were attempting to develop her as a long-term asset. While she had no direct access to military intelligence, he said, her connections with other influencers made her a potential tool for narrative warfare. They were developing her as an asset. She was in touch with other YouTube influencers. They were also in touch with PIOs, he said. The Digital Trail Currently held under the Official Secrets Act and provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Malhotra is undergoing intense interrogation. Her phone, laptop and travel documents are being examined by forensic experts. Financial transactions, particularly those linked to foreign sources, are under the scanner. Investigators are also re-examining online posts by concerned citizens. A year before her arrest, an X user named Kapil Jain had publicly flagged her suspicious movements, including a visit to the Pakistani embassy and a sudden trip to Kashmir. @NIA_India please keep close watch on this lady..she first visited and attained pakistani embassy function then visited pakistan for 10 days now she is heading for kashmir... may be some link behind all these pic.twitter.com/kfrXZNhMuE kapil Jain (@chupchaplo) May 10, 2024 The Domino Effect Malhotras arrest has triggered a broader intelligence crackdown. In Punjab, two persons were recently detained in Malerkotla in connection with the same espionage ring. And now, the Odisha Police is probing a potential link between Malhotra and Puri-based YouTuber Priyanka Senapati. What started as a travel story has taken a dark turn. In the age of smartphones and social networks, the frontline of national security may no longer be the border, it may be the feed. The Indian Armys Western Command on Sunday released fresh visuals of Operation Sindoor on social media platform X, showcasing the mission with the powerful tagline: Planned, Trained, Executed. In the video, the Indian Army personnel are seen in military attire and armed, while one in the front said that Operation Sindoor was a lesson for Pakistan, one it had not learned for decades. "It all began with the Pahalgam terror attack. It was not anger, it was lava. There was only one thing on mind- this time, we will teach such a lesson that their generations will remember," the Army personnel said in Hindi. The video then moves on to visuals of blasts and firing, as the voiceover added in Hindi, "On the night of May 9, around 9 pm, the Indian Army destroyed all enemy posts that violated the ceasefire, forcing the enemy to flee. Operation Sindoor is not just an action, but a lesson for Pakistan that it has not learned for decades." India-Pakistan Ceasefire Earlier on Sunday, the Indian Army said that no talks were scheduled between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of India and Pakistan for the day. It further clarified that the continuation of a break in hostilities, as decided in the DGMOs interaction of May 12, has no expiry date to it. "No DGMO talks are scheduled today. As far as the continuation of a break in hostilities as decided in the DGMOs interaction of 12th May is concerned, there is no expiry date to it," the Indian Army said, as per ANI. On May 12, the DGMOs of India and Pakistan held crucial talks, and issues related to continuing the commitment that both sides must not fire a shot or initiate any aggressive action were discussed. Prior to this, on May 10, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had confirmed that Pakistan's DGMO had contacted his Indian counterpart, and the two sides agreed to halt all military actions on land, sea, and air. India's Anti Terrorism Global Push In another recent development, New Delhi announced that seven All-Party Delegations are set to visit key partner countries, including members of the UN Security Council, later this month, in the context of Operation Sindoor and India's continued fight against cross-border terrorism. Pahalgam, Op Sindoor, Retaliation On April 22, terrorists opened fire in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, killing 26 individuals. After this, India announced several punitive and diplomatic measures against Pakistan. After the Pahalgam attack, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, hitting nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK). (with ANI inputs) Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Sunday expressed disappointment over the lack of protocol observed by Maharashtras executive officials during his first official visit. He exaggerated that the judiciary, legislature, and executive are equal pillars of democracy and that all must respect each other. "Im disappointed with the executives in Maharashtra for not following protocol. The judiciary, legislature, and executive are equal pillars of democracy; all must respect each other," he said. Gavai further added that if the Chief Justice of India visits Maharashtra, it is expected that the Chief Secretary, DGP and Mumbai Police Commissioner should be present. "If the Chief Justice of India visits Maharashtra for the first time, its expected that the Chief Secretary, DGP, and Mumbai Police Commissioner should be present. Not doing so calls for reflection," Gavai added. Reacting to the lack of protocols, he said, "Protocol isnt new, and this marks the respect between constitutional institutions." Mumbai, Maharashtra: Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai says, "I appreciate Maharashtra's democracy, police, officials, all inclusive and accommodating. The judicial infrastructure is excellent. However, Im disappointed with the executives in Maharashtra for not following pic.twitter.com/9exeYus1Bg IANS (@ians_india) May 18, 2025 "When a head of a constitutional institution visits, the reception matters deeply..." he further added. Meanwhile, he also appreciated Maharashtras democracy, police, and officials for being inclusive and accommodating, adding that the judicial infrastructure is excellent. On May 14, Justice BR Gavai took oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India, an important moment in the countrys judicial history. As Chief Justice, he will lead the judiciary to protect the Constitution and deliver justice to all. His time in office will bring both challenges and opportunities. New Delhi: Pakistani influencer Waqar Malik has taken to social media to call out Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over his recent account of the India-Pakistan conflict ceasefire. In a viral video posted on May 16, he exposes the Pakistani leaders narrative as a concocted tale highlighting flaws and contradictions that question Islamabads strategic competence. Sharifs version begins with an early morning scene after Fajr prayers, where, he claims, he went for a swim taking his secure phone with him. While he was in the swimming pool, Army Chief General Asif Munir supposedly called him, informing that India had been given a strong slap and was now forced to ask for a ceasefire. According to Sharif, he encouraged the military to accept this offer calling it a moment worthy of respect and celebration. But Malik sees through this theatrical portrayal. In his sharply worded critique, the influencer sarcastically mocks Sharifs early morning deal made without any consultation with the Cabinet or Parliament. Now they have been caught. The whole game of these cunning players is exposed. Even the smartest make mistakes, and we are here to catch them, he says, pointing to the unraveling of official narratives. More damningly, Malik highlights a glaring inconsistency: Pakistans own narrative admits that India launched attacks on Sindh and Punjab nearly 12 hours after the ceasefire was supposedly agreed upon. If the ceasefire was real, why did India strike afterward? he questions and ridicules the lack of strategic sense. Malik directly blames Sharifs hasty decision for the loss of Pakistani soldiers, including a squadron leader and several airmen, implying that the military was left hamstrung at a critical moment. Turning the spotlight on Pakistans military shortcomings, he asserts the country failed to inflict any meaningful damage on India using the weakest missile available while lacking a coherent response. His biting commentary suggests that Pakistans leadership is out of touch with the realities of modern warfare and diplomatic negotiation. Adding to the skepticism, Malik points out the timing of US President Donald Trumps statement about the ceasefire half an hour after the Pakistani claims implying that the ceasefire was not Indias initiative but rather a directive from the United States, further eroding Sharifs credibility. Waqar Maliks expose paints a picture of a leadership scrambling to mask defeat, making impulsive decisions and spinning a narrative that does not hold up to scrutiny. Far from being a moment of Pakistani strength, the ceasefire story reveals deep strategic weakness and poor crisis management. Maliks revelations have sparked conversations across Pakistan, urging citizens and officials alike to rethink their approach in the face of mounting challenges. The political analysts voice is a clear call for accountability and realism amidst the fog of conflict and propaganda. A major development has emerged from Pakistan. Lashkar-e-Taibas top terrorist Saifullah Khalid has been shot dead by unidentified assailants in Pakistan's Sindh, Zee news TV reported on Sunday. According to media reports, Saifullah was the mastermind behind several high-profile terror attacks in India. He orchestrated the 2001 attack on the CRPF camp in Rampur. In 2005, he was involved in the attack in Bengaluru during an international conference at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), where terrorists opened fire, resulting in the death of a professor and injuries to several others. He also plotted the 2006 attack on the RSS headquarters in Nagpur. According to an India Today report, Saifullah Khalid lived in Nepal for several years under the fake identity of Vinod Kumar. He coordinated Lashkar-e-Taibas operations from Nepal and played a key role in recruitment and providing logistical support. Recently, Khalid had moved from Nepal to Pakistan and was living in Matli, located in the Badin district of Sindh province. There, he was working for Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jamaat-ud-Dawa. His primary responsibilities included recruiting for terrorist operations and raising funds. US foreign policy expert Michael Kugelman recently highlighted contrasting dynamics in Indias bilateral relationships with key global players. Drawing from past incidents and diplomatic developments, he pointed to multiple moments over the past two decades that have tested Indian public perception of the United States as a strategic partner. While India maintains steady and long-standing relationships with countries such as Russia and France, ties with the US have at times encountered turbulence. Kugelman referred to this difference by describing Indias interactions with Russia and France as no-drama, in contrast to more complex and occasionally strained episodes with Washington. Thereve been times over the last 2 decades when in India, public trust in US as a partner is called into question & contrasted w/Indias reliable, no-drama relationships w/Russia, France etc. Khobragade affair, late US response to India COVID crisis, Pannun. And right now. Michael Kugelman (@MichaelKugelman) May 15, 2025 In each case, these moments have been smoothed over on policy levels. But public perceptions of the US and its reliability as evinced by some key Indian constituencies continues to be an issue that flares up periodically. Properly addressing this remains a work in progress. Michael Kugelman (@MichaelKugelman) May 15, 2025 He cited a few examples the 2013 Khobragade affair, in which Devyani Khobragade, then Indias deputy consul general in New York, was arrested on charges related to visa fraud. The incident had led to a diplomatic standoff and public outcry in India. Another reference was made to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the US response to Indias health crisis drew criticism for its perceived delay. More recently, the Pannun case a reported plot to assassinate Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, allegedly involving Indian agents resurfaced concerns about bilateral trust. The US responded with a diplomatic warning to India, while authorities in India stated that they were reviewing the shared intelligence. Kugelmans comments also came in the backdrop of recent claims about former US President Donald Trumps involvement in India-Pakistan relations. According to reports, Trump intervened during a cross-border escalation between India and Pakistan, using trade-related pressure to influence Indias response. While a ceasefire was eventually agreed upon, his public assertion of credit reignited discussions about the consistency and reliability of the US as a strategic partner. Other analysts also weighed in. Strategic affairs expert Brahma Chellaney said the episode highlights broader concerns about strategic alignment. Meanwhile, former Pentagon official Michael Rubin said that Trumps comments may have economic repercussions, particularly for US defense firms eyeing India as a key market. These developments together add to the ongoing discourse about Indias approach to global partnerships, particularly in terms of trust, predictability and long-term cooperation. The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) has arrested Shahzad from UP's Moradabad on charges of allegedly spying for Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI. He is a resident of Rampur. Shahzad had been visiting Pakistan for several years and was involved in smuggling cosmetics, clothes, spices, and other goods across the India-Pakistan border under the guise of trade. According to the UP ATS, Shahzad maintained close ties with ISI agents and provided them with confidential information related to Indias security. He allegedly facilitated the travel of people from Rampur and other parts of Uttar Pradesh to Pakistan to work for ISI under the guise of smuggling. Notably, the visas for these individuals were arranged by the ISI itself. Lucknow: UP ATS arrested a Pakistani agency ISI spy named Shahzad from Moradabad. Shahzad, a resident of Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, had been visiting Pakistan for the past several years and smuggled cosmetics, clothes, spices and other goods illegally across the border between India pic.twitter.com/XQkwcxMlCI ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2025 Furthermore, Shahzad is accused of supplying Indian SIM cards to ISI operatives to assist in spying against India. He also provided financial support to ISI agents operating within the country. Following confirmation of these intelligence inputs, an FIR was registered under Sections 148 and 152 at the ATS office in Lucknow. Shahzad was taken into custody from Moradabad and is currently being presented before the court in accordance with legal procedures. YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested on charges of espionage in Haryana's Hisar, had free access to all places in Pakistan. According to sources, her questioning revealed that she used to roam freely in the neighbouring country. Generally, when an Indian goes to Pakistan, he or she is monitored at the police level and can go only to those places mentioned in the visa. However, Malhotra used to get VIP treatment because of her links with Pakistan High Commission officer Danish and other intelligence officials. She also got security from the Pakistani police. Malhotra, who is on a five-day police remand after being arrested, used to attend high-profile parties in Pakistan where she met top officials, apart from those in intelligence agencies. The sources said she confessed to this during interrogation by the Hisar Police. She has visited Kashmir twice. Apart from Pakistan, she visited Bali in Indonesia with an intelligence agency officer and also went to Nepal. The sources claimed that on the pretext of making YouTube videos, she was collecting intelligence information about India and giving it to Pakistan. Malhotra went to the Pakistani High Commission on March 23, where she participated in an Iftar party. She also uploaded the video of this on her channel. At the party, Danish welcomed her in a very friendly manner, and both of them were seen talking to each other in such a way that it seemed that they knew each other very well. Danish also introduced her to his wife. Apart from this, he also made her talk to the officials present there. Malhotra also met some Chinese officials at the party. She kept praising the arrangements made at the Pakistani High Commission throughout the video. She also invited Danish's wife to come to her home, i.e., Hisar in Haryana. According to sources, Malhotra has so far visited many countries, including Pakistan, China, Nepal, Thailand, Bhutan, Dubai and Indonesia. She always travelled in first class on flights, stayed in expensive hotels, ate in high-end restaurants and visited jewellery shops. The YouTuber has also shared a photo of her first-class journey to Dubai on her social media accounts. According to Hisar Police sources, Malhotra came on the radar of security agencies when she visited China immediately after Pakistan in 2024. She toured Pakistan for about 12 days in April 2024. After this, she immediately went to China in June. In China, she moved around in luxury cars and visited jewellery shops in many places. This made the security agencies in India suspicious about her motive and expenditure. After which, her surveillance was started. The sources said that during interrogation, Malhotra said that she had created a YouTube account in the name of 'Travel with Joe'. She wanted to explore Pakistan. For this, she went to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi to get a visa, where she met Danish and exchanged numbers. Jyoti told the police that Danish seemed very friendly in the first meeting, and both started talking on the phone. In 2023, she got a 10-day visa to Pakistan. Danish asked her to meet Ali Ahwaan in Pakistan. Ali Ahwaan made arrangements for her travel and stay. Ali introduced her to officials of the Pakistani intelligence agency. Ali made her meet Shakir and Rana Shahbaz. Both of them turned out to be officers of the Pakistani intelligence agency. Jyoti took Shakir's mobile number. To avoid suspicion of a Pakistani number in her mobile, she fed it in the name of 'Jat Randhawa'. After returning, she started working for Pakistani intelligence agencies and sent intelligence information to them through WhatsApp, Snapchat, Telegram and other mediums. However, it has not been revealed what information she gave to Pakistan. Police and Indian intelligence agencies were tracking Malhotra's activities for a long time. When concrete evidence was found, the police came to her house on Thursday (May 15) at 10 a.m. and launched searches. Apart from Jyoti, everyone's mobile phones were confiscated, including those of her father and uncle. Her laptop was also taken. After this, the police took Jyoti to the police station, but she was released after interrogation at 9 p.m. Her father, Harish Malhotra, said that Jyoti had told him that she was being framed. "She told me that she has not done anything wrong. She was again called for interrogation on Friday morning. Then, on Friday night itself, the police brought her back home. After confiscating all the belongings related to her, the police returned to the police station with Jyoti. Then it was known that Jyoti had been arrested." A travel vlogger and YouTuber who was arrested by the Haryana Police on suspicion of spying for Pakistan was sent to five days of police remand by a local court, officials said. According to police, "suspicious things" were found after the police recovered her laptop and mobile. Additionally, The Deputy Superintendent of Hisar, Kamaljeet said that the vlogger was in "continuous contact" with a Pakistani citizen. "Yesterday, based on inputs that we had, we arrested Jyoti, daughter of Haris Kumar, under the Official Secret Act and BNS 152. We have received some suspicious things after we recovered her mobile and laptop. We have taken her on a five-day remand, and further investigation is on. She was in continuous contact with a Pakistani citizen," DSP Kamaljeet said in a self-made video on Saturday. Apart from Official Secrets Act, Jyoti is being held under Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) Section 152, which is regarding acts endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India. Earlier, Jyoti was interrogated for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistan. According to police, she also allegedly met with a Pakistani officer, Ahsan-ur-Rahim, in Delhi, and travelled to Pakistan twice. During the preliminary investigation, the police said that the woman said that she went to the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi in 2023 to apply for a visa and met a man named Ahsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish. She had allegedly told the police that Rahim had arranged for her stay and travel, while also arranging meetings with Pakistani security and intelligence agencies. However, the father of Jyoti has said that she had travelled to Pakistan multiple times after acquiring the necessary permission. "She made YouTube videos. She used to visit Pakistan and other places," the father told ANI. When asked about how many times she had visited Pakistan, Malhotra said he did not know. He said police first came to their house on Thursday and took their bank documents, phone, laptop, and passport. Meanwhile, on Saturday, Haryana's Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapoor addressed the arrest of multiple suspected spies in the districts of Panipat, Kaithal, and Hisar. He credited the police's "increased vigilance" for such arrests. In a statement to the media, Kapoor underlined that the suspected spies had been active for some time, but their activities were exposed due to the intensified monitoring and improved intelligence-sharing mechanisms. "After the Operation Sindoor and the major incident in Pahalgam, the situation that developed led to the exposure of such individuals. It's not that they weren't active before; they were working earlier as well, but now these people have been caught. This is also a result of the increased vigilance, and the heightened surveillance has led to better information reaching our intelligence agencies," Kapoor said. He further added that the atmosphere, resembling that of a war, has led to an uptick in such activities. However, the state police and intelligence agencies have been quick to respond. Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) has reacted sharply to the arrest of two former senior bureaucrats on charges relating to the alleged Rs 3,200 crore liquor scam, and accused Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu of starting a campaign of political revenge against officials associated with the previous government. On Friday night, the state's Special Investigation Team (SIT) took into custody retired IAS officer Dhanunjaya Reddy and former Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Krishna Mohan Reddy after grilling them for hours. Both were employed during the outgoing YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP regime. YSRCP Senior leader and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, B Satyanarayana, attacked the arrests, accusing that "Chandrababu Naidu is resorting to political vendetta, targeting even retired officials to destroy the administrative texture of the state." In a statement, Satyanarayana said that the arrests were made on the basis of "fabricated evidence" and "no concrete proof has been given until now." He called the action a "dangerous attack on democratic institutions" and cautioned of long-term effects for bureaucratic morale and institutional autonomy. Supporting these claims, YSRCP MLA G Srikanth Reddy remarked that the state's TDP-led NDA government was taking political vendetta to "alarming levels," further stating that incumbent and former IAS and IPS officials were being "harassed" without reason. Former Minister Merugu Nagarjuna and other senior YSRCP leaders seconded this view, calling the arrests politically motivated and cautioning that such an action would be a disconcerting precedent. The TDP government remained mute on these charges. The SIT has argued that the arrests are just a part of a broader probe into fiscal malpractices and kickbacks in connection with liquor purchases and sales during the YSRCP's rule. The move is likely to further escalate political tensions in Andhra Pradesh as the new government starts its term with allegations of abuse of probe agencies. New Delhi: Powerstar Pawan Kalyan returns to the big screen as the legendary warrior Veera Mallu in the much-anticipated period action epic Hari Hara Veera Mallu, officially slated for a worldwide release. The film, which has already created buzz with its chart-topping songs, is now set to unveil its third single along with the official trailer. The trailer launch is expected to significantly elevate anticipation ahead of its release. Currently in the final stages of post-production, the film is progressing swiftly with high-end VFX, immersive sound design, and dubbing work underway. Director A.M. Jyothi Krishna, who stepped in during production delays, is now overseeing all aspects of the film to ensure a seamless and impactful cinematic experience. Hari Hara Veera Mallu is supported by an acclaimed technical team, including Oscar-winning composer M.M. Keeravani, cinematographer Manoj Paramahamsa, and production designer Thota Tharanieach contributing to the films grand scale and visual storytelling. Joining Pawan Kalyan on screen is an impressive ensemble cast, including Bobby Deol in a commanding negative role, Nidhhi Agerwal in a pivotal lead, and respected actors like Satyaraj and Jisshu Sengupta lending further gravitas to the narrative. Produced by A. Dayakar Rao and presented by A.M. Rathnam under the Mega Surya Productions banner, the film will be released in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam, aiming for a wide pan-India appeal. The film is set to hit theatres worldwide on June 12, 2025. New Delhi: Taiwanese electronics manufacturing major Foxconn's facility in Bengaluru is nearly ready for launch, with commercial iPhone shipments expected to begin as early as June, Karnataka Minister for Commerce and Industries, MB Patil, said on Saturday. The country is now achieving Make in India at a global scale, as reports suggest that tech giant Apple may shift the entire assembly of iPhones meant for the US to India by next year. According to Patil, Foxconns unit at Devanahalli ITIR is nearly ready for launch, with commercial iPhone shipments expected to begin as early as June. In a post on X social media platform, he said that this is not just a manufacturing milestone. It marks a strategic shift. With rising geopolitical and tariff pressures, India is fast becoming Apples preferred production hub. This development strengthens Karnatakas position in global manufacturing and opens the door to greater foreign investment without compromising stakeholder interests, said the state minister. Apple CEO Tim Cook has confirmed that for the June quarter, a majority of iPhones sold in the US will be made in India. As a Kannadiga, this is a proud moment. From Mysuru to Cupertino, Karnataka is making global headlines, said Patil. According to Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, India is now achieving "Make in India" at a global scale. Apple's contract manufacturers in India are already scaling up their operations. Foxconn's new plant in Bengaluru could produce up to 20 million iPhones at full capacity. Apple's manufacturing strength in India is already impressive. In the past year, iPhones worth $22 billion were assembled in India, with Tamil Nadu-based Foxconn contributing nearly 50 per cent of Apple's exports. Exports from Foxconn's factory have jumped more than 40 per cent compared to the same period last year. Today, India accounts for nearly 20 per cent of Apple's total iPhone production worldwide, showing how important the country has become for the brand's global plans. The Indian market is also witnessing strong growth for Apple. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, more than three million iPhones were shipped from India -- a new record. At least 64 Palestinians were killed in multiple Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling across the Gaza Strip on Saturday, including children and displaced families, the Civil Defence in Gaza said. The attack targeted residential areas, a school sheltering civilians, and a humanitarian aid warehouse. As per IANS, on Saturday, Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defence, told Xinhua news agency that seven young men were killed and several others wounded when Israeli artillery shelled a group of Palestinians trying to return to their homes in the Shuja'iyya neighbourhood, east of Gaza City. He added that four people, including a woman and two children, were killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting the gate of Salah al-Din School, which shelters displaced families in western Gaza City. A fifth person was also killed in an airstrike on a residential apartment in the northern part of the city. At least 11 others were killed in attacks on a Palestinian gathering, while nine others were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a warehouse for distributing humanitarian aid in the city of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, Basal added. The Hamas-run Gaza government condemned the attack on the warehouse and considered it "a serious and ongoing escalation of the systematic starvation policy pursued by the occupation in the Gaza Strip". Since Israel resumed its intensified military campaign on March 18, at least 3,131 Palestinians have been killed and 8,632 others injured, bringing the overall death toll in Gaza since the war began in October 2023 to 53,272, with a total of 120,673 people injured, according to health authorities in Gaza on Saturday. (With IANS inputs) A controversial Donald Trump appointment to a White House religious freedom advisory board is being brought into renewed focus after reports verified that two individuals with previous extremist affiliations were appointed to the board including one who admitted training with the terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Pakistan. Based on The Washington Post and independent reports, Ismail Royer, once a jihadist who had spent 13 years in prison on terrorism-related convictions, was appointed to the White House Commission on Religious Freedom's Advisory Board under the Trump administration. Royer was indicted in 2003 with conspiring to provide assistance to a foreign terrorist group and engaging in jihadist activity, including support for LeT and Al-Qaeda. He pleaded guilty in 2004 to terrorism-related weapons charges and was given a 20-year prison term, serving 13 before he was released. Royer's Terror Connections And Rehabilitation Royer confessed in previous interviews to visiting a Lashkar training facility in Pakistan in 2000, and subsequently urging other US-based Muslims to join the organisation in the name of religious obligation and in support of Kashmiris. "I liked the people in LeT," Royer said in a 2023 interview with the Middle East Forum. "It felt more like tourism than serious training. It was like, 'Here, shoot some guns, explore the mountains, and then go back home.'" In spite of his history, the Trump administration advocated Royer's inclusion, highlighting his rehabilitation and interfaith activities. He is presently the Director of the Islam and Religious Freedom Action Team at the Religious Freedom Institute, where he works to advance peace and religious pluralism. The White House stated: "Since converting to Islam in 1992, Royer has studied under traditional Islamic scholars and worked for over a decade with nonprofit organisations to promote interfaith harmony and religious freedom." Another Controversial Pick: Hamza Yusuf Also appointed to the board was Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, co-founder of Zaytuna College in California and well-known Islamic scholar renowned for his work in theology. His appointment was opposed by some right-wing critics, including activist Lara Loomer, a longtime supporter of President Trump, who charged that Yusuf had allied himself with Islamist ideologies and that both appointments hurt U.S. security interests. Loomer called Royer's appointment "crazy," likening it to putting a "reformed bank robber in charge of the Federal Reserve." Wider Implications And Responses Whereas some critics regard these appointments as a major blunder, others have referred to Royer's redemption and dedication to pushing back against extremism through religious engagement as an example of deradicalisation. Nevertheless, the disclosures have raised questions regarding vetting procedures and national security criteria in advisory appointments during the last administration, with renewed calls for open disclosure by current White House officials. The Biden administration has not commented on whether any of these appointees still hold association with federal commissions or advisory boards. In a dramatic aerial accident uncovered in a recent report, a Lufthansa flight from Seville to Frankfurt flew for almost 10 minutes without a pilot at the helm when the co-pilot experienced unconsciousness while being alone in the cockpit. The mid-air crisis happened on February 17, 2024, and was disclosed through a report by the Spanish air accident investigation authority CIAIAC, quoted by the German news service dpa on Saturday. As per the investigation, the Airbus A321 with 199 passengers and six crew members was in cruise when the co-pilot lost consciousness. The captain had been out of the cockpit for a short while to attend to his needs at the restroom. The aircraft was controlled through autopilot during the critical window, which enabled it to still fly steadily even without a vigilant pilot. The subsequent flight data recorder showed unusual sounds in the cockpit, which matched a sudden medical condition, supporting further that the co-pilot was incapacitated. Several Attempts To Re-Enter Cockpit Upon landing, the captain made five attempts to re-enter the cockpit through the standard access code, which makes a buzzer for the occupant inside to open. Getting no reply, a cabin attendant also tried to call the co-pilot through the cabin intercom. Finally. The captain employed an emergency override code to open the cockpit door himself. Moments before the door would have automatically opened by itself, the sick co-pilot unlocked it from inside, and the captain was able to get back in command. Emergency Diversion To Madrid The co-pilot remained ill, and the captain decided to land the plane in Madrid, where paramedics were awaiting. The co-pilot was taken directly to a hospital for treatment. Lufthansa told dpa it was aware of the CIAIAC probe and had also performed an internal review through its flight safety department, though the airline did not reveal its results. The incident is a cause for concern regarding cockpit security procedures and medical surveillance of flight crews, although no passenger was harmed, and the flight safely landed. The full report by CIAIAC is likely to include more recommendations to avoid similar incidents in the future. Speaking to the media outside the temple on Saturday, Shivraj Singh Chouhan lauded the armed forces for accurately destroying terror camps under Operation Sindoor. "We did not attack Pakistani citizens, we destroyed terrorist camps. When Pakistan attacked us, I salute the soldiers, salute their accurate aim, salute their accurate strategy, our soldiers destroyed their drones and missiles like toys," Shivraj Singh Chouhan said. He further reaffirmed the government's stance on any conversation with Pakistan, saying it will only be about Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. "Salute to the army again and again. If there will be talks with Pakistan, it will be only about Pakistan-occupied Kashmir," Agriculture Minister said. Shivraj Singh Chauhan was in Guwahati yesterday, where he attended the virtual Grihapravesh ceremony of 55,000 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G). Union Minister announced the sanctioning of 3.76 lakh more houses under PMAY-G for the current financial year. It may be noted that besides the Grihapravesh ceremony, the Union Minister, along with the Assam Chief Minister, launched 'Lakhimi Mistri'- women mason initiative under PMAY-G where in women beneficiaries will be trained to master the art of masonry to construct PMAY-G houses. They also distributed safety kits to the women beneficiaries. The day also marked the inauguration of 21 knowledge centres across the state, and the launch of e-POS system for fertiliser purchases and distribution of Asomi seeds to the beneficiaries. Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasised the government's commitment to enhancing rural infrastructure and improving the quality of life for marginalised and underprivileged communities. The Union Minister praised Assam's remarkable achievement of completing 20 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G). As part of the event, PMAY-G beneficiaries who have successfully completed and moved into their new homes were felicitated by the minister. (ANI) Telugu Desam Party (TDP) General Secretary and Andhra Pradesh Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh along with his wife Brahmani Nara and son Devaansh called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital. They expressed admiration for the Prime Minister's leadership and discussed the state's development goals in line with the Centre's vision for a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. In a post on X on Saturday, TDP President Lokesh Nara also thanked him for support, and discussed Andhra's role in Viksit Bharat. https://x.com/naralokesh/status/1923800490158235666 "Today, it was my honour and privilege to call on the Hon'ble Prime minister Sri @narendramodi Ji at his residence along with @brahmaninara and Devaansh. I expressed my gratitude to the Prime Minister for his continued support towards the state's growth," the TDP leader said on X. The post added, "I thanked him for his strong and decisive leadership, whilst also seeking guidance on how the state could further contribute to his vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047." Similarly, his wife Brahmani Nara, who is the Executive Director of Heritage Foods and daughter-in-law of TDP Chief N. Chandrababu Naidu, praised PM Modi as one of the greatest leaders committed to transforming India into a global superpower. In a post on X, Brahmani Nara shared her admiration for the Prime Minister and said, "It was an honour to meet India's Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi Ji along with @naralokesh and Devaansh." https://x.com/brahmaninara/status/1923805657171624027 "I truly believe he is one of the greatest Prime Ministers ever, consistently working hard towards transforming India into a global superpower. Today's meeting will be the most cherished memory for us,'' the post added on X. Meanwhile, Nara Lokesh had alleged Andhra Pradesh experienced a destructive administration between 2019 and 2024. He claimed that the development of Amaravati was intentionally halted as part of a "personal vendetta" against then Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. (ANI) The Indian Army has said that no talks were scheduled between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of India and Pakistan on Sunday. The Army further made it clear that the continuation of a break in hostilities, as decided in the DGMOs interaction of May 12, has no expiry date to it. The clarification comes after some media houses reported that the ceasefire between India and Pakistan is ending on May 18. "No DGMO talks are scheduled today. As far as the continuation of a break in hostilities as decided in the DGMOs interaction of 12th May is concerned, there is no expiry date to it," the Indian Army said. Earlier on May 12, the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan held crucial talks and issues related to continuing the commitment that both sides must not fire a single shot or initiate any aggressive action were discussed. It was also agreed that both sides consider immediate measures to ensure troop reduction from the borders and forward areas. The DGMO-level talks between the two countries, which were initially slated to take place around noon on May 12, were later scheduled for the evening. The two countries reached an understanding on Saturday on the stoppage of firing and military action following a call made by Pakistan's DGMO to his Indian counterpart Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai. Lt Gen Ghai, who interacted with the media at a joint press conference on Sunday (May 11), said his Pakistan counterpart proposed during an interaction on Saturday that "we cease hostilities". India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 and struck nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir in response to a ghastly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam last month in which 26 people were killed. (ANI) The accused, identified as Naresh, a resident of village Gothna in Gunnaur, Sambhal district, attempted to escape during a police checking operation on Aahar Road. Circle Officer Ramkaran Singh said, "Today, on 18.05.2025, during a routine check by Anupshahr Police on Aahar Road, I, along with the station in-charge and the police team, was conducting checking of suspicious individuals. During the operation, a person on a motorcycle was seen approaching. When police attempted to stop him, he turned and tried to flee." "When the police chased him, he fired at the police.The police also started firing for their self-defense, in which they hit a bullet on his right leg," he added. After being apprehended, the man identified himself as Naresh, son of Indal, from village Gothna, Gunnaur, Sambhal. He was wanted in Case Crime Number 198/88, under Section 137(2) of BNSS, registered at Anupshahr police station. Police said the accused was sent to the Community Health Centre (CHC) for treatment following the encounter. The Circle Officer said a pistol, one used cartridge, one live cartridge, a motorcycle, some clothes, and a gun were recovered from the accused. Further investigation is underway. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President JP Nadda on his arrival at the Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun on Sunday. Sharing the update on social media platform X, the Chief Minister wrote "Welcomed and greeted the Honourable National President of BJP and Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Honorable Shri@JPNaddaji at Jolly Grant Airport on his arrival to Uttarakhand, a symbol of valor and courage, imbued with religion, spirituality and natural beauty." Meanwhile, on May 17, CM Dhami launched the 'e-Rupi' system, a technology-based initiative aimed at modernising agricultural support in the state. During the launch, the Chief Minister also introduced four ambitious agricultural policies (Kiwi Policy, Dragon Fruit, Apple Post-Harvest Harvesting Scheme and Millet Mission) to give a new direction to the agricultural system of the state, he said that the government will soon prepare a Flower and Honey Policy in the state. Addressing the program, the Chief Minister said that the e-Rupi system is a new initiative for the food producers of the state. The e-Rupi system will become a new medium of transparent, fast and middleman-free digital payment for farmers. Under this system, the subsidy amount received by the farmers in the pilot projects will be sent directly to their mobile through e-voucher (SMS or QR code), which they will be able to use to buy fertilisers, seeds, medicines, etc. from authorised centres or vendors. For the successful implementation of the e-Rupi system, the Chief Minister directed the officials to organise training programs in every village and make the farmers aware so that they can properly take advantage of this technology. The objective of all these initiatives is to strengthen agriculture and employment in the hilly and plain areas of the state, so that problems like migration can also be effectively controlled. These schemes will prove to be a milestone in making Uttarakhand a self-reliant, strong and leading agricultural state. "All these schemes will promote agricultural diversity of the state and will become the basis for increasing the income of farmers," CM Dhami said on the launch of four agricultural schemes. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson CR Kesavan on Sunday hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his accusations against External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar that the government "informed Pakistan" ahead of Operation Sindoor, calling the claim a distortion of facts and an attack on the armed forces. CR Kesavan alleged that Rahul Gandhi is "distorting the truth and misrepresenting facts to malign our armed forces," and demanded that the Congress MP delete his tweet and issue an unconditional apology. Speaking with ANI, Kesavan said, "Rahul Gandhi's tweet is downright dishonest, deceptive and dangerous as Rahul Gandhi is distorting the truth and misrepresenting facts to malign our armed forces...Rahul Gandhi should first withdraw and delete his tweet and tender an unconditional apology." Referring to the May 11 press conference by Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt General Rajiv Ghai, Kesavan emphasised that the Indian Army had attempted to inform Pakistan of its intent to strike terror infrastructure, only after the operation had already commenced. "Rahul Gandhi's false allegations have been clearly deflated and debunked by the press conference on May 11th by DGMO Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai," Kesavan said. Lt General Ghai had said that the compulsion of India to strike at the "heart of terror" was communicated to the Pakistan DGMO, however the Pakistan side had "brusquely turned down" the request. Kesavan further requested Rahul Gandhi to "desist from desperate action to stay politically relevant." "Rahul Gandhi should desist from desperate action to stay politically relevant and immediately withdraw and delete his tweet and tender an unconditional apology for trying to peddle false propaganda." Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi posted a video on X, in which Jaishankar was seen speaking to the media on Thursday following the inauguration of the Honduras Embassy in Delhi. In his X post, Gandhi alleged wrongdoing by the government, stating: "Informing Pakistan at the start of our attack was a crime. EAM has publicly admitted that the GOI did it. Who authorised it? How many aircraft did our air force lose as a result?" India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead. As part of the operation, Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, eliminating over 100 terrorists linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Following the strikes, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling and attempted drone attacks. In response, India launched coordinated airstrikes that damaged key military infrastructure across 11 Pakistani airbases. On May 10, both sides announced an understanding on the cessation of hostilities. (ANI) Following the understanding of the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan on May 10, life is gradually returning to normal in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. Although caution and fear persist, locals have started reopening shops and resuming daily routines. Residents of Rajouri, who faced immense hardships due to intense cross-border shelling, are slowly stepping back into everyday life. Speaking to ANI, Neeras Sin, a local hotel worker, said, "When the shelling started, we closed our shops and went home. Even now, we shut shops by 4 or 5 pm and return early in the morning. Earlier, we used to open around noon, and customers would come in regularly, but footfall is still very low." He added that although there is some activity in the market, a sense of fear continues to linger. "Schools and madrasas are still closed. Children have been sent back from the madrasas. The market is not yet back to normal," he said. Another resident, Khalilur Rahman, mentioned that while the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan has brought some relief, uncertainty still lingers. "Shops have opened, and essential goods are being bought, but people are still scared. There's hope that if the atmosphere remains peaceful, normalcy will fully return." He further added that while the situation has improved, financial strain is a major concern. "Middle-class families who earn and eat daily are struggling. For such people, this kind of instability is very difficult. "In times of shelling, everything collapses. For people who earn during the day and eat at night, survival becomes very hard," he added. An 85-year-old resident from the border area of Rajouri shared his emotional appeal for peace. "I have lived through the wars of 1947, 1965, and 1971, but I've never seen such terrifying shelling in my lifetime. We just want to live without fear. People have started opening their shops again, but the fear still lingers in our hearts. Labourers have left, work is halted, and children are unable to attend school. Only peace can bring life back to normal here," he said. Meanwhile, work remains at a standstill in construction zones. Ravid Ahmed, who works for a company involved in road and bridge construction, told ANI, "When shelling started, workers left. Labourers from outside, including Bihar, haven't returned yet. Work on the canal bridge is still suspended." He added that although only a few shells landed in the area, fear pushed many to leave. "I had gone home too. I've returned, but the labourers haven't. Until they come back, work can't restart." Operation Sindoor was India's decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Launched on May 7, Operation Sindoor led to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. After the attack, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling across the Line of Control and Jammu and Kashmir as well as attempted drone attacks along the border regions, following which India launched a coordinated attack and damaged radar infrastructure, communication centres, and airfields across 11 airbases in Pakistan. After this, on May 10, an understanding of the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan was announced. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dilip Ghosh extended support for Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement on Pakistan, saying that all the evidence has proved Shah's words. Addressing reporters on Sunday, Ghosh said, "Today all the evidence is coming out about what has happened there (in Pakistan)... Pakistan has been damaged so badly that the whole world is shaken and the whole world has come to know what India is... Now everyone understands what the Home Minister said." Hailing the Operation Sindoor, Union Minister Shah on Saturday said that for the "first time" after independence Indian military "attacked 100 km inside Pakistan and destroyed terrorist camps."He said this while addressing an event in Pethapur, Gujarat. Operation Sindoor launched on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. Accompanied by Chief Minister Bhupindra Patel, the Union Home Minister inaugurated a newly constructed primary health centre in Pethapur, Gujarat and also laid foundation of various other projects. Shah said, "This time, under Operation Sindoor, the headquarters of the terror outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan were destroyed. We destroyed 9 such sites where terrorists used to be trained and were their hideouts."He further added that the Indian military's response was significant, having struck 100 km inside Pakistan's territory, effectively dismantling terrorist camps. He said, "After killing more than 100 dreadful terrorists, Pakistan was still thinking, and we attacked their 15 air bases, but we didn't inflict any harm to their people. We destroyed their capability of Air attack. This has happened for the first time after independence that our military attacked 100 km inside Pakistan and destroyed terrorist camps." "The response was such that it destroyed camps 100 km inside Pakistan. Our military gave a befitting reply to terrorists by attacking 100 km inside Pakistan. Those who planned many international terrorist activities who were hidden in Sialkot and other terrorist camps; 'un sab ko hamare bomb ke dhamakon ke gunj ne ek spasht sandesh bheja hai' - if any terrorist activity happens with the people of India, the response will be twice in strength," Shah said. Shah praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership, stating, "Since assuming power, PM Modi has given such a befitting reply to the terrorist attacks that the world is amazed and Pakistan is scared." Shah also spoke about India's air defense capabilities, stating, "When Pakistan dared to attack the entire Western border, but under the leadership of PM Modi, our Air Defence System has become so perfect that none of the missiles or drones reached India's land." He further emphasized that despite threats from Pakistan being nuclear weapon state, India's armed forces had given a fitting reply."Those who used to threaten us that they have atom bombs, they thought we would be scared. But, our Army, Navy, and Air Force have given them such a befitting reply that the entire world is praising the patience of our military and the determined leadership of PM Modi," Shah said. After the Operation Sindoor, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir as well as drone attacks along the border regions, following which India launched a coordinated counter-attack and damaged radar infrastructure, communication centres and airfields across 11 airbases in Pakistan. (ANI) The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is all set to resume through Nathula from June this year, marking the end of a five-year suspension caused by the Doklam standoff in 2017 and the COVID-19 pandemic, for which the route through the Indo-China border in Sikkim is undergoing final preparations, with infrastructure development nearing completion. According to Sunil Kumar, Labour In-charge of the construction works, the renovation and reconstruction of acclimatisation centres is expected to be completed within the next four to five days. "The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is going to start soon. The renovation and reconstruction of acclimatisation centres are expected to be completed within the next four to five days. Acclimatisation centres are being established along the route. A total of 50-60 people will be here at the acclimatisation centre," Kumar told ANI. Two acclimatisation centres are being established along the route--one at 16th Mile (10,000 feet) and another near Hangu Lake along the Kupup Road (14,000 feet). Each centre will house two five-bedded and two two-bedded buildings, along with a medical centre, office, kitchen, and other essential facilities for pilgrims. IK Rasaily, a local resident and a participant in the 2016 yatra, welcomed the reopening and pointed out the likely economic upliftment for local communities. "Tourism will revive and local livelihoods will improve. The Sikkim route remains the safest and most accessible due to its good road connectivity," he said. Kabi Lungchok MLA Thinley Tshering Bhutia also expressed gratitude to the central and state governments for initiating the reopening of the yatra through Sikkim. "Sikkim is a peaceful state with no history of terrorist activity, making this the safest route for Mansarovar pilgrims," Bhutia stated. He further assured that functional toilets and other necessary amenities along the route would be in place before the yatra begins. The matter of reopening the Nathula route for the yatra was earlier raised in Parliament by Sikkim Rajya Sabha MP D.T. Lepcha, prompting coordinated efforts between the Government of India and the Government of Sikkim. The resumption of the yatra through Nathula is expected to not only provide a spiritual avenue for pilgrims but also boost tourism and strengthen local economies along the route. (ANI) Byju Raveendran, founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ed-tech company BYJU'S has extended apologies for the disruption caused to students due to the company's distress and vowed to compensate them. In an interview with ANI, Raveendran said that he feels sorry for those few students who missed out because services were disrupted. He further clarified that the disruptions occurred in August last year and that the product segment remained unaffected. "There were millions of students who got our product. Happily learn from the product and finish their courses with the product. The disruption is, if you ask me, the disruption which happened unfortunately, and that's where I like to apologise to all those students. Even if it's one student, it still cannot happen," he said. "I'm still thinking of how to compensate for those few students. Now this few is not one or two; it's a few thousand students who missed out because of the disruption. When did the student disruption start? Only from September. Because even in August, our last few crores which we had paid to teachers. But this kind of insolvency process, which is a rigged process, never happens. thats where you stop paying teachers. So the glass went and took a stay to make sure that salaries are not paid. That's not the objective of any bankruptcy law. So I feel sorry and I'm apologising to those few students who missed out because services were disrupted," he added. "The product part was not disrupted. The entire course. In fact, when things were going very well for us, unlike, we were not ruthless in cutting the businesses down because you can't do that when it comes to students. You have to see the course completion, so we didn't do it. When suddenly all the investors who were asking us to grow, grow, grow - overnight - told us that, okay, markets are changing, now cut and Shut down businesses. I didn't agree to that," Raveendran further said. Raveendran further emphasized that completing the course remained the top priority despite the company's challenges. "We didn't shut down the businesses. We had to complete the course. Once you make a commitment to complete the course, you have to finish the course. Even if one student has missed out in the last six months, I will, like today, apologise to them, but we'll compensate for it." When asked about BYJU'S 3.0, he stated that the goal is to inspire a love for learning in students, staying true to the model the company followed in its early days. "It's going to be the same. How do we make it easy and interesting for students? How can we use AI not to replace teachers but to enable teachers to become better teachers? How can we move the bottom quartile of students to the next one or to the next one?" he said, stressing the need to introduce artificial intelligence in the products. "I'm coming back to the fact that there are more students who are on a BYJU'S platform today than two years back. We get across our platforms that we get 250 million students coming to our platforms. That's five times more than anyone who's the, if you can even call them a competitor.... Unfortunately, and that's why I owe it to them in terms of giving them something when we make a comeback. So, they are working with no salaries," the BYJU'S CEO said. "They are teaching. They are core believers in the mission; those who are actually in the last 12 months, in the background, are building the BYJU'S 3.0. I am not in a position to disclose what that is going to be. I can assure you that it will again be built on the same mission, which is to create a love for learning for students," he asserted. He further said that for the first time, there is an opportunity to have, to almost productise, the services part of it in terms of having one personal tutor for every student. "There is an opportunity because of what the AI is already able to do," he added. Highlighting the technology that helps build a sustainable model, he said, "Today, the current technology allows you to build and create high-impact offerings with a very lean team. So, we are going to build this in a very sustainable way by taking a long-term view, like bringing in external capital only when it's absolutely necessary." (ANI) Rampur Raza Library is hosting a week-long event 'Veerotsav' from May 15 to 21 in honour of the Indian armed forces with a focus on commemorating the bravery of soldiers in the Operation Sindoor. An exhibition on the theme 'Ek Desh, Ek Dhadkan' has also been organised by the library. Speaking to ANI, Director of Rampur Raza library, Pushkar Mishra said, "Indian Armed Forces buried the terrorists in their own places, they had killed people in Pahalgam after asking their religion. To honour the courage of our brave Armed Forces, Rampur Raza Library has organised 'Veerotsav' from 15th to 21st May." "We have organised an exhibition related to our bravehearts. The 'Ek Desh, Ek Dhadkan' (One Nation, One Heartbeat) yatra is scheduled for May 19, beginning at 5 PM from Gandhi Samadhi, Rampur, and culminating in the courtyard of Rampur Raza Library," he added. As part of the observance, an exhibition has been set up at the library featuring books and photographs related to Indian soldiers, including those who participated in the freedom struggle. The exhibition also includes historical objects, arms and belongings associated with freedom fighters and Nawabs connected to the region. The gathering is expected to include library officials, personnel from security forces, local organisations, and citizens of Rampur. Highlighting the message of the yatra, Mishra said, "Those who shoot by asking their religion, we want to convey this message to the citizens of the entire planet, that we all Indians are one. Our country is one, our heartbeat is one and we bow to the bravery of our brave soldiers." "The message of Rampur Raza Library's one country, one heartbeat journey, is that no one can break us. We are all one in opposition to religious terrorism and together we will uproot this religious terrorism from the whole world," he added. Visitors expressed their appreciation for the exhibition and the effort to highlight India's military history and cultural heritage. Ankush, a local visitor, said, "Here we have got some information about our old history, who are great men. And we liked it... the rest is beautiful here and we got information about them." Ravi Singh, who came from Bareilly district, said, "When I was entering the courtyard, this is a very beautiful Phulwadi and the fort is there... there are books about them, scriptures, many books here people are reading there with such comfort. Inside, it's like a museum where you can see pictures of Nawab Sahab, freedom fighters, ornaments, weapons, and more." Operation Sindoor was India's decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. After the attack, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling across the Line of Control and Jammu and Kashmir as well as attempted drone attacks along the border regions, following which India launched a coordinated attack and damaged radar infrastructure, communication centres, and airfields across 11 airbases in Pakistan. After this, on May 10, an understanding of the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan was announced. (ANI) Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Sanjay Seth will lead the Indian delegation at the 17th edition of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025), scheduled to be held in Langkawi, Malaysia, from May 20 to 24, 2025, according to an official release. An Indian Pavilion is set up in LIMA 2025, which will be inaugurated by the Minister of State for Defence. Many DPSUs, including Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited, BEML, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited & Gliders India Limited and private defence companies will be participating in the exhibition & showcasing the Indian defence industry's prowess. This year, Indian assets, including Dornier aircraft and an Indian Naval Ship, will also participate in LIMA 2025. On the sidelines of the exhibition, the Minister of State for Defence will also call on Malaysian Minister of Defence Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin. The visit will further consolidate the bilateral defence cooperation and the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. India and Malaysia have a robust and multifaceted relationship which has expanded into several strategic areas, including defence & security. Both countries are committed to working under the vision of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established during the visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia in 2024. LIMA, established in 1991 and held biennially, is regarded as one of the largest and most significant maritime & aerospace exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific region. The exhibition, one of it's kind, is a platform for defence, commercial and industrial uses. The biennial exhibition for the maritime and aerospace sectors, serving the Asia Pacific region and stands out as a unique trade showcase. Earlier on May 14, the Minister of State for Defence spoke on his visit to Russia and stated that the Indian diaspora of Russia and Indians are excited to see the Prime Minister and Russia's President Putin together. Seth further stated that both India and Russia share a strong friendship that is almost telepathic. "Russia and India have had a relationship for hundreds of years... The Indian diaspora of Russia and Indians here are equally excited to see PM Narendra Modi and President Putin together. Both share telepathy and a strong friendship. I had the fortune of meeting President Putin..." Seth told ANI. (ANI) A total of 17 people lost their lives in the fire incident that broke out at a building at Hyderabad's Gulzar House near Charminar on Sunday morning, as per Telangana Fire Disaster Response Emergency and Civil Defence. The department has released the list of the deceased. Telangana Disaster Response and Fire Services DG, Y Nagi Reddy said "There was a fire incident in Krishna Pearls shop and the residential complex in Gulzar House area. The Fire department received the call at 6:16 am and dispatched 11 fire engines with sufficient staff by 6:17 am... The fire department used breathing operators and oxygen masks to rescue the people... The information is that 17 people could not survive... The preliminary examination shows that the cause was a short circuit..." "There was no deficiency in the fire department fighting the fire and rescuing the people... The building had only one entryway of two metres, like a tunnel. There is only one staircase of one metre to access the first and second floors. This made the escape and rescue operation very difficult. By 9 am, the fire was under control... A total of 21 people were inside the building... The cause of death is smoke inhalation; nobody had burn injuries," the fire official said. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock over the mishap and instructed top officials to take all necessary measures to save the families trapped in the fire accident. He issued orders to shift the injured to nearby hospitals and provide better medical treatment. The CM spoke to Minister Ponnam Prabhakar about the fire incident on the phone and ordered to intensify rescue operations. He also inquired about the steps being taken for rescue and relief operations by the Police and Fire Service wings, as per a statement by the Telangana Chief Minister's office. . CM Reddy expressed condolences to the victim's families on the phone and assured them of all assistance from the government. Director General of Disaster Management and Fire Services Nagi Reddy has been asked to closely monitor relief operations, the statement read. Minister Prabhakar stated that the fire department had arrived immediately upon receiving information of the blaze. "The fire broke out around 6 am, and by 6:16 am, the fire department of the Telangana government was present at the spot. They tried to save everyone. But the fire had spread massively... The majority of the people inside the building have died. The Chief Minister has spoken to the family (who were living in the building that caught fire). The state government will fully support the family," Prabhakar said, speaking to media persons. He further stated that a thorough review will be conducted to ensure fire safety in future. "We will conduct a thorough review to ensure fire safety and avoid any such incidents in the future. The public also has to support the fire department in this," he said. Congress MP Anil Kumar Yadav said, "... 17 members of a family were stuck in the fire accident. The fire department reached here immediately... The Chief Minister is in touch with the family members. Ponnam Prabhakar and all of us are monitoring the rescue operation here. We are now going to the hospital to check on the injured..." (ANI) The Indian Army's Western Command posted a video of Operation Sindoor on its social media handle X on Sunday. It captioned the clip "Planned, trained & executed," adding, "Justice served." In the video shared by the Army's Western Command on X, Indian Army personnel are seen in military attire and armed. An army personnel can be heard saying that Operation Sindoor was a lesson for Pakistan, one it had not learned for decades. "Yeh shuruate Pahalgam aantki hamle se hui, gussa nahi lava tha. Dimaag me bas ek hi baat, abki bar aisa sabak sikhanege ki inki peedhiya yaad rakhegi. (It all began with the Pahalgam terror attack, the rage was like lava. There was only one thought: this time, we will teach such a lesson that their generations will remember)." The footage then displays visuals of blasts and non-stop firing, with a voiceover stating, "9 May raat ko takriban 9 baje, jis bhi dushman ki post ne yudh viraam ka ulanghan kiya un sabhi poston ko bharatiya sena ne mitti me mila diya. Dushman apni post chhod bhagta nazar aaya. Op sindoor keval ek kaarwahi nahi, Pakistan ke liye woh sabak tha jo usne dashakon se nahi sikha. Jai Hind! (On the night of May 9, around 9 pm, the Indian Army destroyed all enemy posts that violated the ceasefire, forcing the enemy to flee. Operation Sindoor is not just an action, but a lesson for Pakistan that it has not learned for decades)." Earlier in the day, the Indian Army said that no talks were scheduled between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of India and Pakistan. The Army further made it clear that the continuation of a break in hostilities, as decided in the DGMOs interaction of May 12, has no expiry date to it. The clarification comes after some media houses reported that the ceasefire between India and Pakistan is ending on May 18."No DGMO talks are scheduled today. As far as the continuation of a break in hostilities as decided in the DGMOs interaction of 12th May is concerned, there is no expiry date to it," the Indian Army said. On May 12, the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan held crucial talks and issues related to continuing the commitment that both sides must not fire a single shot or initiate any aggressive action were discussed.It was also agreed that both sides consider immediate measures to ensure troop reduction from the borders and forward areas. The DGMO-level talks between the two countries, which were initially slated to take place around noon on May 12, were later scheduled for the evening. The two countries reached an understanding on Saturday on the stoppage of firing and military action following a call made by Pakistan's DGMO to his Indian counterpart Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai. Lt Gen Ghai, who interacted with mediapersons at a joint press conference on May 11 (Sunday), said his Pakistan counterpart proposed during an interaction on Saturday that "we cease hostilities". India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 and struck nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir in response to a ghastly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam last month in which 26 people were killed. (ANI) The Congress party has accused the central government of playing "cheap political games" on a serious national issue after only one of the four Congress leaders it had suggested was was included in the seven all party delegations being sent abroad to explain India's stance on terrorism from Pakistan. In a post on X, Congress party wrote, "On May 16th morning, the Modi Govt asked for 4 names of Congress MPs/leaders to represent the INC in the delegations being sent abroad to explain India's stance on terrorism from Pakistan. These 4 names were conveyed in writing by the LoP Lok Sabha to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs by 12 noon on May 16th itself. Very late tonight (May 17th) the full list of members of all delegations has been officially released. Most regrettably, only 1 of the 4 names suggested by the INC leadership has been included." According to Congress, the party had submitted four names to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs by May 16 noon, but the final list released late on May 17 included only one of the suggested names. "This proves the complete insincerity of the Modi Govt and shows the cheap political games it always plays on serious national issues," the Congress leader's X post read. Additionally, the Congress party stated that it has decided to cooperate with the delegations, however, it demands for an all-party meeting and a special session of Parliament to discuss the issue of terrorism and reiterate a 1994 resolution. "The 4 eminent Congress MPs/leaders who have been included at the instance of the Modi Govt will, of course, go with the delegations and make their contributions. The INC will not stoop to the pathetic level of the PM and the BJP. It will always uphold the finest traditions of Parliamentary democracy and not play partisan politics on national security issues, like the BJP does. INC wishes the delegations all the very best. These delegations should not, however, divert attention from the INC's demands to have all-party meetings chaired by the PM and for a special session of Parliament to reiterate the resolution adopted on Feb 22, 1994 while also taking note of developments thereafter." the post added. Earlier, the Congress leader said that it was "dishonesty on the government's part." The government had announced that Congress leader Shashi Tharoor will be among the seven MPs it had picked to head all-party delegations to represent India at global forums, where they would brief world leaders on Operation Sindoor. Jairam Ramesh asserted that the Congress is "not going to change" the names of four MPs for the government's proposed delegations to foreign countries to explain India's stance on terrorism emanating from Pakistan. "We were asked for names. We expected that the names we had given would be included. We hoped that the names given by the party would be included. But when we saw the press release of PIB, we were surprised. I cannot say what will happen now. Asking four names, giving four names, and announcing another name is dishonest on the government's part. It is possible that' Mr Rijiju had talked to Rahul ji and Kharge even after the government had made up their mind, but I am giving him the benefit of the doubt. But what happened is dishonest. We are not going to change these four names," Jairam Ramesh said. "Yesterday (Tuesday) at 12.30 pm, Rahul ji wrote a letter to Kiren Rijiju and wrote 'Dear Shri Kiren Rijiju, I am writing in follow-up of a conversation with me and Kharge ji regarding the delegation for the Foreign Countries after discussing with Kharge ji I am sending you four names Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Raja Barar and Naseer Hussain'," Ramesh said, giving the details of the letter written to Kiren Rijiju by LoP Rahul Gandhi. Jairam Ramesh asserted that all the people who are in Congress belong to Congress; and that there is a "huge difference between being in Congress and being of Congress."He further said that the Congress party extended their support in everything, but today, when the names were announced, the party was "surprised." "From April 22nd till now we were demanding that an all party meeting be called two meetings were held but it was a formality, PM did not come, Leaders of Opposition Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha wrote a letter for a special session should be called, there should be a detailed discussion, the purpose was that we should put our collective resolve in front of the country and the world, PM did not give any answer to this, suddenly we heard that an all party delegation will go, this shows that the narrative of the government has changed, we also welcomed this step, we said that whatever help we have to give in this diplomatic propaganda, we will do it, but the way the minister behaved, names were asked and today he announced it himself, this is not honesty, a game is being played," Jairam Ramesh alleged. Curiously, the name of Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor was missing from the list that Jairam Ramesh says the Congress submitted to the Parliamentary Affairs Minister. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, however, named Tharoor in the list of seven MPs who would represent India at world forums where they would brief world leaders on Operation Sindoor. Tharoor has also accepted the government's proposal. On Saturday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju announced a seven multi-party delegation who will be visiting key partner countries, including members of the UN Security Council, later this month in the context of Operation Sindoor and India's continued fight against cross-border terrorism. The following MPs will lead the seven delegations: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, JDU leader Sanjay Kumar Jha, BJP leader Baijayant Panda, DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule, and Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Eknath Shinde. "In moments that matter most, Bharat stands united. Seven All-Party Delegations will soon visit key partner nations, carrying our shared message of zero tolerance to terrorism. A powerful reflection of national unity above politics, beyond differences," Rijiju said in a post on X. The All-Party Delegations will project India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations. They would carry forth to the world the country's strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism.The Members of Parliament from different parties, prominent political personalities, and distinguished diplomats will be part of each delegation. This came after India's decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. After the attack, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling across the Line of Control and Jammu and Kashmir as well as attempted drone attacks along the border regions, following which India launched a coordinated attack and damaged radar infrastructure, communication centres and airfields across 11 airbases in Pakistan. (ANI) Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra on Sunday expressed pride in being part of an all-party delegation that will represent India's message of zero tolerance against terrorism on the global stage. Speaking with ANI, Sasmit Patra called the Central Government's decision to send delegations across the world an "incredibly powerful movement" "It is an incredibly powerful movement in the soft power of diplomacy by India, where the voice of India as a unified India, despite our political differences, are going to come together as one." "We are one as a political entity and a democracy. It is always India first. It is a matter of pride for me that I got this opportunity," he added. Sasmit Patra seemed determined to expose Pakistan's sponsored terrorism across the world as he stressed that the delegations message is clear that terrorism will not be tolerated. "Our message that terrorism will not be tolerated, exposing Pakistan's sponsored terrorism, Pakistan's active involvement in terrorism and the need and contextualization of #OperationSindoor. These are areas which are going to be taken up strongly," Sasmit Patra is part of Shrikant Ekanth Shinde led delegations that will visit UAE, Liberia, Congo and Sierre Leone. Patra also stressed that this is the best opportunity to send a message across the world that all parties stand together when it comes to the nation. "This is the best opportunity to tell the world that though we are from different parties and have different ideologies, when it comes to our nation, we are one and we are moving forward with one ideology," he said. Along with Patra, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, IUML MP Mohammed Basheer, BJP MP Atul Garg, BJP MP Manan Kumar Mishra, SS Ahluwalia, and Sujan Chinoy are also part of this Shrikant Eknath Shinde-led delegation. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, JDU leader Sanjay Kumar Jha, BJP leader Baijayant Panda, DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule, are the other leaders who will lead the other six delegations on the global stage. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who shared the list on Saturday, also highlighted how the Members of Parliament have shown a united stance of "One mission. One message. One Bharat." (ANI) Union Minister and State BJP Chief G Kishan Reddy accompanied by Telangana Minister Poonam Prabhakar on Sunday visited Gulzar House in Charminar in the old city of Hyderabad where a massive fire broke out earlier in the day. According to fire department sources, 17 people died in the blaze that broke out around 6 am. AIMIM leader Mumtaz Ahmed Khan was also present at the spot when the leaders visited. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock over the fire mishap, as per a statement by the Telangana Chief Minister's office. CM Reddy instructed top officials to take all necessary measures to save the families trapped in the fire accident. He issued orders to shift the injured to nearby hospitals and provide better medical treatment. The CM spoke to Minister Ponnam Prabhakar about the fire incident on the phone and ordered to intensify rescue operations . He also inquired about the steps being taken for rescue and relief operations by the Police and Fire Service wings. CM Reddy expressed condolences to the victim families on the phone and assured them of all assistance from the government. Director General of Disaster Management and Fire services Nagi Reddy has been asked to closely monitor relief operations, a statement read. Minister Prabhakar stated that the fire department had arrived immediately upon receiving information of the blaze. "The fire broke out around 6 am, and by 6:16 am, the fire department of the Telangana government was present at the spot. They tried to save everyone. But the fire had spread massively... The majority of the people inside the building have died. The Chief Minister has spoken to the family (who were living in the building that caught fire). The state government will fully support the family," Prabhakar said, speaking to media persons. He further stated that a thorough review will be conducted to ensure fire safety in future. "We will conduct a thorough review to ensure fire safety and avoid any such incidents in the future. The public also has to support the fire department in this," he said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he was "deeply anguished" by the loss of lives. The PM also announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh and Rs 50,000 to those injured in the mishap, from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund, to the kin of the deceased as per the Prime Minister's Office. In a post on X, the Prime Minister's Office wrote, "Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy in Hyderabad, Telangana. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000." (ANI) A fire broke out in a hotel in Delhi's Paschim Vihar area, officials said on Sunday. The Delhi Fire Services informed that six fire tenders are on the spot to douse the flames. Further details are awaited. (ANI) Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Sunday expressed strong objection to the central government choosing only one party MP out its four nominations for the all party-delegations formed to mobilise global support on Operation Sindoor. Speaking with ANI, Jairam Ramesh said that it is not "appropriate" to do politics, after the Central government selected members that were not recommended by Congress, most notably Shashi Tharoor. "Rahul Gandhi wrote a letter and before 12 noon on the 16th May, we sent 4 names from our party for the all-party MPs delegation- Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Nasir Hussain and Raja Brar. The government had mischievous intentions from the beginning, they added 4 more names which were not in our list... We know that Operation Sindoor is being politicised... But the Congress party believes that national interest is paramount... They have included only one name from our list, 4 more are our MPs, they are not representatives of the party, but they should listen to their conscience and not politicise it," Jairam Ramesh said. The Congress has recommended Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Nasir Hussain and Raja Brar to be part of the delegation. However BJP-led central government chose only Anand Sharma from the recommended list and took the liberty to select other Congress members including Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari, Amar Singh and Salman Khurshid for the delegations. Speaking about the four other names chosen by government, Jairam Ramesh said, "The four names that have been added (by Govt) are senior MPs, one of whom has been a former foreign minister as well, he is experienced, there is no doubt that he knows good foreign policy. He should listen to his conscience. Four names were sought from us on behalf of our party, and we have given them. It would not be appropriate to do politics on this." The all-party delegations will project India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations. They would carry forth to the world the country's strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism. The list includes MPs from multiple parties, divided into seven groups of 8-9 members. A leader has been assigned for each group, who will lead the delegation at a global level. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, while posting the list on Saturday, also highlighted how the Members of Parliament have shown a united stance of "One mission. One message. One Bharat." (ANI) Amid calls for boycott of trade relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan for supporting Pakistan during the recent conflict with India, Union Minister of State (MoS) Bhagirath Choudhary on Sunday said there is anger against nations across the country that are supporting the terrorism. "Across the country, there is anger against terrorism and those who support terrorism. Turkey has openly come out in support (of Pakistan). In every sector, those who are engaged in marble, granite are calling for a boycott of all (countries) that support terrorism," Choudhary told ANI. As India takes a firm stand against countries that extended support to Pakistan during the recent conflict between the two countries, the traders in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior have decided to boycott any form of trade relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan. Bhupendra Jain, president of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) in Madhya Pradesh, said they have decided to end trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan for "helping Pakistan". He added that the CAIT has decided to conclude import-export business with Turkey while also opposing tourism to the middle eastern country. "We have decided to teach a lesson to Turkey and Azerbaijan, the countries that helped Pakistan. We helped Turkey in the earthquake through Operation Dost. Today, it helped our enemy and fired shells, drones and missiles at us," Jain told ANI. "Trade with Azerbaijan and Turkey has been stopped. Three decisions have been taken in CAIT. First, we will not import or export anything. Second, we are opposing tourism in Turkey. Third, national-level filmmaker, director, producer should not shoot films in Turkey or Azerbaijan," he added. In a strong retaliatory move against Turkey and Azerbaijan's open support to Pakistan, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Friday announced a complete boycott of trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan. Speaking after a national conference of trade leaders, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said, "A collective decision has been taken in the conference of trade leaders today to end all trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan. The reason is clear -- Turkey and Azerbaijan have openly supported Pakistan against India." Meanwhile, the Bangalore Wholesale Cloth Merchants' Association (BWCMA) has announced that it will cease all textile trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan with immediate effect. The trade suspension will continue until further notice, and any changes will be announced by the Association's governing body, the letter stated. (ANI) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma led the Tiranga Yatra rally in Jaipur on Sunday, paying tribute to India's armed forces and scientists for their contribution in Operation Sindoor. The rally was part of a nationwide campaign to celebrate national pride and self-respect. Addressing a large crowd at Sanganer, CM Sharma said, "... Our priority is the nation's dignity... this is why we say 'Bharat Mata Ki Jay' before anything... This rally is to show respect for the courage shown by our army and the work done by our scientists..." The Chief Minister walked along with the participants and interacted with the youth and veterans present at the rally. He thanked the people for their support of the yatra and said that similar rallies were being held across the country. "First of all, I thank you for this. This tricolour journey is underway within the country," Sharma said. He shared that he had joined the rally in Deshnok, Bikaner, the day before and would be in Alwar the next day. He called the rally a mark of honour for Indian soldiers and scientists, particularly for their role in national security and technological achievements. The Rajasthan CM praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, referring to the Indian Army's action against terror camps in Pakistan. He recalled the events of April 22, stating, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that this would be avenged...Terrorist bases...were destroyed...none of their citizens were hurt, only those locations where terrorists were located." Highlighting India's firm stance against terrorism since 2014, CM Bhajanlal Sharma added, "Because day in and day out, you used to see terrorists doing incidents... but now, whether it is surgical strikes, be it strikes or Operation Sindoor, our army has done this under the leadership of the glorious Prime Minister Narendra Modi." He stated that over 100 terrorists were killed and their camps destroyed in the strikes. Sharma reiterated that the yatra symbolised national pride. Sharma emphasised national self-respect over political loyalty. "Our country is before our party, and that is why we glorify Bharat Mata in every activity and first of al,l we worship Bharat Mata," he declared. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched 'Tiranga Yatra' on May 13 and it will continue till May 23. The yatra aims to honour the valour of Indian soldiers and inform citizens about Operation Sindoor's recent success. (ANI) Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has dismissed the notion that dialogue with China could be pursued in cooperation with Taiwan's opposition parties, arguing their approaches differ fundamentally from that of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Focus Taiwan reported. According to Focus Taiwan, on Saturday, citing an interview on the YouTube channel of Mindi World News, the Taiwanese President reiterated the DPP's long-standing stance that opposition parties tend to support Beijing's "One China Principle". He pointed to the Kuomintang's (KMT) support for the "1992 Consensus" and other narratives like "both sides of the Strait are one family", which he said align more closely with China's unification agenda. As per Focus Taiwan, Beijing holds the "One China Principle", which asserts that the People's Republic of China is the only legitimate government of China and that Taiwan is part of it. The KMT interprets the 1992 Consensus as both sides agreeing there is "One China" but with room for differing interpretations of what that means. Lai also referred to former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je's use of the "one family" phrase in 2015 to support cross-strait engagement. Ko later founded the Taiwan People's Party but stepped down as its chairman in December 2024 amid corruption allegations, as reported by Focus Taiwan. In contrast, Lai emphasized that the DPP sees Taiwan and China as separate entities, with Taiwan's future to be decided solely by its 23 million citizens. He criticised China's rising military pressure and psychological tactics as aggressive efforts to force unification and disrupt the international rules-based order. To counter this, Lai reaffirmed his administration's "Four Pillars of Peace": strengthening national defence, building economic resilience, deepening partnerships with democratic allies, and ensuring cross-strait leadership based on stable principles, Focus Taiwan reported. While Taiwan remains open to dialogue, Lai stressed that it must be conducted on the basis of equality and mutual respect--an approach also championed by his predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen, though Beijing has yet to respond favourably. Lai underscored that Taiwan favours engagement over confrontation and exchange over isolation, seeking peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity. He warned that China's current strategy toward Taiwan and the world appears ineffective and may backfire, noting shifts in the US policy focus toward the Indo-Pacific. On trade, Lai said ongoing talks with the US aim to ensure that new "reciprocal" tariffs imposed on Taiwanese goods do not exceed 10 per cent. (ANI) A deadly explosion which is suspected to be a potential act of terrorism has left one dead and at least five injured outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs in the US's California, on Saturday (local time), the New York Post reported. According to the New York Post, officials claim that it was a deliberate act of violence, with authorities investigating the incident. The blast occurred outside the American Reproductive Centres, possibly originating from a car parked near the facility, The New York Post reported, citing Palm Springs Mayor Ron DeHarte. Palm Springs Fire Chief Paul Alvarado confirmed that the explosion was intentional, with the blast damaging multiple buildings across several blocks. "The blast appears to be an intentional act of violence... The blast field extends for blocks with several buildings damaged, some severely," Alvarado said, as quoted by The New York Post. Meanwhile, the identity of the deceased has not been confirmed. The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are involved in the investigation. The FBI "will be investigating whether this was an intentional act," US Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California stated on X, The Post reported. US Attorney General Pam Bondi, also commenting on X, confirmed that federal agents work with local law enforcement. She condemned the attack, stating that "violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable", emphasising the Trump administration's support for women and mothers. The fertility clinic, which offers services like in vitro fertilization and egg transfers, was closed at the time of the explosion. No patients were present, and none of the stored embryos were harmed, The Post reported, citing clinic operator Dr. Maher Abdallah. All staff were reported safe. Authorities warned the public to stay away from the area as they searched for additional explosive devices. Palm Springs Mayor Ron DeHarte said initial theories such as a gas leak or helicopter crash had been ruled out, and investigations are ongoing. The clinic is located near Desert Regional Hospital but is not affiliated with it. (ANI) According to ARY News, the latest court session was held at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore under tight security, presided over by ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gull. During the hearing, charge sheets were distributed among all accused individuals, preparing the ground for the upcoming indictments. High-profile Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, attended the proceedings, with their presence officially recorded. Others, such as Aliya Hamza and Khadijah Shah, also appeared before the court as part of the ongoing jail trial. As per ARY News, the case stems from violent protests and alleged acts of vandalism targeting Jinnah House, a key military site. The accused face serious allegations under Pakistan's anti-terrorism laws. The formal framing of charges is set for May 24, after which the trial is expected to proceed at full pace. Earlier, on December 11, 2024, eight Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) employees, including women, were deemed innocent in the matter by a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) established to look into the Jinnah House Attack case. According to the information, the case in which JIT delivered its report was heard by Manzar Ali Gul, the Administrative Judge of the ATC. According to the JIT's report, eight PTI employees--Tauseef Khanum, Saeeda, Ayub, Sarwat Shahid, Nadira Umar, Waheedur Rehman, Sajid Prince, Bilal Farhan, and Farooq--are innocent and did not participate in the May 9, 2023, attack on Jinnah House. Following the May 9 riots that occurred after former Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested, the PTI employees were charged in a case at the Sarwar Road police station. (ANI) Pakistan once again scrambles to salvage its image in the wake of India's 'Operation Sindoor', which has exposed Islamabad's deep ties to terrorism. In a move that appears to mimic India's recent diplomatic manoeuvres, where New Delhi has announced seven multi-party delegations to represent India at world forums and brief world leaders on Operation Sindoor, Pakistan, in hesitancy, has also called for a delegation to present its case for 'peace' at the international stage. This came after Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday stated that Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had tasked him to lead a delegation to present Pakistan's case on the recent escalations of tensions between the two nations. "I was contacted earlier today by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who requested that I lead a delegation to present Pakistan's case for peace on the international stage. I am honoured to accept this responsibility and remain committed to serving Pakistan in these challenging times," Zardari said in a post on Facebook. The announcement reflects Pakistan's desperate attempt to repair its tarnished reputation as it bore its longstanding support for terrorism, drawing widespread international criticism. Bhutto Zardari's delegation is likely to face an uphill battle, as Pakistan's credibility has been severely undermined by its failure to curb terrorism and its retaliatory actions that targeted Indian civilians as its response to Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Earlier on Saturday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju announced a seven multi-party delegation who will be visiting key partner countries, including members of the UN Security Council, later this month in the context of Operation Sindoor and India's continued fight against cross-border terrorism. The following MPs will lead the seven delegations: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, JDU leader Sanjay Kumar Jha, BJP leader Baijayant Panda, DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule, and Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Eknath Shinde. "In moments that matter most, Bharat stands united. Seven All-Party Delegations will soon visit key partner nations, carrying our shared message of zero tolerance to terrorism. A powerful reflection of national unity above politics, beyond differences," Rijiju said in a post on X. The All-Party Delegations will project India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations. They would carry forth to the world the country's strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism. The Members of Parliament from different parties, prominent political personalities, and distinguished diplomats will be part of each delegation. This came after India's decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. After the attack, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling across the Line of Control and Jammu and Kashmir as well as attempted drone attacks along the border regions, following which India launched a coordinated attack and damaged radar infrastructure, communication centres and airfields across 11 airbases in Pakistan. (ANI) Two people have died and 19 people sustained injuries while two after a Mexican Navy ship carrying 277 passengers lost power and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge, Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, said on Sunday (local time). Sharing the details of the incident on X, the New York City Mayor said, "Earlier tonight, the Mexican Navy tall ship Cuauhtemoc lost power and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge. At this time, of the 277 on board, 19 sustained injuries, 2 of which remain in critical condition, and 2 more have sadly passed away from their injuries." https://x.com/NYCMayor/status/1923956324737351832 Earlier, New York Police Department Chief Wilson Aramboles said at a news conference Saturday that the ship lost power around 8:20 PM as the captain was manoeuvring the ship, which forced the vessel towards the bridge's pillar, and the ship's mast struck the bridge, CNN reported. CNN referred to a video which showed the Cuauhtemoc's mast hitting the underside of the bridge and breaking as the vessel passes through, with pieces falling down towards the deck. No visible damage could be seen on the bridge itself, which was open to traffic Saturday night after shuttering briefly. CNN reported that all lanes of the Brooklyn Bridge were briefly closed in both directions after the incident but had reopened as of 10:30 p.m., according to New York emergency officials. "While inspections will remain ongoing, there are no signs of structural damage to the Brooklyn Bridge at this time," according to Fabien Levy, a spokesperson for Adams. NYPD told residents to avoid the area of Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport in Manhattan, and Dumbo in Brooklyn. "Expect heavy traffic and a large presence of emergency vehicles in the surrounding area," police said on X. (ANI) Geneva [Switzerland], May 18 (ANI/ WAM): The 78th session of the World Health Assembly (WHA78) will convene from May 19-27 in Geneva, Switzerland, under the theme "One World for Health". The Health Assembly will bring together high-level country representatives and other stakeholders to address health challenges. This year's gathering comes at a pivotal moment for global health, as Member States confront emerging threats and major shifts in the landscape for global health and international development. This year's theme underscores WHO's enduring commitment to solidarity and equity, highlighting that even in unprecedented times, everyone, everywhere should have an equal chance to live a healthy life. A highly anticipated moment of the WHA78 will be the consideration of the Pandemic Agreement, a landmark proposal developed over three years of intense negotiations by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body, composed of all WHO Member States. The adoption of the agreement is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to safeguard the world from a repeat of the suffering caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposal will be the second ever presented for approval under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, which gives Member States the authority to reach agreements on global health. "This year's World Health Assembly will be truly historic with countries, after 3 years of negotiations, considering for adoption the first global compact to better protect people from pandemics," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "The Pandemic Agreement can make the world safer by boosting collaboration among countries fairly in the preparedness, prevention and response to pandemics." The Health Assembly will consider approximately 75 items and sub-items and is expected to approve more than 40 resolutions/decisions, many of which are put forward by the Executive Board at its 156th session (EB156), where they have been previously discussed. The packed agenda covers a diverse range of topics in WHO's Programme of Work, such as the health and care workforce, antimicrobial resistance, health emergencies, preparedness, polio, climate change and social connection as determinants of health, among other issues. (ANI/ WAM) On the 30th anniversary of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima's enforced disappearance, the 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet, Italian Senator Andrea De Priamo, who serves as the President of the Italian Tibet Interparliamentary Group, has released a powerful statement urging the Chinese government to free him and acknowledge the fundamental rights of the Tibetan people, as reported by the Central Tibet Administration (CTA). On May 17, 1995, merely days after being acknowledged by 14th Dalai Lama as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama, the six-year-old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was taken by Chinese officials along with his family. Since then, no reliable information about their location has been made public. Senator De Priamo remarked that this incident represents the longest-running enforced disappearance in contemporary history and constitutes a severe, ongoing breach of international human rights and religious freedom, according to the CTA report. "Instead of the legitimate Panchen Lama, the Chinese government appointed a state-designated figure, devoid of spiritual legitimacy and largely rejected by the Tibetan populace, seemingly to exert political control over the future of Tibetan religious leadership," stated Senator De Priamo, as referenced in the CTA report. In his appeal, Senator De Priamo urged the Chinese authorities to "reveal the location and welfare of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family, and to honour the inherent rights of the Tibetan people, including their right to cultural and religious self-determination," as quoted by the CTA report. The Senator also called upon "the international community, national governments, and human rights organisations to maintain and amplify diplomatic efforts and public advocacy regarding this matter. The pursuit of justice, human dignity, and religious freedom demands nothing less," as stated in the CTA report. The tension between Tibet and China stems from the political disputes surrounding Tibet and the governance of the region by China. Historically, Tibet functioned as an independent state but was incorporated into China in 1951 following a military occupation. Under the Dalai Lama's leadership, Tibetans have been fighting for greater autonomy and the safeguarding of their cultural, religious, and political rights. In contrast, the Chinese government considers Tibet an inseparable part of its territory. This disagreement has led to protests, cultural repression, and ongoing human rights and self-governance violations. (ANI) German Commissioner for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Frank Schwabe, has urged the Chinese Government to free the 11th Panchen Lama, Jetsun Tenzin Gedhun Yeshi Trinley Phuntsok Pal Sangpo, also known as Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, and to cease its interference with the religious practices of Tibetan Buddhism, including the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, as reported by the Central Tibet Administration (CTA). On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of his enforced disappearance, the Commissioner has issued a strong condemnation of the Chinese government for the abduction of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedun Choekyi Nyima, and his family, according to the CTA. "To the Government of China: Allow the release of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedun Choekyi Nyima. Ensure that Tibetan Buddhists have the freedom to practice their faith following international human rights standards. This encompasses acknowledging the next Dalai Lama based on traditional practices, free from the interference of the CCP in the reincarnation process," stated Commissioner Frank Schwabe, as cited in the CTA report. About the widespread suppression of the Tibetan people by the Chinese government, Commissioner Schwabe remarked that "the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has failed to eliminate Tibetan cultural and religious identity," as noted in the CTA report. Expressing heartfelt gratitude to Commissioner Schwabe, the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Tibet Bureau in Geneva, has praised the statement. She emphasised, "The situation of the 11th Panchen Lama Gedun Choekyi Nyima is among the most protracted cases of enforced disappearances globally. His abduction constitutes a serious violation of his rights as well as the rights of the Tibetan Buddhists to autonomously select their religious leader and practice their faith. Commissioner Schwabe's voice adds significant momentum to the worldwide calls for the protection of the Tibetan People's rights to freely choose their religious leaders, including the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama, and to practice their religion without fear or persecution," as reported by the CTA. (ANI) American senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), who serve as the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a statement on the 30th anniversary of the People's Republic of China's kidnapping of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama. The Panchen Lama serves as an important spiritual figure for Tibetans and represents their fight for religious liberty, as stated in a release from the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations (USSCFR). "Beijing's abduction of the Panchen Lama was an affront to the Tibetan people and their pursuit of religious freedom. For decades, China has denied Tibetans the right to self-determination and refused to engage in direct dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives. Meanwhile, Beijing continues to carry out policies to erase Tibetan religion, culture, and language. This is immoral and unjust", the statement said. "We call on Beijing to provide credible evidence of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima's well-being and for his immediate release. The US will continue to steadfastly support Tibetans' rights to have a say in their future, preserve their culture, and maintain their religious freedom", as quoted by the release. On May 17, 1995, just three days after the Dalai Lama recognised him, the six-year-old Panchen Lama and his family were abducted by the Chinese Communist Party. Subsequently, Beijing appointed another child as the Panchen Lama in a clear and illegitimate attempt to exert its control over Tibetan Buddhism, as stated in the release. The tension between Tibet and China arises from the political conflicts related to Tibet and its governance by China. Historically, Tibet operated as a sovereign state but was integrated into China in 1951 through military force. Under the leadership of the Dalai Lama, Tibetans have been advocating for increased autonomy and the protection of their cultural, religious, and political rights. In contrast, the Chinese government views Tibet as an integral part of its territory. This contention has resulted in protests, cultural suppression, and ongoing debates about human rights and self-administration. (ANI) The northern division of the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) announced late on Friday night that they apprehended two Chinese individuals who entered Taiwan unlawfully via a rubber boat that morning, landing at Guanyin Beach in Taoyuan, as reported by Taipei Times. After apprehending the two, Coast Guard officers confiscated their rubber boat and referred them to prosecutors for further investigation, according to a statement from the branch. The Taoyuan District Prosecutors' Office indicated that the pair consists of a father and son, as reported by Taipei Times. Prosecutors have requested that the 41-year-old father, who goes by the surname Song, be detained on the grounds of illegal entry into Taiwan. The Taoyuan District Court mentioned that while investigating Song, his 17-year-old son was handed over to the National Immigration Agency's Special Operations Brigade in Taoyuan since it was judged that detention wasn't necessary due to his minor status and the assessment that he was likely just following his father's example, according to the Taipei Times report. Song claimed he escaped to Taiwan seeking "freedom" due to persecution in China. However, his intentions have yet to be confirmed. The duo made their way to Taiwan in a small rubber boat measuring only 3.3 meters, which posed challenges for radar detection, as indicated by the CGA branch, according to the Taipei Times. China has been persistently testing Taiwan's responses and even attempting to smuggle small items during military drills, The coast guard suggested that Song's actions might be considered a "gray zone intrusion," as quoted in the Taipei Times report. Since the beginning of January, there have been five smuggling incidents involving a total of 38 individuals, according to the CGA. They also mentioned that they are seeking funding to implement coastal surveillance systems, including thermal imaging cameras, and to enhance the capacities of patrol ships and acquire additional equipment to improve their monitoring capabilities to bolster defence resilience and ensure national security, as reported by Taipei Times. (ANI) Paank, the Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Department, expressed strong disapproval of the clandestine and disrespectful burial of three Baloch youths by Pakistani security forces in the Dannuk region of Turbat, Balochistan. As reported in a post by Paank on X, on Tuesday morning, family members of the victims discovered the burial locations of their sons in Aslam Shah Cemetery and started the exhumation process. The three young men were killed the previous month during a confrontation with Pakistani forces. Their families were not notified of their deaths, and the bodies were interred without consent, identification, or announcement, in blatant violation of fundamental human rights and international humanitarian standards. At least one body was exhumed by the families and subsequently reburied following Baloch cultural practices and the dignity every person deserves in death. The procedure confirmed the identities of the deceased individuals, as mentioned in the post. Security forces and local police sought to obstruct the exhumation, causing distress and intimidation, particularly towards the women involved. Such actions signify a severe breach of the rights to truth, justice, and dignity and exacerbate the psychological trauma already endured by the victims' families, as highlighted in Paank's post. Paank has confirmed that the graves at Aslam Shah Cemetery were utilised to obscure extrajudicial killings and to deny families their rights to mourn, identify, and lay their loved ones to rest. This trend mirrors the broader, systematic human rights violations occurring in Balochistan, which encompass enforced disappearances, custodial killings, and denial of due process. Paank urged international human rights organisations, including the United Nations and global civil society, to urgently and seriously address these violations. The Pakistani government must be held responsible for its ongoing campaign of violence, secrecy, and repression in Balochistan. Balochistan faces ongoing human rights violations, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and suppression of dissent. Security forces and insurgent groups are both accused of abuses. Civilians often suffer amid conflict, with limited media access and accountability. International concern grows, but effective intervention and justice remain elusive for many victims. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to visit Netherlands, Denmark and Germany from May 19-24, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Sunday. It further noted that during his three-country visit, the External Affairs Minister will meet with the leadership of the three countries and hold discussions on the entire range of bilateral relations. Discussions will also take place on global and regional matters of mutual interest. EAM Jaishankar's visit to Germany comes as Friedrich Merz took over the office as the new Federal Chancellor of Germany earlier in May this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended his warm congratulations to Friedrich Merz and expressed his eagerness to work closely with Chancellor Merz for further strengthening the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. Sharing a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "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." In the wake of the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack, the three countries were a part of the several countries from across the world who had expressed solidarity to India. The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, offered support to India and condemned all acts of terrorism. She also extended condolences to the victims of the attack and their families. "Terrible news from Pahalgam. Denmark stands with India and strongly condemns all acts of terrorism. Our condolences to the victims of the attack and their families and loved ones," Denmark PM's office wrote on X. Former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had condemned the terrorist attack against tourists in Pahalgam. He had offered condolences to the people of India and wished speedy recovery for all the people injured in the attack. President of Netherlands, Dick Schoof had said, "The Netherlands stands shoulder to shoulder with India in the fight against terrorism, now and in the future." India shares warm and friendly ties with the three countries. The ties of India and Denmark are based on historical links, common democratic traditions and shared desire for regional, as well as international peace and stability. The current development of renewed India-Denmark relations has been guided by the "Green Strategic Partnership", MEA noted in a statement. The diplomatic ties between India and the Netherlands are over 75 years old. As per the MEA, the two countries enjoy strong political, economic & commercial relations. High level mutual exchanges have provided impetus to the multifaceted partnership between the two countries. According to the MEA, India and Germany have a strategic partnership, with India being one of the first countries to have established diplomatic ties with Germany after World War II over seventy years ago. (ANI) US Vice President JD Vance met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Rome on Sunday (local time) on the sidelines of Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass at Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City. According to a statement from the Office of the Vice President, the focus of the meeting was on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with discussions centred on their shared objective of halting the bloodshed in Ukraine. United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also present at the meeting. Both parties also discussed the current status of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, Turkiye, which aim to achieve a ceasefire and establish lasting peace in the region. "This afternoon in Rome, Italy, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The leaders discussed their shared goal of ending the bloodshed in Ukraine and provided updates on the current state of negotiations for a ceasefire and lasting peace," the statement from the VP's office read. All three were among the attendees of Sunday's two-hour-long liturgy in the Vatican, along with the President of Peru, Dina Boluarte, the country where Pope Leo served as both a missionary and a bishop for several decades. The negotiations in Istanbul were the first face-to-face meeting of both countries after three years of tough military confrontation. Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and welcomed the prisoner exchange agreement reached during Russia-Ukraine talks. During his conversation on Saturday, Rubio reiterated Trump's message, stating, "The death and destruction must stop." Secretary Rubio welcomed the prisoner exchange agreement reached during the May 16 session of the Ukraine-Russia talks and delivered President Trump's strong message: "The United States is committed to achieving a lasting end to the Russia-Ukraine war," according to the US State Department. "The comprehensive peace plan proposed by the United States outlines the best way forward. The Secretary emphasised President Trump's call for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the violence," the statement added. Earlier in that day, US President Donald Trump said that he would hold separate phone calls with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with an aim to stop the "bloodbath." "I will be speaking, by telephone, to President Vladimir Putin of Russia on Monday, at 10:00 am The subjects of the call will be stopping the 'bloodbath' that is killing, on average, more than 5,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, and trade...," Trump wrote on 'Truth Social'. "I will then be speaking to President Zelenskyy of Ukraine and various members of NATO. Hopefully, it will be a productive day, a ceasefire will take place, and this very violent war, a war that should have never happened, will end. God bless us all!!!" he added. (ANI) When Annie Lambert set out to visit every church in Lynchburg, she wasnt expecting a global audience, a deeper healing, or a complete transformation of her own life. But more than 100 Sundays later, thats exactly whats happened. I was really, really scared to step into this journey, Lambert said. Because I felt like I would be encountering a bunch of strangers and unfamiliar places. But what Hes shown me is that Im encountering Him Im encountering Jesus. Im encountering the chosen family He has for me. Lambert said her story involves pain, redemption but ultimately faith. Born in West Virginia, she moved to Lynchburg as a young teenager and has lived here off and on for most of her life. Her upbringing was impaired by trauma. I didnt grow up in a religious household, she said. I grew up with unimaginable sexual abuse, physical abuse and just never really knowing love and never knowing Jesus. Ironically, it was a period of church hurt that started her on a mission of visiting every church in the area. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lambert was volunteering as a Sunday school teacher at a local church when things took a turn. Hurt and disillusioned, she said shed never go back. But then came what she describes as a divine nudge. I say this jokingly but lovingly, she laughed, He was like, Oh yeah? Youre gonna visit all of them in your city. And so she began. Lambert officially started the church search in May 2020. I just visited the first church on the journey, and I waited for the Holy Spirit to prompt me each week where I should go, she said. Sometimes that sign came from a stranger in the grocery store or a post on social media. A lot of times, Ill just wait. Like some Sundays, I dont know where Im going yet, but the Holy Spirits going to show me, she said. She keeps a growing spreadsheet of churches, compiled from local recommendations, online lists and word of mouth. That list from the Liberty website had about 250 churches, but there are so many more than that. Ive gotten thousands of messages over time, from people in Lynchburg and even persecuted countries, saying that theyve never been to a church, but feel like they get to experience it through me. As of earlier this spring, Lambert will have visited 105 churches. Aside from a few online services due to illness, including bronchitis that kept her home on Easter, she hasnt missed a week. Anytime that Ive had an illness, Ive at least attended an online service, she said. But my heart is just so full. I cant even express it. One of the biggest revelations during her journey was how the time span seemed divinely aligned with her past. I was abused for eight years during my childhood, Lambert said. And the number of years it will take to complete this journey to visit every church in our city is eight years. I believe Hes using this to restore the years, to restore what the enemy has stolen, to put back the broken pieces of my heart. Lambert doesnt attend anonymously, at least not anymore. Her attendance has become widely recognized in the local faith community, thanks in part to her blog and social media. When I first started going to churches, nobody knew who I was, she said. Now, people will say, Oh, we know why youre here. She documents each visit with photos, a written reflection and sometimes insights into how the service or people affected her personally. But its not just about chronicling Sunday mornings, its about healing. Not only is He healing me through this journey but when I write about the experience, when people follow along and see this journey of healing, its prompting them to do the same, she said. The lessons shes learned go beyond denominations or doctrine. We are so much more alike than we are unalike, she said. People get hung up on different expressions of worship, but were all going for the same reason, to worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As for the broader community, Lambert has nothing but praise. We have the best community in the world, she said. Its been the privilege of my life to be on this journey. The community has loved me, welcomed me and wrapped their arms around me. Lambert has been voted Best Civic Leader by Lynchburg Living magazine for two years in a row. Though she sometimes misses the consistency of a church home, she finds comfort in her wider spiritual family. I do miss having the stability of a church family, she said, but at the same time, God has given me such a bigger church family. Hes showing us the church is still alive. We are united. We are the body of Christ. In addition to her blog, Lambert is a childrens book author and maintains another blog called The Narrow Way, where she writes about her personal healing and lessons from therapy. Shes also planning to write a book about this eight-year journey once its complete. When asked what shed say to people who are overwhelmed by the sheer number of churches or new to their faith, Lambert offers this advice: Approach it with an open mind and an open heart. You might have some biases or misconceptions about what to expect. But Ive been blown away by how different it actually is when you walk through the doors. She said her mission isnt about checking churches off a list, its about transformation, healing and love. The church isnt just a building that I visit, she said. It is the hospital where Jesus is healing my soul. The walls of my childhood heard silent screams. Now, the walls of the church hear my hallelujahs. TOKYO, May 18 (News On Japan) - The Sanja Festival at Asakusa Shrine in Tokyo, a signature early-summer tradition of the downtown area, reached its peak on Saturday as groups of local carried mikoshi through the streets in the main 'Rengo Togyo' procession despite the rain. Around 100 mikoshi from neighborhood associations appeared one after another, drawing cheers from the crowd as their brilliant decorations and vibrant energy lit up the grey skies. Spectators, umbrellas in hand, lined the streets to watch the lively parade, captivated by the spectacle of tradition and community spirit unfolding in the heart of old Tokyo. The Sanja Festival, one of Tokyos most iconic Shinto celebrations, traces its origins back to the early Edo period and honors the three men who founded Asakusa ShrineHinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari, and Hajino Nakatomo. According to legend, in the year 628, the Hinokuma brothers, who were fishermen, pulled a small statue of the Bodhisattva Kannon from the Sumida River. Hajino, a wealthy landlord and devout Buddhist, recognized its significance and converted the brothers to Buddhism. The three went on to enshrine the statue and propagate the faith, eventually leading to the establishment of Senso-ji Temple, and later Asakusa Shrine to venerate the three founders. These three figures are deified as the "Three Great Men" of Asakusa, or "Sanja," from which the festival gets its name. Over the centuries, the festival evolved from a modest religious observance into a grand public spectacle, becoming particularly prominent during the Tokugawa shogunate when it was officially recognized and supported by the ruling samurai class. Held annually in May, the Sanja Festival became a way for local residents to express their devotion, solidarity, and cultural identity. It served not only as a spiritual celebration but also as a display of Edo-style pride, craftsmanship, and communal strength. The tradition of carrying mikoshiportable shrines believed to house the spirits of the deities during the festivalbegan as a symbolic gesture to allow the kami to tour and bless the local neighborhoods. Over time, the mikoshi processions grew into one of the most anticipated parts of the event, with each district of Asakusa competing to outshine the others in pageantry and vigor. Today, the festival draws over a million visitors across its three-day span, particularly on the Saturday of the main procession known as the Rengo Togyo, when approximately 100 mikoshi from neighborhood associations are carried through the streets. Participants dressed in traditional happi coats and tabi shoes shout in rhythm as they shoulder the weighty shrines, parading through the historic downtown under flags and banners. The atmosphere blends reverence and exuberance, often accompanied by music, food stalls, and crowds of tourists. Despite modern influences and occasional weather disruptions like this years rain, the Sanja Festival continues to be a vivid reminder of Tokyos deep cultural roots and the enduring power of community-driven tradition. Source: Kyodo OSAKA, May 19 (News On Japan) - Visitors to the Osaka-Kansai Expo may be surprised to learn that one of the most popular attractionsmoon and Mars rockscan be seen and touched without waiting in long lines, thanks to a lesser-known exhibit at the far western end of the venue. Now in its second month, the Expo continues to attract crowds with its iconic Grand Roof Ring and numerous pavilions. Among them, the U.S. Pavilion draws particularly long queues, with wait times often exceeding 90 minutes even on weekdays. The main draw is the lunar rock on display. "I saw the moon rock at the last Expo, so I wanted to see it again," said one visitor waiting in line. At the Japan Pavilion, which requires reservations that are often hard to secure, many are eager to catch a glimpse of the Martian rock. "I had to fight with my smartphone first thing in the morning to secure a reservation," one visitor said. "I just saw the moon rock, so now Im here to see the Mars one." These exhibits are so popular that some visitors are going from one to the other. However, there is a quiet alternative: both the moon and Mars rocks can be found in a single spotwithout the crowds. Located about a 10-minute walk from the western area of the Expo site and past the West Gate entrance, the Future Life Village offers a hidden exhibition that includes around 50 types of meteorites. Its centerpiece is the chance to seeand touchactual moon and Mars rocks. "I was surprised. You can touch them and compare the differences, which is really interesting," said a repeat visitor. "Isn't it amazing you dont have to wait in line? This is actually my second time here." Even more unexpectedly, visitors are allowed to strike some of the rare meteorites with a hammer. "It feels strange, like hitting metal," one person commented. "Its incredible. I was shocked to find something this special tucked away in a corner. And theres no line." The exhibition is scheduled to run until the end of July. Source: MBS Attacks on medical facilities in South Sudan are increasing, according to Doctors Without Borders (MSF), which said that the major conflict has caused mass displacement and that under-resourced health centers are finding it difficult to cope. Political instability and insecurity have long plagued South Sudan, but in recent months, tensions between President Salva Kiir and vice president Riek Machar have led to clashes between their Forces across the nation. While fighting in Upper Nile State has garnered international attention, MSF cautioned that fighting was also taking place in the states of Unity, Jonglei, and Western Central Equatorial. According to MSF, foreign organizations pay for about 80% of the nations healthcare system, with Juba providing only 1.3% of its budget. Abdalla Hussein of MSF stated, we see a rise of attacks on health care facilities, medical personnel, civilian population, including looting of remote outposts and attacks on White River Nile barges carrying essential supplies. According to the UN, eight medical facilities have been hit so far this year, but MSF thinks the number may be even higher. According to Zakariya Mwatia, head of mission for MSF, more and more injured people are coming to Malakal city after weeks of traveling through the bush and sleeping on the streets, their health in shambles, and staff members are powerless to save them. The 34th Arab Summit, held on Saturday in Baghdad, endorsed Moroccos candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028-2029 term. Baghdad Declaration adopted by the Summit urged all Arab League member states to mobilize all efforts in their outreach to friendly countries to secure support for Moroccos bid. In their Declaration, Arab Heads of State and heads of participating delegations also voiced support for the role of the Al-Quds Committee and Bayt Mal Al Quds Asharif Agency, chaired by King Mohammed VI. The same support was reaffirmed by Arab leaders in their resolution on Developments and Israeli violations in the occupied city of Al-Quds. In another resolution entitled Support for the budget of the State of Palestine and the resistance of the Palestinian people, the Arab leaders expressed their gratitude to the Kingdom of Morocco for contributing to the capital increase of the Al-Quds and Al-Aqsa Funds. On another level, Arab States called for benefiting further from the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema, set up at the initiative of the Moroccan Monarch, and the Rabat-based Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams, Morchidines and Morchidates. Cal/OSHA Reinforces Heat Illness Prevention as California Temperatures Climb As California temperatures rise, employers are being urged to take proactive steps to protect workers from the dangers of heat illness in both indoor and outdoor settings. As temperatures in California are rising, Cal/OSHA, a division of the Department of Industrial Relations, is reminding employers of the requirement to protect their workers at indoor and outdoor worksites from heat illness. Heat illness is dangerous and can be deadly. Cal/OSHA provides guidance, educational materials, model programs, and other resources, including annual trainings held statewide in both English and Spanish. Cal/OSHA, in collaboration with the Nisei Farmers League, hosted a heat illness prevention training in Easton today to help prepare California's agricultural workforce for the challenges of the summer heat. This collaborative training has been held nearly every year since 2008 to protect workers from heat illness and to highlight California's safety requirements. Participants gathered at the C.P.D.E.S. Portuguese Hall in Easton for heat illness prevention training in English and Spanish What Cal/OSHA Chief Debra Lee said: California workers, especially those laboring outdoors or in hot indoor environments, face serious risks from heat exhaustion, dehydration, and other serious conditions during high temperatures. Our goal is to make sure employers and workers are prepared, informed, and equipped to prevent heat illness before it happens. Today's training focused on practical strategies to prevent heat illness in outdoor and indoor work environments and requirements to protect workers during nighttime agricultural operations. Under California's Heat Illness Prevention Standards, employers are legally required to implement protective measures for outdoor workers and must protect workers at indoor workplaces when temperatures reach 82 degrees. Employers may be covered under both the indoor and outdoor regulations if they have workers in each setting. See the Comparison Chart of Indoor and Outdoor Heat Illness Prevention Standards . Cal/OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention Special Emphasis Program includes enforcement of the heat regulation and multilingual outreach and training programs for California's employers and workers. Additional resources on heat illness prevention are available on 99calor.org, and Cal/OSHA also has a Heat Illness Prevention online tool for employers. New Agriculture Unit To address concerns in the agriculture industry, Cal/OSHA launched a first-of-its-kind Agricultural Enforcement Task Force and Outreach Unit, designed to strengthen enforcement, increase on-site inspections, and expand resources to better reach and protect workers. With offices located throughout the state, this unit is tasked with conducting targeted enforcement, improving outreach, and addressing long-standing concerns over health and safety in the state's agriculture sector. The treaty suspension not only impacts water flow but also halts the sharing of critical data, such as flood warnings, potentially jeopardizing lives and livelihoods in Pakistan. Pakistan relies heavily on the Indus basin for electricity, with hydropower being its second-largest energy source, as well as for its agricultural sector, contributing substantially to the nation's GDP. India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, a major water-sharing agreement brokered by the World Bank. The move came on April 23, within a day of a deadly shooting in Pahalgam, in the Indian-administered part of Kashmir, marking the first time the treaty has been paused since the pacts inception in 1960. In response, Pakistan stated that an attempt to stop the flow of water would be considered an act of war. Tensions mounted between the two nuclear-armed nations in the following weeks, breaking out into four days of fighting, before quelling again with a ceasefire mediated by the U.S. announced on Saturday, with both nations pulling back from the brink. Water resources are an important part of the equation right now between the two countries. The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) divides the six main rivers of the Indus basin between the two nations, with the three westerly rivers Indus, Jhelum and Chenab supplying Pakistan with water, while the three easterly ones Ravi, Beas and Sutlej feed India. According to reporting by ABC, in addition to the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, India has also fast-tracked the construction of four new hydropower projects on rivers flowing into Pakistan and refused to share data on river flows with Islamabad. David Michel, Senior Fellow for the Global Food and Water Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, explains in an analysis that while India cannot completely stop the water flow to Pakistan in the near term due to its current infrastructure, it can stop the flow of information to its neighbor. He explains: The IWT requires the parties to share a good deal of data on project development, river flows, and hydrological conditions. By suspending the treaty, India can also cease data sharing, depriving Pakistan of flood warnings, for example, prospectively hampering the nations water management and potentially imperiling Pakistani lives and livelihoods. Observers cite concerns over Indias building of dams, including four which are on one of the westerly rivers intended to supply Pakistan, and flag the issue of what would happen to the flow of water to Pakistan if such infrastructure is expanded to enable more storage. Pakistan is dependent on the rivers of the Indus basin not only for some of its populations drinking water, but also for agriculture, which accounts for almost a quarter of the countrys GDP, as well as for power. As Statista's Anna Fleck shows in the chart below, using data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) shows, 34.6 TWh of electricity in Pakistan was sourced from hydropower in 2022 (latest available data), all of which comes from the Indus basin. You will find more infographics at Statista This makes it the second most important energy source for electricity in the country, following only after natural gas (47 TWh or around 27 percent). The next biggest energy sources are oil (16.6 percent), coal (15.9 percent and nuclear (15.6 percent). By Zerohedge.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com North Africas most resource-rich nation, Libyahome to vast hydrocarbon and mineral reservesis once again at a crossroads. Despite its potential, the country continues to struggle with instability and lacks the international attention needed for sustainable progress. Backed by Western and Turkish support, Libyas internationally recognized government is attempting to revitalize its upstream oil and gas sector, which is already attracting notable global interest. At the African Energy Forum in Paris, Abdolkabir Alfakhry, a representative of Libyas Ministry of Oil and Gas, announced that nearly 40 international companies have expressed interest in the upcoming licensing round, which is expected to be formally launched in November. Alfakhry emphasized that future development efforts will prioritize offshore resources, an area that remains largely underexplored. According to the Ministry, the bid roundinitially announced in March 2025will offer 22 onshore and offshore blocks covering a total area of 235,267 square kilometers. These include 128,714 km offshore and 106,553 km onshore, primarily within the Sirte, Ghadames, and Murzuq Basins, with potential future activity in the Kufra Basin. Contracts will be offered under the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) model, with deals expected to be signed between November 22 and 30. Estimates suggest the blocks may contain approximately 1.63 billion barrels of oil equivalent in discovered reserves. Libya has actively promoted these opportunities through events in Houston, London, and Istanbul. European energy giants such as Shell, BP, TotalEnergies, Eni, and Equinor are expected to participate, alongside U.S. firms like ConocoPhillips, which has maintained a longstanding presence via the Waha Concession. ConocoPhillips President for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Steiner Vage, confirmed continued American interest in expanding operations in Libya. Global demand for hydrocarbons and the urgency to diversify Libyas economy further reinforce the strategic importance of this bid round. For Europe, new oil and gas volumes from Libya could significantly bolster energy security amid geopolitical uncertainty. However, persistent instability threatens to derail progress. Recent clashes in Tripoli, sparked by the killing of prominent militia commander Abdel Ghani al-Kikli (known as Ghaniwa), once again exposed Libyas fragile security landscape. Ghaniwa, a key figure in the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA), was killed in a facility controlled by the 444 Brigade, loyal to Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah. The violence forced hundreds to flee and risked spreading to other regions. While the Government of National Unity (GNU) has since declared the situation under control, no official response has yet come from the east, where the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by General Khalifa Haftar, remains dominant. The timing of the unrest is especially notable: it coincided with General Haftars visit to Moscow, where he and his son, Saddam Haftar, met with President Vladimir Putin and Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. Reports suggest discussions covered enhanced military cooperation, arms deals, and potential Russian military infrastructure in eastern Libyaa strategic foothold that would significantly expand Moscows influence in the Mediterranean. Since its loss of strategic positions in Syria, Russia has been actively seeking new naval and military assets in North Africa. Libya, with its Mediterranean coastline and proximity to Europe, offers a prime location. Russian involvement in Libya complements its expanding presence in Algeria, Tunisia, and across the Sahel, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad. European leaders are growing increasingly alarmed. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto recently warned that Russian military capabilities could be positioned just two steps away from Italys maritime territory, threatening NATOs southern flank and Europes energy and commodity supply lines. The intensifying geopolitical competition in Libya is likely to impact the success of the November bid round. European nations, particularly Italy and France, must take more decisive action. Ensuring Libyas stability is not only key to regional developmentit is vital to safeguarding Europes maritime security and energy future. By Cyril Widdershoven for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The United Kingdoms green energy transition is facing a dangerous slowdown at a critical moment for the economy and the environment. The Labour Party has ambitiously planned for British energy output to be 95% clean by 2030, but many stalled renewable energy projects show that the sector may be contracting just when the government is pushing for expansion. The United Kingdom has adopted numerous policy instruments to scale back the domestic fossil fuel industry while propping up clean energy generation. And the pressure on the oil and gas industry seems to be working perhaps a little too well. Just last month, oil and gas firm Harbour Energy announced that it would axe hundreds of jobs in the North Sea, and thousands more positions are at risk, with little to no contingency plan for those workers. And while the government has agreed to issue a limited number of new oil and gas licenses in the North Sea, these licenses are currently being challenged in court. Whats more, oil and gas reserves in the North Sea are dwindling. But while oil and gas are indeed on the decline, clean energy projects are not stepping in to take their place at nearly the desired rate. Projects that could offer jobs to laid-off fossil fuel workers are facing repeated delays and potentially untenable financial circumstances. And the gap between one industry declining and the other rising is growing wider, according to the BBC. This could spell major trouble not only for British laborers but also for the nations energy security. The BBC notes that the slew of canceled and delayed clean energy projects could be driven by a number of causes, many of which have little to do with the invisible hand. Because the UK government has set such an ambitious and high-profile target for clean, green power, it may be that [clean energy sector] developers are using the leverage of a halted project to get a more attractive set of price guarantees, the BBC speculates. It may also be that Harbour Energy is backing up the wider oil and gas industry in putting pressure on the UK government to give it a less hostile business environment, the report goes on to note. It took only a few minutes from the announcement of Harbour's job losses to Prime Minister's Questions, with both the Conservatives and SNP piling on the pressure. Clearly, creating a smooth and just clean energy transition is far from easy. Research from campaign group Oil Change International has estimated that transitioning to a renewable-powered grid without leaving oil and gas workers in the dust will cost the United Kingdom about 1.9 billion per year. Of this, about 1.1bn would be needed to help develop the wind industry and create new green jobs; about 440m would be needed to invest in ports to make them capable of constructing and maintaining offshore wind turbines; and 355m would cover a training fund for oil and gas workers, the Guardian reports. Not only is the power struggle over the terms and conditions of the United Kingdoms clean energy transition leaving many Brits in the lurch, its also creating a major threat to the nations energy security and climate goals. Without a strong renewables sector to take the place of the flagging fossil fuels industry, Great Britain will remain dangerously dependent on imported natural gas in an era of extreme political and geopolitical tensions, and all of the price volatility that comes with it. This is bad news for British consumers, who have been battered by high energy prices over the past few years thanks to the energy crisis brought on by Russias illegal invasion of Ukraine and retaliatory tariffs placed on the Kremlin, one of the worlds key suppliers of oil and gas. Recent estimates suggest that approximately 11% of households in England are classed as fuel poor, 34% in Scotland, 14% in Wales, and 24% in Northern Ireland. This means that these households must spend a high proportion of their income to keep their home at a reasonable temperature. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Forecasts for U.S. crude supply are being revised downward as the profitability of shale production is challenged by current oil prices. Major oil companies acknowledge the accelerated peak in U.S. oil output, with the Permian Basin being the last major area still showing growth potential. Low oil prices and economic uncertainty are causing U.S. oil production, particularly in shale basins, to plateau or decline earlier than anticipated. The decline in oil prices and the prevailing uncertainty about the economy, trade, and supply chains are accelerating the peak in U.S. oil production despite President Donald Trumps drill, baby, drill slogan. With the U.S. benchmark WTI crude prices at $60 per barrel, its mostly hold, baby, hold in the American shale patch, where output in the major basins except the Permian has already started to level off or drop. The U.S.-China 90-day tariff pause and the start of trade talks did little to erase the crash in oil prices from April, and even less to restore confidence or wipe out the high uncertainty regarding the economy and the cost of supply with unknown levels of tariffs. The shale patch has historically been immediately responsive to changing market conditions, but living in 90-day cycles of tariffs, no-tariffs, reduced tariffs, or surprise U.S. geopolitical moves could be too much for the oil industry, especially the smaller companies. The big ones, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, Occidental, and ConocoPhillips, arent voicing publicly concerns about doing business and doing it as usual at $60 oil. But some of them have already said that the peak in U.S. oil production is being accelerated and could be sooner than previously expected. The peak, whenever it occurs, does not mean a steep decline afterwardsit would rather be a long plateau of leveling off of U.S. crude oil production in which the slowdown in shale would be partly offset by rising output from the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, executives and analysts say. As you know that most of the shale basins now have either plateaued or starting to decline, except for the Permian, Vicki Hollub, President and CEO of Occidental Petroleum, said on the Q1 earnings call. If companies continue to talk about dropping activity levels, I think the Permian could plateau sooner than we expected - and we had expected the Permian to continue growth through 2027, Hollub added. Oxy had expected that U.S. production overall would peak between 2027 and 2030. It's looking like with the current headwinds or at least volatility and uncertainty around pricing and the economy and recessions and all of that - it's looking like that peak could come sooner, Hollub said, adding that the Permian would grow very little this year, if at all. Ryan Lance, the chief executive of ConocoPhillips, said on the companys earnings call that at $60 oil, the folks that don't have the kind of cost of supply sitting in their portfolio are going to find themselves cash-strapped and returns-strapped. Obviously, the balance sheets are in pretty good shape across the industry, better than we were in the last downturn, but you'll see a lot of activity cut back, Lance added. At current prices, ConocoPhillips doesnt expect a lot of things to change for the company, although there would be changes if WTI sinks to $50 per barrel. However, that's not our view today and doesn't represent where we think the market is going to be for the next few years, Lance noted. The current mantra at ConocoPhillips is don't whipsaw this thing too hard right nowso don't overreact, but don't put your head in the sand either. Earlier this month, Diamondback Energy said onshore oil production in the U.S. has already peaked. We currently estimate that the U.S. frac crew count is already down ~15% this year, with the Permian Basin crew count down ~20% from its January peak, and both are expected to decline further, Diamondback said in a letter to investors. Liberty Energy, the fracking company founded by now-Energy Secretary Chris Wright, is also prepping for a slowdown in shale drilling. U.S. crude oil supply will rise more slowly than expected for the rest of 2025 and in 2026 and peak as early as this year, as WTI prices at $60 per barrel are testing the breakeven point of shale production, energy flows intelligence firm Kpler said last week. With the low oil prices, Kpler has now cut its U.S. crude supply forecast by 120,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 170,000 bpd for the rest of 2025 and into 2026, as weaker prices threaten to slow shale production. Despite steady near-term activity, growth is slowing in the U.S. shale patch, and U.S. crude output is set to peak this year, Kpler noted. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Egypt is once again facing a resurgence of natural gas shortages, drawing headlines as the country enters the peak summer season. With soaring temperatures above 40C expected in the coming months, electricity demanddriven largely by air conditioningis putting intense pressure on the national grid. In response, the Cairo government is scrambling to implement emergency measures to avoid blackouts. Despite Egypts ambition to become a regional energy hub and key LNG supplier to Europe and global markets, the country is struggling to meet domestic power needs. This paradox underscores the challenges Egypt faces in balancing its export goals with internal energy security. Strained Resources and Lagging Investment Egypts energy challenges are compounded by sluggish economic growth, ongoing financial instability, and limited foreign investment. The country continues to fall short of its natural gas production targets, most notably at the giant Zohr offshore gas field, which is grappling with technical difficulties. Meanwhile, expected output from other fields has yet to materialize. Turning to Long-Term LNG Imports In a bid to alleviate the recurring natural gas shortages, the Sisi government is accelerating efforts to secure long-term LNG import deals. Recent reports from regional sources suggest that Egypt is in advanced talks with Qatar over a long-term agreement to supply Qatari LNG. This was a central topic in a meeting between Egypts Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, and Qatari Energy Minister Saad bin Sherida Al-Kaabi. Related: Egypt Turns to Oil for Power Generation Due to High Gas Prices According to Al-Ahram, a state-affiliated newspaper, Cairo is eager to finalize an agreement swiftly. As part of the broader talks, Egypt is offering Qatar investment opportunities in both its upstream and downstream oil and gas sectors. Sources indicate that QatarEnergys existing concessions in Egypt, including offshore Mediterranean blocks like Nefertari, Masry, and Cairo (in partnership with ExxonMobil), could be expanded. In a further sign of strengthening ties, QatarEnergy has agreed to acquire a stake in Egypts North El Dabaa offshore block, in cooperation with EGAS and U.S. energy major Chevron. Disruptions in Regional Gas Supply Egypts energy situation has worsened following an unexpected delay in natural gas exports from Israel. Under a new deal, Israel was to supply 200 million cubic feet per day starting mid-May. However, local media outlet Watan reports that the Israeli side is seeking better terms and higher prices, according to the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC). The timing is surprising, given that Israel has just completed a 46-kilometer expansion of the offshore gas pipeline connecting Ashdod and Ashkelon with Egypts network in Arish. This infrastructure was expected to boost daily imports from Israel from 1.0 to 1.2 billion cubic feet, feeding Egypts LNG export terminals at Idku and Rosetta. Emergency LNG and Fuel Oil Measures In parallel, Cairo is ramping up efforts to secure 14 LNG shipments this month from European and U.S. suppliers under deferred payment terms. The urgency has grown as Italys Eni has been unable to meet its delivery schedule for an additional 250 million cubic feet per day from the Zohr field, now delayed from April to late August 2025. While Egypt remains a significant oil and gas producer, the domestic supply shortfall has forced the country to seek an estimated $7 billion in funding to purchase 155160 LNG cargoes in 2025. Cairo aims to cap purchase prices at $14 per MMBtuan ambitious target even as global LNG prices soften. Return to Oil for Power Generation In a controversial move, Egypt is reverting to using cheap fuel oil for power generationan older practice that environmentalists are likely to criticize. In recent hours, EGPC has issued a tender for 2 million tons of fuel oil to be delivered in May and June. With natural gas becoming increasingly expensive and straining public finances, fuel oil is seen as a more viable short-term alternative. By Cyril Widdershoven for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The increasing global demand for these minerals is attracting investment, but it is crucial to ensure that mining activities benefit African nations through value-added processing and job creation. Several parts of Africa have a long history of mining, with the sector contributing high levels of employment across the continent. As the demand increases for critical minerals needed to fuel a green transition, mining companies are increasingly showing an interest in Africa for its vast untapped resources. Several countries could benefit from this increase in demand by developing their mining and processing industries to add value to the raw materials, which many have previously been unable to accomplish due to a lack of funding for greater industrialisation. Africa is home to vast untapped reserves of critical minerals, however, accessing these deposits requires high levels of funding and mining expertise. South Africa and Zimbabwe have significant Platinum group metals, needed for green hydrogen and decarbonising heavy transport, heating, and industry. The two countries also hold chromium, which is used for solar power, geothermal, nuclear, hydropower, and wind technologies. Some estimates suggest that Africa may contain roughly 30 percent of the worlds critical minerals, although the true extent may be even higher as vast areas remain under-explored. Several countries across the region have cobalt and manganese reserves, required for lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and utility-scale energy storage, as well as solar power, wind, and hydro technologies and geothermal energy generation systems. Africa holds around a fifth of the worlds natural graphite. At present, mining activities in Cote dIvoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Madagascar, South Africa, and Zambia help provide vast supplies of these critical minerals. Namibia, Mali, and Tanzania all have significant graphite and lithium potential, already providing some of the worlds supply. And Guinea is the biggest global producer of bauxite, the main raw material for aluminium. The global demand for rare earth minerals is expected to quadruple by 2030. Eight new mines are currently under development in Angola, Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania, with operations expected to launch by 2029. These eight operations are expected to contribute around 9 percent of the worlds rare earth mineral supply. By the end of the decade, the African continent is projected to produce 10 percent of the worlds rare earth minerals, up from less than one percent in 2020. Veronica Bolton Smith, CEO of the Critical Minerals Africa Group, stated, The global energy transition is already creating massive demand for lithium, cobalt, and other minerals. She also stressed that the International Monetary Fund has forecast that critical minerals could add at least 12 percent to the continents GDP by the mid-century. However, achieving this figure will require high levels of private investment in the sector, across several countries. At present, China produces over two-thirds of the worlds rare earth minerals, meaning it holds a monopoly on the supply of raw materials needed to support a green transition. As several high-income countries seek to boost their energy security and reduce their reliance on China, many are looking to develop alternative mineral mining operations to secure their supply. Several countries in Africa have the potential to develop partnerships with U.S., European and other international mining companies to help boost their critical mineral supply, seeking investment in renewable energy and value-adding operations in exchange. Adding value to these critical minerals could help several African countries to develop their economies and workforce. A January World Economic Forum publication suggests that if the African region could capture a small share of the global battery manufacturing market, it could create between 500,000 and 1 million jobs, helping to reduce unemployment and the outflow of skilled labour. Expanding Africas industrial activities will push the regions energy demand up, which could provide countries with the opportunity to seek foreign investment to develop their renewable energy sectors to support these value-added operations. The approach to mining in the region has already begun to shift to benefit African countries. In 2022, the Zimbabwe government banned the export of raw lithium. The government told potential buyers that if they wanted the lithium, they must invest in developing car battery manufacturing facilities in Zimbabwe. However, to ensure access to development opportunities and support a global green transition, foreign investment in African mining must be approached equally and sustainably. Free trade agreements, local benefits, and a departure from the historic patterns of extraction, where external powers profit while African communities bear the brunt of the costs, must take place to promote equal partnerships and help avoid green neo-colonialism. There are vast, largely untapped reserves of critical minerals across Africa. Several countries across the continent hold massive deposits of the metals and minerals needed to support a global green transition. While some countries have already established mineral mining activities, others require high levels of private investment to tap into these precious resources. However, new projects should be approached with care to ensure that all sides benefit from the mining operations, with countries providing a much-needed supply of critical minerals in exchange for investment in value-added operations and the development of a renewable energy sector. By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain The Parthenon, a mid-5th-century temple atop the hill of the Acropolis, is dedicated to Athena, the Greek deity of wisdom and the patron goddess of Athens. Despite enduring damage, that masterpiece remains a quintessential example of Classical Greek architecture, celebrated for the impressive 40-foot-tall chryselephantine (inlaid gold-and-ivory) statue of Athena housed within. The statue's placement within the temple's dim interior has tantalized many scholars with questions such as: What lighting did the artist and architect envision for this sacred space? How might the interplay of shadow and illumination transform the viewer's experience? Archaeologist Juan de Lara of Oxford University, the researcher of the new study, published in The Annual of the British School at Athens, set out on a mission to find out how the Parthenon was illuminated. Previous studies stressed that the temple was a bright, sunlit marble space, but after 4 years of meticulous reconstruction of ancient lighting scenarios within the temple, de Lara found that the space was generally quite dark and dim. Every aspect of the Parthenon's architecture points towards a thought-out design, carefully planned, keeping the light in mindfrom its alignment with the sunrise to the placement of openings, the translucent marble ceilings, and even 'reflective' pools of various liquids. These features likely worked together to heighten the visual and spiritual experience of the visitor standing in front of the gilded Athena statue. A 3D reconstruction of the chryselephantine statue of Athena. Render Credit: Juan de Lara. Previous theories about the Parthenon's lighting design rely on speculation, incomplete data, or conceptual reconstructions, which led to the lack of a quantitative and physically accurate understanding of the dynamics of light within the temple structure. To test the light-oriented design hypothesis, de Lara combined archaeological knowledge with advanced 3D digital technologies and lighting simulations to recreate ambient and architectural conditions that existed in the original temple design. Physically Based Rendering (PBR) of the Parthenon's interior enabled a highly accurate simulation, not only of the flow of light through the space, but also of the material properties of surfaces. This approach allowed for the precise assignment of reflectance values and colors, closely replicating the appearance of real-world materials. (a) Interior view of the cella with a hypothetical configuration of hanging lamps strategically distributed across the central nave. (b) Closeup of statue of Athena in the cella showing the effect of the same lamp arrangement. Render Credit: Juan de Lara. The results shattered the long-standing notion of a sunbathed, bright marble room and revealed that the space was mostly dim. It was found that direct sunlight illuminated the statue's lower half at dawn for a brief period on certain days, but it almost never fully bathed the entire statue with solar photons. The reflective pools created barely any impact on lighting and were likely intended for humidity control or performing rituals. The researcher noted that the darkness and selective illumination enhanced the sense of awe and religious experience. More information: Juan de Lara, ILLUMINATING THE PARTHENON, The Annual of the British School at Athens (2025). DOI: 10.1017/S0068245424000145 2025 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The nanoparticles are composed of multiferric cores (Cobalt ferrite and Bismuth ferrite which responsive to magnetic field) and chitosan outer layers (which is rich in positive amino group for translocate nanoparticles to cytoplasm and shields the bioenvironment from the nanoaprticles). Credit: Lin et al. Recent technological advances are fueling the development of cutting-edge technologies that can monitor and control physiological processes with high precision. These include devices that could control the expression of genes within living organisms, without requiring invasive surgeries or procedures. Researchers at ETH Zurich recently introduced a new method that enables the electromagnetic programming of the wireless expression regulation (EMPOWER) of transgenes in mammals, via the interfacing of nanoparticles and cells. Their proposed approach, outlined in a paper published in Nature Nanotechnology, could help to treat chronic conditions, including diabetes, while also opening new possibilities for research in synthetic biology and regenerative medicine. "Our recent study is all about tackling the ongoing challenge in biomedicine of precisely and non-invasively controlling therapeutic gene expression within living organisms," Martin Fussenegger, senior author of the paper, told Phys.org. "I understand that conventional methods can be a bit tricky. Either they require invasive procedures, or they might not be as precise or robust as we'd like. This inspired us to use magnetic fields for wireless control, taking advantage of their ability to penetrate biological tissues safely and effectively without direct contact or invasive devices." The main objective of the recent study by Fussenegger and their colleagues was to devise a safe and robust approach to reliably control the amount of a therapeutic protein produced by mammals from a distance. The method they introduced in their paper relies on nanoparticles made of multiferroic materials, which were coated with a biocompatible polymer called chitosan. "When these nanoparticles are stimulated by a low-frequency magnetic field, they generate biosafe levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the cell cytoplasm," explained Fussenegger. "We engineered mammalian cells to include a genetic circuit that's sensitive to these ROS signals, using the cellular KEAP1/NRF2 pathway. When ROS are detected, it's like a signal to NRF2 proteins to get busy, and they work together to bring selected therapeutic proteins, like insulin, to life." A key advantage of the nanoparticle-cell interface introduced by Fussenegger and his colleagues is that it enables precise control over when and where one wants a gene to be expressed. In addition, the method is gentle and non-invasive, as it does not require demanding procedures or high-energy stimulation. Compared to other previously proposed nanoparticle-based methods for the wireless control of gene expression, the team's approach is highly bio-compatible and requires lower nanoparticle dosages, while also minimizing off-target effects. To demonstrate its potential, the researchers tested it on a mouse model of diabetes. The stimulated insulin release can be achieved by a single-coil generated electromagnetic field with an E-shaped iron core at a plane 35 mm from the coil surface, which matches the depth of subcutaneous implantation in mice. Credit: Lin et al. "In this experiment, we exposed mice to a weak electromagnetic field (1 kHz, 21 mT) for just three minutes each day," said Fussenegger. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "This controlled their insulin secretion really well and kept their blood glucose levels normal during the whole study. We're so excited to share the most significant achievement of our study: we've successfully connected wireless electromagnetic controls to natural transgene expression in mammalian cells via intracellular nanoparticles as interfacial magnetic receivers." The nanoparticles utilized by the researchers were introduced in the cytoplasm, the jelly-like substance that surrounds the nucleus in cells. This allowed the nanoparticles to communicate with the cells, leveraging chemical reactive oxygen species (ROS), a class of reactive oxygen-containing molecules naturally produced in cells. "This was true even when the nanoparticles were interacting directly with the proteins," said Fussenegger. "Our construction is great because it gets the cells working together, and it does this without disrupting the integrity of engineered cells. This helps us get the results we need, but without any of the problems." The nanoparticle-cell interface devised by this team of researchers could have highly valuable medical applications. Notably, the approach utilizes a very weak electromagnetic field (below 1 kHz) and low power (21 mT), while stimulating cells for a very short time (three minutes). "This is much weaker than the levels used in clinical MRI scans," said Fussenegger. "Our approach could thus be highly valuable for managing chronic diseases, as it would let us adjust therapy remotely and dynamically. This would eliminate the need for repeated injections, invasive implants or systemic drug administration." In the future, the team's approach for remotely controlling transgene expression could be tested and implemented in clinical settings. The researchers are now exploring the potential application of their method in the fields of oncology, neurology and regenerative medicine, while also working on improving their nanoparticle-based system. "In our next studies, we're going to focus on making our system even more sensitive, biocompatible and efficient," added Fussenegger. "We're also planning to make some improvements to the electromagnetic stimulation equipment. We want to make it more compact so it's easier to use in a clinical setting. "We're looking forward to doing even more in the future. We're going to use this platform for other chronic diseases. We're also going to explore alternative genetic circuits. And we're going to get the technology ready for preclinical and clinical evaluation." More information: Zhihua Lin et al, Electromagnetic wireless remote control of mammalian transgene expression, Nature Nanotechnology (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41565-025-01929-w Journal information: Nature Nanotechnology 2025 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The storm destroyed hundreds of homes in London, Kentucky. Severe storms that tore through the US states of Missouri, Kentucky and Virginia left more than 25 people dead, leveling homes and businesses while knocking out power for tens of thousands, authorities say. At least 18 people were killed in Kentucky in the storms Friday night, state governor Andy Beshear posted on X, while officials in Missouri said another seven were dead there. Two people were also killed by falling trees in Virginia, local media reported. Jamie Burns, 38, who lives with her husband and son in a trailer home in the town of London, Kentucky, fled to the basement of her sister's brick house while the storm destroyed 100 to 200 houses in the area. "Things that have been here longer than I have, things that have been here for 30-plus years are just flat," Burns told AFP in a phone interview, her voice quavering. "It's wild, because you'll look at one area and it's just smashed... totally flattened, like, not there anymore." Drone footage shared by local media showed scenes of devastation in London, with houses leveled and reduced to splinters and tree trunks standing bare, shorn of branches. More than 108,000 people were still without power across the three states late Saturday. Eastern Kentucky, an area historically known for its coal mines, is one of the poorest regions in the country. "A lot of us live in manufactured homes that aren't safe for tornado weather," said Burns. Many people live in manufactured homes that 'aren't safe' for tornadoes, London resident Jamie Burns said. 'One of the worst storms' In Missouri, five people were killed in the major city of St. Louis, in what authorities said was one of the worst storms in its history, and two in Scott County, the State Highway Patrol said in a statement to AFP. More severe weather was forecast for Sunday night and Monday. Asked Saturday by a reporter whether it was the worst storm ever to hit St. Louis, Mayor Cara Spencer replied: "I would describe this as one of the worst storms -- absolutely. The devastation is truly heartbreaking." She said 38 people in the city were injured and some 5,000 buildings damaged. In one St. Louis neighborhood, a church was heavily damaged, according to CBS footage, and rescue workers continued to treat victims near the building Saturday morning. "It's horrific for a tornado to come through here and cause this much damage to the residents and also to the church," Derrick Perkins, a pastor at the Centennial Christian Church, told CBS. "Our hearts are broken." More severe weather was forecast for Sunday night and Monday. More than 108,000 people were still without power late Saturday across Missouri, Kentucky and Virginia. Bruce Madison, who also works at the church, said the community was coming together in the face of the tragedy. "Right now, we're just praying for... everybody that they're trying to find right now." While there were warnings ahead of the severe weather -- Beshear had protectively declared a state of emergency Friday -- the death toll may raise questions about whether sharp cuts by the Trump administration have left National Weather Service forecasting teams dangerously understaffed. An estimated 500 of the 4,200 NWS employees have been fired or taken early retirement this year, according to the Washington Post. The United States saw the second-highest number of tornadoes on record last year with nearly 1,800, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), trailing only 2004. 2025 AFP I have read so many stories and opinion pieces about the decline of newspapers and community journalism that sometimes I worry if even I am losing faith in my profession. And then I met up with a bunch of South Dakota journalists for a few days in late April. And my faith was renewed plenty. As I write this, I have just returned from the 142nd convention of the South Dakota NewsMedia Association Convention and I am happy to report community journalism is alive and well in South Dakota. The energy and passion demonstrated by the 100-plus South Dakota journalists who gathered in Aberdeen last week was authentic and it was contagious. It warmed my heart and made me proud. Proud to be in a profession that matters dearly these days. I attended my first newspaper convention in 1979 to pick up an award for a photograph of mine published in The Corsica Globe. I was hooked. I have been to many conventions since that time, having worked at SDNA since 1995. And Ive enjoyed them all. However, I witnessed something truly special this year. Journalists of all ages and backgrounds coming together to learn from one another and just as importantly, to encourage, support and believe in one another. All things desperately needed in todays often contentious civic arena where journalists work. In attendance were individuals of all ages and backgrounds. From college students to publishers and editors who have been in the business for decades. Also, attendees who knew little about the profession until they took over the local newspaper because they couldnt imagine their community without one. During the opening lunch, I asked those who were first-time convention attendees to stand. Half of the room stood up. Young and old alike. On Friday night at the convention, we inducted Debbie Hemmer into the South Dakota Newspaper Hall of Fame. Debbie worked at the Grant County Review in Milbank for more than four decades, eventually becoming co-owner. Her hard work and dedication over the years has helped the Review to continue its tradition as one of South Dakotas best and largest community newspapers. Also at the convention, we handed out more than 250 awards for excellence in community journalism. Awards for reporting and writing, commentary, photography, design, advertising and much more. The Dakota Scout won the 2024 SDNA Freedom of Information Award for its dogged reporting and legal challenges to obtain information about former Gov. Kristi Noems government credit card spending. The Aberdeen Insider is among South Dakotas newest newspapers and won its first general excellence award one of the highest awards we give. These are just two examples of the great work that South Dakotas news media organizations are doing and what we celebrated during our time together in Aberdeen last week. I firmly believe the statewide surveys we commission every few years to gauge what South Dakotans think about local newspapers and local news media organizations are spot on. Last year, the survey we commissioned found that more than 7 in 10 South Dakotans believe having a local newspaper or news media outlet to serve their community is very important, and more than 8 in 10 adults in our state read a newspaper every month. Spending time with South Dakota journalists from across the state reaffirmed those survey results for me. These journalists are dedicated to their work and to the communities served by their newspapers and news organizations. They know better than anyone that the success and sustainability of local journalism is dependent on the support of readers, advertisers and others. Their passion is inspiring. Their work matters. Because without journalism, democracy suffers. Bet on journalism. Every time. VATICAN CITY Pope Leo XIV, historys first American pope, vowed Sunday to work for unity so that the Catholic Church becomes a symbol of peace in the world, offering a message of communion during an inaugural Mass in St. Peters Square before an estimated 200,000 pilgrims, presidents, patriarchs and princes. Leo officially opened his pontificate by taking his first popemobile tour through the piazza, a rite of passage that has become synonymous with the papacys global reach and mediatic draw. The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary smiled and waved from the back of the truck to people waving U.S., Peruvian and other national flags, and stopped to bless some babies in the crowd. During the Mass, Leo appeared to choke up when the two potent symbols of the papacy were placed on him the lambswool stole over his shoulders and the fishermans ring on his finger as if the weight of responsibility of leading the 1.4-billion strong church had just sunk in. He turned his hand to look at the ring and then clasped his hands in front of him in prayer. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, one of the last foreign officials to see Pope Francis before he died, led the U.S. delegation honoring the Chicago-born Leo. Vance paid his respects at the Argentine pope's tomb after arriving in Rome late Saturday. In his homily, Leo said he wanted to be a servant to the faithful through the two dimensions of the papacy, love and unity, so that the church could be a force for peace in the world. I would like that our first great desire be for a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world, he said. In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earths resources and marginalizes the poorest. His call for unity was significant, given the polarization in the Catholic Church in the United States and beyond. Francis radical 12-year pontificate, which emphasized care for the poor and marginalized and disdain for the capitalist economic system, often alienated conservatives who begged for a new pope who could pacify divisions. Leos May 8 election, after a remarkably quick 24-hour conclave, appears to have pleased conservative Catholics who seem to appreciate his more disciplined, traditional style and Augustinian background, emphasizing core truths of Catholic doctrine. Leo drove that message home by wearing the formal red cape of the papacy, or mozzetta, to receive Vance and official government delegations after the Mass. Francis eschewed many of the formalities of the papacy as part of his simple style, but Leo's return to the traditional garb pleased conservatives and traditionalists who cheered when he came out onto the loggia wearing the red cape on May 8. Leo did break protocol, though, when he gave his older brother, Louis Prevost, a self-described political MAGA-type bear hug in the basilica when he and his wife came up to greet the pope. Vatican BREAKING: Pope Leo XIV Receives Fisherman's Ring And Pallium In Solemn Vatican Ceremony Pope Leo XIV was officially vested with the pallium and the Fishermans Ring during his inauguration Mass in St. Peters Square, marking the f Let us build a church founded on Gods love, a sign of unity, a missionary church that opens its arms to the world, proclaims the word, allows itself to be made restless by history, and becomes a leaven of harmony for humanity, Leo said, referencing some of the themes of Francis' pontificate as well. Strict diplomatic protocol dictated the seating arrangements at the inaugural Mass, with both the United States and Peru getting front-row seats thanks to Leos dual citizenship. Vance, a Catholic convert who tangled with Francis over the Trump administrations mass migrant deportation plans, was joined by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who arrived in Rome ahead of time to try to advance Russia-Ukraine peace talks. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte was one of around a dozen heads of state who attended, as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Russia had planned to send its culture minister but was represented by its ambassador, reports said. Diplomatic protocol also dictated the dress code: While most wore black, the handful of Catholic queens and princesses Letizia of Spain and Charlene of Monaco among others wore white in a special privilege allowed them. Three dozen of the worlds other Christian churches sent their own delegations, the Jewish community had a 13-member delegation, half of them rabbis. Other representatives headed Buddhist, Muslim, Zoroastrian, Hindu, Sikh and Jain delegations. Security was tight, as it was for Francis funeral on April 26, which drew an estimated 250,000 people. The Vatican said 200,000 were on hand Sunday in the piazza and surrounding streets, parks and piazzas, where giant television screens and portable toilets were set up. At the end of the Mass, Leo expressed hope for negotiations to bring a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and offered prayers for the people of Gaza children, families and elderly who are reduced to starvation, he said. Leo made no mention of hostages taken by Hamas from southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, as Francis usually did when praying for Gaza. Zelenskyy later had a formal audience with Leo at the Vatican and then met with Vance and Rubio at the U.S. residence in Rome. In a post on X, Zelenskyy said he stressed the need for a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible and for diplomatic pressure on Russia until they are eager to stop the war. Susan Hanssen, a professor who was born in Chicago and just arrived in Rome to teach, said she thought Leos homily about unity would resonate in the U.S. and beyond. I think he will inspire, she said after Mass. What I particularly loved was the phrasing, unity within the doctrine of the faith, and then in love. U.S. seminarian Ethan Menning, 21, from Omaha, Nebraska, wrapped himself in an American flag, purchased at a truck stop in Iowa, to celebrate. Rome always felt like home for a Catholic, but now coming here and seeing one of our own on the throne of Peter ... it almost makes Jesus himself more accessible, he said. Familiar rivals sparred over the weekend at a debate meant to inform the public on their options in this years primary election. On June 17, Richmond voters will effectively hire for the job posting of sheriff and commonwealths attorney. Because the city is overwhelmingly Democratic, the primary is viewed as tantamount to election, barring an anomaly occurring in the general election in November. A Saturday afternoon debate allowed two sets of candidates to make their pitch in a live-streamed event hosted at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School. The event itself featured two debates, one for each office. Both were moderated by Henry L. Chambers, a University of Richmond law professor. The event was organized by Metro Richmond Area Young Dems and the Richmond City Democratic Committee. Committee Chair Jerome Legions said the forum offered clear daylight between two sets of candidates vying for jobs that arent widely understood. Most people dont have any idea what the commonwealths attorneys office is for, or for that matter what the sheriffs office is for, said Legions. It was voter education. Those who do follow these run-offs may be experiencing deja vu: For both offices, the 2025 primaries are a replay of the 2021 primaries, with the same challengers seeking to unseat the same incumbents. Commonwealths attorneys office In the afternoons first bit of programming, Commonwealths Attorney Colette McEachin was tasked with defending her six-year tenure in office against Richmond trial lawyer Tom Barbour, who pitched himself as a social services-minded reformer. Barbour, who spoke first, said he could drive down gun crime through proactive use of red-flag laws. Barbour said he would deprioritize low-level crimes, divert juveniles from cyclical incarceration, and take initiative in prosecuting traffic deaths. Barbour argued that McEachin has not done enough to prosecute drivers, such as the one who recently struck Mary Munford Elementary School Principal Gregory Muzik. We havent seen a multi-disciplinary approach from this office, and thats because we dont have a multi-disciplinary leader in the commonwealths attorneys seat, said Barbour. Barbour previously worked at the commonwealths attorneys office but left before McEachin took the helm. The two were briefly colleagues. McEachin has since taken the office backward, he asserted, and told voters to look no further than the recently created Office of Gun Violence and Prevention stood up by Mayor Danny Avula earlier this year. McEachin responded by reframing her challengers credentials. I find it interesting that someone who worked in the commonwealths attorneys office for only 10 months, years ago, believes that he has more experience than someone whos been with the commonwealths attorneys office for 30 years, said McEachin. He only lasted 10 months in the office. McEachin defended her tenure, which began when she won the seat in an off-year special primary election. As a prosecutor, she said she has sought accountability. People cannot just run amok like we see in D.C., McEachin said. That filters down and tarnishes everyone and everything. McEachin burnished her own progressive credentials by citing the creation of the Community Justice Reform Unit, which she said has brought down crime and brought prosecutors out into the community. The program allows perpetrators and victims to avoid court proceedings with the help of a mediator in a neutral venue. McEachin formed the unit in 2021. Barbour attacked the program for serving only 20 people since its inception, calling it a broken promise. It doesnt actually exist, said Barbour. Its a talking point. Its a great disappointment. McEachin, who has previously said the total was lower than she would like, countered that the program is very active and that participation requires accountability by perpetrators, as well as gracious victims ready to forgo their day in court. Once again, Mr. Barbour is not paying attention to whats going on in the office that he wants to run, said McEachin, who suggested Barbour was confusing the job with that of a social worker or educator. Barbour also attacked McEachins effectiveness prosecuting murders, citing an April report by WTVR that found Richmond prosecutors secured convictions for 70% of homicide case defendants between 2019 and 2023. On stage, Barbour alleged that people who commit murder are getting away with it. McEachin rebutted that her office had already prosecuted 12 homicides this year all of them successfully. Six were guilty pleas, while six were guilty convictions handed down by a jury. The Times-Dispatch was not able to independently confirm that number on Saturday evening, but later did confirm the figures after McEachin shared details on each case the following Monday. Candidates for Richmond sheriff The second debate of the afternoon saw challenger William Burnett take on Antionette Irving, who has run the Richmond Sheriffs Office for two consecutive terms. Burnett lost in an identical race in 2021, but has significantly outraised Irving this time around and campaigned aggressively in this years rematch. Burnett sold himself as a firefighter for a sheriffs office that he described as a house burning down. That fire, he said, stems from mismanagement by Irving, whose jail is under a compliance plan with state regulators after a series of in-custody deaths beginning in 2022. Irving acknowledged those deaths, saying that the office had weathered bumps in the road. But she told the public that her predecessor, Sheriff C.T. Woody, had experienced deaths as well. The spike in deaths in 2022 was influenced by the opioid epidemic, Irving said. Were not the only ones having problems, said Irving. She outlined a catalogue of programs available to detainees in her jail, including job training programs that allow detainees to train as commercial truck drivers and group therapy classes tailored to addicts. Weve come a long way since 2018, said Irving. We continue to grow the programming that we have, and I want to make sure that we finish that job. Irving said that shed brought in more than $8 million in grant programming to help finance those efforts. Burnett said he couldnt recognize the jail operation he was hearing Irving describe. The sheriffs office Im hearing about now and what Im seeing in the public is totally different, said Burnett. If you have all these wonderful programs that youre talking about, how come people continue to overdose? Burnett alleged that four individuals had overdosed at the jail in the last week. He did not cite a source for that figure, which the Times-Dispatch could not independently confirm on Saturday evening. Asked what he would do in charge, Burnett advanced an expansive vision of the sheriffs offices authority, reminding the public that sheriffs deputies could technically effectuate arrests and execute warrants, but they dont because of an agreement with the Richmond Police Department. He promised a reinvention of the agency that would do away with limiting norms, and that he wouldnt abandon the therapeutic programming established under Irving. For the first time in history, the sheriffs office is going to play an active role in reducing crime in the city, said Burnett. Irving asked voters to continue their faith in her leadership, assuring that she was working hard to bring down her staffing shortage, all while prioritizing the rehabilitation of jail detainees. Hopefully the city of Richmond will see the progress that weve made since 2018, said Irving. This story was edited to substantiate McEachin's statement that 12 homicides were prosecuted succesfully. That information was unavailable over the weekend. Virginia governors, past and present, gathered Saturday to mark the 71st anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling that was supposed to end school segregation, saying theres still more work to do. The reason the governors, corralled by former Gov. Bob McDonnell, were there, he said, is in the preamble to the U.S. Constitution, to form a more perfect union. McDonnell, a Republican who served as governor from 2010 to 2014, asked several hundred attendees at Virginia Commonwealth Universitys Academic Learning Commons: Please go and be part of the solution. Doug Wilder, the nations first elected Black governor, skipped the event. He said in an interview that he is dismayed that Virginias commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is fading under Gov. Glenn Youngkin. During Saturdays event, Youngkin noted that the Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education actually involved five cases, with the first coming from Prince Edward County in Virginia. In 1951, a 16-year-old high school student, Barbara Johns, organized a walkout because she thought her segregated school in a tar paper shack did not reflect equality under law. Well never know where were going until we know where weve been ... Barbara Johns, the catalyst, she changed the future of education for all Americans, Youngkin said. Yet today we know that disparities still exist, he added. Virginia will soon erect a statue of Johns in the U.S. Capitols Statuary Hall collection. It will replace a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee that Virginia removed from the U.S. Capitol in December 2020. The commemoration, 71 years after the U.S. Supreme Courts decision on May 17, 1954, comes as VCU and other colleges in Virginia and around the nation are scrutinizing employees duties and hiring practices to follow a Trump administration mandate that universities erase all forms of DEI and eliminate discrimination. In Brown v. Board of Education, a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court ruled that government-segregated schools were unconstitutional, but segregation did not end in Virginia with that ruling. Prince Edward County schools remained segregated, protected by state laws, and after two separate court orders to integrate, the county in 1959 simply closed its public schools, for Black students as well as white students. They remained closed until 1964. It was only in 1970 that the first Richmond pupils climbed on buses so that Black students could go to previously all white schools and white students to previously all Black schools. At Saturdays celebration, Youngkin was joined by former Govs. George Allen, a Republican who held the office from 1994 to 1998; Jim Gilmore, a Republican who succeeded Allen from 1998 to 2002; Mark Warner, a Democrat who served as governor from 2002 to 2006; Tim Kaine, a Democrat who followed Warner from 2006 to 2010; and Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat who held the office from 2014 to 2018, as well as McDonnell. Wilder, a Democrat who served as governor from 1990 to 1994, chose to boycott the event. Its important to celebrate Brown v. Board of Education, to know that it starts with segregation and to recognize its still here when you look at whats happened at VMI for instance, Wilder said. His man went up there and said DEI is dead, Wilder said, referring to Martin Brown, the governors chief officer for the renamed office of diversity, opportunity and inclusion, who made that declaration at Virginia Military Institute two years ago. On Feb. 28, a VMI board dominated by Youngkin appointees voted not to renew the contract of Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins, VMIs first Black superintendent. When you think of the attacks on DEI, or call it what you will, thats about discrimination, Wilder said. This is what Brown is all about, fighting not to be discriminated against. Two of the former governors, Warner and Kaine, are now Virginias U.S. senators. Warner, speaking by video from his U.S. Senate office, said, Theres still work to do ... in Washington we have an administration thats targeted programs that celebrate and promote diversity. Kaine said that while Brown v. Board of Education was about ensuring education for all, President Donald Trumps moves to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, cut research funding and pull support for higher education undermine that goal. Allen said: Its important to learn from history and look honestly at the challenges of the present and leave here resolved to do the proper things in the future. McAuliffe, also speaking by video, said celebrating Brown v. Board of Education should be a call to action. Gilmore said, I hear too many voices today that insist on dividing people by race ... the point of Brown v. Board of Education was we need to end segregation, but what were seeing today is segregation is reemerging. The celebration at VCUs Academic Center was organized by Virginians for Reconciliation, VCU, Virginia Union University and Regent University. Two killed 20 injured when Mexicos Cuauhtemoc sailing ship collides with New Yorks Brooklyn Bridge New York, New York Two people were killed and 20 injured onboard Mexican ship Cuauhtemoc after it collided with the Brooklyn Bridge. The accident was recorded by city surveillance cameras Saturday evening as the ship was leaving the harbor. After leaving Pier 17 in Manhattan where it was docked and exiting the harbor, it was taken under the bridge by the current. As it passed under New Yorks famous Brooklyn Bridge, three of the Cuauhtemoc sailing ships masts hit the bridge and collapsed. Those broken pieces fell into the ship, hitting nearly two dozen crew members. According to the Secretary of the Navy of Mexico, a total of 22 crew were injured as the broken masts fell. Two of those injured onboard Cuauhtemoc have since died. As a result of the accident, there is an updated official report of 22 injured crew members of whom 11 are diagnosed as critical and nine stable. Sadly, two of the crew members who were in serious condition died from their injuries, the Secretaria de Marina has reported regarding the Saturday evening accident. Spectators flee the boardwalk as the ship veers out of control colliding with the bridge. According to The National Transportation Safety Board, the ship was going the wrong way when it collided with the bridge. The damage sustained has halted the ships tour, the Marina of Mexico confirmed. During the sailing maneuver of the Cuauhtemoc Sailing Ship in New York, an incident was recorded with the Brooklyn Bridge that caused damage to the training ship which will prevent the continuation of said training cruise, said the Marina of Mexico. The ship and its crew of 277 arrived in New York on May 14, 2025. The National Transportation Safety Board reported speaking with Cuauhtemocs captain who told investigators he lost steering of the vessel after the rudder failed. A mechanical issue involving the loss of power that resulted in the inability to steer is being investigated. A cake of the ship was part of the May 14 celebration of its arrival in New York. Mexicos Cuauhtemoc training ship is currently docked at Pier 35 from where an investigation by a go team from the National Transportation Safety Board into the accident will proceed, they reported Sunday morning. The Navy, aware of the risks naval personnel face in their operations, deeply regrets what happened and reaffirms its commitment to the crews families to provide timely attention and follow-up to the investigations into the events that occurred to accurately determine the causes of this incident, Mexicos Marina added in their Saturday statement. Dignitaries were photographed onboard Cuauhtemoc on the evening of its arrival. Mexican officials have not publicly identified the deceased pending family notification. Mexicos Cuauhtemoc training ship arrived in New York May 14 to serve as one of Mexicos most important ambassadors to carry the Mexican message of peace and goodwill. It all sounded too good to be true, which it turned out to be. Herman Estes Jr. told a real estate agent that he was willing to pay $1.3 million up front for a home in Old Mill Plantation, an upscale housing community in southwest Roanoke County. Estes, at the time a 40-year-old from Fieldale, backed up his cash offer by saying he had recently received an $18.3 million tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service. On April 12, 2023, he tendered a cashiers check for $1,307,199.43. The sale closed two days later, and Estes moved with his family into the six-bedroom house at the foot of Bent Mountain. It didnt take long for the truth to come out: The cashiers check purportedly drawn from the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond was determined to have been fabricated by Estes in the most unusual of frauds. Rather than the multi-millionaire he claimed to be, Estes was in fact a convicted felon. In 2005, he fatally shot one man and wounded another in an altercation at a West Virginia convenience store, according to court records. After serving prison time for manslaughter, he was charged with about a half dozen other offenses, including a felonious assault charge for which he was found not guilty by reason of insanity. And while in the midst of negotiating the real estate deal, Estes pleaded guilty in Roanokes federal court to possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. He was free on bond, awaiting sentencing on that charge, the day he moved into his new home on Old Mill Plantation Road. On Thursday, he received a seven-year prison term from U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Dillon for offenses that included bank fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud and filing false tax returns with the IRS. Prosecutors say the crimes were part of Estes fringe sovereign citizen ideology. Sovereign citizen is an extremist movement whose adherents believe they can ignore the laws of what they consider to be an illegitimate and tyrannical government. A large number of crimes, including financial scams, have been attributed to the group, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Its one of the craziest cases Ive been involved with, said Jimmy Turk, a Radford criminal defense lawyer who has handled many high-profile cases during his 40 years in practice. But its also kind of scary, Turk said of the ease in which Estes escaped close scrutiny from real estate, banking and IRS officials. Turk served as a stand-by attorney for Estes, who represented himself. The scheme was both successful and short-lived. Because it was so far-fetched, I think it was doomed for failure, Dillon said in pronouncing a sentence that was about three years short of what the government asked for. The scams plan This is what happened, according to court documents and earlier testimony: In 2022, Estes filed a tax return for the previous year that claimed he was entitled to a $18,325,484 refund. The IRS refused to pay the claim, which contained such nonsensical items as a $12.5 million interest payment to Estes by an assistant U.S. attorney who prosecuted him for illegally possessing a firearm. But Estes used a form letter from the tax agency, which referenced his $18.3 million claim, as part of his scheme. In January 2023, he contacted real estate agent Joshua Desforges with MKB Realtors, saying he had a budget of $1.5 million for a home. He supported the claim by presenting to Desforges the IRS form letter and other false documents. Desforges then agreed to show the Old Mill Plantation home to Estes, based on his stated ability to pay. About a month later, Estes put Desforges in touch with a man he said was the manager of his trust. That man was Daniel Heggins, a fellow sovereign citizen follower who had twice been convicted of federal fraud charges in North Carolina, where he lived. In a telephone call, Heggins pretended to be the administrator of a trust that didnt exist, telling Desforges that he approved of the sale and that Estes was good for the money. The two conspirators also created fake documents using a sovereign citizen tool bank online, prosecutors said. The scam fell apart when the Federal Reserve Bank, which does not issue cashiers checks or act as a retail banker, refused payment. An investigation that followed turned up more oddities. Informed by Desforges that the check had been refused, Estes told the real estate agent to contact his representative, then-Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Estes said he did not trust public banks, and dealt only with the federal reserve. They all dropped the ball Undoubtedly, Estes mental health played a role in this case, prosecutors Lee Brett with the Roanoke U.S. Attorneys Office and Andrew Ascencio with the Department of Justices Tax Division wrote in court papers. Despite that, Estes has shown a canny ability to understand and exploit the legal system, a government sentencing memorandum stated. The court should not confuse what may at times appear to be farcical sovereign citizen claims with a lack of sophistication on the part of Estes. After all, prosecutors wrote, Estes successfully obtained a $1.3 million home through fraud, all while under court supervision. Even after the scheme collapsed, Estes refused to move out of a house to which he still held the title. Eventually, a Roanoke County judge deeded it back to its previous owner, Quality Development Group, which built the custom home and sold it brand-new to Estes. They all dropped the ball, Husain Alam, a co-partner of the development group, said of the real estate and banking officials who missed what should have been bright red flags. Alams business sued Homestead Settlement Services, which as its closing company was responsible for ensuring that the transaction was properly conducted. Estes mailed his cashiers check via a commercial carrier to Homestead; the lawsuit accused of it of failing to investigate his creditworthiness. A basic internet search would have revealed that Mr. Estes was a convicted murderer and had pending federal criminal charges, the lawsuit filed in Roanoke County Circuit Court states. A call to Homesteads Roanoke office was not returned Friday. But in an answer to the lawsuit, the company denied the allegations and contended, among other things, that the seller of the property was responsible for conducting due diligence of the buyer. After regaining ownership of the home, Quality Development Group found another buyer who paid $1.2 million. The lawsuit is still pending, according to court records. Desforges is not named as a defendant. In a brief interview last Thursday, he said he no longer works for MKB and now runs his own real estate firm. Asked for additional comment, he said he would call back later. No call had been received by 5 p.m. Friday. In the criminal case, Homestead was considered a victim in that Estes was ordered to pay $6,479 in restitution for the companys lost fees and unpaid work. Heggins gets two years Shortly before Estes was sentenced to seven years in prison, his co-defendant took the same seat at a defense table in U.S. District Court in Roanoke. A jury had convicted Daniel Heggins earlier of aiding and abetting in the wire fraud, but found him not guilty of participating in the conspiracy. He returned to the courtroom Thursday to be sentenced by Dillon. Defense attorney Paul Beers argued that his client did not profit from the real estate transaction and played a minor role. His only involvement was to take a telephone call from Desforges, the real estate agent, and vouch for Estes claim to be a wealthy man, Beers said. Beers also objected to a reference in a government pre-sentence report to Heggins being affiliated with a gang it called the Moorish Nation, an African-American subset of the sovereign citizen movement. The defense attorney asked Dillon not to consider Heggins involvement in a religious organization that tells its members that the United States lacks jurisdiction over them. We dont punish people for having weird ideas, he said. Dillon imposed a two-year sentence. I do take this seriously. But is this the most serious fraud case Ive seen? No, it is not, she said, citing the limited duration of the scheme and the relatively small financial loss to its victims. Estes refuses mental treatment After a brief recess, Estes was led from a holding cell into the courtroom to be sentenced. He carried with him a large stack of legal documents and a reputation for making forceful but often confusing arguments as his own attorney. On this day, he had little to say. I aint got no argument, he told Dillon, who appeared surprised by his silence. Usually you like to talk to me, she said. Thats been my experience in the past. In earlier court filings, Estes called the judge armed and dangerous and accused her of breach of trust, laundering money ... trespassing tax fugitive, and trespass on private intellectual property. Although no one asked Dillon to recuse herself, she considered it on her own motion and decided not to step aside. Here, to the extent Estes assertions are decipherable at all, his accusations against the court are meritless and would not cause a reasonable observer to believe the court might be biased against him, Dillon wrote in a Jan. 15 opinion. As part of her sentence, Dillon recommended that Estes receive mental health treatment in prison saying she was concerned about his statements that he planned to move back into his ill-gotten home upon his release. Estes has received court-ordered mental treatment in the past, but often refused to take anti-psychotic medications or participate in therapy for conditions that include bipolar disorder and paranoid schizophrenia. He rejected the judges recommendation for treatment, telling her: Im not going down that road again. Waking up with remnants of last night's smoky eye is one of my biggest beauty pet peeves. In my mind, I should be rewarded for washing my face before bed after a long day, not punished with raccoon eyes in the morning. While there is an array of fantastic face washes on the market, the best makeup removers are specially formulated to gently, effortlessly break down ingredients in cosmetics, including stubborn, waterproof formulas. Using a highly effective makeup remover is particularly important as we age. That's because any rough rubbing (with water or even mild face wash) can damage thinner and more delicate mature skin, causing an influx of fine lines and wrinkles, not to mention irritation. The world of makeup removal is surprisingly vast and consists of items that may be unfamiliar to many consumers, including cleansing balms, micellar waters, oil-based face washes, makeup wipes and even cleansing "milks." Of these, certain formulas are generally better for over-40 skin like mine that now suffers from a lack of moisture. Since my skin is much drier than it was five years ago (thanks, perimenopause!), some of my harsher go-to makeup removers are no longer right for me. Instead, I've discovered more emollient formulas those I once avoided because they caused breakouts are now much more beneficial to soothing and hydrating my older skin. Its not just the annoyance of mascara-ridden eyelids (or dirty pillowcases!) that a good makeup remover can help prevent. Over my years as a beauty writer, dermatologists have told me time and again that keeping skin clean is imperative to overall skin health. Residual makeup can cause clogged pores, breakouts, dryness, irritation and even premature aging. Thats because makeup can trap dirt, debris, and environmental pollutants in the skin, which stresses it out and, in turn, accelerates aging. (We wont even get into the terrifying possibility of eye infections.) Read on for the best makeup removers of 2025. A glimpse at my makeup remover testing, including products from Naturium, Eve Lom, Caudalie, Garnier, Medik8, Eadem, Bioderma and Renee Rouleau (Marie Lodi) Table of contents Advertisement Advertisement Update, Feb. 4, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our number one pick for the best makeup remover remains unchanged. The best makeup removers of 2025 Bioderma Best makeup remover overall Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water Key ingredients: Fatty acid ester micelles, pharmaceutical-grade water | Benefits: Cleanses skin of makeup and impurities, and mitigates redness, discomfort and dryness | Size: 16.9 oz | Formula type: Micellar water | Skin type: Sensitive and normal It should come as little surprise that the French invented micellar water, a product I consider to be among the best skin care on the market today. For the uninitiated, micellar water is a cleansing solution composed of micelles, which are tiny cleansing oil molecules that work like magnets, attracting and removing dirt, oil, makeup and any other gunk settling into your pores. Unlike a regular face cleanser, you dont even need water to use it. You soak a cotton pad with the micellar water, gently wipe it over your face and the micelles activate. Its almost like magic. There are some pretty good micellar waters out there, but of those I've tested, nothing beats the French original: Bioderma Sensibio H2O. It removes makeup and dirt swiftly and is the only micellar water that doesnt irritate my eyes or make them burn (which, as a heavy-duty liquid eyeliner aficionado, is an absolute deal breaker). Ive used this product for almost a decade and nothing comes close. Im not alone in my Sensibio H2O obsession. Celebrities like Tracee Ellis Ross, Victoria Beckham, Gwyneth Paltrow and Drew Barrymore have all proclaimed their love for the micellar water, with Barrymore once calling it by far the best makeup remover she has ever used. Pros Gentle around eyes Fragrance-free and alcohol-free Formulated for sensitive skin Swiftly removes makeup with little pressure Cons Need to use cotton pads with product Not strong enough to remove some liquid lipstick $21 at Amazon EVE LOM Best makeup remover balm Eve Lom the Original Balm Cleanser Key ingredients: Clove, eucalyptus and Egyptian chamomile oils; cocoa butter | Benefits: Tones and exfoliates skin, removes waterproof makeup, hydrates skin for up to 12 hours after use | Size: 1.6 oz | Formula type: Balm Now that my skin is drier, the harsh foam cleansers I once used to wash my face and remove my makeup are off-limits. These days, I need an oil-based solution, like this rich balm, like this from Eve Lom, which is straight heaven on your skin. Its made with plant and botanical oils, such as clove, eucalyptus, Egyptian chamomile and cocoa butter. Its also described as a 5-in-1 product that, aside from cleansing and removing makeup, hydrates, exfoliates and tones the skin. To use, you scoop a small amount (not much is needed, which is great) and rub it into your dry skin. Then, you take the muslin cloth included in the box, soak it with hot water, ring it out, press it onto face and gently wipe away your makeup. It can take a couple of repeat steps of rinsing the cloth, soaking it with warm water and removing the makeup, but it fully cleanses away even my most stubborn mascara and eyeshadows. Another big bonus is that this doesnt leave my skin feeling greasy or get into my eyes like other balms. Pros Hydrates skin for up to 12 hours Comes with 100% muslin cloth Non pore-clogging Formulated without parabens, phthalates, DEA, MEA, sulphates, synthetic fragrance or colorants Clinically proven to reduce whiteheads and blackheads after 14 days Cons Pricey but a little goes a long way Has a light, natural fragrance, but is too much for some reviewers $60 at Macy's Explore More Buying Options $60 at Amazon Medik8 Best oil-based makeup remover Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil Key ingredients: Safflower oil, moringa extract, linoleic acid and vitamin E | Benefits: Gently dissolves heavy makeup, sunscreen and impurities, nourishes skin barrier and is alcohol and paraben-free | Size: 4.7 oz | Formula type: Oil cleanser As I mentioned with the balm, I really appreciate oil cleansers. However, its not just the hydrating aspect; they work hard (yet gentle) at removing heavy makeup. This oil cleanser has become a mainstay in my makeup-removal routine. Im able to cleanse off both heavy eyeliner and waterproof liquid lipstick with it, no problem. The formula is has a ton going for it its made with antioxidant ingredients like moringa extract and vitamin E, as well as fatty acids like safflower oil and omega-6. Which means: All that makeup is coming off my skin, but its not stripping it of moisture. Like cleansing balms, oils like this one are applied right onto dry skin. Once you add a drop or two of warm water, the formula emulsifies into a smooth, milky texture. I always feel like Im treating my skin when Im using this makeup remover. Also, it lasts forever! Yes, its a bit pricey at almost $40, but you'll be using it for literal months. Pros Removes waterproof makeup and sunscreen No artificial fragrance or synthetic colors Certified vegan Luxurious texture Cons A little pricey (but lasts a long time) Made with essential oils which some people are sensitive to $38 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $38 at Dermstore (back to top) How we tested makeup removers To find the best makeup removers, I used my over-decade-long expertise as a beauty editor and my 30-something years of experience wearing makeup (I, ahem, technically wore lipstick in the first grade). After applying a full face of makeup foundation, concealer, eye makeup, a highly pigmented lip tint) I tested at least a dozen different makeup removers over three weeks, from micellar waters to cleansing balms and everything in between. I rated each based on efficacy (did it remove even my heaviest eye makeup with ease?), ingredients (is it clean?), formula quality, texture and feel (was it gentle on my eyes?). I also noted the value and whether it was worth a higher price or it was a quality budget buy. (back to top) Other makeup removers we tested that didn't make the cut Now, Im sure people (other beauty editors) might argue with me for putting Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water on this list its extremely popular and has almost 40,000 five-star Amazon reviews! However, while it is effective at removing makeup, it burns my eyes (even the sensitive version), which is why Bioderma Sensibio is my No. 1 pick. And while makeup wipes like the Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes are classic and good to have with you for emergencies, I dont find them as effective at removing an entire face of makeup as the other types of products listed here, not to mention the incredible amount of waste they create. Advertisement Advertisement (back to top) Makeup remover FAQs What is the best way to remove waterproof mascara? Waterproof mascara and lipsticks are formulated to last hours (sometimes even more than 24 hours!). Its impressive, especially if youve ever tried to remove these products with a regular face wash without success. Oil-based makeup removers or cleansing balms are the most effective for breaking down waterproof formulas. This is because they can draw out other oil-based debris, like makeup. Depending on the oil cleanser, you may have to follow up with a second cleanser, which youll learn about below. Do I need to double-cleanse when removing makeup? If I havent stressed this enough: Its absolutely important to remove all your makeup before bed. If youre still seeing remnants of makeup or find that your makeup remover feels too oily, a double-cleansing routine can be beneficial. First, use your makeup remover, then follow up with a mild face cleanser to dissolve any leftover residue and ensure your skin is completely clean. What type of makeup remover is best for my skin type? Not all makeup removers are the same. For dry skin, look for hydrating options like oil-based cleansers, balms or a cream cleanser with moisturizing ingredients. If your skin is oily, a gel-based makeup remover might be best. You can also search for labels that contain non-comedogenic. Sensitive skin types should look for formulas that are fragrance-free, alcohol-free and free of harsh ingredients. Advertisement Advertisement We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria. (back to top) By Akbar Novruz Azerbaijans Presidential Assistant and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, Hikmet Hajiyev, has stated that bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Iran have entered a new phase of development. In an interview with Irans Tasnim news agency during his visit to Tehran for the Tehran Dialogue Forum, Hajiyev emphasized that the foundation for this new phase was laid by the recent official visit of Iranian President Pezeshkian to Azerbaijan. During that visit, substantive one-on-one and delegation-level discussions between President Ilham Aliyev and President Pezeshkian provided renewed momentum to Azerbaijan-Iran relations. Our joint task with our Iranian counterparts is now to take these relations further forward, Hajiyev said. In the same interview, Hajiyev also addressed ongoing efforts to normalize relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He noted that steps are being taken in this direction and underscored that the current regional reality is shaped by legality and legitimacy. Thanks to the policies pursued by the Republic of Azerbaijan, our territories were liberated from occupation, and Azerbaijan has fully restored its territorial integrity, he said. A new status quo has emerged in the South Caucasus, one that is no longer based on occupation or aggression but on international law, legitimacy, and legal norms. This has created a highly favorable environment for peace in the region. According to Hajiyev, the South Caucasus is currently witnessing a period of unprecedented calm and opportunity: We can confidently say that there is de facto peace in the region. Since both countries gained independence, this is the most favorable moment for peace and stability. Now, Azerbaijan is working to anchor this reality within a legal framework that ensures sustainable and definitive peace. 150 Years Ago: 1875 Came to Sioux City, Lost His Money: Matt Comerford, a farmer living east of the Floyd, was in the city Saturday night on a big drunk and lost $80. He charges William Freeny with taking it. The case was brought before Justice Brennan yesterday and continued until this morning. Upside Down Into an Open Cellar: A wagon, containing N.W. Welsh, wife, two daughters and another lady, from Dakota Territory, was yesterday forenoon precipitated into the open cellar on Pearl Street, next to Milton Tootle's dry goods store. The team took fright at one of the basement windows in the store building mentioned and sprang over the embankment into the excavation, a distance of about eight feet. The wagon was pretty generally demolished, but fortunately none of its occupants received any injuries, excepting that one of Mr. Welsch's daughters was somewhat bruised about the back. The wagon, team and passengers were all thrown upside down and mixed up together in great confusion, and their escape from bodily injury was most remarkable. It is expected that our city authorities will take some measure to prevent further accidents of a like character about the time they are called upon to pay for a dead horse or a broken limb. 125 Years Ago: 1900 Puts Love Above Religion: Mrs. J.J. McAllister, mother of Miss Mary McAllister, of Dakota City, yesterday afternoon turned to her church in a last resort to influence her daughter against a marriage with W.C. McNamara, a divorced man. She sent for Father Lysaght, of Jackson, Neb., to come to her daughter, and see if he could dissuade her from her evident purpose. But it had no effect -- the girl was determined to see the fight out on the lines it had commenced, and the priest went home. Though he labored with her for some time, his visit bore no fruit in the direction which had been hoped. Afterwards Miss McAllister declined to talk about marrying McNamara, but those who are nearest to her confidences say she has fully made up her mind to change her name from McAllister to McNamara before the affair is ended. 100 years ago: 1925 College Turns Down Trade: The "trade" with Morningside College whereby city officials hoped to obtain a strip of land from the Garretson estate to improve traffic conditions at Peters Park in return for a street and alley wanted by the college for college improvements has "fallen through," Mayor Stewart Gilman reported to the city council Saturday. 'Butter-Nut Coffee Week' is here: This is "Butter-Nut Coffee Week" in Sioux City. Extensive arrangements have been made by the Paxton & Gallagher Company, of Omaha, with The Journal Service Department, to celebrate this event in fitting style. Attractive window displays on Butter-Nut Coffee are going in all over the city, including a display in The Journal window. Grocers are co-operating unanimously in making this campaign a big success. Work On Riverside Pool Held Up: Excavating for the proposed municipal swimming pool at Riverside Park has been completed, but construction work on the pool is being held up pending the sale of $7,500 worth of admission tickets to defray the initial payment to the contractor. So far about $1,000 has been raised by the Junior Chamber of Commerce in its efforts to help the city finance the pool without cost to the taxpayers. The remainder -- $6,500 -- must be raised in the near future, or the project is doomed to delay until next year and possibly ultimate failure. 75 years ago: 1950 Sheet Steel is Stolen: Deputy sheriffs Wednesday were looking for thieves who stole $200 worth of sheet steel which was to have been used for the erection of an advertising sign on Highway 75 south of Sioux City. Chief Deputy Ralph Hindman said the steel was owned by the S.S. Coe Co. The sheets were taken from the side of the highway near Floyd Monument where workmen had placed them overnight. Heart Attack Kills Fireman: Fire Lt. Ozy A. Moran, 51, died Tuesday on an elevator leading to an emergency room at St. Vincent Hospital after suffering a heart attack earlier at the Riverside fire station, 1909 Riverside Blvd., while on duty. Fellow firemen said that he had been suffering with a heart ailment for some time. He became a member of the department Sept. 5, 1921, and was appointed a lieutenant Dec. 1, 1945. He had been at the Riverside station for about 11 years. 50 years ago: 1975 Funeral Home Ambulance Service: The time when funeral homes operated ambulance services in Iowa communities may soon be coming to an end because of ambulance restrictions presently in the mill in the Iowa General Assembly. In the Mapleton area the Walter Funeral Home has owned and operated the ambulance service for the past 25 years, and that service may soon be terminated. Irven Walter, director of the Mapleton funeral home, said he will be forced to discontinue the service due to new restrictions that most likely will be approved this year. Also affected by the probable end of ambulance service will be Danbury, Ute, Rodney and possibly Castana. However, the Willman Funeral Home of Rodney, which also operates an ambulance service, will continue to operate until new state guidelines are finalized. 25 years ago: 2000 Allman Brothers to Headline: Saturday in the Park celebrates its 10th anniversary July 1 with a bang by featuring one of the nation's biggest acts. The Allman Brothers headline Saturday in the Park, a full day's worth of music which attracts upwards of 35,000 people to Sioux City's Grandview Park. 'The Year of the How': Gateway Inc. is targeting 2000 as the "Year of the How," CEO Jeffrey Weitzen told about 400 shareholders at the company's annual meeting, held Thursday at the Sioux City Convention Center. Chairman Ted Waitt reviewed the company's transitional moves to prepare for delivering the "hows," and reported on the successes of 1999. He called last year "a turbulent time in the industry." Among the most important goals in 1999 was diversifying the revenue stream, Waitt said. 2025 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #20 Posted on 18 May 2025 by BaerbelW, Doug Bostrom A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, May 11, 2025 thru Sat, May 17, 2025. Plugging the Weather & Climate Livestream planned to start on May 28 During the past week and thanks to Andrew Dessler's ClimateBrink article listed below, we became aware of an initiative started by early career scientists which is well worth highlighting. Here is the information from the event's website: Please check out the event's homepage to learn more and get the latest information! This week's roundup is again published by category and sorted by number of articles included in each. We are still interested in feedback to hone the categorization, so if you spot any clear misses and/or have suggestions for additional categories, please let us know in the comments. Thanks! Stories we promoted this week, by category: Climate Change Impacts (6 articles) Public Misunderstandings about Climate Science (5 articles) Climate Science and Research (5 articles) Climate Policy and Politics (4 articles) World`s Researchers Say They Will Resist Attacks on Science and Support Beleaguered U.S. Colleagues More than 800 American scientists attended the European Geosciences Unions conference in Austria to present new research on climate change, pollution and other urgent environmental topics. Inside Climate News, Bob Berwyn, May 06, 2025. More than 800 American scientists attended the European Geosciences Unions conference in Austria to present new research on climate change, pollution and other urgent environmental topics. Inside Climate News, Bob Berwyn, May 06, 2025. Institutionalizing politicized science Donald Moynihan and Pamela Herd describe how the current US presidential adminstration is using administrative "hacks" to bend science to service of ideology. Science, Donald Moynihan & Pamela Herd, May 8, 2025. Donald Moynihan and Pamela Herd describe how the current US presidential adminstration is using administrative "hacks" to bend science to service of ideology. Science, Donald Moynihan & Pamela Herd, May 8, 2025. Industry groups are not happy about the imminent demise of Energy Star The program has saved consumers billions of dollars since its inception but is climate adjacent so out it goes. Inside Climate News, Marianne Lavelle, May 10, 2025. The program has saved consumers billions of dollars since its inception but is climate adjacent so out it goes. Inside Climate News, Marianne Lavelle, May 10, 2025. US Climate Researcher: We Are at a Tipping Point Climate researcher Zack Labe was one of hundreds of scientists laid off at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration by DOGE this year. He believes we're at a tipping point and that "there could be a complete gap in the next generation of scientists." High North News, Birgitte Annie Hansen, May 15, 2025. Climate Law and Justice (3 articles) Youth Climate Lawsuits In Canada Advance To Critical Hearing And Trial A case challenging Ontarios weakened climate policy could be on the verge of a precedent-setting victory after Canadas Supreme Court denies governments leave to appeal, while a suit against the Canadian federal government is set to go to trial next year. Climate in the Courts, Dana Drugmand, May 10, 2025. A case challenging Ontarios weakened climate policy could be on the verge of a precedent-setting victory after Canadas Supreme Court denies governments leave to appeal, while a suit against the Canadian federal government is set to go to trial next year. Climate in the Courts, Dana Drugmand, May 10, 2025. Dutch climate campaigners vow to take Shell to court again In a letter, Milieudefensie says it wants to stop firm developing new oil and gas projects to curb crisis The Guardian, Jillian Ambrose, May 13, 2025. In a letter, Milieudefensie says it wants to stop firm developing new oil and gas projects to curb crisis The Guardian, Jillian Ambrose, May 13, 2025. An Effort to Kill Off Lawsuits Against Oil Giants Is Gaining Steam The Trump administration has declared litigation to hold oil companies responsible for climate change a threat to the American economy and has taken aggressive steps to fight it. NYT, Karen Zraick, May 14, 2025. Climate Education and Communication (2 articles) Climate miscellanea, May 2025 a few things I thought you should see The Climate Brink, Andrew Dessler, May 15, 2025. a few things I thought you should see The Climate Brink, Andrew Dessler, May 15, 2025. Weather And Climate Livestream Meteorologists and climate scientists explain how our safety is being put at risk by chaotic destruction of the US federal weather and climate enterprise. Website, Various, May 16, 2025. Public Misunderstandings about Climate Solutions (1 article) How reliable is wind energy? As with solar energy, complete reliance on wind energy would pose intermittency challenges. However, wind, solar, and storage together can provide the majority of the countrys electricity without compromising reliability. Skeptical Science, Sabin Climate Team, May 13, 2025. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation (1 article) Trump's EPA didn't publish mandatory climate pollution report, but CBS News got the data anyway CBS News steps in to follow the law when those who are supposed to will not. CBS News, Grace Manthey & Tracy Wholf, May 14, 2025. Miscellaneous (1 article) 2025 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #19 A listing of 27 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, May 4, 2025 thru Sat, May 10, 2025. Skeptical Science, Barbel Winkler & Doug Bostrom, May 11, 2025. How to Do It is Slates sex advice column. Have a question? Send it to Stoya and Rich here. Its anonymous! Dear How to Do It, My boyfriend and I are at odds because he has grown out his beard and I refuse to have sex with him again until he gets rid of it. I think beards are grossthey are dirt magnets and I cant stand the feel of them. I was at a sex party once and ended an encounter with a guy who was eating me out because the feel of his beard against my pussy was awful. My boyfriend says its his body, so it should be up to him. As far as Im concerned, not if it causes me physical displeasure. That should give me the final say, right? When You Lose the Beard, Ill Find My Libido Dear When You Lose the Beard, Ill Find My Libido, In a sense you have the final say because you get to say no to sex for whatever reason. Your body, your choice. But the same principle applies to your boyfriend. If he wants a beard, he gets to have a beard. You have a good reason for wanting him to get rid of it: You find it uncomfortable during oral sex. But he has a good reason for wanting to keep it: He likes it. In the case of such a draw, its the body owners choice. The beard stays if he wants it to. Now, your decision to refrain from sex may eventually win him to your side. One might call this manipulation, and maybe it is in some sense, but again, you have a valid reason for not wanting your bush to come in contact with his. Could you do stuff sexually anyway that doesnt involve beard-on-skin contact? Sure, but if things like kissing and oral are essential to your sex life, I can understand how that kind of activity would be much less attractive in light of his facial hair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem with this kind of bargaining is that it might not be bargaining at all. It may lead to a stalemate. And then what? If you both hold out, neither of you win, per se, because youre cutting off a presumably important part of your relationship. There can only be losers here. Maybe you wear him down and he relents and youre happy and at least hes getting laid. Maybe you never have sex again and decide to break up. I would encourage some kind of compromise hereperhaps you can find a length of beard that is beardy enough to satisfy his aesthetic purposes but not so beardy that it feels terrible against your vulva. Maybe he settles for a mustache or resolves to be the first guy in history to make a soul patch look cool. You should be willing to give at least a little here, as generosity is a good force to bring to the coupling and finding a mutually satisfying path forward is what you do in relationships. If you cant, his beard may be an irreconcilable difference. Dear How to Do It, Advertisement For the last several months, my husband has been experiencing premature ejaculationas in coming within one to two minutes of getting hard. Neither of us can figure out why he is having this problem, as we have been married for five years and prior to this our sex life was completely normal. Hes tried cock rings, but finds them uncomfortable, so any insight or solutions would be helpful. Over Before It Begins Dear Over Before It Begins, There are a few subcategories of premature ejaculation. Theres lifelong PE and then theres acquired PEthe latter is seen in people who previously had no sexual problems of this nature, like your husband. PE can have psychological rootsthings like stress and anxiety can contribute, so if your husband has any new stressors or changes in his life, that may explain it. As the sexuality counselor Ian Kerner put it when I emailed him for a past column about this issue, regarding acquired PE: In almost all cases, the cause is performance anxiety which is governed by our sympathetic nervous system that mediates fight or flight response. In other words, worrying about coming too fast can sometimes make it worse. And feeling guilty or ashamed about it can cause some people to rush through sex, exacerbating the problem. Advertisement Advertisement Keep in mind that PE can also indicate physical issues like a hormonal problem or enlarged prostate. When someone sees a shift in sexual functioningespecially one this severeits best to go see a doctor to make sure there isnt an underlying health issue. Get your husband to the urologist as quickly as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Otherwise, there are a lot of methods of dealing with PE. Mindfulness exercises and breathwork may prove beneficial. And then there is the stop-start method, which, much as it sounds, involves him penetrating for as long as he can without getting to the point of no return. As he approaches, he pulls out, takes a breather, and then continues. He repeats this as many times as possible. If those methods dont work, sometimes a low dose of an SSRI is prescribed (since that class of drugs can delay ejaculation). A numbing spray may help, as may wearing a condom, though neither address the root cause of acquired PE, and might diminish his sensation in unenjoyable ways. Try any or all of these, and see this past column for more in-depth advice on treating this condition. Dear How to Do It, Advertisement My now-wife used to give me the best blow jobs of my life before we were married. The last time she gave me one was our wedding night. That was more than a year ago. When I asked her about it, she said shes just no longer into it. I never stopped eating her out, so I think shes being pretty selfish to not be willing to reciprocate anymore. This was something I always enjoyed receiving from her and I really miss it. Any ideas as to how I can convince her to go back to the good old days? Heartsick Over a Lack of Head Advertisement 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! Advertisement Dear Heartsick Over a Lack of Head, Your wife may indeed be selfish to deny you the blowjobs you so loved, but she also may have valid reasons. Right now you simply dont know. Attempt to collect more information. Dont badger her with requests. Instead, bring up how much you miss her headthey were the best youve ever had, which might feel good for her to knowand how much of an important feature of your sex life to you that it was. Why is she no longer into it, and is there anything you can do to help her get into it again? Perhaps its something youve been doing that turns her offmaybe she doesnt like the way that you talk to her while shes sucking you off, or maybe youve held her head in such a way that makes her uncomfortable. Maybe its not you at all but some kind of other external influence or inner voice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If she becomes uncomfortable during these conversations, back off for a little while and return again in a few weeks/months. Underscore the importance of blowjobs (though keep the drama out of the equation and avoid exaggerating terms like heartsick to describe your relationship to her head). You should also assess whether this indicates larger issues around sex or communication. Is your sex life otherwise perfect? Is she fully satisfied? Understand that things like this exist in context and your self-awareness may not be sharp as you think it is. You can always discuss joint sex counseling if you cant get any clarity from her. Advertisement The fact is its your wifes right to say no to anything. Its her right to change her mind. You are not entitled to the blowjobs that she once gave you. You never were. I dont think this is a matter of convincing her to give you head, I think this is an opportunity to seek more information and bolster your communication. Once things are clearer, you still must take no for an answer, but at the very least maybe your wife could help you come up with a satisfying alternative path to your own satisfaction. Does she really think that you should live the rest of your life without blowjobs? The answer to that may be illuminating and help you figure out potential next steps. Rich More Advice From Slate Im a married woman who shares a boyfriend with my wife (were poly). Everythings peachy, except for that neither of them will give me the one thing I want in bed: But stuff. They both have expressed interest in it, but neither of them ever does anything. How can I get them to try this with me? Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. This week, House Republicans quietly slipped into their new tax bill a dangerous provision that gives President Donald Trump another weapon to target nonprofits he doesnt like. The bill would enable the administration to label civil society groups terrorist-supporting organizations and strip them of their tax-exempt status, making it virtually impossible for them to function. The Trump administration has already wielded the terrorist label to stigmatize and strip rights from student activists and migrants. Homeland Security agents whisked an international student off the street for nothing more than writing an opinion piece in her college newspaper advocating divestment from Israel. The administration banished hundreds of Venezuelan migrants to a notorious prison in El Salvador, calling them terrorists and gang members with scant evidence and refusing to bring home a Maryland man who it conceded was mistakenly deported. The administration has also targeted nonprofits for opposing the presidents policies. President Trump vowed to revoke Harvards tax-exempt status after it refused to agree to his demands. He issued executive orders directing agencies to investigate nonprofits that support diversity and inclusion and to withhold the benefit of student loan forgiveness programs for people from activist organizations deemed to harm our national security and American values. Now, Congress is poised to fast-track a bill to give the executive branch still more authority to labeland incapacitateits political opponents as terrorist supporters. Last year, a similar bill passed the House of Representatives but did not get to a Senate vote, where it would have needed 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. Now, the danger is that the bill will sneak through the expedited budget reconciliation process that requires only a majority vote to enact into law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tax code already suspends the tax-exempt status of terrorist organizations, and criminal law already prohibits giving material support (funding, training, and other resources) to terrorist groups. But this bill needlessly creates a broad new category of terrorist-supporting organizations that would also lose their tax-exempt status. Groups accused of supporting terrorism would have little meaningful opportunity to challenge their designations, especially since the bill lets the government claim they cant release information explaining a designation for reasons of national security. Worse still, once one group is deemed a terrorist-supporting organization, the bill could be interpreted to allow the government to strip the tax-exemption of other charities that supported that groupcreating a daisy-chain effect that links liability from one group to the next to the next. And unlike the existing criminal law prohibiting material support to terrorist groups, this bill doesnt explicitly require that groups know that the money or services they provide are going to a terrorist organization. Advertisement Consider this scenario. A local charity provides job training help to immigrants who the government later claims belong to a gang it has labeled a foreign terrorist organization. (The Trump administration has labeled a number of Latin American drug cartels and gangs terrorist organizations.) On that basis alone, the administration accuses the charity of providing material support to a terrorist group and revokes its tax-exempt status. Then it proceeds to label the foundations that funded that charity terrorist-supporting organizations, too, and revokes their tax exemptions as wellall for the charitable act of helping community members find jobs. It doesnt take long for this guilt-by-association logic to ensnare all sorts of organizations the government thinks are interfering with its agenda. Immigrant rights groups, racial justice advocates, environmental activists, and left-leaning foundations could all be in the crosshairs today, while conservative groups could potentially be targeted under a different administration. Sound fanciful? The bill arguably allows all this. Advertisement Advertisement Its true that targeted groups might challenge such decisions in court, including for violating their First Amendment rights to free speech and association. But even if they ultimately winas they shouldthe immediate consequences will be intolerable. Banks and donors are understandably afraid to support a group the government has accused of supporting terrorism, and overnight, a nonprofit could see its finances and relationships evaporate. Supporters of the bill have made clear they are targeting Palestinian rights activists, whom they invariably accuse of supporting terrorism merely for opposing Israels wholesale destruction of Gaza. Palestine activism may be the first target of efforts to suppress dissent, but it wont be the last. Governments around the world have learned that branding marginalized communities and their political opponents terrorists is a surefire way to delegitimize them and diminish their capacity to dissentand even to exist. At a time of growing American authoritarianism, the last thing Congress should be doing is granting new powers to the president to destroy civil society groups that stand in his way. Sitting in the gravel parking lot of North Fork Survivors in Toutle is a camouflage Humvee. The military doesnt use it, but rather museum and shop owner Joe Bongiovanni. He bought the vehicle when it had just two doors and rebuilt the truck for Bigfoot research, he said. But hes ready to sell it to keep the lights on at his Mount St. Helens and Bigfoot interpretive center after a 2023 landslide blocked the highway to Johnston Ridge Observatory, and subsequently cut off his and other businesses that relied on the traffic. Bongiovanni is a Bigfoot believer and devout researcher, but he also says he owns the most extensive Mount St. Helens artifact collection in perhaps the entire country. The history and story of those impacted by the eruption on May 18, 1980, outweighs his 7,000-plus pound Squatch mobile. However, the landslide didnt directly hit his or the other businesses along Spirit Lake Memorial Highway; its the signage along the highway that is causing problems. Unclear messages After the natural disaster, which washed out the 85-foot Spirit Lake Outlet Bridge and left tons of sediment behind, the Washington State Department of Transportation held optimism that the road would be available for the 2024 season. However, after temporary repairs failed, WSDOT committed to a permanent repair, now slated to begin in summer 2026. Once complete, the U.S. Forest Service will need to restore power and connection to the Johnston Ridge Observatory before it reopens to the public. The slide occurred near mile marker 49, but businesses such as North Fork Survivors near mile marker 19 are feeling its effects. The biggest issue Im seeing is the DOT in the state of Washington keeps advertising road closed, Bongiovanni said. Theyre not being specific. So whats happening is, people are afraid to come up here. They dont know whats going on. Bongiovanni emphasized that all the viewpoints from Castle Rock to the closure are open. Its only the last 3 miles of the road that leads to the Johnston Ridge Observatory that are closed. Visitor centers such as Weyerhaeusers Forest Learning Center and the Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center at Coldwater are still open. So are popular hiking spots like Hummocks Trail, Lake Trail, South Coldwater Trail and more. But before reaching those sites, WSDOT displays three signs along Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, also known as State route 504, according to WSDOT communications consultant Sarah Hannon-Nein. At milepost 0.7, a large overhead variable states, Johnston R Observatory Closed and SR 504 Open to MP 45. A sign at milepost 44.9 reads Gate Closed Ahead, and a second sign at milepost 45.1 reads Gate Closed. Greg Drew, owner of Drews Grocery 10 miles west of North Fork Survivors in Toutle, expressed his displeasure with signage at the bottom of the hill near Castle Rock. Instead of putting something positive on there usually the message leads people to believe that the road is closed and theres nothing up there, he said. So we have complained about that for years. A sign along Interstate-5 near Exit 49 also previously read SR 504 MP 45.2 Closed, Johnston Ridge Observatory Closed and Coldwater Visitor Cntr Closed. That sign was removed altogether on Dec. 14, 2024, to reduce potential impacts on local businesses, Hannon-Nein said in an email. WSDOT also worked with businesses and other state departments to revise messaging at milepost 0.7, she added. Bongiovanni said he reached out to local media to spread the word on what was open right after the landslide. (I) started telling people, OK, its not closed completely, he said. Its just a small section. Everythings still open, theres still a lot to do whether you like camping, recreating, hiking, all that stuff. Its all still available, just this one little piece of Johnston Ridge is missing. Due to the drop in traffic, Bongiovanni estimates customers visits have lowered 90%. An atypical season From April to October visitors typically flock to the area to view Mount St. Helens, and businesses gather revenue along the way. Around the spring, North Fork Survivors typically expect tourists from Europe, then international tourists from outside the Pacific Northwest, then those regionally. This year, like last, has been quiet. We dont have anybody here, Bongiovanni said in early May. Here it is, a glorious day, and all I have is a cat on the porch. A typical day in May would have 20 to 30 cars roll through. During its peak in June or July, Bongiovanni says the parking lot would be packed with cars, buses and a helicopter for tours. The Fourth of July is typically the busiest weekend for the museum, but last year it was barren. We were literally sitting down here with a dead road, Bongiovanni said. Bongiovanni says his business has not received a paycheck since October of 2024. A slow day used to mean $1,000. Now, a slow day means $23 if that. Like, how do you keep going? said Bongiovanni, who added hes had to dip into personal savings to make it through the winter for this spring. Were absolutely running on the absolute minimum to stay here to make sure that the propertys taken care of taxes, electricity, all the essentials. He admitted hes deeply worried about not only his business, but others along the 504 highway to which he has loyalty. For him, though, hell never stop preserving the history of the eruption. It doesnt matter if I have to go around and sell my (Humvee) for $150 grand and put it into the museum, Bongiovanni said. This stuff here I will not let this fall apart. Its too important. Everything thats in this building belongs to everybody in the Pacific Northwest and should be preserved. That includes the renowned Volvo of Reid Turner Blackburn, the 27-year-old Columbian newspaper photographer, who was claimed by the eruption. Bongiovanni received his and other vehicles from Clara Ottosen, who previously held them in her small museum, and are displayed at his, along with unseen artifacts. But his projected $100,000 renovations to create an encased display for the vehicles has crumbled. Laurelee Curcione, who handles the financial side of the business, says theres always a significant amount of pressure, but now there seems to be more. We try to make a lot of commitments like getting the museum open its not been an easy task, Curcione said. (Bongiovannis) personal thing is to keep the memories of these people alive in a respectful way. To keep the history of that fateful day alive, North Fork Survivors still relies on the mountain and its attraction. Were on the precipice of creating something very new here for the Pacific Northwest, and I feel like were gonna get right to the finish line and have to give up, Bongiovanni said. A trickle-down effect Julie Cox, who helps run Drews Grocery with her father Greg Drew, says the drop in traffic has significantly impacted her multigeneration, family-owned store. Drew says its been a big change for his business, but the drop in traffic has been even more evident. If not for a local community that is extremely supportive of us and that gives us a lot of business, wed be in really, really big trouble, said Drew, whose family reopened their permanent store in April after a 2022 fire. In fact, opening the doors to the new store would have been really difficult. Fire Mountain Grill, which has been a staple for the Toutle community, shut its doors for the 2025 season, despite being located 20 miles south of the closure. The restaurant released a statement on its website stating doors will reopen when road access is complete. Drew says its not just the signage, but the condition of the area itself. Last summer, Drew says he took a former college roommate for a drive up the mountain and, aside from Coldwater Lake, he felt embarrassed. Outside of the Weyerhaeuser (center), theres nothing, Drew said. Wed pull out to the viewpoints you cant see anything because theyve all grown up with brush you cant see the valley floor Things have not gotten better up there, they have gotten steadily worse, from my perspective, and its a real concern. For the residents of Toutle, its been a battle to seek change and preserve history, but theyre resilient. Here we are in May, were less than a week before the (eruption) anniversary, and I have an empty parking lot, Bongiovanni said on May 6. Normal operations, I shouldnt have an empty parking lot right now. But his plan remains to preserve the past, for the future. When you kick the bucket, whats the mark youre going to leave on the world? Mine is all of this stuff, instead of it being tossed into trash cans and forgotten, is to put it together. When Im not here anymore, it can move to the next (generation) as one piece, and I know its protected. Vietnam's property major Sun Group starts $1.43 bln urban project in southern Vietnam By Hai Yen Sun, May 18, 2025 | 8:00 am GMT+7 Sun Group, one of the top property developers in Vietnam, on Friday broke ground on a VND37 trillion ($1.43 billion) urban area project in the southern coastal province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau. The development is poised to become one of the largest integrated urban complexes ever undertaken in the province. Illustration of the $1.43 billion urban area project in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, southern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Sun Property. Spanning 96 hectares in wards 10 and 11, Vung Tau town, the project will include a mix of high-rise apartment buildings, low-rise villas, commercial and serviced complexes, hotels, and a 19-hectare themed water park. Once completed, it is expected to accommodate around 13,000 residents and welcome up to 11,000 visitors per day. Strategically situated along 3/2 street, the development borders two central wards of Vung Tau town. The location offers strong connectivity to neighboring Ho Chi Minh City and adjacent provinces via major transport infrastructure, including National Highway 51, the Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway, the Bien Hoa-Vung Tau Expressway, and the under-construction Ben Luc-Long Thanh Expressway. The site is also 60 kilometers from Long Thanh International Airport in Dong Nai province, enhancing its accessibility to both domestic and international visitors. In the first quarter of 2025, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province received over 4.5 million tourist arrivals and posted VND5.08 trillion ($196 million) in tourism earnings. 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. 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. The Arizona Daily Star Sportsmens Fund raises money so children from low-income households and active military families in Southern Arizona can attend summer camp on scholarships funded by Star readers. We send local kids to weeklong YMCA, Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts) and Girl Scout overnight camps, as well as overnight camping at Camp Tatiyee for school-age children with special needs. Our goal is to raise $225,000 to send at least 500 kids to overnight camp. So far, weve received 641 donations totaling $154,265.65, or just over two-thirds of our goal. Since 1947, the Sportsmens Fund has helped pay for 44,391 children to go to camp. Were one of the oldest 501(c )(3) charities in Arizona and one of the most efficient, with 97 cents from every dollar going to send kids to camp. Your contribution to the Arizona Daily Star Sportsmens Fund Send a Kid to Camp Fund qualifies for the Arizona tax credit for donations to qualifying charitable organizations. Our code is 20450. Joint Arizona filers can donate up to $987 for 2025 taxes, and others can donate up to $495 for 2025. Credit-card donations and details on the camps we sponsor: azsendakidtocamp.org Send checks, payable to Sportsmens Fund, to: Send a Kid to Camp, P.O. Box 16141, Tucson, AZ 85732-6141 For more information: Debbie Kornmiller at 520-954-3139 or info@azsendakidtocamp.org Donations are welcome throughout the year. Recent donations include: Judy Askenasy, in memory of my niece Jackie Lewers, $125. James Crawford, $250. Phyllis Dugger, $100. Gary Fenstermacher, $150. Tim and Sandy Fulton, $100. Ralph and Michelle Hartley, on behalf of Ralph and Bea Hartley, $100. Morgan and Sharon Hunter, $300. Jessie and Dale D. Lopez, in memory of Daniel Mejia, $30. Kathleen Lupori, $50. Duncan MacDonell, $300. Jan Panhuis, $100. Cindy Quigley, $100. Judith M. and Delbert G. Timper, $25. John M. Yoakum, $100. Mark S. Zimmer, $25. PHOENIX Gov. Katie Hobbs is hurtling toward setting a new record in Arizona for the number of bills vetoed in one year. But the Democratic governor insists its not because she lacks the ability to work across the aisle with Republican legislators. Its the fault of the Republican-led Legislature for what they approve. If they stop sending her bad bills, Hobbs said shell stop putting her veto stamp on so many of them. I have made it clear that Im not going to sign legislation that is solutions in search of a problem, that takes away peoples freedom, the governor said. What is virtually certain is that when lawmakers return from their break, they will resume approving measures that advance the GOP policy agenda. And there are a host of bills in the pipeline that are virtually certain to meet with the governors displeasure, from changes in election laws and cuts in the state income tax rate to easing some groundwater regulations. That all but guarantees Hobbs will set a new veto record. As of right now, Hobbs has vetoed 138 bills since the Legislature convened in January. That is just five short of her tally in her first year in office in 2023 for the entire session. House Republicans arent taking kindly to her effort to blame them. Gov. Hobbs has made vetoing good policy her full-time job, rejecting bipartisan solutions supported by the elected representatives of the people of Arizona, said Andrew Wilder, spokesman for House Speaker Steve Montenego and the GOP caucus. Instead of governing, shes cementing a record as an ineffective obstructionist whose only accomplishments cater to the extreme fringe of her party. Not everything that Hobbs has rejected has been strictly partisan affairs. There have been a few bills Hobbs has rejected that have had some support from legislative Democrats. One, for example, would have ensured that parents are entitled to a minor childs medical records, regardless of whether parental consent is required for treatment. There are exceptions under existing law to the need for that consent, such as emergency situations, including those that might involve a drug overdose, and instances where a minor may have contracted a venereal disease. Hobbs said the proposal by Republican Rep. Julie Willoughby of Chandler would create legal ambiguity for healthcare providers who have existing obligations to patient privacy. Several Democrats also supported a proposal to pave the way for small modular nuclear reactors in Arizona. But the vast majority of what met with the governors disapproval were Republican-only affairs. And they run the gamut from major policy issues to the more banal. Take the measure, also by Willoughby, to impose mandatory employment and training requirements to get food stamps. Hobbs said lawmakers should instead use their efforts to support an existing voluntary program for recipients to get jobs and training. The governor also nixed a requirement for the states Medicaid program to provide a conspicuous link on the agencys website directing people to information on adoption and to support pregnant women. Hobbs saw it through the lens of efforts to attack reproductive freedom in the wake of voters putting a right to abortion in the Arizona Constitution. And only Republicans supported a proposal by first-time Scottsdale Sen. Carine Warner to make all school board elections into partisan affairs. But what Hobbs said she really doesnt understand is why Republicans are surprised at some of her decisions. Some of these vetoes are bills that have been sent to me multiple times, even in one session, she said. Its ridiculous, quite frankly. Among the reruns was a proposal by Sen. Wendy Rogers to allow those who have a state-issued permit to carry a concealed weapon to bring them onto college campuses. And then there were a pair of bills from Sen. John Kavanagh. The Fountain Hills Republican wanted to ban teachers from referring to students by a first name or pronoun that did not match their gender at the time of birth and prohibit students from using a restroom other than the one based on the sex they were assigned when born. Then there were the measures sent to Hobbs to score political points, with little belief they would be signed, like the proposal by Rep. Teresa Martinez, R-Casa Grande, to ensure that Arizona schools were aligned with the orders of President Trump and were referring to what had been known for centuries as the Gulf of Mexico instead as the Gulf of America. Hobbs lumped that in with other measures that she rejected, saying they take away attention from what she believes should be the focus of lawmakers. I would like the Legislature to prioritize lowering costs, addressing our housing crisis, securing our water future, securing the border, she said. On that last point, Republicans have advanced measures they say are designed to do just that. One of those was crafted by Senate President Warren Petersen. The Gilbert Republican sought to ensure state and local law enforcement cooperate with federal immigration officials and, specifically, that they honor requests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain people sought by the federal agency. The governor clearly recognizes public sentiment on that, what with voters in November having approved Proposition 314 on a 63-37 margin. It allows state and local police to arrest those who are not citizens who enter the country at a place other than a port of entry. So Hobbs, in her veto message of the Petersen bill, said she has worked with the federal government to secure the border, cited efforts to stem the smuggling of fentanyl, and sought to keep border communities safe. That explanation left Petersen cold, responding to the veto by calling it another slap at Arizonans who suffered greatly at the open border policies of the Biden administration. But Petersen, who is running to be the Republican nominee for attorney general in 2026, declined to discuss what he thinks of the governors overall veto record and her explanation of why so many GOP-sponsored bills have wound up being returned with veto stamps. For all of the vetoes that have occurred, and all that are yet to come, Hobbs said she still believes that there are areas of accommodation where she can work with the Republican majority. All they need to remember, she said, is what she told them when the session started in January. Michael Dekker Tulsa World Business Reporter Follow Michael Dekker 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 Its not every day that an architecture firm is able to move into a building designed for one of its clients. But thats what will happen with GH2 Architects. The firm, which marked 50 years in business in 2023, is moving from its current spaces within the historic 320 South Boston building to another downtown location, the 21 North Greenwood building. We love this (current) building, but we realized were able to get an additional 20 to 25 people into the (new) space as we grow in the next 10 years and really function as a modern-day architecture firm, GH2 Principal Steve Jaggers told the Tulsa World. GH2, which has been in various parts of the 320 South Boston building for decades, plans an October move into its new digs. It will occupy the entire second floor of the 83,000-square-foot building at 21 N. Greenwood Ave. The 22-story 320 South Boston, formerly known as the National Bank of Tulsa Building, was the citys tallest for nearly 40 years. GH2s new space will be about 17,500 square feet, slightly less than the firms current offices, which are bisected by a wide hallway inside the Boston building, which has been renovated and expanded over the years. But because of the completely open configuration of 21 North Greenwood, GH2 will actually have more practical and creative space, Jaggers said. Rarely does it ever work out that you design a building for your client and then theres the opportunity to move into that space for various reasons timing on the real estate or, quite frankly, new buildings are expensive, he said. A lot of corporate entities are moving into new buildings in downtown Tulsa, Jaggers said. Weve always considered ourselves small. I guess were not small anymore. For a 100-person privately owned architecture and design firm, I think thats the cool thing about this, he said. GH2, which began in Oklahoma City in 1973, has designed more than 5,000 new projects and renovations in 48 states and 13 countries. The firms portfolio includes government buildings, hotels, event centers, schools, churches, and mixed-use commercial and residential structures. Among its clients are the state of Oklahoma (state Capitol complex renovations), municipalities, many state and out-of-state universities, school districts, commercial entities, nonprofits, and even horse stable operators. In addition to Tulsa, GH2 has offices in Oklahoma City, Denver and Scottsdale, Arizona. It began as Gralla Architects after being established by Stan Gralla. It later changed its name to GH2. It has won multiple awards over the years, including American Institute of Architects Eastern Oklahoma Firm of the Year in 2024, 2021, 2017 and 1992. It was listed among the top 5,000 fastest-growing firms by Inc. magazine in 2010. The 21 North Greenwood building was completed a few years ago at a cost of about $28 million, according to Crossland Construction. Kajeer Yar and his wife, Maggie, with the backing of the Hille Foundation, of which she is executive director, own the building. Jaggers said a big selling point for the building is the Vista at 21 on the rooftop. The whole top floor is multi-use space that we essentially can use anytime its available, which is great, he said. Theres a lot of events that happen there. And then youve got the whole outdoor rooftop terrace (Vista) that overlooks downtown, which is really cool. Jaggers said GH2s new space will include many desks, tables and chairs from its current location but will also include new furniture and other amenities, including booth seating spaces and a large kitchen area where employees can gather, have lunch and collaborate. Among the buildings GH2 has helped design is the 115,000-square-foot Gradient, 12 N. Cheyenne Ave., arguably one of Tulsas most unique office and collaboration spaces. We do a lot of projects like Gradient, and we can utilize those elements in our (new) office, Jaggers said. The breakout spaces are critical to our being in our industry and the way that we function. We have to collaborate with one another. Thats how a building goes together. If we collaborate not only internally but with our engineering consultants and our other design consultants, its just critical that we do that and we dont sit at our desks and work in a silo. He said that years ago, people would talk to one another within an office space rather than sending emails or texts all day. We think of it (new future space) as sort of like old-school office, he said. When I started working here (in 2002), we checked our email twice a day. But years ago, he said, if you needed something, you got up and you walked over to your colleague and you had a conversation. Thats what were trying to get everybody back into the habit of doing a little more. Sure, technology is here. We utilize it in every way possible, but things get lost in translation, and if we can get people to collaborate, weve got to do it internally before we can do it externally. NITV flagship news and current affairs program, The Point, returns for its tenth season in early June. John Paul Janke, a proud Wuthathi and Meriam man, returns as host, joined by expert panellists, community leaders and decisionmakers to explore issues that matter most to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. John Paul Janke said: Im thrilled to be working with the team on another timely season of The Point where we travel across the country to elevate community voices. Its important that these local people have a national platform to share their thoughts. Some of the locations we visit are places The Point hasnt travelled to in the last few years, so were eager to reach more mob than ever before. At a time when disparity still exists between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, we hope The Point helps inform all Australians and supports a deeper understanding of First Nations matters. Proud Mudburra and Wagadagam woman, and NITVs Head of Indigenous News and Current Affairs, Natalie Ahmat, said: The Point is celebrating a decade on air and remains as vital today as when it launched with Stan Grant in 2016. We are incredibly proud of John Paul Janke and the teams tireless work, and we are excited to bring another season of essential viewing to all Australians particularly in the wake of the Federal Election. Marking a decade on air, The Point continues to bring Indigenous perspectives to the centre of national conversations, platforming diverse perspectives from across the continent. This season features one-hour issues-based panel shows, alternating between episodes filmed in community and in studio on Cammeraygal Land in Sydney. The series remains a leading source of original journalism and breaking news. This year, The Point will once again travel across the country to engage local communities and explore real solutions for the future. Locations include Hobart (nipaluna), Darwin (Garramilla), Cherbourg (Barambah), the Torres Strait Islands (Zenadth Kes), and Melbourne (Naarm). Tuesday 3 June at 7.30pm on NITV / SBS following World News Late. Arsheed Ahmad, TwoCircles.net A fragile silence now blankets the villages near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. After days of intense shelling between India and Pakistan, residents are finally breathing a little easier. The ceasefire, which began on the afternoon of May 10, has brought some relief to people who had been living in constant fear. Support TwoCircles At Uris Noupora Slamabad in Baramulla district, Talib Hussain Naik still bears injuries on his back and leg. He remembers the moment the shelling began. The ceasefire gave us hope. Finally, the shelling stopped. We are alive now. We were shattered, he says. The ceasefire came after one of the worst escalations in decades. Reports indicate that around 70 people were killed on both sides. The firing ceased following diplomatic intervention by the United States. The confrontation escalated after a Pakistan-backed terror attack on April 22 at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination. It was the deadliest strike on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir in over a decade. The attackers opened fire on a group of tourists most of them Hindu men. Responding to the deadly assault, the Indian armed forces carried out precision strikes on the intervening night of May 6 and 7, targeting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The strikes destroyed terrorist infrastructures and caused significant casualties. Pakistan responded with aerial attacks and heavy shelling along the LoC. Naiks house was struck by a Pakistani shell around 3 a.m. on May 7. My house was completely destroyed. We only had the clothes we were wearing, he said. His brothers, Mohd Younis Naik and Feroz-ud-Din Naik, also lost their homes. Nothing is left not even a piece of wood, he added. Two young girls in the family suffered injuries. The entire border stretch from Jammu to Kupwara witnessed intense shelling. Several houses were damaged and dozens of people were killed. A Village in Fear Other border villages also suffered. Mohammad Ashraf from Chowkibal in Kupwara recalls that night vividly. Around 2 a.m., we heard loud blasts. The children were terrified. I told them it was just thunder so they would not panic. By 5 a.m., the shelling ended. Ashraf and his family fled their home, returning only four days later after the ceasefire was declared. Thank Allah both countries agreed. It is a big relief. Life is slowly returning to normal, he said. Ashraf, who owns a small shop, reopened it for the first time in five days. People are still afraid. Many have not returned yet, he said. He urged the government to step in. We need bunkers in our village. Other places have them we need the same, he said. In Kera village, Mendhar, Fahmida Akhtar and her children also had to flee. We stayed with relatives. Our three shops and two homes were destroyed. Even our three buffaloes died. She added the children are struggling to concentrate on studies. Their studies are affected. We want peace; we dont want conflict. Fahmida is grateful that the shelling has stopped. We are happy with the ceasefire. But we want a normal life, she said. A Cycle of Destruction Villages near the LoC fell silent. Shops shut down. Families fled. Power lines were cut. Schools were closed. For four days, there was no sign of safety. Some families, like Naiks, were taken to a temporary shelter in Baramulla. They stayed at the Government Degree College. Now, they have been told to return. The government sent us back. But where do we go? There is nothing left, he said, adding officials visited and promised support assuring that compensation would be given. Many are still waiting. Reshma Bano, a resident of Uri, said her house was partially destroyed. My children cry whenever they hear an ambulance. They think it is a war siren. When a shell hit near her home in Bandi, she knew they had to flee. There was no other option. This time was different. On the night of May 9, the power went out. Reshma said it felt as if death was near. She left with her children and whatever she could carry. At that moment, safety was all that mattered. The Road Ahead For now, people are thankful that the guns have gone silent. But fear remains. Villagers are uncertain how long this peace will last. I opened my shop. But people are still scared. Business is slow, said Ashraf. The people want more than temporary peace; they want action. They want bunkers, real protection and the security of knowing they can stay safely in their homes. We ask the government to protect us. Even if our homes are gone, at least our lives can be saved, said Ashraf. Fahmida echoed the plea. We just want to live in peace. Our children need safety, not fear, she said. Reshma Bano also called for lasting peace. She urged both India and Pakistan to let people live without fear. Will Peace Hold? Even after the ceasefire, the Army remains on alert. Some reports suggest minor violations have occurred. People living near the LoC are accustomed to this uncertainty. They know that peace can break at any moment. Naik has a clear message: We became homeless during this war. We have asked for shelter. We need help now. Ceasefire should not mean pause and fight again. It should mean end, he said. Many villagers are now demanding bunkers as they fear the ceasefire could collapse again; and if it does, they know they will be the ones to suffer most. Israel to allow basic amount of food into Gaza after announcing start of extensive new ground operation Israel has announced it will allow a limited amount of humanitarian aid into Gaza following a near three-month blockade just hours after the country launched an extensive ground operation in the north and south of the territory. Facing mounting pressure over an aid blockade it imposed in March and the risk of famine, Israel has stepped up its campaign in Gaza, where Palestinian health officials said hundreds have been killed in attacks in the past week. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a basic amount of food would be supplied to ensure a famine crisis does not develop after the military announced the latest offensive, part of Operation Gideons Chariots, on Sunday after a lack of progress in indirect talks with Hamas in Qatar. "At the recommendation of the IDF (Israel Defence Forces), and out of the operational need to enable the expansion of intense fighting to defeat Hamas, Israel will allow a basic amount of food for the population to ensure that a hunger crisis does not develop in the Gaza Strip," Mr Netanyahu's office said. ADVERTISEMENT Ahead of the ground operation, overnight airstrikes reportedly killed at least 130 Palestinians across the enclave, where global experts have warned of famine after Israel imposed a blockade on aid on 2 March. It is not yet clear when the aid will enter Gaza, or how, but Mr Netanyahu said distribution would not be controlled by Hamas. Confirming the development, Eri Kaneko, a spokesperson for UN aid chief Tom Fletcher said his agency has been approached by Israeli authorities to allow limited aid delivery, adding that discussions are ongoing about the logistics "given the conditions on the ground. Israel made its announcement after sources on both sides said there had been no progress in a new round of indirect talks between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Qatar. Mr Netanyahu said the talks included discussions on a truce and hostage deal as well as a proposal to end the war in return for the exile of Hamas militants and the demilitarisation of the enclave terms Hamas has previously rejected. ADVERTISEMENT The Israeli military suggested in a later statement that it could still scale down operations to help reach a deal in Doha. Military chief Eyal Zamir told troops in Gaza that the army would provide the country's leaders with the flexibility they need to reach a hostage deal, according to the statement. The IDF has continued to escalate its attacks on Gaza in recent days, with at least 464 Palestinians killed between 11-17 May, according to Gazas Health Ministry. One report over the weekend suggested Israel is looking to divide Gaza into three tightly controlled strips of land if no ceasefire is agreed, while another claimed the US is developing a plan to relocate a million Palestinians to war-torn Libya. Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, on Sunday (Reuters) Israel had warned an expanded assault would go ahead if no hostage deal was agreed with Hamas by the conclusion of US president Donald Trumps trip to the Middle East, which ended on Friday. One of Israels overnight strikes hit a tent encampment housing displaced families in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, killing women and children, wounding dozens and setting several tents ablaze. Medical officials said a family in northern Gaza lost at least 20 of its members, and three journalists and their families are also among the dead. ADVERTISEMENT Hamas described the strike as a new brutal crime and blamed the US administration for the escalation. We have at least 100 martyrs since overnight, Gaza health ministry spokesperson Khalil Al-Deqran said, later updating that number to more than 130. Complete families were wiped off the civil registration record by Israeli bombardment. The latest airstrikes killed more than 130 people, Hamas says (Reuters) Israels military said it had conducted a preliminary wave of strikes on more than 670 Hamas targets in Gaza over the past week, killing dozens of Hamas fighters. Troops have begun extensive ground operations throughout northern and southern Gaza as part of Operation Gideons Chariots, the military wrote in a statement on Sunday. Local media also reported that tanks were heading towards Khan Younis and eastern Jabalia. Israel had blocked the entry of medical, food and fuel supplies into Gaza since the start of March in an attempt to pressure Hamas into freeing Israeli hostages. ADVERTISEMENT Hamas, for its part, says it will only free the hostages in return for an Israeli ceasefire. "Israel's position remains unchanged, they want to release the prisoners (hostages) without a commitment to end the war, a Hamas official told Reuters, when asked about Qatar talks. A senior Israeli official said there had been no progress in the talks so far. Egyptian and Qatari mediators, backed by the United States, began a new round of indirect ceasefire talks between the two sides on Saturday, but there has been no breakthrough. Israeli soldiers move tanks around a staging area near the border with the Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on Sunday (AP) A Palestinian official close to the talks, which are taking place in the Qatari capital of Doha, said: Hamas is flexible about the number of hostages it can free, but the problem has always been over Israels commitment to end the war. Israels declared goal in Gaza is the elimination of the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas, which attacked Israeli communities on 7 October 2023, killing around 1,200 people and seizing about 250 hostages. The Israeli military campaign has devastated the enclave, pushing nearly all residents from their homes and killing more than 53,000 people, according to Gaza health authorities. There has been extensive damage to parts of Khan Younis (AP) Conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate as the war continues. The healthcare system is barely operational because of repeated Israeli bombardment and raids on hospitals. The blockade on aid supplies has compounded their difficulties while adding to widespread hunger, for which Israel blames Hamas. Hospitals are overwhelmed with the growing number of casualties, many are children, several cases of amputations and the hospitals, which have been hit repeatedly by the occupation, are struggling with shortages of medical supplies, Gaza Health Ministry spokesman Khalil al-Deqran said. The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said 75 per cent of its ambulances could not run because of fuel shortages. It warned that within 72 hours, all vehicles may stop. Palestinians make their way with belongings as they flee their homes, after Saturdays Israeli air strikes, in the northern Gaza Strip (Reuters) The latest offensive comes after NBC reported the Trump administration was in talks with Libya about relocating large numbers of Palestinians. White House sources told NBC News that the idea had been discussed with Libyas leadership and is under serious consideration. In exchange, the Trump administration would release to Libya billions of dollars of funds the US froze more than a decade ago. A map leaked by diplomats to The Times also reportedly shows Israeli plans for three tightly controlled strips of civilian land in southern, central and northern Gaza, separated by four exclusively military zones. Under the plans, titled Stage Three: the complete takeover of Gaza, Palestinians would be forbidden to move between the strips without permission, potentially separating people from their land and homes, foreign firms briefed on the plans and tasked with distributing humanitarian aid told the outlet. According to The Times, roads and infrastructure are already being built on the remains of peoples homes, with the clearing of land needed for the new and expanded military zones expected to take at least three weeks. Thousands of people attended a protest in The Hague against the Israeli governments actions (ANP/AFP/Getty) In Israel, Mr Netanyahu continues to face criticism for his approach to the conflict. Einav Zangauker, the mother of Hamas hostage Matan Zangauker, said the Israeli prime minister was refusing to end the war in exchange for the hostages because of his political interests. The Israeli government still insists on only partial deals. They are deliberately tormenting us. Bring our children back already! All 58 of them, Ms Zangauker wrote in a social media post. And tens of thousands of protesters marched through The Hague on Sunday, demanding a tougher stance from the Dutch government against Israels war in Gaza. The demonstration, organised by Oxfam Novib, followed a march in London on Saturday that was attended by tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters marking the anniversary of the 1948 Nakba. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Rahul, MEA spar over S Jaishankar's remarks about strikes on Pakistan A war of words erupted between Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) over the remarks by S Jaishankar about the Indian strikes in Pakistan Sunday May 18, 2025 1:15 AM , ummid.com News Network New Delhi: A war of words erupted between Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) over the remarks by S Jaishankar about the Indian strikes in Pakistan. India targeted as many as 9 targets in Pakistan early in the morning on May 7, 2025 to avenge the Pahalgam terrorist attack . The Indian airstrikes, named Operation Sindoor in Pakistan escalated the tension with Pakistan launching its own retaliatory military operation named Operation Bunyan um Marsoos . A war-like situation prevailed for the next four days before the two countries agreed for the U.S. brokered ceasefire on May 10, 2025. Despite the ceasefire deal, claims and counter claims are being made from the two countries, making the agreement, if there is any, volatile. Amidst this volatile situation, a video of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar surfaced on social media wherein he purportedly said Pakistan was informed beforehand about the Indian military operation. At the start of the operation, we had sent a message to Pakistan saying, we are striking at terrorist infrastructure. We are not striking at the (Pakistan) military. So the military has an option of standing out and not interfering in this process. They chose not to take that good advice, Jaishankar told reporters. Its a Crime Responding to Jaishnakars comments, LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said sharing such information was a crime. Informing Pakistan at the start of our attack was a crime, Rahul Gandhi wrote on social media platform X while tagging the video. Informing Pakistan at the start of our attack was a crime. EAM has publicly admitted that GOI did it. 1. Who authorised it? 2. How many aircraft did our airforce lose as a result? pic.twitter.com/KmawLLf4yW Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 17, 2025 Stating that the External Affairs Minister (EAM) has publicly admitted that the Government of India (GOI) did it, Rahul asked, Who authorised it? How many aircraft did our airforce lose as a result? Misrepresentation The Ministry of External Affairs hit back describing as utter misrepresentation the claims that Jaishankar admitted that India alerted Pakistan before the launch of Operation Sindoor. The External Affairs Minister had stated that we had warned Pakistan at the start, which is clearly the early phase after Operation Sindoors commencement, the External Publicity (XP) Division of the Ministry said. This is being falsely represented as being before the commencement. This utter misrepresentation of facts is being called out, it said in a brief statement. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Gaza Genocide and Global Silence The silence exhibited by the international community and human rights organizations in the face of the Genocide in Gaza and Israeli brutality reflect the collapse of global conscience Sunday May 18, 2025 4:04 PM , Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi [The situation for Palestinians in Gaza is beyond description, beyond atrocious & beyond inhumane. A policy of siege & starvation makes a mockery of international law. The blockade against humanitarian aid must end immediately. This is a moment for moral clarity & action. (UN Chief Antonio Guterres wrote while sharing this image on X Sunday May 18, 2025)] Donald Trumps Middle East Visit U.S. President Donald Trumps recent three-day visit to the Middle East carried unusual significance for several reasons. He chose to visit Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar . Yet, quite unexpectedly, he left out Israel. Normally, during such tours, American presidents prioritize the Zionist state. This unusual omission not only surprised diplomatic circles; but also conveyed a clear message to the Israeli leadership. The Israeli Prime Minister's discomfort is not just speculative; Trump's decision symbolized a deeper political signal. It informally reflected that the United States, at least at this juncture, is displeased with Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza and its obstruction of humanitarian aid deliveries. Public expectations regarding the visit were varied. Some circles were hopeful that efforts by Saudi Arabia and Qatar would help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and pave the way for a ceasefire. However, the ground realities didnt allow these hopes to materialize. President Trump prioritized his own specific interests and agenda, concluded his visit, and returned home. One notable development, however, came in relation to Syria: Trump announced the lifting of U.S. sanctions imposed on the country. This move could potentially open new avenues for the Syrian government in the future. Proposal to Declare Gaza a Freedom Zone At the conclusion of his visit, while addressing a gathering in Qatar, President Trump hinted at the idea of turning Gaza into a Freedom Zone. However, the political motives underlying this proposal and the practical feasibility of such a concept raise numerous questions. Surprisingly, President Trump made no mention of Israeli aggression, the ongoing siege or the relentless bombings that have led to genocide. This silence, in itself, is a profound and telling political statement, suggesting that the U.S. views Gazas reconstruction more as part of a new geopolitical and strategic plan rather than a humanitarian effort. Despite the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza, the presidents complete disregard for this core demand indicates that the idea of a Freedom Zone may be the prelude to a new political project, not an expression of genuine humanitarian concern. Silence on Ceasefire and Vague Concept of Freedom Zone The occupying state of Israel continues its relentless military operations against the Palestinian people day and night, the actions that can only be described as systematic genocide. Each day, dozens of unarmed Palestinians lose their lives. Despite this grim and bloody reality, there is no sign of any serious diplomatic effort toward a ceasefire, nor any meaningful pressure from global powers. There is no indication of any retreat or restraint in Israeli policy; on the contrary, the intensity and scope of the attacks are steadily increasing. This ongoing aggression suggests that the conflict is evolving into a prolonged, complex and bloody war. The situation on the ground has taken a horrifying turn. Thousands of lives have already been lost and the risk of further casualties continues to grow with each passing day. At a time when the worlds attention should be focused on securing an immediate ceasefire and restoring humanitarian aid to Gaza, U.S. President Donald Trump is promoting the vague concept of turning Gaza into a Freedom Zone. In reality, this stance could very well translate into a new form of occupation, control or colonization. The critical question right now is: can any discussion of a Freedom Zone carry real practical or moral weight without first achieving a ceasefire and lifting the blockade on Gaza? On 16th May 2025, NBC News reported that The Trump Administration is working on a plan to permanently relocate up to 1 million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Libya [an African country].. In exchange for the resettling of Palestinians, the administration would potentially release to Libya billions of dollars of funds that the US froze more than a decade ago. Then the question arises, the Freedom Zone for whom and for what? Zionist Airstrike on Medical Clinic in Gaza The current situation in Gaza is extremely dire and deeply inhumane. Basic necessities such as food, water, electricity and medicine have become virtually nonexistent. Israeli airstrikes continue unabated. On 16th May 2025, the attacks by the occupying Zionist forces on the Jabalia refugee camp were so horrific that they deserve to be counted among the darkest chapters of human history, symbols of genocide and state-sponsored terrorism. The Israeli Air Force directly targeted an active and busy medical clinic in Jabalia, where wounded Palestinians, already victims of Israeli bombardment, were receiving treatment. Attacking any medical facility is not only morally reprehensible; but also a deliberate violation of international humanitarian laws, especially the Geneva Conventions. It is an established international principle to provide full protection to hospitals, ambulances and medical personnel in war zones. Yet, the Zionist forces have, through relentless attacks, almost completely demolished these hospitals. Despite this tragic incident, the global communitys silence and the political expediency of major powers represent yet another disaster. The absence of an effective international response to the open genocide by the Zionist state is a failure of the global conscience and such indifference could pave the way for similar crimes in the future. Bombing of Jabalia: A Grave Crime against Humanity The Israeli bombardment of Jabalia camp presents a heart-wrenching scene. The bodies of patients undergoing treatment in the targeted medical clinic were torn apart. Imagine the horror of a place where human bodies are being shredded into pieces! (May Allah protect us all!) In this attack, not only patients; but also medical staff were martyred and injured, bravely risking their lives to serve humanity despite extreme dangers. Such attacks cannot simply be described as military operations; they are outright genocide and severe war crimes against humanity. The death toll in this horrific assault has reached 143, including 13 innocent children. These figures are not just numbers, they bear witness to the tragic reality that Israeli aggression primarily targets ordinary civilians, women, the elderly, and innocent children. These are people who are not part of any conflict, yet the Zionist forces deliberately target them. The silence exhibited by the international community and human rights organizations in the face of this brutality reflects the collapse of global conscience. The question remains: what political expediencies stand as an unyielding wall before the lives of innocent people? And how long will the cries of humanity remain unheard within the halls of power in global capitals? Israeli Ministers Call for Genocide The call by an extremist Israeli minister to annihilate an entire town in the West Bank is not merely a political statement, it reflects a mindset that has institutionalized genocide as policy. This statement exposes the Israeli leaderships mentality, which views terror, force and brutality as the solution to the problem. Following this call, the intense attacks on Gaza on the nights of May 15 and 16, 2025, have taken the shape of a systematic and premeditated aggression. Basic human facilities are being deliberately targeted. The reality is that there is an attempt to destroy the entire social fabric, flagrantly violating international humanitarian laws and moral principles. Since the onset of the Zionist genocide in March 2025, nearly three thousand people have been martyred. This tragic situation once again reminds the world that the Palestinian issue is not merely a territorial dispute or a geographical conflict; rather, it is a profound humanitarian crisis, one in which oppression has reached its peak and justice has been sidelined. If global powers remain silent today and international organizations limit themselves to mere statements, history will tomorrow hold them accountable alongside the oppressors. Night of Death in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis The brutality of the occupying Israeli forces on the night of May 1516, 2025, was not confined to the Jabalia camp alone. That same night, a wave of airstrikes began in the outskirts of Deir al-Balah and the densely populated areas of Khan Younis shaking the entire Gaza Strip to its core. The thunderous explosions in the dead of night plunged entire neighborhoods into death and destruction. Families, covered in dust and tears, were left to recover the dead bodies of their loved ones. In addition to Jabalia, these attacks claimed the lives of at least 93 Palestinians and left hundreds injured, according to confirmations from the Indonesian and Nasser hospitals. Among the casualties, 48 bodies were brought to the Indonesian hospital and 16 to Nasser hospital. Amid this horrific humanitarian catastrophe, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has announced an escalation of the war. This declaration is a clear reflection of the Zionist policy that presents the blind use of force as a right. It is a policy that acknowledges no moral boundaries, human values or international laws. All of this is unfolding before the eyes of the international community, yet the world remains a silent spectator. Genocide in Gaza and Test of Global Conscience The current situation in Gaza reflects a painful reality that the ideals of human rights and global justice remain a distant dream. The aggression and terrorism of the occupying Zionist state have not only paralyzed an entire region; but are also openly challenging the very principles of human morality and international law. The silence and lack of seriousness from the international community only serve to prolong this tragedy. At such a critical moment, it is imperative for everyone to unite in raising their voices against this oppression and to actively pursue a just, lasting and peaceful resolution. If we remain silent today, tomorrows history will hold us equally responsible. It is, therefore, essential that we recognize the demands of humanity and move toward a future where peace, justice and freedom are the rights of every human being. Only then can a new dawn rise for the people of Palestine. [The writer, Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi, is working for Moon Rays Trust School, Zambia.] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. HC Orders Stay on NEET UG 2025 Result Madras High Court has order a stay on the result of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG 2025) held on May 04, 2025 Sunday May 18, 2025 2:09 PM , ummid.com News Network Chennai: Madras High Court has order a stay on the result of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG 2025) held on May 04, 2025. The High Court in its interim order Friday May 16, 2025 asked the National Testing Agency (NTA) to hold the declaration of NEET UG 2025 result following the petitions filed by as many as 13 students. The students in their petition said their exam was disrupted due to power outage at the Avadi exam centre near Chennai. Students' Petitions The students in their petitions said the electricy supply at the Avadi NEET Centre was disrupted from 3:00 PM to 4:15 PM on the Exam Day. The center did not have any power backup facility. The students said because of the power outage they could not properly write the exam. The students also said they were shifted to other exam hall after rainwater entered, according to The Economic Times. This comes at a time when the Madhya Pradesh High Court also passed a similar order on the back of a petition from aspirants claiming power failure at exam centres in Indore. The court eventually modified the order to a partial stay on results for those specific centres. A similar stay order on the declaration of NEET UG 2025 result has also been imposed by the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The MP High Court taking note of a petition by a girl student, who appeared for the medical entrance at an exam centre in Indore where she said was power outage during the exam, asked the NTA to hold the announcement of the NEET result. However, as against the Madras High Court, the MP High Court has put the stay on the NEET UG 2025 result of only affected students, according to The Indian Express. NEET UG 2025 Answer Key Candidates, however, should note that the High Court stay on the NEET UG 2025 result will not bar the NTA from releasing the NEET UG 2025 Answer Key. Candidates should also note that the NTA is likely to publish NEET UG 2025 Provisional Answer Key any moment, though it has not officially confirmed the exact date and time to do so. The NTA conducts the medical entrance exam NEET UG every year for students who wish to take admission in various medical and paramedical courses including MBBS, BDS, BUMS, BAMS, BHMS and others. The medical admission counselling after the declaration of the result is done based on a candidate's NEET UG score. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Outrage after Ashoka varsity professor arrested over Op Sindoor remarks Academicians, scholars and activists from different parts of India and abroad have come out strongly in support of Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, Associate Professor at Ashoka University, who was arrested by Haryana Police Sunday over his remarks about Operation Sindoor Sunday May 18, 2025 10:05 PM , News Desk Academicians, scholars and activists from different parts of India and abroad have come out strongly in support of Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, Associate Professor at Ashoka University, who was arrested by Haryana Police Sunday over his remarks about Operation Sindoor. Operation Sindoor was the code name given to the Indian airstrikes on targets in Pakistan launched on May 7, 2025 to avenge the April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. In a social media post on May 8, 2025, Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad highlighted the irony of right- wing groups praising Colonel Sofiya Qureshi the decorated Indian Army Officer who briefed the media about the Indian military operation against Pakistan along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. I am very happy to see so many right wing commentators applauding Colonel Sofia Qureshi but perhaps they could also equally loudly demand that the victims of mob lynching , arbitrary bulldozing and others who are victims of the BJPs hate mongering be protected as Indian citizens. The optics of two women soldiers presenting their findings is important, but optics must translate to reality on the ground. Otherwise its just hypocrisy, Professor Ali Khan wrote in a post on Facebook . In the long post on Facebook, Professor Ali Khan also praised the Indian military actions at the same time warning Pakistan saying that it cannot hide any longer behind terrorists and non-state actors. However, Prof Ali Khans post irked General Secretary of Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) Yuva Morcha in Haryana, Yogesh Jatheri who filed a complaint following which the professor was arrested by Haryana Police Sunday. A second FIR against the distinguished Professor, who is the son of late Mohammad Amir Mohammad Khan, also known as Raja Saheb of Mahmudabad, was filed based on the complaints of Haryana State Commission for Women Chairperson Renu Bhatia. Prof Ali Khan has been booked under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) pertaining to inciting armed rebellion or subversive activities and insulting religious beliefs and disturbing communal harmony. He will be produced in court tomorrow. "Deliberate, Malicious Slander" In an open letter more than 1,200 academicians, scholars and activists have accused the authorities of misreading the Professors post. The Commission has completely, and it seems deliberately, misread his posts and has accused him of vilifying Indias army, violating dignity and outraging womens modesty, disparaging women in uniform and attributing malicious communal intent to the Government of India and Indian Armed Forces as well as inciting communal distress and attempting to disturb internal peace. My sincere thanks to Profs Apoorvanand and Vaidik. It is heartening and humbling to see this cross-sectional support. My profound thanks to the 1200+ people who have signed, called and written in support, especially faculty and students. Link to letter:https://t.co/LXVhadLezr pic.twitter.com/HLOJ86wRNP Ali Khan Mahmudabad (@Mahmudabad) May 17, 2025 In the open letter shared on social media by Prof Ali Khan Mehmudabad himself, the acemicians called his arrest a deliberate and malicious slander and demanded apology from the Haryana Womens Commission. We demand that the Haryana State Womens Commission retract its summons and issue a full and public apology to Prof. Ali Khan Mahmudabad for the manner in which it has deliberately and maliciously slandered him, they said. The academicians in their letter written to support Prof Ali Khan Mahmudabad also said there is a much stronger case for summoning those who have made rape threats against Foreign Secretary Vikram Misris daughter or against the Madhya Pradesh Minister who insulted Col Sofia and against whom MP HC has taken suo mot action. Activist Shabnam Hashmi of ANHAD while condemning the arrest of Prof Ali Khan, wrote, "Haryana police needs to get an educated person to read his post. There is nothing anti- national or anti- women there." Mukul Kesavan, historian, novelist and political and social essayist, called the Ashoka University professor's arrest a "crackdown on free speech" and a "new low". "Prof. Ali Khan Mahmudabads arrest is a grotesque and menacing denial of free speech. To see a BJP minister get away with vile comments about Col. Sofiya Qureshi while Mahmudabad is arbitrarily arrested for a reasoned appeal for peace is a new low", he wrote on X. Sreyas Gautam, a medical student, called Professor Ali Khan's post "rational" and expressed surprise over his arrest. "Prof Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a highly qualified educator and scholar was arrested for this tweet. His views here are one of the most rational takes Ive come across in recent times. Its disturbing whats happening in this country!" he wrote on X. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Tallinn, May 18 (UNI) Two civilian helicopters departing from Tallinn on Saturday morning collided near Eura Airfield in Southwestern Finland early in the afternoon, killing all five people on board, Estonia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed. Shortly after 12:30 p.m. (0930 GMT) on Saturday, the Satakunta Rescue Department received a report from a road near Eura Airfield that two helicopters had collided midair and crashed to the ground, according to Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) and Finnish public broadcaster Yle. Police said five people were on board the two four-seater Robinson R44 Raven light helicopters at the time of the collision - two in one aircraft and three in the other. At a press conference Saturday evening, Margus Sarglepp, head of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Consular Assistance Unit, said there were no survivors. Finnish police are working to identify the victims. Several Estonian media outlets have reported that among the deceased were Estonian businessmen Oleg Sonajalg and Priit Jagant. The names of the other passengers have not yet been released. UNI XINHUA ARN LONG AN Authorities in Long An Province are set to begin the construction of three major bridges and two LNG power plants in the third quarter of 2025, according to a recent announcement following a meeting between provincial leaders and a Korea Eximbank (KEXIM) delegation. Nguyen Minh Lam, Vice Chairman of Long An Provincial Peoples Committee, met with Choi Wooyoung, Chief Representative of KEXIMs Vietnam Office, to discuss the progress of the projects. The three bridges, which will span the Can Giuoc, Vam Co ong, and Vam Co Tay rivers, have a total projected investment of approximately VN4.8 trillion (approximately US$203.5 million). The investment will be funded primarily through Official Development Assistance (ODA) from South Korea, totaling around VN4.06 trillion ($172.48 million). According to the provincial government, the Can Giuoc Bridge will be a steel arch structure with a length of 568 meters, including an approach road of around 1.5 kilometres. The Vam Co ong Bridge will feature a cable-stayed design spanning 1,356 meters, while the Vam Co Tay Bridge will be an extradosed bridge with a total length of 1,412 meters. The three bridges are expected to support six lanes of traffic. In addition to the bridge project, Long An is also advancing the development of two LNG power plants, Long An No.1 and Long An No.2, with a combined capacity of 3,000 MW. The projects will be located on a 45.6-hectare site in Phuoc Vinh ong Commune, Can Giuoc District. Total investment for these power plants is estimated at approximately VN72.6 trillion ($3.13 billion). Of the total capital, VN21.8 trillion ($938.6 million) will be funded through direct contributions, while the remaining amount will come from loans and other financial sources. At the meeting, KEXIMs delegation expressed its commitment to providing financial support and guidance for project documentation and bidding processes. Both sides agreed to continue working closely to finalise feasibility studies and complete necessary procedures for official international agreements. Lam emphasised the significance of these projects in enhancing regional connectivity and ensuring stable power supply. He affirmed the provinces commitment to supporting the projects, including the allocation of counterpart funding in line with sponsor requirements. "These projects are crucial for boosting regional trade, industrial development, and urban expansion, especially in connecting HCM City and the Mekong Delta," Lam stated. The Long An Provincial Peoples Committee also pledged to ensure smooth coordination among relevant departments to maintain the projects' timeline and achieve the planned completion targets. VNS HA NOI Viet Nams Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) and Thailands Central Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost the sale of Vietnamese products in both domestic and international markets in the 2026-28 period, according to the ministrys Agency for Domestic Market Surveillance and Development. The MoU, signed as part of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatras official visit to Vietnam from May 15-16, was the result of extensive discussions between the two sides, aimed at enhancing the presence and competitiveness of Vietnamese products, particularly consumer goods, and agricultural and aquatic products. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra witnessed the exchange of the cooperation MoU, which marked an important milestone in economic - trade relations between the two countries. Accordingly, the MoIT and the Thai group will work together to arrange annual trade promotion activities in Viet Nam and several countries, including the Viet Nam goods week in Thailand. Along with connecting domestic suppliers with international distribution networks through the Viet Nam International Sourcing events, the Central Group will provide detailed technical guidelines on the necessary standards for Vietnamese firms to bring their products to its supermarkets and shopping malls. Additionally, the group will support the development of high-quality agricultural projects that meet both domestic and international standards and assist in branding specialty Vietnamese farm products. Beyond product promotion, the two sides will also collaborate on human resources development in the retail and distribution sectors through specialised training programmes and technical support. Particularly, the Thai enterprise will continue developing value chains for products sourced from ethnic minority and mountainous communities, while advancing sustainable livelihood models across Viet Nam. The MoIT affirmed that it will work with the Central Group to bring into full play the cooperation programme, supporting connections between localities and businesses, providing guidance, and sharing commercial infrastructure planning data in accordance with regulations. Both sides pledged to maintain regular dialogues and resolve difficulties in practical implementation. VNS HCM CITY A collection of comic books and novels portraying President Ho Chi Minh has been released to commemorate his 135th birthday anniversary (May 19, 1890-2025). The highlight will be a reprint of a masterpiece by the late author Son Tung, Bup Sen Xanh (Green Lotus), published by the Kim ong Publishing House, one of the countrys leading publishers. The 360-page book, first published in 1982, is the late author Son Tungs first historical novel about the President. The work consists of three chapters depicting the Presidents childhood when living with his parents in his hometown of Nam an District of Nghe An Province, his life in Hue Citadel from 1898, and his twenties when he decided to leave the country for national salvation at Nha Rong Wharf in Sai Gon (HCM City) in 1911. Tung spent years on research and interviews for the book, which was written from 1948 to 1980. He converted Bup Sen Xanh into a screenplay, which was adapted into a movie, Hen gap lai Sai Gon (See You Again Sai Gon), directed by Long Van and released in 1990. Painter Le Lam adapted the novel into a graphic novel titled Tu Lang Sen (From Lotus Village), which was published in six languages of English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Lao. Born in Nghe An in 1928, Tung, whose real name is Bui Son Tung, joined the revolution in 1944. He wrote dozens of novels honouring Vietnamese national heroes and figures, including 16 books on President Ho Chi Minh, such as Bup Sen Vang (Golden Lotus), published in 1990, Bac O Noi ay (Here is Uncle Ho) in 2005, and Thay giao Nguyen Tat Thanh o truong Duc Thanh (Teacher Nguyen Tat Thanh of Duc Thanh School) in 2016. The novel Bup Sen Vang featuring the life of the President and his family in Hue has been released by the Su That (Truth) National Political Publishing House to mark his 135th birthday. Tung was conferred the title of Hero of Labour in oi moi (Renewal) period in 2011. The author died in 2021 in Ha Noi. In addition, many books about the President have been introduced on this special occasion, such as Thu Ki Bac Ho Ke Chuyen (Tales told by Uncle Hos Secretary) by Vu Ky, and Theo Dau Chan Nguoi (Following President Ho Chi Minhs Footsteps) by Trinh Quang Phu. All the books are now available at bookstores nationwide and e-commerce platforms. VNS HA NOI A total of 471 Vietnamese citizens from Myanmar were brought home safely after three deployments on April 8, April 28 and May 14, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). This is the initial successful outcome of a large-scale deployment led by the MoFA, in coordination with concerned ministries and agencies. With the news of the repatriation, Luong Thanh Quang, the Deputy Director of the Consular Department under the MoFA, spoke to the press, clarifying many contents related to citizen protection in the Myawaddy area of Myanmar in recent times. Quang explained that Myawaddy Town was in Karen State, located in southeastern Myanmar, separated from Mae Sot City of Thailand by the Moei River. It is an important trading point of the two countries and is also a city famous for gambling, betting and many illegal activities. In March this year, Myanmar authorities coordinated with the Thai police and related countries to conduct many raids on online gambling establishments located along the border between Myanmar and Thailand, which is Myawaddy Town. They discovered tens of thousands of illegal foreigners from many countries working at these locations, carrying out illegal activities such as online fraud, being forced to work and human trafficking. After quick screening, the Myanmar authorities determined that many Vietnamese citizens taken from gambling establishments were illegal immigrants and workers and had to leave the country. The information was reported to the MoFAs Consular Department in Viet Nam. We developed a plan to receive and bring them back to the country, said Quang. He added that due to the complicated security situation in Myanmar, moving from the ancient capital Yangon, where the Vietnamese Embassy in Myanmar is located, to Myawaddy Town was not feasible, posing many challenges to bring citizens home. In the context of the number of identified citizens increasing rapidly every day, from 200 to 400 and then to over 600 people, the work of verifying the identity of each citizen was urgently deployed by the MoFA in coordination with the Ministry of Public Security. They preliminarily identified 681 citizens from 56 provinces and cities nationwide, where warnings about easy work with high salary scams are regularly published in the media. In an official exchange with the Vietnamese MoFA, the Myanmar side affirmed that these were citizens violated the law, including illegal immigration, overstaying or even participating in criminal activities. Some cases had been repatriated in previous times, but now returned to work at gambling establishments. They were expelled from Myanmar and requested that the Vietnamese side accept them back to their country. Quang confirmed that the MoFA has discussed with the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of National Defence, localities and agencies, all of which said there is no basis to determine that the Vietnamese citizens deported by Myanmar were victims of human trafficking. In case citizens were tricked into working in Myanmar, after returning home, they can contact the local police to report it and after the investigation, if they are determined to be victims of human trafficking, they will receive appropriate financial support, said Quang. VNS HA NOI National Assembly (NA) deputies continued their ninth session on Saturday with group discussions on some bills, including the draft Law on supplementation and amendments to some articles of the Law on Vietnamese Nationality, the draft revised Law on the State Budget. The agenda also comprised a series of laws covering public procurement, public-private partnerships, customs, import-export taxes, investment, public investment, and the management and use of public assets. Addressing the discussions in his group, Party General Secretary To Lam emphasised that institutional bottlenecks remain a major constraint on national development. At the same time, legal and institutional reform is increasingly recognised as a foundational driving force for progress, he said, pointing out that this reform has been in initial stage. He noted that recent National Assembly sessions, both regular and extraordinary, have focused heavily on legislative work. The Party chief underlined the need to create laws that mobilise the publics contribution, open pathways, encourage innovation, and offer long-term vision for development an area that has been relatively neglected. He stressed that Resolution No. 66-NQ/TW of the Politburo, on reforming legal development and implementation to meet the country's needs in a new era, aims to build a legal system that is coherent, practical, transparent, and conducive to business, innovation, and reform. It also seeks to resolve overlapping and contradictory regulations. According to the leader, a complete shift is crucial in legislative thinking, from managing to serving, from passive to proactive, and from control to enabling development. Lawmaking, he said, must stay ahead of real-world developments, with clear foresight, practical relevance, and adaptability to rapid change. Moreover, the enforcement of laws must be strict, fair, and substantive, tied to transparency and openness to ensure the greatest possible convenience for individuals, businesses, and society as a whole, he underlined. Laws are not designed to serve the interests of any particular group they are for the people, for everyone, the General Secretary stated. He underscored the need for clear decentralisation and delegation of powers, coupled with accountability, to eliminate ask-give mechanisms and eradicate vested interests, privileges, and group interests. Noting that a national conference is set to be held on May 18 to disseminate and implement two key resolutions, namely Resolution No. 66-NQ/TW on legal reform and Resolution. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development. The event will also address four other major resolutions adopted earlier, covering science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, and international integration. Competent authorities are working urgently on resolutions regarding education, training, and health care, he said. On the proposed amendments to the Law on Vietnamese Nationality, General Secretary Lam said that the law should reflect national pride, unity, and the importance of each individual's role. Nationality and passports are sacred, he stated, emphasising that the law must mobilise people's strengths and honour those who have contributed to the country, including foreign nationals, while warning that legal loopholes must be closed to prevent abuse, such as document fraud or other related crimes. Many lawmakers agreed that the draft revised Law on supplementation and amendments to some articles of the Law on Vietnamese Nationality is a crucial legal basis for allowing overseas Vietnamese to acquire or regain Vietnamese nationality and to enjoy full citizenship rights. However, they pointed out that the draft still lacks mechanisms for handling special naturalisation cases. The Government's decision to amend the law to "relax" policies on re-acquiring Vietnamese nationality and simplify administrative procedures is intended to better support foreign nationals and overseas Vietnamese returning to invest, do business, and contribute to scientific development, innovation, and digital transformation. VNA/VNS HA NOI President Ho Chi Minh remains deeply embedded in the hearts of each Vietnamese and a constant source of strength on the nations development path, Party General Secretary To Lam has written. In his recent article marking the 135th birth anniversary of the late President (May 19, 1890 - 2025), the Party leader wrote that 56 years after his passing, President Ho Chi Minh is still seen as walking alongside Viet Nam on every step of its journey, today and in the years to come. The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) respectfully introduces a translation of the article. UNCLE HO IS STILL WITH US IN OUR MARCHES To Lam General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam For over half a century, every May, people across Viet Nam respectfully remember President Ho Chi Minhthe nations genius leader who devoted his whole life to the Fatherland's independence and freedom, and the happiness of its people. This year, marking his 135th birth anniversary, carries even deeper significance, reminding us of President Ho Chi Minhs immense contributions to the nation. As late Party General Secretary Le Duan emotionally affirmed on behalf of the entire Party and people: Our nation, our people, our homeland gave birth to President Ho Chi Minh, the great national hero, who has brought glory to our nation, our people, and our homeland. This statement has become a sacred truth, resonating deeply in the hearts of Vietnamese whenever his name is mentionedbeloved Uncle Ho. His image remains deeply etched in the mind of every Vietnamese, ever-present and a continual source of strength for our nations journey of development. Fifty-six years after his passing, President Ho Chi Minh is still seen as walking alongside Viet Nam on every step of its journey, today and in the years to come. The great legacy of a simple man President Ho Chi Minhs great revolutionary career left an invaluable legacy. Young patriot Nguyen Tat Thanh departed Nha Rong Wharf in 1911 seeking ways for national salvation. He travelled across the five continents, embraced Marxism-Leninism, and discovered the proletarian revolutionary path to liberate the Vietnamese people. He founded the Communist Party of Viet Nam in the spring of 1930a brilliant milestone that ended the crisis over the nations salvation strategy at that time. Under the leadership of the Party that he founded and nurtured, our people achieved the great victory of the August Revolution in 1945, founding the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam and ushering in a new era of national independence. He then led the entire nation through two resistance wars against colonial and imperialist invaders, culminating in the ien Bien Phu victory that resounded across the five continents and shook the globe (1954) and the globe-shaking Great Spring Victory (1975), reunifying the country and ushering Viet Nam into an era of independence, unity, peace, and socialist construction. Not only a great leader in the struggle for national liberation, President Ho Chi Minh also laid a solid foundation for the countrys future through his ideology and exalted moral example. His thought is a comprehensive and profound system of views on the Vietnamese revolution, crystallising the nations traditional values and the quintessence of human thought. At its core lies the aspiration for national independence intertwined with socialism, aimed ultimately at bringing freedom, prosperity, and happiness to the people. Even in the most arduous years, he firmly affirmed an unchanging truth: Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom. This statement has become a guiding principle for the entire Party and people in their struggle to defend the nation and its value endures to this day. Ho Chi Minhs thought is reflected across all fields: from the view that the people are the root of all undertakings to the strategy of great national unity; and from the thought of building a State of the people, by the people, for the people to the foreign policy of peace, friendship, and cooperation with other nations. He always emphasised the role of the people: Even in easy times, nothing can be done without the people; in difficult times, with the people, everything can be accomplished, praising the power of solidarity among patriotic Vietnamese. He also focused on building a truly pure and strong ruling Party; emphasising revolutionary ethics with the qualities of diligence, thrift, integrity, righteousness, and selflessness as the foundation. In President Ho Chi Minh, ethics and thought united harmoniously in a simple, modest yet profoundly noble lifestyle. Throughout his life, he lived with integrity and humility. It is precisely this pure morality that left a vivid and concrete example for generations to follow and emulate. The qualities of diligence, thrift, integrity, righteousness, and selflessness that he taught are not only ideals for every cadre and Party member to uphold but have also become standards for all to aspire to. He affirmed: A nation, a Party, and each individual, no matter how great and admired yesterday, cannot expect to be loved and praised today or tomorrow if their hearts are no longer pure. He didnt just speak, but he led by example, doing more and saying less. This approach forged a powerful unity and absolute trust among the people in his leadership. His simplicity, sincerity, and warm, approachable manner made him a special leader, forever living in the hearts of every Vietnamese, inspiring them to think of him with a purer heart. Not only the Vietnamese nation but also peace-loving and progressive people worldwide hold Ho Chi Minh in high regard as a symbol of peace, freedom, and national liberation. In 1987, UNESCO honoured him as a Hero of National Liberation and a Great Man of Culture." Ho Chi Minhs thought fuelled anti-colonial and anti-imperialist movements globally while inspiring efforts to build a more just and humane world. Following in Uncle Hos footsteps More than half a century since Uncle Ho passed away, his thought and example have continued to light the way, leading our nation to reap many great achievements of historical significance. The reality over nearly 40 years of oi moi (renewal) has clearly demonstrated: every correct policy of the Party and every policy that satisfies the people reflects the inheritance and creative promotion of Uncle Hos thought. Today, in all areas from economy, society, education, health to national defence, security and foreign affairs, we can clearly see the imprint of Ho Chi Minh's thought the foundation that guides the construction and safeguarding of the Fatherland in the new period. Regarding economy, our country has achieved remarkable development thanks to its steadfastness in the path chosen by the Party and Uncle Ho. From a poor and backward country before oi moi, Viet Nam has emerged as a middle-income developing country with a fast growing economy and deep integration into the world economy. The average GDP growth rate during 19862023 is about 6.5-7 per cent per year, turning Viet Nam into one of the 35 leading economies in the world and one of the top 20 countries with the largest trade scale. Our country has not only firmly ensured food security for more than 100 million people, but also become the world's leading exporter of rice and many other agricultural products. It could be seen that thanks to the creative application of Ho Chi Minh's thought on independence and self-reliance, combined with opening-up and integration, we have built stronger economic potential than ever before. The achievements of the oi moi process have once again affirmed that the Party's development path, based on Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh's thought, is completely correct and creative. Regarding social affairs, President Ho Chi Minh's thought of "taking the people as the root" is clearly shown in the policies on social security, hunger eradication, poverty reduction and people's life quality improvement. In his Testament, he advised: "The Party must have a very good plan to develop the economy and culture, in order to constantly improve people's lives". He once said: "The policy of the Party and the Government is to take utmost care of people's lives. If the people are hungry, the Party and the Government are at fault; if the people are cold, the Party and the Government are at fault; if the people are ignorant, the Party and the Government are at fault; if the people are sick, the Party and the Government are at fault". Imbued with these teachings, our Party and State always consider improving the material and spiritual life of the people as the top and consistent task in all strategies and plans for national development. In recent years, the national target programmes such as new-style rural area building, sustainable poverty reduction and socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas have been widely implemented and achieved important results; the social security system is increasingly improved, while education, health care and culture have all made significant progress. In particular, the policy of eliminating temporary and dilapidated houses is being implemented strongly nationwide, aiming at the goal of no one having to live in difficult conditions or without housing by the end of 2025. The cultural and spiritual life has also received attention and investment with many practical activities and movements, enriching the spiritual life and improving the life quality of the people. Regarding education and training, Ho Chi Minh's thought always emphasised the role of "cultivating people" for the future of the nation. He advised: "For the sake of ten years, we must plant trees, for the sake of 100 years, we should cultivate people", considering education as the top national policy. Inheriting that thought, our country has invested efforts in developing education and has obtained many important results. So far, Viet Nam has universalised education at all levels of basic education nationwide, raising the literacy rate among adults to nearly 100 per cent. Many policies for fundamental and comprehensive reform of education and training have been implemented, closely following the orientations that Uncle Ho had outlined since the establishment of the country. Thanks to that, today's young generation of Vietnam not only has solid knowledge but is also educated in ideals, ethics, and lifestyle, continuing the revolutionary cause passed down by the previous generations. Regarding public health care, President Ho Chi Minh's thought of "loving and serving the people" has permeated the country's health sector. When he was still alive, President Ho Chi Minh once said: "If every citizen is healthy, the whole country is healthy", setting the task of building a nation that is physically and mentally healthy. Today, we have a constantly growing health system, from the grassroots to the central level. The network of hospitals and medical establishments has been expanded across all regions, and many advanced medical techniques on par with the world level have been mastered. The spirit of "a good doctor is like a good mother" has been promoted, with the contingent of doctors day and night devoting themselves to following Uncle Ho's example in caring for the sick. We are aiming to build a healthy Viet Nam where all people can live a long, healthy, good, and happy life. These results and policies all bear the deep imprint of President Ho Chi Minh's humanitarian ideology and philosophy of comprehensive human development. Regarding national defence and security, President Ho Chi Minh shaped the strategic guideline of "National construction goes in tandem with defence" for the Vietnamese revolution. He founded the Vietnam People's Army and the People's Public Security, laying the foundation for solid all-people national defence and people's security. He taught: the revolutionary armed forces are the offspring of the people, from the people, and for the people to propagate, work, fight and sacrifice. In compliance with Uncle Ho's teachings, fighting and sacrificing to protect the truth "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom", we have been building revolutionary, regular, elite, and gradually modern armed forces, capable of firmly protecting the Fatherland in all situations. The all-people defence position combined with the people's security position has been increasingly consolidated, creating an unparalleled strength to protect the country early and from afar. As a result, Viet Nam has maintained political stability, social order and security for many years, creating a favourable premise for economic development, while staying ready to defeat all sabotage plots and tactics of hostile forces. Ho Chi Minh's thought on all-people defence, combining national strength with the strength of the times, continues to be the guiding principle for us to modernise the armed forces, enhance national defence potential, and firmly protect the socialist Vietnamese Fatherland. Regarding foreign affairs, the Ho Chi Minh era's diplomatic policy has been creatively applied by the Party and State, helping Viet Nam rise to a new level in the international arena. President Ho Chi Minh put forward the diplomatic principle of independence, self-reliance, and diversification, and multilateralisation of relations - the core of which is to maintain national interests and peace and friendship among nations. As early as 1947, he affirmed that Viet Nam sought to "be friends with all democratic countries and not to create enmity with anyone", reflecting his farsighted vision of peaceful and cooperative diplomacy. Today, that thought has become a motto for action: Viet Nam is a friend, a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community. The external achievements we have gained so far have contributed to maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for development, while raising Viet Nams position and reputation in the international arena to the highest level ever. It can be affirmed that these brilliant external achievements stem from the thorough understanding of Ho Chi Minh's diplomatic ideology a smooth combination of steadfastness in principles and flexibility in strategies, putting national interests above all, while actively contributing to peace, progress in the region and the world and human civilisation. Endless source of inspiration More than anyone else, President Ho Chi Minh understood that the revolutionary cause is a long-term process, requiring the engagement of successive generations. His thought, morality and style therefore not only illuminate the past, but also shine as an endless source of inspiration for the present and the future. Our Party affirms that Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh's thought are always the ideological foundation, and the flag leading the nation towards socialism. The socio-economic development strategies and master plans to 2030, with a vision to 2045 all focus on the goal of "wealthy people, powerful country, democracy, equality and civilisation" - that is Uncle Ho's aspiration for a peaceful, unified and prosperous Viet Nam when he was alive. Major orientations such as sustainable development, growth in parallel with social progress, building a self-reliant economy, and improving people's cultural and spiritual life all originate from his consistent thought. Following Uncle Ho, our entire Party and people further promote the will of self-resilience, and the aspiration to rise up and innovate to bring the country forward quickly and strongly on the path of industrialisation and modernisation. It is Uncle Ho's spirit of thinking big, acting bold, and devoting himself to the country and the people that has been inspiring today's generation to be determined to realise big goals and aspirations, making Viet Nam a powerful developed country in the future. Ho Chi Minh's moral example and style will forever be a guiding torch for every Vietnamese person in self-training and self-cultivation. Ho Chi Minh's thought on Party building and revolutionary ethics are especially meaningful in the current Party rectification work, the fight against individualism, corruption and wastefulness. When he was alive, Uncle Ho always reminded cadres and Party members to "keep our Party truly pure, worthy of being both a leader and a truly loyal servant of the people". Following his example, the entire Party is making every effort to strengthen discipline and order, resolutely fighting all phenomena of degradation, "self-evolution" and "self-transformation" within the Party. The combat against corruption and other negative phenomena in recent years has achieved many outstanding results, greatly encouraged by Uncle Ho's example of integrity and humility. Every cadre and Party member today reflects on themselves in accordance with the ethical standards that Uncle Ho set, from small to large matters, upholding the spirit of "diligence, thrift, integrity, and uprightness" and the sense of service to the people. Particularly, for younger generations the future owners of the nation President Ho Chi Minh stands as a shining example of patriotism, self-reliance, and aspiration to serve. Humble and moving life stories about his sacrifice and simple lifestyle, have always inspired Vietnamese young people in their studies and pursuit of excellence. From schoolchildren who recite verses and sing songs about him, to young people and intellectuals who are diligently creating in various fields, all find a great source of spiritual motivation from Uncle Ho. It is this inspiration that has spurred countless young people to take on difficult tasks, volunteer to come to areas full of hardships, and contribute to building a more dignified and prosperous country, just as he once wished. The enduring vitality of Ho Chi Minhs thought continues to illuminate the hearts of every Vietnamese, serving as a source of soft power that propels the nation forward. In its path ahead, our country faces not only abundant opportunities but also significant challenges, both objective and subjective. Globalisation, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, climate change, and strategic competition among major powers are increasingly impacting all aspects of Vietnams political, economic, and social life. Domestically, difficulties persist, including low labour productivity, a not really steady scientific and technological base, regional development disparities among regions, ideological and moral degradation among a number of officials and Party members, corruption, and wastefulness all remain urgent issues requiring resolute and effective solutions. With a deep sense of responsibility towards the people and history, our Party and State remain steadfast in their pursuit of national development along the socialist path chosen by President Ho Chi Minh, while implementing key strategic breakthroughs to bring about meaningful changes in this new era. Key breakthroughs that are being focused on include streamlining the administrative apparatus and improving national governance; reforming the growth model, developing green and digital economy; accelerating scientific and technological advancement and innovation; enhancing education and human resources quality; and building a clean, strong, and comprehensive Party and political system. Each transformative step aims to fulfil Uncle Hos cherished wish to build a Viet Nam "ten times more beautiful," and standing shoulder to shoulder with great powers of the five continents. In this context, continuing to study and follow Ho Chi Minhs thought, morality, and style is both a regular duty and an urgent necessity. We must learn from him daily from the grand to the minute, from lofty ideals to everyday conduct with specific actions. To follow his example is to live with ideals and discipline, to embody compassion and responsibility, and to dare to think, act, and assume responsibility for the greater good. Learning from Uncle Ho is not to praise him in a formal way, but to add faith, motivation, and courage to the current process of national construction. Every official, party member and every Vietnamese citizen promises to engrave in mind Uncle Ho's teachings, constantly cultivate, self-train, unite and join hands for the common goal. The strength of great national unity under the light of Ho Chi Minh's thought will continue to be an endless source of energy, helping us overcome all challenges and gain many victories in the cause of innovation, integration and development. The 135th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh is an opportunity for us to once again remind ourselves of our responsibility to the Fatherland and the people. The more proud we are of Uncle Ho, the more we must strive to make his wishes come true. Ho Chi Minh's thought, morality and style will forever be precious assets for our nation on the path of development. Forever, Uncle Ho is still with us in our marches - he is still alive in every action, every victory of the process of building and defending the Vietnamese Fatherland. We promise to follow the revolutionary path that the Party and Uncle Ho have chosen, determined to build a prosperous and happy Vietnam, standing shoulder to shoulder with the world powers, worthy of the immense contributions of our beloved President Ho Chi Minh. And that is the sacred truth that has gone down in history: "Great President Ho Chi Minh lives forever in our cause!". VNA/VNS HA NOI Over 1.5 million delegates attended the national conference on Sunday, talking about the huge shift in thinking to push ahead and create momentum for two key resolutions. They discussed how to disseminate and implement the two Politburo's Resolutions No. 66 & No.68 on renewing the work of law-making and law enforcement to meet the demands of national development in the new era and on the development of the private economy, respectively. General Secretary To Lam delivered a keynote speech at the conference, held in a hybrid format from the National Assembly building in Ha Noi, followed by presentations from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man on the two resolutions in question. Before attending the Conference, delegates visited the exhibitions 'Achievements in law making and enforcement' and 'Achievements in private economic development and booths displaying products of private enterprises'. In his opening remarks, General Secretary To Lam emphasised that after nearly 40 years of steadfastly implementing the oi moi (Renewal) process, the country has achieved tremendous accomplishments. The economy has seen continuous growth, peoples living standards have improved, and Viet Nams international standing has steadily increased. The Party chief stated that the innovations and reforms in the new era are centred on four breakthrough Resolutions of the Politburo: Resolution 57 on promoting science, technology, and innovation and Resolution 59 on proactive and comprehensive international integration both of which have already been disseminated, and Resolution 66 and Resolution 68. The common breakthrough of all four Resolutions lies in a new development mindset. That sees a change from 'management' to 'service'; from 'protection' to 'creative competition'; from 'passive' to 'proactive integration' and from 'fragmented reform' to 'comprehensive, coordinated and profound breakthroughs'. This marks a fundamental shift in thinking, building on the achievements of renewal and aligning with global trends in the digital era. These four recent resolutions of the Politburo are institutional cornerstones that will provide strong momentum for Viet Nam to advance in the new era and realise the vision of becoming a developed, high-income country by 2045," General Secretary Lam noted, adding that the entire political system must implement all four in a coordinated manner to achieve the highest effectiveness. General Secretary Lam specified that Resolution 68 represents a significant leap in the Partys theoretical thinking and practical leadership. Accordingly, the Resolution calls for bold reforms, including the improvements of institutions (protecting property rights and the right to do business; fostering a fair, transparent, and stable investment and business environment); mobilising resources (expanding access to land, credit, markets, and technology for the private sector; fundamentally addressing institutional and policy bottlenecks); fostering innovation (robustly developing the start-up ecosystem; supporting private enterprises in investing in R&D and deeply participating in global innovation networks and value chains); and building a modern entrepreneurial class, that are not only adept in business but also politically grounded, intellectually capable, professionally ethical, patriotic and driven by a desire to contribute to the nation and reach global standards. It can be said that Resolution 68 lays the foundation for a comprehensive shift in private economic development policy from merely recognising to actively protecting, encouraging, and promoting; from supplementary to leading development. This is a sound, urgent strategic choice with long-term vision, aimed at realising our aspiration for a strong and prosperous nation by the mid-21st century, General Secretary Lam stressed. In response to pressing demands, the Politburo adopted Resolution 57, which clearly defines science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as strategic breakthroughsthe primary driving forces for modernising the country, reforming national governance, and achieving rapid and sustainable socio-economic development, the Party chief noted. The Resolution calls for strengthening the Partys comprehensive leadership over scientific and technological development and innovation, while empowering enterprises, entrepreneurs, intellectuals and the public as key actors. It identifies this as a sweeping, comprehensive revolution in all aspects of social life, requiring bold, decisive, consistent and innovative action. Outdated mindsets and formalistic, passive ways of working must not be allowed to hinder progress. To that end, the entire Party, people and armed forces must focus on key tasks: raising awareness throughout society especially among the business community and policy-makers of the critical role of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation in national development; breaking through outdated thinking, removing backward perceptions, and igniting a spirit of boldness, innovation, and responsibility; strengthening political will and unifying the entire system around the principle that science, technology, and innovation are the primary drivers of development; improving institutions, removing legal and administrative barriers, and creating a favourable environment for innovation, research, and application of technology turning the legal framework into a national competitive advantage. Resolution 66 identifies fundamental reform of law-making and enforcement as a core and foundational task in building a socialist rule-of-law state in the new era, General Secretary Lam said. The Resolution affirms that law is not merely a tool to regulate social behaviour but must serve as the basis for the organisation and exercise of state power, a firm foundation for protecting human and civil rights and a lever for socio-economic development. The spirit of reform here is to fundamentally change the approach to law-making: from a management mindset to one of service; from passive to proactive, shaping and facilitating development. Laws must be forward-looking, predictive and aligned with rapid development needs. Enforcement must be strict, fair, and substantive; digital transformation must be linked with transparency and user-friendliness for people and businesses. There must be clear decentralisation and delegation of authority, coupled with accountability, eliminating give-and-take mechanisms and eradicating special interests and group privileges, General Secretary Lam said. On Resolution 59, the Vietnamese top leader said this represents a historic turning point in Viet Nams international integration process, identifying integration as a strategic driver for the nations advancement in the new era. It reflects a far-sighted view that integration is not merely about openness and exchange, but a comprehensive undertaking requiring proactivity, initiative, and resilience. The Resolution maintains a consistent principle: international integration is the cause of the entire nation, led absolutely and directly by the Party, with unified State management, placing people and enterprises at the centre and as key drivers of innovation. It lays out comprehensive and profound strategic directions. In economics, there must be deepened integration in tandem with building an independent, self-reliant, and modern economy, promoting digital, green, and circular economies, and enhancing competitiveness based on science, technology, and innovation. In politics, defence and security, international integration must go hand in hand with strengthening strategic and comprehensive partnerships, fostering political trust, safeguarding independence and sovereignty, and maintaining a peaceful and stable environment. In science, education, health, and the environment, integration will be leveraged to raise national standards, develop high-quality human resources, and deepen participation in global value chains. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Sunday emphasised that the private sector has increasingly played an important role over nearly 40 years since the initiation of the oi moi (Renewal) process, as he presented the core contents of the Politburo's Resolution No.68 on developing the private economy. In the presentation to disseminate the Resolution at the national conference on Sunday, PM Chinh stated that, thanks to efforts to create favourable legal environment and equal rights to enterprises over time, the number of newly established enterprises has seen a sharp increasefrom around 5,000 in 1990, to 50,000 in 2000 and 200,000 in 2005 (a 40-fold increase over 15 years). At present, nearly one million enterprises are operating within the economy. The private sector has consistently maintained a relatively high growth rate and is the largest contributor to the economy, accounting for approximately 50 per cent of GDP. Since 2016, the growth rate of the private sector has ranged from 6-8 per cent annually, higher than the average national growth rate. Nonetheless, PM Chinh said, the private sector still faces various limitations and challenges. Its potential and internal strengths have not been fully harnessed, and its contribution to the national economy remains inadequate. Nearly 98 per cent of private enterprises are small and medium-sized, with limited competitiveness, operational efficiency and management capacity. Access to resources, particularly in terms of finance, land and high-quality human resources, remains difficult. Connectivity among private enterprises and between private enterprises and State-owned and FDI enterprises is still limited. Analysing the underlying causes of these limitations, PM Chinh stated that: "Challenges also present opportunities for us to restructure the economy, production chains, markets, and products. The COVID-19 pandemic was a prime example of when we had to restructure our markets, products, and production. Currently, we are working to diversify markets, products and supply chains. This work is primarily driven by enterprises, while the State must play an enabling role." PM Chinh underscored that Resolution No. 68 puts forward five guiding viewpoints that mark a breakthrough in the development of the private economy. Most notably, the private sector is recognised as one of the most important driving forces of the national economy. Rapid, sustainable, efficient and high-quality development of the private economy is both an urgent and long-term strategic task. There is a need to completely eliminate outdated perceptions, prejudices and attitudes towards the private economy and to regard entrepreneurs as soldiers on the economic front. A transparent and open business environment must be created to ensure regional and global competitiveness, foster entrepreneurship and promote lawful wealth creation and national contributions. There's also the need to enhance the leading role of the Party and the facilitating role of the State, with businesses at the centre and to encourage and laud the development of a strong class of entrepreneurs. This is an issue of exceptional significance, laying a firm foundation to boost development and enhance the role of the private sector in carrying out key national tasks and elevating Viet Nams position in the region and the world, PM Chinh said. "We have instructed the Ministry of Home Affairs to prepare a nationwide campaign titled All people emulating efforts to create wealth, build and safeguard the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. Once this Resolution is in effect, we will officially launch the national emulation movement for wealth creation," the Government leader added. The Resolution sets out targets for 2030 and a vision to 2045, aiming for rapid, strong and sustainable development of the Vietnamese private sector with active participation in global production and supply chains, high regional and international competitiveness and a goal of having at least three million enterprises operating in the economy by 2045, contributing over 60 per cent of GDP. The Resolution outlines eight tasks and solution groups reflecting a spirit of renewal, breakthrough and vigorous reform. These focus on transforming mindsets, building a high degree of unity in awareness and action, inspiring public trust and national aspiration, and creating new momentum and energy for private sector development. The PM considered this to be a top priority and a matter of strategic importance to lay the groundwork for the growth of the private economy. This includes unified recognition and action from Party committees, governments at all levels, the entire political system, the business community and the people regarding the role and position of the private sector. Regarding the group of solutions aimed at reforming and enhancing institutional quality and policies, and effectively ensuring and protecting ownership rights, property rights, freedom of business, fair competition and contract enforcement, the PM emphasised that these measures are intended to thoroughly and effectively resolve institutional bottlenecks, turning them into a driver for private sector growth. He also called for clear distinctions between criminal, administrative and civil responsibilities to strengthen business and investor confidence and promote private sector development. "When handling economic and civil violations, the principle is to prioritise civil, economic and administrative measures first, and allow voluntary remediation of violations and losses. In practice, if the law allows for non-criminal handling, we must resolutely refrain from criminal prosecution. Where criminal prosecution is deemed necessary, economic remediation should be prioritised as a key basis for determining subsequent legal action. Retroactive application of legal provisions that negatively affect businesses is prohibited, and the presumption of innocence must be ensured during investigation and adjudication processes." PM Chinh also pointed out a notable new element of the Resolution - specific solutions to existing challenges in land, credit, and high-quality human resources. These include enhancing access to land and business premises for the private sector, expanding and diversifying capital sources and improving workforce quality. The Government will launch a training programme for 10,000 chief executive officers and promote education and training in creativity, STEM, foreign languages and digital skills across all education levels, to meet the demand for high-quality human capital linked with scientific-technological development, innovation and entrepreneurship. At the same time, the Resolution calls for advancing science and technology, innovation, digital and green transformation and sustainable and efficient business practices in the private sector. It also promotes stronger links among private enterprises, and between private, State-owned and foreign-invested enterprises. There is a clear orientation to rapidly form and develop medium and large-sized enterprises, as well as regional and globally competitive private economic conglomerates. Substantial and effective support will be provided to small, micro and household businesses to formalise their status, enhance operational efficiency, and contribute more significantly to the national economy. Business ethics will be upheld, corporate social responsibility encouraged, and the entrepreneurial spirit vigorously promoted, creating all favourable conditions for entrepreneurs to engage in national governance. At the conference, representatives of the business community expressed delight that Resolution No.68 of the Politburo on private sector development had been issued, granting the private economy access to special mechanisms, such as policies on credit, land, taxation and the decriminalisation of economic relations. The Resolution is expected to enable enterprises to formulate breakthrough business strategies and solutions in the time ahead. VNS Chris Cady vows to make the old Twin Peaks building work. He assures that a bright, boisterous vibe complemented by Mexican, Cajun and Creole cuisine can erase many bad memories from a bloody shootout 10 years ago. That bright Sunday afternoon on May 17, 2015, nine people died and 18 received wounds during a turf war involving Cossacks and Bandidos, biker groups whose paths crossed at a barely year-old drinking establishment called Twin Peaks. That building at the Central Texas Marketplace shopping center has never been quite the same, some say, either due to changing buying habits, marketplace ebbs and flows, or factors beneath the surface. Twin Peaks neighbor that day, Don Carlos Mexican Restaurant, recently closed, the owners saying the move was strategic. It had nothing to do with the shootout near their doorstep a decade earlier. Another restaurant, Umiya All You Can Eat Sushi and Hot Pot, has posted a sign saying it soon will fill the space. Cady is not buying the stigma factor. If it does exist, he and his wife have what it takes to reverse the negative trend, he said. Work has started on his Tia Juanitas Fish Camp, a laid-back destination that will serve 29-degree beer from 24 taps, cocktails, seafood gumbo, po-boy sandwiches, quesadillas, boudin and roasted banana crepes. His goal has him opening July 14, so much remains to be done. Im more than confident. Im betting everything on it, Cady said. His resume includes 14 years as managing partner of Sammy Citranos popular Georges restaurant in South Waco, and another seven years at Cheddars. His wife, Brooke, worked 10 years at the Georges location on Hewitt Drive. My wife and I are good enough operators to change perception, Cady said, commenting on what people may remember about the address. We looked at other places available, but I truly believe this is a great location. It has a history, but we believe it can become a great restaurant. Cady, whose crew already has begun a thorough cleaning and painting, said Barsh Construction will perform the heavy lifting on the project once he secures the city-mandated building permits. He said the structure, built solidly to resemble a hunting lodge, with original owners investing $4 million in its construction, remains in remarkably good shape considering it has been occupied in only four of the 11 years it has been around. Wacos Twin Peaks lost its franchise arrangement with corporate ownership shortly after the smoke settled in 2015. Indiana-based Scottys Brewhouse chose to open its first Texas location there in 2018, giving the 7,000-square-foot space an extensive remodel. But its stay in Waco proved brief, as Scottys filed for bankruptcy protection and shuttered its holdings. Texas-based Louisiana Crab Shack arrived in 2019 with big plans, but the COVID-19 pandemic took wind from its sales, and it succumbed to economic pressures in 2021. Federal lawsuits still linger a decade after Twin Peaks shootout in Waco Along with the pain of nine killed, several wounded and far more lives turned upside down by the Twin Peaks shootout in Waco a decade ago, legal questions also linger. The building sat vacant, its plastic cocoon fighting a losing battle with the weather and critters. Efforts to revive it fell through. The manager of the La-Z-Boy furniture store located next door told the Tribune-Herald travelers frequently stopped to gawk at what they considered a biker battlefield. Upon inspection, Cady said he encountered a few busted pipes and two blown transformers. He will use sliding glass doors to enclose the patio dining area, and install two new vent-a-hoods and floor drains. Following the tradition created at other Tia Juanitas Fish Camp locations, decor will include unique signage, wall hangings and lighting, Cady said. It will have a vibrant facade dominated by greens, reds and whites. Im hiring a mural painter, Cady said. You wont miss it. Cady said he knows nearly to the penny what he must spend to carry out the transformation, but he is not publicly quoting numbers. He has secured bank financing, and will announce his financiers identity in due time. He probably will hire 150 to 200 people to staff the place full-time. Occupancy may approach 300, he said, though you dont know for sure until you begin moving around the tables and chairs. Cady signed a long-term lease on the building and will operate a Tia Juanitas in Waco under a licensing agreement with company founders. The regional chain has locations in southeast Texas and Louisiana, an online locater map pinpointing sites in Lufkin, Beaumont, Winnie, Orange, Lumberton and Lake Charles, Louisiana, among others totaling about a dozen. The company website pledges excellent food and drinks, and exceptional service. It describes the cuisine as casual Mexican and Cajun-Creole, with nearly all dishes featuring fresh fish, lobster, crab or shrimp. Philip Auchettl, CEO and co-founder of the Rad Lab architecture and development firm in San Diego, knows about repurposing venues with unflattering pasts, having converted old shipping containers at 319 S. Fourth St. to a boutique lodging establishment, Hotel Herringbone, and an offbeat restaurant called Red Herring. If I were tasked with revitalizing the (Twin Peaks) site, Id consider leaning into a completely new identity, something unexpected and community-focused, Auchettl said in an email response to questions. Think an all-day cafe meets music lounge. In my opinion, the goal would be to create something that actively invites people in and gives them a reason to connect with the space differently than before. Design-wise, Id open it up to natural light, warm materials, maybe even add some indoor-outdoor elements. Programming and activation, as always, are key, if we need people to associate the space with positive memories again. Events, pop-ups, collaborations with local artists or musicians would create energy to transform the space from past problem to new favorite. The former Twin Peaks location definitely carries a lot of emotional baggage, Auchettl said. But in my opinion, its not beyond redemption. Local commercial real estate specialist Randy Reid said simply, I think the passage of time helps. Restaurants that have consistently great food, great service and a good atmosphere generally do well. Wrexham.com has invited local Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd to write a monthly article with updates on their work in their respective Parliaments and closer to home you can find them all here. In this months column Clwyd Souths Member of the Senedd, Ken Skates writes: The B5605 at Newbridge will soon reopen after more than 5m of vital funding from the Welsh Government. I welcome this major investment in our area and would like pay tribute to contractors Jones Bros professionalism and expertise throughout this complex project. As Wrexham.com readers will know, the road has been closed for more than four years after suffering severe damage in January 2021 during Storm Christoph. The most recent update I received from Wrexham Council said that the works timetable is progressing as planned and this will bring an opening early summer. I have made regular representations to Wrexham Council about the B5605 over the past few years. I know my constituents will be anxious for a specific date for the reopening, and I will continue to press for one as the local Member of the Senedd. As I have said previously, I understand and have shared peoples frustrations about the delays, but Im delighted that the work is now nearing completion. As a B-road, the B5605 falls under Wrexham Councils remit. However, due to the huge scale of the project and the huge cost of remediation work local councillors Frank Hemmings and Derek Wright and I launched a campaign calling for the Welsh Government to pay for it in 2021. The Welsh Government awarded the council 2.8m to repair and reopen the road in April 2022. The grant was in addition to 175,000 earlier awarded to the council for investigations and designs. Wrexham Council has managed the project since, and last month the Welsh Government announced another 2.6m to cover extra costs incurred since 2022. The decision to award grant funding of 2.8m to Wrexham Council was announced in April 2022 by the Welsh Governments former Deputy Minister for Climate Change. Funding to complete the project was announced in April as part of 110m funding made available to local authorities across Wales to improve transport. A full list of the projects funded can be found here. It was a pleasure to pop into a thriving Llangollen outdoor pursuits company and meet the team. Bearded Men Adventures, owned by Jason Rickwood and Hugh Luckock (pictured below) was shortlisted for two Wales Tourism Awards earlier this year. The business continues to grow and now employs nine members of staff, with dozens more freelance roles over the peak summer season. Im looking forward to visiting Stori Brymbo later this month a major project to transform the former Brymbo ironworks, steelworks and fossil forest site into a unique tourist attraction. I was delighted when Brymbo Heritage Trust was granted permission last summer to start on the Stori Brymbo project, which will move from the swamp forests of 300m years ago through the industrial processes which followed on the site. A new community park space will also be created. The Welsh Government recently awarded the project a 300,000 grant. Once completed, Stori Brymbo will combine the stories of nature, industry and people of the area over time and offer a one-off visitor attraction in Wrexham. A programme of works to repair thousands of potholes on some of Wales major roads has been given the green light. The 25m refurbishment programme, announced earlier this year by the Welsh Government, is funding 22 projects across Wales strategic road network including the A494 Mold Bypass. The work will improve over 100km of road and help its future resilience by fixing and preventing around 30,000 potholes. This is in addition to the tens of thousands of potholes that are set to be fixed through a local government borrowing initiative, announced in March, enabling councils to unlock 120m of funding to accelerate repairs on local roads. Since 2021 the Welsh Government has spent more than 81m on resurfacing around 321km of roads on the trunk network across Wales. Combined with the forecasted spend for 2025-26, this means 118m will have been spent to repair more than 500km by the end of the current Senedd term. This investment forms part of our wider transport plans. On rail were delivering 800m of new trains, and on buses were legislating to take control of routes and timetables. Were demonstrating our commitment to fixing potholes as we look to enhance connections between our communities. If youre a constituent of Clwyd South and need help or advice, email ken.skates@senedd.wales or call 01978 869058. My upcoming surgeries in Rhostyllen and Llangollen are now fully booked, but please get in touch with my office if youd like to book an appointment for a later date. Senedd rejects Conservative calls for 660m tax cuts Senedd members voted down Conservative calls to cut taxes for 1.7 million people in Wales. Sam Rowlands said his party would use devolved tax powers to put more money back into peoples pockets, saying the average working family would be 450 a year better off as a result. The shadow finance secretary explained the Conservatives would cut the basic rate of income tax by 1p, with people paying 19% in the 12,571 to 50,270 band. The Tory motion also called on the Welsh Government to restore tax relief for the hospitality sector to 75% and abolish business rates altogether for small companies. Mr Rowlands told the Senedd: We believe people up and down Wales know how to spend their money better than the government does. Serendipity But Heledd Fychan, Plaid Cymrus shadow finance secretary, warned deep cuts to public services would be needed to find almost 300m for such an income tax cut. She said: Unfortunately, although we have bidden farewell to the Tories from 10 Downing Street, any hope for change with the arrival of a Labour government has also been dashed The pledges of no additional taxes on working people and no more austerity have been utterly demolished by their actions. Labours Mike Hedges argued: Taxation is the price we pay for being part of a civilised society. We cannot have Scandinavian-quality public services and American levels of taxes. He added: Its not by random chance or serendipity that those countries with the highest tax levels have the best public services, and those with the lowest tax levels are the poorest. Economic scoundrel Finance secretary Mark Drakeford began by referencing Winston Churchills response when asked about the message voters had given the Conservatives by booting them out in 1945. He replied by saying he thought the electorate had said to the Conservative Party it needed to be a very long time before they heard from them again, the finance secretary said. That was good advice in 1945 and its very good advice 80 years later. If theres any topic on which the Welsh public was entitled to a period of silence from the Conservative Party, then surely it was the economy. Because here is a party that gave the people of Wales austerity, Brexit, the party that raised taxes to a 70-year high. Prof Drakeford told the Senedd the Tory motion would cost the public purse 660m in total. We heard the pretence that all that money can be found from waste, he said. The last refuge of any economic scoundrel, it seems to me, that idea. Vote this out of its misery The former first minister rejected the notion of closing overseas offices as he made a case for inward investment and economic growth. He said: The other idea I heard was that it was to come from the Heads of the Valleys road there is no saving at all to be made from that bright idea. Instead, the money will have to come from social services for older people, services for children in care, support for bus services, cuts to childcare and to colleges, cuts to support for businesses, cuts to housing support and homelessness services. There is no way at all in the real world of government that the budget consequences of this motion could be accommodated without harm. Prof Drakeford urged members to vote to put the original motion out of its misery. Choke the life out of it Darren Millar, leader of the Tory opposition, hit back, saying: Well, as entertaining as they are, I will take no lectures from Professor Drakeford. Replying to the debate on May 14, he accused Labour of trashing the economy: Weve got taxes going up, unemployment going up, growth going down, new jobs tax, new inheritance taxes for people to pay, new tourism taxes on the way and massive hikes in council tax. Mr Millar warned taxpayers are getting increasingly less in return, with cuts to bin collections, libraries and public toilets as well as more potholes and litter on the streets. It is totally unacceptable and thats why we need to see a change, he said. I am proud to say Im a Conservative because I believe in low taxation, unlike the parties on the left whose instinct is to tax anything that moves or anything that thrives and to choke the life out of it. Senedd members voted 33-12 against the Tory motion before the Welsh Governments delete all amended version was agreed, 23-13 with nine abstaining. By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter Shared Prosperity Fund helps Wrexham woman grow thriving art business The work of a Wrexham-based artist is going from strength-to-strength after receiving support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF). Amy Swann produces hand-painted and printed decorations, including printed wooden, ceramic and fabric pieces all made to stand the test of time as heirloom keepsakes. After leaving her 15-year career as an art teacher and becoming a mum to three girls, Amy decided to focus on her own creativity. She started by painting a small collection of hand painted baubles inspired by folky bohemian patterns. The response she received was overwhelming and, from her kitchen table, she took the leap of faith and started to develop a Christmas collection of hand painted decorations. But after receiving a boost from the Shared Prosperity Fund 2.6 billion Fund designed to build upon EU structural monies by supporting local communities Amy has now set-up her own dedicated, creative space. Having a studio space means I can meet the increasing demand and interest in my work, said Amy. The business team at Wrexham Council have been an invaluable support not only in helping to make the grant process as easy as possible, but also as a warm and friendly network for advice and guidance every step of the way. Since then Amys business has grown and grown. She has been featured in Country Living, Country Homes and Interiors magazine and Period Living Magazine, and has built an ongoing partnership with renowned brand Fortnum & Mason, has a special collaboration with BODEN and produced a piece for work for Holly Tucker MBEs book Do What You Love. Amys work is reflective of her Welsh upbringing, inspired by mountains, waterfalls, woodland and miles of fields it has a deep appreciation of nature, a strong sense of culture, family roots and tradition. Fortnum & Mason, said: Amy Swann is a Welsh artisan who creates beautifully painted delights that celebrate magical, meaningful and happy moments. Working with varied materials Amy produces intricate and delicate heirlooms to be savoured and treasured for generations. Cllr Nigel Williams, lead member for economy, business and tourism, added: Amys business is going from strength to strength, which is wonderful to see. Being able to have her own creative space with the help of the SPF grant means that she has been able to increase productivity and grow even more. Using her Welsh heritage as inspiration adds something extra special to her work and I wish her all the luck in the future. The Carson City and Lyon County Sheriff's Offices are asking for the public's help finding a wanted felon. On Saturday, Carson City detectives received a tip on the location of a wanted felon, 53-year-old Jeffery Williams. Williams is currently wanted on felony warrants out of Carson City, as well as one misdemeanor warrant. Officials tried to stop Williams in his GMC pickup truck, but he immediately put his truck in reverse, then led officials on a chase through the hills of Lyon County, ending toward the river near Eureka Canyon. During the chase, Williams sped in the opposite lanes of traffic, and at one point allegedly attempted to hit a Lyon County deputy. Eventually deputies found Williams' truck abandoned near the river, but were unable to locate him. Drones were deployed from Carson City and Lyon County deputies, with neither able to find any signs of movement. A reward of $500 is being offered by Secret Witness for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of Williams. The Carson City Sheriff's Office is asking that if you have seen Williams call Carson City Dispatch at (775) 887-2018. The City of Reno is honoring the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) population all month long. To kick off the month, the city has partnered with the Asian Community Development Council and One APIA Nevada to bring the second annual celebration to Reno. It happens Saturday, May 17 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the City Plaza. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees can expect AANHPI food trucks, businesses, vendors, community resources, and an opportunity to learn more about Reno's Chinatown history. For more details about the event, visit the City of Reno's Events Calendar online. Sparks Police, Fire, and medical personnel were on scene of a crash that happened around 2:00 a.m. on Vista Blvd. and Los Altos Parkway. Officers arrived at the scene to find a Toyota that had crashed into a power pole in the center median. The crash severed the pole and caused a live power line to fall into the road. The crash caused a power outage, and northbound Vista Blvd was shut down for a few hours from Los Altos Parkway to Baring Blvd while NV Energy worked to restore power to all impacted customers. The driver, Julian Velazquez, was determined to be impaired on the scene, and he was arrested and booked into the Washoe County Sheriff's Office on the charges of DUI, minor in possession of alcohol and failure to maintain lane. The Sparks Police would like to remind people to use public transportation, ride share companies or a designated driver when you've been drinking. A ballistic missile fired at Israel by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen was intercepted by Israeli air defenses early Sunday morning, according to the military. No significant injuries or damage were reported, though Magen David Adom said one person suffered a minor injury while running to a shelter. Air raid sirens sounded throughout central Israel, including Tel Aviv and the Shfela and Sharon regions, prompting nearly a million people to take cover. An early alert was sent to residents about five minutes before the sirens, warning them of the incoming long-range missile through push notifications. Later, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed responsibility, saying the group had launched two ballistic missiles at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. He pledged continued attacks until the blockade on Gaza is lifted, amid Israels ongoing 19-month conflict with Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces reported that a missile was intercepted around 2 a.m. The discrepancy in the reported number of missiles was not clarified but may indicate that one missile failed to reach its target. A 73-room Cobblestone Hotel & Suites opened in May 2025 at 2970 Koniar Way in Foley, Alabama. Courtesy Cobblestone Hotel & Suites website The 73-room Cobblestone Hotel & Suites has opened at 2970 Koniar Way in Foley, according to Eddie Spence of Gulf Shores. Spence is a partner with Cobblestone Hotels on the estimated $10 million hotel development in Foley. Cobblestone is based in Neenah, Wisconsin, and has 160 hotels, mostly in the Midwest. Foley is home to the second Cobblestone hotel in Alabama with the first located in Cullman. Cobblestone plans to break ground soon on a 54-unit Cobblestone hotel off the town square in Bay Minette, according to Spence, who is a partner in that hotel, along with David Cahoon, Miles Reed and Cobblestone. Spence and Cahoon co-founded The Shrimp Basket restaurants in 1993 and the eateries are owned by Artistry Restaurants today. In other transactions: An out-of-state investor paid $475,000 for 28,712 square feet of industrial space on 2.75 acres at 1701 Navco Road in Mobile, according to Crawford Stitt of White-Spunner Realty, who represented the sellers. Cameron Weavil of The Weavil Company worked for the buyers. Work on Margaritaville Resort Orange Beach at The Wharf along the Intracoastal Waterway is officially under way and pre-sales for the resort residences should begin this summer. Prices for the condominiums are expected to start in the mid-$500,000s. The first phase of construction includes the Waterfront District, condos and the recreation area, and is projected to be completed in 2027. The resort will also offer condo-hotel units, resort cottages, bungalows and waterfront villas. The residential areas will feature 43 deep water transient boat slips. The 6-acre water recreation site will include a lazy river, swim-up bar, water slides, an adult serenity pool, dining venues, a fitness center, and meeting and event spaces. A private ferry will provide access to The Wharf. Emily Gilreath and students including Brooklyn, bottom right, show off their outfits at Plesant Grove Elementary School's Sneaker Ball. Courtesy Emily Gilreath Shes beautiful and sweet -- a 6-year-old first grader who giggles freely, even more so since she was on national television 11 days ago. Yes, Beautiful Brooklyn tells her friends she feels like a movie star. And Brooklyn has another star to thank -- her passionate, caring first-grade teacher. I had no idea how difficult teaching would be, 28-year-old Emily Gilreath told me. Emily graduated from Hubbertville High School in 2015. I went to ministry school and studied Christian leadership out of high school. I wanted to help people, added Emily. When I started teaching, I thought I could walk in a classroom and teach a few lessons, take the summer off. I learned quickly how demanding the job really is. The tornadoes of April 27, 2011 left mourning and loss. Pleasant Grove, Alabama, --- a small town just southwest of Birmingham -- was hit hard. Thirteen lives were lost, and good people mourned. Fourteen years later, hard-working, blue-collar Pleasant Grove residents are in many ways still putting the pieces back together. Were a Title I, high-needs school, Pleasant Grove Elementary School principal Staci Lewis told me. Pleasant Grove Elementary Principal Sheri Lewis says first-grade Emily Gilreath is well suited to teaching. "Teaching is Emily's calling," said principal Staci Lewis. "You can see how special Emily is by the way she operates. She always wants to do more for her students." Courtesy Emily Gilreath The 22 students in Emily Gilreaths first-grade class are from various backgrounds. Some students need more direction than others. Emily is a high-level instructor, said Lewis. Its one thing to love students and another to discipline them. Some students have more needs than others, and Emily knows the difference. It was when the pandemic arrived when I decided to earn my masters degree in elementary education, Emily told me, I always wanted to teach in a city school and make a difference. I thought my background in leadership could help me be a good teacher. It was just before Valentines Day when tears came to her eyes. The girls in Emily Gilreaths class were abuzz, chatting about what they would wear to the Sneaker Ball, an annual after-school event where the boys and girls dress in their finest clothes and shiniest sneakers. The Sneaker Ball is a big thing at Pleasant Grove Elementary School, Emily told me. I saw Brooklyn crying as the girls were talking about their dresses and their sneakers. I asked Brooklyn why she was so sad. Some people are born to be teachers, while others need to learn. For Emily Gilreath, it has been a little bit of both. In only her second year of teaching, Emily has learned how to form single relationships with each of her 22 students. Emily Gilreath is all smiles after being honored as a teacher at Pleasant Grove Elementary School. Courtesy Emily Gilreath If you can build relationships with each of the students, teaching is much easier, said Emily. Said her principal, Emily is a very self-aware teacher. If she has a question or a concern, she will go to our lead mentor and ask for advice. Emily Gilreath asked Brooklyn why she was crying. She told me she was sad because she couldnt go to the Sneaker Ball. She told me her mother had to work the day of the ball. Beautiful Brooklyn was shattered. All her friends dressed up and ready to shine. Brooklyn unable to join them? Those tears were real. Emily Gilreath has always had a heart for children. Emily called Brooklyns mother. Annie, would it be OK if I took Brooklyn to the ball? she asked. Ill keep her after school for a few hours before the ball begins. Ill bring her home afterwards. Emily Gilreath was ready to wipe Brooklyns tears away. I thought it was such a great idea for Emily to take Brooklyn to the dance when I could not, Brooklyns mom, Annie, told me. Brooklyns hero had work to do. Emily called a fellow teacher, who donated one of her childrens dresses to Brooklyn. And when the special day arrived? Emily Gilreath helps Brooklyn apply lipstick prior to the Sneaker Ball at Pleasant Grove Elementary School. Courtesy Emily Gilreath Emily stayed after school and taught Brooklyn how to put on make-up. Emily gave Brooklyn tips on how to apply lipstick. She recorded a video and posted it on Tik-Tok. The world took notice with over 600,000 views. Emily Gilreath is all about providing core memories -- those memories that are special and never forgotten, even decades later. A night of dancing and singing and fun and games was a memory Brooklyn will always remember. My daughter loves Ms. Gilreath so much. She talks about her all the time, said Annie. 'Beautiful Brooklyn' makes her entrance at the 2025 Pleasant Grove Elementary School Sneaker Ball. Courtesy Emily Gilreath And the most amazing thing about creating those memories? Memories would be made for Ms. Gilreath, too. The Jennifer Hudson Show DMed me after their producers saw my video, said Emily. I ignored it for about a week, but they contacted me again and told me they wanted to fly me, Brooklyn and Annie out to Los Angeles to be on the show. I told them, You mean you want to fly us from Birmingham, Alabama all the way to Los Angeles to be on national TV?, Emily asked. Start up the jet. Emily Gilreath and Brooklyn are all smiles upon landing in California to make an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show. Courtesy Emily Gilreath Just over a month ago, on April 15, the trio found themselves on a three-day excursion. The excitement was indescribable, starting with the journey west. Brooklyn posed for pictures in the cockpit, and back in her seat when the engines roared, she was officially on her first flight. Brooklyn was a bit teary-eyed when her ears popped, but she had a fabulous flight, said Emily. Heads up, Hollywood. The 205 was headed your way! After landing, more core memories would be planted. Emily Brooklyn and Brooklyns mom posed in front of the iconic Hollywood sign. They were whisked to the Warner Brothers studios, where a placard reading Emily and Brooklyn was placed on their dressing room door. And before they knew it, the duo from Pleasant Grove, Alabama, was chatting with Jennifer Hudson and being applauded by a studio audience under the bright lights of Tinseltown. Pleasant Grove Elementary School teacher Emily Gilreath and her first-grade student Brooklyn traveled to Californa for an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show. Courtesy Chris Haston/Warner Brothers Yes, Emily is all about core memories, and as the Emily and Brooklyn episode aired nationally 11 days ago, it was Emily who also absorbed lifetime memories. The 28-year-old second-year teacher escorted Brooklyn to the Sneaker Ball, she flew to Los Angeles, appeared on national TV and received a $10,000 check from Paper Mate to help buy school supplies. Brooklyn, her mom, Annie, and Emily Gilreath pose outside the Artist Entrance at The Jennifer Hudson Show in Los Angeles. Courtesy Emily Gilreath The moral of this story? Teachers are the best, and the best of the best pour out their hearts to each and every one of their students, forming single relationships with each. This experience has reminded me that everything I do -- every single action I take -- makes a difference in the life of a child, said Emily. Brooklyn is now a rock star at Pleasant Grove Elementary School. So, too, is Emily Gilreath. Teaching is Emilys calling, said Principal Lewis. You can see how special Emily is by the way she operates. She always wants to do more for her students. And Beautiful Brooklyn? Brooklyn, second from right, and her classmates at Pleasant Grove Elementary School show off their dress-up attire at the school's annual Sneaker Ball. Courtesy Emily Gilreath She was so excited when she learned she was going to the dance, said her mom. We were also excited when we flew to Los Angeles until our ears popped, she chuckled. And so goes the amazing adventure of Emily and Brooklyn. An adventure that brought happy, wonderful memories. Memories that may never be trumped. Memories that will never be forgotten. *Rick Karle, who writes a weekly Good News story, is a 25-time Emmy winner and a 43-year veteran of broadcast news who has lived and worked in Alabama for 35 years. You can find his work on Facebook at Rick Karle Good News. Send your story suggestions to: RickKarleGoodNews@Gmail.com Martin Avenue in Butler, Ala., was one of several streets Irish author Welz Bailey featured in her novel "The Pawn". Welz Bailey An Irish author who used Google Maps to set her novel in Butler -- despite having never stepped foot there -- recently got to see the small town that served as the background for her story, and meet the Alabama community that supported her, for the first time. Welz Bailey, of Coleraine, Northern Ireland, U.K., spent nine months researching the town of Butler, which has around 2,000 residents and is located in the seat of Choctaw County, after choosing it to be the setting for her first novel, a psychological thriller called The Pawn that follows an FBI agent in a race against time to catch a serial killer, at random using Google Maps and Google Earth. Read more: How Google Maps led an Irish novelist to a small Alabama town In September, Bailey told AL.com that she was hopeful shed get to see the town for herself someday. On May 15, she was able to mark that goal off her list with a two-week visit to the South that included a book signing at The Ruby Corner in charming downtown Butler. (She also had stops in New Orleans and Alexandria, La., as well as Vicksburg, Miss., and Memphis and Nashville, Tenn.) During her visit, Bailey said she has been able to see popular spots near Butler, like Ezells Fish Camp, as well as many of the streets and other places she used as the settings for The Pawn. While Bailey said it has been a whirlwind of a visit, shes happy to finally see it all in person. Irish author Welz Bailey recently visited Butler, Ala., where she set her first novel. Among her stops was Ezell's Fish Camp. Welz Bailey Related: Ezells Fish Camp is a trip back in time, with hush puppies It has been surreal, because Ive been doing it from Google Earth, to actually see it in real life, said Bailey. It feels like Ive been walking into my book. It is different. The lake is a lot smaller than what I thought, but Butler itself is larger. Yeah, so its not completely what I had in my head, but its been great. Ive just loved going to the streets that are named [in the book]. Its been amazing. Im just soaking it all in. Its been a trip of firsts for the author: first time trying fried catfish (very good); first time trying sweet tea (we like our tea hot); first time seeing a snake in the wild (bit of a shock) and first time meeting many of the Butler residents-turned-friends shes been corresponding with for months now. During the book signing, dozens of people from as far as St. Louis, Mo., and as near as a half mile down the road lined up nearly out the door of The Ruby Corner with their copies of The Pawn in hand, eager to chat with the Irish author. The signing also included Alabama author Mark Jenkins, who created a Facebook group for fans of thriller novels that was a catalyst for Bailey connecting with many Butler residents. Dozens of fans attended a book signing at The Ruby Corner in Butler, Ala., on Thursday to meet Irish author Welz Bailey, who set her first novel in the small Alabama town using Google Maps. Amber Sutton Among them was Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce Chairman Nick Harrell, who was one of the first to reach out to Bailey after learning about her novel, and its unlikely setting, in 2024. Weve talked online for months, and weve all been so excited that shes coming here, said Harrell. Its a wonderful book. Of course, its different from the Butler we experience on a day-to-day basis, but thats whats so great about literature is you get an author like [Bailey] who is able to deliver her own unique interpretation. So, I thought it was great, and its been really fun to see Butler through her point-of-view. For Bailey, she said its this friendliness as well as the hospitality shown to her by fans and strangers alike that shell remember the most about her visit once shes back home. I can say the word now: hospitality, said Bailey. We dont use that word really, but over here, we just use it all the time. People in Northern Ireland are friendly, but here, they really do stop and talk to you and have a conversation, even if they dont know you, theyll just have a good chat. The connections are amazing. The Ruby Corner owner Libby Singley, Irish author Welz Bailey and Mike Williams, mayor of Butler, at the book signing on May 15, 2025. Amber Sutton While Bailey, who traveled with her husband, William, as well as her sister and brother-in-law, has been to the United States twice before, she said the trip has served as a chance for her family to see a part of the country, the South, that she has always admired and been interested in visiting. They [her family] wanted to see the real America, said Bailey, of her familys decision to come along for the visit. Because theyve done like Miami, Fla., but they want to see the proper America, you know, and it really is. Its been absolutely amazing. So will Butler, or maybe another Alabama town, make an appearance in any more of her novels? While Bailey said she didnt want to say too much, given that its a series -- the second, Call Me Jacob is mostly set in Alexandria, La., but does include some scenes in Butler -- and the town serves as the protagonists hometown, its safe to think it could happen. I dont want to let any secrets out, said Bailey. Im on my third book now and its not, but whos to say it wont come back? I dont want to give too much away, but well see. Baileys first two novels, The Pawn and Call Me Jacob, are available on Amazon. The second day of the Sand in My Boots festival gave two Alabama country stars their chance for a turn in the sun, following up on their recent success at the Academy of Country Music Awards. As at the ACM ceremony, to watch Hope Hull native Ella Langley was to see someone experiencing her dreams coming true in real time. A couple of songs into her 4:20 p.m. set on the festivals main stage, she took a moment to describe the feeling. Im from Alabama, so Im going to say it feels damn good to be home tonight, she said, after thanking fans for showing up. Ive been to the Flora-Bama, Ive been all over this place. This is [where] we went on vacation, as a kid. I mean, Ive been to festivals. Kendrick Lamar once played right here and I was standing way, way over there. And here we are. Standing on this stage. So, wow. Ella Langley wields a tambourine during her set at the Sand in My Boots festival. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com (Lamar played the Hangout Music Fest in 2013 and 2018; whichever one Langley meant, shed have been a teen at the time.) She came back to the theme after a run of songs that included her own Nicotine and Girl Youre Taking Home and a cover of Gretchen Wilsons Here for the Party. For anyone wondering why the ACMs most-nominated artist of the year was playing mid-afternoon, she provided some insight about how fast her star has risen since she was booked. My whole familys here tonight, she said. My brothers and sisters, my mom and my dad, Im pretty sure my dad was in the Gulf of Mexico within five minutes of his being here. Man, this has been a crazy last year of my life, she said. I played the biggest headlining show Ive ever played, this last week. It was for 4,000 people, and for me thats a lot. I mean, I sold zero tickets for a lot of my life, so 4,000 was a crazy amount. And today playing, Im just looking out and remembering myself standing there and there and way back there, literally so far in back that I could just barely see the screen. So, thank you so much for being here. I know its hot, but thank you so much for standing out here and being with me, Sand in My Boots. The next main-stage artist was Chase Rice, who was then followed right around sunset by Jacksonville, Ala., native Riley Green. Given that a certain smash hit had been conspicuously absent from Langleys set list, expectations were high that shed return during Greens. And she did: He brought her out for Dont Mind If I Do, a duet from his 2024 album of the same name, and a bit later she returned for You Look Like You Love Me, the breakout hit from her 2024 album Hungover. Green might not have been as open with the personal emotional revelations as Langley, but he compensated by bringing out Randy Houser for a double-shot tribute to Toby Keith, with covers of Shouldve Been a Cowboy and Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American). Riley Green performs during the Sand in My Boots festival in Gulf Shores. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com And he paused his Hell of a Way to Go for a lesson on SEC etiquette. The song refers to watchin Alabama whoop up on Tennessee, but Green had to clarify something about that. I gotta tell yall the truth, he said. Im not an Alabama fan, Im an Auburn fan, OK? This got, predictably, a mixed response. I know weve got a mixture of folks here that have come from all over the place, Green explained, and what yall need to understand is, you dont have to be an Alabama fan or an Auburn fan. You just have to not be a Tennessee fan. To mass agreement, he resumed the song. Country veterans Brooks & Dunn headlined the evening. Sundays lineup includes includes Wiz Khalifa, Future Islands, Ernest and the War on Drugs. Morgan Wallen, who curated the lineup and other aspects of the fest, will deliver the closing performance. For full event information, visit www.sandinmybootsfest.com. FILE - A letter from acting archivist of the United States Debra Steidel Wall to former President Donald Trump's legal team is photographed, Aug. 23, 2022. The letter details that the National Archives recovered 100 documents bearing classified markings, totaling more than 700 pages, from an initial batch of 15 boxes retrieved from Mar-a-Lago earlier in 2022. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick, File) AP WASHINGTON (AP) For generations, official American documents have been meticulously preserved and protected, from the era of quills and parchment to boxes of paper to the cloud, safeguarding snapshots of the government and the nation for posterity. Now, the Trump administration is scrubbing thousands of government websites of history, legal records and data it finds disagreeable. It has sought to expand the executive branchs power to shield from public view the government-slashing efforts of Elon Musks team and other key administration initiatives. Officials have used apps such as Signal that can auto-delete messages containing sensitive information rather than retaining them for recordkeeping. And they have shaken up the National Archives leadership and even ordered the rewriting of history on display at the Smithsonian Institution. All of that follows President Donald Trump discouraging note-taking at meetings, ripping up records when he was done with them, refusing to release White House visitor logs and having staffers sign nondisclosure agreements during his first term then being indicted for hauling to Florida boxes of sensitive documents that he was legally required to relinquish. To historians and archivists, it points to the possibility that Trumps presidency will leave less for the nations historical record than nearly any before it and that what is authorized for public release will be sanitized and edited to reinforce a carefully sculpted image the president wants projected, even if the facts dont back that up. How will experts and their fellow Americans understand what went on during Trumps term when those charged with setting aside the artifacts documenting history refuse to do so? How to piece together a history of truth and accuracy? The administration says its the most transparent in history, citing the Republican presidents penchant for taking questions from reporters nearly every day. But flooding the airwaves, media outlets and the internet with all things Trump isnt the same as keeping records that document the inner workings of an administration, historians caution. Thats especially true given the presidents propensity for exaggerating, particularly when it comes to bolstering his own image and accomplishments. He thinks he controls history, says Timothy Naftali, a presidential historian who served as founding director of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California. He wants to control what Americans ultimately find out about the truth of his administration, and thats dangerous. Because, if he believes that he can control that truth, he may believe that there is nothing that he can do that would have consequences. Watchdog groups are most immediately worried about what the administration is doing in real time with little oversight or accountability. They point to Musks Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, and other top officials seeking to obscure sweeping efforts to remake government, the economy and large swaths of the nations civil and cultural fabric. With this administrations history of tearing up records, storing them in unsecured facilities in Florida, its use of Signal, said Scott Amey, general counsel of the Project on Government Oversight, which has sued DOGE seeking greater access to records. At that point, there are a lot of questions about hows DOGE operating, and is it operating within the law? Trump has made concealing even basic facts part of his political persona. He long refused to release his tax returns despite every other major White House candidate and president having done so since Jimmy Carter. Today, White House stenographers still record every word Trump utters, but many of their transcriptions are languishing in the White House press office without authorization for public release. That means no official record for weeks, if at all of what the president has said. You want to have a record because thats how you ensure accountability, said Lindsay Chervinsky, executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library in Mount Vernon, Virginia. You cant hold people accountable if you dont actually know what happened. The law says Trump must maintain records Presidents are legally obligated to keep up the historical record. After the Watergate scandal forced Nixon to resign in 1974, he tried to take documents home to California. Congress approved a law requiring document preservation that applied only to Nixon. Four years later, the Presidential Records Act extended similar rules to all commanders in chief. It mandates the preservation, forever, of White House and vice presidential documents and communications. It deems them the property of the U.S. government and directs the National Archives and Records Administration to administer them after a presidents term. A separate measure, the Federal Records Act of 1950, is meant to safeguard for the historical record the actions of other officials. It says their communications should be preserved, sent to the National Archives, whose headquarters is down the street from the White House, and are generally subject to requests for information under Freedom of Information Act. The Presidential Records Act affords presidents the exclusive responsibility for the custody and management of their records while in office, and says the National Archives plays no role except when a president wants to dispose of such materials. Further, it protects some presidential records from Freedom of Information requests for five years after a president leaves office, and can even block release of some records for up to a dozen years after a presidents term is up. Presidents also can evoke executive privilege to further limit certain types of communication from release. Once an administration is over, however, there are rules about what even the president must retain for the public. The Presidential Records Act also prohibits presidents from taking records home. Thats best evidenced by Trumps 2022 federal indictment for mishandling classified documents. Rather than turn them over the National Archives, Trump hauled boxes of potentially sensitive documents from his first term to his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, where they ended piled up in his bedroom, a ballroom and even a bathroom and shower. The FBI raided the property to recover them. The case was later thrown out, though, and then abandoned altogether after Trump won back the White House last November. Trudy Huskamp Peterson, acting Archivist of the United States from 1993 to 1995, said keeping such records for the public is important because decision-making always involves conflicting views, and its really important to get that internal documentation to see what the arguments were. Early presidents often sought to preserve their place in history The push toward preservation of the historical record predates Nixon and even the United States itself. American colonists decried the secrecy around the British Parliament, leading early leaders to install transparency safeguards, including initially rejecting the notion of a presidential Cabinet at the Constitutional Convention. Instead, they endorsed requirements that the president receive advice in writing from department secretaries, so that there would be a written record, said Chervinsky, also author of The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution. In 1796, Washington asserted what today might be called executive privilege, arguing that some diplomatic conversations had to be private given their sensitive nature. But the following year, the nations first president wrote about the need to build a library to house his papers for historians and researchers, Chervinsky said. Many early presidents kept meticulous records, including John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, both of whom wanted to be seen as a positive figure in history, Chervinsky said. Others, like Abraham Lincoln, had advisers who understood the importance of the era and documented history carefully. Other presidents often did not prioritize recordkeeping. Ulysses S. Grant, who left office in 1877, famously wrote, The only place I ever found in my life to put a paper so as to find it again was either a side coat-pocket, or the hands of a clerk more careful than myself. And it wasnt until 2014 when the Library of Congress, finally clear of legal battles that raged 50 years earlier with Warren G. Hardings family, released correspondence between the 29th president and his mistress, Carrie Fulton Phillips. Federally authorized presidential libraries did not exist until 1941, when Franklin D. Roosevelt opened his while still in office, although a mostly privately funded library established for Rutherford B. Hayes, who left the presidency in 1881, served as a model. Roosevelt also installed a White House tape recorder to capture conversations, a practice that mostly continued until Nixons Oval Office tapes upended his presidency. After President John F. Kennedys assassination, many of his presidential recordings were taken by his family and National Archives officials had to negotiate with Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., for public access, Peterson said. President Lyndon B. Johnson recorded phone calls that have informed historians for decades, including his 1964 lament about the Vietnam War: It just worries the hell out of me. Naftali said that in his role at the Nixon library, he saw drafts materials and the notes used to compile them that survived among presidential papers, even when the finished documents were shredded in Watergate cover-up efforts. You should want accountability whether youre a Republican or a Democrat or an independent, Naftali said. You want to know what people did in your name. Presidential clashes with archivists predate Trump Even after new laws saw Nixons White House tapes turned over to authorities, it fell to archivists to separate official and political material from the personal, which was potentially subject to more privacy protections. They also had to deal with voice-activated devices clicking on while Oval Office cleaning crews worked. More recently, President George H.W. Bushs administration destroyed some informal notes, visitor logs and emails. After President Bill Clinton left office, his former national security adviser, Sandy Berger, pleaded guilty to taking copies of a document about terrorist threats from the National Archives by stuffing them down his pants leg. President George W. Bushs administration disabled automatic archiving for some official emails, encouraged some staffers to use private email accounts outside their work addresses and lost 22 million emails that were supposed to have been archived, though they were eventually uncovered in 2009. The younger Bush also signed an executive order seeking to limit the scope of the Presidential Records Act for himself and past presidents. His successor, President Barack Obama, rescinded that. Obamas administration nonetheless moved to block release of White House visitor logs, something Trump continued in his first term. Congress updated the Presidential Records Act and the Federal Records Act in 2014 to encompass electronic messaging, including commercial email services known to be used by government employees to conduct official business. But back then, use of auto-delete apps like Signal was far less common. A decade ago, we were still in a Gmail, Yahoo, and AOL world, said Jason R. Baron, a professor at the University of Maryland and former director of litigation at the National Archives. The point is, its far easier to copy or forward a commercial email to a dot-gov address to be preserved, than it is to screenshot a series of messages on an app like Signal. Further complicating matters is Trumps routinely answering cellphone calls, including from reporters. Guidance dating back decades suggests documenting, through ordinary note-taking, the substance of conversations where significant decisions are made, Baron said. But he also noted that the rules are less clear than those around written communications, including texts. Such communications have already been at the center of advocates work to preserve records around DOGEs work. The administration has argued DOGEs efforts are subject to the Presidential Records Act which would potentially shield it from Freedom of Information Act rules. Ameys Project on Government Oversight sued, maintaining that Musks initiative should be covered by the Federal Records Act. Other advocacy groups have also sued DOGE over compliance with Freedom of Information Act requests, prompting the administration to file a one-page record retention policy in March that was revealed in court filings. It requires DOGE staffers to preserve all work-related communications and records, regardless of format which, if applied completely across the board, would include apps like Signal. Relying on an honor system There were efforts during the first Trump administration to safeguard transparency, including a memo issued through the Office of White House counsel Don McGahn in February 2017 that reminded White House personnel of the necessity to preserve and maintain presidential records. Trumps 2017-2021 administration also established a system to capture messages the president posted to Twitter even after he deleted them. When Trump frequently ripped up briefing papers and other documents when he was finished with them during his first term, record analysts working across the street from the White House later would gather them up and tape them back together as best they could. Experts and advocates say no such guidance memo has been issued from the White House this time, though William Fischer, the National Archives acting chief records officer, released a memo this month reminding agencies about rules for maintaining federal records created on apps such as Signal and recommending using automated tools to comply with the Federal Records Act. Trump has recently talked about his place in history, and officials around the president have discussed building a presidential library potentially in Florida when he leaves the White House for good. But Trump also long exaggerated his right to keep documents for personal use rather than turn them over to archivists. Under the Presidential Records Act, Im allowed to do all this, Trump wrote on his social media site in June 2023 after the FBI seized boxes of documents from Mar-a-Lago an assertion the indictment against him disputed. The White House says Trump was unjustly prosecuted on fake charges during that case. It points to having recently ordered the declassification of bevies of historical files, including records related to the assassinations of Kennedy, his brother Robert and Martin Luther King. The administration says it fulfilled records requests from Congress that the administration of his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, ignored, and offered instructions that federal agencies should clear out backlogged Freedom of Information Act requests. It says it ended the Biden-era practice of staffers using Microsoft Teams, where chats were not captured by White House systems. The Biden administration had more than 800 users on Teams, meaning an unknown number of presidential records might have been lost, Trump officials now say, though that is something Biden representatives did not confirm. But the White House did not answer questions about the possibly of drafting a new memo on record retention like McGahns from 2017. Nor did it comment about whether nondisclosure agreements remain in use for White House staffers this term, or speak to Trumps past habit of tearing up documents. Chervinsky, of the George Washington Presidential Library, said Congress, the courts and even the public often dont have the bandwidth to ensure records retention laws are enforced, meaning, A lot of it is still, I think, an honor system. There arent that many people who are practicing oversight, she said. So, a lot of it does require people acting in good faith and using the operating systems that theyre supposed to use, and using the filing systems theyre supposed to use. Angered by the role the National Archives played in his documents case, meanwhile, Trump fired the ostensibly independent agencys head, Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan, and named Secretary of State Marco Rubio as her acting replacement. Peterson, the former acting national archivist, said she still believes key information about the Trump administration will eventually emerge, but I dont know how soon. Ultimately things come out, she said. Thats just the way the world works. Will Weissert covers the White House for The Associated Press. English News China-U.S. economic, trade meeting in Geneva: an important step towards resolving differences through equal dialogue and consultation Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 18 Mai 2025 The road ahead may not be without challenges, but China is ready to work with the U.S. to build on the positive momentum of this meeting. With a practical attitude for solving problems, China will continue carrying out candid dialogues and equal consultations, exploring cooperation potential, extending the list of cooperation list, and making the pie of cooperation bigger, so as to promote the sound and stable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations, benefiting the peoples of both countries and the world. By Zhong Sheng, People's Daily On May 10 and 11, China and the U.S. had a high-level meeting on economic and trade affairs in Geneva, Switzerland. Through joint efforts of both sides, the talks were candid, in-depth, and constructive. The two sides have reached a series of major consensuses and made substantial progress during the meeting. They also agreed to establish an economic and trade consultation mechanism, marking an important step towards resolving differences through equal dialogue and consultation, and laying the foundation and creating conditions for further bridging differences and deepening cooperation. The meeting has received positive responses from international observers, reaffirming that maintaining the sound, steady, and sustainable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations serves the fundamental interest of both nations and peoples, which is also conducive to global economic growth. The stability of China-U.S. economic and trade relations bears heavily on the trajectory of the global economy. According to the Joint Statement on China-U.S. Economic and Trade Meeting in Geneva, both sides recognize the importance of their bilateral economic and trade relationship to both countries and the global economy, and the importance of a sustainable, long-term, and mutually beneficial economic and trade relationship. The high-level meeting achieved substantial progress by significantly reducing bilateral tariff levels. The U.S. will remove a total of 91-percent additional tariffs on Chinese products and China will accordingly cut 91-percent countermeasure additional tariffs against U.S. imports. The U.S. will suspend a 24-percent "reciprocal tariff" and China likewise will suspend a 24-percent countermeasure tariff. The positive responses from global markets indicate that these steps are in line with the expectations of producers and consumers in both countries, serving the interests of both nations and the world at large. As two major countries at different stages of development with distinct economic systems, it is natural for China and the U.S. to have differences and frictions in their economic and trade cooperation. The key lies in following the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, upholding the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, and resolving differences through equal dialogue and consultation. Over the past decades, China and the U.S. have developed deeply intertwined supply chains, industrial chains, and value chains. Their economic and trade relations are mutually beneficial and win-win in nature, while confrontation, conflict and trade wars serve neither side's interests. Trade tensions have had far-reaching negative spillover effects, ranging from restricting U.S. agricultural exports and disrupting global supply chains to driving up business costs and consumer prices. International observers have repeatedly warned that "nobody wins in a trade war," "tariff policies lead to a lose-lose scenario," and "protectionism offers no way out -- cooperation and mutual benefit are what people truly seek." The outcomes of the latest talks reaffirm that equal dialogue and consultation is the right path for resolving differences, aligning with the need to explore the right way for the two major countries to get along well with each other. The meeting has laid a foundation, clarified preconditions, and set parameters for follow-up negotiations. While it marks a promising start, a fundamental resolution requires the U.S. to fully reverse its unilateral tariff measures, continue to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, and work with China to actively implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state during the phone call on January 17. The two countries should move forward in the spirit of mutual opening, continued communication, cooperation, and mutual respect. China remains firmly committed to high-quality development, high-standard opening up, and continuously improving the business environment. The U.S. should work with China in the same direction to accomplish more substantial, practical and mutually beneficial outcomes for both countries and the world. The significance of the China-U.S. economic and trade meeting in Geneva extends beyond the specific outcomes. More importantly, the two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to resolving differences through equal dialogue and consultation. The road ahead may not be without challenges, but China is ready to work with the U.S. to build on the positive momentum of this meeting. With a practical attitude for solving problems, China will continue carrying out candid dialogues and equal consultations, exploring cooperation potential, extending the list of cooperation list, and making the pie of cooperation bigger, so as to promote the sound and stable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations, benefiting the peoples of both countries and the world. (Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.) Dans la meme rubrique : < > Low-altitude economy lifts off as Chinese automakers enter the eVTOL era China expands efforts to boost global e-commerce cooperation Legacy of Tea-Horse Road lives on at China-Laos border Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) In the world of international diplomacy, communication is about more than just transmitting informationits about creating a connection, engaging the audience, and making a statement. During President Trumps recent visit to the Middle East, while other U.S. embassies in the region shared standard diplomatic content, the U.S. Embassy in Qatar took a bold, creative approach to highlight the significance of the visit. Under the leadership of Ambassador Timmy T. Davis, a former Marine and current African-American diplomat, the embassy showcased a series of engaging videos that not only informed but captured the energy, excitement, and personal investment of the embassy staff in a way that felt fresh and relatable. One particularly memorable video, titled Hes Coming, presented a playful yet dynamic portrayal of the embassys readiness for the Presidents arrival. The video shows various embassy staff membersincluding a worker at a computer, a woman reading a book, and a Marine soldier exercisingsuddenly dropping everything theyre doing, running to their posts, and shouting, Hes coming! The urgency and enthusiasm in the video create an almost cinematic feel, making it clear that the embassy staff is fully engaged and ready for President Trumps arrival. This wasnt just about a formal visit; it was about embracing the importance of the moment with a sense of excitement and unity. Additionally, the embassy released another image titled The Man, The Myth, The Dealmaker in Chief is Coming to Doha, which cleverly played off President Trumps well-established persona as a negotiator and dealmaker. The image featured the President pulling a briefcase, with a plane flying overhead, symbolizing his role in global diplomacy while emphasizing the significance of the visit. It was a lighthearted but effective way to showcase President Trumps leadership while underscoring the strong ties between the U.S. and Qatar. What stood out in these efforts was the clear and unwavering embrace of President Trump and what he represents. The energy and excitement communicated by the U.S. Embassy in Qatar were more than just about the eventit was about showcasing a positive, unified front. The embassys team didnt just report on the visit; they showed that they were fully on board with the Presidents message, values, and vision. The staffs enthusiasm was not just a reflection of their professionalism but also a display of their commitment to supporting President Trumps leadership and diplomatic efforts. In contrast, when looking at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, there was less enthusiasm. While both embassies did provide some standard content, there was a noticeable lack of the same level of enthusiasm or engagement that the U.S. Embassy in Qatar displayed. The videos and posts from these embassies felt more reserved, and there was no clear sign that the embassy staff or leadership were embracing the visit in the same energetic or celebratory way. The excitement and commitment shown in Qatar were missing in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, leaving one to wonder why these missions didnt seem to convey the same positive energy or show as much love for the President during his visit. Even the words of the staff at these embassies didnt seem to match the tone of support we saw in Qatar. The U.S. Embassy in Doha, for example, sent a message with its content that made it clear they were completely committed to the visit and what President Trump stands for. This commitment was reflected not only in the creative videos but also in the language used. Thus, words like legend and dealmaker in chief helped frame the Presidents visit in a light that reinforced his leadership and global importance. It was a stark contrast to the more reserved and less enthusiastic tones we saw from the other embassies. Ambassador Davis and his teams efforts reflect a new standard for modern diplomacyone that blends creativity, storytelling, and a genuine embrace of the visits significance. By embracing President Trumps arrival with enthusiasm and innovative content, the embassy didnt just communicate newsit connected with audiences on a deeper level. These efforts by the U.S. Embassy in Qatar should set a new standard for how diplomatic missions should engage during high-profile visits. Whether its the Middle East, Europe, or elsewhere, diplomatic missions should make it a priority to actively embrace such visits and show support for the President in ways that are both creative and authentic. After all, a diplomatic visit is more than just a formality; its an opportunity to connect with both the local population and the broader international community. The U.S. Embassy in Qatar didnt merely report the eventit celebrated it, showing how powerful positive engagement can be in strengthening bilateral relations. Facebook screen grab (cropped). Palestinian Media Watch (PMW) is an Israeli NGO that gets no support from Israels government. Israel should fund this site because it publishes the truth about Israels mortal enemy, something that the Israeli government rarely does. Israels PR is notoriously anemic. PMW prints the truth about the enemy by simply translating its public media. Israels security arms are first-rate in demolishing buildings in Gaza, assassinating individual Jew-killers in enemy territory, destroying nuclear works in Iraq, Syria, and, now, the airport in Sanaa, Yemen, but never does official Israel demolish the enemys public diplomacy. That diplomacy takes the form of the Palestinian narrative, the enemys version of events that stokes the fire of their bottomless and infernal hatred of Israel. A royal seal, inscribed in Hebrew, from the time of Hezekiah (circa 726 to 697 BCE). Image by Ruben Betanzo S. CC BY-SA 3.0. Here are some recent words spoken on PA TV by four official representatives of the Palestinian Authority: a senior PA official, a senior adviser to the PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (a historian who denies that the Holocaust occurred), a senior Muslim cleric, and the governor of the Nablus district: The Palestinian people are a direct continuation of the original inhabitants from the Stone Age to the present. The Palestinian people were pagan, who worshipped El, Baal, Ishtar, and Anat, and they are the people that developed the concept of God and adopted the Jewish religion, Christianity, and Islam. Therefore, the Palestinian people own the land and history, and all the antiquities in it are the property of the Palestinian people. The Palestinian people are the legitimate heirs, and everything the occupation [Israel] says is untrue Everyone knows that the Zionist claims are no longer historically acceptable...So it searches for false ideas and narratives...to connect the Jew who comes from Poland, Russia, America or any place in the world as if he has an ethnic connection. Those [Jews] who remain today in Palestine as occupiers are Talmudist foreigners who stole the name Israel and ...The occupation wants to falsify the narrative... while the roots of the Palestinian people are planted in the land. The Al-Aqsa Mosque is our mosque, and they are talking about an alleged Temple, let them, for it is somewhere else, because there never was any Temple, presence or sovereignty of theirs here at this pure Islamic place, the blessed Al-Aqsa and occupied Jerusalem. No Temple ever existed in Jerusalem? This trashes Christian scripture as well as the Torah (the Bibles first five books). The New Testament contains dozens of references to it. What you have just read is a peek into the dark and serpentine byways of the Arab mind. History is whatever they want it to be. The Jewish Bible is not only a religious work with hundreds of laws. It contains the history of this nations first 1,000 years in its Promised Land, compared to the absence in the world of even one book on the history of the Palestinians there. The Israelite tribes formed a nation in the year 1313 BCE at the foot of Mount Sinai when they received their national constitution, the Five Books of Moses. They entered the Land of Canaan in 1273 BCE, followed by four centuries under the Judges, when they warred against Canaanites and Philistines but never against any Palestinians. Then came the united monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon, and the splitting into a northern kingdom called Israel and a southern kingdom of Judah. These kingdoms fought wars with each other, and were divided for the next four centuries under forty different kings, attacked by Assyrians and Babylonians, and later by Persians and Greeks, but still no Palestinians. The Jews freed themselves from the Greeks for two generations and then were overrun by the Romans for two centuries. To their cultural treasures, they added to the Five Books the histories of their kings and prophets, the Mishna, and the 18-volume Talmud. Meanwhile, the Arabs remained illiterate, nomadic, predatory brigands, outlaws for whom wealth was nothing that a man created but, instead, what he could steal. Finally, in the 7th century, two millennia after Mt. Sinai, one of the Arabs charismatic tribesmen in the Arabian Peninsula realized that the superiority of the Jews over his brethren in every way was because they worshipped one God, not hundreds of idols. Being a professional thief, he stole their religion to preach to his brethren his own perverted version of it. There is a school of thought that Muhammad studied in a yeshiva in Mecca but was expelled because the rabbis judged him unfit to convert, and this is why the Koran is largely a heavily plagiarized version of the Jewish religion. It contains dozens of Biblical characters whose stories are re-told, and in every case corrupted, with the most important intellectual property theft being the Islamic version of The Binding of Isaac. In Islam, the son chosen to be bound by Ibrahim was not Eeeshok but Ismail (those are the Arabic mispronunciation of three Hebrew names). And it took place in Mecca, not in Jerusalem, because, says Islam, the Jews were lying about the site of the future Temples where Jews had been praying for some 1,500 years before Muhammad was born. This story is so important to Islam that one of its few commandments is the obligation of a Believer to make the pilgrimage to Mecca, to the Grand Mosque in the center of which is the Kaaba, where the binding of Ismail took place. And when you ask a Muslim to explain the different version in the Jewish Bible, he says the Jews stole the story from Islam. And when you say the Five Books containing this episode were transcribed by Moses in the 14th century BCE and Muhammad would not be born for another 18 centuries, the Believer has a miracle story to explain how that happened. Now, fast forward to todays mobs of Jew-haters who believe foreign Zionists stole Palestine from the putatively primeval and indigenous Palestinians and therefore Israel has no right to exist. This was the great achievement of the late Columbia University professor Edward Said, who invented the Palestinian narrative with its lies and distortions of Zionist history that is inserted into a history of a Palestinian people that never was. Palestinian Nationalism recapitulates the birth of Islam (i.e. stealing in antiquity the Jews religion), followed today by plagiarizing their movement of national resurrection, Zionism. The Palestinians insist they are the legitimate, historic landlords of Palestine, not the Jews. Into the 19th century, before the rise of Zionism, the Land of Israel was a barren, uninhabited wasteland, indisputable evidence that in the fourteen centuries of Islam, the Muslims did nothing with it. They built nothing. It is never mentioned in the Koran. There never was a Muslim map displaying the borders of a territory they called Filistin as they do today. The truthful (not Arab) history of the last century and a half is plain: Zionist Jews brought the Holy Land back to life; the Palestinians built nothing. In 1905, when Paris, New York, and London were home to 2-3 million each, Jerusalem remained a dirty and dilapidated medieval relic of a town with 60,000 souls. Today, Jerusalem is a lively, cultured, capital city, home to about a million mostly Jews, with snarling Jew-haters worldwide crying that Jerusalem belongs to the Palestinians! It would take a whole book to explain official Israels psychopathological inability to destroy the enemies lies and fantasies. It can blast to smithereens their terrorist base called the Gaza Strip, but it leaves intact their fantasies and lies, which are the verbal hologram of a phantom Palestinian nation. Shai ben-Tekoas PHANTOM NATION: Inventing the Palestinians as the Obstacle to Peace is available at Amazon.com in hard cover or a Kindle ebook. His podcasts can be heard on www.phantom-nation.com. Some people can't be taught. That brings us to Downieville, a Gold Rush village up in the Sierras where an elderly woman living alone was mauled by a bear who broke into her house and killed her. According to the Los Angeles Times: DOWNIEVILLE, Calif. Patrice Miller, 71, lived by herself in a small yellow house beneath towering mountain peaks on the edge of a burbling river in this Sierra County village. She doted on her cats and her exotic orchids, and was known to neighbors for her delicious homemade bread. One fall afternoon in 2023, after Miller had failed for several days to make her customary appearance at the town market, a store clerk asked authorities to check on her. A short time later, a sheriffs deputy found Millers lifeless body in her kitchen. Her right leg and left arm had been partially gnawed off. On the floor around her were the large paw prints of a bear. Months after her death, officials would make a stunning disclosure, revealing that an autopsy had determined that Miller had likely been killed by the animal after it broke into her home. It marked the first known instance in California history of a fatal bear attack on a human. The Times frames this as a "debate" over bear management. It shouldn't be a debate at all, bears are to be shot if they threaten people, but with loonies like the following to reason with, I guess it gets to be a debate: We dont believe the bear did it, said Ann Bryant, executive director of the Bear League in the Tahoe Basin. And I will go on record as saying that. ... Weve never had a bear kill anybody. Well, the victim is in her grave, so now you do, except that Bryant's still living pre-bear attack on the Downieville woman. They only don't do it until they do. Yet she still defends the bear, like a stupid parent telling teacher her little Johnny wouldn't dream of pouring glue into another kid's backpack. She also says that the victim must have died first before the bear came in to eat her, being a nice bear and all: These people are using [Millers death] to try to start hounding bears again, said Bryant, who maintains that Miller, who was in poor health, must have died before the bear came into her home and devoured her. She would roll in her grave if she knew that in her death people would create a situation where people were going to mistreat bears, because she loved bears. Who cares if she loved bears? The bear loved her back, but only as his next meal. She could have had a sentimental love for bears based on misinformation about their actual nature as predators. But the idiocy is not confined to Bryant. The Time reports that there are a lot of them out there -- and they don't seem to live in the Sierras. Lawmakers representing conservative rural districts in the states rugged northern reaches argue that their communities are under attack, and point to Miller as one example of the worst that can happen. One solution they have pushed is changing the law to allow people to set packs of hunting dogs after bears to haze them. A similar measure has been floated for now unsuccessfully to ward off mountain lions considered a threat. Wildlife conservation advocates are aghast. They say turning dogs on bears is barbaric and wont make anyone safer. They contend the proposed laws dont reflect a scientifically backed approach to managing wild populations but instead are pro-hunting bills dressed up in the guise of public safety. The real solution, they say, is for humans living near bears to learn to safely co-exist by not leaving out food or otherwise attracting them. The victim's friend, quoted by the Times, said she wasn't feeding the bears. The local sheriff said the bears had gotten to be a problem: Longtime residents in the area were used to the challenges of living among wild animals. But in the summer of 2023, Sierra County Sheriff Mike Fisher said he started getting an overwhelming number of calls about problem bears. We had three or four habituated bears that were constantly here in town, said Fisher. They had zero fear. I would say, almost daily, we were having to go out and chase these bears away, haze them. The victim had told her friends she had beaten them off more than once -- she even gave them unflattering names, one of which was 'big bastard.' After Bryant said the bear wouldn't do it, she claimed the victim must have died first of natural causes before the bear broke in, and then argued that the victim must have been feeding them: We got calls [from her neighbors] that told us she had been feeding the bears, tossing food out to them, and let them come into her house, Bryant said. She added that some thought, erroneously, that the Bear League was a government organization, and maybe we had the ability to enforce the law against feeding bears. Well, which is it? Her precious bears wouldn't dream of killing a person, the bear ate its victim but didn't attack her, or the victim had it coming because she fed the bears? Obviously, bears eat people, and this thing ripped the bars off her window and busted through the glass to break in for the kill, leaving a huge pile of scat as its signature for the next people who entered the house. I know people who live in the Sierras -- on the southern side, not the northern half which is where this story took place. They are on guard against bears all the time, they cannot store food outside closely fitted metal containers, they often have to keep that food on the second story of the house (which they say is nearly useless as the bears can smell everything), and they must wear bear spray and air horns at all times when they go out. Guns for many are a matter of survival. The bears are out of control in the boondocks of California and environmental wackos, making bad laws and sentimental cases for bear conservation are getting it wrong all the time. The only people who should have any sayso in how the region deals with bears are the people who live there. That the bears have multiplied obviously speaks to bad environmental policies and management, too, probably related to the state's failures to clear its brush for greenie reasons, which has triggered humongous wildfires. Any questions as to why this region, particularly in the north, wants to secede along with western Oregon and join greater Idaho? The bears alone and the state's failure to deal with their proliferation is all by itself a good reason, given that now there are victims and the state has no plan to do anything about it. There shouldn't be any debate at all that this has got to stop. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License The legacy media made sure the entire world would know that Bruce Springsteen was attacking America, and more specifically, Donald Trump. It was a vicious attack, and inappropriate to a concert setting. My strong reaction surprised me, so examining it with whatever objectivity I could muster seemed like a good idea. The results of my contemplation helped me understand not just Bruce Springsteen (from a distance), but people who are like him. These folks think they are great patriots, but theyre wrong. Instead, they are betraying the country in an international setting. What did Springsteen say that was so repugnant? He referred to the country he loved and then proceeded to attack the President of the United States: In my home, the America I love the America Ive written about that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration. Tonight, we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American spirit to rise with us, raise your voices against authoritarianism and let freedom ring. This is Land of Hope and Dreams. Springsteen is clueless about the ugliness of his statements. He doesnt realize that he is telling an international audience a collection of lies, distortions, and misrepresentations about Donald Trump, in order to indulge his ego and his hatred. That was only the beginning of his rant. He continued at great length. Nearly everything he stated was untrue; Ive listed quotations below, followed by my commentary in italics: In America, they are persecuting people for using their right to free speech and voicing their dissent. This is happening now. (Hes probably referring to the pro-Palestinian protestors who have been apprehended for supporting terrorist groups.) In America, the richest men are taking satisfaction in abandoning the worlds poorest children to sickness and death. This is happening now. (This is likely referring to withdrawing funds allocated to USAID, an organization that was funding transgender education and procedures in foreign countries.) In my country, theyre taking sadistic pleasure in the pain they inflict on loyal American workers. Theyre rolling back historic civil rights legislation that has led to a more just and plural society. (These descriptions are so unclear that I cant figure out what hes talking about.) They are abandoning our great allies and siding with dictators against those struggling for their freedom. They are defunding American universities that wont bow down to their ideological demands. (Who are the allies were abandoning, and who are we supposed to be helping to be free? And expecting universities to decry anti-Semitism isnt an unfair ideological demand) The attacks go on, and are either impossible to clarify, are created out of whole cloth, or are not based in fact, but are, instead, saturated with leftist ideology. I understand that leftists are disappointed with the results of the 2024 election. But Springsteens attacks on the Trump administration actually summarize a plethora of problems that the left has created. He attacks the President of the United States with lies and innuendo, and he offers concert-goers an unpleasant political diatribe, where some of those attendees likely dont support his views or intentions. And saddest of all, he thinks hes being a patriot, even though by extension, his criticism of Trump degrades the United States. His hyperbole simply isnt convincing. Not a good look, Bruce. Thank you for illustrating how much you love this country. YouTube screen grab (edited). The big news from yesterday and today is that the tapes of Special Counsel Robert Hurs interview with Joe Biden about unsecured classified documents in Bidens garage became public. They showed a man who was obviously in the grips of senile dementia and who therefore had no business running anything, let alone the worlds most powerful country, one armed with nuclear weapons. Since I already knew in 2020 that Biden was suffering from dementia, a progressive conditionand then Id watched it progress for the next four yearsthe Hur tapes affirmed what I already knew. They werent news, indeed, to any conservatives. What has been newsworthy is watching the media try to explain away their failure to report on Bidens mental state, going so far as to actively deny what anyone with a functioning brain could see. Image created using AI. Outside of the leftist bubble, the cover-up, not Bidens dementia, has been the real news. And that gets me to something very peculiar about the release of the Hur interview tapes. To appreciate my point, you need to go back...back...back in time. The genesis of all this was the revelation in January 2023 that Biden had been storing in his open garagewithout any attempt at protectionclassified material that he either removed from the White House while he was Vice President or that he retained from his days as a Senator. Either way, he had violated national security laws and ought to have been hauled off then and there. Only the president is above those laws. No one else is. Well, thats the theory. In fact, Democrats and their allies always get a pass or, as happened with Bradley Manning, the whackadoodle who stole government secrets because he thinks hes a woman, a pardon. Instead of handcuffs, Biden was subjected to gentle questioning by Special Counsel Hur. In February 2024, Hur released his report about Bidens crimes. Ultimately, Hur pretty much pulled a James 8647 Comey. As you may recall, in July 2016, Comey gave a long press conference during which he detailed chapter and verse of Hillary Clinton intentionally bypassing national security protocols to run all of her emails while Secretary of State through an unsecured server in her bathroom. Then, he essentially added that she didnt mean to do anything wrong, so no sane prosecutor would indict her...and Hillary walked. Hurs version was a little different. After providing chapter and verse of Senator and Vice President Biden whisking secured documents out of the White House and the Senate, and then storing them in his unsecured garage, Hur had this to say about President Biden: We have also considered that, at trial, Mr. Biden would likely present himself to a jury, as he did during our interview of him, as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory. Based on our direct interactions with and observations of him, he is someone for whom many jurors will want to identify reasonable doubt. It would be difficult to convince a jury that they should convict himby then former president well into his eightiesof a serious felony that requires a mental state of willfulness. Hillary didnt mean to violate the law, and Biden couldnt remember violating the law, so both got a pass. Later, even the media, includingand this is importantAxios had to admit that the transcripts revealed Bidens confusion. But that didnt stop them from denying the claim that Biden had dementia and shouldnt have been anywhere near the Oval Office. Unsurprisingly, the Biden White House refused to release the Hur audio transcript. The last official word from the Trump White House, a mere nine days ago, was that it was considering releasing the audio. And then, miraculously, Axios released some audio yesterday and the rest of the audio today: Axios screen grab. Fair use. As best as I can tell, Axios does not explain how it got the audio, but its unlikely that it got it from the White House, which could simply have released the audio on its own initiative. That Axios released the audio makes sense because one of its writers, Alex Thompson, sat down with Jake Tapper to write Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, a book detailing exactly how demented Biden was, while simultaneously trying to explain how the nations crack, objective, totally professional press corps completely missed what was going on, even though it was obvious to anyone with a pulse. The Hur audio is obviously part of the books marketing campaign. But heres my question for you: Does the fact that Axios conveniently had the audio on hand for the books release suggest that it had it all along? And if thats the case (and Im not saying it is; Im just speculating), would that mean that the media were even deeper in the cover-up than all of us even guessed? As I said, Im asking questions based on funky facts, not drawing conclusions or naming names. Its just that I cant help but feel that the media havent merely been dishonest with the American people. Instead, theyve been really, really dishonest. If the Democrat party is beginning to appear tired and devoid of new ideas and energy, youre right, and thats not just because its leadership is composed of dinosaurs like Biden, Pelosi, Sanders, and Schumer. Even if you were to remove the fossils, the party would suffer from the same enervated, dated quality. Every one of its ideas is stuck in the past, and thats because its facts are stuck in the past. The latest example is the utterly fake claim that Matt Walsh was flashing covert swastikas on his X page. There are two factual lines to unpack here, so Ill start with the Democrat partys being trapped in the mid-20th century. Almost 20 years ago, when I was still writing as Bookworm, Thomas Lifson was kind enough to publish an essay I wrote entitled Regressives. In it, I pointed out that the Democrats political positions were tied to concerns in America that had been resolved decades ago. Image created using AI. Their anti-war stance saw them recycle the glory days of Vietnam. Its true that our foray into Iraq was a bad idea, although thats partly because the left, as it successfully did by the end of the Vietnam War, handicapped Americas ability to fight a war to victory. However, 21st-century leftists never acknowledged the nature of our enemy, which was a nation directly hostile to America that gave aid and succor to those who had just launched a war against us. This was different from Vietnam, which was a country trapped between two massive warring nations. What mattered to the leftists was that they could recycle their Vietnam-era slogans. Theyve been equally regressive on abortion, which theyre still framing as if its 1955. If women dont get abortions, the land will be littered with coat hangers and starving, pregnant teenagers freezing to death on sidewalks because their cruel, parents threw them to the curb when they showed up pregnant. Nowadays, birth control is available at grocery stores, Plan B comes via the mail, and out-of-wedlock pregnancy is so normalized that nobody cares. When it comes to race relations, its always 1963, with George Wallace talking about segregation today, tomorrow, and forever, and Orville Faubus turning firehoses and attack dogs on blacks. Leftists are unaffected by practical realities, such as a two-term black president, two of the most admired women in America (Michelle and Oprah) being black, the end of all racist laws, and the fact that Americansat least, white Americanshave abandoned anti-black racism. And of course, its always 1945, when the heroic Soviet Union bravely destroyed the Nazis (never mind the inconvenient fact that they were allies until Hitler violated the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact). Within days of the end of the war, the left had successfully deleted fascisms socialist roots, and attached the pejorative firmly to the Republican party, along with the contention that only fascists are racists (see, e.g., Hitler). Ergo, Republicans are racist and fascist. That last is a convenient narrative package that came together in a massive and entirely faked storm of outrage over Matt Walsh refusing to have a struggle session about a comment someone left on a tweet Walsh had published. And the reason the comment was allegedly so awful was because it had a subliminal swastika in it that you can totally see if youve had it repeatedly flashed before your eyes like some mid-20th-century brainwashing technique of the type last used in Zoolander. Briefly, Walsh attacked the claim that white people in South Africa arent native, despite having roots going back hundreds of years. A Trump hater came back with a response that includes an obviously AI-created picture showing several young blonde women: These people are native to Europe. Not the Americas or Africa. Sounds like you need to Google what the word native means. pic.twitter.com/W7XCUDDWuJ Quadcarl (@quadcarl_carl) May 13, 2025 Unbeknownst to all sane people, that photo is apparently a swastika. Now, you may not see a swastika, and I guarantee you that I dont see a swastika, but if you look really carefully, use your imagination, hate someone powerfully enough, and have a little help from animation, you, too, will magically see a swastika. I cannot embed the post that originally made that charge, which includes both a helpful animation and a red ink drawing, but you can see it here. Walsh had the appropriate response for this kind of thing, something all of us should commit to memory. (Language warning.) I've been in the middle of some bullshit outrage cycles in my day, but the one that some of you cooked up this week is probably the fakest of all. There are even "conservatives" hounding me and demanding that I apologize for a hidden swastika that someone else posted in a tweet https://t.co/gvqu2edWGL Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) May 15, 2025 I've been in the middle of some bullshit outrage cycles in my day, but the one that some of you cooked up this week is probably the fakest of all. There are even "conservatives" hounding me and demanding that I apologize for a hidden swastika that someone else posted in a tweet that I replied to. Just to be perfectly clear to all of the slimy little smear merchants playing this game: I apologize for nothing. I owe you nothing. I will not explain myself to you. You all know exactly what you're doing. If anyone is owed an apology in this situation, it's me. But I don't expect one because that would require a level of honor and honesty that none of these trolls possess. Piss off. All of you. There's my statement, for the many who have asked. Heres Walshs entire breakdown of what happened: I cant add to Walshs analysis about this latest iteration of the lefts mid-20th-century obsession with fascism and racism. However, what I can do is point out one other throwback idea were seeing today from the left. My father had on his bookshelf a slim volume that had been pressed upon him in the mid-1970s by an earnest leftist friend. It would, she said, reveal to him the malevolent capitalist machinations of big business to brainwash Americans: Subliminal imagery in advertising. The bookand it might have been Vance Packards 1957 The Hidden Persuaderspromised that, if you looked hard enough at its blurry black-and-white reproductions of ice cubes in scotch and Coke advertisements, or studied the swirl of hair in shampoo ads, you would be one of the enlightened who could see through the subliminal brainwashing. (Most of it, of course, being all about sex.) That is exactly what were seeing here with the Matt Walsh kerfuffle. In a way, conservatives are also locked in the past. Our past is the years from 1788 to 1791, the period of time over which the Constitution and Bill of Rights were ratified, complete with their timeless ideas about limited government and individual rights. The left, by contrast, is caught in a more recent past, one of tragic facts that are no longer operative and stupid ideas that really need to go away. There are some things upon which one can depend, among them death, taxes and never-ending Democrat attempts to disarm law-abiding Americans. To date, those attempts have been largely unsuccessful, though there have been exceptions like the Clinton Assault Weapon" ban of 1994-2004. That particular ban, in many respects the high point of anti-liberty/gun efforts from 1994 until today, sunset in 2004. By then, it was more than apparent the ban had no effect whatever on crime. Even Fact Check.org grudgingly admitted the truth. However, the ban did remove many Democrats from Congress, and those that remained abandoned any effort to renew the ban. That didnt stop Joe Bidens handlers from using Joe to claim the ban was a stunning success, and a new and improved ban ought to happen. Even the Democrat media, including Fact Check.org, was forced to admit the Clinton ban was a bust, Biden was lying about that and other gun issues and Bidens Handlers efforts almost entirely failed. Since then, a wide variety of attempts to impede Americans exercise of the Second Amendment have been tried: *Bans on bullets. *Limits on the number of bullets that can be purchased. *Magazine limit restrictions. *Bans on all manner of accessories like braces and bump stocks. *Bans on rifle pistol grips. *ruinous taxes on ammunition and guns. *Expensive and unnecessary training requirements enacted without completed training programs and requirements and insufficient numbers of instructors. *In-home storage requirements rendering guns useless in emergencies. *Expensive permits to buy, own or carry guns. *Slow walking or entirely denying permits. *Forcing Federal Firearm Licensees out of business. Virtually all such malicious infringement attempts are blatantly and explicitly unconstitutional under the Supreme Courts Heller and Bruen decisions. But the blue cities and states enacting them dont care. They know it could take years for their laws to be struck down, and in the meantime, they get to virtue signal and even bankrupt and imprison lawful gun owners made instant felons by their laws. They also get to waste millions in taxes to defend laws they know are unconstitutional paid by the very law-abiding people theyre trying to harass. As I recently wrote in Colorado goin down, the Democrat-dominated Colorado legislature recently all but outlawed semiautomatic firearms, and enacted a variety of bizarre and blatantly unconstitutional additional infringements that will surely be eventually struck down. But Colorado isnt the only state vying with California for top honors in anti-liberty/gun lunacy. Washington state is now solidly in the running: The state Supreme Court in Washington is the latest judicial body to conclude that bans on "large capacity" magazines are perfectly compatible with the Second Amendment under the dubious theory that magazines aren't "arms" at all, merely accessories to firearms that can be regulated without issue. Thus far, the ban extends to magazines capable of holding 11 or more rounds, so-called high-capacity magazines, but the precedent established allows banning every magazine of any capacity. If theyre not part of guns, why not? Graphic: Glock 19, Author Technically, detachable magazines are an integral part of virtually every semiautomatic firearm. Some, most notably some .22 caliber rifles, feed from under-barrel tubes, and even some pump action rifles and shotguns use detachable magazines. Without magazines, such weapons are reduced to very hard to load single-shot guns, so limiting their utility as to render them all but useless, which is obviously what Washingtons legislative and judicial institutions intend. Bruen made clear that any gun control law must demonstrate a clear historical precedent. There is, of course, no such precedent where magazines or magazine size is concerned. The Founders would have been delighted to have AR-15s with standardnot high-capacity30-round magazines. Technology changes, but the principles of the Second Amendment dont. To claim historical precedent, the Washington Supreme Court made a bizarre assertion: And though magazines are an inherent part of any multi-shot firearm, the Washington Supreme Court bizarrely contends that they are historically analogous to cartridge boxes. Magazines are the same as the packaging in which cartridges come?! In that theyre ironically right. Boxes of cartridges are of no more immediate use to an empty gun than are empty magazines or no magazines, and cartridge boxes are clearly not parts of any firearm. Its unlikely this law will be struck down by the 9th Circuit, which is arguably the most anti-liberty/gun circuit in the nation and the circuit most overturned by the Supreme Court. Should an appeal to the Supreme Court be necessary, it could easily take years for even a cert decision. The Supreme Court is in no hurry to resolve all the blue state gun issues before it. In the meantime, Washingtons Democrat legislators may become emboldened and entirely ban magazines. Thus far, theres nothing to stop them. On a different subject, if you are not already a subscriber, you may not know that weve implemented something new: A weekly newsletter with unique content from our editors for subscribers only. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. Comedian Joseph Charm has been sent straight through to the final of Britains Got Talent by his own mother after judge Alesha Dixon allowed her to press her golden buzzer. After finishing his routine on the ITV talent show, the comedian spotted his mother in the audience, and judge Simon Cowell called her on stage to sit in his chair, before Dixon took her hand and made her press the buzzer with her. Speaking after Charm was sent through, Dixon said: I loved you when I first met you, and I was praying tonight that you would deliver. Your energy, enthusiasm, passion and talent was shining in all its glory. Thank you for not letting us down and for making everybody feel good, that was a beautiful moment. We cant wait to see you in the final, lets go baby. Charm wore his childrens bracelets while performing and showed them to the camera while being interviewed by presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly. After being sent through, the comedian said: Guys, I need to tell you this before I go, its been exactly a year today since I left my job to pursue this dream, so here I am. Thank you god, thank you everyone. Dixon was placed in charge of the buzzer on Sundays show, which is being used at the semi-final stage for the first time in the shows history, with each judge being given the opportunity to send an act directly to the final. The Hear Our Voice choir were also sent through to the final after winning the public vote following a performance of Birdys People Help The People. The group are made up of people impacted by the Horizon scandal, which saw hundreds of subpostmasters wrongly convicted of theft, fraud and false accounting. Speaking after being sent through, a member of the group said: Thank you judges, thank you to the families, and thank you to the public. Following their performance, Cowell remarked: The fact is, this is still an ongoing story, and I really hope that this performance reminds people that there are still thousands of people out there who need justice. And actually, seriously, they should watch the drama (Mr Bates Vs The Post Office), which I did again, because this story is horrendous. I have so much admiration for all of you, every one of you, for coming out here and turning something genuinely miserable into something, I suppose, positive, and is keeping your story alive, which is really, really important. The judges were also impressed by magician TK Magic, who did not make it to the final, despite a performance which saw him ask judge Amanda Holden to pick a number, which corresponded to one of her phone contacts. Holden picked TV presenter Davina McCalls number, which eventually led to her being phoned live on the show, McCall picked up and was asked to pick a card, with the audience then holding up placards in their seats which displayed a picture of the former Big Brother presenter with her card. Before hanging up the phone, McCall thanked Holden for visiting her after an operation to remove a brain tumour, saying: I just very quickly want to say thank you to Amanda Holden, who, after my operation, made the (trip) all the way down the country to see me and I really, really appreciate you. Elsewhere, Papi played Robbie Williams Let Me Entertain You on a collection of squeaky toy animals including pigs, cows and chickens, with three judges pressing their red buzzer and agreeing they were out of tune. The winner of Britains Got Talent will win 250,000 and a spot on the Royal Variety Performance. Britains Got Talent returns on ITV1 and ITVX next Saturday at 7pm. Portugals Democratic Alliance leader, Luis Montenegro, speaking to reporters after the first exit polls on Sunday. Photograph: Horacio Villalobos/Corbis/Getty Images Portugals incumbent, centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD) has won the countrys third snap general election in three years but once again fallen well short of a majority as the underperforming socialists were left vying for second place with the far-right Chega party, which took a record 22% of the vote. By midnight on Sunday, with 99% of the votes counted, the AD led by the prime minister, Luis Montenegro had won 32.1% of the vote and taken 86 seats in Portugals 230-seat assembly, leaving it far shy of the 116 needed for a majority. The Socialist party (PS) had taken 23.4% of the vote t0 Chegas 22.6%, and the two were tied on 58 seats each. default Votes from abroad, which will be counted in the coming days, could still put Chega in second place, which would be the first time in almost 40 years that the Socialists do not finish in the top two spots. In the last election, held 14 months ago, the AD won 80 seats, the PS 78 and Chega 50. Despite not winning a majority, Montenegro told a crowd of supporters early on Monday he had received a clear and reinforced mandate from the Portuguese to govern. The people want this government and this prime minister, he said. Montenegro added that the Socialist party was apparently not inclined to negotiate any broad majority agreement, and that he was sticking to his promise of not having any deals with Chega. Just let us work, he said. Chegas leader, Andre Ventura, said his partys impressive showing at the polls well up on the 18% of the vote it took last time round had ended 50 years of conservative and socialist governments and killed bipartisanship in Portugal. We didnt win this election but weve made history, he told a room packed with jubilant supporters, adding he believed his party would still finish second. But Chegas elation will be tempered by Montenegros explicit refusal to strike any deals with Venturas party. Governing with Chega is impossible for three reasons, Montenegro has previously said. It isnt reliable in its thinking; it behaves like a political weathervane, always changing its mind, and its not suited to the exercise of government. The small Liberal Initiative party which could throw its weight behind Montenegro, bringing the AD around seven extra seats has also categorically refused to do anything that would help Chega into power. Despite the ADs victory, Montenegro will face another fragmented and awkward legislature if invited to form a new government by the president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, while the Socialists will be carrying out grim postmortems into what went wrong. Socialist leader Pedro Nuno Santos said he was stepping down early on Monday and that he would not be a candidate when the party holds an internal ballot to elect a replacement. Marina Costa Lobo, a political scientist at the University of Lisbon, told Agence France-Presse that Chega was the big winner of the night. Related: Centrist Nicusor Dan on course to beat far-right rival in Romanian election, exit polls suggest The early election was triggered in March after Montenegro used a confidence vote in his minority government to try to head off growing scrutiny relating to a data protection consultancy that he founded in 2021 and which he transferred to his wife and sons the following year. Faced with questions over possible conflicts of interest, the prime minister who has denied any wrongdoing or ethical breaches said he hoped the vote would end the atmosphere of permanent insinuations and intrigues. But he failed to win the confidence of MPs and a fresh election was called. The electoral campaign has focused on issues such as housing, public services and safety. Immigration one of Chegas priorities has also risen up the agenda, and Montenegros caretaker government was recently accused of pandering to the far right after it announced the expulsion of 18,000 irregular migrants earlier this month. Chega, which was formed six years ago, has sought to capitalise on widespread dissatisfaction with Portugals mainstream left and right parties as the country continues to suffer a housing crisis, soaring rental and property prices, stressed health and education systems, and an average monthly wage of 1,602 (1,346). But Chegas vows to clean up politics and its hardline stance on immigration and people abusing the benefits system have recently been undermined by the kind of corruption and sleaze scandals it has been railing against. In January, Venturas party expelled one of its MPs after he was accused of stealing suitcases at several airports. Another member of the party was caught drunk-driving the same month, while a third has been charged with paying for oral sex with an underage male who was 15 at the time. The Chega leaders final few days of campaigning were also interrupted by ill health. After twice falling ill at rallies this week and receiving hospital treatment for oesophageal spasms caused by gastric reflux and high blood pressure, Ventura made a surprise appearance at his partys final campaign event on Friday. Approximately 3%, or 330, of the ESA UK register of animals are classed as unusual, including donkeys, reptiles and a peacock. Photograph: Euan Cherry/BBC/Studio Lambert The only problem Kathy has encountered taking her emotional support rabbit into work is when a new colleague wanted to bring in her emotional support dog. Her dog was sweet but there was obviously a risk he might attack my rabbit, said the 28-year-old IT specialist, who uses a co-working office space in Bristol. That destroyed all the therapeutic benefits for me of having an emotional support animal [ESA]; the calm was gone. I went into hyperaware overdrive. Fortunately there was an easy solution: Kathy and her colleague coordinated their shifts. I work from home when she goes in and vice versa, said Kathy. Its a very small adjustment that means everyone is now happy. Rabbits are a fairly tame choice of ESA. The Business Disability Forum (BDF) says it has helped employers respond to requests from employees who want to bring in miniature horses, pigs (pot-bellied), donkeys, cats, rabbits, reptiles (a python and an iguana) and even a peacock. Related: Emotional support animals may be a thing, but seven tigers? Sorry, this fad has gone far enough | Elle Hunt ESA UK, a private registry where registrations have reached 11,000 since it was created in 2019, has bearded dragons on its books, as well as rats, gerbils and a range of birds. ESAs provide comfort and companionship to people with mental health conditions. Untrained, they largely offer emotional support through their presence. There is no recognised accreditation or database, but there is anecdotal evidence that ESA numbers are increasing: some GP practices are asked to sign so many letters of accreditation that they have started charging for the service. Pet chaos in courtrooms is now so common that the next edition of the Equal Treatment Bench Book, which provides advice to courts in England and Wales, will include guidance on the issue. ESA UK said employees were increasingly keen to take their pets to work and requests for their workplace assessment template had risen 80% in the last six years. Bela Gor, BDFs director of legal and content, said there has been an increase in ESA-related calls from employers. We currently get about two calls a month but each call is likely to be about more than one ESA: one employer had had requests from 10 different employees. Gor said ESA peacocks, pigs and pythons were niche choices. Employers up and down the country are not dealing with daily requests from workers wanting to bring in their ESA peacocks, she said. Just 3%, 330, of ESA UKs 11,000 animals are classed as unusual, but many organisations now specify which species of ESA they will allow. The Liberal Democrats, for example, will only accept ESA dogs at their party conferences. However, whether poodle or python, the Equality Act 2010 means employers must consider if they can make reasonable adjustments to enable employees with hidden disabilities, such as anxiety or PTSD, to bring certified ESAs into work. Gor said that whatever the species of ESA, it could be surprisingly simple for employers to make the necessary adjustments. But, she added, employers must decide what was reasonable and this included taking into account colleagues with objections based on allergies, phobias or cultural beliefs. For instance, some people would have cultural objections to sharing an office space with a pig, she said. Then there was the issue of how ESAs interacted with each other. Obviously its not good if theres one ESA that could endanger the life of another ESA, Gor said. Insurance was also key. If one employee is bitten by another employees ESA, who is responsible? she asked. While the evidence was anecdotal, ESA UK and the BDF said lockdown was a catalyst for people becoming dependent on their pets, as well as a growing awareness of mental health conditions. As to why people might choose a reptile over a retriever to calm their nerves, Doug Sanders, from ESA UK, suggested practical and personal factors. Space limitations or allergies may rule out dogs, he said. Other animals, like reptiles, offer specific therapeutic benefits, such as calming effects for sensory issues. The Panama-flagged oil tanker Eventin adrift off Germany in January en route from Russia to Egypt. Photograph: Havariekommando/EPA Calls to step up and coordinate action against the unflagged Russian shadow fleet of oil tankers in the Baltic Sea were made this weekend before the EU foreign ministers meeting on Monday, which is expected to impose sanctions on 180 ships. The inclusion of those vessels would take the total number of ships under EU sanctions to 350. Efforts to stop the shadow fleet, which is estimated to be carrying as much as 85% of Russias oil exports and so funding roughly a third of its budget, are seen as a critical proof of the EUs determination to keep the economic pressure on Russia. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, spoke on Saturday with the Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, over the latest steps against the shadow fleet, a group of 500 or so ageing and poorly insured tankers using flags of convenience to export Russian oil to countries such as India, in defiance of sanctions mounted in 2022 by G7 countries including Canada. But the Lithuanian foreign minister, Kestutis Budrys, said current enforcement was ineffective and now faced the threat of Russian military reprisals. Each day, about three loaded shadow tankers pass through northern European waters, including the Danish straits and the Channel. In a further sign of tensions, Russian authorities detained a Greek-owned oil tanker on Sunday after it left an Estonian port while sailing on an agreed route in Russias territorial waters. The Liberian-flagged Green Admire tanker had left the port of Sillamae in north-east Estonia carrying a cargo of shale oil, destined for Rotterdam, in the Netherlands. Budrys, speaking at the Lennart Meri conference in Tallinn, highlighted uncertainty about the law on interdiction in international waters, and fear of an all-out military confrontation with Russia. The Estonian defence minister, Hanno Pevkur, called for all ships under sanctions to be debarred from entering EU economic exclusion zone waters, as they are debarred from entering EU ports. The move would severely restrict the Russian fleet but would arguably breach maritime law. Related: Russias shadow fleet of oil tankers grows despite western sanctions The battle over the shadow fleet intensified last week when a Russian Sukhoi Su-35 jet flew into Estonias airspace in what looked like a reprisal for a tanker named the Jaguar, likely to be carrying Russian oil, being escorted out of Estonian economic waters by the countrys navy. It was not clear whether the ship, already subject to sanctions by the UK, was sailing without any flag registration, the surest legal ground for interdicting a ship. The Estonian navy believed the ship might pose a threat to nearby underwater cables, and contacted it to check its status and registration. Faced by resistance from the Jaguar crew, the Estonians drew back from trying to board the ship to inspect its cargo and instead escorted it into the international waters of the Gulf of Finland on its way to the Russian port of Primorsk. As the ship was being escorted, a Russian jet entered Estonian airspace for a minute without permission. It is seen as the first incident in which Russia has shown military force in support of the shadow fleet, and its first entry into Estonian airspace for at least three years. The fleet is thought to have expanded, possibly to as many as 700 largely uninsured tankers, to circumvent rules that deny high-quality insurance to ships carrying oil to be sold above $60 (45) a barrel. The innovative US-designed oil cap policy balances two objectives limiting Russian revenues for its war machine, while maintaining the supply of oil for the world economy. Ships that operate without insurance can be be placed under sanctions by G7 countries. Related: US vetoes G7 proposal to combat Russias shadow fleet of oil tankers Budrys said the paradox was that less than half of the ships under either EU, US or UK sanctions had been embargoed by all three. He said he wanted to see all ships in the fleet under sanctions, and for the level of proof required to sanction a ship to be reduced and standardised. Baltic states, he said, needed to clarify the unclear national protocols under the UN convention on the law of the sea (Unclos) about the right to inspect an unflagged ship, especially inside a countrys exclusive economic zone. Since last June, the Estonian transport agency has checked the documents of more than 450 ships, but the right to interdict in international waters is strictly limited. Budrys rejected the fears of some Baltic shipping companies that a more aggressive posture would lead to restrictions on freedom of navigation for western ships in the South China Sea. He said lawyers often advised ministers that the current law on interdiction was unclear, but he said there was no point trying to reopen the outdated Unclos itself, since the process would take too long. He said: Last weeks events involving Russian protection of the Jaguar through the use of Russian jets changes the overall assessment and picture. Russia now is showing force, creating an incident and even entering Nato airspace to protect these vessels. Since January, Natos Baltic Sentry mission has been established to protect the Baltic Seas critical infrastructure, principally undersea cables, but it has no direct responsibility over the shadow fleet. Budrys said: We need not only to continue Baltic Sentry, but to expand its mission, because the increase in the shadow fleet increases the probability of military incidents in the Baltic Sea. This is serious. But Benjamin Hilgenstock, the head of macroeconomic research at the Kyiv School of Economics, claims the oil price cap has proved unenforceable, partly since no means exists to check that oil has been traded at the declared price. Critics say that despite the existence of a 14-country shadow fleet expert group, there is no body coordinating enforcement action, or intelligence about the shadow fleet, with different countries adopting different approaches. John Mead, the deputy commander of Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum, stressed Natos focus was to protect underwater cables, but in pursuit of this had hailed 1,800 ships to check flag status. It was also launching a fleet of drones to improve monitoring. He added the Russians will exhaust themselves very, very quickly if they want to up their posture by escorting every single shadow fleet vessel through the Baltic Sea. Anna Wieslander, the director for northern Europe at the Atlantic Council, said in the middle of last year we realised that this not in parallel to Russias efforts sustain its war economy, the shadow fleet is at the core of its whole system. She said the episode last week showed the shadow fleet is at the core of their national security. The first step is to realise the magnitude of this for the war economy. We should sanction them all, why not? Victorian premier Jacinta Allan (left) and treasurer Jaclyn Symes. Ahead of the budget, the government is understood to be desperate to avoid hitting the $200bn debt threshold. Photograph: James Ross/AAP Theres no denying the mood within the Victorian government is unusually upbeat ahead of Tuesdays state budget. Instead of the usual warnings of tough or challenging decisions in the lead-up as has been the case in recent years the premier, Jacinta Allan, has spent the week unveiling a string of big-ticket announcements, each accompanied by a press release headed with the budgets title: Focused on what matters most. The government has committed $5bn for public transport, $727m for prisons, $61m in stamp duty concessions, $167.3m to support school excursions and camp and $976m for regional roads. The biggest announcement, though, Allan saved for the weekend, announcing plans to make public transport free for Victorians under 18 on Sunday and for seniors on Saturday. The cost-of-living measure will no doubt form the centrepiece of both the budget and Labors election campaign next year. While funding for the initiative has been locked in for four years, the government warn it may not survive under the Coalition. And more good news is expected to come, including anticipated $1.6bn operating surplus, as forecast in Decembers mid-year economic update. If it eventuates, it will be Victorias first since before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Though it carries political weight, the surplus is modest and economists warn it doesnt tell the full story. Dont be fooled by it: a problematic measure of success For economist Saul Eslake, one of his bugbears is state treasurers use of the net operating surplus as a measure of their budgets bottom line. My suspicion is, if you ask Jim Chalmers what was his net operating surplus, he wouldnt have a clue, Eslake says. And dont be fooled by it. He says the figure excludes the governments infrastructure and other capital spending, and in Victoria both are unsustainable. Related: What Victorias $5bn public transport blitz means for passengers Once both are taken into account, Eslake says the state is in a much more precarious position with the mid-year budget update forecasting cash deficits of $9.4bn in 202526, $7.7bn in 202627 and $6.8bn in 202728. Eslake says the states employee costs alone make up 38% of the budget vastly higher than the commonwealths 7%, as it delivers many more frontline services. The mid-year update forecast employee expenses to reach $38.4bn in 202526, a figure likely to grow as new enterprise bargaining agreements come into effect. And its not a new challenge. Former treasurer Tim Pallas made several failed attempts to rein in the public sector. One of the first acts of his successor, Jaclyn Symes, was to appoint Helen Silver, a former secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, to lead a review aimed at reining in public sector spending. Silvers interim recommendations are expected to be reflected in Tuesdays budget, ahead of a final report due in June. Signs of cuts to come as debt rises There have already been signs of cuts to come. Guardian Australia has previously reported significant reductions in court resources, community crime prevention initiatives and funding for organisations such as the RSPCA. Programs created during the early years of the pandemic that survived earlier budget culls are now also facing the axe. For economist Zac Gross from Monash University, the biggest concern is the states infrastructure bill. The December update shows infrastructure spending peaking at $21.7bn in 202526, then tapering slightly. But debt remains stubbornly high forecast to hit $168.5bn this financial year and climb to $187.3bn by 202728. Thats rising without any sign of hitting a peak, Gross says. If we get a sense of a peak in Tuesdays budget, Ill feel a bit more optimistic. The government is understood to be desperate to avoid hitting the $200bn debt threshold. Michael Brennan, a former deputy secretary of Victorias Treasury and chair of the Productivity Commission, has warned the states fiscal strategy needs a course correction. In a recent blogpost for research firm e61, he said the states interest bill forecast to cost $7.4bn in 2025-26 will rise 40% over the next four years due to higher rates and the need to refinance of mature debt. Victoria already pays more in interest than it spends on police. But this is only the beginning, Brennan wrote. Is Victoria on an improving trend? Another factor behind the upbeat pre-budget tone could be the states $7bn GST windfall over the next two years, along with billions more in infrastructure funding from the federal Labor government, as promised during the election campaign. The state delayed its budget by two weeks to see what it could secure. Related: Cost of crime crackdown criticised as Victoria prepares for influx of prisoners with huge jail spend Eslake says the windfall should be used to shore up the bottom line rather than spent. If all they do is rely on that extra $7bn from the GST and dont make structural changes, Id be marking them down, he says. Theres also been a softening in tone from credit ratings agencies. In one of his final acts as treasurer, Pallas visited New York to brief credit ratings agencies on Victorias position. Recent public statements, while not glowing, have been more forgiving than in previous years. Rebecca Hrvatin, an analyst with S&P Global Ratings based in Melbourne, said Victorias performance is on an improving trend but cautioned further progress depended on discipline. What well be looking for in the next budget is the states commitment to controlling operating costs and stabilising debt levels, she said. Fiscal discipline will be key to maintaining the ratings and containing the costs of the states large infrastructure program. Internally, Labor MPs have been urging Allan and Symes to show restraint and deliver structural improvements to the budget bottom line in time for the 2026 state election rather than resorting to any more new or increased taxes. One MP points to the controversial new emergency services property levy that passed parliament this week despite fierce opposition. During the debate, some CFA volunteer firefighters walked off the job in protest. We cannot afford more of that closer to the election, the MP says. That MP, along with others, hope discipline now will give the government more room to spend in 2026, which they say will be needed to secure a historic fourth term. But holding the line for the next 18 months wont be easy, and the challenge is significant. Among Allans cabinet, though, Labor sources say no one is more up to the task than Symes. Gerald Darmanin, right, Frances minister of justice and Jean-Paul Fereira, the first vice-president of the French Guiana Territorial Authority, arrive for their meeting in South America - RONAN LIETAR/AFP France is to build a high-security prison in the South American jungle for its most dangerous criminals. Gerald Darmanin, the countrys hardline justice minister, said the facility will open in 2028 in Saint-Laurent du Maroni in French Guiana, an overseas territory situated north of Brazil. I have decided to establish Frances third high-security prison in Guiana, Mr Darmanin told the Journal du Dimanche. Sixty places, an extremely strict prison regime and one goal to remove the most dangerous profiles involved in drug trafficking, he said during a trip to Guiana. My strategy is simple hit organised crime at all levels here in Guiana, at the start of the drug trafficking route and in mainland France, by neutralising the network leaders, and all the way to consumers. This prison will be a safeguard in the war against narco-trafficking, he added. The prison of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni was the main penal colony in French Guiana for more than a century - Fred Marie/Art in All of Us/Corbis via Getty Crucially, the prisons location will serve to permanently isolate the heads of drug trafficking networks since they will no longer be able to contact their criminal networks. Justice ministry officials also said that 15 places at the prison would be reserved for convicted Islamist radicals. Saint-Laurent du Maroni is a strategic hub for so-called drug mules, mainly from Brazil, who attempt to board flights to Paris carrying cocaine originating in neighbouring Suriname. A view of the Transportation Camp in Saint-Laurent du Maroni which closed in 1946 - JODY AMIET/AFP Mr Darmanin had already said in January he wanted to isolate the 100 biggest drug traffickers in a dedicated facility designed to stop them from pursuing their illegal business from their prison cells. Guiana is the most crime-ridden French department relative to the size of its population, with a record 20.6 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023, nearly 14 times the national average. Saint-Laurent was the location of Frances notorious Transportation Camp a brutal penal colony that operated from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century. The structure remains largely intact. The Israeli army has announced the start of a large-scale offensive in Gaza, describing extensive ground operations to seize operational control of swaths of the devastated Palestinian territory as a second day of indirect ceasefire talks in Qatar ended without any breakthrough. Israeli military officials said its forces had eliminated dozens of terrorists, dismantled terrorist infrastructure sites and [were] currently being deployed in key positions. Rescuers and medical sources said as many as 130 people, including many women and children, were killed in a wave of Israeli strikes overnight and through Sunday on neighbourhoods in the north, centre and south of Gaza. Hours after the military announced it had launched the new ground operation, the prime ministers office said Israel would allow some food into Gaza. Israel will allow a basic amount of food for the population to ensure that a hunger crisis does not develop in the Gaza Strip, Benjamin Netanyahus office said. Earlier on Sunday, Netanyahu signalled Israel was open to striking a deal with Hamas that involved ending the fighting, though the Israeli prime minister laid out conditions that have been repeatedly refused by the militant Islamist organisation. Even at this very moment, the negotiation team in Doha is working to exhaust every possibility for a deal which would include the release of all the hostages, the exile of Hamas terrorists and the disarmament of the Gaza Strip, his office said in a statement. Related: Israel accused of ethnic cleansing after more than 140 killed in Gaza in 24 hours A Hamas official told Reuters that Israels position remained unchanged. They want to release the [hostages] without a commitment to end the war, the official said. In Gaza, medical officials said they could not cope with the casualties from the most recent strikes. Hospitals are overwhelmed with the growing number of casualties, many are children, and are struggling with shortages of medical supplies, Khalil al-Deqran, the territorys health ministry spokesperson, said. More than 48 people were killed in airstrikes in and around the southern city of Khan Younis, some of which hit houses and tents sheltering displaced people, according to medics at Nasser hospital, who said more than half of the dead were women and children. Fatima al-Rahal, 34, who has remained near her ruined home in the northern town of Beit Lahiya described a nightmare. We cant sleep at night from the intense fear. The sound of the bombing is terrifying Our situation is worse than I can describe. It is truly catastrophic. We have nothing left but hope that this war will end as soon as possible, Rahal told the Guardian. Related: Gaza will be entirely destroyed, Israeli minister says Basel al-Barawi, 46, fled Beit Lahiya with his family on Sunday after 10 relatives were killed. Only a six-year-old girl survived, and she is now in the hospital. We started pulling them from under the rubble their features were disfigured, their bodies covered in dirt, their clothes torn. Their skin had turned grey from the ash and dust. I felt my heart tearing apart as I carried them, Barawi said. Israels offensive in Gaza has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the territorys health ministry. Israel has accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields, which the group denies. Hamas took about 250 hostages during its October 2023 attack on Israel, which killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Fifty-eight hostages are held by Hamas, most of whom are thought to be dead. The indirect talks in Qatar are reportedly focusing on securing a two-month truce, with Hamas freeing about half the 20 or so living hostages it is still holding. In return, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinians from its jails and end the total blockade it has placed on Gaza since early March. The US would offer strong guarantees to ensure talks about a permanent end to the war took place. However, sources on both sides said there had been no progress by late Sunday afternoon. In March, Israel refused to engage in talks about a second phase of a fragile two-month ceasefire that could have led to an end to the conflict and the release of the remaining hostages. It then cut off all supplies to Gaza and relaunched its air offensive. Netanyahu has been repeatedly accused of prolonging the war for domestic political reasons which he denies and has frequently promised that Israel will continue to fight until Hamas is crushed. In Israel, Einav Zangauker, the mother of a hostage still held by Hamas, said Netanyahu was refusing to end the war because of his political interests. The Israeli government still insists on only partial deals. They are deliberately tormenting us. Bring our children back already! All 58 of them, Zangauker said in a post on X. Hamas, which released a US-Israeli hostage last week as a goodwill gesture before Donald Trump travelled to the Middle East for a four-day visit, has always insisted on a deal that definitively ends the war and leads to the withdrawal of Israels forces. It has also refused to disarm or to accept the exile of its leaders. Israel, which claims Hamas systematically loots aid to fund its military and other operations, has put forward a plan to distribute humanitarian assistance from a series of hubs in Gaza run by private contractors and protected by Israeli troops. Related: Israel-backed food aid group admits it wont be able to reach most vulnerable in Gaza The US has backed the plan, which has been described as unworkable, dangerous and potentially unlawful by aid agencies because it could lead to the forced mass transfer of populations. Food security experts have warned that any delay will cost lives, and that cases of acute malnutrition, particularly among young children, are soaring. The massive new offensive, the recent strikes and the tight blockade imposed on Gaza in March by Israel have prompted a growing wave of international concern and anger. The UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, on Friday said the bombing campaign aimed at bringing about a permanent demographic shift in Gaza that was in defiance of international law and was equivalent to ethnic cleansing. April showers may bring May flowers, but the springtime also brings a bounty of baby animals to dens, nests, and pastures worldwide. Ranchers like Mikayla look forward to meeting their newest additions in the spring, but some special babies like Poppy the Highland calf capture the hearts of everyone in the herd. Highland cow Lily gave birth to Poppy in the early morning hours on May 12, and only 3 days later, the ranch's youngest resident was ready to play. She even began to make friends in the pasture, but her 'helicopter mom' was never more than a few steps behind. This first-time mom is taking her new role seriously! How sweet are these new besties? It's hard to believe that, even though they're the same size, one calf is weeks older than the other. Even Mikayla, who sees it all on her Montana ranch, is astonished at Poppy's size. "3 days?" asked commenter Dani. "I watched it twice just to be sure. This is so freaking cute." In a way, Poppy's large size helped her befriend the adorable Highland calf even sooner, so she has it to thank for the beginnings of their beautiful friendship. Related: Highland Cow Proudly Introducing Her New Calf Is Giving People the Feels No matter how big or how old these babies are, it's impossible to deny how adorable they are when they're hopping and frolicking in the pasture together. Leave it to baby cows to find a way to get even cuter! Speaking of cuter, check out this heartwarming sneak peek from the day Poppy was born. Her mom, Lily, was a rockstar, and her first impression was just as, well, huge as one would expect! This baby cow couldn't be any sweeter! She seemed to relax into Mikayla's touch as soon as she began petting her, and it makes me so happy to know that this kind of love is all she'll ever experience. Welcome to the world, Poppy! 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. The right to fish our own waters is not a footnote in trade negotiations - Nathan Laine/Bloomberg Vast and untamed, our seas are etched onto our national identity, character and heritage. Over millennia, our coastal waters have protected us from invasion, provided food for us and promised new horizons. Most of us still have connections to our coastline, from the millions of people who live and work by the sea, to those with fond childhood memories of building sandcastles. Post-Brexit, the United Kingdom has reasserted control over its waters, but that sovereignty is now under a new type of threat: a Labour Government willing to trade away our maritime birthright for some short-term favour with Brussels. Every time this Labour Government negotiates, from Chagos to the trade unions, Britain loses. The Conservatives negotiating the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement marked the beginning of our fishing freedoms. We couldnt get everything we wanted at that stage but we planned to strengthen these protections in the next set of negotiations. We had a guarantee that British boats would be put first in British waters and that our coastal communities would finally get a fair share. We gained control of 120,000 extra tonnes of catch, quotas worth 1 billion, and the power to say who fished in our seas, and when. Those gains are now at risk. The right to fish our own waters is not a footnote in trade negotiations. It is a pillar of our food security, and a livelihood for many who work on boats, in fish processing or in hospitality. Yet Labour, in its sly march back to Brussels, is preparing to sell them out instead of negotiating an even better deal. This is a betrayal of our coastal communities and a reckless gamble with our sovereignty and food security. Reports suggest Keir Starmer is entertaining deals that would give EU fleets, particularly French boats, renewed access to British waters. The very waters the public fought to take back control of just four years ago. At the heart of this fight lies the 0-12 nautical mile zone, the vital strip of water our inshore fleets have worked for generations. Existing EU proposals seek access to this zone, and Labour refuses to rule them out. Labours willingness to let foreign boats trawl this narrow band guts both our sovereignty and our sustainability goals. That zone must be protected, and it must be for British vessels only. The last 10 months of this Labour Government shows that when tough calls are needed, Labour folds. And when our national interest is on the table, Labour reaches for a Brussels placard faster than it will ever back a British fishing or farming family. This Labour Government seem set on tying our country into a multi-year deal that leaves us with all the obligations and none of the leverage or power benefitting the French. While other independent coastal states such as Iceland, Norway, and even the Faroe Islands, negotiate annually based on need and with the hope of getting better deals in the future, Labour would lock us in with no say or power to change. The current quota allocation system remains skewed and fails to reward those who fish sustainably or contribute most to their local economies. A rebalancing is long overdue and would reflect the principles of post-Brexit independence. Hidden inside these deals are the traps: retaliatory tariffs, trade punishments, clauses that let Brussels squeeze us any time we stand up for ourselves. We say no. The Conservative Party will not sit back while Labour unravels what we fought to restore. A future Conservative government will reverse any deal that breaks our five Brexit tests or damages the United Kingdoms interests. We will not let it reduce our fishing communities to pawns in foreign policy. We will stand with those who have always stood with Britain in rough seas or calm. We Conservatives will fight to keep control of our waters. Our national identity, history and economy demands this. Victoria Atkins is the shadow environment secretary Sir Keir Starmer will announce the deal with Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission - Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images Labour rebels have turned on Sir Keir Starmer over his reset deal with the European Union. The agreement, to be announced on Monday by the Prime Minister and Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, will mark Britains biggest move towards Brussels since the 2021 EU trade deal. The reset deal will commit to plans allowing young EU migrants to move to Britain and force the UK to follow European food standards, in what Brexiteers said amounted to the worst of both worlds. Labour MPs warned that the agreement would drive voters into the arms of Reform UK and flood Britain with more foreign workers, undermining Sir Keirs pledge last week to crack down on immigration. Downing Street will focus on a new defence and security pact with Europe, which will give British firms access to a 150 billion fund to rearm against Vladimir Putin. Access to the EUs Security Action for Europe fund will boost domestic defence production, subject to a cap on the proportion of the proportion of European money that can be spent in the UK. But MPs are concerned about the youth mobility deal and dynamic alignment with Brussels on food standards, which will subject the UK to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Jo White, the Bassetlaw MP who leads Labours Red Wall group in Parliament, said that the deal would see Labour tighten immigration with one hand and potentially loosen the strings with the other. Baroness Hoey, a Brexiteer and former Labour MP, said it would drive Nigel Farages party higher in the polls after its seismic victory at the local elections earlier this month. She said: [Sir Keir] will pay the penalty in Labour areas where he seems to think that Labour voters have kind of given up on Brexit, which is not in the slightest bit true, and which Reform has shown isnt true. I think this will be a very big boost for Reform and another move towards the ending as soon as possible of a Labour Government. Kate Hoey was a prominent Labour voice for Brexit - Leon Neal/AFP via Getty Sir Keir and Mrs von der Leyen are expected to meet for talks at Lancaster House on Monday and have lunch on HMS Sutherland, the Royal Navys fastest frigate, which is currently moored on the Thames. They will then host a press conference. Eleventh-hour talks in Brussels ended without a deal on Sunday night, after the EU introduced a new demand for a decade of fishing rights in British waters. Negotiators were set to return to the table on Monday morning, hours before the deal is due to be announced. Downing Street hopes to frame the agreement as the third diplomatic coup for Sir Keir in as many weeks, after he signed trade deals with the US and India. However, experts have said aligning more closely with the EU on food standards could sink a further agreement with Donald Trumps administration on food exports, which have become a major sticking point in previous negotiations. High risk of litigation Shanker Singham, a trade expert and former government adviser, said the deal will certainly make any deal [with the US] more difficult, and exposes the UK economy to a high risk of litigation. Dynamic alignment would mean Britain is obliged to change its rules on food standards when the EU does the same. Ministers are expected to argue that Parliament will retain sovereignty over the rules because any change could still be blocked by MPs, but in practice key decisions will be made in Brussels. Graham Stringer, a Labour MP, said that accepting EU standards completely undermines the whole reason for being out. I think dynamic realignment is definitely a betrayal because its giving everything up, he said. Anger is also evident at grass-roots level. David Littlefair, the founder of the Labour Beyond Cities pressure group, said: Labour should have kept with Brexit and supported it. It would be a mistake to build a party platform that looks like an alternative to Farage by throwing the principles behind Brexit under the bus. The prospect of a Labour rebellion comes as at least 130 of the partys MPs prepare to face down the Government over benefit cuts, and publicly question Sir Keirs electoral strategy. MPs in some areas of the North and Midlands complain that a mobility deal for under-30s in Europe will have little impact on their constituencies. Sir Sadiq Khan, the Labour Mayor of London, praised the plan, saying it would put rocket boosters up businesses in London where we have critical gaps in hospitality, in creative industries, in health and social care, in other sectors. Ms White, whose constituency is in north Nottinghamshire, said: I dont see young people from areas like mine benefiting from it unless there are very clear parameters. If this just becomes a way of overseas kids filling the low-paid job vacancies in London rather than looking to see how young people from areas like mine could be opened up to opportunities and experiences that they would never have otherwise dreamed of, then I would really question the value of it. Nick Thomas-Symonds, Labours minister for EU relations, rejected criticism on Sunday, insisting that any mobility scheme would be smart and controlled. But the scheme threatens to undermine Sir Keirs crackdown on net migration, announced last week with an immigration White Paper that he said would prevent the UK becoming an island of strangers. He did not say how much he hoped to bring down migration numbers, but said the change would be significant. Boon for holidaymakers Mondays deal is also expected to include an agreement that British travellers can use electronic passport gates at European airports, which will reduce queues for holidaymakers. But Brexiteers, including within the Conservative Party, say the benefits of the deal are outweighed by concessions on sovereignty that undermine the EU referendum vote. Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative Party leader, said: Accepting EU rules without having any say in how those rules are made is madness and the worst of both worlds. The Brexit vote was a vote to take back control. Ceding that control to the EU after everything weve been through is a betrayal of the 2016 vote. Mr Thomas-Symonds rejected that argument, telling the BBC that the Government was making a sovereign choice as to the standardswe wish to align. Government sources said Sir Keir would only agree a deal that delivers in the national interest of the United Kingdom and that there were outstanding issues on both sides. Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV met JD Vance, the US vice-president, after calling for peace in martyred Ukraine. On Sunday morning, Mr Vance attended the inauguration Mass of Leo, the first pope from the United States. Prior to becoming pope, Leo expressed disapproval of the Trump administration and shared an article suggesting that Mr Vance was wrong to say Jesus asked Catholics to rank their love for others. In 2017, before the Pope was even a cardinal, he shared a message of support for dreamers, the undocumented migrants brought to the US by their parents when they were children. The 69 year-old told world leaders and royals at his inauguration: The martyred Ukraine is waiting for negotiations for a just and lasting peace to finally happen. Before the Mass, Mr Vance shook hands with Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he had not seen since their disastrous White House encounter on February 28. The two also met later at the US embassy. The Popes meeting with Mr Vance comes ahead of a phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin on Monday as pressure builds on Russia to sign up to a ceasefire plan drawn up by Ukraine, Europe and the US. Emotional inauguration Pope Leo fought back tears during the Mass when he was handed the ring that formally marked the beginning of his papacy. The pontiff appeared to choke up as Cardinal Luis Tagle slipped the Fishermans Ring onto his finger before the estimated 250,000-strong crowd gathered in the Vaticans St Peters Square. World leaders travelled from across the globe to witness the historic moment, among them Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, and JD Vance, the US vice-president, in their first meeting since a fiery Oval Office clash in February. Setting the tone for his papacy, Pope Leo used his first homily to speak up for the climate and the poor. In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earths resources and marginalises the poorest, he said. Pope Leo XIV appears before crowds gathered in St Peters Square - FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP The Fishermans Ring authenticates the Popes role as the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide and was named in honour of Saint Peter, the first pope, who was a fisherman by trade. The pontiff will spend the remainder of his day meeting with delegates from around 200 countries, before holding a private audience with Mr Zelensky, in what the Ukrainian delegation will hope signals a papacy sympathetic to Kyivs cause. During his final Regina Coeli prayer, marking the end of the service, the Pope addressed a number of global conflicts. He said: The martyred Ukraine is waiting for negotiations for a just and lasting peace to finally happen. The pontiff then noted that in Gaza, children, families and elderly survivors are reduced to hunger, before adding that in Myanmar, new hostilities have destroyed innocent young lives. World leaders attend The presidents of Peru, Nigeria and Israel were present for the two-hour ceremony, alongside the prime ministers of Canada, Australia and Italy, as well as Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, and many European royals. David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, and the Duke of Edinburgh, who was representing the King, were among attendees. St Peters Square was transformed with a rich display of ancient religious rites including the draping of a white, woollen pallium vestment symbolising the Pope as a good shepherd. Ancient hymns filled the air and the Gospels were read in both Latin and Greek, symbolising unity between the western and eastern churches. Papa bueno, bueno, gushed one elderly Peruvian in the crowd, giving a thumb-up sign when asked what he thought. I know many people who have known Pope Leo for years and they all say is very calm and centered, Cathleen Falsani told The Telegraph. Ms Falsani, a veteran writer on religion, was covering the inauguration for the pontiffs hometown newspaper, the Chicago Sun-Times. She added: Given all the relentless political shock and awe happening in the US right now, well he is the antidote to that, and I think his super calm, midwestern, salt-of-the-earth presence is being well received. 01:16 PM BST Thats it for today Thanks for following our liveblog today on the Popes inaugural mass. Here is a summary of the days main events: Pope Leo XIV has delivered his inaugural mass to an estimated 250,000 people gathered in the Vaticans St Peters Square in what marked the official beginning of his papacy. The service was attended by world leaders including Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president; JD Vance, the US vice-president; Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state; Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister; Mark Carney, the Canadian prime minister; and Britains the Duke of Edinburgh. The pontiff will hold a private audience with Mr Zelensky later this afternoon, the Vatican has said, after the pontiff called for a just and lasting peace in a martyred Ukraine during his final prayer. Mr Zelensky and Mr Vance shook hands with the eyes of the world upon them in their first meeting since their fiery Oval Office clash in February. The Pope fought back tears as he was presented with the symbolic Fishermans Ring by Cardinal Luis Tagle and used his inaugural homily to speak about the climate and the poor. Thats it for today. You can find more of our coverage on the new Pope here. 01:07 PM BST Inaugural mass concludes Pope Leos inaugural mass as leader of the worlds 1.4 billion Catholics has now ended. The pontiff will spend the remainder of his day meeting with delegates from around 200 countries, who travelled to the Vatican to witness the historic service. The Vatican has confirmed the Pope will hold a private audience with Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, this afternoon, in what his delegation will hope could signal a papacy sympathetic to Kyivs cause. Pope Leo will have to toe a difficult line during discussions about Ukraine, one that left his predecessor facing criticism for being soft on Russia. With Francis battling to balance papal neutrality with calls for peace, the late pope made several comments that left Ukrainians feeling frustrated with the Vatican from encouraging Ukraine to have the courage of the white flag in negotiations to calling Ukrainians and Russians brothers. Pope Leo now has the unenviable task of trying to navigate future discourse around the war with all the impartiality of a religious leader but diplomatic tact of a man striving for peace. 12:28 PM BST JD Vance shakes hands with Pope JD Vance has met the Pope after his inaugural mass in the Vaticans St Peters Square. The US vice-president was among a line of dignitaries queuing to shake hands with the pontiff once the service had ended. JD Vance, the US vice-president, and Pope Leo XIV shake hands - ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP 12:12 PM BST Pope on Gaza and Myanmar conflicts Pope Leo XIV used his Regina Coeli prayer at the end of the mass to not only call for peace in Ukraine but to address conflicts in Gaza and Myanmar. The pontiff noted that in Gaza, children, families and elderly survivors are reduced to hunger before adding that in Myanmar, new hostilities have destroyed innocent young lives. 11:59 AM BST Pope Leo XIVs inaugural mass: In pictures Pope Leo XIV swings a thurible of incense around the altar while leading the Holy Mass for the Beginning of his Pontificate - ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP The pontiff lowers his head in prayer while delivering the Regina Coeli prayer at the end of the Mass - ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP 11:39 AM BST Pope speaks out for martyred Ukraine Pope Leo XIV will hold an audience with Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, after his inaugural mass, the Vatican said in a statement. The new Catholic leader referred to the Ukraine-Russian conflict in his Regina Coeli prayer at the end of the mass, saying: The martyred Ukraine is waiting for negotiations for a just and lasting peace to finally happen. 11:24 AM BST Pope Leo greeted crowds from popemobile ahead of mass Pope Leo XIV made his debut tour of St Peters Square on Sunday in his popemobile, greeting tens of thousands of pilgrims and well-wishers ahead of his inauguration mass. Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost, who became head of the worlds 1.4 billion Catholics on May 8, stood in the white vehicle as it drove through cheering crowds, smiling, waving and making the sign of the cross. Pope Leo XIV greets crowds ahead of inaugural mass from his popemobile - Alessandro Garofalo/Reuters 11:15 AM BST Popes inaugural mass: In pictures Prince Albert II of Monaco (second left) and his wife Princess Charlene of Monaco (left), alongside heads of state from Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and Spain have been spotted in the crowd - FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP Crowds line St Peters Square during the Popes inaugural mass and address - ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP Nuns close their eyes in prayer during Pope Leos address - Christopher Furlong/Getty 10:55 AM BST Vance and Zelensky shake hands From Telegraph correspondent Andrea Vogt in St. Peters Square Before the mass began, Mr Vance and Volodymr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, who was also in attendance with his wife, Olena Zelenska, briefly greeted one other, shaking hands. It was a strikingly different atmosphere from their last bristly encounter at the White House in February, when Mr Vance branded the Ukrainian president disrespectful and said he had not shown enough deference to Donald Trump. Zelensky and Vance shake hands in first meeting since fiery Oval Office clash - ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP All smiles. The pair were the picture of civility as they greeted one another before the service - JACQUELYN MARTIN/AFP 10:37 AM BST Pope Leo finishes homily From Telegraph correspondent Andrea Vogt in St. Peters Square Pope Leo has finished his fairly short homily with the message this is the hour for love. The square is filled with colour and ancient harmonies a spectacular ritual. Crowds spill out of St Peters Square in the Vatican as they gather to hear his inaugural mass - ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP 10:32 AM BST Value social and religious culture of every people Pope Leo warns we must learn to move beyond our differences in a way that values the social and religious culture of every people. The pontiffs words could be considered particualrly impactful as several global leaders are gathered in the crowd listening on. He said: This is the missionary spirit that must animate us, not closing ourselves off in our small groups nor feeling superior to the world. We are called to offer gods love to everyone in order to achieve that university that does not cancel out differences but values the personal history of each person and the social and religious culture of every people. 10:30 AM BST Build a new world where peace reigns The Pope has called on those gathered to build a new world where peace reigns during his homily. The pontiff also seized the moment to offer a rare critique on the economy, saying it exploits the earths resources and marginalises the poorest. Pope Leo continued: We want to say to the world with humility and joy look to Christ come closer to him. Welcome his world that enlightens and consoles. Listen to his offer of love and become his one family in the one Christ, we are one. This is the path to follow together, among ourselves, but also with our sister Christian churches, with those who follow other religious paths, with those who are searching for God. With all women and men of goodwill in order to build a new world where peace reigns. 10:24 AM BST Readings given in both Spanish and English From Telegraph correspondent Andrea Vogt in St. Peters Square Readings have been given in both Spanish and English. The gospel is being read in both Greek and Latin, meant to underscore the unity of the Church and remind the faithful that the Pope serves both Latin Catholics Latin is the language of the Roman rite and Eastern Catholics (Greek). It is a poignant reminder of just how ancient these rituals are. The pontiff has received the pallium, a woollen vestment framed over his shoulders, which is a symbol of his pastoral authority the Pope as a good shepherd and is now receiving the gold fisherman ring, in honour of St Peter, a fisherman who was the first pope. The Pope smiled warmly and seemed to be visibly moved when the ring was put on his finger. He then patted his heart to thank the audience for their applause. 10:20 AM BST Too much hatred and violence in world, says Pope The Pope has said there are too many wounds caused by hatred in the world in his inaugural mass. The pontiff told those gathered: Brothers and sisters, I would like that our first great desire, be for a united Church. A sign of unity and communion, which becomes a level for a reconciled world. In this time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference. He said the Catholic Church sought to be a source of unity, communion nd fraternity within the world. 10:12 AM BST Lord wants us to be united family, says Pope Pope Leo has used his initial address to spread a message of love and unity as entrusted to Saint Peter, the first pope, by Jesus. He told the 250,000-strong crowd I was chosen without any merit of my own and now with fear and trembling, I come to you as a brother who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy. He added that the Lord wants us to be united in one family and that He never abandons his people but guards them as a shepherd guards his flock. 10:07 AM BST Pope begins homily with heart full of gratitude The Pope said he is addressing the some 250,000 people gathered for the inaugural mass with a heart full of gratitude. The pontiff added that while the death of Pope Francis filled our hearts with sadness, he had left a precious gift to his followers in his final blessing on Easter Sunday. 10:03 AM BST Pope greeted by cardinals Senior members of the Catholic Church are now approaching the altar to greet the Pope in a show of their allegiance. The process began with the Vaticans cardinals, who were ultimately responsible for Pope Leo being elected as pontiff during the conclave, before moving onto the wider Catholic community. Clery gather at their seats during the inaugural mass - Getty 10:00 AM BST Cardinal Luis Tagle presents Fishermans Ring Luis Tagle, a Filipino cardinal who was himself considered a candidate for the papacy, has now taken to the altar for a reading. Cardinal Tagle then placed the Fishermans Ring, a symbol of unity, on Pope Leos finger and the two shake hands warmly. The ring was named in honour of Saint Peter, the first pope, who was a fisherman by trade. Cardinal Luis Tagle places Fishermans ring on hand of Pope Leo - Stefano Costantino/AP 09:52 AM BST Which world leaders are attending? Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, will represent King Charles at the inauguration, Buckingham Palace said. Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife, Elena, is also in attendance. The Ukrainian presidents top aide said Mr Zelensky hopes to hold talks with other world leaders during his visit to the Vatican, a decision likely to have been inspired by his successful meeting with Donald Trump at Pope Franciss funeral last month. While the US president will not be in attendance this time around, JD Vance and his wife, Usha, will appear on the administrations behalf in what could mark the vice-presidents first meeting with Mr Zelensky since the pairs fierce Oval Office clash in February. Mr Vances appearance is particularly notable as he was the last world leader to speak with the late Pope Francis, only hours before his death on Easter Monday. Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state and a Catholic, will also attend. Lastly, Mark Carney, the Canadian prime minister, has confirmed he will be among the world leaders at the mass and hopes the gathering coulf offer the opportunity for diplomatic talks. 09:39 AM BST Who is Pope Leo XIV? Pope Leo XIV was the name taken by Robert Prevost, the first elected North American leader of the Catholic Church, last month in what many saw as a surprising and historic result. Pope Leo, 69, has broken the long-held taboo that an American could never be pope the thinking used to be that the US was the worlds only superpower and had more than enough geopolitical influence, without taking over the papacy as well. The appointment was welcomed by Donald Trump, the US president, who posted on social media at the time: I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment! Pope Leo has become the 267th pontiff, after Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, died on Easter Monday. 09:33 AM BST Estimated 250,000 people gather for mass Pope Leos inaugural mass is expected to draw a crowd of around 250,000 pilgrims, alongside a host of world leaders and royals, including JD Vance, the US vice-president, Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, and Britains Prince Edward. Throngs of people have packed into the Vaticans St Peters Square for the ceremony, which marks the official beginning of Pope Leos papacy. Pontiff greets crowds from his popemobile - Antonio Masiello/Getty Some 250,000 pilgrims are expected to gather for the Popes inaugural mass - Domenico Stinellis/AP Some in the crowd held American flags in a nod to the Chicago upbringing of Robert Prevost, the now Pope Leo XIV - Gregorio Borgia/AP 09:27 AM BST Popes first address to crowd From Telegraph correspondent Andrea Vogt in St. Peters Square We have heard Pope Leo XIVs voice for the first time today as he makes the sign of the cross in Latin, saying In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen. This is traditionally how popes begin the Eucharistic celebration during the Mass for the inauguration of his pontificate. He is now sprinkling holy water. Pope bows head in prayer as he addresses crowds at the beginning of his inaugural mass - Yara Nardi/Reuters 09:23 AM BST History in the making From Telegraph correspondent Andrea Vogt in St. Peters Square Pope Leo XIV has greeted enthusiastic crowds, smiling and waving from his white open air popemobile on a splendid spring morning in Rome as his inaugural service gets underway. Many are watching on massive screens installed throughout St. Peters Square. There are several delegations from the US and Latin America present. Papa bueno said one Peruvian, giving a thumbs up as the Pope passed by. This is history in the making, said Rob from Dallas, Texas. Our friends in Chicago are ecstatic! 09:20 AM BST Meloni spotted in the crowd Giorgia Meloni has been spotted among those gathering for the official beginning of Pope Leos papacy. The Italian prime minister chatted with Sergio Mattarella, the Italian president, and Volodymyr Zelensky as they waited for the procession to move to the altar and the mass to get underway. Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister (centre), speaks with Sergio Mattarella, the Italian president (left) and Volodymyr Zelensky, his Ukrainian counterpart, in the lead up to the mass - FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP 09:14 AM BST Zelensky arrives at St Peters Square Volodymyr Zelensky is among the world leaders attending the mass. The Ukrainian president arrived at the Vaticans St Peters Square with his wife, Elena, in preparation for the ceremony, which started at 9am (UK time). Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Elena arrive at St Peters Square for the mass - ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP 09:10 AM BST Welcome Hello and welcome to this live blog following Pope Leo XIVs inaugural mass. The ceremony will see the pontiff formally take up his role as the leader of the worlds 1.4 billion Catholics and is set to be attended by leaders from across the globe. Manny is a senior dog who has yet to find his place in the sun. Hes such a tiny precious thing. And yet no one has come to adopt him, its just so sad! A video of the dog waiting (and waiting ..... and waiting) for someone to save him is too upsetting. Who could say no to this special little guy? Why hasnt he found a home yet? Shared by Pet Rescue Solutions in South El Monte,California, the video shows the truly adorable dog waiting for his human to find him. Dont worry little one, itll happen soon! If youve been looking for a small lapdog, this could be the one for you! Manny is a relatively small dog, which would make him perfect for apartment living. He doesnt need much space! What he does need is a loving home, which is where you can step in. All it takes is one single person to see Mannys value and save him. The dog doesnt have to wander around all alone forever! Related: Texas Small Dog Rescue Gives Insight Into How Senior Dogs Are Overlooked Manny has been waiting so long for a home. Everyone else gets picked, but hes always overlooked. Hes gentle, loyal, and just wants a place to call home, the videos caption reads. Just gut-wrenching. Things could be different for Manny, we just know it! People in the comments section wanted Manny to find a home ASAP. Hes adorable. Praying that he finds a loving home soon, wrote one person. Awww, Manny. He just wants his own person, someone else lamented. So sad to see the pain in his eyes. He deserves a good loving home no matter how old he is. Please someone with a good heart give him the home he deserves, chimed in a third commenter. SUCH ADORABLE BABY! PLEASE PLEASE GIVE BABY A CHANCE TO BE PART OF YOUR FAMILY !! exclaimed one person. If youre ready to bring Manny into your home, youre in luck! Head to the Pet Rescue Solutions website and apply for adoption. Manny might be a senior dog, but he has so many more years of love to give! 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. Geoff Wain played a key role in the opening of MathsCity in Leeds, where visitors can engage with hands-on exhibits Photograph: family photo My friend and colleague Geoff Wain, who has died aged 91, spent much of his life demonstrating how useful and fascinating mathematics can be. He inspired and supported many teachers during a long career at the University of Leeds and in retirement founded the charity MathsWorldUK, with an aim to create a national maths discovery centre in the UK. He had always had an interest in the public image of mathematics, wanting everyone to appreciate its beauty and power. He acted as secretary of the Joint Mathematical Council of the UK, and co-chaired a national committee on the popularisation of maths, leading to an international conference in Leeds in 1989 and to the Pop Maths Roadshow, which attracted more than 250,000 visitors in its tour of UK cities in 1989-92. Geoff had a vision of a permanent centre and MathsWorldUK was launched in 2012 under his chairmanship. Exhibits were produced for maths and science festivals. An international conference of maths museum organisers was hosted at Leeds University in 2016, and, in 2021, MathsCity opened in a retail unit in a Leeds shopping mall, attracting families and school groups to engage with hands-on exhibits. In just over three years there have been more than 43,000 visitors from a wide range of backgrounds. The confirmation of funding and a location for a second, larger, MathsCity in central London arrived just after his death. Geoff was born in London, to Esther (nee Smith), an office worker, and Arthur Wain, an Inland Revenue clerical officer. After attending Drayton Manor grammar school in Hanwell, he studied at Kings College London, gaining a BSc in mathematics in 1954 and a PGCE the following year. A short commission in the Royal Navy was the source of his long-term interests in boats, military history and travel. From teaching practical maths at naval establishments, he progressed to a post from 1958 to 1961 at the Scottish boarding school Gordonstoun, which had an innovative maths curriculum. After a period at a teacher training college, he was appointed as a senior lecturer in mathematics education at the University of Leeds, remaining there for 24 years. He published a book, served as director of teacher training and dean of the faculty of education, and led many British Council courses in Africa, India and south-east Asia. While leading a course in Malaysia, he met his second wife, Zakiah Mohammad Noor; they married in 1975. Later, they spent two years in Sarawak, where Geoff worked as a professor helping launch a branch of the University of Malaysia, following his retirement from Leeds in 1994. Geoff is survived by Zakiah and their children, Johann, Noreena and Daniel, two sons, Alexis and Rupert, from his first marriage, in 1967, to Victoria Cooledge, which ended in divorce, five grandchildren, Frederick, Evie, Sophia, Timo and Rosie, and his sister, Patricia. Sir Keir has only secured vague language from EU promising to work together on fighting illegal immigration - Leon Neal/Getty Sir Keir Starmer claims his Brexit reset deal will be good for our borders. But it wont even let him send back Channel migrants to France, which is the one thing the public would expect from a Prime Minister cosplaying at being tough on immigration to counter the rise of Reform UK. Britain has not been able to return illegal immigrants to an EU country since Brexit took practical effect in January 2021 and the UK left the blocs Dublin regulations. The reset does not include a UK-EU migrant-returns deal, or even the promise to discuss one in the future. It was not even part of these talks with our nearest neighbours. I have been following these talks for the last two months and that was never on the table, said an EU diplomat. Sir Keir has got vague language promising to work together on fighting illegal immigration and to boost cooperation with Europol in a document of common understanding, which will be published at Mondays UK-EU summit. This is very declaratory. It is about the direction of travel rather than something concrete said a second EU diplomat, and there is nothing in it about a UK-EU migrant-return deal. Labour certainly wants an EU migrant-return deal. Before the general election, it reportedly was willing to take in resettled refugees from the EU to get one before walking that back after public outcry. Emmanuel Macron, the French president, said a deal has to be struck at European level before France will accept any returned small-boat migrants from the UK. Germany and Belgium have also turned down British overtures for bilateral return deals, instead insisting negotiations must be done with Brussels. The European Commission refused to negotiate a replacement deal for Dublin in the original Brexit negotiations. Despite all the warm talk of new beginnings, nothing has changed. An EU-wide deal needs the unanimous backing of all 27 member states. Greece and Italy dont want to take back migrants. Hungarys anti-migrant government has ruled out the British deal. The Prime Minister decided not to ask for something he didnt think hed get, which is unambitious. It would be difficult, but difficult agreements can be struck with friends and allies, if you arent more interested in clinching a quick deal to go with agreements struck with India and Donald Trump. Turning Britain into EU rule-taker Sir Keir has got a defence pact, which is symbolic in terms of Russia and Ukraine, and could one day help boost defence spending. A Swiss-style veterinary deal will bring an estimated boost of 0.1 per cent in GDP by facilitating trade in agrifood by the UK aligning with EU laws on plant and animal health. He also has the promise of more negotiations over closer relations with the EU. In return, he will turn Britain into an EU rule-taker, make it easier for young Europeans to live and work here, and give away long-term access to British fishing waters. Sir Keirs goals for these new Brexit negotiations have been achievable, modest and costly in terms of concessions such as alignment that Brussels will bank for future talks. The number of illegal immigrants on all the main routes into the EU dropped by 27 per cent in the first four months of 2025, reaching nearly 47,000, according to the Frontex border agency. It said the number of attempted Channel crossings rose by 5 per cent year-on-year, reaching 18,100, it said. Sir Keir spent the last week playing the hard man on immigration but with little success. His conversion from Rwanda plan foe to promising offshore detention camps for failed asylum seekers is a transparent effort to head off the threat of a poll-topping Nigel Farage. The Reform leader is fresh from his unprecedented victory in the local elections that has Labour worried and many people now viewing his Brexit-backing party as the real opposition rather than the Tories. Thats why Sir Keir talks about pipe dreams of setting up camps in the western Balkans when he cant even get a migrant back across the Channel. Red Wall Brexit voters already deserting Labour will look at his reset deal, see its oversold, and ask, whats the point of that?. People subject to a firearms protective order, or FPO, can be searched at any time by police without a warrant to determine if they are in possession of a firearm, firearm parts or ammunition. Photograph: Getty Images In 2019, a 14-year-old boy appeared before a tribunal in New South Wales. He was the subject of a firearm prohibition order (FPO), which meant police had the ability to search him or his home at any time without a warrant. But he was also stuck in a catch-22. The order could be placed on him, but because he was a minor, the tribunal said it had no jurisdiction to hear his application to remove it. Neither would the order ever expire. Only the police commissioner could lift it. Related: The file says I have a criminal record since the age of two: the not-so-extraordinary story of Uncle Larry Walsh This 14-year-old is not alone. Data obtained by Guardian Australia via a freedom of information request show there were at least 12 people under the age of 18 among the 8,717 people subject to an FPO in New South Wales in April. There were 26 the year before, some of whom may have since turned 18 or had the order lifted. In the past financial year, there were 84 searches of children and teenagers. Of the 125 people under 18 who have been served with an order, 54% identified themselves as Aboriginal. An FPO can be made if its deemed by the police commissioner that someone is not fit, or in the public interest, to possess a firearm even if they have never been charged with a weapons offence or any crime. The schemes enhanced search powers, described as extraordinary by the then NSW police commissioner Andrew Scipione after they were introduced in 2013, mean police can search someone with an FPO or their premises or car at any time, as reasonably required, to determine if they have committed an offence by having a firearm, firearm parts or ammunition. This broad discretion, along with an extremely low rate of successful searches, has led to concerns that the powers are being used as a tool of surveillance. Overall, according to police data, about 42% of all people who are currently subject to FPOs have identified themselves as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who account for about 3.4% of the population in the state. Lauren Stefanou, the acting principal legal officer with the Aboriginal Legal Service in NSW, says FPOs not only grant police sweeping powers, they give police a blank cheque to surveil, stop, search, arrest and charge Aboriginal children and adults. Coercive police powers In a 2023 submission to the NSW Sentencing Council, Legal Aid said it was concerned FPOs seemed to be increasingly used against young people. They recounted the story of a young Aboriginal boy with an intellectual disability. An FPO was made against him after he was sentenced for charges related to a toy gun; the day after the order was made, his home was searched at 6am by 10 officers. No firearms were found, according to Legal Aid, but two family members were charged with resisting police. In another case, a young Aboriginal man had appeared at childrens court over an air rifle. After the FPO, he said, he was searched about five times in one month. Nothing was found. Groups such as the Law Society have argued FPOs should not apply to those under 18 because the search powers expose children to extensive infringements of their civil liberties. Samantha Lee, a supervising solicitor at Redfern Legal Centre, says she has had young clients who were subject to an FPO without ever having committed a gun-related crime, and others who had been searched because they were in a car with someone who had a FPO. I know some people that just dont want to go out of their home because they think theyll be stopped in their car, in the street, she says. They just feel like they will always be subject to coercive police powers. The fact that FPOs never expire appears to be reflected in the police data, which reveal the unlikely scenario that there are 11 people in NSW over the age of 101 with an existing FPO, including three people aged 110, 116 and 118. NSW police said several changes had been introduced this year related to FPO approvals for young people, including an independent review by the commander of the firearms registry when an FPO was sought for someone under 18. Operating procedures have also been amended to include an internal review of FPOs every five years and a three-year review for juveniles, to ensure the grounds for the original FPO are still valid. Related: Rate of Indigenous people in jail has risen by 20% since 2019, Closing the Gap data shows The NSW police minister, Yasmin Catley, said she had requested a briefing from police on the matter but said the execution of FPOs is an operational matter for the NSW police force. Trojan horse Data obtained by Guardian Australia shows police searches in 2023-24 found firearms or firearm accessories in only 1.36% of 8,651 searches. The year before, the rate was even lower, at 0.1% only nine occasions when a firearm-related item was found out of 9,731 searches. Jonathan Hall Spence, the principal solicitor with the Justice and Equity Centre, says the low rate of successful searches calls into question the efficacy of FPO search powers. That may suggest that these powers are not properly being targeted towards people at high risk of firearms-related offences, and instead are being used in a much broader way to surveil and target already overpoliced communities, he says. Hall Spence points to the Suspect Targeting Management Plan (STMP), a part of a controversial proactive policing strategy in NSW that involved the monitoring of young people. The STMP was discontinued after a Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) investigation. The policy was intrusive and disruptive, the LECC found, and the target selection process likely contributed to the gross overrepresentation of young Aboriginal STMP targets. The LECC report also noted the policy encouraged police to use intensive proactive policing strategies, including the use of FPOs, to increase their interactions with the target. The NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson says she is concerned about the lifelong impacts of FPOs on children and young people, and has asked the LECC to examine their use. A 2016 report by the NSW Ombudsman found police were sometimes able to use FPO search powers in circumstances where general search warrant powers were unlikely to apply and the meaning of as reasonably required was unclear. Up to October 2015, police searched more than 200 people who were not subject to an order at the time of the search, often when they were in the company of someone with a FPO. Those searches may have been unlawful, according to the ombudsman. The report also recommended that FPOs expire after five years. Tom Taylor, a criminal defence lawyer in Canberra with Hugo Law Group, says FPOs can be a Trojan horse for searches that would not be permitted under a search warrant. He says that while the orders have a valid utility, they are also used as a blank cheque for surveillance due to the ambiguous wording of the legislation and lack of oversight. It can be used on a rolling basis to conduct the searches of individuals without any judicial oversight, he says. The boundaries of who they can search and what places they can search are blurred. Do you know more? Contact ariel.bogle@theguardian.com or sarah.collard@theguardian.com One person was killed in the blast that took place just before 11am local time on Saturday - AP One person has been killed after an explosion at a fertility clinic in California that the FBI says was an intentional act of terrorism. Authorities are investigating after a blast ripped through the American Reproductive Services building in Palm Springs shortly before 11am local time on Saturday. Images of the scene show shattered glass and debris strewn across the street outside of the clinic. Black smoke can be seen rising from the building while firefighters battle to put out the flames. The explosion left one person dead, the mayor said, without confirming the name of the victim. FBI officers said they believe the clinic was targeted by a bomb and they have a person of interest. Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBIs Los Angeles field office, said: Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism. The blast is thought to have come from a car parked outside the fertility clinic and IVF lab on North Indian Canyon Drive. The make and model of the vehicle is unknown, and all that was left of it at the scene was an axel, according to reports. Weve got a vehicle that appears to have exploded, Lt William Hutchinson of the Palm Springs Police Department said. It appears that we have a deceased person The FBI released a statement saying it was responding to the incident by deploying investigators and bomb technicians. The FBI said they believe the clinic was targeted - GETTY IMAGES Ron DeHarte, the Palm Springs mayor, said he believed one person had been killed in the explosion. Were still trying to determine a cause, the mayor told The New York Post. The police and fire [services] are down there right now. First, we heard it might be a helicopter crash or a gas leak but thats been ruled out. We should know pretty quickly what it was. There was quite a bit of damage to surrounding buildings as well. A witness said the explosion felt like a bomb went off. It definitely felt like an explosion. It was so loud it felt like it shook my entire core, Claudio Chavez, who owns an upholstery shop nearby, told the newspaper. I was inside my business waiting for a client. I was sitting in my chair and it was like suddenly like a bomb went off. Inside I just saw pieces of debris fall from the ceiling. Walked outside and saw my front window had totally shattered. I went to Palm Canyon Drive and went behind and off Indian Canyon you could see more people and a large amount of smoke. Half of one building seemed to have been blown off. Glass and debris were strewn across the street outside of the clinic due to the blast - AP/Nima Tabrizi The clinics website listed fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization and egg freezing, among its services. Dr Maher Abdallah, who runs the clinic, told The Associated Press that the clinics office was damaged, but the IVF lab and stored embryos were not. I really have no clue what happened, Dr. Abdallah said. Thank God today happened to be a day that we have no patients. Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, has been briefed on the explosion, his press office said. Pope Leo XIV gives first major address at inauguration attended by thousands Pope Leo XIV, the first ever pontiff from the US, has given his first major address during his inauguration ceremony attended by world leaders and thousands of faithful. Leo marked the start of his papacy by calling for unity within the church and for it to act as a leaven of harmony for humanity. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and the Duke of Edinburgh, who was representing the King, were among attendees at the outdoor Mass in the Vatican on Sunday morning. They joined politicians from across the world including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky; US Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism as an adult; Peruvian President Dina Boluarte and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Pope Leo XIV was inaugurated as pontiff at an outdoor mass in the Vatican on Sunday (Alessandra Tarantino/AP) Ahead of the ceremony, Leo took his first popemobile ride through St Peters Square, waving from the back of the open-back vehicle to the jubilant crowd who carried flags and cheered Viva il Papa. Leo appeared to choke up when the two symbols of the papacy were placed on him during the Mass: the pallium, a woollen stole, over his shoulders and the fishermans ring on his finger. The pontiff appeared thoughtful as he held a hand over his chest as a part of the Gospel was chanted in Greek during the Mass, later smiling and nodding as he was applauded by the crowds. The inauguration of the pope is a hugely important moment for Catholics around the world. I warmly welcome Pope Leo XIV to the role and wish him the very best as he leads the Catholic Church into this new chapter. Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 18, 2025 During his homily, the Pope paid tribute to his predecessors Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIII, and called for unity within the church. He said: I would like that our first great desire be for a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world. In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earths resources and marginalises the poorest. Congratulations His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on your inauguration today. This historic moment marks the next chapter in the Catholic Churchs journey. It was a privilege to represent the UK and its Catholic community at Mass. Angela Rayner (@AngelaRayner) May 18, 2025 He added: The heart of the gospel is the love of God that makes us brothers and sisters. With my predecessor, Leo XIII, we can ask ourselves today, if this criterion were to prevail in the world, would not every conflict cease and peace return? With the light and the strength of the Holy Spirit that is still the church founded on Gods love, a sign of humanity, a missionary church that opens its arms to the world, proclaims the word, allows itself to be made restless by history and becomes a leaven of harmony for humanity. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wished Leo the very best in a post on X on Sunday evening. Sir Keir wrote: The inauguration of the pope is a hugely important moment for Catholics around the world. I warmly welcome Pope Leo XIV to the role and wish him the very best as he leads the Catholic Church into this new chapter. After the ceremony, Ms Rayner sent the Pope her congratulations, saying it was a privilege to attend the ceremony in a message posted on social media. On X, the deputy prime minister wrote: Congratulations His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on your inauguration today. This historic moment marks the next chapter in the Catholic Churchs journey. It was a privilege to represent the UK and its Catholic community at Mass. Following the ceremony, Leo met Irish President Michael D Higgins with the pair smiling as they shook hands. The new Pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost from Chicago, was elected on May 8 after a conclave meeting of 133 cardinals from 70 countries in just over 24 hours. Ukraines President Volodymr Zelensky (centre) and Queen Letizia of Spain were among attendees at the outdoor mass (Alessandra Tarantino/AP) Three UK cardinals took part in conclave, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe and Rome-based Cardinal Arthur Roche, as did Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell who has mainly ministered in the US and been based in Rome for some years. In the days since his election, the 69-year-old has outlined some of his key priorities as Pope, saying the Holy Sees three pillars of diplomacy are peace, justice and truth during his first foreign policy address. During his first Sunday blessing earlier this month, Leo called for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Leo has also identified artificial intelligence as one of the most critical issues facing humanity, saying it poses challenges to defending human dignity, justice and labour. He is a dual citizen of the United States and Peru, where he first served as a missionary and then as archbishop, meaning he is the first Pope from each country. The new pontiff is the 267th Pope, becoming the religious leader of some 1.4 billion Catholics across the globe. He follows in the footsteps of the late Pope Francis, whose popularity saw him dubbed the peoples Pope. Men stand outside a damaged house in Uri, close to the line of control dividing Kashmir between India and Pakistan. Photograph: Tauseef Mustafa/AFP/Getty Images A week after fleeing artillery fire from across the border, Rina Begum returned to find her home in Kashmir devastated. The walls were cracked, the roof crumbling, windows blown inward, and glass shards scattered across the floor, mingling with the ashes of her daughters books. The 45-year-old gazed out through a fractured window frame at the looming mountains. Hell has been raining down from there, she said. Begum lives in a hamlet near Uri, a town 60 miles (100km) north-west of Srinagar, the capital of Indian-administered Kashmir. The hamlet is perilously close to the line of control, the heavily militarised de facto border dividing Kashmir between India and Pakistan. Related: India blocks X accounts of Chinese state media over coverage of Kashmir crisis Tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours escalated into open military confrontation after a militant attack on 22 April killed 25 tourists and a local guide in Pahalgam. India accused Pakistan of having linkages to the attack, without publicly presenting evidence. Pakistan denied any involvement. Soon after, artillery fire erupted across the disputed frontier. It felt like my ears would burst from the explosions, said Begum, who has witnessed previous skirmishes but described this as the most intense. I thought we wouldnt survive. She managed to escape to a nearby town with her husband and six-year-old daughter. India and Pakistan have fought over Kashmir since gaining independence in 1947, each claiming the entire Himalayan region but controlling only parts of it. In Indian-administered Kashmir a Muslim-majority territory a popular uprising against Indian rule turned violent in the 1990s, with thousands of young men taking up arms to demand either a merger with Pakistan or full independence. Most militant groups pledged allegiance to Pakistan, which provided training, arms and logistical support. India responded with a massive counterinsurgency campaign that reduced militant numbers from thousands to hundreds. Despite these operations, the insurgency has never been fully quelled and continues to fuel deadly attacks in Kashmir and mainland India. This time, tensions escalated when India, in response to the attack on tourists, struck suspected militant sites inside Pakistan and in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, prompting retaliatory attacks from Pakistan over what it called violations of its territorial integrity. As the region inched closer to all-out conflict, both sides launched missiles at each others key military bases and airfields, and relentless shelling continued for days. The violence only subsided after Donald Trump announced an immediate ceasefire brokered by Washington. By then, dozens were dead. Kashmir bore the brunt, with approximately 50 civilians killed on both sides, tens of thousands displaced, and several residential areas reduced to rubble. India and Pakistan both claimed victory. But in Kashmir, fear lingers. Begum and her family returned reluctantly to their village to rebuild. While residents cherish the fragile peace, few believe it will endure. I pray this calm lasts, Begum said. But these countries will never coexist peacefully unless their issues are resolved. Its only a matter of time weeks, months or years before were caught in their war again. This fear is echoed by many Kashmiris and observers, who say the circumstances leading to the confrontation remain unchanged. A fragile peace Two days after the Pahalgam attack, local police identified three gunmen and released sketches with a bounty of 2m rupees (about 19,000) on each. One was named as a local militant, and the others as Pakistanis. All remain at large. In his first address after the escalation, the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, declared that India had only paused its military action and would retaliate on its own terms. Indias defence minister added that any attack on Indian soil will be considered an act of war. Experts say such statements increase the likelihood of future escalation, potentially playing into the hands of militant groups. This statement is deeply unfortunate. It locks India into a mechanical response meaning every terrorist act will lead to an attack on Pakistan, said Ajai Sahni, a counter-terrorism expert based in India. We must understand that many of these terrorists aim to provoke war between India and Pakistan. In 2019, the Modi government unilaterally revoked Kashmirs limited autonomy, splitting it into two union territories. A crackdown on dissent followed, alongside new laws that stripped local people of exclusive rights over land and jobs stoking fears of demographic change. Modi justified the move as a step toward development and better security. Since then, Kashmir has been promoted as a peaceful tourist destination, with rising visitor numbers touted as evidence of normality. However, the Pahalgam attack exposed the fragility of that narrative. In fact, since 2019, the region has witnessed a new wave of attacks by highly trained militants, not only targeting government forces but Hindu minority communities, non-local labourers and Hindu pilgrims. Indian army and police sources told the Guardian that about 100 militants were active in India-administered Kashmir. Trained in sophisticated jungle warfare and equipped with modern communications, they pose a persistent challenge. Since Indias recent military operations, the threat of further attacks appears to have increased. Terrorist groups including al-Qaida have reportedly issued new warnings against India and vowed to strike again. Pravin Sawhney, a prominent defence analyst and former military officer, said he believed Indias actions had done little to deter militants. He warned that the threshold for war between India and Pakistan was dangerously low, especially after the Modi governments declaration that any future militant attack would be treated as an act of war. As drones and loitering munitions were seen during the recent flare-up, Sawhney said this could become normal. The new normal is that whenever there is a terrorist attack and India responds, well see drones, rockets and loitering ammunition fired across the border, he said. The point is that Kashmir is not peaceful or normal. It is a war zone. So if you bring tourists here, these attacks can happen anywhere, anytime. Security forces cannot be everywhere at once. For ordinary Kashmiris, the situation feels increasingly helpless. On one side looms the constant threat of renewed violence; on the other, a harsh internal crackdown. In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, hundreds have been detained. About 90 people mostly young men have been held under the Public Safety Act, a draconian law that allows detention without trial for up to two years. Protesters gathered in central London on Sunday to demonstrate against the insane Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Hundreds of teachers, parents and children marched from Whitehall to Parliament Square holding signs and chanting Two, four, six, eight, educate not legislate and Hey, hey, ho, ho, this stupid Bill has got to go. The Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which is currently being considered in the House of Lords, proposes measures including a limit on the number of branded uniform items and stronger restrictions on home education. Katharine Birbalsingh, headteacher at Michaela Community School and often described as Britains strictest head, attended the protest holding a sign saying Dont break whats working. She called the legislation completely insane and warned that it threatened to undo improvements made in the education system during the past 15 years. She told the PA news agency: We just want to show the Government that we are unhappy about the Schools Bill and that school leaders do believe that they are removing our freedoms. The freedoms that parents have, the freedom that school leaders have, we want to retain them. And the Government should be speaking to all of us. Theyre not talking to us. What theyre going to do will not enable us to do whats best for our cohort and children. And that we know whats better for our specific children. I do feel that the Government is a little bit out of touch. Its completely insane. Theyre driving through an ideological Bill which in the end will harm children. People staged a demonstration against the Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Emily Smith/PA) On her message to to the Government, she added: Listen to school leaders and educators and allow us to keep the freedoms that have worked so well for children in this country. As protesters, joined by hundreds of children, marched through central London, they held signs that read We say no to state-controlled childhood and Social media harms kids. Joe Butterfield, 31, a teacher in London, said he believed the Bill would be damaging to the pupils he teaches. He said: We are here protesting against the Schools Bill by the current Government because we think it will be damaging to childrens education and lead to poorer behaviour in schools. Sarah, 48, an assistant headteacher from Essex, attended the protest holding a Stop the Schools Bill sign. She said: The Government needs to not put the Bill through because its going to drive down standards and stifle innovation. Youre not going to attract the best talent. If youre just a robot in the front of the classroom delivering a national curriculum to the letter, youre not going to attract people that want to make a difference. As the march reached Parliament Square, speeches were delivered by representatives from home education groups, religious organisations and childrens charities. Opening her speech to the crowd, Ms Birbalsingh mentioned the Education Secretary and said we have one enemy in common, and that is Bridget Phillipson, a comment that drew loud cheers from crowds. Keir Starmer and Bridget Phillipson are totally out of touch with what is happening to children on the ground, she said. The children matter, schools matter, parents matter, and our freedom matters. A Labour source said: Nothing is going to stop this Labour government from delivering educational excellence for every child, and certainly not todays sparsely attended protest. Parents back the common sense measures this government is introducing, including free breakfast clubs, restricting the cost of uniform and putting a qualified teacher at the front of every classroom. Jamie Vardy reflected on an amazing and rollercoaster career with Leicester after scoring a landmark 200th goal in his 500th and final appearance for the Foxes. The 38-year-old former England striker reached the goal milestone in the 28th minute of Leicesters home match with Ipswich when he latched on to James Justins through ball and expertly slipped it beyond Alex Palmer before wheeling away to celebrate in front of the away fans. Kasey McAteer struck midway through the second half to seal a 2-0 victory for Leicester in a match between two teams who will be playing Championship football next season, but the day belonged to Vardy, who was given a guard of honour by team-mates when he was substituted with 10 minutes remaining. After the match, Vardy was also presented with the fans player of the season award in front of the crowd alongside a golden fox to celebrate his 200 goals for the club, which he reached exactly 13 years to the date he signed from Fleetwood. During that time, the 2019-20 Premier League Golden Boot winner helped Leicester produce the great escape from relegation in 2015 before lifting the Premier League title at 5,000-1 odds the following year, and then an FA Cup win in 2021. In an on-pitch interview, Vardy said: Its been amazing, its been a rollercoaster, it really has. But the good thing is theres been way, way, way more highs and I thank everyone. I never thought wed be in the Champions League, wed win the league and weve all been there for a reason. The only thing I really can say, from the bottom of my heart, is thank you for taking me and my family in as one of your own. Thank you all so much. I missed a couple before that but once JJ (Justin) put me through there I was never going to miss it. Obviously getting the dogs abuse from the away fans up there was only one place I was going. Leicesters win extended their unbeaten run to three matches and gives fans a cause for optimism ahead of next season in the second tier. Asked about the future of Leicester without him, Vardy said: Theyll be fine. Weve got a good squad and weve got all the youngsters coming through as well. Im glad Im not them because football is a killer, mentally, and I couldnt do it all again if Im honest. Vardy scored his 200th Leicester goal in his 500th and last appearance for the club (Nigel French/PA) But Ive enjoyed every minute of it and I look forward to keeping an eye on the club I love. Vardy scored in 11 successive Premier League fixtures in 2015 to break Ruud van Nistelrooys previous record of 10 for Manchester United. Fast forward 10 years and the departing Leicester striker spent the last seven months playing under the Dutchman. Van Nistelrooy said: We wanted this (Vardy to score) and you have to be capable to do so. That speaks millions about him. He sets himself a target and goes at it. Theres no gifts in this world. To set a target and produce, its only for the best. It just had to be him. In his final @LCFC appearance, Jamie Vardy opens the scoring with his 200th goal for the Foxes #LEIIPS pic.twitter.com/Zxv6uiAFXO Premier League (@premierleague) May 18, 2025 Ipswich suffered their 23rd league defeat of the campaign despite having 20 shots and boss Kieran McKenna could not hide his frustration. He said: We werent clinical enough. Our reaction wasnt good enough and Leicester punished us with a really clinical finish. Theres a lot we can take from this one going into next season but in terms of this season its a frustrating one. We know the chances we had today you should win two Premier League games. Its something to use as motivation going forward. Sir Keir Starmer is set to announce a new deal with the EU in the coming week as he hosts a major summit with the bloc in London. Details of the agreement are yet to be revealed but reports have suggested it could focus on UK access to a major EU defence fund, with a youth mobility scheme also said to be on the table. Ahead of Mondays summit, the Prime Minister said the meeting would be another step forwards, with yet more benefits for the United Kingdom and a strengthened partnership with the European Union. He said: It will be good for our jobs, good for our bills and good for our borders. Thats what the British people voted for last year, and its what my Government will deliver. Mondays meeting will bring Sir Keir together with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen for the second time in four days, after the two met for 30 minutes on the margins of the European Political Community Summit in Albania on Friday. Opposition figures have already spoken out against Sir Keirs deal with the EU, with both Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UKs Nigel Farage claiming the agreement which has not yet been announced is a surrender and vowing to rip it up. Mrs Badenoch said Sir Keir should have focused on new wins for Britain, including allowing UK citizens to use e-gates at European airports. She added: Instead, it sounds like were giving away our fishing quotas, becoming a rule-taker from Brussels once again and getting free movement by the back door. Kemi Badenoch has already described the deal with the EU as a surrender (Jacob King/PA) Meanwhile, others have pushed the Government to go further, with the Liberal Democrats urging a closer relationship with the EU. The party claimed a new trade deal that included deep alignment with the bloc on goods and services would provide enough economic growth to reverse cuts to welfare and the winter fuel payment. Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman Calum Miller said: A far more ambitious trade deal with Europe, including a new UK-EU customs union, would be the single biggest thing ministers could do to boost growth and fix the public finances. The Liberal Democrats stand ready to work constructively with Labour MPs to boost trade with Europe and avoid savage cuts for vulnerable families and pensioners. MPs on the cross-party Commons Foreign Affairs Committee also pushed the Government to be bolder and back a youth mobility scheme, similar to those the UK operates with countries including Australia and Canada. But the committee also accused the Government of failing to articulate a compelling political narrative for the reset and being overly secretive about its aims and the negotiations. The MPs said this had left those outside Westminster unclear about British policy and unconvinced of the strategic importance of making the reset a success. Sir Keir Starmer must drop his ideological red lines and use a summit with the EU to negotiate the closest possible working relationship, Scotlands First Minister has insisted. John Swinney spoke out ahead of a crucial summit on Monday between the UK and the European Union (EU) insisting Scotland cannot be an afterthought in the talks. The SNP leader urged the Prime Minister to ditch his opposition to the UK being in the single market, customs union and having freedom of movement with Mr Swinney arguing if the UK adopted such a stance it would remove significant trade barriers and red tape for businesses, and thus help boost the economy. His comments came as Sir Keir promised there would be yet more benefits for the United Kingdom as the result of a strengthened partnership with the European Union. Sir Keir Starmer says his Government is closing deals in the interests of British people (Leon Neal/PA) Mr Swinney said: Right now, the Prime Minister must negotiate the closest possible working relationship with the EU, in the interests of people and businesses across Scotland. To do that he must drop his ideological red lines on the single market, customs union and freedom of movement. This would remove significant trade barriers and red tape for Scottish businesses, and give a much-needed boost to the Scottish economy which is still being badly impacted by Brexit. The SNP leader added that if the UK Government wants to get serious about economic growth, it should recognise that the EU is one of our most important economic and security partners. Mr Swinney added: At the very least we need to see a reduction in red tape for our food and drink exports, closer co-operation on energy and climate issues, and greater freedom of movement for our young people. These areas and others can bring benefits both for us and our European partners. Mondays UK-EU summit is taking place in London (Yui Mok/PA) The First Minister also made clear that Scotland cannot be treated as an afterthought by the UK in Mondays summit. Mr Swinney said: The Scottish Government stands ready to work with the UK and the EU towards stability and progress, but the UK Government must reflect the interests of Scotland in the upcoming talks. Given the appalling economic, social and cultural damage of Brexit, Scotland cannot be treated as an afterthought by the UK Government in these discussions. Overall, however, he insisted that Scotlands best future lies as an independent country within the European Union, with the First Minister adding that the current uncertain economic and geopolitical environment reinforces the importance of Scotland having the security, stability and opportunity that comes with EU membership. The UK Government, meanwhile, insists any deal it strikes with the EU will be good for growth, good for jobs, good for bills and good for our borders. Speaking ahead of the talks, the Prime Minister said: In this time of great uncertainty and volatility, the UK will not respond by turning inwards, but by proudly taking our place on the world stage strengthening our alliances and closing deals in the interests of British people. He highlighted recent trade deals agreed by his Government with both the US and India, with Sir Keir saying Mondays summit will be another step forward. John Swinney, SNP leader and First Minister - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images John Swinney believes he has healed the SNP after inheriting a fractured party from his predecessor, Humza Yousaf. The First Minister said that when he took on the top job in Scottish politics just over a year ago, he had to deal with both a fractured party and a fractured Parliament. He took office in May last year at a tumultuous time for the SNP with Mr Yousaf having resigned as first minister and SNP leader in the wake of his decision to scrap the partys power-sharing agreement with the Scottish Greens at Holyrood. That left the SNP without a majority in the Parliament, and the party also suffered a heavy defeat in the July 2024 general election dropping to just nine seats from 39. The party is now back to leading the polls in Scotland, and could potentially win a fifth successive Holyrood election next year. Humza Yousaf, Mr Swinneys predecessor - Jane Barlow/via Getty Images Asked how the party is now in an interview with Holyrood magazine, Mr Swinney said: I have healed it. Prior to taking on the role, Mr Swinney had been considering if he would stand again for Holyrood in 2026 though he now says he is committed to serving a full five-year term if elected into the job after next Mays election. He went on to say that becoming First Minister had come to me at exactly the right moment in my life, saying he had been able to draw on a very deep well of experience and perspective to help me through the situations Im going to navigate. He also said he had more generosity of spirit than when he had previously been part of the Scottish Government, explaining this came after realising he had not been talking to people across the political spectrum as much as he used to. Mr Swinney highlighted the successful passage of the Scottish Governments Budget for 2025-26 as an example of working with other parties, with the Bill passing with the backing of Liberal Democrat and Green MSPs, as well as the one Alba Party MSP. Mr Swinney said: If I look back at events of the last 12 months when I was elected to leadership of a Government of a fractured party, and of leading a fractured Parliament, I dont think many people would have given me much chance of being able to bring my party together, or they might have given me some optimism in bringing my party together, but they wouldnt have given me much optimism in bringing Parliament together. But a seminal moment for me was seeing the Governments Budget supported by four political parties in Parliament, which was an indication to me that the discourse had changed, that there was a more respectful and collaborative environment, a more courteous environment, which enabled four parties to come together to support the Budget. In a wide-ranging interview, he also opened up about how the death of his mother had impacted him. Agnes Swinney, who was known as Nancy, died in 2020, with Mr Swinney recalling that with everything that was going on at the time as a result of the Covid pandemic, he didnt stop to really process what we had gone through personally. But he said: I think over time, I became conscious of the loss in my life of my mum, and I hadnt properly come to terms with that. And the more I talk to people in the same situation, I realise that to be the case. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomes European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at Lancaster House On the eve of the reset summit with Brussels, Nick Thomas-Symonds has let the cat out of the bag. In a BBC interview, the Europe minister admitted that the Government is about to accede to one of the EUs cardinal principles: dynamic alignment. This sinister doctrine implies that Britain will once again be obliged to accept common standards on food and be subject to the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg. It is hard to exaggerate the significance of this concession. At a stroke, Labour will have sacrificed one of the biggest benefits of Brexit: taking back control of our own rules. Once national sovereignty is given away on food standards, we will find ourselves on a slippery slope. Over time, other areas of the economy will inexorably be drawn back into the EUs orbit. This is the true meaning of dynamic alignment: a one-way ticket to Brussels. So what will we get in return for selling our birthright for a mess of EU pottage? Mr Thomas-Symonds claims that cross-Channel trade will become far easier. Yet the promised reductions in red tape are specious. Not only will they be conditional on the UK renouncing regulatory independence, but they will put at risk deals already negotiated with other trading partners including, crucially, the United States. We risk becoming a mere EU satellite. Indeed, the so-called reset appears to be almost entirely one-sided. We must accept EU food standards and ECJ jurisdiction; join a defence pact on the EUs terms; grant free movement for young EU citizens, many of whom we will subsidise at our universities; and let the EU fish in our waters. If all this seems too much of a giveaway in exchange for shorter passport queues, thats because it is. This EU deal looks less like a reset than a capitulation. Over the coming days, ministers will doubtless try to reassure the British public that none of their concessions amounts to abandoning Brexit. But beware of doublespeak. When Mr Thomas-Symonds tells us that the Governments perspective is not ideological but practical, he means that we will be giving away fundamental freedoms, such as the right to make and apply our own laws, in return for technicalities, such as the right to use e-gates at passport control. Labours slow-motion unravelling of Brexit is quite unnecessary. By the time the party is punished at the ballot box, however, it may already be too late. Getty Images Just days before a recent six-day cruise aboard Caribbean Princess from Cape Canaveral, I received a fortuitous phone call. It was a customer service representative from Princess Cruises, offering our family of five a free cabin upgrade from our two adjacent balcony staterooms to one of the ships ultra-exclusive, multi-room Family Suites. She asked if I would like to switch, explaining that the upgraded suite would include priority seating for meals, upgraded amenities, and other VIP touches. I agreed (of course), and she explained that this offer is one of the benefits of sailing with Princess; whenever a ship has a vacancy in one of its Family Suites, they offer it to a family onboard as a free upgrade. We struck gold with that upgrade, but there are plenty of other ways to ensure an upgraded stateroom. Here's what industry experts say are the secrets to scoring a free cabin upgrade on your next cruise. How to Score a Free Cruise Upgrade Work with a Cruise Travel Advisor A travel advisor who has a strong relationship with a cruise line can help ensure an upgrade. Many cruise-focused travel advisors have exclusive partnerships with cruise lines that include incentives like complimentary upgrades, discounted rates, and onboard credits for bookings. Since advisors compensation is commission-based, this added value comes at no extra cost to the guest. When you think about it, the average traveler books one or two cruises a year for themselves, but a travel advisor might book that many in an hour for their clients, said John Lovell, President of Travel Leaders Network. That means that they have the attention of the cruise lines, which are eager to make their VIP clients happy. Buy During an Upgrade Sale Watch for cruise incentives that include a free cabin upgrade. Often, cruise lines will offer this lucrative add-on perk during intense sale periods to entice travelers to book, according to Chris Gray Faust, executive editor of Cruise Critic, the worlds largest cruise planning website. Here's when to look for upgrade promotions: When cruises first go on sale (usually a year to a year and a half in advance) Wave Season (the industrys busy period that runs annually from January to March, when deals are extensively promoted) Sale periods like Black Friday or Cyber Monday. To be alerted of sales, sign up for marketing emails from cruise lines or sites like Cruise Critic, where deals are flagged across multiple cruise lines such as American Cruise Lines, Cunard, Explora Journeys, and Margaritaville at Sea. That way, you can comparison shop. Book a Guaranteed Stateroom Nearly every major cruise line, including Disney Cruise Line, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean, allows guests to book whats called a cruise cabin guarantee. This means that the guest chooses a stateroom category (instead of a specific cabin number) and is then guaranteed a cabin in the booked category or higher. If the cruise line runs out of space in that category, theyll move passengers to a better room for free, said Paul Fournier, writer and founder of the travel website Journey Compass. Its a bit of a gamble, but Ive seen it work many times. Use Loyalty Programs and Travel Credit Cards Like frequent flyer programs, most cruise lines offer loyalty programs that reward repeat travelers with perks like cabin upgrades. Programs with upgrade opportunities include: Celebrity Cruises Captains Club Crystal Cruises Crystal Society Norwegians Latitudes Rewards MSCs Voyagers Club. Travel rewards credit cards can also earn points or miles redeemable for cruise upgrades. Many cruise lines offer co-branded credit cards with similar perks, including Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Both the Norwegian Cruise Line World Mastercard and the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Card offer upgrade redemption options. Disney cruise clients who have a Disney Visa credit card can earn upgrade opportunities by using their card for everyday purchases, said Jenn Lee, President of Vacation Planners and Travel Planners International. Once they have enough rewards, they can redeem them for a Disney Rewards Redemption Card, which can then be used like a gift card for stateroom upgrades on their next Disney cruise. Book Early and Watch Prices Even if you score a great deal on a cruise, continue to monitor your booked cruise fare. If the price drops, that can sometimes mean a particular sailing hasnt reached capacity and may have more space available for upgrades. Many cruise lines will drop prices as the departure date nears, particularly for high-volume ships in popular cruising destinations like the Caribbean. If the cruise isnt full and the price drops, ask the cruise line or your travel agent whether theres any chance of snagging a cabin upgrade especially if you missed the window to snag the difference in cruise cost, Gray Faust said. Lead a Group If youre traveling with a group, take the lead in coordinating the trip and offer to be the group leader. Based on double-occupancy stateroom bookings, groups typically need to have a minimum of five to eight cabins to be classified as a group. The number depends on the cruise line, with luxury brands like Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea requiring fewer cabins to qualify and higher-capacity lines like Royal Caribbean typically requiring more. When you have a large group on board, you receive extra amenities as the leader, and you can use those to upgrade your cabin category, said Leigh Ann Arnholt, owner of Carson Travel, a member of Ensemble. Include Special Occasions If youre celebrating a special occasion such as a honeymoon, 50th wedding anniversary, or a big birthday, tell your travel advisor or booking agent and make sure its noted in your booking. It may help your chances of receiving a free upgrade or other surprises. Sail Off-Season The busy season for cruising varies by destination, but there are great deals to be found when booking a cruise in the off-season or shoulder season: June to early November is off-season for Caribbean cruises. November to April is off-season for Mediterranean cruises. Late November to early March is generally off-season for European river cruises, though Christmas market cruises in December can be popular sailings, such as those offered by Viking, AmaWaterways, and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. When ships arent at full capacity, cruise lines are more likely to offer free upgrades to fill higher-category rooms. If your schedule is flexible, cruising during slower times increases your chances of an upgrade, said Elaine Warren, founder of The Family Cruise Companion, a blog for families cruising with kids. Ask On Embarkation Day It never hurts to approach guest services and ask politely for an upgrade. There may be unexpected availability onboard due to last-minute cancellations, a ship with cabin vacancies, or other guests switching rooms. Dont hesitate to ask, Warren said. Ive had success simply by checking with guest services on embarkation day. If there are open rooms, theyll sometimes move people around for free to make space for future bookings. A polite request can go a long way. Opt-In For Auto Upgrades When booking directly, many cruise lines offer the option to opt in or out of automatic upgrades. By selecting yes, you are authorizing the cruise line to automatically upgrade you to a higher-grade cabin if one becomes available. I always encourage clients to opt in for auto upgrades, Arnholt said. Holland America, especially, is known for automatically upgrading guests when theres availability. I dont recommend it for clients who have a strong preference for stateroom location, but auto upgrades are a great option for guests who dont mind where they are on the ship. Cheap Options for Upgrading Much like bidding for upgraded airline and train seats, most cruise lines offer passengers the opportunity to bid on an upgraded cabin. If the cruise isnt full (typically within the final month before sailing), invites are sent to booked passengers offering them the chance to opt in and bid online. Cruise lines that offer bidding for stateroom upgrades include: Celebrity Cruises (MoveUp) Norwegian Cruise Line (Upgrade Advantage Program) MSC Cruises (MSC Upgrade Program) Regent Seven Seas Cruises (Regent Upgrade Advantage) Royal Caribbean (RoyalUp) Princess Cruises (Princess Upgrade) Things to Consider When Upgrading While cabin upgrades can provide an elevated experience, there are certain circumstances where an upgrade may not be the best option. For example, if a traveler gets motion sickness easily and their booked cabin is already in an ideal location, they may want to think twice before accepting an upgrade, Arnholt said. Upgrades can be good or bad, and a travel consultant can help you navigate these opportunities and make the right decision, she said. When an upgrade is the right choice, it can provide unforgettable benefits. The higher the cabin category, the more guests can access specialty restaurants, exclusive areas, private theater seating, priority embarkation and debarkation, and more. If youre upgraded to a stateroom in The Haven on Norwegian Cruise Line, youll have access to a 24-hour butler and concierge, private restaurant, lounge, courtyard, and sundeck, Arnholt said. These are upgrades that can really make you feel special. An upgrade can be life changing. Read the original article on Southern Living Federal and state officials have increased the reward for information leading to the arrests of seven inmates who broke out of a New Orleans jail by climbing through a hole behind a toilet. The massive manhunt for seven of the 10 escapees entered a third day in Louisiana on May 18. During a news conference, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Jonathan Trapp said he believes members of the public were helping the seven inmates elude authorities. Trapp said the FBI is now offering $10,000 per inmate while the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering $5,000 per inmate. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry also noted that the Crime Stoppers award will be increased to $5,000 per inmate, which will be covered by the governor and state Sen. Cameron Henry. "The FBI will work together to ensure that those people helping these inmates evade recapture will be held accountable," Trapp said at the news conference. "These inmates are accused of serious crimes, and until they are back in custody, we should all remain vigilant." The inmates, some of whom are facing murder charges, escaped from Orleans Parish Prison around 1 a.m. on May 16. The men pulled a "defective" cell door off its tracks and escaped through a hole in the wall behind a toilet and sink unit, according to Susan Hutson, sheriff of Orleans Parish. By the evening of May 17, Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, and Dkenan Dennis had been taken back into custody, according to Landry. Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are still working to find Corey Boyd, Leo Tate, Jermaine Donald, Derrick Groves, Lenton Vanburen, Antoine T. Massey, and Gary C. Price. At least one of the inmates was found due to a tip from the public, the FBI in New Orleans said on social media. Louisiana State Police previously said one recovered escapee was found hiding under a car in a hotel garage in New Orleans' famed French Quarter. The inmate was arrested after a brief chase. The city of New Orleans and its police department urged residents and visitors to stay vigilant during the manhunt and report any suspicious activity, WDSU reported. Col. Robert Hodges, superintendent of the Louisiana State Police, also warned that the escapees may no longer be in New Orleans and could have traveled to other parishes or states. Did the inmates have help? Orleans Parish Chief of Corrections Jeworski Mallett said the inmates couldn't have breached the wall near the toilets without outside assistance. It was more than just a breach of security, it was some type of help, Mallett said. Security footage captured the men tampering with a cell door, fleeing via a loading dock, and running across a highway. Hutson said a jail employee saw the men escaping through surveillance and failed to report it. "We have indication that these detainees received assistance in their escape from individuals inside of our department," Hutson said. Following the incident, Hutson announced that three sheriff's office employees were suspended without pay, NOLA.com and local television station WGNO reported. See how New Orleans inmates escaped jail What were the inmates initially in jail for? The jail housed 1,400 inmates, including several "high security" prisoners convicted of violent crimes who required a restrictive housing environment that did not exist, Mallett told PBS. At least three of the escaped inmates are charged with murder or attempted murder, according to parish records. Myles, Moody, and Dennis the three recaptured inmates were awaiting trial on various felony charges, including attempted murder, armed robberies, aggravated assault, battery, extortion, illegally carrying weapons and illegal drug possession offenses, according to the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office inmate records. Price, 21, is charged with attempted first-degree murder. Donald, 42, is charged with second-degree murder. Massey, 32, is charged with domestic abuse involving strangulation, according to Parish records. It is unclear what additional charges the inmates might face following their escape. Louisiana Gov. Landry calls for audit into New Orleans jail During the May 18 news conference, Landry said the Louisiana Attorney General's Office will lead the investigation into the "massive jailbreak." The governor also said he ordered the state Department of Public Safety and Corrections to audit the Orleans Parish Prison for compliance with basic jail guidelines and to remove all inmates currently in the facility. "There is no excuse for the escape of these violent offenders," Landry said. "There is also no excuse for the way these cases are currently being mismanaged in our criminal justice system." Landry added that he will also be issuing an executive order instructing the state's Inspector General to get an inventory of all pre-trial detainees and those who are still awaiting sentencing. The governor used one of the escapees, Groves, as an example. "If he would have been sentenced by our court system, he most likely would not have had an opportunity to escape," Landry said. Contributing: Jeanine Santucci, Jonathan Limehouse, Karissa Waddick, and Michael Loria, USA TODAY; Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New Orleans jailbreak: Reward increased as search intensifies University of Georgia; Fred Baker University of Georgia graduate Fred Baker has been reunited with his class ring 54 years later. University of Georgia alum Fred Baker III lost his class ring for the first time during a trip to Spain in 1970 Last summer, a man found the ring in his grandparents' house and reached out to the University of Georgias Office of Alumni Relations, who were able to hunt Baker down Neither of them had to take the time to research and find me, but they did, and thats pretty admirable," the veteran tells PEOPLE A University of Georgia alum finally got his class ring back after over 50 years, only to misplace it yet again. Fred Baker IIIs University of Georgia class ring began its international journey back to him in June 2024, when Jack Swift, then an intern for the University of Georgias Office of Alumni Relations, received an email from William Martinez, who lived in a town near Valencia, Spain. In the message, Swift explained that hed found a ring in his grandparents house and wanted to learn more about its history. At first, I was surprised that someone would go to the effort of emailing the university from another country, another continent, Swift said during an interview with the University of Georgia Alumni Association. I thought that was interesting and I wanted to look into it and learn more. I decided to devote some time, commit and see what could come from it. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer. The ring bore Baker's name, his graduation year of 1967, and the Greek letters of his fraternity. Swift pored through an old yearbook and later called up the alum. "My daughter was with me and we were sitting there listening to the voicemail and just couldn't believe what he was saying," Baker, 81, tells PEOPLE. "That somebody had actually found the ring and wanted to see about returning it after all that time." Fred Baker Fred Baker wearing his UGA class ring After graduating from UGA, Baker served in the military and traveled internationally after being stationed in Germany. And in 1970, sometime during a trip to Spain, he lost the ring. I owe a lot to Jack and Mr. Martinez for doing this, Baker told UGA. Neither of them had to take the time to research and find me, but they did, and thats pretty admirable. Swift helped return the ring to Baker just before his internship wrapped. I knew it was something that was important to Mr. Fred, so that made it important to me, Swift told the University of Georgia. The 81-year-old said he has checked clothing pockets, but if he can't find it soon, he'll likely order a replacement. Read the original article on People Law enforcement investigate a vehicle after an explosion on Saturday, May 17, 2025 in Palm Springs, Calif. (ABC7 Los Angeles via AP) A 25-year-old man the FBI believes was responsible for an explosion that ripped through a Southern California fertility clinic left behind anti-pro-life writings before carrying out an attack investigators called terrorism, authorities said Sunday. Guy Edward Bartkus of Twentynine Palms, California, was identified by the FBI as the suspect in the apparent car bomb detonation Saturday that damaged the clinic in the upscale city of Palm Springs in the desert east of Los Angeles. His writings seemed to indicate anti-natalist views, which hold that people should not continue to procreate, authorities said. The blast gutted the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic and shattered the windows of nearby buildings along a palm tree-lined street. Witnesses described a loud boom followed by a chaotic scene, with people screaming in terror and glass strewn along the sidewalk and street. Investigators said Barktus died in the blast, which a senior FBI official called possibly the largest bombing scene that weve had in Southern California. A body was found near a charred vehicle outside the clinic. Bartkus attempted to livestream the explosion and left behind writings that communicated nihilistic ideations that were still being examined to determine his state of mind, said Akil Davis, the assistant director in charge of the FBIs Los Angeles field office. U.S. Attorney Bilal Bill Essayli, the top federal prosecutor in the area, called the message anti-pro-life. This was a targeted attack against the IVF facility, Davis said Sunday. Make no mistake: we are treating this, as I said yesterday, as an intentional act of terrorism. The bombing injured four other people, though Davis said all embryos at the facility were saved. Good guys one, bad guys zero, he said. Authorities were executing a search warrant in Twentynine Palms, a city of 28,000 residents about 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Palm Springs, as part of the investigation. Thank God today happened to be a day that we have no patients, Dr. Maher Abdallah, who leads the clinic, told The Associated Press in a phone interview Saturday. ___ Associated Press writer Christopher Weber contributed from Los Angeles. courtesy of Bella Hadid via Instagram "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Lest you forget: Bella Hadid is a supermodel, Cannes Film Festival darling, and a businesswoman. Although she made quite the entrance at the annual event in the French Riviera (and debuted her new honey blonde hair while doing so), the Orebella founder quickly jetted off to London to ring in the British launch of her brand. For the major event celebrating her new brand partnership with Selfridgeswhich is where her fragrances will be exclusively sold in the U.K.Hadid slipped into an office siren-esque, pinstripe navy blue dress. The long-sleeve, business-chic outfit featured black buttons at the front and down her torso. She paired the look with a crisp white dress shirt underneath that added some contrast to the dark-toned ensemble. She added a bit of sparkle with diamond earrings, a matching necklace, and a sparkling pinky ring. Always a fan of the unexpected and whimsical accessory, Hadid added a flower wrapped around her slicked-back bun for a touch of personality. Now that's one way to make corporate attire feel that much more exciting. Courtesy of bellahadid via Instagram Down below, she kept her look color-blocked with a pair of white slingback pumps from Maje. Hadid has had quite the last couple of days. Shortly after touching down in London following her trip to France, she celebrated her brand expanding across the pond by throwing a party. For the milestone event, she wore an archival chainmail wrap dress by John Galliano, which featured matching floral embellishments, ruffled hems, and a leg-baring asymmetrical skirt. The designer look was previously worn by Milla Jovovich to the Cannes Film Festival in 97. Turns out, you can take the girl out of Cannes, but you cant take Cannes out of the girl. You Might Also Like With President Donald Trumps legislative agenda in trouble, the White House pivoted over the weekend to selling the bill as a key part of his immigration enforcement efforts. Trump was dealt a rare setback in Congress on May 16 when five Republicans joined with Democrats on the House Budget Committee in voting against the president's legislation, which includes tax cuts, immigration enforcement measures and other GOP priorities. Trump has dubbed it the one big, beautiful bill. The GOP lawmakers who oppose the legislation wanted deeper spending cuts. As written, the bill would have added trillions of dollars to the federal government's $36.2 trillion in debt over the next decade. Struggling to get the votes to advance the bill, the White House shifted the focus to immigration enforcement measures within the legislation, which are popular within the GOP. The bill would provide funding to boost Trumps deportation efforts, the White House noted in a May 17 press release. Put simply, The Big Beautiful Bill will empower Big Beautiful Deportations, the release states. A person walks the grounds of the Capitol on the day President Donald Trump's sweeping tax bill failed to clear a key procedural hurdle in Congress, in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 16, 2025. Trump's deportation tactics have been controversial. He has invoked an 18th-century wartime law to swiftly remove migrants, drawing complaints and court challenges asserting his administration is depriving people of their right to due process. The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man erroneously sent to a notorious prison in El Salvador, has attracted considerable attention. However, stronger immigration enforcement is a unifying message for a GOP Congress divided on how to fashion a package of tax and spending cuts. With lawmakers at odds over how deeply to cut spending, Rep. Nick LaLota, R-New York, declared on May 17 that the legislation had stalled and suggested raising revenue by letting tax cuts enacted during Trumps first administration expire for high earners. LaLota suggested allowing the tax rate to go from 37% to 39.6% for individuals earning more than $609,350 and married couples earning more than $731,200, saying it breathes $300 billion of new life into the effort and is in line with the GOPs new focus on working-class voters. "The One Big Beautiful Bill has stalled and it needs wind in its sails. Allowing the top tax rate to expire ... breathes $300 billion of new life into the effort," LaLota wrote on social media. Trump has said he wouldnt mind raising taxes on high earners but is worried about the politics. The president has urged Republicans to come together and support his legislation, posting on social media May 16 that We dont need GRANDSTANDERS in the Republican Party. STOP TALKING, AND GET IT DONE! Trump added. Republican lawmakers who voted against Trumps bill said they hoped to reach a deal with House Speaker Mike Johnson to amend the legislation over the weekend. Contributing: Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: White House touts immigration measures in Trump's 'stalled' tax bill Umberto Rispoli, atop Journalism, reacts after winning the the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes horse race on Saturday. (Nick Wass / AP) Two weeks after entering the Kentucky Derby as the favorite only to finish second, Journalism appeared beaten again entering the final straightaway at Saturdays Preakness Stakes, the middle leg of horse racings Triple Crown. Once trailing by as many as five lengths, Journalism was still far behind Gosger at the top of the homestretch as it squeezed between Clever Again and Goal Oriented the horses so close they and their jockeys rubbed together before finally finding open ground. From there, with jockey Umberto Rispoli urging him on, Journalism ran down Gosger at the post, needing all of the courses 1 3/16th miles to author a stunning comeback victory at the 150th Preakness at Baltimores Pimlico Race Course. It was the second Preakness victory for Journalism's trainer, Michael W. McCarthy, who previously won in 2021 with Rombauer. As the gap between the leader and Journalism widened, McCarthy said he was resigned to a loss. My initial thought was, Proud of the horse, McCarthy said. Great effort, just gonna come up a little bit short. Except, the race was far from over. Gosger finished second, with Sandman third. The horse is a champion, Aron Wellman, a co-owner of Journalism, said on NBC in the winners circle. Our jockey Umberto Rispoli is a champion. Our trainer Michael McCarthy is a champion. Rispoli became the first jockey from Italy to win a Triple Crown race. I wish everybody over there are proud of me, Rispoli said. Journalism outlasted eight other competitors, a small field that did not include Derby winner Sovereignty, after trainer Bill Mott withdrew the horse due to the short turnaround between races. It marked the third time in the last four years that the Derby winner skipped the Preakness. The Triple Crown, Mott said earlier this month, is not something were not going to think about. It was the fifth time in the last seven years that the Preakness started without a true shot at the Triple Crown, a trend that has sparked a debate about whether the two-week turnaround between Triple Crown races has become antiquated. The field of nine horses was still anticipated as the trainers including Bob Baffert and his record eight Preakness victories, and D. Wayne Lukas, who has won seven times at Pimlico over 44 years had amassed a combined 19 previous Preakness victories. Journalism stands in his stable at Pimlico Race Course ahead of the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore on Saturday. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson / AP) Journalism was still considered the favorite following the Derby and opened with 8-5 odds Saturday morning. By race time, it had become an even bigger favorite at 6-5. Yet its path to victory was made difficult only a quarter of a mile in Saturday, as Clever Again led entering the first turn, followed closely by Gosger and River Thames, with Journalism sixth. Both Rispoli, the jockey, and McCarthy, the trainer, said in post-race interviews they believed their horse was in trouble and might run hard, only to come in second, as at the Derby. Yet Journalism was in first at the end, right on deadline. At least a dozen law enforcement agencies are searching Saturday for seven of the 10 men who broke out of a New Orleans jail by fleeing through a hole behind a toilet and scaling a wall. A law enforcement photograph obtained by The Associated Press shows the opening through which the men escaped. Above the hole are scrawled messages that include To Easy LoL with an arrow pointing at the gap. Inmates escape the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans on May 16, 2025. OSPO Fridays escape is drawing intense scrutiny and opprobrium. It took hours for sheriffs officials to learn of the escape and then more time still to alert New Orleans police, even though some of the missing inmates are accused of violent offenses and they escaped into a neighborhood less than 2 miles from the citys famous French Quarter. Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office spokesperson Casey McGee did not immediately respond to a call and text message on Saturday. Someone clearly dropped the ball and theres no excuse for this, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said on X. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams, who said he prosecuted one of the people who escaped, told New Orleans news station WWL-TV he was angry. This is absurd, he said. I dont understand how it is feasible that it could have occurred. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson and other law enforcement officials leave a news conference giving an update on the escaped inmates on May 16, 2025. AP What are jail officials saying? Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson said the men were able to get out of the Orleans Justice Center because of defective locks, and possibly with help from people inside her department. Its almost impossible, not completely, but almost impossible for anybody to get out of this facility without help, she said Friday of the jail where 1,400 people are being held. Hutson said she has repeatedly raised concerns about the locks and again this week pushed for funding to fix jail infrastructure. Surveillance footage captured the inmates yanking open a cell door to begin the daring escape. OSPO The hole in the cell used by the inmates to escape with the taunting message To Easy LOL written on the wall alongside a smiley face. AP Surveillance footage, shared with media during a news conference, showed the escapees sprinting out of the facility some wearing orange clothing and others in white. They scaled a fence, using blankets to protect themselves from barbed wire, and some sprinted across an interstate and into a neighborhood. Why did it take hours to learn about the escape? The escapees yanked open a door to enter the cell with the hole around 12:30 a.m. By 1:30 a.m., they were outside the jail, according to the sheriffs office. But it was not until a routine morning headcount more than seven hours later that law enforcement learned they were missing. Officials from the sheriffs office say no deputy was at the pod where the fugitives had been held. There was a civilian employee there, but she had stepped away to get food, they said. Metal bars inside the wall were severed by the inmates to make the passage for escape. OSPO There appeared to be a further delay before New Orleans police were notified. Youve given a head start to some very dangerous people, Williams told WWL-TV Friday. Soon after the escape, one of the men, Kendall Myles, 20, was apprehended in the French Quarter after a brief foot chase. Three sheriffs employees have been placed on suspension pending the outcome of an investigation. It was not immediately clear whether any of the employees were suspected of helping with the escape. Officials also didnt say if the employee who left to get food was among the three suspended. The normal look of the panel if the inmates had not created the hole for escape. OSPO Who are the men who escaped? Most of the men are in their 20s. Myles and the other two men who were captured, Robert Moody, 21, and Dkenan Dennis, 24, were taken by helicopter to a state correctional facility outside the New Orleans area, Louisiana State Police said Saturday. The agency said one of the men became hostile during the transfer, requiring troopers to use a spit hood. They did not identify the man. Kendall Myles sits in the back of a police car after being captured on Royal Street by state troopers. LAStatePolice Robert Moody. New Orleans Police Department Dkenan Dennis. New Orleans Police Department Keith Lewis. New Orleans Police Department Leo Tate. New Orleans Police Department Jermaine Donald. New Orleans Police Department Dennis had been charged with armed robbery with a firearm and illegal carrying of a weapon during a crime of violence, according to Murrill, the attorney general. Moody was facing a weapons charge as well as charges of attempted second-degree battery and obstruction. Murrill said both men will face additional charges stemming from the escape. One of the fugitives, Derrick Groves, was convicted on two charges of second-degree murder and two charges of attempted second-degree murder last year for his role in the 2018 Mardi Gras Day shootings of two men. Another escapee, Corey Boyd, had pled not guilty to a pending second-degree murder charge. Corey Boyd. New Orleans Police Department Derrick Groves. New Orleans Police Department Gary Price. New Orleans Police Department Antoine Massey. New Orleans Police Department Lenton Vanburen Jr. New Orleans Police Department The jail has had problems before The justice center opened in 2015, making it a relatively new facility, but it has still experienced violence and security problems. Hutson said the facility is around 60% staffed, so the staff is stretched thin. Bianka Brown, chief financial officer of the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office, said the jail cant afford a maintenance and service contract to fix problems such as broken doors, lock replacements and other ailing infrastructure. The Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans on May 16, 2025. AP The jail contained numerous high security people convicted of violent offenses who required a restrictive housing environment that did not exist, said Jay Mallett, Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office chief of corrections. The sheriffs office was in the process of transferring dozens to more secure locations. Hutson is facing reelection this year, and at least one of her opponents, former interim New Orleans Police Superintendent Michelle Woodfork, demanded she answer questions about the escape. Williams, the district attorney, appointed Woodfork to a position in his office last year. Noting the sheriffs race was starting, Hutson called the timing of the escape suspicious. She did not elaborate. A slew of deadly tornadoes and storms that swept across parts of the Midwest on Friday has now taken at least 28 lives, while leaving a trail of destruction through Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana and beyond. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced Sunday that 19 people died in his state and 10 others were in critical condition after the storm unleashed large hail, damaging winds and multiple tornadoes across the region. Said Beshear: "We need the whole world right now to be really good neighbors to this region." (MORE: Drone Video Shows Missouri Street In Ruins After Tornado) London, Kentucky, mayor Randall Weddle took an aerial tour of the damage in his town on Saturday, sharing stunning pictures on social media that showed the tornado's path there. He thanked first responders for their "tireless work" searching for the injured on Saturday. He also thanked volunteers who quickly started cleanup efforts. At least seven people were killed in Missouri, and emergency crews were still searching building to building for survivors. Dozens more people were injured, including several in serious condition. Two deaths were also reported in northern Virginia. The National Weather Service confirmed that one particularly destructive tornado in Missouri was a powerful EF3, with winds of 150 mph. That tornado touched down in Clayton, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, and moved rapidly toward the north side of the city. Initial estimates found the path was at least 8 miles long, and the NWS says it likely continued much farther into Illinois. More than 5,000 buildings in Clayton sustained damage, officials said. One woman was killed when the roof collapsed at Centennial Christian Church. City of St. Louis Fire Department Battalion Chief William Pollihan told The Associated Press that two other people had to be rescued after part of the church crumbled. As the tornado crossed the Mississippi River just north of downtown, reports of major damage poured in, including a building with its roof torn off and trees uprooted and blocking roads. Emergency officials reported at least one building struck by debris, shattered windows, and numerous injuries, while videos posted to social media showed trees littering the streets and vehicles covered by fallen branches. A man sits in a chair while other people walk around tornado damage In Laurel County, Kentucky, emergency responders confirmed at least 17 people were killed by a tornado that "pummeled" the area. Seven Kentucky counties declared states of emergency. Just two months ago, two dozen people died in Kentucky as a storm system overwhelmed creeks and swamped roads. Significant damage was also reported in Sullivan, Indiana, and Marion, Illinois. Strong wind damage occurred across the Washington, D.C., metro area. The storm threat is not over. Severe weather is expected to continue across several states. For more on that forecast, click here. Infighting at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) is threatening to consume Democratic leadership just as the midterms are starting to kick into gear. The tensions come after a DNC panel moved forward this week with the potential ouster of two elected officials, including gun control activist David Hogg. Now officials find themselves in a war of words over the issues at play, with Hogg alleging the move is a sign of party insiders seeking to force him out over his calls for supporting primary challengers to certain incumbents. Though others at the DNC deny the vote was related to Hoggs efforts, the feud is stirring up drama that Democrats want to avoid as they focus on regaining control of the House and possibly flipping the Senate next year. I hate to be the party of chaos when the GOP is doing such a good job of it, Democratic consultant Marj Halperin said. This isnt the priority voters want the DNC to be focused on. Pressure had been bubbling up for weeks, even before the DNCs Credentials Committee voted Monday in favor of holding a new election for the two positions that Hogg and Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta currently hold. Hogg, who was elected to one of the DNCs vice chair positions in February, first sparked controversy last month when he indicated that his group, Leaders We Deserve, would launch a $20 million effort to back primary challenges to incumbent House Democrats in safe seats. He emphasized that the group wouldnt target Democrats running in competitive districts or those who have been effective at standing up to President Trump. The reality is you should not be worried about this if you are a member of Congress if you are effective like [Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.)], for example, or [Rep.] Nancy Pelosi [D-Calif.], he told The Hill at the time. What we are looking at is places where the elected official has not done a great job being effective against Trump. But that met opposition from DNC Chair Ken Martin, who said shortly after that all DNC officials should remain neutral in primaries, saying Hogg is free to challenge incumbents but not as a DNC officer. He also said he has great respect for Hogg as an amazing young leader. Hogg argued in response that he wasnt violating any DNC rules. But these tensions look poised to come to a head following the Credentials Committees vote, which was in favor of a complaint from a losing candidate for a vice chair position who argued the election procedure violated DNC rules. The entire DNC membership must vote to determine whether to redo the election in the coming months. The complaint was filed shortly after the election well before the controversy surrounding Hogg but he has argued the development needs to be viewed in the context of the latest developments, saying his work to reform the party loomed large over this vote. But that has sparked pushback from some including Kenyatta, the other vice chair who maintain that the decision is not about Hogg and that hes trying to make the story about himself. Democrats said regardless of who is right, the bickering isnt a good look for the party as it needs to present a unified message opposing the Republicans agenda. Democratic strategist Max Burns said he expects the public will likely view it as the DNC pushing out Hogg, but the broader issue is with the confusion over the DNCs rules. The reality is that the DNCs rules have clearly become so confusing that not even senior officials have any idea how to understand them, he said. He warned the infighting could become an issue for those on both sides of the argument, as young people and Democrats who were considering getting more involved in the party could be turned off, creating a negative image all around. The result is that it just becomes such an unattractive proposition for people to get involved with, Burns said. It hurts the party on an infrastructural level when your operation looks this scattershot. Even as the direct issue has just focused on internal party positions, the debate has broader implications and has stirred strong emotions. Adam Green, the co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, said the takeaway that people will have is the party is targeting a young vibrant force in the party who is trying to make it bolder. Thats the tragedy of Ken Martin picking a fight with David Hogg, he said. Most peoples impression of the Democratic Party is that its defending a broken status quo and failing to shake up a broken political and economic system, Green said. Kenyatta has denounced Hoggs framing of the issue, arguing he has a casual relationship with the truth. He said Hoggs statements about the DNCs move pushed him over the edge despite wanting to avoid adding to party infighting. But Davids first statement out of the gate was, Heres the Democratic Party doing some maniacal thing to push me out because of what hes doing with his PAC, Kenyatta said. David knows that that is not true. Hogg in an interview with The Washington Post said he doesnt take the criticism of him personally and whats happening is just about differing tactics. This is purely about a strategic disagreement, and should be treated as such, because were all on the same side here. Its about, how do we create the strongest Democratic Party possible? Meanwhile, Martin has expressed optimism about the partys recent wins in competitive races, making a subtle reference to the drama while pointing to Democrat John Ewing Jr.s ousting of a three-term incumbent Republican mayor in Omaha. A lotta people in DC want to win the argument. I want to win elections, he said Wednesday in a post on social platform X. Last nights huge victory in Omaha speaks to the power of organizing everywhere our new mission at the DNC. Democratic and Democratic-aligned candidates have outperformed in 22 out of 24 special and regular elections in 2025 compared to former Vice President Harriss performance in 2024, including the Wisconsin state Supreme Court and superintendent races last month. Democratic strategist Matt Grodsky said he isnt as worried about the turmoil leading to a wider issue for Democrats broadly, saying most people living their daily lives arent concerned with such fighting. At the end of the day, when it comes to the midterms, and if things stay the way they are, theyre going to have two options. Do we want to continue with what Republicans are offering, or we want to go with what Democrats are offering? Grodsky said. And I dont think that the intraparty fighting is going to be a big factor in that. But he added that the longer the focus is on little fights and spats, the harder it will be for the party to be able to focus on fundraising and candidate recruitment. The strategists all expressed some amount of sympathy with Hoggs broader effort to support younger challengers to longtime incumbents but said the DNC needs to be focused. Halperin said the party should focus on broader strategies to try to move forward, looking at the long-term incumbents and if they genuinely have support from their districts. She said the answer will vary from district to district, but the listening needs to come from outside the inner circle. It sort of looks like were going to talk internally and get our house in order the way we think it should be, then well be ready to go and talk to voters, she said. I think thats backwards. Updated at 6:34 p.m. ET. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for iHeartRadio Will Ferrells son Magnus Ferrell is ready to earn a spot in the music industry thanks to his own talents. The great thing about me wanting to do music is that I have to make good music for people to react to good music, Magnus, 21, exclusively shared with Us Weekly at iHeartRadio's 102.7 KIIS FM Wango Tango presented by Fiji Airways. Sure, there's been opportunities, and I've gotten extra opportunities because of my parents, but I still had to show up for the occasion. While Will, 57, and his wife, Viveca Paulin, have found success in the acting world, Magnus said hes always been more intrigued by the music industry. Before studying acting at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, Magnus was busy playing piano starting from the age of five. Will Ferrell Hilariously DJs at Son Magnus University of Southern California Frat Party Although he didnt get into the universitys songwriting program, Magnus kept pursuing music on the side before taking a break from USC to focus on his record deal. Ive done all the work to show up, he explained to Us from Huntington Beach, California, where Gwen Stefani, Doja Cat, Meghan Trainor and more artists performed live. I still feel like I have to prove myself, and I'm going to continue to prove myself just because it's what I love to do, and I obsess over it. I know I can't think about anybody else besides the music, and I'm excited to show the world. Magnus is quick to describe his music as groove therapy because he finds his passion to be therapeutic. Sara Jaye/Getty Images for Tru Fru I have a lot of groovy influences, he explained. I love Stevie Wonder. I love Michael Jackson, anything Soul Train and also some jazz influences. I'm a jazz piano player from the start. How I met some of my closest friends was from jazz piano, so it's just what I call groove therapy. Snippets of Magnus sound and vibe can be seen on his social media account. Hes quick to ask for feedback from fans while also showing off his unique fashion style that often comes from thrift shopping. As he continues to follow his musical passions, Magnus is grateful for his parents support and for the simple fact that Will and Viveca, 56 who also share sons Mattias, 18, and Axel, 15 allowed him to have a normal childhood. Musicians Who Became Actors: Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga and More I'm so grateful, he said. I could have turned out a very wildly different human being, but I'm so thankful. I didn't really even know what [my dad] did until I was 11. Magnus upbringing has also allowed him to savor every moment as he works to turn his dreams into a reality. I'm the most excited about the music than I've ever been before, he added. I'm just excited to show that with the world and see what we could make happen. Courtesy of Jen Affleck/Instagram Could Zac Affleck's medical school journey be the most confusing part of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives? You tell Us. The hit Hulu series, which first premiered in September 2024, introduced Zac, 28, through his marriage to Jen Affleck. While Jen, 25, was juggling being a mom of two with a growing TikTok career, Zac was preparing for medical school. Before applying for medical school, Zac was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and participated in the churchs missionary program in the Dominican Republic. He got his undergrad degree from Brigham Young University before pursuing further education. "Zac graduated and got accepted into medical school! Its been a long and challenging journey with two little ones, but we did it!" Jen wrote via Instagram in July 2024. "I couldnt be prouder of you and all the hard work youve put in. Excited for this new adventure that awaits! ." The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Stars Jen Affleck and Zac Afflecks Relationship Timeline Initially, Jen and Zac discussed making the move to New York so he could follow in his father and grandfather's footsteps, who were both surgeons. We also just found out that Zac got into medical school in New York, which was one of his top dream schools to get into. Medical schools are super hard on marriages, so it makes me question if going to medical school is worth it," Jen said in season 1. Its hard because I am the provider, and if we are going to do medical school and these hard things in life, we do need to be on the same page, especially if we end up moving to New York, where I wouldnt even have the MomTok group. The couple documented their time in New York, but by the time season 2 of Mormon Wives aired in April, Zac was now going to medical school in Arizona. "Our guest of honor is Jen Affleck, who is a prominent member amongst these influencers," Lisa Vanderpump explained to her staff when Jen made an appearance on Vanderpump Villa. "Jen is reluctantly moving to Arizona with her husband so he can attend medical school." Jessi Ngatikaura later elaborated on Jen's move from Utah. "It is for her husband's medical school and he will never be around so who needs a husband?" Jessi quipped. "[After five years] is when [marriages] expire. I am coming up on mine so we better be careful." One month later, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives returned with the revelation that Jen and Zac were separated. The pair, who got married in 2019, were figuring out their next steps which included Zac taking a break from medical school. "I reached out to my dean and put in my application to leave medical school. My feelings toward MomTok haven't completely changed but I feel like a lot of our marriage I made about me and what I want to do," he told Jen in a May episode. "I don't know what I am going to do with my life, to be honest. I am here to support you and support your career." Which The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Stars Are Friends And Which Are Feuding After Season 2 Secret Lives of Mormon Wives viewers became quite familiar with Jen and Zac's ups and downs after the show premiered. The couple, who share kids Nora, 2, and Luca, 20 months, are currently expecting baby No. 3, after nearly calling it quits. "[We went through] lots of therapy. When I say lots of therapy, I mean eight hours a week. We really went all at it," Jen told Us in May about ketamine therapy. "It was definitely a game changer. Definitely life changing and I never thought I would try ketamine. But when you're looking for anything to help you try anything." Jen added: "We wouldn't have been able to get through season 2 honestly season 1 or season 2 without therapy. And filming definitely isn't a comfortable thing for Zac. I think it's definitely harder for him to be vulnerable. So that was him really trying to break through that during season 2. Even though there's a lot of tough conversations we need to have on and off camera, it was all helpful in the end." The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is currently streaming on Hulu. PALM SPRINGS, CA A Southern California man has been identified as a suspect in the deadly explosion outside a Palm Springs fertility clinic that authorities are calling "an intentional act of terrorism." The suspect, identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, is believed to have detonated a powerful car bomb outside the American Reproductive Centers clinic in the desert city of Palm Springs on May 17. The FBI said Bartkus died in the blast, which damaged several buildings and left four others injured. Akil Davis, assistant director of the Los Angeles FBI field office, called the incident "one of the largest bombing investigations we've had in Southern California." Davis compared the blast to the scale of the Aliso Viejo bombing in Orange County in 2018. The percussive boom was heard and felt as far as 2 miles from the scene. While some buildings were severely damaged, the fertility clinic said on social media that all its staff were safe, and no eggs or embryos were harmed. Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said on May 18 that all four people who were injured in the explosion have since been released from the hospital. Mills noted that it was "an isolated incident," and was confident that the community was "not at risk any longer." Palm Springs is a tony resort city located in the Colorado Desert section of the Sonoran Desert. The city is more than 100 miles southeast of Los Angeles. Authorities: Suspect had 'nihilistic ideations' Davis said on May 18 that investigators were "fairly confident" that they had identified Bartkus, of Twentynine Palms, from his remains. He added that investigators believe Bartkus targeted the fertility clinic based on his online posts and an apparent "manifesto" they were reviewing. "The subject had nihilistic ideations, and this was a targeted attack against the IVF facility," he said. "We are treating this as an intentional act of terrorism." Nihilism is defined in Webster's Dictionary as a "viewpoint that traditional values and beliefs are unfounded and that existence is senseless and useless." Davis said that based on evidence at the scene, Bartkus was attempting to livestream the detonation. But it was not clear whether he succeeded. Investigators raided a property in Twentynine Palms several hours after the bombing that was believed to be linked to the suspect. "I can confirm that we are executing a search warrant at that location in Twentynine Palms as a result of this explosion here," Davis said. "We do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public in the Twentynine Palms area." Mills told The Desert Sun, part of the USA TODAY Network, that investigators do not believe Bartkus had military ties. Twentynine Palms, about 58 miles northeast of Palm Springs, is home to a Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. Suspects father: 'Guy had a good heart I don't know what snapped' The father of Bartkus, Richard Bartkus, said on May 18 that he didn't know what motivated the killing. Richard Bartkus said he and his son's mother divorced about 10 years ago, and he'd had little contact with his son since. He said no law-enforcement investigators had spoken with him since the explosion on May 17. "Guy had a good heart. He always looked out for people, especially children. I don't know what snapped," Richard Bartkus told The Desert Sun while sitting on his couch in his living room in Yucca Valley. He described his son as a young man who worked monitoring special-needs children on school buses. Guy Bartkus was also a "computer whiz" who built his computers as early as the age of 9 and was an avid gamer, playing Halo and other titles, Richard Bartkus said. He did not know of any serious physical or mental health conditions his son might have had. He said Guy Bartkus went to Landers Elementary School and Yucca Valley High School. Since the explosion, Richard Bartkus has not been able to get a hold of his daughter, who he said was close to Guy, or of his ex-wife. No one in clinic; eggs and embryos safe The American Reproductive Centers in Palm Springs released a statement on Facebook about what it called "an unexpected and tragic incident" caused by a vehicle explosion in the parking lot near its building. "We are heartbroken to learn that this event claimed a life and caused injuries, and our deepest condolences go out to the individuals and families affected," the clinic wrote. In the statement, the clinic confirmed that no members of its team were harmed and its lab, including all eggs, embryos and reproductive materials, "remains fully secure and undamaged." The clinic is also conducting a "complete safety inspection," but said its operations and sensitive medical areas were not impacted by the blast. "Our mission has always been to help build families, and in times like these, we are reminded of just how fragile and precious life is," the clinic wrote. "In the face of this tragedy, we remain committed to creating hope because we believe that healing begins with community, compassion, and care." The clinic thanked all the first responders and said it will be fully operational on the morning of May 19. According to its website, American Reproductive Centers opened in 2006 and is "Coachella Valleys first and only full-service fertility center & IVF lab." "This moment has shaken us but it has not stopped us. We will continue to serve with strength, love, and the hope that brings new life into the world," the Facebook post reads. (This story was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Palm Springs fertility clinic explosion: Person of interest ID'd KABC The person killed in the Saturday bomb explosion outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, is a 25-year-old from Twentynine Palms, the FBI said Sunday. Guy Bartkus was the sole person killed in the blast that injured four other people, authorities said. A law enforcement source previously told CNN they believe the person killed was also responsible for the attack. Due to the condition of the deceased individuals remains after the explosion, forensic testing would be conducted to help fully identify the suspect, a source said. The subject had nihilistic ideations, Akil Davis, the FBIs assistant director in charge of the Los Angeles field office, said at a Sunday news conference. This was a targeted attack against the IVF facility. We are fairly confident that Mr. Bartkus is our primary subject, our primary suspect, a person of interest, he said, adding that the suspect was not previously known to the FBI. Authorities identified Bartkus nihilistic beliefs through some of the posts that hes made online, some of the comments made in his manifesto that were combing through right now, Davis said. Authorities believe Bartkus was trying to livestream the attack, according to Davis. An anti pro-life manifesto believed to be authored by the suspect has been located and is being examined by the FBI, according to an X post from US Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli. Officials are also aware of a rambling audio recording posted online in which a man describes his intention to attack an in vitro fertilization clinic, and they are working to determine whether it is associated with the incident, the law enforcement source told CNN. In the oftentimes incoherent audio message, the speaker discusses various grievances about his life and criticizes IVF while referring to himself as anti-life. He said the government should not restrict an individuals right to die. The blast took place around 11 a.m. local time outside American Reproductive Centers in Palm Springs, an upscale city around 100 miles from Los Angeles. Videos from the scene show plumes of smoke, blown out windows on nearby buildings, and sirens sounding off. The four people injured have all been released from the hospital, Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said Sunday. The FBI is treating the explosion at the fertility clinic as an act of terrorism, according to Davis. Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism, Davis said Saturday. The agencys Joint Terrorism Task Force is working alongside the Palm Springs Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Davis said, describing the collaborative effort as one of the largest bombing investigations weve had in Southern California. Several streets around the blast site remain closed Sunday as we still continue to collect evidence as well as process the scene, the police chief said. A search warrant was executed at a home in the city of Twentynine Palms, about 30 miles northeast of Palm Springs, on Saturday, in relation to the investigation, Davis said. Some residents were evacuated in the neighboring area as a practice of protocol and safety, he said. Authorities are investigating an explosion near the American Reproductive Centers clinic. - Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun/USA Today Network/Imagn Images A man who lives in Twentynine Palms told CNN affiliate KABC sheriffs deputies told him to evacuate because of suspected bomb-making material in a nearby house. An armored vehicle was at the scene, and officers were seen wearing tactical gear and working on a robot, according to a KABC crew. The KABC crew reported hearing a loud bang and officials shouting fire in the hole. Mills called the blast at the fertility clinic an isolated incident and said the community is no longer at risk. Terrorism came knocking on the door of Palm Springs. We survived, and I can tell you this city will rise, the police chief said. Attack targeted fertility clinic Although Davis said the attack appeared to be targeted, he didnt specify whether authorities had identified a motive. The motivation behind the attack is still unclear, Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte told CNN Saturday. We dont have the why or who yet, he said. In a statement, American Reproductive Centers said no members of their team were harmed and their Palm Springs lab, including all eggs, embryos, and reproductive materials was undamaged. Our mission has always been to help build families, and in times like these, we are reminded of just how fragile and precious life is, reads the clinics statement. In the face of this tragedy, we remain committed to creating hopebecause we believe that healing begins with community, compassion, and care. American Reproductive Centers provides fertility services including IVF, surrogacy and egg freezing, according to their website. The clinic describes itself as Coachella Valleys first and only full-service fertility center and IVF lab. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine said in a post on X they were deeply concerned about news of the explosion. Attorney General Pam Bondi said, We are working to learn more, but let me be clear: the Trump administration understands that women and mothers are the heartbeat of America. Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable, she said in a post on X. Deputies from the San Diego Sheriffs Office are conducting extra patrols at fertility centers within its jurisdiction, the agency said in a statement. There are no known threats to the San Diego County region, the statement continued. Mills said Sunday the blast is an opportunity for us to show the IVF community just how much we support them. This has been one of those heartbreaking things for many community members who are going through the process of trying to build families, the police chief said. IVF is a common fertility treatment that can help families experiencing infertility: Around 2% of births in the US are the result of IVF. The technique involves removing eggs from ovaries and combining them with sperm inside a laboratory, before the fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus in the hopes of producing a successful pregnancy. The technique often involves freezing embryos for genetic testing or future use. Unused embryos may also be discarded or donated. IVF and the practice of discarding embryos has been the subject of some conservative and religious criticism; IVF procedures in Alabama stopped last year after the state Supreme Court ruled frozen embryos were legally children before later resuming. But a number of Republican lawmakers have also voiced their support for IVF, with President Donald Trump calling himself a leader on IVF and signing an executive order aimed at expanding access to the procedure. A Palm Springs Police Department officer puts up more caution tape around the scene of an explosion near the American Reproductive Centers clinic on Saturday. - Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun/USA Today Network/Imagn Images Just fire and disaster Witnesses to the disaster described a loud bang followed by smoke, with debris scattered across the scene. The debris field spans over 250 yards, Davis said. It looked like a movie, Nima Tabrizi, who witnessed the explosion while shopping at a nearby cannabis dispensary Saturday morning, told CNNs Jessica Dean. He heard a boom and then everyone was just pointing, getting their cameras out, and we saw this large smoke, he recalled. Tabrizi said he saw what he thought were human remains in the street before first responders rushed to the scene. The windows of a nearby liquor store were completely blown out, he added. I cant imagine if you were within the immediate vicinity of that blast, for you not to get hurt, he said. It was pretty wild, he said. Never seen something like that before in my life. The blast created a massive crime scene, police chief Mills said Saturday. This is going to take a great deal of time for us to process the scene. He urged residents to leave any pieces of debris from the explosion where it is and call law enforcement to collect it as evidence. One building was on fire before being impacted by structural collapse, Palm Springs Fire Department Fire Chief Paul Alvarado said Saturday. Another eyewitness told CNN affiliate KABC he was making a delivery for UberEats when he heard a big bang. All you see is just fire and disaster, Leon Bazilion said of the scene. He said he saw fragments of a car broken apart and on fire and debris everywhere. How is this possible here in Palm Springs, you know? he said. Its just a very scary situation right here. Gov. Gavin Newsom said he had been briefed on the explosion and he and his wife are keeping everyone affected in our hearts in a post on X. The state is working closely with local and federal authorities as the investigation unfolds, he wrote. Please avoid the area. Correction: This has been updated to reflect the affiliate network an eyewitness spoke to. Correction: An earlier version of this story gave the wrong day for a comment on the fire from Palm Springs Fire Department Fire Chief Paul Alvarado. Alvarado spoke Saturday. It also incorrectly described recent action taken by President Trump to expand access to IVF. It was an executive order. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The abandoned Packard auto assembly plant in Detroit in 207 before its demolition. (Patrick GorskiNurPhoto via Getty Images) Foreign competition's role in the loss of Rust Belt jobs has been overstated in the political debate over U.S. manufacturing, according to Middlebury College professor Gary Winslett, who instead pointed to interstate competition, namely the rise of Southern states as favorable places for companies to put factories. Politicians from both sides of the aisle have ignored some "uncomfortable truths" as the Rust Belt has hemorrhaged manufacturing jobs over the years, according to Middlebury College professor Gary Winslett. In particular, he highlighted the narrative that China, Mexico and other countries grew their manufacturing employment via trade deals at the expense of the U.S. "Its a politically convenient tale for courting voters in key swing states, pining for the way things once were," Winslett wrote in a Washington Post op-ed on Wednesday. "The problem is that its not true and it is leading to some terrible policy decisions." To be sure, overall U.S. manufacturing employment has been in decline for decades. After peaking at nearly 20 million in 1979, it was at 12.8 million last month, according to Labor Department data compiled by the St. Louis Fed. And as a share of total nonfarm employment, manufacturing jobs have been in decline since 1953 as the economy has evolved to more service-oriented growth. Meanwhile, separate research from the Economic Policy Institute has shown that the U.S. lost more than 5 million manufacturing jobs from 1998 to 2021 as the trade deficit in manufactured goods with China, Japan, Mexico, the European Union, and other countries grew deeper. But Winslett see factors closer to home. "A big missing part of the story: Interstate competition," he wrote. "The Rust Belts manufacturing decline isnt primarily about jobs going to Mexico. Its about jobs going to Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee." Citing data from the World Trade Organization, he said the Rust Belt accounted for nearly half of all U.S. manufacturing exports in 1970 vs. less than a quarter for the South. Today, those regions have switched places. In fact, Alabama, which produces more than 1 million vehicles a year, is the No. 1 auto-exporting state, after not having a single auto plant as recently as 1992, he said. Winslett attributed the role reversal to conditions in Southern states that are more business friendly, including right-to-work laws, cheaper electricity, more housing construction, lower taxes and easier permitting. Immigration has also helped the South, which now has more immigrants than any other part of the country while the Midwest has the fewest, he added. In addition, automation has contributed to the decline of manufacturing employment as well, Winslett pointed out, meaning that reshoring factories today wouldn't produce a big surge in jobs. "But even accounting for this technological shift, it is the ongoing competition between states, far more than globalization, that has reshaped American manufacturing, creating uncomfortable truths that neither party wants to acknowledge," he explained. For example, Republicans like President Donald Trump have pitched tariffs as the key to restoring Rust Belt factory jobs, without acknowledging the jobs that went to the South. On the other side, Democrats prefer to blame globalization than interstate competition and won't acknowledge deregulation, right-to-work laws, and lower energy costs, Winslett said. "Both parties prefer simple villains, whether its China or greedy corporations," he concluded. "But whats needed isnt more warm fuzzies about the way things used to be or globalization scapegoating. It is a clear-eyed approach that understands why companies choose Alabama over Ohio and that embraces the choices made by Southern states." This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Eat the tariffs: Trump slams Walmart over warning to consumers but the costs could still hit your wallet President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to slam Walmart for warning it may raise prices due to tariffs. "Walmart should STOP trying to blame Tariffs as the reason for raising prices throughout the chain. Walmart made BILLIONS OF DOLLARS last year, far more than expected," Trump wrote, in a move that echoes earlier pressure campaigns aimed at companies like Amazon, Mattel and U.S. automakers. "Between Walmart and China they should, as is said, 'EAT THE TARIFFS,' and not charge valued customers ANYTHING. Ill be watching, and so will your customers!!!" This came in response to the retailer's earnings call on May 15th, where Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said President Trump's tariffs are "too high" and warned consumers to expect price hikes on certain items. Don't miss We will do our best to keep our prices as low as possible. But given the magnitude of the tariffs, even at the reduced levels announced this week, we arent able to absorb all the pressure given the reality of narrow retail margins, McMillon said on the call. Walmart is specifically eyeing increases on toys made more expensive to import from China and food items like bananas and avocados from Costa Rica, Peru, and Colombia. Companies across the nation worried about tariffs Walmart isn't the first, and certainly won't be the last, to sound the alarm and warn of price hikes. Automakers were told by the White House to hold the line and not increase prices in response to tariffs. Trump issued a similar threat to Mattel after the toymaker warned that toy prices could rise. Well put a 100% tariff on his toys, and he wont sell one toy in the United States, and thats their biggest market, Trump said, speaking of Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz. Adidas CEO Bjrn Gulden said their shoes could cost more in the U.S. Although we had already reduced the China exports to the US to a minimum, we are somewhat exposed to those currently very high tariffs, Gulden said. What is even worse for us is the general increase in US tariffs from all other countries of origin. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan works every single time to kill debt, get rich in America and that anyone can do it What can consumers do about tariffs? Stock up on affected items if you anticipate a price increase for a particular product due to tariffs, consider purchasing it before the price rises. This strategy works especially well for shelf-stable or frozen goods, which may already be in stock and priced pre-tariff. Seek alternatives look for domestic alternatives for pricey items, and even consider purchasing some items used from online marketplaces. Keep an eye on price increase news be prepared for potential price increases on imported goods, and be aware that you may have fewer options available. Settle for different products to save. Evaluate your budget Look for areas to cut back and absorb cost increases elsewhere like saving on your car insurance or negotiating a cheaper internet plan. Walmart CFO John David Rainey warned that consumers may start seeing higher prices in just a few weeks. Im concerned that the consumer is going to start seeing higher prices. Youll begin to see that, likely towards the tail end of [May], and then certainly much more in June, Rainey told CNBC in an interview. Whether or not companies eat the tariffs, shoppers are already feeling the bite on grocery shelves and beyond. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. AI chatbots are in the workplace, but they haven't yet transformed work. (Getty Images) AI chatbots have been rolled out across hundreds of white-collar workplaces, but on average, their effect on hours and pay has been negligible, according to a National Bureau of Economic Research working paper linking AI use to corporate records in Denmark. On average, employees saved 3% of their time, while just 3%-7% of their productivity gains came back to them in the form of higher pay. Since OpenAI rolled out ChatGPT just over two years ago, AI chatbots have become the fastest-adopted technologies in history, rivaling the PC three decades ago. Their popularity has created and destroyed entire job descriptions and sent company valuations into the stratospherethen back down to earth. And yet, one of the first studies to look at AI use in conjunction with employment data finds the technologys effect on time and money to be negligible. AI chatbots have had no significant impact on earnings or recorded hours in any occupation, economists Anders Humlum and Emilie Vestergaard wrote in a National Bureau of Economic Research working paper released this week. Humlum, an assistant professor of economics at the University of Chicagos Booth School of Business, and Emilie Vestergaard, an economics PhD student at the University of Copenhagen, looked at 25,000 workers across 7,000 workspaces, focusing on occupations believed to be susceptible to disruption by AI: accountants, customer support specialists, financial advisors, HR professionals, IT support specialists, journalists, legal professionals, marketing professionals, office clerks, software developers, and teachers. They pulled records from Denmark, a country whose rates of AI adoption as well as hiring and firing practices are similar to those in the U.S. but where record-keeping is far more detailed, allowing the study to anonymously match survey responses to records of actual hours and pay. On average, users of AI at work had a time savings of 3%, the researchers found. Some saved more time, but didnt see better pay, with just 3%-7% of productivity gains being passed on to paychecks. In other words, while they found no mass displacement of human workers, neither did they see transformed productivity or hefty raises for AI-wielding superworkers. While adoption has been rapid, with firms now heavily invested in unlocking the technological potential, the economic impacts remain small, the authors write. Productivity, interrupted The findings might be a surprise against the backdrop of aggressive corporate adoption of AI: from Duolingo replacing its contract workers with AI to Shopify decreeing it will only hire humans as a second choice to AI. Meanwhile, investors have been bidding up shares of companies involved in AI. But the NBER paper doesnt mean that earlier findings of AIs productivity boost have been wrong, said Humlumjust incomplete. Most of the earlier research has focused exactly on the occupations where the time savings are largest, Humlum told Fortune. Software, writing code, writing marketing tasks, writing job posts for HR professionalsthese are the tasks the AI can speed up. But in a broader occupational survey, where AI can still be helpful, we see much smaller savings, he said. Other factors that explain AIs overall ho-hum impact include employer buy-in and employees own time management. I might save time drafting an email using a large language model, so I save some time there, but the important question is, what do I use that time savings for? he said. Is the marginal task I'm shifting my work toward a productive task? Workers in the study allocated more than 80% of their saved time to other work tasks (less than 10% said they took more breaks or leisure time), including new tasks created by the use of AI, such as editing AI-generated copy, or, in Humlums own case, adjusting exams to make sure that students arent using AI to cheat. There's also the fact that real workplaces are much messier than structured experiments. In the real world, many workers are using these tools without even the endorsement of the boss. Some dont even know if they're allowed to use it; some are allowed but not really encouraged to use it, Humlum said. In a workplace where its not explicitly encouraged, there's limited space to go to your boss and say, 'Id like to take on more work because AI has made me more productive,' let alone negotiate for higher pay based on higher productivity. And of course, employees might not want to advertise how much more productive AI has made them, especially considering the well-trod adage that the reward for efficient workers is more work. Some of the findings around hours and pay in workplaces where AI isnt used suggest that workers are not exactly knocking on the bosss door asking for more work, Humlum said. Great expectations, mid results The NBER paper comes on the heels of other indications suggesting that AIs potential, while tremendous, has been vastly overstated in the media and the market. Payment processor Klarna, which made waves last year when it revealed it stopped hiring humans in favor of a super-productive AI, recently tempered its rhetoric. An IBM survey of 2,000 CEOs revealed that just 25% of AI projects deliver on their promised return on investment. The main driver of adoption, it seems, is corporate FOMO, with nearly two-thirds of CEOs agreeing that the risk of falling behind drives them to invest in some technologies before they have a clear understanding of the value they bring to the organization, according to the study. Nobel laureate Daron Acemoglu, who has extensively researched automation and labor, estimates AIs productivity boost at approximately 1.1% to 1.6% of GDP in the next decadea sizable boost for an advanced economy like the U.S., but far from the doubling of GDP some technologists have predicted. The danger with AI is that the hype will likely go on for a while and do much more damage in the process than experts are anticipating, he wrote for Fortune last year. In fact, getting productivity gains from any technology requires organizational adjustment, a range of complementary investments, and improvements in worker skills, via training and on-the-job learning, he said. That's a finding backed up by Humlum and Vestegaard, whose paper showed greater productivity gains when employers encouraged AI use and trained workers in it. It could also be just a matter of time. After all, the Industrial Revolution went on for a century, transforming how people lived and worked long after the invention of the steam engine. It took a couple decades to see that we can have an assembly line powered by electricity instead of having everything run centrally via a steam engine, Humlum said. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Liberating these buildings from its dark past: Developers spent $64 million turning this Virginia prison originally commissioned by Theodore Roosevelt into a 165-unit apartment complex Would you choose to live in a prison? You might if it had been converted into a community of well-designed apartments with a club house, swimming pool, green spaces, restaurants, retail shops and even a preschool. Thats exactly what was done to an old prison in Lorton, Virginia. Don't miss We really felt that we were liberating these buildings from its dark past, and for that reason we thought Liberty was a good name for the project, David Vos, a development project manager with real estate developer The Alexander Company, told CNBC Make It. From abandoned prison to designer apartments The Lorton Reformatory prison complex, originally commissioned by Theodore Roosevelt, was built in 1910 and shuttered in 2001. In 2002, Fairfax County bought the 2,324-acre campus for $4.2 million. In 2008, The Alexander Company which specializes in urban infill development and historic preservation partnered with the county and Elm Street Development to help convert the campus, with renovations taking place from 2015 to 2017. The company spent $64 million converting 207,000 square feet into the Liberty Crest Apartments. Rent for the 165 apartments ranges from $1,372 and $2,700 per month. For comparison, the average rent for all property types in Virginia is $1,700 per month. Forty-four of the units are set aside for people earning 50% of the median household income of $136,719 for Lorton, according to CNBC Make It. These units were fully leased within a couple of months and have been at full occupancy since. The Lorton Reformatory was a Progressive Era prison, so its architecturally interesting and laid out well for apartments, with plenty of windows providing lots of natural light and ventilation. The original dining room has been turned into a club house with a pool table and shuffleboard table, while the prison ball field has been converted to a central green for residents. Theres also a fitness center, yoga room, swimming pool and two playground areas, along with retail shops and restaurants. Plus, theres still room for development. A few penitentiary buildings on the complex are slated to become commercial spaces and the power plant is being converted into 10 additional apartments. The developers, believing we can learn from our past, have kept some signage from the original prison intact as a reminder of what the buildings once were. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan works every single time to kill debt, get rich in America and that anyone can do it The economic and environmental promise of adaptive reuse The Liberty Crest Apartments are a prime example of adaptive reuse when existing assets in a built area are repurposed for new uses. This can be an environmentally friendly way to develop needed spaces such as affordable housing. According to The World Economic Forum (WEF), cities are turning to adaptive reuse as a powerful strategy to reduce waste, cut emissions and enhance circular economy principles in the built environment. Repurposing an existing building emits 50% to 75% less carbon than building new, according to WEF, and the process itself can be efficient up to 90% of materials can be salvaged and diverted from landfills when buildings are repurposed rather than demolished. By saving the expense of demolition and new construction, repurposing can result in cost savings of 12% to 15%. Communities also benefit from adaptive reuse because it helps to preserve culture and architecture while creating unique, distinctive spaces to work and live. It can also be a catalyst for urban renewal and innovation. For example, where the Lorton prison complex was once an empty, decaying structure, theres now attractive architecture, affordable housing and community spaces. Adaptive reuse projects can also boost property values in the surrounding community through neighborhood revitalization. Jobs are created during the project and, longer term, for ongoing maintenance and administration of the new facility as well as through any commercial spaces that may be part of the development. However, it often means overcoming community and regulatory hurdles. In the case of Lorton Reformatory, investors initially expressed concern that the development was in a metro area without mass transit and that mixed-income housing might turn off prospective developers. Eventually, an investor did see the potential and the result is Liberty Crest Apartments. Despite these types of hurdles, adaptive reuse projects represent a huge opportunity for developers and communities alike. CNBC Make It reports that 188 prison facilities were shut down in the U.S. between 2000 and 2022, and in at least nine states conversions of these facilities are either underway or have been completed. After all, why would communities and developers want to keep that much potential locked up? What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Tony Ruiz was happy to join Veterans Affairs in February 2024. A disabled veteran himself, Ruiz left the private sector to become a veterans service representative and help people who had served their country get the benefits they deserved. Despite glowing performance reviews and an "employee of the quarter" award, Ruiz , who lives in Orange County, California, was laid off just days before he had expected to become a permanent employee. Adrift in the weeks afterward, he came to two realizations, he told USA TODAY: He needed a job, and new people need to run for political office. The only way to speak up at this point with everything thats going on without getting too political here is to get into power, is to go to some location where there is a Republican and literally running on the platform of Hey, Im one of those federal employees, a veteran, who was cut by the Trump administration.' Progressive and Democratic groups that help people run for office told USA TODAY former federal employees like Ruiz are contacting them in droves to learn what it would take to run for everything from school board to Congress. Ruiz said he plans to start with a run for mayor or city council, hoping to connect with people in a moderately conservative area of California who aren't happy with the changes President Donald Trump has made, though he hasnt decided where. He called himself a centrist who leans left. "Everybodys seen now that were under attack," Ruiz said. "Thats my base; people that are veterans, Latinos, Americans in general who feel under attack. Former Veterans Affairs employee Tony Ruiz and VA Under Secretary Josh Jacobs pose in Los Angeles after Ruiz received an employee of the quarter award. Ruiz was fired in early February along with thousands of other probationary employees. A surge in sign-ups In the three days after federal firings began in February, 1,000 people signed up to run for office with Run for Something, said group co-founder Amanda Litman. The organization supports progressive candidates who want to run for local office. It was a huge spike for us, Litman said, adding that the layoffs could represent a pivot point in Trumps presidency that pushes people to get involved in politics. The group has received tens of thousands of calls and emails about running for office since the 2024 election, she said. More: The Donald Trump resistance is ready for when Democrats are done grieving I suspect many are coming from either employees or (people) wanting to fight back on behalf of federal employees, Litman said. On March 25, more than 600 people attended a Run for Something informational call aimed at former federal workers interested in running for office. Attendees said they were tired of waiting for someone else to get it together. Some said they feel frustrated, disgusted and exhausted, while others said they are hopeful, optimistic and empowered. As alumni of the group talked about how they decided to run and organized their campaigns, attendees were in the video call's chat section coordinating local meet-ups or opportunities to share resources. Step one: Figure out their story. More: Rats, card tables and BYO toilet paper: Inside federal workers' return to office Litman said federal workers make compelling candidates because many are veterans and have a deep understanding of how the system works and a willingness to fight for it in a different way from the inside. Also, they can say 'Trump and Elon Musk fired me for wanting to serve the people.' That's a really compelling campaign story, she said. Logical step for public servants Running for public office is a logical next step for public servants, Emerge President A'shanti Gholar told USA TODAY. Emerge, which focuses on helping women run for office and supporting them after they win, held three trainings in April for former federal workers. Dozens of women across the country attended, and the group plans to hold another training series for fired federal workers in May and June, Gholar said. She said the training included how to find the right position for which to run. "They have all of this experience in the federal government, they know how it works, and they can take that to the local level, especially to be able to serve their community," she said. "There's 520,000 elected offices in this country, and the majority of them are at the state and local level, and that's where we really need people stepping up to be during this time." A'shanti F. Gholar, the president of Emerge, speaks at an event in San Francisco on April 30, 2025. Her group is dedicated to recruiting and training Democratic women to run for office. Mark Leonard, 35, of Fountain Valley, California, who has volunteered on several Democratic campaigns, said he is already in contact with six former public servants around the country who are looking for a way to serve again. He's advising them on deadlines, available resources, how to shape their message for their particular district, and how to get on the ballot. Leonard said he wants to ease their way into running a campaign, which can be daunting and very different from serving as a nonpartisan government employee. "I don't want to see people dropping out and giving up. I would like to see people run their races through," he said. 'It's forced a choice' Several federal employees USA TODAY spoke with said they are afraid to talk about their plans until they are fully separated from the government. Others were more open. Caitie Goddard, 41, is moving home to Michigan after losing her job with the United States Agency for International Development in Washington after less than a year. She had always worked in public education or public service and has occasionally considered running for office. "I had always thought about what it would mean to run never knowing what would be an appropriate time. This experience of basically eliminating my position and all others, it's forced a choice," Goddard said. Caitie Goddard poses with her family in Royal Oak, Michigan in 2024. She is considering running for public office after being laid off in the Trump administration's overhaul of the federal workforce. She wants to explore a run for state office but doesn't know where she'd fit best. Criticism of federal workers coming from the White House and some Americans has her thinking about whether having federal experience is a strength or a weakness if she runs. She said candidates will have to show that fired federal workers are "not just some random person. It's me, the girl from Royal Oak, Michigan, who has all her friends and family living in the area. It's affecting me and my family and my friends and community. It's not just some random folks without names working on Capitol Hill." Shernice Mundell, 47, of Edgewood, Maryland, joined the Office of Personnel Management in August 2024 where she helped postal workers with health insurance questions. She was excited to spend her final working decades helping fellow Americans. Shernice Mundell in a selfie in Washington, D.C. on April 2, 2025. Mundell is considering a run for Congress after being laid off from the federal government by the Trump administration. Mundell is considering a bid for Congress because she feels let down by her own congressman, Rep. Andy Harris, R-Maryland, who she said hasn't provided resources for the fired federal workers in his district. When she called his office to express concerns about the cuts, the only response she got was an automated message that he supports what the Trump administration is doing. "I've always wanted to do it, but I never had a reason," Mundell told USA TODAY. "Once I was fired, I said, Well, maybe this is God's way of telling me I should run for something." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fired federal workers look to run for office to keep serving Jonathan Allison Photography Steve Burton and Michelle Lundstrom General Hospital star Steve Burton married Michelle Lundstrom on May 17 in California The couple tied the knot in an intimate church ceremony, followed by a "romantic" oceanfront reception at Montage Laguna Beach. The pair slow danced to "I Choose You" by Forest Blakk for their first dance, before enjoying slices of vanilla sponge wedding cake with vanilla cream and fresh berries "He's proven that fairy tale love truly exists. He's like pure sunshine," the bride tells PEOPLE Steve Burton has found his forever partner. The actor, 54, married chef and content creator Michelle Lundstrom, 44, on Saturday, May 17 in an intimate Orthodox church ceremony, followed by a reception at Montage Laguna Beach in Laguna Beach, California. The pair's church ceremony was immediate family-only, while their ultra-exclusive oceanfront reception was attended by 45 guests from their inner circle, including a few of the groom's friends from General Hospital. "This day isnt just about a ceremony," Burton tells PEOPLE. "Its the beginning of forever with the love of my life." Jonathan Allison Photography Steve Burton and Michelle Lundstrom Lundstrom, who appeared on Netflix's Barbecue Showdown 2, wore a custom, strapless couture gown designed by Lee Petra Grebenau for her big day. "It was exactly what I had wanted, romantic with a vintage vibe," the bride says. Her daughters from a previous relationship, 14-year-old Lilah and 10-year-old Hannah, joined her in her search for the perfect wedding dress. "When I tried on my dress I knew it was the one," she recalls. "I came out to show my girls and they both said, 'Thats the one, Mom!' We all knew." "It was beyond special," continues Lundstrom, whose hair and makeup was done by friends Anzhela and Luiza Adzhiyan, respectively. Jonathan Allison Photography Michelle Lundstrom Lilah and Hannah joined Burton's three children daughters Makena, 21, and Brooklyn, 10, and son Jack, 19 in the wedding party. General Hospital stars Jonathan Jackson and wife Lisa Vultaggio were also in the wedding party. "The girls were so excited to wear matching dresses," Lundstrom says, with Burton adding that it "meant the world" to him to have Jack as one of his groomsmen. The bride's sister, Janine, served as her maid of honor. Meanwhile, Burton's best friend, Jeremy Ross, was his best man. Set on a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the couple's seaside reception was made to feel even more "romantic" with stunning florals arranged by Honey Bear Events, soft candlelight and touches of blush, ivory and sea glass green. Jonathan Allison Photography Michelle Lundstrom and Steve Burton with their young wedding party Because Burton and Lundstrom "connected" over '80s music and movies after meeting on social media, they requested that their pianist play '80s romance songs during cocktail hour, and that their DJ, On the Go DJ Pro, do the same during reception. The duo selected a more modern, though just as heartfelt, track for their first dance song "I Choose You" by Forest Blakk. 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 couple's "dream-like celebration filled with so much love," joined by those "who have always been there" for them, was "more meaningful than words can express." "I get to spend the rest of my life with my best friend, growing together each day in faith and love," Burton says, with Lundstrom adding that marriage "means everything" to them. Tying the knot with Burton was an especially emotional moment for Lundstrom, who has "never felt so safe and loved" by someone. Jonathan Allison Photography Steve Burton and Michelle Lundstrom "Gosh, he's proven that fairy tale love truly exists," she tells PEOPLE. "He's like pure sunshine always uplifting, endlessly caring. His love makes me a better person every single day." She continues, "To have the most incredible man I've ever known by my side forever brings me so much peace and happiness. He is the love of my life, and I feel so blessed to call him mine." Burton is equally as excited to start a new chapter with Lundstrom. "Honestly, I've never felt so loved and cared for in my entire life," he admits. "I'm incredibly grateful to have her by my side. She is the most amazing, beautiful, and selfless woman I've ever known. I love her so much." The pair enjoyed a "dreamy" candlelit dinner under the stars, with guests seated on the grass lawn overlooking ocean waves gently crashing against the shore. Jonathan Allison Photography Steve Burton and Michelle Lundstrom's wedding dinner The master chefs at Montage "blew away" Burton and Lundstrom with "incredible" culinary creations. The Days of Our Lives alum especially enjoyed the savory beef tenderloin. However, Burton wanted something less luxurious for his wedding cake, requesting the dessert "to taste as close to a classic grocery store sheet cake as possible." However, he ultimately expanded his palate, compromising on a vanilla sponge cake with vanilla cream and fresh berries. The following day, the newlyweds hosted a Sunday brunch "to celebrate once more before everyone headed home." The nuptials took place just four months after the couple got engaged. Lundstrom admits that planning a wedding so soon alongside The Ashlyn Company was "fun and a little crazy." Jonathan Allison Photography Steve Burton "We didnt want to wait to become husband and wife," she explains. Burton let Lundstrom "make most of the decisions," but had "a way of keeping everything stress free." Burton announced his separation from his wife of 23 years Sheree Burton in May 2022. At the time, it was revealed that his ex was expecting a baby, and Burton released a statement explaining that the child was not his. Their divorce was finalized in December 2023. Jonathan Allison Photography Michelle Lundstrom and Steve Burton Five months later in May 2024, PEOPLE confirmed that Burton was in a relationship with Lundstrom. The following month, Burton brought Lundstrom as his date to the Daytime Emmy Awards. "Although we had been friends for a while and lived in different states, there was always an undeniable, electric connection between us," Burton says. "She is a breath of fresh air." The PEOPLE App is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Lundstrom notes that she and Burton "built a deep, meaningful friendship before [their] relationship turned romantic." It didn't take long, however, for them to realize that they were each other's perfect match, with the soap opera star popping the question on Jan. 3 in Nashville, Tennessee. Jonathan Allison Photography Steve Burton and Michelle Lundstrom "I found a beautiful farm that had a cool stage with string lights and a small romantic chapel. I told Michelle we were going to look at a piece of property to possibly buy," Burton remembers. "The plan unfolded perfectly and she said yes!" "It was incredibly sweet," Lundstrom says of the proposal. "He had a backdrop of the first place we met in person set up on the stage. When he got down on one knee, I was filled with emotion and a bit in shock. But, of course, I said yes! He then led me into the chapel, where rose petals, candles, and our photos surrounded us. We slow danced to our favorite songs as I cried happy tears. He's very romantic. Afterward, we joined our kids and closest friends for an intimate dinner to celebrate." Now, the married couple is honeymooning in Maui, Hawaii. Additional Credits: Photographer: Jonathan Allison Photography Videographer: Jorge Nunez Films Read the original article on People DENVER Some suspects in violent assaults and sex crimes are escaping American justice because they're being deported before they can stand trial, according to a number of prosecutors and legal experts across the country. In one suburban Denver county, the district attorney has tallied at least six criminal cases he's had to shelve or drop because Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained or deported suspects before he could prosecute them. In another case in the city of Denver, a man suspected of attempted murder was released because ICE had deported the witnesses against him, forcing prosecutors to drop the charges. That suspect then tackled an ICE agent trying to detain him outside the jail. And in Boston, a judge was forced to drop charges against a man accused of using a fake name on a driver's license after ICE took him into custody mid-trial and refused to return him. Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden called ICE's actions "troubling and extraordinarily reckless," because the agents prevented him from prosecuting the detainee. Across the country, prosecutors, defense attorneys and legal observers say they've seen an uptick in ICE agents choosing to deport criminal suspects, instead of keeping them in custody and producing them for local court proceedings. "It's not only undermining to the justice system but also impacting community safety," said Adams County District Attorney Brian Mason, who serves a suburban area northeast of Denver. Detainees sit outside at dusk at the Bluebonnet Detention Facility, the facility where Venezuelans at the center of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling are held, in Anson, Texas, U.S., April 27, 2025. These rapid deportations mean some innocent people are being denied the chance to clear their name in a U.S. courtroom. For crime victims, it means they never see the satisfaction of their assailant behind bars. And it could be making all Americans less safe, legal experts say, when people with criminal backgrounds and no respect for the law cross back into the United States and commit more crimes. "My fear is that people will get deported, will essentially avoid criminal prosecution, will sneak back into the country ... and live under the radar and never be held accountable and suffer no consequences whatsoever for their actions, and potentially perpetrate more crimes against other victims," Mason said. The Laken Riley Act effect Legal experts say the increase appears to being driven in part by the new federal Laken Riley Act, which requires ICE to detain people living illegally in the United States once they have been accused or charged with certain crimes, including theft or shoplifting. Although the Riley Act, named for a Georgia nursing student killed in 2024 by an immigrant who had entered the country illegally, doesn't require deportations, at least some of the people detained under the law have subsequently been removed from the United States, experts told USA TODAY. Sometimes that means those people are escaping prosecution for assaults, domestic violence or thefts. In other instances, prosecutors have dropped cases because ICE deported the witnesses. The people ICE targeted are accused of living illegally within the United States. In another Massachusetts case, ICE detained a man facing state driving charges and refused to produce him for his trial, prompting the ACLU to ask a federal judge to intervene. The judge ordered ICE to produce the man, and he was found not guilty of the state charges. He was then returned to ICE custody, which had been the prior procedure. President Donald Trump campaigned on tough new immigration policies, and ICE agents nationwide have been conducting high-profile detention operations, which the president said are primarily targeted at violent criminals and gang members. And he has chafed at judicial limits placed on deportations of people targeted because they were accused but never convicted. "Murderers, drug dealers, gang members, and even the mentally insane will make their home in our country, wreaking havoc like we have never seen before," Trump posted to social media in late April. "It is not possible to have trials for millions and millions of people. We know who the criminals are, and we must get them out of the U.S.A. and fast!" ICE as a 'getaway driver' Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehend an immigrant from El Salvador after surveilling him for days, in Herndon, Virginia, on Jan. 15, 2025. The man had a criminal conviction and was in the country illegally. Michael Kagan, who runs the Immigration Clinic at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas law school, said the deportations-before-prosecution policy risks creating a two-tiered justice system: American citizens are imprisoned if convicted, but someone who commits the same crime while living illegally in the United States could be released with no punishment other than a free trip home. "If you think that it's worth incarcerating a citizen who has committed a crime, it becomes very hard to justify not incarcerating a noncitizen convicted of the same crime," said Kagan, whose clinic provides legal aid to people facing deportation. Kagan said some immigration experts have begun referring to ICE as a "getaway driver" because they believe the new system is ripe for abuse by offenders: "The U.S. citizen has to face trial and serious prison time while the noncitizen could just ask ICE to give him a ride to Mexico and get off free." Nicholas Reppucci, the chief public defender in Charlottesville, Virginia, said he's already seeing less willingness by immigrants to testify as witnesses over the aggressive new approach. An undocumented migrant waits in a holding facility in a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office in Virginia on Jan. 15, 2025. "It is having a very significant negative impact, not just for criminal defendants but for complainants or people who have been victimized by crimes," he said. "Inherently, in my option, people are less likely to come to court to have wrongs righted." Mason, the Colorado district attorney, said he previously worked with ICE agents to secure what are known as U visas, which grant crime victims the right to remain in the United States so they can testify in local criminal cases. Now, the collaboration is gone, he said. "If a victim of crime is afraid to come to the Adams County Courthouse because she's afraid she'll get detained in the parking lot by ICE, then I can't prosecute that case," he said. "It's not only undermining to the justice system but also impacting community safety." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ICE adopts new tactic: Deport before court Mar 27, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Jasmine Paolini (ITA) serves against Aryna Sabalenka (not pictured) in a women's singles semifinal on day ten of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images) (Geoff Burke-Imagn Images) Italy's Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani successfully defended their Italian Open women's doubles title on Sunday, which enabled Paolini to pull off a WTA feat last accomplished 16 years ago. Third-seeded Paolini and Errani rallied from 4-0 deficits in both sets to claim a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Russia's Veronika Kudermetova and Belgium's Elise Mertens. On Saturday, the sixth-seeded Paolini defeated fourth-seeded Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-2 to become the first Italian woman in 40 years to win the singles title in the country's signature event. The 29-year-old Paolini's sweep of the singles and doubles at the Italian Open made her the first competitor to achieve the double at a WTA 1000 tournament since Vera Zvonareva of Russia did it in 2009 at Indian Wells. "It's amazing," Paolini said. "It's been two amazing weeks, incredible. I don't know what to say. It's just perfect, you know?" --Field Level Media The Justice Department may drop its criminal prosecution of Boeing for allegedly misleading U.S. regulators about the 737 Max jetliner before two of the planes crashed and killed 346 people, according to a weekend court filing. The department said in a Saturday status report that two representatives had met with the families of some crash victims to discuss a potential pretrial resolution that would involve dismissing the criminal fraud charge against the aerospace company. The Justice Department said no decision had been made and that it was giving the family members more time to weigh in. A federal judge in Texas has set the case for trial starting June 23. Paul Cassell, an attorney for many of the families in the long-running case, said his clients strongly oppose dropping the criminal case. We hope that this bizarre plan will be rejected by the leadership of the department, Cassell said in a statement. Dismissing the case would dishonor the memories of 346 victims who Boeing killed through its callous lies. Many relatives of the passengers who died in the crashes, which took place off the coast of Indonesia and in Ethiopia less than five months apart in 2018 and 2019, have spent years pushing for a public trial, the prosecution of former company officials, and more severe financial punishment for Boeing. Boeing was accused of misleading the Federal Aviation Administration about aspects of the Max before the agency certified the plane for flight. Boeing did not tell airlines and pilots about a new software system, called MCAS, that could turn the planes nose down without input from pilots if a sensor detected that the plane might go into an aerodynamic stall. The Max planes crashed after a faulty reading from the sensor pushed the nose down and pilots were unable to regain control. After the second crash, Max jets were grounded worldwide until the company redesigned MCAS to make it less powerful and to use signals from two sensors, not just one. Boeing avoided prosecution in 2021 by reaching a $2.5 billion settlement with the Justice Department that included a previous $243.6 million fine. A year ago, prosecutors said Boeing violated terms of the 2021 agreement by failing to make promised changes to detect and prevent violations of federal anti-fraud laws. Boeing agreed last July to plead guilty to the felony fraud charge instead of enduring a potentially lengthy public trial. But in December, U.S. District Judge Reed OConnor in Fort Worth rejected the plea deal. The judge said the diversity, inclusion and equity or DEI, policies in the government and at Boeing could result in race being a factor in picking a monitor to oversee Boeings compliance with the agreement. Lawyers for the government and Boeing have spent months discussing a new deal. The Justice Department said in its latest filing that the two sides discussed a possible framework for a nonprosecution agreementbut have not exchanged a draft written agreementthat would impose obligations on both parties, including Boeing paying an additional fine and compensation. Lawyers for the families said they learned during Friday's meeting with the acting head of the Justice Department's criminal fraud section and the acting U.S. attorney for northern Texas that Boeing no longer was willing to plead guilty. The Justice Department said it had agreed to consider any written submissions by the family members through May 22. After that, the department said it would notify OConnor promptly about how it wants to proceed. CNN Israel launched an extensive ground operation in Gaza Sunday in addition to an intense air campaign that health officials in the territory say killed over 100 people overnight and shuttered the last functioning hospital in the enclaves north. The Israeli militarys ground operation in northern and southern Gaza comes as international mediators push for progress in ceasefire talks. Hamas and Israel began indirect talks in the Qatari capital Doha Saturday, with senior Hamas official Taher Al-Nunu confirming that negotiations without preconditions had started, according to Hamas-run al Aqsa TV. While there is some optimism around the talks, a breakthrough is looking uncertain. Israel on Sunday indicated its openness to ending the war in Gaza if Hamas surrenders, a proposition the militant group is unlikely to accept. Hamas has said it will release all of the Israeli hostages if there are guarantees Israel will end the war. If Hamas wants to talk about ending the war through Hamass surrender, we will be ready, an Israeli source said. Earlier on Sunday, a senior Hamas leader told CNN that the group had agreed to release between seven and nine Israeli hostages in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 300 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Hours later another senior Hamas leader, Sami Abu Zuhri, denied and contradicted that proposal, posting a statement on Hamas-run Al-Aqsa TV Telegram: There is no truth to the rumors regarding the movements agreement to release nine Israeli prisoners in exchange for a two-month ceasefire. He went on to say, We are ready to release the prisoners all at once, provided the occupation commits to a cessation of hostilities under international guarantees, and we will not hand over the occupations prisoners as long as it insists on continuing its aggression against Gaza indefinitely. The Israeli military has claimed that their new military campaign called Gideons Chariots, a reference to a biblical warrior, and announced late on Friday has brought Hamas back to the negotiating table. And due to the operational need, Israels Prime Ministers Office said Sunday that the country will allow a basic amount of food to enter the Gaza Strip, to prevent a hunger crisis in the enclave, which Israel says would jeopardize the operation. The campaign was launched to achieve all the goals of the war in Gaza, including the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement. During the operation, we will increase and expand our operational control in the Gaza Strip, including segmenting the territory and moving the population for their protection in all the areas in which we operate, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Effie Defrin said on Sunday. But analysts and officials say its more likely that Hamas agreed to restart the talks following a visit from US President Donald Trump to the Middle East. Following discussions between Qatar and the US during President Trumps visit to Doha, there is a renewed push by mediators from the United States, Qatar and Egypt to see if a new ceasefire agreement can be reached, an official with knowledge of the talks told CNN. US President Donald Trump walks with Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad al Thani at the Amiri Diwan in Doha, Qatar on May 14. - Win McNamee/Getty Images This past week, Netanyahu directed the Israeli negotiating team to head to Qatar for talks, but made clear that he is only committed to negotiating a proposal put forward by the US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, which calls for the release of half the hostages in return for a temporary ceasefire. That proposal did not guarantee an end to the war. Trump was in Doha Wednesday as part of a Middle East trip that skipped Israel. Trump said this month that he wanted an end to the brutal war in Gaza. He also bypassed Israel twice this month in reaching bilateral deals with regional militant groups. Hamas released an Israeli-American hostage last week, and the Houthis agreed to stop firing at American ships in the Red Sea while pledging to continue fighting Israel. Trump, however, denied that Israel had been sidelined. This is good for Israel, he said. But on Thursday, he said he wanted the US to take Gaza and turn it into a freedom zone. I have concepts for Gaza that I think are very good, make it a freedom zone, let the United States get involved and make it just a freedom zone, Trump said from Qatar. While in the Gulf, Trump also acknowledged that people are starving in Gaza and said the US would have the situation in Gaza taken care of. Entire families killed Meanwhile, the UN and prominent aid organizations are raising the alarm over Israels new offensive in Gaza, saying it is civilians who are bearing the brunt of the assault. More than 300 people have been killed and over 1,000 others injured after Israel ramped up intense airstrikes since Thursday, according to a CNN count of this weeks Palestinian Ministry of Health data. Entire families were killed while sleeping together, according to the health ministry. Palestinians carry the bodies of their relatives killed in an Israeli airstrike, during their funeral in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza on Sunday, May 18, 2025. - Abdel Kareem Hana/AP In the Al-Mawasi area of southern Gaza, an infant, his two young siblings and their parents, who were all living in a displacement camp, were killed on Saturday, Dr. Munir al-Barsh, the health ministrys director, told CNN. As the bombardment continues and the death toll rises, Gazas healthcare system is being pushed further to the brink. Over the past week, the Israeli military has carried out strikes near several hospitals across the enclave, including the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahiya, the last remaining functioning medical facility in northern Gaza, rendering it out of service. Dr. Marwan Al-Sultan, the director of the hospital said Friday that there were extremely intense explosions around the hospital, which severed the connections to ventilators that some of their patients require to stay alive. CNN has reached out to the Israeli military for comment on the strike - the IDF has previously accused Hamas of hiding in medical facilities. On Sunday, Al-Sultan told British charity Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) that the hospital is completely besieged, that nobody is able to reach it, and that its intensive care unit was also being hit. We are deeply helpless, he said, adding that the situation is beyond alarming. Northern Gazas Al-Awda hospital saw a harrowing night with bombing in the vicinity of the hospital, the facilitys director Dr. Mohammed Salha told MAP on Sunday. Salha said the hospitals medical systems oxygen for ventilators, electricity and water supplies were severely damaged. Quadcopters flying over the area hampered the movement of medical teams in and out of the hospital, and a shortage of medical supplies and fuel was making it difficult for the hospital to continue providing essential care. On Sunday, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said that all public hospitals in the northern Gaza Strip are now out of service. Famine risk in Gaza Prior to Israel announcing Sunday that it will allow a basic amount of food to enter the Gaza Strip, the UN warned the enclaves entire population of over 2.1 million people is facing a risk of famine following 19 months of conflict and mass displacement, exacerbated by Israels 11-week blocking of aid. A controversial American-backed organization, Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), tasked with delivering aid to the enclave, welcomed the Israeli announcement about allowing food aid into Gaza as a bridging mechanism until the group is fully operational. The non-profit was set up at the urging of the American government to help alleviate hunger in Gaza, while complying with Israeli demands that the aid not reach Hamas. In a statement, the groups executive director Jake Wood said, Todays announcement marks an important interim step. We expect GHFs new aid mechanismincluding the establishment of four initial Secure Distribution Sitesto be up and running before the end of the month. The new organization has come under criticism from top humanitarian officials, who warn that it is insufficient, could endanger civilians, and even encourage their forced displacement. The initial sites only being in southern and central Gaza could be seen as encouraging Israels publicly stated goal of forcing Gazas population out of the north, the UN warned. But the foundation says it has asked Israel to help set up distribution points in the north. The UN also warned that the Israeli militarys involvement in securing the sites could discourage aid recipients. Israels National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, called the Prime Ministers Offices aid decision a serious mistake, asserting that any aid entering Gaza would certainly fuel Hamas. The number of people killed by Israels offensive in Gaza in the wake of the October 7, 2023 attacks now exceeds 53,000 the majority of whom are women and children, the health ministry said Thursday. Despite the resumption of talks in Qatar, Omar Qandil, whose brother, sister-in-law and 4-month-old niece were killed in an overnight airstrike in central Gaza, said he feels the world has turned a blind eye to their suffering. They were all asleep all targeted in their bedroom, he said. I dont know what we (can) say anymore, we (have) spoke a lot. There is no one looking at us: not Arabs not Muslims, no one. The IDF on Sunday said its new offensive in Gaza is happening in full coordination with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, and that the military is trying to prevent harm to the remaining hostages; but the forum has decried the operation saying it would endanger those still held captive in the enclave. The current policy is killing the living and erasing the dead. Every bombing, every delay, every indecision increases the danger. The living hostages face immediate mortal danger, and we risk losing the deceased forever, said Hagai Levine, the head of the forums health team, who the group said co-authored a report about the dangers the latest Israeli operation poses to the hostages. CNNs Eyad Kourdi, Abeer Salman and Jeremy Diamond contributed reporting. Khader Al-Zaanoun of Wafa, the official Palestinian news agency, also contributed to this article. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Former Vice President Mike Pence on NBC News' "Meet the Press." (NBC News) Former Vice President Mike Pence criticized President Donald Trumps approach to tariffs, as well as several foreign policy initiatives, in an interview with NBC News Meet the Press airing Sunday. The initial reciprocal tariffs that he unveiled would be the largest peacetime tax hike on the American people in the history of this country, Pence told moderator Kristen Welker, referring to the sweeping tariffs Trump imposed on the United States largest trading partners in early April. Days later, the president paused most of the tariffs, a move that Pence on Friday said he was glad to see. The interview covered a wide range of topics and Pence opened with broad praise for the second Trump administration, applauding the president for having secured the southern border in a historic way and ordering military action against the Houthis in Yemen, among other things. But in the midst of all of that, I have seen some departure from the policies of our administration both at home and abroad, Pence noted. He mentioned wavering support for Ukraine in the first 100 days of Trumps second term and criticized one potential vision for a nuclear deal with Iran. And he was especially critical of Trumps tariffs. The former vice president said his primary concern with Trumps current plan, which is to negotiate trade deals that could still include tariffs on most nations, is that it will lead to higher prices for Americans. He added that the presidents current plan is very different from how Trumps first administration, in which Pence served as vice president, operated. We very much used the threat of tariffs as leverage for negotiations, Kristen, Pence said, adding later: What I see in this administration is a steady drive toward a baseline of maybe even 10% tariffs that I think would be harmful to jobs in America. It would be harmful to consumers in America. Pence also criticized Trumps frequent line about who pays tariffs when they are imposed. As the president has said to me many times, he has a sense that other countries pay tariffs, Pence said, when the reality is, when Americans buy goods overseas, the company that imports those goods in this country pays the tariff and more often than not passes that along in higher prices to consumers. Views of Vance and the role of the vice president Asked whether he objected to the tariffs on certain consumer goods that Trump imposed during his first term, Pence admitted that he probably had, but privately. I probably did in the hallways, but the president gets to make the decision, Pence said. When youre vice president of the United States, my view is always this: Id favor the president, with the full range of my opinion in private, Pence said. And then when he made the decision, my job was to support his decision absent some higher calling or higher obligation that one has. Earlier in the interview, Pence also spoke about the counsel he hopes Trump is receiving from those around him now, including Vice President JD Vance. President Trump was not just my president. He was my friend, Pence said, describing his relationship with Trump during his first term, which frayed after Pence resisted Trumps pressure to use his role to try to overturn the 2020 election results when Congress met to count the Electoral College votes on Jan. 6, 2021. I took the opportunity in the right settings, private moments, to share with him those times when we differed on issues, Pence said. And my hope is, whether its the vice president or others, that there are those voices around the president that do the same. The former vice president demurred when asked how he thinks the current vice president is doing in his job, with Pence simply saying he would have a hard time assessing that precisely, but [Vance is] an honorable man. Foreign policy Pence also spoke about Trumps approach to foreign policy in this term. He told Welker its a bad idea for the president to accept a plane as a gift from the Qatari royal family, amid reports that Trump plans to do so, and was critical of Trumps speech in Saudi Arabia. The former vice president also questioned the Trump administrations approach to Iran, as top U.S. officials seek to reach a deal with Iran over the nations possession of uranium and nuclear technology. Pence said he is worried about reports that Iran is seeking to maintain a civilian nuclear program, telling Welker the U.S. should make it clear in negotiations with Iran that their current nuclear program must be either dismantled or destroyed. I am grateful that President Trump has reiterated the policy of our administration, that Iran will not be permitted to obtain a nuclear weapon. The security of America, the security of Israel, the stability of the region and the world demands that we enforce that. But from my standpoint, when I hear talk about allowing Iran to have an enrichment program at a certain level, it sounds for all the world like President Obamas Iran nuclear deal that we got out of in the first year of our administration. We need to make it clear to them that America is not bluffing, that we will not allow them to continue to enrich uranium, Pence added. Asked whether an attack against Iran should be on the table as an option to push it to dismantle its nuclear program, Pence said, Of course. I think all options should be on the table. Pence also said he thinks additional sanctions against Russia should be on the table as Trump seeks the end of the countrys war in Ukraine, though the administration has said such threats would damage the talks it has set up. Ive met Vladimir Putin. My judgment is Vladimir Putin only understands strength, Pence said. Jan. 6 pardons Pence said I dont see that in my future when asked if he might run for president again, having sought the White House in 2023 without gaining much traction before he dropped out of the race. His break with Trump over the 2020 election results, which Trump repeatedly and falsely claimed were marred by fraud, also damaged his political standing in the Republican Party. Pence said Trump was wrong to issue a blanket pardon of people who faced charges for participating in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. I will always believe by Gods grace I did my duty that day to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and see to the peaceful transfer of power, Pence said, later drawing a distinction between some Jan. 6 defendants who just walked through an open door, meant no harm, did no harm, and those charged with more serious crimes. But individuals who broke into the Capitol, who assaulted police officers, I said that day and I believe to this moment should have been prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, Pence said. Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Menlo Park Mall in Edison, N.J. Multiple minors were arrested after a massive brawl broke out at the Menlo Park Mall in New Jersey on May 17 Edison Mayor Sam Joshi said "over 300 youth" were at the location when the incident occurred at around 8 p.m. local time Footage of the chaotic scene that was shared on social media shows groups of teenagers running through a mall food court Several juveniles have been arrested after a massive brawl broke out in a mall in New Jersey. The incident occurred at the Menlo Park Mall in Edison at approximately 8 p.m. local time on Saturday, May 17, according to a statement shared on social media by Edison Mayor Sam Joshi. He said the Edison Police Department (EPD) "was notified that over 300 youth were gathered at Menlo Park mall and a brawl ensued." Joshi added: "No weapons were confirmed at the incident and no injuries to juveniles at this time. Neighboring municipalities were notified and provided immediate mutual aid to the Edison Police Department to disperse the crowd." In a comment on his post, Joshi clarified that none of the juveniles arrested were from Edison. Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Menlo Park Mall in Edison, N.J. There are currently conflicting reports tied to the total number of arrests. Joshi said, "At least four have been arrested," while Edison Police Chief Thomas Bryan said seven people were arrested in total, according to My Central Jersey. Bryan told the local outlet that one of the arrested juveniles was to be charged with aggravated assault of an officer. The six others are reportedly facing charges of disorderly conduct, and one of them is also charged with resisting arrest, per My Central Jersey. The EPD, as well as a representative for the Edison Mall, did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Sunday, May 18. Getty Police car at night (stock image) 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. Footage of the chaotic scene that was shared on social media shows groups of teenagers running through a mall food court, as yelling can be heard in the background. NJ.com reported that TikTok and Instagram videos were being shared by teens in the days leading up to the incident, telling people to meet up at the mall on May 17 at 7 p.m. Read the original article on People Were off to the races! declares Graham Norton as the camp action gets underway at Basels St Jakob arena in Switzerland. And thus it falls once more to Eurovision to sashay into the bloody-toothed geopolitical scrum, plonk down a boombox playing the Vengaboys and try to get a savage world to sing about saunas for four hours. The Vision, with its post-war ideals of unity through cheese-pop, wasnt made for violent division within its ranks, nor at all ready for it. In recent, turbulent years it has become as much an international PR exercise as song contest, pinioned by its supposed non-political ethos as its participants make it ever more overtly political. This year, as in 2024, the main source of controversy is Israels involvement in the event through contestant Yuval Raphael. You might call it war-washing. You might argue that a global TV audience of 180 million should sense the level of solidarity abroad for the suffering Palestinian civilians, even through the TV feeds audio-sweetened crowd noise. But theres a sour note to what Norton calls a mixed response of cheers and jeers for Raphael herself on the night a survivor of the 7 October terrorist attack on the Nova music festival who was selected by public vote as something of a national heroine. The song given to her by committee, New Day Will Rise, might even reflect the hopes of the general Israeli public for compassion, peace and renewal. Everyone cries, dont cry alone, Raphael sings amid much Broadway bombast and slashes of Middle Eastern strings. Life will go on darkness will fade, all the pain will go. That said, to sing it on an opulent, crystal-drenched staircase while our newsfeeds are full of emaciated Palestinian children in bombed-out homes still feels like a provocative move. New day will rise, great. But for everyone? Thankfully, producers have put Raphael on fourth, allowing plenty of time afterwards for viewers to pack their brains into cold storage and revel in the bombastic anguish and madcap pop schemes of the continents many regional The Voice rejects. Another major relief is that theres been a significant scaling back in the sort of occult folk horror presentations that, since Swedens xenomorph crossbreed Loreen won in 2023, have made recent Eurovisions prime recruitment drives for Golden Dawn. The only serious hold-outs are Latvias Tautumeitas, six fire goddesses full of smiling menace, singing of curses and hexes and nature consuming the modern world, then growing monkey tails. The title of their glitch pop chorale Bur Man Laimi might translate as A Chant for Happiness but it sounds like an ominous evocation for Dead Can Dance to rise again and claim our souls. Tautumeitas from Latvia perform during the grand final with the song Bur Man Laimi (AP) Instead, a sci-fi fantasy vibe prevails. Opening the evening, Norways Kyle Alessandro resembles Elliot Page starring in a musical Dune, roaming an Arabian pop volcano in post-apocalyptic warlord garb, flanked by hand-spinning mercenaries. Ziferblat, Ukraines elven village of an entry, resemble a Legends of Zelda game having come to life and become obsessed with the band Yes. And Polands Justyna Steczkowska and her crew of moon-worshipping S&M savages are even strafed by a fire-breathing dragon as she sings the song of the goddess Gaia herself, creator of your DNA, your souls destruction and your salvation. And an eternal deity whos made it here having previously placed 18th in 1995 and co-hosted Polish Dancing on Ice. The theme for 2025, it seems, is The Elements. Fire and ice pyro and visuals abound, and theres an entire nautical themed section an hour in. Austrias impressive soprano JJ looking to replicate the opera-pop success of last years winner Nemo sets sail into stormy ballad waters on a boat made from bedroom detritus, giving his Wasted Love big cologne advert energy. Then Icelands Vb dubbed the Viking Jedward offer up some cheerier, cheesier seafaring fare with a song about rowing to Greenland on a Minecraft boat beneath leaping Lego dolphins. Later, Greeces bespectacled chanteuse Klavdia sings of a mother mourning her daughter on the haunting Asteromasta while standing on a black pier above burning water. Ahab pop ahoy? Austrias JJ during his energetic performance of Wasted Love (AP) In more traditional Eurovision quarters, The Netherlands Claude is the sole representative of the once ubiquitous overblown soul-pop balladeer, his Cest La Vie a poignant tale of his asylum seeker mother singing to him as a child, performed to his younger self in a mirror. The pop divas put on a strong fem-power showing. Luxembourgs Laura Thorn, a marionette in a retro-futurist treehouse operated by giant CGI hands, delivers a superbly catchy cartoon twist on Sabrina Carpenters biting showgirl feminism. Maltas Miriana Conte might have had her cunning ploy to slip the queer culture phrase serving c*** into Eurovision foiled when the BBC insisted the easily-misheard original title of her entry Kant be changed to Serving, but she injects copious queen energy into its rap-pop celebration of forging ones own riotous path. And, who knows, maybe the line Why should we let other people decide when we could be having the time of our lives? might somehow further the Europe-wide case for Universal Basic Income. Malta performing during the 2025 Eurovision final (BBC) Denmarks Sissal seems to be singing the goth-flecked EDM of Hallucination from the depths of a K-hole meltdown all blurred vision, paranoia and lack of control. Yet, love being her drug, she trips jubilant balls throughout. And Erika Vikman, representing both Finland and the more specialist corners of OnlyFans, is a Teutonic rave rock dominatrix whose (ahem) rousing Ich Komme is basically a Euro-WAP. Having already promised my gates are open and Ill dance with you even a wedding waltz, but naked, she ends up riding a giant, spark-spewing golden microphone stand howling a simultaneous orgasm of a chorus like a phenomenally horny Andrew WK: I scream out loud Im coming and together we come. A harsh lesson in watching Eurovision with your parents and the subtitles on. After which, the understatement of Switzerlands Zoe Me seems a refreshing Eurovision revelation: just her, a beautiful swell of chamber ballad and an arena of phone lights. Frances Louane also knows that less is amour, singing her touching ode to finding purpose in motherhood Maman (having lost her own parents in childhood) from inside a simple egg-timer set. These are certainly welcome feminine contrasts to Armenias none-more-macho PARG, running across the stage to the Imagine Dragons-aping Survivor looking like he's fresh from a fight to the death atop Mad Maxs battle tanker. PARG from Armenia performing the song Survivor (AP) It's a premium year for rock entries too. Lithuanias Katarsis are probably the finest austere grunge goths ever to brave this arena of garish gimmickry. And Italys Lucio Corsi a cross between 1973 Brian Eno and a malnourished Scarlet Pimpernel brings probably the best song of the night in Volevo Essere Un Duro. Its a Ziggy Stardust glam rock cracker played on a mile-long piano. Theres even an enlivening rock-off between previous rave metal entrants Kaarija and Baby Lasagna in the pre-voting interval. A kind of Eurogonks Assemble. But what, you ask, of the nutters? Well, the less said about Estonias rubber-limbed, coffee-loving Tommy Cash and his flapper cabaret catalogue of Italian cliches the better, but Bara Bada Bascu from Swedens besuited sauna bros KAJ is hooky enough to stand a chance of becoming the first novelty track to ever win. Even our own Remember Monday do us proud, strutting around a wonky chandelier like Frozen doing a Queen medley about owning your most Hasselhoff-sized blackouts. The UK received zero points from the public (AFP/Getty) They hold their own in the jury voting too receiving douze points from a creepy Italian mouse puppet will rival Churchills most stirring speeches in our nations proud history even if the baffling public votes rob them of the showing they deserve. Against the odds, and thanks in large part to Switzerlands three mildly demented presenters being so proud of their country having invented LSD, for the best part of four hours the joyous Eurovision spirit prevails and the unruly world seems a glittering neon curtain away. Until, in what Norton describes as the most tense voting weve ever sat through, a huge public phone-vote turnout for Israel makes for a highly charged final stand-off between Israel and Austria, and politics once more intrudes upon this formerly big fun pop lark. Ultimately Austrias JJ prevails, the second successive opera-pop winner. Expect future Eurovisions to be awash with tracks resembling rave remixes of Tosca. And for the event to become ever more about optics than earworms. ROME/BERLIN (Reuters) -Europe is a long way from talking about deploying troops in Ukraine as all its efforts are currently focused on securing an unconditional ceasefire from Russia, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Saturday. "The next step must be that the format for peace talks is made clear, as well as which security guarantees could possibly, one day, be necessary for Ukraine," Merz said, describing these matters as currently unforeseeable. "There is no reason to talk about (troops) at the moment, we are far from that. We want the weapons to stop, the killing to end ... these are the questions we are dedicated to now, and no others," he added. The leaders of France, Germany, Britain and Poland, together with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, met on the sidelines of a summit in Albania on Friday to discuss the situation. They also called U.S. President Donald Trump, who said on Saturday he would speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. Meloni did not take part in the meeting - an absence that Italian media has described as a deliberate snub, suggesting that French President Emmanuel Macron had not wanted her involved. Meloni told reporters on Saturday that Italy was open to joining any international format aimed at ending the war, but warned against divisions within the West. "Western unity has been our greatest strength since the beginning of Russia's invasion," she said. "At a delicate time like this, it is important to set aside any personal (differences) that could undermine that unity." 'BELOW EXPECTATIONS' The European Union is working on a new package of sanctions to increase pressure on Moscow over the war, after the first face-to-face talks between Russia and Ukraine in three years on Thursday failed to yield a ceasefire, though Russia agreed to continue contacts. "Yesterday's talks in Istanbul ended below our expectations despite the extremely constructive positioning of Ukraine's negotiators," Merz said. Merz's position on peacekeeping troops echoes that of his predecessor Olaf Scholz, who also prioritised peace deal talks over discussion of boots on the ground. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has previously expressed willingness to send peacekeeping troops, but only backed by a U.S. security commitment for European countries. Russia has repeatedly rejected the idea of soldiers from countries in the NATO military alliance being stationed in Ukraine. (Reporting by Victoria Waldersee in Berlin, Crispian Balmer in Rome. Editing by Mark Potter) Klara Simonova/Getty Nicole Kidman at the Kering Women in Motion Talk during the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival Nicole Kidman attended the Kering Women in Motion Talk at Majestic Hotel on Sunday, May 18 For the event which is part of the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival, she stepped out in an eye-catching look from Balenciaga's fall collection The 57-year-old is this year's recipient of the 2025 Women in Motion Award for her contributions in film Nicole Kidman showed up to the 2025 Cannes Film Festival looking like a true winner. On Sunday, May 18, the Babygirl actress, 57, attended the Kering Women in Motion Talk at Majestic Hotel in Cannes, France. The outing came ahead of the Kering and Cannes Film Festival's 2025 Women in Motion dinner, which sees the two institutions teaming up to recognize women who have made significant contributions to film, both on and off screen. For the occasion, Kidman wore a black corset-style jacket that was shown in Balenciagas fall 2025 show during Paris Fashion Week. She appeared to be wearing the full outfit from the catwalk as she chose to pair the eye-catching jacket with baggy jeans. The Moulin Rouge star wore her blonde hair straight with a center parting and kept her makeup minimal. She appeared in good spirits as she placed a thumb in the pockets on either side of her jeans while posing for photos. Mike Marsland/WireImage Nicole Kidman during her Kering Women in Motion Talk on May 18 The actress is set to receive the 2025 Women in Motion award during the event's dinner to celebrate her acting career, which has seen her step in front of and behind the camera over the past 40 years and counting. 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. Kidman's appearance at today's Kering event marks her first appearance at a Cannes Film Festival event in nearly 8 years. Kering and the Cannes Film Festival announced that Kidman would receive the 2025 Women in Motion Award on April 28 in a post shared to Instagram. "Kering and the @festivaldecannes are proud to announce that @nicolekidman will receive the 2025 Women in Motion Award," the post read. "A major figure in cinema, Nicole Kidman has built a career marked as much by her artistic audacity as by her virtuosity and transformative portrayals that have reshapes the representation of women on screen," the post continued. "From Eyes Wide Shut and The Hours to Big Little Lies and Babygirl, her work reflects a deep commitment to bold, uncompromising storytelling." Kidman last attended an event for Kering in 2023 in New York City. For the institution's Caring for Women dinner that year, she wore an strapless, light blue gown that had multiple layers of tulle cut to give the appearance of feathers. KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Nicole Kidman arrives for the Kering Foundation's second annual Caring for Women Dinner at The Pool in New York City on September 12, 2023. For an added feminine touch, the actress's gown had a large satin bow to cinch in her waist and create shape. Kidman completed the look with pointed-toe boots in a matching blue shade and gave the look a touch of edge with the addition of black opera gloves. The PEOPLE App is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Kidman's last red carpet experience at Cannes took place on May 24, 2017. The star walked the red carpet alongside Kirsten Dunst and Elle Fanning for the premiere of The Beguiled, which she starred in. Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu Agency/Getty Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fanning leave after the premiere of the film 'The Beguiled' in competition at the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France on May 24, 2017. Kidman wore a glittering silver sequined column gown to the premiere that featured swinging fringe details on the front and back of her dress. Read the original article on People Norwegian Cruise Line employee sounds alarm on new cruise scam originally appeared on Come Cruise With Me. Scammers are getting more and more sophisticated in the methods they use to prey upon unsuspecting cruise passengers. Recent scam warnings have alerted cruisers to be wary of individuals or accounts offering discounted tickets on social media platforms, and even to be cautious about calls and emails that appear to come from their cruise line or travel agent. Related: Norwegian Cruise Line passengers are cashing in as demand drops Scammers have been known to pose as cruise lines to try to trick passengers into making a payment without verifying that theyre really communicating with the cruise line. But now, scammers appear to be targeting Norwegian Cruise Line passengers with a new kind of phone scam related to Norwegians cruise airfare deal. A Norwegian Cruise Line employee recently shared an urgent warning about the scam in the NCL community on Reddit. Full disclosure: I work for NCL. I wouldn't mention it except that this is important and I don't want it to happen to anyone else, Soft-Ad-385 wrote. This information comes directly from a guest I spoke with this morning. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line offers airfare deals and assistance with booking flights to cruise departure ports like Seattle. Image source: Norwegian Cruise Line credit Port of Seattle New cruise airfare scam targets Norwegian Cruise Line passengers This guest had received a call from a 301 area code from someone claiming to work in our air department. She offered to help book the guest's large group of travelers on specific flights. The guest split the payment across two cards. Several days later, both cards were compromised, Soft-Ad-385 shared. But the cruise airfare scam didnt end there. A month later, the scammer called them back to say, 'Good news, the price went down. Just give me your new card numbers, I'll book the lower price for you and then refund the original charge, Soft-Ad-385 explained. This poor guest is now out close to twenty grand. After sharing the details of the scam, Soft-Ad-385 outlined a few things cruisers should know that will help them avoid falling victim to the same type of scheme. Related: Royal Caribbean cruisers share surprising way to improve cruises The employee pointed out that Norwegian Cruise Line only has corporate offices in Miami, as well as sales and reservations offices in Sunrise, Florida and Mesa, Arizona. Employees, such as personal cruise consultants, will only call from phone numbers that begin with an area code from one of these areas, even if they work remotely. Miamis area code is 305, Sunrises is 954 and Mesas is 480. The scam victim received a call originating from area code 301, which covers parts of Maryland. The employee also pointed out that Norwegians airfare deal, which offers free airfare for the second guest, does not guarantee specific flights like this passenger was offered by the scammer. The Air Choice program does, but they almost never call the guest directly; the guest needs to contact them, Soft-Ad-385 added. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Posting cruise details on online forums can put you at risk The employee warned that even sharing too much about your cruise plans on Reddit or another online forum could cause you to be targeted by scammers. Do not share details of your cruise reservation in any public forum. Yes, even here. Saying you'll be on a particular sailing is usually safe, but make sure your name, number in your traveling party, and other identifying details are not included, Soft-Ad-385 recommended. A dedicated scammer can find your reservation or enough specifics to fake it. Keep your reservation number private! Related: How cruise ship captains keep you safe in bad weather The employee also encouraged cruisers to be suspicious of any call that appears to come from your cruise line. If anyone claiming to be from the cruise line contacts you directly, don't be afraid to push back. Ask them security questions that they should be able to answer easily. I forget, what's my balance due? When's my final payment? Soft-Ad-385 suggested. If it doesn't feel right, hang up and dial us directly. The extra few minutes is worth it. Your safest bet? Go to the official cruise line website and dial the phone number straight from there, or work with a travel agent you trust. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally reported by Come Cruise With Me on May 18, 2025, where it first appeared. Pedro Pascal's fans are thanking his stylist after The Last of Us actor hit the red carpet in Cannes. Pascal was on hand at the French film festival in support of his new film Eddington, in which he stars alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone. The film isn't getting great reviews, with Time calling it "a wigged out western with overstuffed ideas," and Vulture calling it "nasty and unsure of what it's trying to say." But Pedro's outfit for the Eddington photocall in Cannes is getting much better reviews. Despite the chatter about his latest film, Pascal looked cool as ever as he made his way past the cameras on Friday. He was dressed in all black slacks, silver-studded Oxford shoes and a sleeveless, crew-cut tank top that had his fans in losing their minds. Bustle's Instagram page shared several angles of Pascal's monochromatic outfit, and the comments section proved that the sight of the 50-year-old's bare arms and rib cage had his fans in hysterics. The caption for the steamy photo share said, "Is it hot in here or is it just #PedroPascal in a tank top? " One excited fan replied, "his stylist absolutely spoils us." Putting his arms on display was certainly a smart move and many commented on it, including one fan that said, "Those arms glow up every year ." Another agreed, writing, "How can he become hotter and hotter. I dont complain, Im just amazed ." And yet another chimed in, "Dare I say he looks fantastic ." In less than a day, the post racked up more than 23,000 likes and hundreds of comments echoing the above sentiment. It's clear that Pascal's toned arms have taken over in Cannes and his fans can't get enough. Ree Drummond - The Pioneer Woman/Instagram Ree Drummond (left) and Paige Drummond (right), Ree Drummond on her daughter's wedding day. Ree Drummond revealed her mother-of-the-bride dress in a social media post on May 17, as she celebrated the wedding of her youngest daughter, Paige Drummond, to David Anderson "I love a puff sleeve," the Pioneer Woman star wrote alongside a photo of herself wearing a fuchsia gown Paige and Andersen were joined by family and friends as they married in a ceremony in Oklahoma Ree Drummond is a glowing mother of the bride! The 56-year-old Pioneer Woman star celebrated the wedding of her youngest daughter, Paige Drummond, to David Anderson in Oklahoma on Saturday, May 17. In a post on her Instagram Stories, Ree showed off her attire for the evening. In a selfie, she smiled as she posed in an elegant fuchsia gown with bishop-style sleeves, as she sported a chic twisted updo. "I love a puff sleeve," Ree wrote alongside the snapshot. In another, she showed off the back of the gown. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! Ree Drummond - The Pioneer Woman/Instagram Ree Drummond shows off her dress for her daughter's wedding. Paige, 25, and Anderson got engaged in August 2024. On May 14, they obtained their marriage license, with Paige posting a selfie on her Instagram Stories at the time, writing, Lets do this thing!! Ahead of the couple's weekend ceremony, Ree posted other photos on her Instagram Stories, including a snapshot of her getting ready for the wedding while sitting in green pajamas. In other photos shared from the nuptials on Ree's website, Paige could be seen sitting with her bridesmaids around a table as they wore matching yellow striped pajamas. The then bride-to-be was also snapped getting ready for her wedding as she wore a white chiffon robe and lace slip dress. Other images showed Ree and her husband Ladd Drummond joining Paige and Anderson, along with his parents, indoors at their rehearsal dinner. Ree's weekend look was very different from the dress she wore for her daughter Alexs 2021 wedding to Mauricio Scott a Jovani nude illusion dress with gray embroidered lace. Paige Drummond/Instagram David Anderson and Paige Drummond get their marriage license on May 14. She previously said in a blog post on her Pioneer Woman website that the designer dress came from the Real Housewives of New York City, who famously called out Jovani! 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. In March, Paige and Anderson enjoyed a Oklahoma-based bridal shower followed by Paiges bachelorette weekend in Charleston, S.C. just a few weeks later. Paige Drummond/Instagram David Anderson and Paige Drummond pose together ahead of their wedding. Ree expressed her pre-wedding jitters in an Instagram post in late April, writing in her caption, Were getting to the stage where were finalizing the ceremony program, figuring out the seating chart, coordinating transportationand pulling up Accuweather about six times a day to see how the wedding day forecast has changed. Will we have 40 mph wind gusts or a perfect still evening? Will we have hail? ... Only time will tell. The cookbook author added, So for now, Ill just say Im SO excited for Paige. She loves her fella and she cant wait to marry him, and thats all this mama really needs to know. Read the original article on People Umberto Rispoli, atop Journalism, reacts after winning the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes horse race Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) BALTIMORE (AP) Umberto Rispoli took quite a path to make history. Rispoli became the first jockey from Italy to win a Triple Crown race Saturday, squeezing between horses around the top of the stretch and then riding Journalism to a tremendous rally in the stretch run of the Preakness. Rispoli's colt was the even-money favorite, but this was no easy trip. He kept Journalism near the rail, which saved ground but forced him to slip between Goal Oriented and Clever Again with no shortage of contact before he could even begin making a run at 15-1 shot Gosger. I got in trouble at the quarter pole and, look, he make himself keep going, said Rispoli, who came over from Italy in 2020. It's all about him. It's a privilege to ride a horse like him. Journalism's win brought to mind Afleet Alex's victory in this same race 20 years ago, when the horse and jockey Jeremy Rose nearly went down when they were cut off by another horse at the top of the stretch. Journalism's anxious moment was around the same spot at Pimlico, and although he didn't stumble the way Afleet Alex did, he had to deal with horses on both sides of him. Jeremy Rose almost fell off from the horse. That was for me probably the most spectacular Preakness that I ever see," Rispoli said. But even what we saw today. This horse, coming back after two weeks from a tough trip in the (Kentucky) Derby ... it was an amazing effort. I wish I would have give him a softer race, but this is a part of horse racing. After working his way through traffic, there was still the matter of catching Gosger. At the 16th pole, I say OK, I think I'm going to be late but probably on time, Rispoli said. With one final surge, Journalism pulled ahead and won by a half-length. When I cross the line, it's all 20 years of my career that pass in front of me, Rispoli said. I had to wait so long to ride a champion like that. Journalism acquitted himself well in finishing second in the Kentucky Derby, and when Derby winner Sovereignty skipped the Preakness, Journalism was the clear favorite. He would have to win from behind, though. Rispoli credited Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey with the advice to save ground in this race. Umberto, all credit to him, he chose to save ground. Thats what it takes to win these races like this, trainer Michael McCarthy said. Obviously found himself in a little bit of a conundrum there for six or eight jumps. Thankful that he and the horse came out of it unscathed. Thats the most important thing, win, lose or draw. When Rispoli was asked about being the first jockey from Italy with a Triple Crown win, there were shouts of Viva Italia! before he answered. He said his idol was top Italian jockey Frankie Dettori, who was expected to retire at the end of 2023 but continued racing. I think you have to ride a couple of more years to get one of the winners of the Triple Crown to equal me, Rispoli said. It's even difficult to describe the feeling when you cross the wire in those races. You just dream about that. ___ AP horse racing: https://apnews.com/hub/horse-racing Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said he has doubts over President Donald Trump's willingness to accept a luxury jet from Qatar on behalf of the administration that he hopes to use as Air Force One, but that there are ways the administration could receive it without raising potential conflicts of interest. "There's a lot of ways this could be arranged, but I think what sent up signals that people were concerned about was that it was going to be temporarily part of the government, and then it was going to the president's library when the president retires. So I think all of those things could be fixed, could be corrected. There probably is a perfectly legal way, but right now, it's raised more questions than I think it's worth," Paul said Sunday to ABC News' "This Week" co-anchor Jonathan Karl. Paul claimed that the questions that the jet raised overshadowed an otherwise successful trip. "I think my fear is that it detracts from a largely successful trip where the president is talking about opening up and doing more trade with the Middle East, which is a good thing, particularly amidst all the protectionism and directing away from trade that we've had going on," Paul said. Trump recently returned from his first major foreign trip to the Middle East. Qatar, one of the nations Trump visited, proposed offering the administration a luxury jet as a gift before the trip, as ABC News first reported. Trump expressed interest in accepting the gift, which did not take place during the trip, raising concerns of potential conflicts of interest. Trump claimed that the approximately $400 million jet would be a gift to the United States government and would be retrofitted to be Air Force One until the end of his term. Special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said Sunday that the proposed Qatari plane falls within the laws of the U.S. "It's a perfectly legal transaction. It's been vetted by the White House counsel, by the Justice Department. There are outside law firms involved. So, it's a perfectly legal, government to government, Department of Defense, to Department of Defense transaction that happens in the normal course and has been happening in the normal course throughout -- throughout our existence. Governments exchange services," said Witkoff. Here are more highlights from Paul's interview: On reducing tariffs against China Karl: Okay, Senator, let me turn to tariffs. The president also announced a temporary reduction to those big China tariffs, although still 30 percent tariffs on goods coming in from China as he negotiates -- tries to negotiate a new deal, Walmart has warned that this will result in higher prices. What's your assessment? Paul: Well, tariffs are taxes, and when you put a tax on a business, it's always passed through as a cost, so there will be higher prices. And I think this is what's important to know people talk about, oh, this is America versus China. The U.S. doesn't trade with China. You trade with Walmart, or you trade with Target, or you trade with Amazon. Americans go in and buy a product. Now it might come from China, but think about it this way. Think of the entire trade with China was all TVs. A million people go to Walmart. They all buy a TV. They like the quality, they like the price, and it happened to come from China. But then you draw a circle around China and the U.S., you say, 'Oh my goodness, it's a trade deficit.' We buy all of our TVs from over there, but each individual transaction, each individual who bought a TV was happy. But how can you draw a circle around a million happy people and say they all got ripped off? So there's an economic fallacy here. And the fallacy is that trade deficits actually mean anything. They're an artificial accounting. The only trade that means anything is the individual who buys something. That's the only real trade, and that, by very definition, if it's voluntary, is mutually beneficial or the trade doesn't occur. On the trade deficit Karl: So the actual trade deficit with Canada is actually a little less than, or quite a bit less than, $100 billion, but, but even so is a trade deficit subsidizing Canada? Paul: No, they're, they're really not related at all. What happens if we trade with another country because they have less expensive goods, is we become richer. You also have more money that you can spend. So let's say you're an average American. You shop at Walmart, you save about $4,000 or $5,000 a year because you're able to purchase goods that are important from other countries. What do you do with that? I don't know. Maybe you go to Disney World. Maybe you go to Dollywood. You know, you go you can you spend a lot of it in America. Maybe you get somebody to cut your grass. There's all kinds of things that happens to that extra money, but you are richer because you've gotten a product at a lower cost. And this is what the marketplace does. It drives prices down and it pushes efficiency. But it isn't one country against another. All of that is in artificial accounting. Paul on trade deficit On Congress' power to levy tariffs Karl: And before you go, there are several lawsuits challenging these tariffs. The Constitution clearly gives Congress the power to impose taxes, to impose duties. What is your -- are these tariffs legal? Do you think these laws -- do you think they'll be get knocked down? And will Congress -- as you suggested -- will Congress grow a spine and assert its control over taxation? Paul: I think a strict interpretation of the Constitution says that taxes originate in Congress, and more specifically, taxes originate in the House. They have to start in the House first before they come to the Senate. Now we do have a long history, though, of both parties abdicating the responsibility on tariffs and granting power to Congress, which brings up another Constitutional question: can Congress delegate powers given in under the Constitution to the president? In the past, the court has allowed these things, but I think it will be an interesting thing, because most tariffs in our history have been passed by Congress. We've never had widespread tariffs that have been done by fiat by a president, and I object to that. Sen. Rand Paul: Proposed Qatari gift plane has 'raised more questions than I think it's worth' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Rachel Carlisle Rachel Carlisle Billboard Rachel Carlisle wanted to find a new way to promote her cookbook She paid $250 for a digital billboard in Times Square that would play for 15 seconds every hour for 24 hours Her TikTok about the experience went viral, amassing over 420,000 views When it comes to advertising, sometimes you have to think outside of the box. Rachel Carlisle was looking for fun ways to promote her cookbook when another content creator suggested she look into ad spaces in Times Square. After a bit of research, Carlisle learned that a billboard with a custom QR code would be an easy and surprisingly affordable way to get her cookbook in front of thousands. In the end, she paid $250 for a 15-second advertisement that would play every hour for 24 hours. Carlisle, 28, spoke with PEOPLE exclusively about all the planning that went into creating an advertisement for all of New York City to see. There's so much competition with marketing, you have to constantly be finding new things, she explains. Rachel Carlisle Billboard in Times Square On TikTok, she said that her goal was to sell more cookbooks than Betty Crocker, which she originally planned to put in the advertisement. Although she couldnt use the name of her competitor in the billboard due to copyright issues, the goal still stands. I've always said I want to sell a million cookbooks. That was my goal," she shares. "I was posting my recipes, then somebody commented that I needed to aim higher. They said, 'Betty Crocker sold 63 million cookbooks to date. So I thought that should be the new goal. 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 ad featured an image of Carlisle lounging in a white robe, captioned, Help me beat her record of cookbooks sold. However, Carlisle clarified that she has no ill will toward Betty Crocker; she just likes having a goal to work toward. Carlisle says designing the ad itself didnt take long at all. She used Canva to make sure the measurements were right and made a custom QR code that would direct viewers to her website. She shared the advertising adventure on TikTok, where her video went viral, amassing nearly 420,000 views. Carlisle says she will most likely be buying more advertisement space in Times Square in the future and thinks others should follow in her footsteps and just go for it. Read their requirements. I think it's a cool thing they offer," she says. "It should be advertised more, but it's a really cool thing. I think anybody that wants to do it should just go for it. Why not? Read the original article on People St. Louis officials are warning residents about incoming weather that could impact areas devastated by recent storms that have swept through the region. Over two dozen people are dead and over 194,000 are still without power as states in the Midwest and southeast are forecasted to get slammed by another batch of severe storms, according to AccuWeather. "If you have not been impacted by this storm, we ask you to prepare," Sarah Russell, the commissioner of the St. Louis Emergency Management Agency, said at a press conference on Sunday, May 18. "If you have been impacted by this storm, you have some additional things you need to think about with preparedness." Russell said anyone in the city of St. Louis can sign up for NotifySTL, a system that sends notifications via phone, text or email to residents, businesses and visitors in the city in the event of an emergency. Signing up is "critically important," Russell said. "That is one of the most thorough ways we have to reach people in the city." St. Louis officials ask residents to seek safe shelter ahead of coming storms Anyone who suspects their home will not be safe to stay in during the storm is asked to seek shelter elsewhere, according to Russell. People should take shelter at a local church, at the home of a friend or family member or an evacuation shelter. During the May 18 press conference, an official from the Red Cross announced that the Red Cross shelter located at the Grace United Methodist Church is full. But, according to the city's website, two other shelters are open with capacity: The 12th & Park Recreation Center : 1410 S. Tucker Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri, 63104 Friendly Temple Outreach Center: 6356 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, St. Louis, Missouri, 63133 A view of a damaged building in a neighborhood after a tornado struck in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. May 17, 2025. Power outage map: Over 120,000 remain without power As of 2 p.m. ET May 18, Missouri has 44,920 customers without power, according to USA TODAY's power outage tracker. In total, over 128,000 customers are without power across Missouri, Michigan, Alabama and Kentucky. Severe storms forecasted for Monday and Tuesday Tornadoes and floods could threaten dozens of states across the country, according to AccuWeather's forecast. There was also a high risk of severe weather issued the afternoon of Sunday, May 18 for parts of Oklahoma and Kansas. Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop through Sunday night, and winds from the weather pattern will shift eastward early in the week. "Travelers across the region should remain alert for hazards such as debris on roadways, downed power lines, damaging hail and flooded areas over the coming days," according to AccuWeather. Severe weather is forecast to persist through the middle of the week after weekend storms devastated parts of Central U.S. States across the central U.S. are forecasted to experience the following, according to AccuWeather: Tornadoes Damaging hail Flash flooding According to AccuWeather, storms may impact New Orleans, northern Florida, parts of the Carolinas and Washington, D.C. Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: St. Louis may be hit by more severe weather: See forecast I recently embarked on a butter-tasting sagasampling nearly 30 kinds, from salted to unsalted, New Zealand to Irish, grass-fed to conventionalall in search of the best. After spreading what felt like pounds of butter on baguettes and baking it into countless shortbread cookies, I picked up a thing or two about this churned dairy staple. These days, a stroll down the refrigerated aisle presents a dizzying number of butter optionsand choosing the right one overwhelms even the most seasoned shoppers. Thankfully, there are plenty of good picks out there, so youre usually in safe territory. That said, one box of yellow sticks from my tests landed straight at the bottom of the lista brand youll want to skip if youre after quality butter. What Makes a Butter Brand Worth Buying By participating in two months of testing, I discovered just how much butter can vary by brand. The top contenders impressed with fragrant aromas of grass or fresh milk. When softened, they transformed from rock-solid to silky, leaving no greasy notes on the palate. If salted, the best ones packed a punch of salinitybold yet never overwhelming. In the end, the differences went far beyond subtle. The top butters soared in my taste tests, while the lower-ranked ones made me cringe at the thought of eating them again. The Butter Brand to Skip While Grocery Shopping Whenever I shop for groceries, one of my go-to money-saving tricks involves buying store-brand ingredientsthey often cost less and match the quality of name brands. But when it comes to butter, Targets Good & Gather line underperformed in my taste tests. Both the salted and unsalted versions fell short compared to the many other butters I tried. Ashia Aubourg The Good & Gather salted butter, for starters, packs an overwhelming salinity that completely masks its otherwise bland flavor. Spread it on warm bread, and youll notice a greasy, pasty film lingering unpleasantly on the palate. The unsalted version from Target performs similarly. It misses the fresh, grassy, or milky aromas youd expectit lacks any scent at all. When I baked shortbread cookies with it, the results tasted flat, as if wed forgotten to add butter. With so many balanced, flavorful butters out there, Id recommend skipping Good & Gathersaving a few cents on a box of these sticks wont make up for the taste sacrifice. Read the original article on ALLRECIPES (Reuters) -British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday discussed Russia's war against Ukraine with leaders of the U.S., Italy, France and Germany, a Downing Street spokesperson said. Looking ahead to U.S. President Donald Trump's call with Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Monday, the leaders discussed the need for an unconditional ceasefire in the war that Russia launched against its smaller neighbour more than three years ago. They also discussed the use of sanctions if Russia fails to engage seriously in ceasefire and peace talks, the spokesperson added. The talks followed intense diplomacy by the leaders that started with their May 10 trip to Kyiv when the major European powers threw their weight behind an unconditional 30-day Ukraine ceasefire. "Tomorrow, President Putin must show he wants peace by accepting the 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposed by President Trump and backed by Ukraine and Europe," French President Emmanuel Macron said on X after the Sunday call. UK's Foreign Minister David Lammy on Saturday accused Moscow of obfuscating after talks between Ukraine and Russia on a possible ceasefire ended in less than two hours and Trump said "nothing could happen" until he had met directly with Putin. Russia - which is slowly but steadily advancing on the battlefield and is worried that Ukraine will use such a pause to regroup and re-arm - has said it needs to nail down the terms of a ceasefire before signing up to one. (Reporting by Angela Christy in Bengaluru and Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Paul Simao and Rod Nickel) Come Cruise With Me and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. Viking's newest Nile River ship set to sail in October originally appeared on Come Cruise With Me. Fewer crowds, more Nile. That's what Viking promises for its river cruises in Egypt. As demand for immersive, bucket-list travel grows, Viking is expanding its footprint in one of the most iconic cruise destinations in the world: the Nile River. The company announced that its newest ship, the Viking Thoth, has officially been floated out in Cairo. This marks a key construction milestone that sets the vessel on course for its October 2025 debut. The Viking Thoth will become the eighth ship in Vikings dedicated Nile River fleet and is part of a broader strategy to capture interest in high-end, culturally rich cruises. The company plans to operate 12 ships on the Nile by 2027, doubling down on Egypt as one of its most in-demand regions. Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Egypt is a country of profound historical and cultural significance, which makes it a destination of great interest to our guests, Viking Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen said in a statement. With two new ships, the Viking Thoth and the Viking Amun, debuting in 2025, we are very proud to continue expanding our elegant fleet and introducing more curious travelers to this phenomenal region. Viking will soon have a fleet of 12 ships built just for river cruises.Per Borge/Shutterstock Viking Thoth: modern luxury meets ancient wonders Designed for 82 guests, the Viking Thoth will feature 41 staterooms and interiors inspired by Vikings signature Scandinavian design. Its a sister ship to the Viking Osiris and Viking Aton, among others, and includes hallmark features like the indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace and a distinctive square bow that blends function with flair. Related: Oceania Cruises holiday voyages are a gift for luxury-minded travelers The float out, held at Cairos Massara shipyard, marks the ships transition from structural work to interior build-out. Once completed, the ship will sail Vikings best-selling Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, a 12-day journey that combines luxury accommodations with deep cultural exploration. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. Egypt is a bucket-list destination for cruisers Egypt has seen a significant tourism rebound in recent years, bolstered by interest in cultural heritage, archaeological discoveries, and new museum developments, such as the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. Viking has positioned itself as a leader in this space, offering all-inclusive river cruise experiences that bring guests up close to Egypts most legendary sites. Viking's Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary begins with a three-night stay in Cairo, including visits to the Great Pyramids of Giza and the necropolis of Sakkara. Guests then fly to Luxor, board a Viking ship, and embark on an eight-day round-trip cruise with stops at Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, the temples of Abu Simbel, and even a Nubian village school. With its small-ship format, curated excursions, and upscale service, Viking continues to attract travelers who crave connection, discovery and depth in addition to relaxation. River cruising continues to grow As river cruising continues to trend upward, Egypt stands out as a rare blend of accessibility, historical significance, and timeless appeal. While Europe remains the core of the river cruise market, lines like Viking are carving out a larger space in long-haul, experience-driven destinations. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. The Viking Thoth and its sister ships offer an alternative to ocean cruising and large group tours, giving travelers a more intimate way to explore Egypts storied past without sacrificing comfort or convenience. With the float-out complete, Viking is on track to deliver the Thoth to passengers in fall 2025. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally reported by Come Cruise With Me on May 18, 2025, where it first appeared. This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). The storm is clearing now, though the occasional bolt of lightning illuminates our passage. As my eyes slowly adapt, the world around me reveals itself in flickers and bursts: slender palms bent in prayer over the silent water; the villager to my left clutching a brace of pucker-mouthed catfish; fireflies darting like embers through the gloom. Were bound for Tiwai, a remote river island of 4sq miles situated in one of the last portions of ancient rainforest in West Africa. We set off from Freetown that morning, leaving the capitals blue-green shores to follow increasingly non-existent roads east into Sierra Leones Southern Province. It hasnt been an easy journey to this point, but with the first stars glimmering on the waters surface, and the distant howls of primates all around, I feel sure Id travel to the moon if it sounded even half as beautiful as nighttime on the Moa. Its a reminder that some of the most euphoric moments Sierra Leone has to offer cant truly be appreciated without first enduring a bit of discomfort hardly surprising given this is a nation where prehistoric forests, former slaving stations, abolitionist utopias and world-class surf all coexist within an area thats around three times smaller than the UK. The plan is this: after searching for Tiwais 11 primate species, my guide Peter Momoh Bassie and I will cross back over the river to Kambama village and return to Freetown. Occupying the seaward nib of a forested peninsula, the port city will serve as our base as we explore the islands of the Sierra Leone River and the coastal communities of the wider Western Area, visiting people and landscapes whose stories remain largely unknown to outsiders. I think its just us, says Peter when we reach our camp: a circle of netted huts set around a jungle clearing, each furnished with several frisbee-sized spiders. This is accommodation for wildlife-lovers who regard the term luxury safari as an oxymoron. Therell be no sunset gin and tonics tonight. In fact, there may not even be any dinner, the freshly caught fish I had my eye on during our crossing currently bound for the wildlife research station downriver. Peter, furrowed brow framed by a military-grade crop, has gone in search of food, leaving me to quell my hunger with one of the sweet-scented oranges we were smart enough to buy from one of Freetowns wandering street hawkers. The bark of the bele is a powerful medicine, says forest guide Mohamed Koroma, standing at the foot of Tiwais 200-year-old bele tree. The leaves provide food for red colobus monkeys and, if youre lost in the forest, you can hammer the wood and the sound will be heard in the closest village. Photograph by Aisha Nazar Sierra Leone is full of surprises. The first is that its oranges arent orange at all theyre green, the peel so thick it takes a good 15 minutes to excavate the sweet flesh within. Its an apt symbol for a nation that, from the outside, can often seem impenetrable, its charms long overshadowed by the civil war that tore through the country between 1991 and 2002. When Peter finally returns, having convinced Tiwais research scientists to part with a few portions of flame-charred river fish, we huddle around the camps dining table to eat and talk long into the night. The guide was just 11 when he was captured by rebel soldiers in his hometown of Makeni, Northern Province. Tasked with carrying ammunition, he was fortunate enough never to fire a shot, though it took years of counselling to come to terms with the violence he witnessed. I was very angry at that time, he says, spooning purple-flecked wild rice onto my plate. When I came home, even my brothers were afraid of me. After the war, Peter began working as a guide for the NGO workers and missionaries who poured into the country in the early 2000s. But in a nation grappling with the transition to peace, the past had a way of haunting the present. While guiding some visitors around Makeni, he spotted his old army captain sitting by the side of the road. Its not easy seeing someone whos caused you suffering, but its the future that matters, Peter tells me. I have daughters at home. I want them to know my story, because, if they do, I know that angry boy will not live on in them. Aided by British abolitionists looking to establish a free Black settlement in Sierra Leone, they laid the foundation for a Province of Freedom that, following the abolition of slavery, would welcome peoples from across the African diaspora and come to be known as Freetown. The healing forest The following morning, I find myself in the shadow of a giant. The skin around her trunk is barbed with spines, her upper reaches cloaked in wisps of cloud. Some 40 feet in height, she looms over the forest floor, dwarfing bamboo canes the height of church spires. Shes a 200-year-old Piptadeniastrum africanum, a deciduous species that Tiwai forest guide Mohamed Koroma tells me is known to the local Mende one of the largest ethnic groups in Sierra Leone as the bele tree. Mende is one of several Sierra Leonean languages spoken by Mohamed ironic given hes a man of so few words. His reticence, it occurs to me, isnt shyness but the result of a lifetime listening to the language of the forest. Its left him able not only to identify and occasionally imitate Tiwais every bird and primate, but also given him an encyclopaedic knowledge of its plant life. The bark of the bele is a powerful medicine, he tells me, reeling off a list of uses that includes everything from alleviating insanity to curing scabies a reminder that traditional medicines remain a key line of defence in rural communities. The leaves provide food for red colobus monkeys and, if youre lost in the forest, you can hammer the wood and the sound will be heard in the closest village. He gives the trees cavernous roots a swift thump and the beat skims across the landscape like a pebble over still water. Tiwai is a gift. Just a few centuries ago, the canopy formed by such giants would have been near continuous, covering much of West Africa in a tangle of red ironwood, lianas vines and yellow-lipped orchids. By 1975, 84% of the Upper Guinea Rainforest had been lost to deforestation, and today, Tiwais 31-mile trail network winds through one of the ancient habitats last remaining fragments. We walk in silence, hands brushing against ruby-red hyacinths wet with dew. Mohameds elder brother, a senior forest guide, taught him to navigate these emerald corridors, and he seems to move without thinking, deep-set eyes drinking in the forests every detail. Pygmy hippos, he whispers, crouching low to inspect a trail of prints in the mud. They were grazing here last night. Though were unlikely to see one now, their mere presence on Tiwai is enough to make my skin prick. By 1993, widespread habitat loss meant there were fewer than 2,000 pygmy hippos left in West Africa, to which they are endemic. A woman prepares wild rice in Kambama, with the village's red earth laden with piles of rice and cocoa beans. Photograph by Aisha Nazar The civil war did nothing to aid their survival here either, with rebel soldiers relentlessly poaching the islands mammals for bushmeat, virtually eradicating its diana, red colobus and sooty mangabey monkeys. Its little wonder Mohamed seems so keen to savour the silence here. This forest once crackled with gunfire. Now, its filled by the mellifluous cooing of hornbills. Protected by eight host communities from the locally governed Koya and Barri chiefdoms, its one of the best places to spot pygmy hippos in the wild, and home to one of the highest concentrations of primates anywhere in the world. This isnt a zoo, Mohamed assures me. The monkeys move quickly, so you must be quiet. Dont step on the twigs. I keep my eyes fixed on his footfall, hyper-aware of the world at my feet: the fluid trickle of ants pouring in and out of their nests; foot-long black millipedes shimmering like onyx. Then, a rustle from above; pale leaves falling like jade confetti. Mohamed stabs a hole in the air with his machete, and there they are the rust-red backs of a dozen red colobus monkeys leaping from tree to tree. Using his hands to form a cone around his mouth, he imitates their cry: a high-pitched chow that flies like a boomerang into the highest branches. A moment later, the troop returns the call. As they leap and chatter, I turn to see Mohamed with his eyes closed, basking in their language. The hungry earth We cross back over the Moa River to find hearth smoke rising over Kambama. Everywhere I look, something is being reaped or readied, the red earth laden with piles of rice and cocoa beans. Kind-eyed farmer Lihias Lukalay spots me admiring the fruits of his labour and guides me down to a dappled grove where, between leaves as thick as elephants ears, his cocoa pods are slowly ripening in the midday sun. Sometimes, you can get 150 from one tree, he says proudly. They start off green then turn gold thats when I know theyre ready to open. He brings his machete down and splits a pod into two mirrored halves, digging out a bean and offering it to me on his upturned palm. The flavour stays with me, bitterness dissolving into an earthy sweetness, as Peter and I bump our way back to Freetown in a battered people carrier. Such roads once made driving between the capital and the provinces a near impossible feat, but improvements in infrastructure over the past few years mean that this stretch is now the exception to the rule. They call this the African massage, Peter says, his laughter rising and falling in pitch as we trundle from pothole to pothole. We watch rice paddies fade to cashew groves until the hills above Freetown come into view. When the Portuguese first saw this hilly peninsula in the 15th century, they thought its peaks resembled a lion. With the wind roaring, they named it Serra Lyoa, or Lion Mountains. They didnt stay long, soon setting sail to chart the routes that would shape the Atlantic slave trade. The arrival of the capitals founding settlers in 1792, mostly formerly enslaved people from North America who had sided with the British during the American War of Independence, reversed the trades flow of human cargo. Aided by British abolitionists looking to establish a free Black settlement in Sierra Leone, they laid the foundation for a Province of Freedom that, following the abolition of slavery, would welcome peoples from across the African diaspora and come to be known as Freetown. But forging such a utopia wasnt easy when one of the largest British slaving forts in West Africa lay just 20 miles upriver, as I discover when we take a boat to Bunce Island the following morning. From a distance it seems a haven: a deep thicket of tamarind and baobab trees where fisherfolk from Freetown pause for shade. Its only when we trek to the ruin at its heart that I realise Im on an island of ghosts. Lunch in Sierra Leone: fish, black-eyed beans and plantains. Photograph by Aisha Nazar Around 30,000 West Africans passed through here before they were taken to places like Georgia and South Carolina, and today many Americans come to Bunce as a sort of pilgrimage," says guide Peter Momoh Bassie. Photograph by Aisha Nazar Bunce Island was the centre of slavery for the whole of West Africa, Peter explains as we wander beneath shattered watchtowers and crumbling archways, occasionally finding rusted cannons and nameless graves in the hungry grass. Around 30,000 West Africans passed through here before they were taken to places like Georgia and South Carolina, and today many Americans come to Bunce as a sort of pilgrimage. A sapphire-blue butterfly pauses to rest on Peters arm and Im struck by the dissonance in my surroundings, the landscapes tranquillity so at odds with the violence its witnessed. But as Peter recounts the tale of Sengbe Pieh, a Mende farmer who won his right to return to Sierra Leone after leading a revolt aboard a Spanish slave ship in 1839, I begin to understand that reading such places only for their dark histories is to overlook the tales of strength that have emerged from them. The dancing tide That afternoon, Peter and I take a boat back to Freetown to meet Mary-Ann Kai Kai, a local fashion designer for whom Sierra Leones heritage has long been a source of inspiration. We find the city thick with heat and life, its streets filled with market vendors dressed in cloth so vibrant they seem to leave a trail of colour as they wander kerb to kerb, great baskets of oysters, oranges and plantain balanced on their heads. Youll see a lot of Sierra Leonean women wearing their traditional fabrics on Fridays, says Mary-Ann as we amble across town, her flowing, tie-dyed gown a beacon amid the citys sea of tin roofs and timber-framed colonial buildings. Sierra Leonean style is a blend of new ideas and old customs. Descended from one of the countrys few female paramount chiefs a term used by the British in place of king or queen when referring to local rulers Mary-Ann is the force behind fashion label Madam Wokie, which has helped to create jobs for some 3,000 young female tailors over the past three years. Its outfits are crafted using gara, a type of hand-dyed cloth historically coloured with indigo leaf or kola nuts. Gara patterns change as you go around the country, Mary-Ann says, cowrie shell earrings glinting in the afternoon sun. But all Sierra Leoneans love bright colours, she adds with a smile. The stress of living here means you need something to brighten your mood. Madame Wokies trainee tailors chat between sheets of gara cloth, a traditional Sierra Leonean fabric. The fashion label has created jobs for some 3,000 young female tailors over the past three years. Photograph by Aisha Nazar The mood could hardly be brighter at her studio, where some local musicians have gathered with slender wooden drums, their rippled beats and half-chanted vocals setting the pace as 100 busy hands craft fresh lengths of gara and batik. While the eldest workers thread needles through milk-white fabric, the youngest, many sporting their own designs, douse crumpled sheets with iridescent blue-green dye or use candlewax to decorate them with trippy galaxies of colour, their easy laughter filling any space the music doesnt. For me, Sierra Leone is one of the happiest places to be in the world, but it can also be unpredictable, Mary-Ann shouts above the hubbub. When you live in a place like this, you have to find a way of empowering others and that means working with what you find within your surroundings. The following day, we drive south to Bureh Town to meet someone for whom that came instinctively: local surfer John Small. Born and raised here, the muscular 24-year-old is one of the founding members of Bureh Beach Surf Club, the wellspring of Sierra Leones burgeoning surf scene. I meet him for a beginners lesson on the clubs thatch-roofed verandah, beyond which sage-green waves slide onto a crescent of ochre sand. As a child, I spent months watching expats surf here, he recalls as we pad out onto the beach. When I finally got a board, I already knew how to stand up. Palms sway above Bureh Bureh Beach, home of Bureh Bureh Surf Club, the wellspring of Sierra Leones burgeoning surf scene Photograph by Aisha Nazar Local surfer John Small was born and raised in Sierra Leone, and is one of the founding members of Bureh Beach Surf Club, the wellspring of Sierra Leones burgeoning surf scene. Photograph by Aisha Nazar For me, its not coming so easily. Thankfully, Johns a safe pair of hands, though he does fail to contain his laughter when I attempt to push myself into a standing position only to faceplant the sand. You look like a professional, he says. He may be a liar, but hes also something of a local legend, having taught almost all of Burehs instructors. One of them joins us in the wash: steely-eyed Kadiatu Kamara, Sierra Leones only professional female surfer. Im trying to encourage other girls to take up surfing, but its not easy, she says as we follow John into the bays waters. We have the beaches but not the resources to make it accessible. Thats what were trying to do with Bureh. I carry that determination with me as I kick myself shoreward, managing to stand just long enough to glide, not so elegantly, into the wash. The ensuing buzz drives me straight back into the water. My dream is to have a surf shop here, John tells me, gazing shoreward. All our boards, including the one youre using, were donated by friends from outside Sierra Leone. Every other professional surfer has their own board, so why not me? Why not us? My trunks are still dripping when we say goodbye. Peters anxious to make the 4pm ferry set to take me from Freetown back to the airport, though he still finds the time to make a pit stop for fruit and roasted corn on the way. We make it to the quay just in time, where my guide all relieved smiles and weary eyes presses a green-skinned orange into my hands just as Im swept up by a shoal of boarding passengers. The clouds have been thickening all day, but a change in the wind soon rakes them threadbare, leaving swallows dogfighting in a cornflower sky, and me, never so content, eating sunny mouthfuls of honey-sweet fruit. Published in the May 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only). 18 May 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00) By Farman Aydin "National Interests Come First. There will be no trade, no tourism with Turkey and Azerbaijan." As grandiose and rhetorical as that may sound, this statement, made by an Indian MP, has failed to move even a single person, either at home or abroad. The idea that Turkiye and Azerbaijan should be punished because of a handful of Indian merchants is not only absurd, its laughable. One must ask: punished for what betrayal, and by what means? Is this a serious threat, or merely the fantasy of a starving rooster dreaming of millet? A group of Indian traders banding together to issue such declarations and, on top of that, attempting to threaten globally influential powers like Turkiye and Azerbaijan borders on the surreal. Its as if weve stepped into a Bollywood production where the laws of physics and political reality are suspended for dramatic flair. It seems India still hasnt awakened from its own One Thousand and One Nights. And the parliamentarian behind this bizarre initiative, Shri Praveen Khandelwal, is clearly asleep at the wheel dreaming aloud. We are still speaking of Asias fantastic heroes, but their ideological offspring in the Caucasus have spiraled into delusion. Armenian voices on social media have eagerly amplified their Indian brothers fantasy, imagining a world where Turkey and Azerbaijan beg for forgiveness before a handful of merchants. If they truly believe this scenario is plausible, may God have mercy on us for sharing borders with such nations. After all, weve suffered more than enough over the past century. And now, we are treated to a new geopolitical fiction: the birth of the Indo-Armenian Brotherhood. Perhaps India believes that a population of 1.5 billion grants it the power to tip the global economic scales. But Delhi would do well to remember that within that billion are many who support the unity of Turks and Muslims. The world does not revolve around India, nor does it consist only of those who love it. There was a time when Armenia confidently walked under Frances protective umbrella. Today, Yerevan cant even find a shadow to hide in. Where is that former grandeur? Where are those bold, biased statements once hurled at Azerbaijan? Theyve vanished into silence. Yet these were the same voices that swore they would stand by Armenia to the bitter end. Of course, when interests shift, so do promises. So long as Paris and Delhi profit from arms deals, what happens in the Caucasus is of little concern to them. Why bother? Yerevan now seems to believe that a group of Indian merchants can somehow shake the geopolitical axis of Turkey and Azerbaijan. A word of advice: dont get lost in fantasy. The real documentary is yet to comeand you wont want to miss whats next. 18 May 2025 15:54 (UTC+04:00) A book exhibition titled Peoples Poet Rasul Rza 115 has opened at the National Library, dedicated to the 115th anniversary of the birth of the renowned Azerbaijani poet Rasul Rza. Azernews reports, citing Azertag, that the exhibition features works by Rasul Rza that reflect high artistic value, humanism, national spirit, and diversity. Also on display are books compiled, edited, or translated by him, as well as publications about his life and literary career, and musical scores composed to his poems all presented in both Azerbaijani and foreign languages. Peoples Poet Rasul Rza (Rasul Ibrahim oglu Rzayev) was born on May 19, 1910, in the city of Goychay. From 1927 to 1937, he studied at various educational institutions, including the Transcaucasian Communist University, the Azerbaijan State Research Institute, the Moscow Institute of Nations, and the All-Union State Institute of Cinematography. His first poem, Today, was published in 1927 in the Spark almanac in Tbilisi. From then on, his poetry, notable for its modern spirit, began attracting readers attention. Poems such as Europes Hour of Death, Arsh, To an August, and News of the Black Wind appeared in the pages of the newspaper Young Worker. During World War II, Rasul Rza served as a military correspondent. His wartime poetry collections Motherland and Revenge! Revenge..., as well as prose works like Immortal Heroes, Anger and Love, and the play Loyalty reflect the peoples heroic struggle and faith in victory. Among his well-known poetry collections are Poems (1959), The Light Falling on My Window (1962), Emotions, Thoughts (1964), Endurance (1965), Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow (1973), The South and the North (1977), Facing the Wind (1979), and the celebrated Colors series. His poem If Only There Were No Roses is considered one of the most significant Azerbaijani literary works on the victims of Stalinist repression. The poem draws inspiration from the life and fate of poet Mikayil Mushfig. In addition to his literary work, Rasul Rza was active in public and political life. He held several government positions: in 1939, he became Chairman of the Azerbaijan Writers Union; from 1945 to 1948, he served as Minister of Cinematography of Azerbaijan; from 1966 to 1975, he was Editor-in-Chief of the Azerbaijan Encyclopedia; and from 1960 to 1981, he chaired the Committee for Solidarity with the Peoples of Asia and Africa. In 1964, he was elected a member of the Board of the USSR Writers Union. He passed away in 1981. Since 2005, Rasul Rzas house in Goychay has operated as a museum. A street in Baku and a dry cargo ship of the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company are named after him. A literary prize also bears his name. 18 May 2025 19:17 (UTC+04:00) As part of the International Museum Night (Notte dei Musei 2025) held in Rome, the capital of Italy, Azerbaijani music was presented. Azernews reports, citing Azertag, that with the support of the Cultural Center operating under the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Italy, a program was held at the Sala Santa Rita hall in central Rome. The event began with Deputy Director of the Center, Gulnar Taghizadeh, introducing the musicians. Then, Azerbaijans Ambassador to Italy, Rashad Aslanov, delivered a speech, noting that the event was organized within the framework of Museum Night 2025, an initiative of the Rome Municipality. He emphasized the uniqueness of Azerbaijans national musical heritage and expressed confidence that the concert program would delight the audience. Titled The Magical Night of Azerbaijani Tar, the two-part program featured renowned musicians Shahriyar Imanov (tar), Shukur Aliyev (percussion), and Ilgar Aliyev (keyboard) who blended traditional and contemporary elements of Azerbaijani music and also performed pieces from world music. The concert drew significant interest from both locals and visitors of the capital. It is worth noting that this is the third consecutive year that Azerbaijan has participated in the traditional Museum Night. In Rome, this event series has been held for the 15th time, 18 May 2025 10:00 (UTC+04:00) A painting competition titled Mirza Gadim Iravani 200 was held at the Salyan State Art Gallery to mark the bicentenary of the prominent Azerbaijani artist. According to the Shirvan-Salyan Regional Department of Culture, the event was organized with the support of the Salyan District Committee of the Trade Union of Azerbaijani Culture Workers. The event brought together local officials, representatives of the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP), intellectuals, artists, and members of the public. Among the speakers were Kurcayl Mmmdov, Director of the Salyan State Art Gallery; Aqsin Babayev, Deputy Chair of YAPs Salyan District Branch; Iman Mustafayev, artist and member of the Union of Artists of Azerbaijan; historian and researcher Sahib Hasanov; Vfa Mmmdova, Chair of the Salyan Committee of the Culture Workers Union; gallery artist Cosgun Mmmdov; veteran cultural administrator Ltif Zrbliyev; cultural worker Leyla Babayeva, and others. Speakers emphasized Mirza Gadim Iravanis vital role in the development of Azerbaijani painting and stressed the importance of passing his artistic legacy on to future generations. It was noted that, in accordance with a presidential decree by Ilham Aliyev, the 200th anniversary of Mirza Gadim Iravani is being officially commemorated both domestically and internationally. Mirza Gadim Iravani was praised for harmoniously blending the rich traditions of classical Eastern miniature and folk art with the achievements of European realism, thus forging a unique and original style. This synthesis marked the beginning of a new era in the history of Azerbaijani visual arts. Following the speeches, winners of the competition were awarded gifts and diplomas, while all participants received certificates. Attendees also viewed an exhibition of the competition entries. The Mirza Gadim Iravani 200 art competition was held across three age categories: 710, 1115, and 1620 years. Participants created realistic works in various techniques on themes including Karabakh, Zangezur, the city of Iravan (Yerevan), and Mirza Gadim Iravani himself. Winners: Ages 710: 1st Place: Siyast Bunyatov (Salyan State Art Gallery) 2nd Place: Mhmmd Qurbanov (School No. 4 named after Y. Qasmov, Salyan) Ages 1115: 1st Place: Zhra Sadql (Camal Ismayilov Childrens Art School, Neftchala) and Trbiy Gozlli (E. Aghayev School, Arbatan) 2nd Place: Prvin lkbrli (Camal Ismayilov Childrens Art School, Neftchala) and Mrym Mmmdova (Salyan State Art Gallery) 3rd Place: smr Ncfli (E. Aghayev School, Arbatan), Nrmin liyeva (Ramiz Qafarov School, Marsl), and Anar Abyev (Salyan State Art Gallery) Ages 1620: 1st Place: sma liyeva (Salyan Youth and Childrens Development Center) and Nrmin Mmmdova (Salyan State Art Gallery) The exhibition of works from the competition will remain open to visitors until May 31. 18 May 2025 18:45 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Azerbaijans Presidential Assistant and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, Hikmet Hajiyev, has stated that bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Iran have entered a new phase of development. In an interview with Irans Tasnim news agency during his visit to Tehran for the Tehran Dialogue Forum, Hajiyev emphasized that the foundation for this new phase was laid by the recent official visit of Iranian President Pezeshkian to Azerbaijan. During that visit, substantive one-on-one and delegation-level discussions between President Ilham Aliyev and President Pezeshkian provided renewed momentum to Azerbaijan-Iran relations. Our joint task with our Iranian counterparts is now to take these relations further forward, Hajiyev said. In the same interview, Hajiyev also addressed ongoing efforts to normalize relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He noted that steps are being taken in this direction and underscored that the current regional reality is shaped by legality and legitimacy. Thanks to the policies pursued by the Republic of Azerbaijan, our territories were liberated from occupation, and Azerbaijan has fully restored its territorial integrity, he said. A new status quo has emerged in the South Caucasus, one that is no longer based on occupation or aggression but on international law, legitimacy, and legal norms. This has created a highly favorable environment for peace in the region. According to Hajiyev, the South Caucasus is currently witnessing a period of unprecedented calm and opportunity: We can confidently say that there is de facto peace in the region. Since both countries gained independence, this is the most favorable moment for peace and stability. Now, Azerbaijan is working to anchor this reality within a legal framework that ensures sustainable and definitive peace. 18 May 2025 20:21 (UTC+04:00) Peoples Poet Bakhtiyar Vahabzade made significant contributions to the development of modern Azerbaijani literature with his valuable works. His committed and principled pen always served his ideals and beliefs. Bakhtiyar Vahabzade was not only one of the most powerful wordsmiths of Azerbaijan but of the entire Turkic world. His works are cherished and read not only in Azerbaijan but also in Turkey and other Turkic-speaking countries. Azernews reports via Azertag that these sentiments were expressed at a conference dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of the unforgettable People's Poet and prominent figure of modern Azerbaijani literature, Bakhtiyar Vahabzade. The event was held on May 18 in the city of Shaki, co-organized by the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) and the Mahmud Kashgari International Foundation. The conference was attended by representatives of ANAS, the Shaki City Executive Authority, ambassadors of Turkey and other Turkic-speaking countries to Azerbaijan, as well as representatives of TURKPA, TURKSOY, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, members of the Milli Majlis (National Assembly), scholars, and intellectuals. Before the conference, participants laid flowers at the statue of the National Leader and paid their respects, then toured the Heydar Aliyev Center, where the event was held. Elkhan Usubov, head of the Shaki City Executive Authority, addressed the audience, stating that a series of events are being held in Shaki in accordance with President Ilham Aliyevs decree on commemorating the 100th anniversary of Bakhtiyar Vahabzade. He noted that the great master of words created remarkable works aimed at preserving and sustaining the high national and moral values developed over centuries. With his extensive body of work, Vahabzade made major contributions to Azerbaijani literature, continuing the legacy of great writers and poets before him. Usubov also emphasized the poets important contributions to Azerbaijani scholarship as a scientist, noting that his works continue to attract academic interest. A documentary film dedicated to Bakhtiyar Vahabzade was then presented. In his speech, ANAS President Isa Habibbeyli noted that Shaki has given rise to many great figures in Azerbaijani history, culture, and literature. He emphasized that while celebrating the anniversary of Bakhtiyar Vahabzade a great Azerbaijani thinker and poet it is also our duty to remember other Shaki-born intellectuals like Mirza Fatali Akhundzadeh, Rashid bey Afandiyev, Sabit Rahman, Emin Sabitoghlu, Shirmammad Huseynov, and many others who contributed to literature, culture, and public thought. Bakhtiyar Vahabzade entered literature with lyrical poems as pure as Shakis air and as clear as its springs, said Habibbeyli. His more than 50-year-long literary career was dedicated to the national spiritual awakening of the Azerbaijani people, the idea of Azerbaijani identity, the countrys independence and unity, and the struggle for the unity of the Turkic world. His national thought evolved from Azerbaijani identity to a pan-Turkic consciousness in literature. This is why Chingiz Aitmatov, one of the world's greatest literary figures, highly praised Bakhtiyar Vahabzade as a thinker-poet with a strong national mindset. Member of the Milli Majlis and President of the Mahmud Kashgari International Foundation, Javanshir Feyziyev, emphasized that Bakhtiyar Vahabzade was one of the most beloved poets of both Azerbaijan and the entire Turkic world. He noted that through his creativity and deep thinking, Vahabzade touched the hearts of millions and earned their love and admiration. Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Birol Akgun said, Bakhtiyar Vahabzade found a place in the hearts not only of the Azerbaijani people but of the entire Turkic world. Through his poetry, thoughts, and works, he has left an indelible mark on our collective memory. Themes of homeland, nation, freedom, human rights, and national identity always featured prominently in his poems. Kazakhstans Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Alim Bayel, noted that Bakhtiyar Vahabzades works always emphasized national spirit, human values, ideas of freedom, and loyalty to the homeland and history. He is remembered not just as a poet, but also as a citizen with a strong civic stance. Speeches were also delivered by Samed Seyidov, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on International Relations and Inter-Parliamentary Ties; Musa Guliyev, Chair of the Committee on Labor and Social Policy; Aktoty Raimkulova, President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation; Sultan Raev, TURKSOY Secretary-General and People's Writer of Kyrgyzstan; Nadir Mammadli, Director of the Nasimi Institute of Linguistics at ANAS; Mehmet Sureyya Er, Secretary-General of TURKPA; Maksat Mamytkanov, Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Azerbaijan; and Ufuk Turkaner, representative of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus all of whom spoke extensively on Vahabzades literary legacy. Bakhtiyar Vahabzades daughter, Gulzar Vahabzade, expressed her gratitude to the organizers of the event. As part of the event, TURKSOY Secretary-General Sultan Raev was awarded the title of honorary professor of ANAS and presented with the Kashgari Medal. The conference concluded with a concert program prepared by the Shaki-Zagatala Regional Department of Culture. 18 May 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00) Police in Slovenia are investigating the disappearance of a bronze statue of US first lady Melania Trump that was sawed off and carried away from her hometown, Azernews reports, citing Arab News. The life-size sculpture was unveiled in 2020 during President Donald Trumps first term in office near Sevnica in central Slovenia, where Melanija Knavs was born in 1970. It replaced a wooden statue that had been set on fire earlier that year. Police spokeswoman Alenka Drenik Rangus said Friday that the police were informed about the theft of the statue on Tuesday. She said police were working to track down those responsible. According to Slovenian media reports, the bronze replica was sawed off at the ankles and removed. Franja Kranjc, who works at a bakery in Sevnica that sells cakes with Melania Trumps name in support of the first lady, said the stolen statue wont be missed. I think no one was really proud at this statue, not even the first lady of the USA, he said. So I think its OK that its removed. The original wooden statue was torched in July 2020. The rustic figure was cut from the trunk of a linden tree, showing her in a pale blue dress like the one she wore at Trumps presidential inauguration in 2017. The replica bronze statue has no obvious resemblance with the first lady. 18 May 2025 11:49 (UTC+04:00) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed that forging closer ties with the European Union would benefit the UK by creating jobs, lowering living costs, and improving border management. His remarks come ahead of a key summit on Monday, where a potential new agreement between the UK and EU may be announced. The UK Government is preparing to host EU leaders in London as part of a broader initiative to rebuild post-Brexit relations. One possible outcome of the summit is a deal allowing British participation in a significant EU defence fund. However, contentious issuessuch as fishing rights and a proposed youth mobility schemecould hinder progress. In an interview with The Times, PM Keir hinted that a youth mobility agreement may be achievable. While he reaffirmed that restoring freedom of movement remains off the table, he clarified that youth mobility should not be seen as equivalent to it. 18 May 2025 17:13 (UTC+04:00) A Mexican Navy training ship on a goodwill journey to the United States collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night, resulting in the deaths of two crew members and injuries to 19 others, including two in critical condition, New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed. The vessel, named Cuauhtemoc, was carrying 277 people when it reportedly lost power and struck the bridge. Measuring approximately 297 feet in length and 40 feet in width, the ship suffered significant damage during the crash. Were keeping everyone affected in our thoughts, Mayor Adams stated, praising first responders for their quick intervention, which prevented further casualties. He also confirmed that the Brooklyn Bridge sustained no structural damage and has since reopened. The Mexican Navy confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the sailing vessel, used for naval academy training, had to abandon its journey following the incident. A total of 22 crew members were injured, with 19 currently hospitalized three of them in serious condition. Dramatic video footage captured by witnesses showed the ships masts breaking as they collided with the bridges 135-foot clearance. In one video, a spectator is heard exclaiming, Shes about to crash. Fortunately, no one was thrown overboard. Emergency responders guided the damaged vessel safely toward the Manhattan Bridge. It is currently docked at Pier 16, with plans to move it to Pier 36 for further assessment. Built in Spain in 1982, the Cuauhtemoc serves as a flagship training vessel for the Mexican Navy. Its stop in New York was part of a broader world tour promoting Sail4th 250, the 2026 celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. New York was the third port on its eight-month global voyage, which also includes visits to Jamaica, Portugal, and Iceland. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences and said she was deeply saddened by the tragedy. 18 May 2025 17:55 (UTC+04:00) At their annual summit in Baghdad on Saturday, Arab leaders announced efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, while pledging support for rebuilding the war-torn territory once hostilities cease. Back in March, during an emergency Arab League meeting in Cairo, leaders endorsed a plan for Gazas post-war reconstruction that emphasized keeping the enclaves population of around 2 million residents in place. Among the prominent attendees of the current summit were Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. El-Sissi reaffirmed that a sustainable and equitable peace in the Middle East is unattainable without the creation of a Palestinian state, despite any potential normalization of ties between Israel and Arab nations. Egypt, notably, was the first Arab state to establish diplomatic relations with Israel. 18 May 2025 22:36 (UTC+04:00) Syrias Defence Ministry has given a 10-day deadline to remaining armed groups operating outside government structures, demanding they integrate into the national security forces or face undisclosed consequences. This directive comes half a year after the fall of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, as the transitional government under Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa works to stabilize and centralize authority in the fragmented, war-torn nation. In a statement issued late Saturday, Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra emphasized that several factions had already been absorbed into a unified military framework a milestone in the broader state-building process. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which hold significant territory in the northeast, appear exempt from the order, having earlier signed an agreement with President Sharaa to integrate into state structures over time. While some Sunni Arab rebel factions have disbanded and joined government forces notably in December many militias remain outside state control. Questions also persist over Sharaas authority, especially after government-aligned militias reportedly killed over 1,000 Alawite and Christian civilians near Latakia in March. Diplomatic and economic developments have offered a lifeline to the new administration. Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Sharaa and pledged to lift longstanding American sanctions. Meanwhile, the World Bank confirmed on Friday that Syrias $15.5 million debt had been paid off by Saudi Arabia and Qatar a move hailed by Damascus as a critical step toward postwar recovery. Still, the country remains in deep crisis. Around 90 percent of Syrians live in poverty, according to the United Nations, with widespread electricity shortages leaving most households with just two hours of power a day. Private generators or solar systems remain unaffordable for millions. Real Clear Investigations has a new article out that speaks to some of the environmental harm from so-called "green" energy, namely wind and solar. It addresses the huge solid waste problems created by worn out wind turbines and solar panels, many of which are going into landfills. https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/articles/2025/05/15/wasting_away_in_wind-and-solarville_1110296.html Some of what goes into both wind turbines and solar panels is toxic, including carcinogens. There are dangers of this stuff getting into the ground water from wind turbines and solar panels and their disposal. Indeed, in Ontario, Canada, five wind energy companies have been criminally indicted for multiple felonies of polluting the groundwater. Wind and solar are harmful to the environment in other ways as well. Especially with wind, they are major killers of birds and marine mammals including whales. Unlike conventional power, wind and solar are both land intensive, and that often means clearcutting forests to build wind and solar "farms". In Germany, the Baden-Wurtemberg state government led by the "Green" Party is chopping down swaths of the famed Black Forest to install wind turbines. Farther north, the ancient Reinhartwald forest, setting for the Grimm's Fairy Tales is under threat of being destroyed for wind turbines. In Scotland, the government forestry agency calculates that 13.9 million trees have been chopped down on government land in that country for wind and solar, not even including trees on private land. https://docs.wind-watch.org/Scottish-Forestry-FoI-19-02646.pdf Martin McGuinness ordered IRA to crucify informant after SAS ambush, new book claims I swear on my mothers life thats the truth, there was no way I was doing a crucifixion, no way. Martin McGuinness. Richard Sullivan Sun 18 May 2025 at 14:02 Martin McGuinness ordered an IRA volunteer to crucify an informant after three IRA men were shot dead by the SAS. A Mexican Navy training ship on a goodwill journey to the United States collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night, resulting in the deaths of two crew members and injuries to 19 others, including two in critical condition, New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed. The vessel, named Cuauhtemoc, was carrying 277 people when it reportedly lost power and struck the bridge. Measuring approximately 297 feet in length and 40 feet in width, the ship suffered significant damage during the crash. Were keeping everyone affected in our thoughts, Mayor Adams stated, praising first responders for their quick intervention, which prevented further casualties. He also confirmed that the Brooklyn Bridge sustained no structural damage and has since reopened. The Mexican Navy confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the sailing vessel, used for naval academy training, had to abandon its journey following the incident. A total of 22 crew members were injured, with 19 currently hospitalized three of them in serious condition. Dramatic video footage captured by witnesses showed the ships masts breaking as they collided with the bridges 135-foot clearance. In one video, a spectator is heard exclaiming, Shes about to crash. Fortunately, no one was thrown overboard. Emergency responders guided the damaged vessel safely toward the Manhattan Bridge. It is currently docked at Pier 16, with plans to move it to Pier 36 for further assessment. Built in Spain in 1982, the Cuauhtemoc serves as a flagship training vessel for the Mexican Navy. Its stop in New York was part of a broader world tour promoting Sail4th 250, the 2026 celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. New York was the third port on its eight-month global voyage, which also includes visits to Jamaica, Portugal, and Iceland. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences and said she was deeply saddened by the tragedy. Bonfire preparations in Craigyhill on the 18th May 2025 (Belfast Telegraph) Bonfire preparations in Craigyhill on the 18th May 2025 (Belfast Telegraph) Bonfire preparations in Craigyhill on the 18th May 2025 (Belfast Telegraph) Bonfire preparations in Craigyhill on the 18th May 2025 (Belfast Telegraph) With less than two months to go before the traditional Eleventh Night bonfires, construction work has begun on Northern Irelands largest pyre. The site at Craigyhill in Larne has earned a reputation for being the tallest and most spectacular celebration on the night. Bonfire preparations in Craigyhill on the 18th May 2025 (Belfast Telegraph) Watch: Northern Ireland's tallest bonfire at Craigyhill collapses Last year organisers claimed they had broken the world record again, with the bonfire rising to just over 205ft. However, the claim remains unofficial the Guinness Book of World Records still lists the Hofstalder Funkenzunft in Lustenau, Austria on March 16, 2019 at 198ft, 11ins as the record holder. Bonfire preparations in Craigyhill on the 18th May 2025 (Belfast Telegraph) Nevertheless, the Co Antrim organisers are claiming theirs as the worlds tallest, and insist the bonfire is built in accordance with health and safety rules, and after taking advice from authorities. The bonfire at Craigyhill will rise over the next two months, helped by hundreds of volunteers who descend on Larne from across Northern Ireland to assist in stacking wooden pallets. Bonfire preparations in Craigyhill on the 18th May 2025 (Belfast Telegraph) Last year the Craigyhill bonfire organisers gained even more publicity after allowing a parachute jump from the construction. The stunt was performed by professional base jumper Stephen Magennis. In 2022, local man John Steele died after falling 50ft from a bonfire in nearby Antiville with the site at Craigyhill serving as a gathering point for a vigil in his memory. Gardai at the scene in Carrig East, Kenmare, investigating the disappearance of Co Kerry farmer Michael Gaine (Noel Sweeney/PA) A man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Co Kerry farmer Michael Gaine. The 56-year-old was reported missing from his home near Kenmare on March 21. Following extensive searches over the last eight weeks, Irish police confirmed on Saturday that human remains had been discovered. A man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of farmer Michael Gaine (Garda/PA) On Sunday afternoon, Irish police said a man, who is aged in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of murder. The male is being detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda Station in Kerry Division, a Garda spokesperson said. An Garda Siochana continue to carry out searches and technical examinations at lands at Carrig East, Kenmare, Co Kerry. The family of Michael Gaine have been informed of this arrest and An Garda Siochana continues to support Michaels family through a family liaison officer. Garda at the scene in Carrig East, Kenmare, investigating the disappearance of Co Kerry farmer Michael Gaine (Noel Sweeney/PA) State Pathologist Dr Sally Anne Collis and forensic anthropologist Laureen Buckley, assisted by the Garda Technical Bureau, carried out preliminary examinations in the area that gardai described as a crime scene on Saturday. Work continued at the site on Sunday in a bid to recover further human remains. A Garda spokesperson said DNA analysis will be required to carry out formal identification of the recovered human remains. There have been extensive inquiries by gardai investigating Mr Gaines disappearance over the last eight weeks, as well as a public plea for information issued by his wife, Janice Gaine and sister, Noreen ORegan. On April 29, the investigation was reclassified as a homicide. The Garda spokesperson said officers are continuing to appeal for public assistance in this investigation. The Garda investigation team can be contacted at Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or speak with any member of An Garda Siochana, they said. TD Michael Healy-Rae said the community called for answers (Liam McBurney/PA) On Sunday, Independent TD for Kerry, Michael Healy-Rae, said the local community in Kenmare wants answers. All we want is answers, he told RTEs This Week programme. We want to know, and the family want to know. Mike was a very respectable, hardworking, genuine man, a great community person and a person that everybody liked. To think that somebody would have this type of event happen to them were all horrified. Were upset. It is not something that were used to in any part of Ireland. But in this locality, we never had a situation like this before. He added: This is a horrific time for the family, for the whole community, the extended friends, relatives and relations. But at the end of the day, at least now the team can work on the evidence that they have found. And we hope and earnestly pray that more answers can be found to all questions that the family and all of us have. Handout photo issued by NHS Blood and Transplant of Jenni Stancombe (front row, white tshirt) and Dave Stancombe (third left), the parents of Elsie Dot Stancombe, at a blood donation session in Southport (NHS Blood and Transplant/PA) The mother of Southport attack victim Elsie Dot Stancombe has praised inspiring blood donors during a drive in the seaside town. Almost 100 people donated blood at the session at St John Stone Church in Southport on Saturday. Seven-year-old Elsie was one of three girls murdered in the Southport mass stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last summer. Her parents, Jenni and Dave Stancombe, worked with NHS Blood and Transplant to organise the blood donation event through Elsies Story, the charity they founded in her memory. Among the NHS Blood and Transplant staff supporting the session were two members of the transport team based at the Liverpool blood centre who responded to the Southport attack. Ms Stancombe said she wanted Elsies Story to create a legacy of love and hope in her daughters name. She added: Although the outcome for Elsie was tragically different, we know that blood transfusions were crucial for many of those injured that day. NHS Blood and Transplant made 10 emergency deliveries of blood to hospitals treating the casualties and that quick response meant the lifesaving blood was available for everyone who needed it. For some people here today, giving blood is their way of repaying those whose donations were so vital that day. Ms Stancombe added: We want Southport to be renowned for the warmth and generosity of its amazing community, not for the events of that day. Today has been a wonderful example of that. The atmosphere was so uplifting and inspiring and we are grateful to all the donors and staff for their support. Stephen Kuypers and Dave Oxton were among a team of drivers on shift the day of the Southport attacks who made 10 emergency blue-light deliveries of blood supplies in three hours to four hospitals, including Alder Hey Childrens Hospital. Blue lights are only used when a hospital requests blood products they urgently need for a specific patient or incident, NHS Blood and Transplant said. If a patients blood type is unknown, they can safely be given O negative blood, which makes it vital in emergencies. Mr Kuypers said: On that dreadful day last July, I took the phone call from our hospital services team informing us of a major incident and instructing us to prepare for emergency deliveries. At the height of the response we were making three blue light deliveries an hour, which is extremely rare. I delivered two urgent orders to Alder Hey and Aintree hospitals. Hospital colleagues later told us that the quick response of the Liverpool transport team helped ensure that the patients received the best possible care. The was a very rewarding message to receive and it meant a lot to the team who all pulled together and put in extra hours that day to ensure all the deliveries were covered. The blood donation session in Southport (NHS Blood and Transplant/PA) NHS Blood and Transplant chief executive Dr Jo Farrar said: It is wonderful to see how many people have been inspired by Elsies Story to give blood, and we are thankful to Elsies brave parents Jenni and Dave for their incredible support. Because each donation can help up to three adults or six children, 300 lives or more will be saved and improved in Elsies memory. A constant supply of blood is needed every day to help patients receiving treatment for conditions like cancer, sickle cell or giving birth as well as being prepared for unexpected emergencies and incidents, just like that dreadful day last July. NHS Blood and Transplant said it was appealing to blood and platelet donors across England to help fill tens of thousands of appointments at town and city donor centres over the coming days and weeks. There are concerns that four bank holidays falling in six weeks could push blood supplies to critical levels as donations often drop over bank holiday weekends. The NHS is appealing for more O negative donations in particular, the blood type needed in emergencies. NHS Blood and Transplant issued an amber alert in July 2024, which remains in place in England, due to a severe shortage of O negative blood triggered by the cyber-attack on London hospitals last year. The attack meant major London hospitals could not cross match blood so the hospitals could only use O negative. Police have been granted more time to question a second man arrested in connection with suspected arson attacks on properties linked to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Counter-terror officers arrested a 26-year-old man at Luton Airport on Saturday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life, according to a statement from the Metropolitan Police. The arrest, which took place shortly before 2pm, follows fires at Sir Keirs home in Kentish Town, as well as another property and a car linked to the Prime Minister earlier this month. On Sunday, a warrant of further detention was obtained at Westminster Magistrates Court, meaning the man can be detained for an additional 36 hours, according to the Metropolitan Police. Roman Lavrynovych, a 21-year-old Ukrainian man, has already been charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life in connection with the fires. Lavrynovych, of Sydenham, south-east London, denied arson in a police interview. He appeared in court on Friday and was remanded in custody until a further hearing at the Old Bailey scheduled for June 6. Pope Leo XIV greeted jubilant crowds from the popemobile ahead of the ceremony (Domenico Stinellis/AP) Pope Leo XIV, the first ever pontiff from the US, has given his first major address during his inauguration ceremony attended by world leaders and thousands of faithful. Leo marked the start of his papacy by calling for unity within the church and for it to act as a leaven of harmony for humanity. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and the Duke of Edinburgh, who was representing the King, were among attendees at the outdoor Mass in the Vatican on Sunday morning. They joined politicians from across the world including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky; US Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism as an adult; Peruvian President Dina Boluarte and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Pope Leo XIV was inaugurated as pontiff at an outdoor mass in the Vatican on Sunday (Alessandra Tarantino/AP) Ahead of the ceremony, Leo took his first popemobile ride through St Peters Square, waving from the back of the open-back vehicle to the jubilant crowd who carried flags and cheered Viva il Papa. Leo appeared to choke up when the two symbols of the papacy were placed on him during the Mass: the pallium, a woollen stole, over his shoulders and the fishermans ring on his finger. The pontiff appeared thoughtful as he held a hand over his chest as a part of the Gospel was chanted in Greek during the Mass, later smiling and nodding as he was applauded by the crowds. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content During his homily, the Pope paid tribute to his predecessors Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIII, and called for unity within the church. He said: I would like that our first great desire be for a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world. In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earths resources and marginalises the poorest. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content He added: The heart of the gospel is the love of God that makes us brothers and sisters. With my predecessor, Leo XIII, we can ask ourselves today, if this criterion were to prevail in the world, would not every conflict cease and peace return? With the light and the strength of the Holy Spirit that is still the church founded on Gods love, a sign of humanity, a missionary church that opens its arms to the world, proclaims the word, allows itself to be made restless by history and becomes a leaven of harmony for humanity. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wished Leo the very best in a post on X on Sunday evening. Sir Keir wrote: The inauguration of the pope is a hugely important moment for Catholics around the world. I warmly welcome Pope Leo XIV to the role and wish him the very best as he leads the Catholic Church into this new chapter. After the ceremony, Ms Rayner sent the Pope her congratulations, saying it was a privilege to attend the ceremony in a message posted on social media. On X, the deputy prime minister wrote: Congratulations His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on your inauguration today. This historic moment marks the next chapter in the Catholic Churchs journey. It was a privilege to represent the UK and its Catholic community at Mass. Following the ceremony, Leo met Irish President Michael D Higgins with the pair smiling as they shook hands. The new Pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost from Chicago, was elected on May 8 after a conclave meeting of 133 cardinals from 70 countries in just over 24 hours. Ukraines President Volodymr Zelensky (centre) and Queen Letizia of Spain were among attendees at the outdoor mass (Alessandra Tarantino/AP) Three UK cardinals took part in conclave, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe and Rome-based Cardinal Arthur Roche, as did Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell who has mainly ministered in the US and been based in Rome for some years. In the days since his election, the 69-year-old has outlined some of his key priorities as Pope, saying the Holy Sees three pillars of diplomacy are peace, justice and truth during his first foreign policy address. During his first Sunday blessing earlier this month, Leo called for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Leo has also identified artificial intelligence as one of the most critical issues facing humanity, saying it poses challenges to defending human dignity, justice and labour. He is a dual citizen of the United States and Peru, where he first served as a missionary and then as archbishop, meaning he is the first Pope from each country. The new pontiff is the 267th Pope, becoming the religious leader of some 1.4 billion Catholics across the globe. He follows in the footsteps of the late Pope Francis, whose popularity saw him dubbed the peoples Pope. Sir Keir Starmer is set to announce a new deal with the EU as he hosts Ursula von der Leyen in London (Leon Neal/PA) Sir Keir Starmer is set to announce a new deal with the EU in the coming week as he hosts a major summit with the bloc in London. Details of the agreement are yet to be revealed but reports have suggested it could focus on UK access to a major EU defence fund, with a youth mobility scheme also said to be on the table. Ahead of Mondays summit, the Prime Minister said the meeting would be another step forwards, with yet more benefits for the United Kingdom and a strengthened partnership with the European Union. He said: It will be good for our jobs, good for our bills and good for our borders. Thats what the British people voted for last year, and its what my Government will deliver. Mondays meeting will bring Sir Keir together with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen for the second time in four days, after the two met for 30 minutes on the margins of the European Political Community Summit in Albania on Friday. Opposition figures have already spoken out against Sir Keirs deal with the EU, with both Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UKs Nigel Farage claiming the agreement which has not yet been announced is a surrender and vowing to rip it up. Mrs Badenoch said Sir Keir should have focused on new wins for Britain, including allowing UK citizens to use e-gates at European airports. She added: Instead, it sounds like were giving away our fishing quotas, becoming a rule-taker from Brussels once again and getting free movement by the back door. Kemi Badenoch has already described the deal with the EU as a surrender (Jacob King/PA) Meanwhile, others have pushed the Government to go further, with the Liberal Democrats urging a closer relationship with the EU. The party claimed a new trade deal that included deep alignment with the bloc on goods and services would provide enough economic growth to reverse cuts to welfare and the winter fuel payment. Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman Calum Miller said: A far more ambitious trade deal with Europe, including a new UK-EU customs union, would be the single biggest thing ministers could do to boost growth and fix the public finances. The Liberal Democrats stand ready to work constructively with Labour MPs to boost trade with Europe and avoid savage cuts for vulnerable families and pensioners. MPs on the cross-party Commons Foreign Affairs Committee also pushed the Government to be bolder and back a youth mobility scheme, similar to those the UK operates with countries including Australia and Canada. But the committee also accused the Government of failing to articulate a compelling political narrative for the reset and being overly secretive about its aims and the negotiations. The MPs said this had left those outside Westminster unclear about British policy and unconvinced of the strategic importance of making the reset a success. Pope Leo XIV officially opened his pontificate as historys first American pope on Sunday, presiding over an inaugural Mass in St Peters Square before tens of thousands of people, presidents, patriarchs and princes in a ceremony that blended ancient ritual, evocative symbols and a nod to modern-day celebrity. Leo launched the celebration by taking his first popemobile tour through the piazza, a rite of passage that has become synonymous with the papacys global reach and mediatic draw, used at home and abroad to bring popes close to their flock. The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary smiled and waved from the back of the vehicle as the bells of St Peters Basilica rang. Leo appeared to choke up when the two potent symbols of the papacy were placed on him the pallium wool stole over his shoulders and the fishermans ring on his finger as if the weight of responsibility had just sunk in. Pope Leo XIV celebrates a Mass for the formal inauguration of his pontificate (Stefano Costantino/AP) He turned his hand to look at the ring and seal and then clasped his hands in front of him in prayer. The crowd cheered and plenty of Peruvian, American and Holy See flags mixed with flags of other nations and banners. Tens of thousands of people had earlier streamed into St Peters Square. Starting at dawn, civil protection crews in neon uniforms funnelled pilgrims into quadrants in the piazza while priests and patriarchs hurried into St Peters Basilica to get ready for the Mass. US vice president JD Vance, one of the last foreign officials to see Pope Francis before he died, paid his respects at the Argentine popes tomb when he arrived in Rome late on Saturday, and was heading the US delegation honouring Chicago-born Leo. Diplomatic protocol also dictated the dress code. While most wore black, the handful of Catholic queens and princesses Charlene of Monaco and Letizia of Spain among others wore white in a special privilege allowed them. Three dozen of the worlds other Christian churches sent their own delegations, headed by patriarchs, reverends, ministers and metropolitans, while the Jewish community had a 13-member delegation, half of them rabbis. Pope Leo XIV toured St Peters Square (Jacquelyn Martin, Pool/AP) Leo started the day by taking his first tour through the piazza in the popemobile. It was here that Francis made his last popemobile ride on Easter Sunday, and it was on the back of a popemobile that Francis coffin was taken across Rome last month to its final resting place. Leo seems more timid than Francis. But all eyes will be on how he manages the throngs of pilgrims, tourists and curiosity-seekers, and the babies who will inevitably be passed up to him for a blessing. After the tour in the square, Leo went into the basilica to begin the solemn ceremony to inaugurate his ministry in a series of rites that emphasise the service that he is called to perform in leading the Catholic Church. He prayed first at the tomb of St Peter, considered to be the first pope, under the basilicas main altar, and then processed out into the piazza for the Mass. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte is one of about a dozen heads of state attending, as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Thousands flocked to St Peters Square (Jacquelyn Martin, Pool/AP) US seminarian Ethan Menning, 21, from Omaha, Nebraska, wrapped himself in an American flag to celebrate. Rome always felt like home for a Catholic, but now coming here and seeing one of our own on the throne of Peter, it almost makes Jesus himself more accessible, he said. Kalen Hill, a pilgrim from the US, got to St Peters soon after the gates opened on Sunday and said he never expected an American would lead the 1.4-billion strong church. I would say all the Americans are emotional about it, he said. It is really powerful for American Catholics who sometimes feel separated from the world church to be brought in and included in this community through Pope Leo. During the Mass, Leo received the two potent symbols of the papacy: the lambswool stole, known as a pallium, and the fishermans ring. The pallium, draped across his shoulders, symbolises the pastor carrying his flock as the pope carries the faithful. Ethan Menning, 21, from Nebraska in the US, wrapped in a US flag (Andrew Medichini/AP) The ring, which becomes Leos official seal, harks back to Jesus call to the apostle Peter to cast his fishing nets. The other symbolically important moment of the Mass is the representational rite of obedience to Leo. Whereas in the past all cardinals would vow obedience to the new pope, more recent papal installations involve representatives of cardinals, bishops, priests, deacons, nuns, married couples and young people participating in the rite. Another change from the past is that Sundays Mass is not a coronation ceremony, which used to involve the pope receiving a tiara, but is merely known as a Eucharistic Celebration for the start of the Petrine ministry of the Bishop of Rome. In the days since his historic election, Leo has already sketched out some of his key priorities as pope. In his first foreign policy address, he said the Holy Sees three pillars of diplomacy were peace, justice and truth. Pope Leo XIV blesses a child as he tours St Peters Square (Andrew Medichini/AP) In his first major economics address, he emphasised the Catholic Churchs social doctrine and the search for truth. Leo has vowed all efforts to find peaceful ends to the wars in Ukraine, Gaza and elsewhere. But as a priority, he has also identified the challenges to humanity posed by artificial intelligence, making the parallel to the challenges to human dignity posed by the industrial revolution that were confronted by his namesake, Pope Leo XIII, who was pope from 1878-1903. After the homily and at the end of the Mass, Leo will offer a final blessing and then go into the basilica to greet the heads of the more than 150 official delegations attending. Security was tight, as it was for Francis funeral on April 26, which drew an estimated 250,000 people. Rome authorities planned for another 250,000 on Sunday. The piazza and main boulevard leading to it, and two nearby piazzas, were set up with giant television screens, and dozens of portable toilets have been erected in a nearby park. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, vowed on Sunday to work for unity so that the Catholic Church becomes a sign of peace in the world. He offered a message of love and communion during an inaugural Mass in St Peters Square before an estimated 200,000 pilgrims, presidents, patriarchs and princes. Leo officially opened his pontificate by taking his first popemobile tour through the piazza, a rite of passage that has become synonymous with the papacys global reach and mediatic draw. The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary smiled and waved from the back of the vehicle, but did not appear to stop to kiss babies and the crowd. Pope Leo XIV celebrates a Mass for the formal inauguration of his pontificate (Stefano Costantino/AP) During the Mass, Leo appeared to choke up when the two potent symbols of the papacy were placed on him the pallium wool stole over his shoulders and the fishermans ring on his finger as if the weight of responsibility of leading the 1.4-billion strong church had just sunk in. He turned his hand to look at the ring and seal and then clasped his hands in front of him in prayer. Security was tight as civil protection crews in neon uniforms funnelled pilgrims into quadrants in the piazza and up and down the boulevard that leads to it for the ceremony blending ancient ritual, evocative symbols and a dose of modern-day celebrity. US vice president JD Vance, one of the last foreign officials to see Pope Francis before he died, led the US delegation honouring the Chicago-born Leo after paying his respects at the Argentine popes tomb when he arrived in Rome late on Saturday. In his homily, Leo said he wanted to be a servant to the faithful through the two dimensions of the papacy, love and unity, so that the church could be a force for peace in the world. I would like that our first great desire be for a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world, he said. Pope Leo XIV toured St Peters Square (Jacquelyn Martin, Pool/AP) In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earths resources and marginalises the poorest. His call for unity was significant, given the polarisation in the Catholic Church in the United States and beyond. Francis radical 12-year pontificate, which emphasised care for the poor and marginalised and disdain for the capitalist economic system, often alienated conservatives and traditionalists. At the end of the Mass, Leo expressed hope for negotiations to bring a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and offered prayers for the people of Gaza, children, families and elderly who are reduced to hunger, he said. Leo made no mention of hostages taken by Hamas from southern Israel on October 7, 2023, as Francis usually did when praying for Gaza. Leos May 8 election, after a remarkably quick 24-hour conclave, has appeared at the outset to have pleased conservative Catholics who seem to appreciate his more disciplined, traditional style and Augustinian background, emphasizing core truths of Catholic doctrine. Strict diplomatic protocol dictated the seating arrangements at his inaugural Mass, with both the United States and Peru getting front-row seats thanks to Leos dual citizenship. Mr Vance, a Catholic convert who tangled with Francis over the Trump administrations mass migrant deportation plans, was being joined by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who arrived in Rome ahead of time to try to advance Russia-Ukraine peace talks. Thousands flocked to St Peters Square (Jacquelyn Martin, Pool/AP) Peruvian President Dina Boluarte is one of about a dozen heads of state attending, as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Russia is being represented by the culture minister, Olga Liubimova. After the Mass, Leo greeted the delegations one by one in the basilica and had proper audiences scheduled on Sunday with Mr Zelensky and Mr Boluarte. Diplomatic protocol also dictated the dress code. While most wore black, the handful of Catholic queens and princesses Charlene of Monaco and Letizia of Spain among others wore white in a special privilege allowed them. Three dozen of the worlds other Christian churches sent their own delegations, the Jewish community had a 13-member delegation, half of them rabbis. Other representatives headed Buddhist, Muslim, Zoroastrian, Hindu, Sikh and Jain delegations. US seminarian Ethan Menning, 21, from Omaha, Nebraska, wrapped himself in an American flag to celebrate. Rome always felt like home for a Catholic, but now coming here and seeing one of our own on the throne of Peter,.. it almost makes Jesus himself more accessible, he said. Ethan Menning, 21, from Nebraska in the US, wrapped in a US flag (Andrew Medichini/AP) Kalen Hill, a pilgrim from the US, got to St. Peters soon after the gates opened at dawn on Sunday and said he never expected an American would lead the 1.4-billion strong church. I would say all the Americans are emotional about it, he said. It is really powerful for American Catholics who sometimes feel separated from the world church to be brought in and included in this community through Pope Leo. The two symbols of the papacy handed to Leo were the pallium, and the fishermans ring. The pallium, draped across his shoulders, symbolises the pastor carrying his flock as the pope carries the faithful. The ring, which becomes Leos official seal, harks back to Jesus call to the apostle Peter to cast his fishing nets. The other symbolically important moment of the Mass was the representational rite of obedience to Leo. Pope Leo XIV blesses a child as he tours St Peters Square (Andrew Medichini/AP) Whereas in the past all cardinals would vow obedience to the new pope, more recent papal installations involve representatives of cardinals, bishops, priests, deacons, nuns, married couples and young people participating in the rite. In the days since his historic election, Leo has already sketched out some of his key priorities as pope. In his first foreign policy address, he said the Holy Sees three pillars of diplomacy were peace, justice and truth. In his first major economics address, he emphasised the Catholic Churchs social doctrine and the search for truth. After the homily and at the end of the Mass, Leo offers a final blessing and then goes into the basilica to greet the heads of the more than 150 official delegations attending. Security was tight, as it was for Francis funeral on April 26, which drew an estimated 250,000 people. Perus President Dina Boluarte and US vice president JD Vance and his wife Usha attended the inauguration (Alessandra Tarantino/AP) Rome authorities are planning for another 250,000 on Sunday. The piazza and main boulevard leading to it, and two nearby piazzas were set up with giant television screens, and dozens of portable toilets have been erected in a nearby park. Gregory and Susan Hudak, who lived for 40 years in the Chicago area, found themselves in Rome after booking a trip in February, with just a faint hope of perhaps glimpsing the pope. Seeing the popemobile pass by in front of them was even better than watching Michael Jordan play, said Gary Hudak, a former altar boy wearing a Chicago Bears hat. Originally, the only hope I had coming here was to see the inside of the Sistine Chapel, he said. I was glad the conclave was over, because I could get to see the inside of the Sistine Chapel. Seeing the pope was not scheduled, it was a long shot hope. And this was a treasure, simple as that. Pornstar Bonnie Blues rumoured visit to Belfast as part of a so-called UK dogging tour is an online hoax, it has been revealed. Ms Blue (25) has caused shock with some of her online stunts, including having sex with over 1,000 men on camera in one day. Parents of pupils attending Cookstown High School have lashed out at the archaic school uniform policy which only allows pupils to remove their heavy school blazers when they are in class. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. Jeffrey J. Pyle is a seasoned trial and appellate lawyer based in Boston who represents clients in First Amendment, media, civil rights and high-stakes business cases. He advises news organizations (including The Berkshire Eagle), defends against libel claims, and litigates access and defamation issues in state and federal courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. This Q&A is from the interview and has been edited for length and clarity. DALTON DELAN: First they came for the universities. Now they're coming for the big law firms. The prestigious Paul, Weiss law firm [formally, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP] and others have caved to the need to get government business and not be shut out from it. JEFFREY J. PYLE: William Shakespeare said, first thing we do, Let's kill all the lawyers. And I suppose that when you look at the various victims of the current administration, lawyers might not fall very highly on the list of sympathetic characters. But I'd like to make the case that we should all care about what is happening with these big law firms. Donald Trump is waging war on the practice of law and the possibility of zealous representation of clients by lawyers. Everybody professes to hate lawyers, except when they need one themselves. What Donald Trump is doing is saying, if you take on cases or clients that make me mad, then I will use the full weight of the federal government to punish your law firm for doing so. DELAN: The March 14 presidential action against Paul Weiss would never pass Constitutional review. PYLE: I've had that reaction to many presidential orders that this administration has handed down. The people advising him have not put up any guardrails to Donald Trump whatsoever, least of all lawyers within the Department of Justice. A law firm is being punished for formerly employing a lawyer who successfully brought a criminal prosecution against the president. Donald Trump is abusing the power of the executive. DELAN: Is it illegal? PYLE: The lawsuits that firms have filed against Donald Trump lay the illegality out in many different ways. [Trumps] orders are a violation of First Amendment freedom of speech. Lawyers have the right to speak on behalf of their clients. Right to petition the government. Freedom of association. These orders violate the rights of the clients to choose their own lawyers, protected by both the Fifth and the Sixth amendments. That gets to the broad chilling effect. It sends a message that your law firm could be put out of existence because you make the president upset. That is the road to autocracy. DELAN: If you're the Associated Press and you're failing to say that it's the Gulf of America, or if you're a business with diversity, equity and inclusion programs, this is actually termed unlawful activity, and the government won't do business with you. It feels Orwellian. PYLE: Yes, this is certainly Orwellian double-speak. It's also Donald Trump trying to position himself to be the legislative branch, the executive branch and the judicial branch. It is the judiciary that says what the law is, not Donald Trump. He may think DEI policies are unlawful, but no one has determined that any of these law firms have DEI policies that are unlawful. I just signed on as a friend of the court to a brief that is being filed on behalf of 61 news organizations and press freedom advocates. Our argument is that if orders like this are allowed to stand, it is the free press that will suffer greatly. The job of the press is to bring the government to account and to force transparency. If the press tries to report and receives some form of resistance, they're going to look for legal counsel. Legal counsel will then tell them, you have a really good case, but I can't represent you, because if I do, I'm going to antagonize Donald Trump, and I could lose my entire law business. The press could be deprived of legal counsel as a result. DELAN: Is there much resistance from the legal profession? PYLE: Every lawyer I've spoken to is mystified as to why a law firm would capitulate rather than fight. Paul Weiss and the other firms must have known that if they had gone to court to fight these orders, they would have a high chance of winning. The managing partner of Paul Weiss said that this was an existential threat to Paul Weiss. I say [it is] better for a law firm to go out of business than to become an agent of totalitarianism. DELAN: We've got executive orders and actions that seem to be overriding [the] customary judicial process, which in many cases is going to be too slow to catch up. PYLE: Ultimately, a great deal of harm is going to be done to a great number of people before the court system is able to finally enforce the Constitution against the executive branch. [U.S. Secretary of State] Marco Rubio, just recently, was forced to release a memo in which he detailed his justification for detaining I would say kidnapping Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate student who had his green card supposedly revoked and was put into detention because of the views he espoused. Marco Rubio said in this memorandum that he has the ability to, and will, quote, revoke a person's immigration status based solely on their, quote, past, current or expected beliefs, statements or associations that are otherwise lawful. So, according to Marco Rubio, immigrants are non-citizens and have no rights. That's not what the Constitution says. The Constitution applies to all persons. The Fifth Amendment to the Constitution says all persons have the right to liberty, and that right cannot be taken away without due process of law. Same with the 14th Amendment as applied to the state. Immigrants, non-citizens, are persons entitled to those rights. So, like it or not, even people here without a documented status have the rights of free speech, and cannot have that right taken away without due process of law. This administration is acting as if we had a different Constitution than the one we do, and that should be very troubling to everyone. The fact that he's coming for immigrants now doesn't mean he won't come for others later. DELAN: Is what you're facing shaking you, or is it re-solidifying why you do what you do? Quote This administration is acting as if we had a different Constitution than the one we do, and that should be very troubling to everyone. The fact that he's coming for immigrants now doesn't mean he won't come for others later. PYLE: It's re-solidifying why I do what I do. I represent the news media in cases, some of which have to do with government accountability and transparency, and also defending them from libel cases, which is another way Donald Trump wants to use the law to suppress press freedom. The news media and lawyering have to be protected, and I'm determined to keep doing what I can to fight back against this kind of abuse of power. DELAN: How do you feel about where the Supreme Court is going to land on a number of the issues we've touched on: these suppressions, immigration, the pressures on law firms? PYLE: This court has been very good, notwithstanding my vehement disagreement with the court on many other issues, on the First Amendment. The court has rather strongly been pro free-speech. The court are all professional lawyers. They all understand the importance of zealous advocacy, even against the government. So I am hopeful for good Supreme Court rulings on some of these issues. Whether those rulings will come quickly enough to prevent massive injustice, I'm not so sure. DELAN: I've always said that you may try sitting on a fence, but you may find that it's not a very comfortable place to sit for very long. SANDISFIELD Voters took a step closer Saturday for the town to acquire two fire stations from the nonprofit that leases them. But only if the nonprofit donates them. At annual town meeting, held at Firehouse No. 2, residents approved an amendment that would give town officials permission to acquire the buildings by gift only. The vote was 86 to 17 on the amendment, which was presented by resident Carl Nicholas Nett. Votes were taken by secret ballot. The question for voters initially included the possibility of a donation from the Sandisfield Fire Department Inc. nonprofit, whose president is former Fire Chief Ralph Morrison. The corporation was founded to raise money to build one of the firehouses. It later bought the town's other firehouse and renovated it. The original question asked voters to approve a maximum of $765,000 total for both buildings, should negotiations require a purchase or taking by eminent domain. That number is the combined total of appraisals of each building. The Select Board says it wants the town to acquire both buildings to cut costs and assume control for the stability of public safety infrastructure into the future. Also, the board wants to end an arrangement with a nonprofit it says raises a number of questions around financial transparency. Residents at the meeting said they felt that the buildings belonged to the town since they were built and renovated with local donations and labor. And it is taxpayers who pay the monthly firehouse leases. They rejected the idea that residents should have to pay anything for the buildings, but also held out the possibility of a purchase in the future. If youre bargaining, said resident and Planning Board member Bill Taylor, you dont offer the highest price first. Resident George Riley said that, "from a psychological perspective, appropriating this full amount will remove any incentive for the nonprofit's directors to donate the buildings. Now that the money is there, he said, theyre going to want that money. Select Board member John Field said that the money gives the board the ability to negotiate, and that acquisition by gift really hobbles us. So what Im asking, Field said, is for the town people to trust us to do the right thing. Nett, who had proposed the gift-only amendment, said that the notion that negotiations were conditioned on voter permission to appropriate money for a possible purchase of the buildings was bad advice from the boards attorney. Not approving that $765,000 doesnt preclude the Select Boards attempt to negotiate, Nett said. You can negotiate if you come to a meeting of the minds, and then draft up a contract "contingent on it passing a town vote." Nett noted in a post Friday on Connect Sandisfield, a community Facebook page, that given what he says are the nonprofits operating irregularities and missed tax return filings, he has filed complaints against the nonprofit with both the state Attorney Generals Office and the IRS. Other business Other items voters addressed at the meeting included a proposal to appropriate $5,000 for electric vehicle charging stations. Residents agreed with Green Communities Team Chair Paul Adams that a vote should wait until there is more clarity around exactly how much the stations will cost and details of the state incentives that will benefit the town by offsetting other town expenses. Voters also approved spending $30,000 to pay a part-time assessor consultant, given that the town has been without a principal assessor since 2021. Residents greenlit the $64,000 purchase of a shuttle bus and a salary of $14,600 for its driver. The bus will be used to drive seniors shopping or to appointments. Voters also said yes to buying a new or used ambulance for $300,000. The New York City mayor says 19 people were injured, four seriously, when a Mexican tall ship struck the Brooklyn Bridge. The top of its three masts slammed into the iconic span and partially collapsed as the boat floated in the East River. Advertisement In a scene captured in multiple eyewitness videos, the masts could be seen snapping and partially collapsing as they crashed into the deck of the bridge. Videos showed heavy traffic on the span at the time of the collision. The vessel, which was flying a giant green, white and red Mexican flag, then drifted towards the edge of the river as onlookers scrambled away from shore. Visitors to Brooklyn Bridge Park look on as a masted Mexican Navy training ship sits stranded near the Manhattan Bridge (AP/Yuki Iwamura) Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz told The Associated Press they were sitting outside to watch the sunset when they saw the vessel strike the bridge and one of its masts snap. Looking closer, they saw someone dangling high on the ship. We saw someone dangling, and I couldnt tell if it was just blurry or my eyes, and we were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least like 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them, Ms Katz said. Advertisement They said they saw two people removed from the ship on stretchers onto smaller boats. The Mexican navy said in a post on the social platform X that the Cuauhtemoc, an academy training vessel, was damaged in an accident with the Brooklyn Bridge that prevented it from continuing its voyage. It added that the status of personnel and material was under review by naval and local authorities, which were providing assistance. The Foreign Affairs Ministry said on X that its ambassador to the US and officials from the Mexican consulate in New York were in contact with local authorities to provide assistance to the affected cadets, but it did not mention injuries. Advertisement The Brooklyn Bridge, which opened in 1883, has a nearly 1,600-foot main span that is supported by two masonry towers. More than 100,000 vehicles and an estimated 32,000 pedestrians cross every day, according to the citys transportation department, and its walkway is a major tourist attraction. The Cuauhtemoc about 297 feet long and 40 feet wide, according to the Mexican Navy sailed for the first time in 1982. New York mayor Eric Adams, right, disembarks a masted Mexican Navy training ship (AP/Yuki Iwamura) Each year it sets out at the end of classes at the naval military school to finish cadets training. Advertisement This year it left the Mexican port of Acapulco, on the Pacific coast, on April 6 with 277 people onboard, the Navy said. The Mexican consulate said on May 13 on X that the Cuauhtemoc, also called the Ambassador and Knight of the Seas, arrived that day and docked at pier 17. It invited people to visit it through May 17. The ship was scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 nations, including Kingston, Jamaica; Havana, Cuba; Cozumel, Mexico; and New York. Advertisement It had also planned to go to Reykjavik, Iceland; Bordeaux, Saint Malo and Dunkirk, France; and Aberdeen, Scotland, among others, for a total of 254 days, 170 of them at sea. New York City mayor Eric Adams says two people have died after a Mexican navy tall ship hit the Brooklyn Bridge. The sailing ship, which was about to leave New York for a goodwill tour to Iceland, struck the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night, snapping its three masts, injuring crew members and leaving some dangling from harnesses high in the air waiting for help. Advertisement Mr Adams said at least 19 people needed medical treatment after the crash, including four with serious injuries, but the 142-year-old bridge was spared major damage. The cause of the collision was under investigation. Sailors on the Cuauhtemoc disembark after the ship hit the Brooklyn Bridge (Yuki Iwamura/AP) In a scene captured in multiple eyewitness videos, the ship, called the Cuauhtemoc, could be seen travelling swiftly toward the bridge near the Brooklyn side of the East River. Then, its three masts struck the bridges main span and snapped, one by one, as the ship kept moving. Videos showed heavy traffic on the span at the time of the collision. Advertisement The vessel, which was flying a giant green, white and red Mexican flag and had 277 people aboard, then drifted towards the piers lining the riverbank as onlookers scrambled away. Sailors could be seen aloft in the rigging on the damaged masts, but remarkably, no-one fell into the water, officials said. Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz told The Associated Press they were sitting outside to watch the sunset when they saw the vessel strike the bridge. Looking closer, they saw someone dangling high on the ship. We saw someone dangling, and I couldnt tell if it was just blurry or my eyes, and we were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least like 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them, Ms Katz said. Advertisement Just before the collision, Nick Corso, 23, took his phone out to capture the backdrop of the ship and the bridge against a sunset, Instead, he heard what sounded like the loud snapping of a big twig. Several more snaps followed. People in his vicinity began running back, and pandemonium on the boat erupted, he said. He later saw a handful of people dangling from the mast. I didnt know what to think, I was like, is this a movie? he said. The Mexican navy said in a post on the social platform X that the Cuauhtemoc was an academy training vessel. It said a total of 22 people were injured, 19 of whom needed medical treatment. Advertisement Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum mourned the loss of the two crew members. Our solidarity and support go out to their families, Ms Sheinbaum said on X. The Brooklyn Bridge, which opened in 1883, has a nearly 1,600-foot main span supported by two masonry towers. More than 100,000 vehicles and an estimated 32,000 pedestrians cross every day, according to the citys transportation department, and its walkway is a major tourist attraction. Traffic was halted after the collision but was allowed to resume after the span underwent an initial inspection, city officials said. Advertisement The Cuauhtemoc, about 297 feet long and 40 feet wide, according to the Mexican navy, sailed for the first time in 1982. The vessels main mast has a height of 160 feet, according to the Mexican government. After the collision, a tugboat held it in place in the East River between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. Railings at Brooklyn Bridge Park lean damaged after a Mexican Navy training ship (Yuki Iwamura/AP) Each year, the ship sets out at the end of classes at the naval military school to finish cadets training. This year, it left the Mexican port of Acapulco, on the Pacific coast, on April 6, the navy said. The Mexican consulate said on May 13 on X that the Cuauhtemoc, also called the Ambassador, and Knight of the Seas, arrived that day and docked at Pier 17. It invited people to visit through May 17. The ship was scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 countries, including Kingston, Jamaica; Havana, Cuba; Cozumel, Mexico; and New York. It also had planned to go to Reykjavik, Iceland; Bordeaux, Saint Malo and Dunkirk, France; and Aberdeen, Scotland, among others, for a total of 254 days, 170 of them at sea. Pope Leo XIV officially opened his pontificate as historys first American pope on Sunday, presiding over an inaugural Mass in St Peters Square before tens of thousands of people, presidents, patriarchs and princes in a ceremony that blended ancient ritual, evocative symbols and a nod to modern-day celebrity. Leo launched the celebration by taking his first popemobile tour through the piazza, a rite of passage that has become synonymous with the papacys global reach and mediatic draw, used at home and abroad to bring popes close to their flock. Advertisement The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary smiled and waved from the back of the vehicle as the bells of St Peters Basilica rang. Leo appeared to choke up when the two potent symbols of the papacy were placed on him the pallium wool stole over his shoulders and the fishermans ring on his finger as if the weight of responsibility had just sunk in. Pope Leo XIV celebrates a Mass for the formal inauguration of his pontificate (Stefano Costantino/AP) He turned his hand to look at the ring and seal and then clasped his hands in front of him in prayer. The crowd cheered and plenty of Peruvian, American and Holy See flags mixed with flags of other nations and banners. Advertisement Tens of thousands of people had earlier streamed into St Peters Square. Starting at dawn, civil protection crews in neon uniforms funnelled pilgrims into quadrants in the piazza while priests and patriarchs hurried into St Peters Basilica to get ready for the Mass. US vice president JD Vance, one of the last foreign officials to see Pope Francis before he died, paid his respects at the Argentine popes tomb when he arrived in Rome late on Saturday, and was heading the US delegation honouring Chicago-born Leo. Diplomatic protocol also dictated the dress code. While most wore black, the handful of Catholic queens and princesses Charlene of Monaco and Letizia of Spain among others wore white in a special privilege allowed them. Three dozen of the worlds other Christian churches sent their own delegations, headed by patriarchs, reverends, ministers and metropolitans, while the Jewish community had a 13-member delegation, half of them rabbis. Advertisement Pope Leo XIV toured St Peters Square (Jacquelyn Martin, Pool/AP) Leo started the day by taking his first tour through the piazza in the popemobile. It was here that Francis made his last popemobile ride on Easter Sunday, and it was on the back of a popemobile that Francis coffin was taken across Rome last month to its final resting place. Leo seems more timid than Francis. But all eyes will be on how he manages the throngs of pilgrims, tourists and curiosity-seekers, and the babies who will inevitably be passed up to him for a blessing. After the tour in the square, Leo went into the basilica to begin the solemn ceremony to inaugurate his ministry in a series of rites that emphasise the service that he is called to perform in leading the Catholic Church. Advertisement He prayed first at the tomb of St Peter, considered to be the first pope, under the basilicas main altar, and then processed out into the piazza for the Mass. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte is one of about a dozen heads of state attending, as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Thousands flocked to St Peters Square (Jacquelyn Martin, Pool/AP) US seminarian Ethan Menning, 21, from Omaha, Nebraska, wrapped himself in an American flag to celebrate. Rome always felt like home for a Catholic, but now coming here and seeing one of our own on the throne of Peter, it almost makes Jesus himself more accessible, he said. Advertisement Kalen Hill, a pilgrim from the US, got to St Peters soon after the gates opened on Sunday and said he never expected an American would lead the 1.4-billion strong church. I would say all the Americans are emotional about it, he said. It is really powerful for American Catholics who sometimes feel separated from the world church to be brought in and included in this community through Pope Leo. During the Mass, Leo received the two potent symbols of the papacy: the lambswool stole, known as a pallium, and the fishermans ring. The pallium, draped across his shoulders, symbolises the pastor carrying his flock as the pope carries the faithful. Ethan Menning, 21, from Nebraska in the US, wrapped in a US flag (Andrew Medichini/AP) The ring, which becomes Leos official seal, harks back to Jesus call to the apostle Peter to cast his fishing nets. The other symbolically important moment of the Mass is the representational rite of obedience to Leo. Whereas in the past all cardinals would vow obedience to the new pope, more recent papal installations involve representatives of cardinals, bishops, priests, deacons, nuns, married couples and young people participating in the rite. Another change from the past is that Sundays Mass is not a coronation ceremony, which used to involve the pope receiving a tiara, but is merely known as a Eucharistic Celebration for the start of the Petrine ministry of the Bishop of Rome. In the days since his historic election, Leo has already sketched out some of his key priorities as pope. In his first foreign policy address, he said the Holy Sees three pillars of diplomacy were peace, justice and truth. Pope Leo XIV blesses a child as he tours St Peters Square (Andrew Medichini/AP) In his first major economics address, he emphasised the Catholic Churchs social doctrine and the search for truth. Leo has vowed all efforts to find peaceful ends to the wars in Ukraine, Gaza and elsewhere. But as a priority, he has also identified the challenges to humanity posed by artificial intelligence, making the parallel to the challenges to human dignity posed by the industrial revolution that were confronted by his namesake, Pope Leo XIII, who was pope from 1878-1903. After the homily and at the end of the Mass, Leo will offer a final blessing and then go into the basilica to greet the heads of the more than 150 official delegations attending. Security was tight, as it was for Francis funeral on April 26, which drew an estimated 250,000 people. Rome authorities planned for another 250,000 on Sunday. The piazza and main boulevard leading to it, and two nearby piazzas, were set up with giant television screens, and dozens of portable toilets have been erected in a nearby park. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, vowed on Sunday to work for unity so that the Catholic Church becomes a sign of peace in the world. He offered a message of love and communion during an inaugural Mass in St Peters Square before an estimated 200,000 pilgrims, presidents, patriarchs and princes. Advertisement Leo officially opened his pontificate by taking his first popemobile tour through the piazza, a rite of passage that has become synonymous with the papacys global reach and mediatic draw. The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary smiled and waved from the back of the vehicle, but did not appear to stop to kiss babies and the crowd. Pope Leo XIV celebrates a Mass for the formal inauguration of his pontificate (Stefano Costantino/AP) During the Mass, Leo appeared to choke up when the two potent symbols of the papacy were placed on him the pallium wool stole over his shoulders and the fishermans ring on his finger as if the weight of responsibility of leading the 1.4-billion strong church had just sunk in. He turned his hand to look at the ring and seal and then clasped his hands in front of him in prayer. Advertisement Security was tight as civil protection crews in neon uniforms funnelled pilgrims into quadrants in the piazza and up and down the boulevard that leads to it for the ceremony blending ancient ritual, evocative symbols and a dose of modern-day celebrity. US vice president JD Vance, one of the last foreign officials to see Pope Francis before he died, led the US delegation honouring the Chicago-born Leo after paying his respects at the Argentine popes tomb when he arrived in Rome late on Saturday. In his homily, Leo said he wanted to be a servant to the faithful through the two dimensions of the papacy, love and unity, so that the church could be a force for peace in the world. I would like that our first great desire be for a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world, he said. Advertisement Pope Leo XIV toured St Peters Square (Jacquelyn Martin, Pool/AP) In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earths resources and marginalises the poorest. His call for unity was significant, given the polarisation in the Catholic Church in the United States and beyond. Francis radical 12-year pontificate, which emphasised care for the poor and marginalised and disdain for the capitalist economic system, often alienated conservatives and traditionalists. At the end of the Mass, Leo expressed hope for negotiations to bring a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and offered prayers for the people of Gaza, children, families and elderly who are reduced to hunger, he said. Advertisement Leo made no mention of hostages taken by Hamas from southern Israel on October 7, 2023, as Francis usually did when praying for Gaza. Leos May 8 election, after a remarkably quick 24-hour conclave, has appeared at the outset to have pleased conservative Catholics who seem to appreciate his more disciplined, traditional style and Augustinian background, emphasizing core truths of Catholic doctrine. Strict diplomatic protocol dictated the seating arrangements at his inaugural Mass, with both the United States and Peru getting front-row seats thanks to Leos dual citizenship. Mr Vance, a Catholic convert who tangled with Francis over the Trump administrations mass migrant deportation plans, was being joined by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who arrived in Rome ahead of time to try to advance Russia-Ukraine peace talks. Advertisement Thousands flocked to St Peters Square (Jacquelyn Martin, Pool/AP) Peruvian President Dina Boluarte is one of about a dozen heads of state attending, as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Russia is being represented by the culture minister, Olga Liubimova. After the Mass, Leo greeted the delegations one by one in the basilica and had proper audiences scheduled on Sunday with Mr Zelensky and Mr Boluarte. Diplomatic protocol also dictated the dress code. While most wore black, the handful of Catholic queens and princesses Charlene of Monaco and Letizia of Spain among others wore white in a special privilege allowed them. Three dozen of the worlds other Christian churches sent their own delegations, the Jewish community had a 13-member delegation, half of them rabbis. Other representatives headed Buddhist, Muslim, Zoroastrian, Hindu, Sikh and Jain delegations. US seminarian Ethan Menning, 21, from Omaha, Nebraska, wrapped himself in an American flag to celebrate. Rome always felt like home for a Catholic, but now coming here and seeing one of our own on the throne of Peter,.. it almost makes Jesus himself more accessible, he said. Ethan Menning, 21, from Nebraska in the US, wrapped in a US flag (Andrew Medichini/AP) Kalen Hill, a pilgrim from the US, got to St. Peters soon after the gates opened at dawn on Sunday and said he never expected an American would lead the 1.4-billion strong church. I would say all the Americans are emotional about it, he said. It is really powerful for American Catholics who sometimes feel separated from the world church to be brought in and included in this community through Pope Leo. The two symbols of the papacy handed to Leo were the pallium, and the fishermans ring. The pallium, draped across his shoulders, symbolises the pastor carrying his flock as the pope carries the faithful. The ring, which becomes Leos official seal, harks back to Jesus call to the apostle Peter to cast his fishing nets. The other symbolically important moment of the Mass was the representational rite of obedience to Leo. Pope Leo XIV blesses a child as he tours St Peters Square (Andrew Medichini/AP) Whereas in the past all cardinals would vow obedience to the new pope, more recent papal installations involve representatives of cardinals, bishops, priests, deacons, nuns, married couples and young people participating in the rite. In the days since his historic election, Leo has already sketched out some of his key priorities as pope. In his first foreign policy address, he said the Holy Sees three pillars of diplomacy were peace, justice and truth. In his first major economics address, he emphasised the Catholic Churchs social doctrine and the search for truth. After the homily and at the end of the Mass, Leo offers a final blessing and then goes into the basilica to greet the heads of the more than 150 official delegations attending. Security was tight, as it was for Francis funeral on April 26, which drew an estimated 250,000 people. Perus President Dina Boluarte and US vice president JD Vance and his wife Usha attended the inauguration (Alessandra Tarantino/AP) Rome authorities are planning for another 250,000 on Sunday. The piazza and main boulevard leading to it, and two nearby piazzas were set up with giant television screens, and dozens of portable toilets have been erected in a nearby park. Gregory and Susan Hudak, who lived for 40 years in the Chicago area, found themselves in Rome after booking a trip in February, with just a faint hope of perhaps glimpsing the pope. Seeing the popemobile pass by in front of them was even better than watching Michael Jordan play, said Gary Hudak, a former altar boy wearing a Chicago Bears hat. Originally, the only hope I had coming here was to see the inside of the Sistine Chapel, he said. I was glad the conclave was over, because I could get to see the inside of the Sistine Chapel. Seeing the pope was not scheduled, it was a long shot hope. And this was a treasure, simple as that. Pro-western centrist politician Nicusor Dan has taken an early lead in Romanias presidential election runoff, preliminary data suggests. Mr Dan, the incumbent mayor of Bucharest, is taking on hard-right nationalist George Simion in a vote that could determine the geopolitical direction of the Nato member country. Advertisement The vote was held months after the cancellation of the previous election plunged Romania into its worst political crisis in decades. After 2.8 million votes had been counted, Mr Simion was ahead by a whisker with 50.09%, while votes for Mr Dan stood at 49.91%, according to official data. A woman exits a voting cabin with the colours of the Romanian flag as curtains, before casting her vote, in Bucharest (Andreea Alexandru/AP) When voting closed at 9pm (7pm UK time), 11.6 million people or about 64% of eligible voters had cast ballots, according to official electoral data. About 1.64 million Romanians abroad, who have been able to vote since Friday at specially set-up polling stations, participated in the vote. Advertisement After polls closed on Sunday, Mr Dan told the media that elections are not about politicians but about communities and that in Sundays vote, a community of Romanians has won, a community that wants a profound change in Romania. When Romania goes through difficult times, let us remember the strength of this Romanian society, he said. There is also a community that lost todays elections. A community that is rightly outraged by the way politics has been conducted in Romania up to now. Turnout was significantly higher in Sundays runoff and is expected to play a decisive role in the outcome. In the first round on May 4, final turnout stood at 9.5 million, or 53% of eligible voters. Romanias political landscape was upended last year when a top court voided the previous election in which far-right outsider Calin Georgescu topped first-round polls, following allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference, which Moscow denied. Advertisement Standing on the steps of Romanias colossal Communist-era parliament building after polls closed, Mr Simion predicted a significant victory over his opponent, which he called a victory of the Romanian people. Mr Simion said that Mr Georgescu was supposed to be the president before last years election was annulled. He also called for vigilance against election fraud, but said that overall he was satisfied with the conduct of the vote. Shortly after 6pm, Romanias ministry of foreign affairs spokesperson Andrei Tarnea said in a post on X that the election was subject to a viral campaign of fake news on the Telegram messaging app and other social media platforms, which tried to influence the electoral process and had the hallmarks of Russian interference. Networks of co-ordinated disinformation have emerged as a pervasive force throughout Romanias entire election cycle. Romanian authorities debunked the deluge of fake news, Mr Tarnea said. Advertisement Mr Simion appeared alongside Mr Georgescu at a Bucharest polling station on Sunday and told reporters that he voted against the humiliations to which our sisters and brothers have been subjected. We voted against abuses and against poverty, he said. I voted for our future to be decided only by Romanians, for Romanians and Romania. So help us God. Romanians have been voting on Sunday in a tense presidential run-off between a hard-right nationalist and a pro-western centrist in a high-stakes election rerun that could determine the geopolitical direction of the European Union and Nato member country. The race pits front-runner George Simion, the 38-year-old leader of the hard-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, or AUR, against incumbent Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan. Advertisement It comes months after the cancellation of the previous election plunged Romania into its worst political crisis in decades. Polls opened at 7am and have now closed. When voting closed some 11.6 million people or about 64% of eligible voters had cast ballots, according to official electoral data. About 1.64 million Romanians abroad, who have been able to vote since Friday at specially set-up polling stations, participated in the vote. Advertisement Turnout was significantly higher in Sundays run-off and is expected to play a decisive role in the outcome. In the first round on May 4, final turnout stood at 9.5 million, or 53% of eligible voters. Romanias political landscape was upended last year when a top court voided the previous election after far-right outsider Calin Georgescu topped first-round polls, following allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference, which Moscow denied. Mr Simion appeared alongside Mr Georgescu at a Bucharest polling station on Sunday and told reporters that he voted against the humiliations to which our sisters and brothers have been subjected. We voted against abuses and against poverty, he said. I voted for our future to be decided only by Romanians, for Romanians and Romania. So help us God. Russia overnight into Sunday launched one of its most intense drone attacks on Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion in 2022. Russia fired a total of 273 exploding drones and decoys overnight, Ukraines air force said. Advertisement Of those, 88 were intercepted and a further 128 lost, likely having been electronically jammed. The attacks targeted the countrys Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions. Firefighters put out a blaze after Russias drone attack (Ukrainian Emergency Service/AP) Yuriy Ihnat, head of the communications department of the Ukrainian air force, told The Associated Press that the barrage was the biggest drone attack since the start of the full-scale invasion. According to Kyiv regional governor Mykola Kalashnyk, a 28-year-old woman was killed in a drone attack on the region and three other people, including a four-year-old child, were wounded. Advertisement The number of drones fired exceeds Russias previous largest known single drone attack of the war, when Russia pounded Ukraine with 267 drones on the eve of the wars third anniversary. The barrage came after the first direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv in years on Friday failed to yield a ceasefire. Russian President Vladimir Putin spurned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys offer to meet face-to-face in Turkey after he himself proposed direct negotiations, although not at the presidential level, as an alternative to a 30-day ceasefire urged by Ukraine and its western allies, including the US. US President Donald Trump said he plans to speak by phone on Monday to Mr Putin, followed by Mr Zelensky and leaders of various Nato countries, about ending the war in Ukraine. Storm systems sweeping across parts of the US Midwest and South have left at least 27 people dead, many of them in Kentucky where what appeared to be a devastating tornado pulverised homes. In Kentucky, at least 18 people were killed by severe weather, and another 10 were in a critical condition in hospital, Governor Andy Beshear said on Saturday. Seventeen of the deaths were in Laurel County and one was in Pulaski County. Advertisement Among the dead was a firefighter with the Laurel County Fire Department who was fatally injured while responding to the havoc caused by the weather. The fire department did not immediately say how Major Roger Leatherman was injured or when he died. Kayla Patterson, her husband and their five children huddled in their basement in London as the tornado raged around them. You could literally hear just things ripping in the distance, glass shattering everywhere, just roaring like a freight train, she recalled on Saturday. It was terrible. Advertisement Rescuers were on the ground all night looking for possible survivors and the search is continuing, according to Sheriffs Office spokesperson Deputy Gilbert Acciardo. An emergency shelter was set up at a local high school and donations of food and other necessities were arriving. The National Weather Service has not yet confirmed that a tornado struck, but meteorologist Philomon Geertson said it was likely. The extreme weather ripped across the largely rural area and extended to the London Corbin Airport shortly before midnight. St Louis was heavily affected (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) Lives have been changed forever here tonight. This is a time we come together, and we pray for this community, London Mayor Randall Weddle told WKYT-TV. I have never personally witnessed what Ive witnessed here tonight. Theres a lot of devastation. The storms were part of a weather system on Friday that killed seven people in Missouri and also spawned tornadoes in Wisconsin, left several hundred thousand customers without power in the Great Lakes region and brought a punishing heat wave to Texas. Advertisement St Louis Mayor Cara Spencer confirmed five deaths in her city and said more than 5,000 homes were affected. This is truly, truly devastating, Ms Spencer said, adding that the city was in the process of declaring an emergency and an overnight curfew Friday had been put into place in the areas with the most damage. The number of people injured was not immediately known. Barnes-Jewish Hospital received 20 to 30 patients from the storm with some in serious condition and most expected to be discharged by Friday night, according to hospital spokesperson Laura High. St Louis Childrens Hospital received 15 patients with two of them expected to remain in the hospital into the weekend, she said. Advertisement National Weather Service radar indicated a tornado touched down between 2.30pm and 2.50pm in Clayton, Missouri, in the St. Louis area. The apparent tornado touched down in the area of Forest Park, home to the St Louis Zoo and the site of the 1904 Worlds Fair and Olympic Games the same year. Storms downed trees in Missouri (AP) At Centennial Christian Church, City of St Louis Fire Department Battalion Chief William Pollihan told The Associated Press that three people had to be rescued after part of the church crumbled. One of those people later died. Christy Childs, a Saint Louis Zoo spokesperson, said in a text that the zoo would remain closed Saturday because of downed trees and other damage. Childs said all animals were safe and that there were no reports of significant injuries to staff, guests or animals. We cant definitively say whether or not it was a tornado it likely was, National Weather Service meteorologist Marshall Pfahler said. Advertisement A tornado struck in Scott County, about 130 miles south of St Louis, killing two people, injuring several others and destroying multiple homes, Sheriff Derick Wheetley wrote on social media. Forecasters say more severe weather could be on the way. Severe thunderstorms producing large to very large hail, damaging gusts and a couple of tornadoes are expected across the southern Plains, the National Weather Services Storm Prediction Centre said on its website Saturday. The risk was especially high for north Texas. British prime minister Keir Starmer is set to agree a deal next week to strengthen the country's post-Brexit partnership with the European Union and to facilitate trade in some food products. Details of the agreement are yet to be revealed but reports have suggested it could focus on UK access to a major EU defence fund, with a youth mobility scheme also said to be on the table. Advertisement Ahead of Mondays summit, Mr Starmer said the meeting would be another step forwards, with yet more benefits for the United Kingdom and a strengthened partnership with the European Union. He said: It will be good for our jobs, good for our bills and good for our borders. Thats what the British people voted for last year, and its what my government will deliver. Mondays meeting will bring Mr Starmer together with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen for the second time in four days, after the two met for 30 minutes on the margins of the European Political Community Summit in Albania on Friday. Advertisement British opposition figures have already spoken out against Mr Starmers deal with the EU, with both Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UKs Nigel Farage claiming the agreement which has not yet been announced is a surrender and vowing to rip it up. Mrs Badenoch said Mr Starmer should have focused on new wins for Britain, including allowing UK citizens to use e-gates at European airports. She added: Instead, it sounds like were giving away our fishing quotas, becoming a rule-taker from Brussels once again and getting free movement by the back door. Kemi Badenoch has already described the deal with the EU as a surrender. Photo: Jacob King/PA Meanwhile, others have pushed the British government to go further, with the Liberal Democrats urging a closer relationship with the EU. Advertisement The party claimed a new trade deal that included deep alignment with the bloc on goods and services would provide enough economic growth to reverse cuts to welfare and the winter fuel payment. Ireland Jim Allister: Varadkar partitioned UK by pushing... Read More British MPs on the cross-party Commons Foreign Affairs Committee also pushed the UK government to be bolder and back a youth mobility scheme, similar to those the UK operates with countries including Australia and Canada. Mr Starmer on Friday raised the prospect that a youth mobility deal with the EU would be struck at the summit. Brexit has grown increasingly unpopular with the British electorate, opinion polls suggest, with the economy faring poorly in recent years and international trade a particular weak spot. Australia is approaching an unprecedented boom in household battery uptake as installers report a post-election surge of home owners eager to seize new federal government rebates that will slash thousands of dollars off the upfront cost. In the run-up to the May 3 election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged to set aside $2.3 billion to cover around 30 per cent of the purchase and installation cost for anyone buying a household battery system that can stash power generated from their rooftop solar panels. Australia has among the highest per-capita uptake of rooftop solar panels in the world. Credit: Bloomberg Electricity giant Origin Energy, which owns Australian quote-comparison service SolarQuotes, said enquiries about purchasing home batteries had rocketed since Labors re-election locked in the subsidy program, which kicks in from July 1 and will not be limited by the purchasers income. In the month to date, Origin and SolarQuotes saw a remarkable 250 per cent increase in home battery enquiries, Origin executive general manager of retail Jon Briskin said. Real Money, a free weekly newsletter giving expert tips on how to save, invest and make the most of your money, is sent every Sunday. Youre reading an excerpt sign up to get the whole newsletter in your inbox. The first time I ever travelled solo, I thought I was pretty switched on. At the bright young age of 21, I headed off to do the classic Europe trip, taking pains to be meticulous about where I kept my passport, how I locked my bags and the location of my debit card (and my backup debit card, of course). Nevertheless, it took me a good five minutes of talking to the apparently well-meaning petitioners near Berlins Brandenburg Gate before I realised I was in the middle of getting scammed. Beware: Fraud in popular tourist destinations spikes during peak seasons. Credit: Michael Howard This was reinforced by their insistence on needing 20 to affirm my signature, which finally set off alarm bells in my brain (which, to be fair, was slightly addled by one too many Radlers the night before). Just down the road in Dalton, a young woman named Ximena Arias-Cristobal was recently pulled into the machinery of a federal immigration system that is less interested in safety and far more invested in cruelty. Ximena is a 19-year-old college student. She has lived in the United States since she was four years old, essentially her entire life. Her arrest was a mistake. She poses no threat to her community. Yet now, despite public outcry (in her deeply conservative town, no less!) and no history of criminal behavior, she is danger of being removed from the country she has called home her whole life. To be clear, Ximena is not a criminal. She is not a danger to her neighbors. She is, in fact, everything America claims to value: hardworking, hopeful, and committed to building a better future through education. But none of that matters to a regime that has made clear, over and over again, that humanity is not its concern. The rule is not safety. The rule is pain. The Trump administrations immigration policies were not shaped by a coherent national security strategy. They were shaped by a desire to punish and dehumanize. From the very beginning, when candidate Trump descended his gilded escalator and declared Mexican immigrants to be rapists and criminalscruelty was not the side effect. It was the point. Deporting Ximena doesnt make America safer. It doesnt deter future migration. It simply inflicts pain on a young woman and sends a message to millions of others: you do not belong. Its the same message encoded in the grotesque social media behavior of the Trump administrationmemes mocking immigrants, gleeful photos of ICE raids, the boastful tone of press releases highlighting the detention of parents and students. These werent sober updates on national security. They were celebratory moments for an administration that has made cruelty its brand. Ximenas story is not an anomaly. It is a symptom of a larger moral diseasea system designed to break people, not protect them. And it raises a deeper question for the rest of us: what kind of country do we want to be? I am hopeful that in the future, as a nation we will have regained our collective sanity and compassion. In that future, your grandchild may sit at your feet and ask you about this shameful era of U.S. history. What did you do when they were taking people like Ximena away? You will have to answer. You will have to decide whether you stood by in silence or raised your voice. Whether you accepted the cruelty or pushed back against it. History is watching. And so are future generations. When the time comes to tell your story, which side will you say you were on? Walker Rhodes * * * Dear Mr. Rhodes, With great curiosity, I read your May 15 opinion in the Chattanoogan regarding immigration cruelty from our current administration. It was not clear in your statement whether she was or was not here legally. If she was here illegally, might I inquire if Ms Ximena had ever attempted to codify her legal status in this Country during her many years of residing here? And if she is here legally, then this will be an outrageous action by our Government. While I have empathy for her plight, the laws regarding United States immigration are quite simple, you are either legal or you are illegal. It honestly seems like a black or white, (legal or illegal,) question. Respectfully, Previous Next Michael Williams and Jason Pendley, Mind If I Smoke BBQ team members, captured third place Saturday at the High On The Hog BBQ Festival in Winchester, Tn.Mr. Williams' spare ribs were awarded third place and Mr. Pendley's chicken entry came in seventh place for an overall third place finish.Dogpatch BBQ of Belews Creek, NC was grand champion of the BBQ contest.Mr. Williams and Mr. Pendley are both Owls Nest BBQ Supply Store pro staffers. Terracon announced that Mark Harrison, P.E., has been named a vice president as the Tennessee Director of Regional Operations. I had heard that I was going to become a Director, but I had no idea that I would be made a Vice President. Terracon is well-positioned to take advantage of exciting opportunities for growth in Tennessee, Mr. Harrison said. Im eager to build upon the outstanding team and culture of the regions offices and continue Terracons successful approach of immersing ourselves in the communities we serve and safeguarding our clients investments. Opening an office in Knoxville, where I began my career as a consultant, is one of my first assignments. I will have it open before the summer is over. Officials said, "Mr. Harrison has demonstrated excellence in the environmental services industry and in serving the community. He has earned trust from his clients in Environmental Compliance, Water Quality, Erosion Control, Soil, Environmental Impact Assessment, and Water Resources. Harrison is an experienced leader in the engineering community named as a member of the State board of the American Council of Engineering Companies, incoming president of the Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers, and president of the Tennessee Engineering Foundation." Mr. Harrison graduated from Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in geology and from the University of Tennessee - Knoxville in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering. He earned a masters degree in environmental engineering from UTK in 2001. Terracon is a leading national consulting engineering firm comprised of engineers, scientists, architects, facilities experts, and field professionals. Terracon does this all as an employee-owned, multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 7,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 180 locations nationwide. Brian Burch, president of the CatholicVote. | Screenshot: YouTube/ Catholic Citizens of Illinois Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo. has accused his Democratic colleagues of working to block the expedited confirmation of President Donald Trumps nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, before Pope Leo XIVs formal installation this weekend. On Tuesday, He delivered a speech on the Senate floor, alleging that Democrats had placed a blanket hold on Brian Burch, president of the conservative political advocacy group CatholicVote, who was nominated for the diplomatic post. The U.S. Senate Journal from that day, part of the Congressional Record, shows Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, explaining how he had placed a hold on nominees coming out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee because it has been almost 4 months since Donald Trump and Marco Rubio illegally and unilaterally shuttered the U.S. Agency for International Development under the guise of a so-called review, which should be done by now. Schmitt claimed that this was an attempt by Democrats to obstruct the nomination as part of broader partisan tactics, while Schatz described the administrations actions as a violation of the Foreign Assistance Act and the Impoundment Control Act. Schatzs remarks followed Schmitts request that Burchs nomination be considered without intervening action or debate. Schatz clarified that he was not explicitly blocking Burchs confirmation but was working to slow things down, even if it is slightly. Later, Schatz listed other cabinet nominees being considered this week, emphasizing that If this is a very important and [time-sensitive] confirmation, all we need to do is have the majority leader file a cloture petition, we wait 1 day, and then we vote. In a video posted to X on Tuesday, Schmitt stated, I asked for unanimous consent to get the Ambassador to the Vatican approved in time to get to the installation of the pope this weekend. He criticized the opposition, saying, [Democrats are] objecting to everything. Theyre totally broken. They dont stand for anything except obstructionism and trying to get headlines for one ridiculous thing after another so thats the state of play. Burchs nomination was reported favorably out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on April 30. That same day, it was placed on the Senate Executive Calendar and was subject to the nominees commitment to respond to requests to appear and testify before any duly constituted committee of the Senate. President Trump nominated Burch to serve as Ambassador to the Holy See in a December post on Truth Social. Trump praised Burch as a devout Catholic and a father of nine, stating that he has received numerous awards, and demonstrated exceptional leadership, helping build one of the largest Catholic advocacy groups in the Country. [Burch] represented me well during the last Election, having garnered more Catholic votes than any Presidential Candidate in History! Brian loves his Church and the United States He will make us all proud, Trump wrote. The effort to confirm Burchs appointment comes roughly a week before Pope Leo XIV, the American-born Robert Prevost, is set to have his formal installation as the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. Leo XIVs installation ceremony is scheduled for this weekend. The World Evangelical Alliance homepage features a notice inviting applications for the position of Secretary General. | Screenshot: Official WEA Homepage A series of whistleblower documents raising significant concerns about the leadership and governance of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) has revealed. According to Christian Daily International, the three documents were published in both English and Korean on April 29 by the Christian Council of Korea (CCK), previously a national member body of the WEA. These documents offer in-depth criticism of several senior WEA leaders and board members from an insider perspective, pointing out theological and moral issues along with concerns related to governance, accountability, and financial management. The identity of the whistleblower remains unknown. The whistleblowers foremost concern revolves around the WEAs increasing engagement with Roman Catholic institutions and broader ecumenical bodies, such as the World Council of Churches (WCC). The whistleblower alleges that these collaborations compromise core Evangelical beliefs and raises questions about the WEAs theological boundaries. The report mentions that the WEA maintains a liaison office at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, where the WCC is headquartered, and participates in multilateral global forums such as the Global Christian Forum and Religions for Peace. While some of these engagements have a long history, the whistleblower points out a recent shift toward interfaith prayers and joint evangelistic efforts with non-Evangelicals. Additionally, they draw attention to various evangelism and revival initiatives aligned with the year 2033 (the 2,000th anniversary of the Resurrection), which include collaboration among Evangelical, ecumenical, and Catholic groups. Another issue highlighted by the whistleblower is the WEAs visit to China last year, where the delegation met exclusively with representatives from government-sanctioned churches affiliated with the Three-Self Patriotic Movement and the China Christian Council (TSPM/CCC). Notably, the TSPM/CCC is affiliated with the WCC, not the WEA. The whistleblower expresses additional concerns about the WEAs uncritical engagement with Muslim leaders. An example cited is the plan to open a WEA office in Qatar, a country listed on Open Doors World Watch List of nations where believers face severe persecution. A second claim in the whistleblowers report questions the theological stance of several key WEA leaders. It raises concerns about Executive Chair the Rev. Goodwill Shanas alleged ties to the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and the preaching of prosperity theology, as well as Vice-Chair the Rev. Frank Hinkelmanns ordination by and service in a progressive LGBT-affirming denomination in Austria. In 2015, Hinkelmann was ordained as a pastor at the Evangelischen Erloserkirche Melk, which is affiliated with the Protestant Church in Austria. He is currently listed as the pastor of the Evangelische Pfarrgemeinde A.u.H.B. Melk-Scheibbs. The denomination officially endorses same-sex unions and blesses homosexual couples, a position that contradicts the WEAs own statement on human sexuality and the biblical view of marriage upheld by Evangelicals worldwide. Within the context of financial concerns, the whistleblower also highlights the lack of accountability stemming from the prolonged interim arrangement wherein the chair of the board also serves as the organizations chief executive. Following the resignation of then-Secretary General Thomas Schirrmacher at the end of March 2024, the Rev. Goodwill Shana, chair of the WEAs International Council, assumed executive leadership as Executive Chair. In February, eleven months after Schirrmachers resignation, the WEA announced a search process for the next secretary general, with applications still being received until the end of this month. Home Opinion To President Trump: Renaming the Persian Gulf would harm Iranians There have been rumors of President Trump changing the name of the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Gulf, causing great concern and even anger among millions of Iranians. At the same time, there are ongoing reports about the U.S. making a deal with the evil Iranian Islamic regime, concerning Israelis, Iranians, and Americans alike. Its important to look at what this means today, historically, and the long-term implications for the future. While I applaud any effort to undermine, weaken, and eliminate the Islamic regime, the idea of renaming the Persian Gulf and negotiating with the ayatollahs can only strengthen the regime. It will cause anger among average Iranians, as it is one of the few physical reminders in the world of the name Persia and its rich culture, which they yearn to restore, free from the atrocities of the Islamic Republic, which most Iranians reject. The term Persian connects Iranians to their national identity and cultural ethos. 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 Since 1979, Iran has been occupied and ruled by evil ayatollahs whose intention is to erase Persian history, purging Iranians identity and culture, while forcing them to extremist Islam. They initiated a system of hate and brainwashing to build walls around their own brutal, illegitimate rule. There is no religious freedom. Anyone who converts to any other religion would face prison, torture, and even execution. Good news is, there has been an awaking among young Iranians who understand that Islam is the root of their problem, and the ayatollahs are their true enemies; that Iran has been occupied by Islamic extremists with no respect for Persian culture and history. Iranians have compared President Trump to King Cyrus. I have always supported and admired President Trump and his great leadership. I hope he is not deceived by the malicious advice of the Islamic regimes agents who have infiltrated America. I pray he does not try to build his own legacy by undermining the proud identity of millions of Iranians. President Trump can truly be the next Cyrus to help Iranians who have suffered under the ayatollahs, to restore their freedom and national honor. In order to do that, we must embolden ordinary Iranians, not erase their national pride by changing the name of the Persian Gulf. Like Cyrus, President Trump can be remembered as a great leader in the minds and hearts of millions of Christians by standing with Israel, which is fighting against our common enemy, whose intention is the extermination of both Americans and the state of Israel. Only a true, genuine, God-fearing leader can embolden a true resistance against the ayatollahs. May God give our president this much-needed wisdom. Home News Atheist refutes those blaming Georgia abortion law as brain dead woman is kept on life support Abortion advocates are framing the case involving a pregnant woman in Georgia who was declared brain dead and has been kept on life support for three months as a knock on the state's abortion law, drawing a rebuttal from a leading pro-life atheist who believes critics are misreading the statute. Monica Snyder, the executive director of Secular Pro-Life, an organization comprised of atheists and agnostics who advocate against abortion, commented on the case of Adriana Smith in a Friday X post. Smith is a 30-year-old mother who was declared brain dead three months ago, but the hospital has kept her on life support, as The Associated Press reported Thursday. 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 Snyder, who has a bachelor's in chemical biology and a master's in forensic science, argued Georgia's law about withdrawing life support for pregnant patients is likely the reason for the hospital's actions, not the state's abortion law. "The way abortion advocates frame this case shows striking indifference to prenatal children, as well as a profound ignorance regarding how many mothers, on both sides of the abortion debate, would want strong protections for our children in situations like this," Snyder declared. According to AP, Smith's mother, April Newkirk, told Atlanta TV station WXIA that her daughter started experiencing intense headaches three months ago. Smith received medication from Atlanta's Northside Hospital, which then released her, but the next morning, the woman's boyfriend heard his girlfriend gasping for air. Smith's boyfriend called 911, and Emory University Hospital determined that she had blood clots in her brain and declared her brain dead. According to Smith's family, the doctors informed them that they cannot remove the breathing tubes or other life-saving devices due to Georgia's abortion law. The state's law bans most abortions once an unborn child's heartbeat becomes detectable, which is usually around six weeks of gestation. While Georgia adopted the law in 2019, the state didn't enforce it until after the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Emory Healthcare did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment. Although it didn't comment directly on Smith's case, Emory Healthcare told AP in a statement that it "uses consensus from clinical experts, medical literature, and legal guidance to support our providers as they make individualized treatment recommendations in compliance with Georgia's abortion laws and all other applicable laws." "Our top priorities continue to be the safety and wellbeing of the patients we serve," the organization stated. Smith's family has not stated publicly whether it wants her removed from life support, which would effectively kill the baby, who they believe will have severe health challenges when he is born. In response to the news about Smith, several abortion advocates on social media have compared the woman's situation to The Handmaid's Tale. One X user wrote in a Friday post that the state of Georgia had "kidnapped [Smith's] body from her family." Author Monica Hesse also likened the situation to The Handmaid's Tale in a Friday op-ed for The Washington Post, stating that "the body of Adriana Smith is being put through hell." "It turns out I can still be stunned and infuriated by the audacity with which some lawmakers will decide that the lives of women do not matter," Hesse wrote. "By the absolutely perverse definitions of life and dignity and religion that they use to justify this grotesquerie." In a Friday article for Secular Pro-Life, Snyder noted that most of the media coverage about Smith doesn't appear to have quoted any doctors or attorneys. Citing Georgia's abortion law, Snyder stressed that the law defines abortion as "the act of using, prescribing, or administering any instrument, substance, device, or other means with the purpose to terminate a pregnancy." She argued that removing someone from life support does not involve "administering" anything, which she asserted raises questions about the relevancy of Georgia's abortion law in this case. "It's more likely that Georgia's law regarding withdrawing life support for pregnant patients is the issue," Snyder wrote, citing GA Code 31-32-9, which was enacted in 2007. According to the code, doctors cannot remove life support from a pregnant patient unless her unborn child isn't viable or if the woman had outlined in an advanced directive that she wanted life-saving measures withdrawn. "It's a testament to how very little abortion advocates value unborn children, that even in a case where the woman (1) cannot be harmed by continuing the pregnancy and (2) may very well have wanted her child to live, the framing is outrage that her son's life is prioritized," Snyder stated. Medical law experts who spoke with AP are also of the opinion that removing ventilation or other forms of life support from the mother would not constitute an abortion under state law. This is not the first time that questions over how doctors handle pregnant patients in light of Georgia's abortion law have generated national headlines. A ProPublica report last year on two women who died when they didn't get adequate medical treatment after complications arose from taking the abortion pill Amber Thurman and Candi Miller drew much outrage from abortion advocates. Democrats, such as former Vice President Kamala Harris, alleged that the state's abortion restriction was to blame for the women's deaths. However, pro-life doctors believe "gross medical negligence" was to blame, saying that in Thurman's case, medical professionals should have been able to tell that she needed a dilation and curettage to save her life. Dr. Ingrid Skop, an OB-GYN with over 30 years of experience, wonders if the medical judgment of doctors was "gaslit" by pro-abortion organizations that have promoted the abortion drug mifepristone as "safer than Tylenol?" "Georgia's abortion law did not cause her death," Dr. Christina Francis, the CEO of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, stated. "Per reports, her babies were no longer alive when she arrived at the hospital, so this law would not have even applied in her circumstance." Last October, Thurman's family, with the help of high-profile civil rights attorney Ben Crump, filed a lawsuit saying that the doctors at Piedmont Henry Hospital in Stockbridge were to blame for the woman's death. "Even under Georgia law, the doctors had a duty to act to save Amber," Crump said. "She had taken the abortion pills and there were tissues left. There was no viable fetus or anything that would have prevented them from saving her life while she suffered." Home News Democrat says Catholic Church must change confessional policy to conform to new abuse law A Washington state lawmaker has called on the Catholic Church to change its centuries-old confessional policy so that priests can comply with a new child abuse reporting law. Democratic state Sen. Noel Frame said the Catholic Church has the ability to alter its internal rules to meet the requirements of Senate Bill 5375, which takes effect in late July. The new law removes an exemption that had previously shielded Catholic clergy from having to report suspected child abuse or neglect if they learned of it during confession. 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 Once in force, priests along with other members of the clergy will be legally required to report such cases to law enforcement or the states Department of Children, Youth and Families within 48 hours. Frame, a sponsor of the bill and a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, said she discovered that clergy were not already mandatory reporters while researching abuse allegations within the Jehovahs Witnesses community in Washington state. Speaking to NPR, Frame argued that religious institutions shouldn't be allowed to avoid mandatory reporting obligations through internal doctrines, as noted by Newsweek. She pointed out that Canon law, which governs Catholic Church policies, has been revised many times and can be revised again to accommodate the legal requirement. In response to objections from Catholic leaders, Frame maintained that the state has a secular obligation to protect children and that allowing exceptions based on religious practices would undermine that purpose. She said it is within the Catholic Churchs power to change its policies to allow priests to report abuse revealed during confession. The legislation passed both chambers of the Democrat-controlled state Legislature largely along party lines, with a 2820 vote in the Senate and a 6431 vote in the House. A few lawmakers broke with their parties on both sides. Gov. Bob Ferguson, a Democrat and a Catholic, signed the bill into law earlier this month. The Archdiocese of Seattle condemned the measure. Archbishop Paul Etienne stated that priests cannot comply with the law if the information is obtained during the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He said this obligation stems from Canon law, which declares the sacramental seal inviolable. According to that law, any priest who directly violates the seal can be excommunicated. The Archdiocese affirmed that it remains committed to protecting children but insisted that confessions must remain confidential. The Washington State Catholic Conference said it supported adding clergy as mandatory reporters but asked for an exception during confession. The group stated that such an exception had been granted in most states that require clergy to report suspected abuse. The WSCC described the confessional seal as a religious practice protected by the First Amendment and said the law intrudes on that constitutional right. It also said the Catholic Church had taken steps since 2002 to strengthen its policies around abuse prevention and reporting. The Department of Justice, under the Trump administration, has opened a civil rights investigation into the law. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon has said the law forces priests to choose between their faith and the law, calling it a violation of the Constitution, according to the Catholic Herald. The DOJ claims that clergy are being unfairly singled out and denied privileges granted to other professionals, such as lawyers and physicians, whose privileged communications remain protected under Washington law. The Justice Department launched the investigation on May 8, citing concerns that SB 5375 could infringe upon the free exercise clause of the First Amendment. The provision shielding clergy from being compelled to testify about confessions will be formally removed when the law takes effect. Members of the clergy are considered mandatory reporters in 28 states, with most providing limited exceptions for confidential settings like confession. Home News Hundreds of college students, groups targeted for speech in last 5 years: watchdog More than 600 college students and student groups have been punished or investigated by school administrators for "constitutionally protected expression" in the last half a decade, according to a nonpartisan advocacy organization. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression released the report "Shifting Winds: Students Under Fire" on Thursday, finding that 63% of over 1,000 efforts by administrators, student groups or student governments to suppress student speech led to "administrative investigation or punishment." The report, purporting to be the "most detailed collection of speech-related campus controversies involving students to date," analyzes efforts to censor students at public universities who engage in "expressive activity" that the group contends is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The document coincides with an interactive online database. 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 "Every instance of censorship threatens students' ability to engage in a free exchange of ideas," FIRE Senior Researcher Logan Dougherty said in a statement. "Open minds and free debate, not self-censorship and punishment, must be the standard across our nation's campuses." Regardless of whether speech was considered conservative or liberal, FIRE found that censorship spans political ideologies. About 476 entries in the database were reportedly targeted or punished for expression from their political left, while about 337 entries of expression were targeted or probed from their political right. Two of the most dominant "incendiary topics on campus" that led to actions against protected speech in the last five years involve expressions on race after the killing of George Floyd in 2020 and the eruption of the war in Gaza that began in 2023. "When it comes to speech about race, most students are targeted from their left, while students speaking out about the war in Gaza are more likely to be targeted from their right," a FIRE overview states. The data shows the most targeted student groups nationwide are Students for Justice in Palestine (75 incidents), Turning Point USA (65 incidents) and the College Republicans (58 incidents). FIRE also found a sharp uptick in cases being initiated by university administrators as opposed to students, largely a result of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas against civilians in southern Israel that sparked Israel's ongoing military offensive in Gaza that has led to many protests and demonstrations against Israel on college campuses. Acknowledging that some pro-Palestinian campus demonstrations have been plagued by violence and vandalism, including demonstrators taking over a building on the campus of Columbia University in New York City, FIRE believes such incidents have led to an "administrative overreaction to avoid either a Title VI lawsuit or Department of Education investigation." While Students for Justice in Palestine was said to face the most speech incidents, it received much scrutiny for numerous controversies, as some of its campus chapters voiced support for the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas that killed over 1,200 people in Israel, mostly civilians. The University of Virginia chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine declared the attack "a step toward a free Palestine." The FIRE report cites a "toolkit" distributed by Students for Justice in Palestine that referred to the Oct. 7 attacks as a "historic win for the Palestinian resistance" and offered suggested "talking points" to campus chapters. "One of those talking points read: '[W]e as Palestinian students in exile are PART of this movement, not in solidarity with this movement,'" the report reads. The Muslim Student Association at CUNY-Queen's College faced an investigation from school administrators with the possibility for disciplinary action after it posted on Instagram mocking the validity of reports that Hamas killed babies on Oct. 7 after mental health professionals accused the group of inciting hatred and urged the school to impose punishment. At the University of Florida in 2024, student Parker Hovis was arrested and suspended for three years after he failed to immediately comply with police orders to disperse during a peaceful on-campus pro-Palestinian protest. At Harvard University in 2024, about a dozen students who participated in a silent protest organized by Harvard Out of Occupied Palestine had their library access suspended for two weeks. Prior to October 2023, the most frequently targeted student groups were conservative groups, including College Republicans, Turning Point USA or Young Americans for Freedom, the report finds. One 2024 case cited in the "Students Under Fire" database includes the case of Pace University student Houston Porter, a member of the campus chapter of The Federalist Society. He faced an investigation after co-moderating a panel discussion about a ballot measure that would have codified gender identity and gender expression into the New York state constitution. Although the event was disrupted, Porter was notified nine days later that he was being investigated for "sex-based harassment" after a complaint by a trans-identified classmate. At George Mason University in Virginia, two students were issued no-contact orders after expressing concerns in a private group chat about adding feminine hygiene products to male restrooms. The students sued, which led to a settlement in which the university agreed to lift the no-contact orders and award each student $15,000. In 2024, Matan Goldstein, a Jewish student at the University of Virginia, faced an investigation after he told a newspaper that he was assaulted during an anti-Israel protest on campus. Last year, the Columbia Law School Student Senate denied official recognition to the group Law Students Against Antisemitism on the grounds that the group adopted the "International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of anti-semitism," which critics accuse of being too broad. The group was approved after a revote was held. At the University of Kansas, Students for Justice in Palestine played a role in targeting and calling for the cancellation of an event featuring an Oct. 7 survivor co-hosted by Students Supporting Israel. Although the event was permitted to continue as planned, SPJ disrupted the event. At the Berklee College of Music in New York City, administrators postponed an event organized by a detransitioner named Amaya Price, who planned to host an event for a class project titled "Born in the Right Body: Desister and Detransitioner Awareness." Price was sent threatening messages, while other students launched a petition demanding the event be canceled because it would "harm the mental well-being of individuals in the transgender community." Home News Trump confirms he'll call Putin and Zelensky on Monday in bid to end bloodbath in Ukraine President Donald Trump said Saturday he will speak separately to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday in an attempt to end the war in Ukraine. He announced that the calls would focus on halting what he described as a bloodbath killing thousands of soldiers weekly. In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump stated he would speak to Putin at 10 a.m. Monday to discuss the ongoing war and trade issues. He added that he would follow the call with a conversation with Zelensky and later speak with members of NATO alongside the Ukrainian president. Trump said he hopes the days conversations will lead to a ceasefire and an end to what he called a very violent war. He referred to the conflict as one that should have never happened. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The announcement follows a series of developments, including failed face-to-face peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Turkey. Putin did not attend the negotiations, prompting Trump to tell reporters Friday that he was organizing direct talks with the Russian leader. Trump said he believed it was time to act and told reporters that he would meet Putin and attempt to resolve the issue, although he acknowledged the outcome was uncertain. Well solve it or maybe not, CNBC quoted Trump as saying. He added that if a resolution could not be reached, at least well know. He also acknowledged, according to CNN, that mediating between Russia and Ukraine had proven more difficult than he initially anticipated. Trump has expressed disappointment in his administrations inability to broker a settlement so far. President Trump blames both sides for prolonging the war. He previously held Zelensky responsible for what he called inflammatory statements, and criticized the Ukrainian president for rejecting the idea of ceding Crimea to Russia. Trump has also faulted Putin for military strikes in Ukraine, including one in April that he described as poorly timed and unnecessary. His announcement Saturday came hours after a Russian drone strike on a civilian passenger bus in Ukraines Sumy region killed nine people and wounded several others, LBC noted. The regional governor reported that the bus was struck by a Russian Lancet drone early Saturday morning in the town of Velyka Pysarivka, near the Russian border. According to preliminary information, four people were injured in the attack. Zelensky described the incident as a deliberate targeting of civilians and said seven of the wounded were being treated for burns, fractures, and blast-related injuries. In a post on X, Zelensky stated that only through stronger pressure would Russia engage in real diplomacy. We are expecting strong sanctions against Russia from the United States, from Europe, and from all our partners, he wrote. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy also condemned the attack on social media, calling it appalling and noting that it occurred just hours after the peace discussions in Turkey. Russia and Ukraine last week held their first direct talks since the invasion began in 2022, but prospects for a ceasefire remain uncertain. The Kremlin has reportedly demanded that any potential end to the war include Russian control of five Ukrainian regions an outcome Kyiv has not accepted. No statements from Putin or Zelensky have confirmed their participation in the planned calls. The White House has not commented on Trumps announcement. Home News Trump's week in review: Middle East trip, trade deal with China, investigating the abortion pill The past week saw President Donald Trump spending time in the Middle East as part of an effort to influence both domestic and foreign policy, while his administration took several actions to advance the priorities of the pro-life movement. The week was defined by new trade deals and investments in the United States, as well as moves to investigate concerns about violations of religious liberty for pro-life medical professionals and the safety of the abortion pill. Here are four highlights from the week. 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 A suspect who fled a traffic stop Friday night in Cleveland was apprehended. AP Photo/Matt Rourke CLEVELAND, Ohio An unidentified driver of a fleeing vehicle was apprehended by Cuyahoga County Sheriffs Deputies after a traffic stop Friday night. The incident occurred about 9:30 p.m. while deputies were assisting Ohio Investigative Unit officers on the East Side and the suspects vehicle fled, according to a press release from Cuyahoga County Press Secretary Jennifer Ciaccia. The stock market has come full circle from its April lows, with all of the losses suffered now recovered. For investors who long defied warnings about being over-exposed to U.S. stocks, especially with the dominant position of a handful of tech stocks in the S&P 500 , the rebound in portfolios is a good opportunity to do what many had neglected to do in the past: diversify into international equities and other asset classes. "You got a gift from the market gods," said David Schassler, VanEck head of multi-asset solutions, on last week's "ETF Edge." "We want to see people diversify, diversify internationally and into real assets as well, specifically gold and if you're into it, also diversify into bitcoin," he said. Some investors already got the message early in 2025, as the period from January to April saw most major markets around the globe leave U.S. stocks behind in performance. Vanguard's Total International Stock Index ETF (VXUS ), as an example, has net inflows of over $6 billion this year, according to ETFAction.com, which places it No. 11 among all ETFs in flows this year. But to put that into perspective, Vanguard's S&P 500 ETF (VOO ), is now over $63 billion in inflows this year. In fact, VOO is on pace to blow away the record for annual inflows it set just last year. As investors who bought the dip in U.S. stocks are rewarded, ETF experts say those who have stuck with an S&P 500-heavy tilt and didn't enjoy the drawdown experience of April should still use this opportunity to look at portfolio balance. "If your portfolio is predominantly U.S. [stocks], we want to see you diversity in international as well as emerging markets," Schassler said. Investing icons of the recent past, from Warren Buffett to Jack Bogle of Vanguard Group, broadcast a message that focusing on U.S. stocks over the long-term is the best bet. Bogle, in particular, often said the S&P 500's multi-national corporate makeup delivers plenty of overseas revenue itself. But even Buffett has been lightening up on some big U.S. market positions, while adding to more of his more recent bets on Japan. "We're not anti-U.S., but just saying if you are predominantly invested in the U.S., you probably want to invest outside as well," Schassler said. U.S. stock valuation remains concern as investors rush back in Valuation in the S&P 500 remains a primary concern for experts who say this is a good time to make sure a portfolio is properly diversified. According to Schassler, with the recovery in stocks, the U.S. market is "priced richly." He added that even as recession risks have declined after the U.S.-China temporary trade truce, the risks remain higher than the historical baseline. "We're not calling a recession, but risk is high," he said on "ETF Edge." The price to earnings ratio in U.S. stocks reinforces the message that there is "lots of value overseas," he added. In Schassler's view, the big shift in U.S. government policy on a global basis is also a secondary catalyst for more diversification. As the world becomes more bifurcated, and countries are forced to move forward on their own and push their own growth, investors are in a backdrop that favors more growth from lower valuation international stock markets, he said. Todd Rosenbluth, head of research at VettaFi, said on "ETF Edge" that this year has shown more investors embracing international diversification, though he added that we are "not fully seeing it" in the market yet. He also says investors should use this moment to be mindful of the concentration within their U.S. stock holdings. "The flows have certainly been favoring the U.S. and investors been buying the dip are being rewarded," Rosenbluth said. "We've seen growth equities rebound much more strongly, those tech and consumer discretionary oriented sectors," he said. The iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF (IVW ) is up nearly 18% in the past month, while the iShares S&P 500 Value ETF (IVE ) is up about 8%, according to ETF Action. IVW has a P/E ratio above 33, compared to a P/E ratio of 21.5 for IVE. Rosenbluth says a good way to deal with the valuation and concentration risk within a U.S. portfolio is to invest in "quality" stock funds, such as offerings that seek to tweek growth and value more than in the S&P 500 as a whole, such as VictoryShares' Free Cash Flow ETFs. "We might not see this rally continue on the growth side so you want to have balance in the portfolio," Rosenbluth said. China, India and emerging markets Both ETF experts said as global trade sentiment improves, investors should look at China and India as part of any international diversification plan. Schassler said China is aggressively stimulating its economy, and India is one of the best growth stories in the world, "like China 20 years ago," he said. "Having China and India exposure makes sense," he said. Rosenbluth said there was strong interest in China at the beginning of the year, and in ETFs such as KraneShares' CSI China Internet ETF (KWEB ), but he described that momentum as now "faded." KWEB is still a good option for investors interested in China in this environment, Rosenbluth said, because it is still one of the largest of the China-focused growth-oriented ETFs, and is less likely to be negatively impacted from China tariffs. It is a "China-only" story as opposed to a broader Chinese stock fund with exposure to multi-national businesses. KWEB is up 14% of the past month, and in the past week it saw close to $100 million in flows, compared to net outflows over $800 million during the prior three months, according to ETF Action. On India, there are multiple options for investors, including the iShares MSCI India ETF (INDA ), as well as Van Eck's Digital India ETF (DGIN). Schassler said the structural growth story in India is the reason to invest. "You've got a huge population, it's tech savvy, well-educated, and the government is supporting the economy, so everything lines up there for a growth story," he said. U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) looks on, after President Donald Trump delivered remarks on tariffs, in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 2, 2025. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed optimism that the budget bill that failed to exit committee Friday would still reach the House floor before Memorial Day as lawmakers prepare to vote again at 10 p.m. ET Sunday night. "We're working around the clock to deliver this nation-shaping legislation for the American people as soon as possible," Johnson said in an appearance on "Fox News Sunday," as he stressed the importance of the timeline for the "historic" bill. "The budget committee will reconvene this evening they'll get that through the committee and the plan is to move that to the rules committee by midweek and to the House floor by the end of the week so that we meet ... our original Memorial Day deadline." In a Truth Social post Friday, President Donald Trump said lawmakers "MUST UNITE, behind 'THE ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL.' But members of the GOP-led House Budget Committee voted 16-21 against passing the multitrillion dollar legislation. Five Republicans joined Democrats to vote against the bill, with Representatives Ralph Norman of South Carolina and Chip Roy of Texas specifically calling out concerns about Medicaid requirements and spending. On Wednesday, Norman posted on X that, "Delaying work requirements for able-bodied adults on Medicaid isn't 'progress.' It's fiscally irresponsible and another sad excuse for the swamp!!" "We are writing checks we cannot cash and our children are gonna pay the price," Roy said to the press Friday. "I appreciate Chip and Ralph," Johnson said Sunday, largely blaming potential delays in enforcing new eligibility requirements on states' abilities to implement changes in their systems. Asked about the possibility of resistance in the Senate, where GOP Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin has referred to the bill as "the Titanic," Johnson said he has met regularly with Senate Majority Leader John Thune to ensure swift passage. "There's no surprises, the package we send over there will be one that was very carefully negotiated and delicately balanced and we hope they don't make many modifications to it," Johnson said. In addition to the Memorial Day deadline Johnson has imposed in the House, lawmakers contend with another looming target. "Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said we need to do this by July 4," Johnson said. Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence speaks in observance of Constitution Day at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, U.S., September 17, 2024. Former Vice President Mike Pence said Sunday that President Donald Trump should turn down the gift of a $400 million jet from the royal family of Qatar, citing national security concerns. "Qatar has a long history of playing both sides," Pence said in an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press." "The very idea that we would accept an Air Force One from Qatar I think is inconsistent with our security, with our intelligence needs ... I think it's just a bad idea, and my hope is the president will think better of it." Trump's plan to accept the lavish Qatari jumbo jet, a Boeing 747-8, and convert it to be used as Air Force One has sparked fierce controversy over the legality, ethics and national security implications of what would be the largest foreign gift ever received by the U.S. government. Trump previously said any acceptance of the aircraft would be due to delays at U.S. manufacturer Boeing. "There are profound issues, the potential for intelligence gathering, the need to ensure the president of the United States is safe and secure as he travels around the world," Pence said. "My hope is the president reconsiders it. I think if Qatar wants to make a gift to the United States, they ought to take that $400 million and plow it into infrastructure on our military base." Experts have warned that converting such a jet into Air Force One could take years to complete and could cost U.S. taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars over time, NBC previously reported. Trump said the plane will be formally given to the U.S. Department of Defense. Once Trump ends his second term as president, the ownership of the gift is expected to be transferred to the Trump presidential library foundation. By doing so, the palatial jet would never be owned personally by Trump. "This highly respected country is donating the plane to the United States Air Force/ Defense Department, AND NOT TO ME," Trump said in a post on Truth Social Sunday. "By so doing, they are saving our country, and the American Taxpayer, hundreds of millions of dollars." While startups around the world have tried to build vehicles that can fly without a pilot, only one is certified to carry people in China. U.S.-listed Ehang received this certification from China's aviation regulator in late March, and the company plans to begin operating flights for tourists along a few designated routes by the end of June . The vehicle, known as an eVTOL aircraft, carries two passengers and uses electric power for vertical take-off and landing, similar to a helicopter. "Ehang should maintain 100% market share in China over 2025-27, as the strict [the Civil Aviation Administration of China] airworthiness process poses a high entry barrier to new entrants," Bank of America Greater China industrials stock analysts said in a May 14 report. They initiated coverage of the stock with a "buy" rating, and predict the stock can reach $26 36% above Friday's close. The stock is up more than 20% for the year so far. The analysts expect Ehang to benefit from national policy support and faster-than-expected delivery to tourism customers. Ehang also ranked first among global players as the most likely to reach the thousand-unit-a-year milestone through widespread certification and adoption, according to a recent report from U.S.-based SMG Consulting. U.S.-based rival Joby Aviation , whose shares have dropped 9% year to date, ranked fourth. Fifth in the rankings was Archer Aviation . Its shares are up 36% for the year. The company on Thursday announced it will be the official air taxi provider for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 . Bank of America does not currently cover either stock. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has been working on certification rules for allowing the companies to fly their vehicles with passengers in the U.S., although initial focus is on piloted flights. In contrast, China has accelerated its efforts in the last two years to develop what it calls the "low-altitude economy." About 300 local Chinese governments have announced related plans as of April 2025, which include investment in infrastructure for eVTOL operation and business subsidies, the Bank of America analysts said in a separate May 14 report about the overall industry. Ehang's certified model, the 216-S, sells for about 2.39 million yuan ($330,000) in China, and $410,000 outside China, the report said. It noted that the larger, 4-seat Joby S4 sells for $1.3 million. "We conclude that the central gov't sees the development of low-altitude economy as the crucial strategic industry to China's economy in the coming few years," the analysts said. The policy also covers support for using drones to deliver food and supplies to tourist sites in the mountains. Such tests gained popularity over the May 1 Labor Day holiday in China. Several Chinese companies from Xpeng to Volant are also working on flying devices that carry people. Short-haul aerial vehicles can also help with firefighting and emergency services. For Ehang, the Bank of America analysts predict each tourist attraction will want to buy five to 10 eVTOLs, supporting a total potential China market of 80,000 units. In the near term, they estimate Ehang's delivery volume will reach 442 units this year, and 813 next year. "This will translate into 103%/82% revenue growth in 2025/26E," the report said. Another, more distant, area of potential growth is the urban air taxi market. While the analysts expect tourism to be the main driver of demand in the near term, they expect air taxis to grow their share starting from the year 2035. Based on the current taxi and ride-hailing car market, Bank of America estimates total demand for eVTOL air taxis could reach 200,000 units in the future. "If the annual revenue per air taxi could reach RMB1.5mn by 2035, the air taxi operation will be profitable and should bring incremental revenue and earnings to Ehang in the long term," the analysts said. But the Bank of America analysts cautioned that any accident or passenger injuries could result in reputational damage for Ehang, on top of potential legal claims. Significant incidents could also slow the pace of eVTOL adoption, the analysts pointed out. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report. Presidential candidate Nicusor Dan reacts to first exit polls of Romania's second round of the presidential election, in Bucharest, Romania, on May 18, 2025. Romania's centrist Bucharest mayor, Nicusor Dan, appeared on course to win the presidency on Sunday in a shock upset over a hard-right rival who had pledged to put Romania on a path inspired by U.S. President Donald Trump's politics. Official results from about 98% of voting stations showed Dan garnering about 54% of ballots cast by voters in the EU and NATO member country of about 19 million people, while Trump supporter George Simion was at 46%. Dan, a soft-spoken mathematician, made a last-minute dash to the top in recent days after weeks of trailing Simion, a eurosceptic wanting to end military aid for Ukraine in its war with Russia. Simion, who was the top vote-getter in the first round of the election two weeks ago with 41% of ballots cast, did not concede on Sunday and called himself the winner. Dan, 55, had campaigned on a pledge to fight rampant corruption, to maintain support for Ukraine where Romania has played an important logistic role and to keep the country firmly within the European mainstream. The voting in Romania took place on the same day as the first round of a Polish election in which a liberal frontrunner, Rafal Trzaskowski, edged ahead of Karol Nawrocki, the candidate backed by the opposition nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party. Both elections are being closely watched across Europe amid concern that popular anger with mainstream elites over migration and cost-of-living pressures could bolster support for Trump and erode unity on the continent over how to deal with Russia. In Romania, the election showed backlash against politicians taking inspiration from right-wing populist Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, according to Mujtaba Rahman, managing director for Europe at consultancy Eurasia Group. "This is a really strong result for the pro-European candidate," Rahman said. "It's another example of the positive Trump effect on European election cycles where concerns about the political and policy direction moving in a MAGA-like way have mobilized voters." US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon attends the International Women of Courage Awards Ceremony at the State Department in Washington, DC, on April 1, 2025. Brendan Smialowski | Afp | Getty Images Jason Collier, a special education teacher in Virginia, often needs to wait until payday to fill up the gas tank of his car and in the meantime hopes he doesn't run out. "Money is tight when you're a teacher," Collier, 46, said. Now he's afraid that the U.S. Department of Education will soon garnish up to 15% of his wages because he's behind on his student debt payments. Collier said he hasn't been able to meet his monthly bill for years, while juggling the expenses of raising two children and medical expenses from a cancer diagnosis. If his paycheck is garnished, "it would just be more of a pinch," Collier said. "If I need a car repair, or something comes up, I might not be able to do those things." The consequences are punitive and sometimes tragic. James Kvaal former Education Dept. undersecretary After a half-decade pause of collection activity on federal student loans, the Trump administration announced on April 21 that it would once again seize defaulted borrowers' federal tax refunds, paychecks and Social Security benefits. More than 5 million student loan borrowers are currently in default, and that total could swell to roughly 10 million borrowers within a few months, according to the Education Department. The Biden administration focused on extending relief measures to struggling borrowers in the wake of the Covid pandemic and helping them to get current. The Trump administration's aggressive collection activity is a sharp turn away from that strategy. "Borrowers should pay back the debts they take on," said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in a video posted on X on April 22. watch now More than 42 million Americans hold student loans, and collectively, outstanding federal education debt exceeds $1.6 trillion. The Education Department can garnish up to 15% of defaulted borrowers' disposable income and federal benefits, as well as their entire federal tax refunds. "In an environment where the cost of living remains stubbornly high, this kind of withholding from your income can pose real problems when trying to make ends meet, and force people into choosing between vital expenses," said Nancy Nierman, assistant director of the Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program in New York. Most people who default on their student loans "truly cannot afford to pay them," James Kvaal, who served as U.S. undersecretary of education for former President Joe Biden, said in an April interview with CNBC. "The consequences are punitive and sometimes tragic," Kvaal said. A retiree who can't go home now Marceline Paul and her grandson Courtesy: Marceline Paul Marceline Paul is homesick. But if the Trump administration begins garnishing her Social Security benefit next month, there's no way she'll be able to afford a trip back to Trinidad. She moved from there to the United States in the '70s. "I need to go home," said Paul, 68, who worked for decades in the health care industry and retired during the Covid-19 pandemic to take care of her sick mother. The student debt she had taken on for her daughter was the last thing on her mind during that time, she said: "I couldn't focus on anything else." She felt terrified when she received a recent notice from the Education Dept. that her retirement check could be offset. Nearly all of her income comes from her monthly Social Security benefit of around $2,600. Social Security benefits can generally be reduced by up to 15% to repay student debt in default, so long as beneficiaries are left with at least $750 per month. "When I saw that email, it made me sick to my stomach," Paul said. Already on a tight budget in retirement, the garnishment will force her to cut back on her everyday expenses, skip necessary repairs on her house in Maryland and forgo traveling to her home country. "I don't know the last time I had a vacation," she said. "I've paid into the system and I should be able to retire." More than 450,000 borrowers ages 62 and older in default on their federal student loans and likely to be receiving Social Security benefits, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found earlier this year. Collection activity begins despite chaotic time Over the roughly five-year period during which the Education Dept. suspended its collection of federal student loans, there have been sweeping changes and disruptions to the lending system. Millions of borrowers who signed up for the Biden administration's new repayment plan, known as SAVE, or the Saving on a Valuable Education program, were caught in limbo after GOP-led lawsuits managed to get the plan blocked in the summer of last year. Many of those borrowers will now have to switch out of a Biden-era payment pause and into another repayment plan that will spike their monthly bill. But in recent months, the Trump administration has terminated around half of the Education Department's staff, including many of the people who helped assist borrowers. Now some student loan borrowers report waiting hours on the phone before being able to reach someone about their debt, despite the Trump administration telling borrowers to contact it to get current. "Not only did the Department extend servicing call hours, but we also released new tools such as an updated Loan Simulator and AI assistant to help borrowers get back into good standing," an Education Department spokesperson said in an emailed statement. Borrowers try and fail to get current on their loans A Lufthansa aircraft en route from Frankfurt, Germany, to Seville in Spain, was reportedly left unattended without an active pilot in the cockpit for approximately 10 minutes after the co-pilot fainted.The incident that occurred on February 17, 2024 aboard an Airbus A321, which was carrying 199 passengers and six crew members, reported The Associated Press (AP), citing German news agency dpa, on Saturday, May 17, 2025.The co-pilot lost consciousness while he was alone in the cockpit, with the captain temporarily away using the restroom, as per reports released by Spain's Civil Aviation Accident Authority (CIAIAC).Despite the critical situation, the aircraft remained on course and stable due to its autopilot system.The CIAIAC investigation, as referenced by dpa, revealed that during the time the cockpit was unattended, the flight voice recorder picked up unusual sounds, which were indicative of a sudden medical emergency.Lufthansa confirmed to dpa that it has reviewed the incident internally through its flight safety department but refrained from sharing the findings of its internal investigation.The captain attempted to re-enter the cockpit by inputting the standard entry code five times, each attempt triggering a buzzer for the co-pilot to unlock the door, as per the sequence of events described in the CIAIAC report.When there was no response, a crew member tried contacting the co-pilot via the onboard phone.Eventually, the captain used an emergency override code designed to open the cockpit door independently.However, just before the door would have opened automatically, the co-pilot, despite his medical distress, managed to unlock it from inside, dpa reported.Following his return to the cockpit, the captain diverted the flight to Madrid for an unscheduled landing. The co-pilot was then immediately taken to hospital for medical attention.While the flight landed safely and no injuries were reported among passengers or crew, the incident has raised fresh concerns around cockpit access and pilot health monitoring. Pakistans restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has witnessed 284 terrorist incidents so far in 2025, according to an official report on Sunday.The northwestern province remained one of the hardest hit in the country by militancy.A report by the Counter-Terrorism Department said that of the 284 incidents, the highest number 53 was recorded in the North Waziristan district, followed by Bannu (35), Dera Ismail Khan (31), Peshawar (13), and Kurram (8).The report also said that 148 terrorists have been killed across the province so far this year, with the highest number 67 reported in Dera Ismail Khan, the home district of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.As many as 1,116 suspects have been named in terrorism-related cases across the province, of which 95 have been arrested so far.In 2024, 732 attacks were reported in the province, up from 651 in 2023. This marked the highest number of attacks since 2009 and 2010.The law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa started deteriorating in mid-2021, and attacks have further increased since 2023.Even the police headquarters of the provincial capital came under attack when a suicide bomber detonated explosives at the central mosque of the police lines in January 2023.Over 86 policemen were killed and over 200 were wounded in the biggest attack on the force.In recent years, not only police and law enforcement personnel but also religious scholars, politicians, and other high-profile individuals have been targeted in attacks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Seinfeld gang spent a staggering amount of time hanging out at a local diner, discussing everything from relationship problems, to Iron Mans underpants, to how long they could each go without playing with themselves. But apparently the tenants just above them were working on climate change and outer space missions. In real life, Monk's Cafe was played by Toms Restaurant, a family owned diner that dates back to the 1940s, and which still resides on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. While none of this is news to fans of Seinfeld, what people may not be aware of is the fact that the building also houses NASAs Goddard Institute for Space Studies lab, which is dedicated to studying climate change and other Earth sciences. So theres a chance that anyone who has the 4K UHD re-release of Seinfeld might be able to see some geniuses at work during the shows many establishing shots. Don't Miss But according to The New York Times, after nearly six decades of expanding human knowledge about Earths climate and the atmospheres of other planets, the scientists are being kicked out not because they forgot to send their rent check in on time, or have been blasting EDM at four in the morning, but due to a Trump administration cost-cutting push. Its not like the Institutes work hasnt been important. Reportedly, they had a part in robotic spacecraft missions to Venus and Jupiter and their first director, James Hansen, was the first scientist to warn Congress about the threat of climate change back in 1988. That was a whole year before Seinfeld premiered. Although the show first featured some other diner that presumably didnt have any astrophysicist neighbors. Per The Times, the annual rent is a whopping $3 million. But even though the NASA workers are being ousted, the move could end up costing taxpayers more. Thats because the building is owned by Columbia University, and although NASA has canceled their lease, the deal was made between the school and an entirely different federal agency. So the rent will need to be paid even though the employees have been relocated to other spaces. Advertisement There is no logic behind this, one research scientist told the paper. I think that it is unlikely that this will save the federal government any money, the current director of the Institute stated. Presumably no amount of funky bass licks will fix this situation. When Charles III came to the throne in September 2022, some commentators warned he would seek to meddle and cross constitutional red lines. These critics had failed to realise that after 73 years of preparation, he had a far sharper grasp of the new constraints on him as sovereign. As a result we have had barely a batsqueak of complaint on that score. But now a different constitutional challenge looms, one we have not really seen since the 1980s. And it will certainly require deft handling on his part. For in a weeks time, he will head for the airport as King of the United Kingdom, acting as ever on the advice of Sir Keir Starmer up to the moment that he gets out of the car. Once he climbs those steps to the aircraft despatched by the Canadian government to collect him, he will be acting on the advice of Mark Carney, his Canadian Prime Minister. And its fair to say that these two advisors are not in agreement. Just this week, Mr Carney said publicly that Canadians were not impressed by the British governments invitation to Donald Trump to pay a state visit, with the full royal package at Windsor Castle. Eminent Canadians have been calling for the King to make a robust statement on the sanctity of Canadian sovereignty. One of the monarchs governments wants to play hardball with Mr Trump and the other wants to play nicey-nicey. So where does that leave the King, caught in the middle? Perhaps the first thing both sets of ministers should do is manage expectations. Monarchs do not speak out, even when the US really does invade one of their realms as when Ronald Reagan invaded Grenada in 1983 without even forewarning the Queen of Grenada. Monarchs deal in show, not tell. The King can show that he is a proud and conscientious Canadian head of state and leave the megaphone diplomacy to the politicians. If he were to start voicing personal thoughts, then he would clearly be straying beyond his constitutional remit. Yet the signals are there for those who care to look. And its about much more than wearing Canadian decorations on his uniforms. In the weeks since Mr Trump has started making bellicose noises over his northern border, the King has welcomed two Canadian PMs to his home, met a delegation from the Canadian Senate and given Canadas Black Rod a new sword. When a forestry initiative required the King to plant a tree any tree he planted a maple. In February he dispatched a Flag Day message to the people of Canada. There was no such message the previous year. King Charles III during an audience with Mark Carney, the prime minister of Canada, at Buckingham Palace on March 17, 2025 Eminent Canadians have been calling for the King to make a robust statement on the sanctity of Canadian sovereignty when he opens their parliament on May 27, following repeated remarks by US president Donald Trump (pictured) about Canada becoming the 51st state King Charles' mother Queen Elizabeth reading the Throne Speech in the Senate Chamber of the Canadian Parliament during her Silver Jubilee Tour on October 18, 1977 - the last monarch to have the honour According to Robert Hardman: 'Monarchs do not speak out, even when the US really does invade one of their realms as when Ronald Reagan invaded Grenada in 1983 without even forewarning the Queen of Grenada.' Pictured: United States Marines pull out of Grenada as children wave at them Rewind his keynote speeches from his state visit to Italy and observe how many times he mentioned his pride in the role of British and Canadian troops during the Second World War. None of this is lost on hawk-eyed diplomats but it does not make headlines. In her 70 years as monarch, Elizabeth II only opened the Canadian Parliament once, in 1957. She also delivered a speech from the throne in 1977. So, there is a precedent but it is a very rare event. The late Queen would gladly have done more had Canada invited her she opened New Zealands Parliament seven times but Canada has been happy to leave such occasions to a home-grown Canadian, the Governor-General. So the mere fact that the King is going is a big deal in itself. Though a brand new politician, I suspect Mr Carney is too shrewd an operator to ask the King to say or do anything embarrassing. Besides, having dealt with Commonwealth politicians for longer than most of todays lot have been alive, Charles knows exactly where to draw the line. As the author of the Kings new biography, Charles III, I have no doubt that there will be scheming in the wings. There was plenty of that as far back as 1964 when Quebec separatists threatened a campaign of violence against a tour by the Queen. The British PM Sir Alec Douglas-Home even asked the Cabinet Secretary if he was constitutionally empowered to overrule the Canadian PMs invitation. No one was sure so she went anyway. A later Canadian PM, Pierre Trudeau, was often at odds with No 10 over the monarch. Ted Heath ordered her not to attend the 1971 Commonwealth summit in Singapore and tried to stop her going to the next one in Ottawa. So Trudeau and the (Canadian) Commonwealth secretary-general invited her as Queen of Canada. And in 1982 when Trudeau wanted to sever the last constitutional tie between Britain and Canada against Mrs Thatchers wishes he asked the Queen to fly over to sign the document. Yet the underlying conundrum is still there: what happens when two PMs give the same monarch conflicting advice? If anyone can walk that tightrope, it is the man who wears the British Crown, the Canadian Crown and 13 others. How wonderful that Britain will have an adult in the room for tomorrows summit to reset relations between the UK and EU, not an infantile and petulant leader like Donald Trump. That at any rate is what the Government, and enlightened Remainer opinion, will want us to think. A more rational appraisal of the last few weeks would come to the opposite conclusion: that a Trump-like figure is exactly what we need in this situation someone to lob a few grenades into the debating chamber, insult the other team and walk out of meetings (something which wouldnt be difficult for The Donald given his virulent dislike of the EU). Then, at the 11th hour, our hero would come over all smiles and flattery before sealing a deal that would be very much weighted in Britains favour. Instead, rather tragically, we have Sir Keir Starmer to represent our interests. You can almost sense the jubilation on the faces of EU negotiators as they eye up our fish and dream up ways to trap Britain in their regulatory claws all in return for some minor concession on inspections for exports of cheese, which will end up being dumped on the autoroute by French farmers anyway. We know what is coming because Starmer has told us as much. He claims to have turned the page on his personal campaign of trying to reverse the Brexit result, telling us several times since he became Labour leader that he cannot foresee any circumstances in which Britain would rejoin the EU or the single market. Yet on the other hand he told a conference of centre-Left leaders in Canada in 2023 that actually we dont want to diverge, we dont want to lower standards, we dont want to rip up environmental standards, working standards, food standards and all the rest. In other words, he wants to tie us down to EU regulation without the UK actually being a member of the bloc. Indeed, he seems to believe that the EU is the only vehicle by which Britain can possibly avoid what he sees as a low-regulation nightmare. Starmer is taking us headlong into the vassal state, the rule-taker but not rule-maker that Theresa May and Boris Johnson tried so hard to avoid not, it has to be said, entirely successfully. Starmer, on the other hand, very much will achieve what he wants because the EU is only too happy to draw Britain back into its regulatory orbit. What it has always feared most is that Britain would end up as the fabled Singapore-on-Thames a dynamic, business-friendly economy, moored 20 miles off Calais. Or there was a model provided by the US, whose economy since the turn of the century has outgrown Europes by over 20 per cent. rather tragically, we have Sir Keir Starmer to represent our interests at tomorrow's summit, says Ross Clark The Conservatives failed to pursue any vision with vigour, but with Starmer we are in a far worse place. He is setting himself up for the worst of all deals. Businesses will be hog-tied by EU red tape over which we no longer even have a marginal say, free movement will be sneaked back in via a youth mobility scheme and still the EU will be inventive with non-tariff barriers to frustrate the export of EU goods and services. It is becoming increasingly clear, on the other hand, that Trump has played a blinder. While his enemies enjoyed a few days portraying him as an American Liz Truss who crashed the markets through his own bluster and naivety, it is beginning to look very different. Markets have largely recovered with the S&P 500 back to where it was on January 1 as the world begins to realise that the punitive tariffs which Trump announced on Liberation Day on April 2 were not intended as a permanent wall around US markets; they were a typically Trumpian opening gambit for negotiations, which will maintain freeish trade while readjusting the rules in Americas favour. Just look at the UK-US trade deal announced earlier this month, and which seems a model for many more deals to come. The end result will not crush free trade but it will mean that US exporters will face slightly lower tariffs than they did before Liberation Day while UK exporters face slightly higher ones. Starmer has earned credit for not laying into Trump, but if he wanted the best deal for Britain, that is exactly what he would have done initially, before coming to the table and laying on the flattery with a trowel. This is Trumps modus operandi and it works. There is another difference between the US President and Starmer that makes it more likely that the former will succeed while the latter gets walked over. Trump makes up his own rules. Starmers instinct, by contrast, is always to look for rules to follow, whether or not they are to his and Britains advantage. He is a sucker for anything that resembles what he would call an international rule-based system. Just look at how he abdicated Britains interests in favour of obeying a perverse ruling by the UNs International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea that the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands ought to belong to Mauritius. We are not talking about a conquered territory that needs to be handed back to anyone; the Chagos were uninhabited before being discovered by Europeans. There is another difference between the US President and Starmer that makes it more likely that the former will succeed while the latter gets walked overTrump makes up his own rules Starmer could have made these arguments and damned the UNs Tribunal for what it is: a politically motivated kangaroo court with a lack of democratic accountability. Instead, all that echoed around his head were the arguments of his friend and lawyer representing Mauritius Philippe Sands, who said Britain must hand over the islands in order to have any credibility around the world on the rule of law and its global branding. To our PM, being a UN class pet is more important than Britain spending 90million a year to lease something it already owns. As with the Chagos Islands, so with the EU. Starmer is attracted to the European Court of Justice just as he is drawn to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. He needs its guidance to be able to show that Britain is an obedient, law-abiding nation. The idea that Britain could truly break away from the EU way of doing things and plough its own furrow is an anathema to him. The tragedy of Brexit is that, since 2016, we have not had a government whose political skill comes anywhere close to matching that of the Leave campaign. First, we had Mrs May, whose heart was never in Brexit. While she kept saying no deal is better than a bad deal, the signals she sent out suggested that she believed the exact opposite which emboldened the EU to come up with a withdrawal deal that was punitive for Britain. Johnson showed a little Trumpian mettle in that he threatened to walk away from negotiations. Yet he never dared do what he should have done and told the EU and then-Irish PM Leo Varadkar: So what if we have a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic, there is no way we are drawing one between two parts of the UK. The result was a mess which had to be partially sorted out through Rishi Sunaks Windsor Framework. But with Starmer in charge of the latest renegotiations, the chances that Brexit could end up enriching Britain are all but over. We are doomed to a future as an EU satellite, forever pulled down by the blocs growth-destroying mentality. All we will be able to do is to watch as Trumps America, supposedly compromised by its President, continues to pull ahead as it has done all century. How wonderful that Britain will have an 'adult in the room' for tomorrow's summit to reset relations between the UK and EU, not an infantile and petulant leader like Donald Trump. That at any rate is what the Government, and 'enlightened' Remainer opinion, will want us to think. A more rational appraisal of the last few weeks would come to the opposite conclusion: that a Trump-like figure is exactly what we need in this situation someone to lob a few grenades into the debating chamber, insult the other team and walk out of meetings (something which wouldn't be difficult for The Donald given his virulent dislike of the EU). Then, at the 11th hour, our hero would come over all smiles and flattery before sealing a deal that would be very much weighted in Britain's favour. Instead, rather tragically, we have Sir Keir Starmer to represent our interests. You can almost sense the jubilation on the faces of EU negotiators as they eye up our fish and dream up ways to trap Britain in their regulatory claws all in return for some minor concession on inspections for exports of cheese, which will end up being dumped on the autoroute by French farmers anyway. We know what is coming because Starmer has told us as much. He claims to have turned the page on his personal campaign of trying to reverse the Brexit result, telling us several times since he became Labour leader that he cannot foresee any circumstances in which Britain would rejoin the EU or the single market. Yet on the other hand he told a conference of centre-Left leaders in Canada in 2023 that 'actually we don't want to diverge, we don't want to lower standards, we don't want to rip up environmental standards, working standards, food standards and all the rest'. In other words, he wants to tie us down to EU regulation without the UK actually being a member of the bloc. You can almost sense the jubilation on the faces of EU negotiators as they eye up our fish and dream up ways to trap Britain in their regulatory claws with Keir Starmer in charge, ROSS CLARK writes. Here, the PM is pictured with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, on Friday Indeed, he seems to believe that the EU is the only vehicle by which Britain can possibly avoid what he sees as a low-regulation nightmare. Starmer is taking us headlong into the vassal state, the 'rule-taker but not rule-maker' that Theresa May and Boris Johnson tried so hard to avoid not, it has to be said, entirely successfully. Starmer, on the other hand, very much will achieve what he wants because the EU is only too happy to draw Britain back into its regulatory orbit. What it has always feared most is that Britain would end up as the fabled 'Singapore-on-Thames' a dynamic, business-friendly economy, moored 20 miles off Calais. Or there was a model provided by the US, whose economy since the turn of the century has outgrown Europe's by over 20 per cent. The Conservatives failed to pursue any vision with vigour, but with Starmer we are in a far worse place. He is setting himself up for the worst of all deals. Businesses will be hog-tied by EU red tape over which we no longer even have a marginal say, free movement will be sneaked back in via a youth mobility scheme and still the EU will be inventive with non-tariff barriers to frustrate the export of EU goods and services. It is becoming increasingly clear, on the other hand, that Trump has played a blinder. While his enemies enjoyed a few days portraying him as an American Liz Truss who crashed the markets through his own bluster and naivety, it is beginning to look very different. Markets have largely recovered with the S&P 500 back to where it was on January 1 as the world begins to realise that the punitive tariffs which Trump announced on 'Liberation Day' on April 2 were not intended as a permanent wall around US markets; they were a typically Trumpian opening gambit for negotiations, which will maintain freeish trade while readjusting the rules in America's favour. Just look at the UK-US trade deal announced earlier this month, and which seems a model for many more deals to come. The end result will not crush free trade but it will mean that US exporters will face slightly lower tariffs than they did before Liberation Day while UK exporters face slightly higher ones. Starmer has earned credit for not laying into Trump, but if he wanted the best deal for Britain, that is exactly what he would have done initially, before coming to the table and laying on the flattery with a trowel. This is Trump's modus operandi and it works. There is another difference between the US President and Starmer that makes it more likely that the former will succeed while the latter gets walked over. Trump makes up his own rules. Starmer's instinct, by contrast, is always to look for rules to follow, whether or not they are to his and Britain's advantage. He is a sucker for anything that resembles what he would call an 'international rule-based system'. Just look at how he abdicated Britain's interests in favour of obeying a perverse ruling by the UN's International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea that the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands ought to belong to Mauritius. We are not talking about a conquered territory that needs to be handed back to anyone; the Chagos were uninhabited before being discovered by Europeans. Starmer could have made these arguments and damned the UN's Tribunal for what it is: a politically motivated kangaroo court with a lack of democratic accountability. Instead, all that echoed around his head were the arguments of his friend and lawyer representing Mauritius Philippe Sands, who said Britain must hand over the islands in order 'to have any credibility around the world on the rule of law and its global branding'. To our PM, being a UN class pet is more important than Britain spending 90million a year to lease something it already owns. Since becoming US President for the second time, Donald Trump has made clear his virulent dislike of the EU As with the Chagos Islands, so with the EU. Starmer is attracted to the European Court of Justice just as he is drawn to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. He needs its guidance to be able to show that Britain is an obedient, law-abiding nation. The idea that Britain could truly break away from the EU way of doing things and plough its own furrow is an anathema to him. The tragedy of Brexit is that, since 2016, we have not had a government whose political skill comes anywhere close to matching that of the Leave campaign. First, we had Mrs May, whose heart was never in Brexit. While she kept saying 'no deal is better than a bad deal', the signals she sent out sug-gested that she believed the exact opposite which emboldened the EU to come up with a withdrawal deal that was punitive for Britain. Johnson showed a little Trumpian mettle in that he threatened to walk away from negotiations. Yet he never dared do what he should have done and told the EU and then-Irish PM Leo Varadkar: So what if we have a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic, there is no way we are drawing one between two parts of the UK. The result was a mess which had to be partially sorted out through Rishi Sunak's Windsor Framework. But with Starmer in charge of the latest renegotiations, the chances that Brexit could end up enriching Britain are all but over. We are doomed to a future as an EU satellite, forever pulled down by the bloc's growth-destroying mentality. All we will be able to do is to watch as Trump's America, supposedly compromised by its President, continues to pull ahead as it has done all century. Ross Clark is the author of Far From Eutopia: How Europe Is Failing And How Britain Could Do Better. Meghan Markle was allegedly snubbed from being British Vogue's print and digital cover star in 2022, leading to a supposed bust-up with the then-editor-in-chief Edward Enninful. The former fashion bible editor planned to run features sharing insight into the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's charitable work, designed to tie in with Meghan's keynote appearance at the One Young World Summit in Manchester in September that year. However, the Mail on Sunday revealed that Meghan and Edward's friendship imploded during a disagreement over how Vogue planned to feature the Sussex's charitable work. Conde Nast insiders claimed that the coverage was pulled abruptly and scrapped. A source said: 'The duchess and her team had high expectations and were expecting she might get a print cover or at least a digital cover out of it, but Enninful was not able to meet those expectations. He already had a magazine cover in the bag for that month.' So, who was the celebrity that trumped the Montecito-based mother-of-two in becoming Vogue's cover star? British Vogue's September 2022 cover star was Canadian fashion model Linda Evangelista. In the issue, Linda, 60, opened up about her struggle to 'love herself' again after a botched cosmetic procedure left her 'permanently deformed' and 'brutally disfigured.' In August, British Vogue ran a Pride edition with various different stars, including Cynthia Erivo (pictured) and Cara Delevingne The model had spent the six years before the shoot 'in hiding' after suffering from a rare reaction to the procedure known as CoolSculpting, which was designed to decrease her fat cells but instead made them become enlarged. She had since undergone two liposuction surgeries to help fix the problem and announced in February of that year that she was no longer living in 'shame.' The cover marked Linda's triumphant return to modelling - and she looked flawless in British Vogue's September 2022 issue. However, if Meghan was longing for the August slot to discuss her charity work ahead of the One Young World Summit, a Pride issue was in the way. Vogue celebrated the LGBTQIA+ community with its special August issue, marking 50 years of London Pride. Edward assembled and styled a cast of gay women and men, trans, nonbinary and queer people from Vogue's world for the issue. Among them are model Cara Delevingne, actors Ariana DeBose, and Cynthia Erivo. According to Edwards Enninful, the 12 cover stars are 'united in a mission to shape the future together'. As the issue launched, Edward Enninful lamented reports of rising homophobic attacks and transphobic sentiments. British Vogue's September 2022 cover star was Canadian model Linda Evangelista, 60 (pictured) The Duchess of Sussex reportedly cut ties with Edward Enninful over his decision not to feature her as British Vogue's cover star in 2022 He said: 'There is a dispiriting irony that in this year of celebration, there is an apparent uptick in transphobia in this country; that reports of homophobic attacks are on the rise; that many gender-nonconforming and queer people, who are just trying to get on with their lives, remain the object of ridicule, minimalism, and rancour. Elsewhere, in the US, Meghan's close friend Serena Williams interestingly secured the American September cover slot. Edward's decision to spotlight other stars allegedly resulted in the breakdown of his friendship with Meghan. The pair previously shared a close bond. So much so that Meghan recalled, after guest-editing the fashion bible six years ago, that they were 'like-minded thinkers' who enjoyed 'philosophising' over steaming cups of mint tea. Today, however, they are no longer on speaking terms and the reason for the fallout has remained one of fashion's most tightly guarded secrets. The Mail on Sunday revealed that their friendship imploded during a disagreement over how Vogue planned to feature a glossy showcase of Meghan and Prince Harry's charitable work. A source said: 'The duchess and her team had high expectations and were expecting she might get a print cover or at least a digital cover out of it, but Enninful was not able to meet those expectations. He already had a magazine cover in the bag for that month.' Shelving the project is said to have caused irreparable damage to their friendship. 'Edward was furious to have lost the project, as were the powers that be at Conde Nast,' a source told the MoS. The Duchess of Sussex (pictured) and the former editor of British Vogue, Edward Enninful, are no longer on speaking terms and the reason for the fallout has remained one of fashion's most tightly guarded secrets The Mail on Sunday revealed that their friendship supposedly imploded during a disagreement over how Vogue planned to feature a glossy showcase of Meghan and Prince Harry 's charitable work 'The duchess and her team had high expectations and were expecting she might get a print cover or at least a digital cover out of it, but Enninful (pictured)was not able to meet those expectations,' a source said 'The whole process became very difficult. Edward could only promise her a big showy feature inside the magazine and online but she turned it down.' According to insiders, the project needed a full production team including photographers, videographers, stylists and editors to shoot exclusive images and film an in-depth video feature with the Sussexes. Sources claim that after Mr Enninful explained he had another cover in mind, Meghan's team had asked if the couple could feature on Vogue's special digital cover instead, which is released alongside the print edition. But again, it is understood that Mr Enninful declined. 'He didn't think it was appropriate to give her the cover,' the source explained. It was then that Meghan's team pulled the plug. Relations between the pair never recovered. Sources added that during the years that followed Mr Enninful has increased his public involvement with the Royal Family, and claim this is not something Meghan could easily overlook, particularly as he was initially supportive of her now-infamous 'Megxit' Oprah interview in 2021. Mr Enninful, who was awarded an OBE in 2016 for his services to diversity in the fashion industry interviewed the monarch for Vogue when he was still Prince of Wales in 2020. He attended his coronation in 2023. Mr Enninful follows all three of the King's charitable organisations on Instagram but tellingly, does not follow Meghan or any of her enterprises. It all stands in stark contrast to their previous relationship. In 2019, the pair collaborated on an issue of British Vogue which became the fastest-selling in the magazine's 104-year history, selling out in ten days. The 'Forces for Change' issue put inspirational women including former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern and actresses Gemma Chan and Jane Fonda on the cover. The following year Mr Enninful addressed criticism Meghan had received when she joined the Royal Family. He defended the duchess, calling her a 'brave woman' and describing the treatment of her as 'very unfair' and 'harsh'. But he said he 'wouldn't just blame it on racism', adding: 'I think sometimes it takes a minute to understand the rules.' Whether he would defend her again today is another matter. The Duchess of Sussex and Mr Enninful were approached for comment by the MoS. Conde Nast also declined to comment. Eurovision fans have ruthlessly poked fun at Italy's Lucio Corsi for dressing like a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang character. Millions of viewers across Europe tuned in to see who would take home the crown before Austria's JJ emerged victorious in Saturday night's grand final. Despite the show's impressive performances, some viewers found themselves distracted by Corsi's attire as he belted out Volevo Essere Un Duro for his country. Graham Norton, UK's Eurovision commentator, sparked the comparison that Corsi was 'dressed like the child catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,' according to Metro. Social media users quickly shared their thoughts on Norton's comment online, with one writing, 'Italy - Isn't that the child catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?' A second said, 'Graham Norton the man you are, please never quit from commentating Eurovision. Saying Italy looks like the child catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has made my night.' 'I see that Italy has the Child Catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang representing them,' wrote a third. Another shared countless laughing face emojis with the writing, 'Child catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang #Eurovision2025'. Italy's Eurovision contestant has been mocked online for dressing like the child catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (pictured) It comes after Estonian rapper Tommy Cash ignited fresh controversy with his Eurovision 2025 entry, Espresso Macchiato. Many Italians criticised the song for perpetuating offensive stereotypes about their culture - including ones about coffee, the Mafia, and smoking. The song, performed in a mix of English and mock Italian, includes lyrics such as 'Ciao bella, I'm Tomaso, addicted to tobacco. Mi like mi coffee very importante,' and 'Mi money numeroso, I work around the clocko. That's why I'm sweating like a mafioso.' While some viewers found the song humorous and satirical, others believed it crossed the line. Taking to X they expressed their upset writing, 'Estonia is just bad and not in a funny way lol'. 'I'm with the Italians. That was downright offensive from Estonia #Eurovision,' wrote another. 'Estonia there with the biggest crime against music I have ever had the displeasure of hearing. Pretty insulting to Italians there too. That's not music, that's just s***e. #Eurovision' Another viewer wrote, 'Estonia - absolutely terrible #Eurovision'. UK's Eurovision commentator Graham Norton drew the comparison between Corsi (pictured) and the character Pictured: Lucio Corsi representing Italy during the rehearsal ahead of Semi Final Round 1 of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest 'What in the racism was that? #Eurovision'. Before Saturday night's show Gian Marco Centinaio, Vice President of the Italian Senate, condemned the song. He said, 'We cannot allow a song that reinforces negative stereotypes about our country to compete in such a major international event. 'He [Tommy Cash] should come to Italy and see how decent people really work before daring to write such a stupid and stereotypical song.' Despite the backlash, Tommy Cash defended his song and noted that many Italians have approached him positively, saying, 'Everyone coming to me is like 'I'm from Italy, you're a legend there and we're so happy to have your song'. He added, 'The thing is, coffee is for the world. Everyone can drink coffee. Americans, Europeans, and this brings us together.' Elsewhere, viewers were left very impressed with the UK's girl group Remember Monday with their grand finale performance on Saturday night. The country-pop band, made up of Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull and Charlotte Steele, all 30, represented the UK with their song What The Hell Just Happened? Viewers were left convinced the group would win the competition as they praised their 'unbelievable vocals'. Eurovision viewers compared Lucio Corsi to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang's child catcher on social media While some fans worried that the UK wouldn't get enough points, others insisted Remember Monday's song would be a hit regardless of the result. The UK last finished triumphant in the contest 27 years ago with the victory of Katrina and the Waves in 1997, with their track Love Shine A Light. Remember Monday first gained prominence after appearing on The Voice UK in 2019 and have also had careers in theatre. Despite their high-energy routine, Remember Monday came 19th out of 26 places in the contest. When picking a date location in times gone by, a bar or a pub was likely the first port of call. However, preferences appeared to have since shifted because Britons are now choosing to spend a first date running rather than in a bar, a new survey has found. In a poll completed by UK Amazon workers as part of Amazon's Chatterbox series, one in four participants would prefer to exercise on a first date, twice the number of those preferring to visit a bar or pub. Meanwhile, one in ten claimed they'd rather go on a run or visit the gym for a first date, while nine per cent said they'd pick an activity to get to know the other person, like bowling. A fitness focus in dating was even more prevalent among Generation Z, with one in ten 18-24-year-olds agreeing that a run would be their perfect first date. It comes as an increasing number of Gen Z are turning their backs on alcohol, with 21 per cent of under-25s saying last year that they did not drink up from 14 per cent in 2017, according to the latest annual survey in the UK by the Drinkaware charity. Avid runner and Amazon worker Stephen Hathaway, 26, from Bristol, runs four times a week and said he would be happy to take a date for a run. He said: 'The hardest thing about dating is the anxiety around it, especially on how you're going to break the ice - and on a run, you don't need to worry about that. Britons are now opting to spend a first date running rather than in a bar, a new survey by Amazon found (stock image) 'You might be sweaty and fighting for breath at times, but that is going to break down the tension a lot quicker than if you were in a bar on your best behaviour, trying to make small talk - which can feel robotic and tense. 'Plus, you get a high after about half an hour of running, which makes you feel naturally more confident. So, if you go for a drink afterwards, [the] conversation is going to flow. 'I think it's important to show your real self on a date and not take yourself too seriously. 'If you go in knowing full well you're not going to look your best, then you'll break down those walls between you much more quickly.' However, 21-year-old Farida Rizk, who works at Amazon's Fulfilment Centre in Coalville, challenged Stephen's viewpoint. She said: 'If I went on a jogging date, I'd be sweating, panting, and fully focussed on not tripping over. [It's] not exactly the first impression I'm aiming for. 'A first date should be a nice meal or a couple of drinks somewhere where you can actually talk and get to know the person. You want to come across as charming - not gasping for air. 'Sure, gym couples are having their moment - it's definitely a trend. But if we're being real, most people would secretly rather be on the sofa with a takeaway. That's the kind of love language I can get behind. Generation Z singletons are more likely to prefer an active date compared to one at a bar, the research found (stock image) 'One of my friends actually met her boyfriend through a running club, and I was genuinely baffled. How do you even flirt mid-run? I'd be too focused on not dying to make conversation.' She concluded: 'Honestly, if I'm lacing up my runners for a first date, I must really like you.' Discussing the findings, dating expert Millie Shields said: 'Dating apps can be a struggle, especially when conversations fizzle out, messages are vague or inconsistent, and no one seems serious about meeting up. 'That's why more people are ditching the pub and opting for something more intentional - like going for a run on a first date. 'It's no surprise people are saying they're most likely to meet a future partner at the gym or a running club, as seen in a recent poll of Amazon workers as part of its Chatterbox series. 'People are moving away from the swipe-and-chat culture and gravitating toward more meaningful, in-person connections. 'That's why running dates are on the rise - they allow for real conversations, shared interests, and actual chemistry. 'Dating apps can feel performative, with people curating versions of themselves. Now, it's less about swiping and more about meeting through shared values. The Duchess of Edinburgh appeared in great spirits today as she stepped out for the fourth day of the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Berkshire. Sophie, 60, who is Vice President of the four-day annual event held at Home Park, Windsor Castle, beamed as she took part in the British Driving Society Drive during the occasion. The wife of Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, looked typically elegant in a cream blazer and a floral garment. Looking radiant, she completed the chic ensemble with a wide brimmed hat and accessorised with gold hoop earrings. Sophie wore her blonde locks back in a sophisticated updo, while glamorous makeup enhanced her complexion. The Duchess was seen laughing enthusiastically as she wrapped herself in a blanket for the horse and cart ride. The first Royal Windsor Horse Show took place in May 1943 under the name the Windsor Horse and Dog Show. King George VI, Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) and the two young princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret were all in attendance. The Duchess of Edinburgh appeared in great spirits today as she stepped out for the fourth day of the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Berkshire On Thursday, Sophie opted for a more laid back ensemble as she attended the four-day annual event. The royal appeared to throw herself into the day out, enjoying a little tipple, treating herself to some chocolate and browsing rugs and baskets at a stall on site. She was seen beaming and laughing enthusiastically as she mixed with other attendees. Sophie, the mother of James, Earl of Wessex, 17, and Lady Louise Windsor, 21, looked typically stylish opting for a dressed-down but elegant look. Sticking to a neutral palette, she paired an off-white, pleated midi skirt with a cream jumper, topping it all off with a navy military style coat complete with gold buttons. She dressed for the cool weather, donning in slouchy suede boots, and accessorised with a brown handbag which had a handle featuring a white floral design. Sophie wore her blonde hair brushed back in to a chic chignon. She sported a pair of dainty gold earrings, which brightened her complexion. The understated duchess kept her make-up simple for the occasion, wearing some bronzer and blush, as well as a slick of rose-coloured lipstick. Sophie, 60, who is Vice President of the four-day annual event held at Home Park, Windsor Castle, beamed as she took part in the British Driving Society Drive during the occasion The wife of Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, looked typically elegant in a cream blazer and a floral garment Looking radiant, she completed the chic ensemble with a wide brimmed hat and accessorised with gold hoop earrings In her role as vice president of the five-day event, Sophie mingled with the King as well as other VIPs including Crown Prince Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. While Sophie and Edwards's daughter Louise is a keen horsewoman, who often competes in equestrian events, she did not accompany her mother. The King appeared to be in good spirits as he also attended the annual event yesterday. Charles, wearing a tweed blazer, a striped tie and brown Serengeti sunglasses, was pictured on Saturday smiling and waving at the equestrian event, which was a favourite of his mother Queen Elizabeth II. The King was seen in conversation with his brother the Duke of Edinburgh who is due to attend the Popes inauguration today. Carrying a long walking cane, Charles was also seen in conversation with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Charles was kept entertained by the Royal Windsor Horse Show, often pointing towards the showgrounds and chuckling with joy. Equally as enthralled by the prestigious event was his sister-in-law Sophie who threw her hands up in despair as she watched the action unfold, before bursting out into laughter after glancing over at the King. Sophie wore her blonde locks back in a sophisticated updo, while glamorous makeup enhanced her complexion The royal wrapped a blanket around her legs as she took part in the British Driving Society Drive Sophie beamed as she enjoyed the carriage ride at the Royal Windsor Horse Show at Windsor Castle The King attended the horse show last year shortly after it was announced that he would be returning to public-facing engagements, indicating the positive effect of his cancer treatment. Queen Elizabeth II was a passionate fan of the event and would frequently be seen walking among the stalls dressed informally and wearing a headscarf. The late monarch also entered many homebred horses and ponies in classes at the show. Indeed Elizabeth made her last visit to the prestigious equestrian event in 2022 - just months before her death. A meerkat is standing on my head. Wangu 'Prince' Moatswi, our friendly young guide, says it's nothing to be alarmed by; meerkats like to scamper to the top of the tallest thing around them to look out for predators. With the surrounding Makgadikgadi salt pan in north-eastern Botswana among the flattest places I've been, even an extra 175cm atop a human offers a commanding view. Maghogho, as the meerkat is known, is particularly used to humans. Starring in a 2020 BBC documentary with Sir David Attenborough, she regularly greets visitors from nearby Jack's Camp - and doesn't hop off until I lie on the ground. The meerkat encounter would be a highlight of any African safari. But Jack's Camp can be described as the vintage, luxury safari camp Indiana Jones would design - and every activity has a glamourous, cinematic sheen. The adventure begins even before the white 14-seater, whirring propeller-powered plane lands on a dusty airstrip deep in the Kalahari, one of the world's largest deserts. The 45-minute flight from the city of Maun is how most people get to Jack's Camp. As we fly, the trees below gradually thin, the deep green crisscrossed by blue ribbons of water giving way to a seemingly endless sheet of brown hues, like a humongous Anzac biscuit. Occasionally we see lumbering elephant herds, though from our airborne vantage point they seem little more than grey ants. Stepping off the plane on a cloudless, hot day, the first thing I notice is the smell hanging in the air. The aroma is rich, earthy. A gentle breeze occasionally picks up - it's very refreshing amid the dry desert heat. It's a short, 20-minute drive to the camp from the airstrip in a comfortable Land Rover. The Land Rovers - outfitted with cushioned seats, canopies to keep the sun off, binoculars, and abundant drinks and snacks like dried mangoes, apple slices and biltong (dried, cured meat, popular in southern Africa) - are also used for daily excursions to see wild animals. The olive-green tents and leafy palm trees of Jack's rise up like a shimmering mirage. The solar-powered, exclusive camp is next to a natural watering hole The pool tent is on offer to all guests. Each tent also has a private plunge pool Maghogho, as this meerkat is known, is particularly used to humans. Starring in a 2020 BBC documentary with Sir David Attenborough, she regularly greets visitors from nearby Jack's Camp - and doesn't hop off until I lie on the ground The olive-green tents and leafy palm trees of Jack's rise up like a shimmering mirage. The solar-powered, exclusive camp is next to a natural watering hole, around which wildebeest, zebras, ostriches, and elephants drink and frolic at all hours. Despite so many large animals, they never seem too noisy. It is also difficult discerning what might be a mirage indoors. Every tent is filled with artefacts in antique, dark wooden cabinets, like being in a museum. In fact, Jack's is also a registered private museum. Many of the artefacts - grinning crocodile, hyena and lion skulls, ostrich eggs, tools used by local San people, old photographs and paintings, and other objects - were personally collected by the camp's namesake, crocodile catcher and legendary adventurer Jack Bousfield. Some of the artefacts are labelled as dating to the 1600s. Many of the hardcover books that guests can read have 1800s publication dates. Some of Jack's artefacts can be purchased, too. A shop - with a real elephant skull inside - sells handmade wooden statues, masks, even ostrich eggshell bracelets. It's also the only place in camp with regular Wi-Fi. Beyond the exotic artefacts, the eyes go everywhere. The tents themselves were handmade in Morocco before being shipped down across Africa to Botswana. 'Colour is important in a desert,' explains owner Ralph Bousfield, Jack's son, of the green exterior and orange interior patterns of the tents. Jack's was renovated in 2020, but retains its Old World, Victorian feel. Plush Persian and North African rugs sit atop hardwood floors. There's seemingly enough red velvet furniture to film an entire season of a period drama without reusing locations. 'Handcrafted is very rooted in our culture,' explains camp manager Ben Mogalakwe. 'We won't replace things with plastic, mass-produced items. There's a quality to meet, and sustainability is key.' Pictured: The private plunge pool in our tent Breakfast time: Meals are served with silver cutlery and crystal glasses - and taken around a 36-seat mahogany table Activities include helicopter tours soaring over the desert, horseback rides, massages, and of course game drives to see what animals we can spot The nine guest tents are stuffed with books and artefacts, too, and are huge, each encompassing at least 270 square metres. The entryway of the tent my partner and I stay in leads to a furniture-filled, boudoir-esque parlour. It connects to a bedroom with two four-poster king beds. The orange linens matching the tent walls, the beds are framed by wispy, billowy sheer drapes - the kind of picture that comes to mind when imagining safari romance and cosy nights amid wild nature. The tent's bedroom also connects to the bathroom. With a vintage shower with brass fittings, vanities with carved wood backsplashes, in-house brand Uncharted Africa Safari Co. toiletries, and red velvet chaise longue in the centre of the large room, it too conjures images of rugged days of outdoor adventure and sensual evenings ripped straight from the pages of a romance novel. The hardwood floors even feel buttery-soft under bare feet. 'Safaris now aren't just about animals,' says Ben. 'It's also about the culture. You guide people, you host people, and hope they never forget you.' This is evident in the activities on offer. One morning we walk with a group of San people. As we talk, we come across a yellow scorpion, almost as big as my palm. 'Would you like to hold it?' an elderly man asks. He says it's perfectly safe. It's surprising how still the scorpion is in my hand. However, I am grateful not to be stung. Pictured: The various artefacts in the cabinet in the dining area Jack's was renovated in 2020, but retains its Old World, Victorian feel. Plush Persian and North African rugs sit atop hardwood floors. There's seemingly enough red velvet furniture to film an entire season of a period drama without reusing locations Pictured: The homemade camp high tea served to us at 4pm each afternoon One evening we enjoy snacks and cocktails and watch the golden sun sink below the horizon at a romantic table set up in the middle of the desert. After, a campfire crackles and keeps us warm as temperatures drop. So many twinkling stars come out it's possible to see without a torch. Another evening, we wrap red linen kikoys around our heads and race thundering quad bikes across the vast, flat, alien terrain of the Makgadikgadi Pans - a salt pan that today is all that remains of an ancient lake that was bigger than Switzerland. At one point we stop to take photos that play with perspective, alternately looking like giants holding each other in our hands. The photos are possible thanks to the area's extreme flatness. Other activities include helicopter tours soaring over the desert, horseback rides, massages, and of course game drives to see what animals we can spot. 'This area's basically straight out of The Lion King,' says Prince the morning we meet Maghogho and the rest of her family of fuzzy meerkats. It's surprising how full of life the desert is. Like at the watering hole, we spot great herds of horned wildebeest, striped zebras, deer-like springboks, gaggles of feathered ostriches, and more. Big, black vultures soar silently high overhead in the brilliant blue sky - though we also see dozens of them feasting on a dead wildebeest. We see predators like little, furry foxes. One morning we find lion tracks - but don't discover where the lions went to. Pictured: Our salade nicoise with black olives and juicy tomatoes for lunch Pictured: Sundowner drinks in the desert near camp We also encounter elephants. Prince says the trees - there are a few of them here, in twisted shapes and covered in thorns that make them seem otherworldly - are sometimes reused for tent poles at Jack's when the colossal creatures knock down Back at camp, afternoon siestas are often spent in our tent's private plunge pool (each tent has one), or swimming in the actual pool tent. This is followed by daily 4pm high tea in the Persian tea tent, removing our shoes and reclining on soft, spongy cushions to enjoy tea, coffee, and biscuits and cucumber sandwiches while drinking in the panoramic view of the earth-toned landscape and watering hole. Adventures of a different sort are also had at mealtimes. Meals are served with silver cutlery and crystal glasses - and taken around a 36-seat mahogany table. Menus include scones with sugary jam at breakfast, salade nicoise with black olives and juicy tomatoes for a lunch and tender chicken ballotine for white tablecloth dinnertime mains. Desserts include the likes of creamy tiramisu and homemade chocolate ice cream with chocolate sauce and chocolate chips. Additionally, there's a never-ending supply of syrupy-sweet, fresh fruit juice and lemonade. 'The food's part of what makes the difference - we want it to be an experience,' Ben says. One morning we walk with a group of San people. As we talk, we come across a yellow scorpion, almost as big as my palm. 'Would you like to hold it?' an elderly man asks. He says it's perfectly safe The tent's bedroom also connects to the bathroom and with a red velvet chaise longue in the centre of the large room, it too conjures images of rugged days of outdoor adventure and sensual evenings ripped straight from the pages of a romance novel It also features a vintage shower with brass fittings, vanities with carved wood backsplashes and in-house brand Uncharted Africa Safari Co. toiletries One evening we wrapped red linen kikoys around our heads and raced thundering quad bikes across the vast, flat, alien terrain of the Makgadikgadi Pans - a salt pan that today is all that remains of an ancient lake that was bigger than Switzerland Our fellow guests join us at meals: one family arrived by private jet from the UK. Another man's the CEO of a major American e-commerce website. Other Jack's Camp guests have included A-list celebrities and European and Middle Eastern royals. Ben regales us with tales of desert adventure and animal encounters during a dinner of lamb shanks with mashed potatoes and eggplant parmigiana. The flickering candlelight casts dancing shadows on the mess tent's walls, complemented by the sounds of palm trees rustling in the wind, tents billowing gently, and the occasional elephant toots. Suddenly, a large porcupine slowly waddles into the tent and up to our table, compelled either by the smell of food or Ben's storytelling, as if by an invisible, occult hand. There are gasps. But Ben says the prickly newcomer is a regular guest who simply isn't very good at confirming dinner reservations. 'We're on safari,' he reminds us. Encountering the unexpected comes with the territory. Jack's Camp starts from US $1,995 (AUD $3,119) per night. Jack's Private Camp starts at US $7,085 (AUD $11,028) per night. Having revealed seven days ago half of my top 20 investment funds, it is time to divulge the remaining ten. Investment winners in the past and, hopefully, funds that will thrive in the years ahead, enhancing your wealth in the process. This time around, I have selected my favourite overseas investments last weeks picks were funds and stock market-listed trusts which invest in UK and European markets. The choices are all drawn from the investment manager interviews I have conducted over the past 25 years for our popular Fund Focus section. They are funds underpinned by having good fund managers at the helm which have delivered on their promises to investors. They are a mix of growth and income-orientated funds, so there should be something there for you which tickles your investment fancy. You may ask why there are no North American funds among them but my preference is for global funds that have a chunk of their assets in US (and Canadian) stocks. These are more suggestions than recommendations but for the record, most feature in my collection of pensions, Isas and investment portfolios. Jeff Prestridge reveals his investment winners in the past and, hopefully, funds that will thrive in the years ahead, enhancing your wealth in the process If you hold funds that have served you splendidly but have not made it into my top 20 do let me know at jeff.prestridge@mailonsunday.co.uk. And if you can, keep building your long-term wealth. With the current motley crowd governing us, we have no idea whats around the corner. 1 ALLIANCE WITAN Alliance Witan is one of the countrys largest investment trusts with a portfolio valued at 4.8billion. Its a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index and only trusts 3i, Scottish Mortgage (run by Baillie Gifford) and F&C (managed by Columbia Threadneedle) are larger. Although its size is a comfort blanket for investors, its the way the trust is managed that stands it apart from rivals. Its portfolio is parcelled out to external investment houses to manage, most running 20-stock mini-portfolios and each bringing something different to the Alliance Witan party in terms of investment style or specialism. The managers are chosen (and fired) by financial consultants Willis Towers Watson and are drawn from all four corners of the globe. The resulting combined portfolio comprises more than 230 stocks with nearly 60 per cent of the holdings listed in the US. While five of techs Magnificent Seven stocks are among the trusts top 20 holdings Tesla and Apple are absentees Willis keeps a lid on the exposure by capping individual stock positions at 5 per cent. When I looked at Alliance in late October 2018 (it became Alliance Witan in October last year after it consumed rival trust Witan), Willis was just bedding in as the trusts overseer and the verdict was out as to whether its appointment would be to the benefit of shareholders. But Williss appointment has been a resounding success. Since my review the fund has generated a return of 95 per cent. The average global trust has a near 60 per cent return. Willis has ensured the trusts record for delivering annual dividend has remained intact. It now stands at 58 years. Annual charges are a tad below 0.6 per cent. An ideal core investment holding. 2 ARTEMIS GLOBAL INCOME The manager of this 1.6billion fund, Jacob de Tusch-Lec, is one of the investment industrys unsung stars. He has run it since it was launched in July 2010 and has delivered investors an intoxicating mix of capital and income return. Back in March 2013 when I first interviewed him for Fund Focus, he told me his aim was to build a diversified portfolio where we can maintain and increase the dividends payable to our investors. He has been true to his word, in the process delivering average annual income growth of 8 per cent and capital returns on top. Total returns since then have topped 240 per cent against an average return for the global equity income peer group of near 170 per cent. Our money gurus list is more suggestions than recommendations but most feature in Jeff Prestridges collection of pensions, Isas and investment portfolios Tusch-Lec has never changed his spots, building the funds portfolio around quality companies that are attractively priced and pay dividends. But he always ensures the funds asset allocation acknowledges the state of the world economy. The result is a fund that has nearly a third of its assets in European-listed companies he thinks US equities are too expensive. Annual fund charges are just under 0.9 per cent. A super fund and a top investment manager. 3 BANKERS This 1.2billion global trust lives up to its name. Its a banker in terms of providing ballast to any portfolio. Managed by Janus Henderson Investors, it will not set the investment world on fire but it wont let you down. For income seekers its a dream, with 58 years of consecutive increases in annual dividend. Dividends are paid quarterly. Since I analysed the trust in February 2019, it has performed respectably, delivering returns of 55 per cent (better than its global peer group). The fund has more than 100 holdings with a bias to the United States (more than 60 per cent of its assets are invested there). It has top 10 holdings in US tech companies Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta and Microsoft. The fund has been managed by Alex Crooke for nearly 22 years. His management is unusual with Crooke responsible for setting the trusts asset allocation and the various Janus Henderson investment desks responsible for running slices of the funds portfolio. Crooke told me in 2019: The managers pick the stocks and I ensure jigsaw pieces come together and make a good fit. Ongoing annual charges are competitive at 0.51 per cent. 4 BLUE WHALE GROWTH Investment fund Blue Whale Growth has been a success story since launching in 2017. Backed by billionaire Peter Hargreaves, co-founder of investing platform Hargreaves Lansdown, the fund has grown in size to 1billion under the stewardship of Stephen Yiu. Over the past five years, it has generated investor returns of 72 per cent ahead of the average for its global peer group (63 per cent). When I looked at the fund in July 2021, it had enjoyed two calendar years of strong returns 27 per cent in 2019 and 26 per cent in 2020. Yet progress since has been slower as the result of the market wobbles of 2022 and more recently Trumps arrival at the White House and his stance on tariffs. Total returns since July 2021 have been just short of 30 per cent higher than the average for its peers. Yius portfolio comprises big companies that he believes have the ability to grow and increase profits over the long term. Top ten holdings include renowned growth stocks such as Nvidia as well as lesser-known ones such as German pharma giant Sartorius and US tobacco company Philip Morris. Yiu is one of the countrys most transparent fund managers who keeps investors abreast of portfolio changes. As the fund grows, he has also promised to chip away at its annual charge (now 1.08 per cent). A lovely investor-friendly touch. The icing on the cake is Hargreaves support. Peter has a big slug of money in the fund a feather in Yius cap and only backs winners. FundCalibre, an independent online investment research agency, gives the fund an elite rating, applauding Yius willingness to be pragmatic as an investment manager. Nvidias Jensen Huang at an AI summit in California 5 FUNDSMITH EQUITY I last took a Fund Focus look at Fundsmith Equity nearly 11 years ago the day before Neil Woodfords launch of his doomed Equity Income Fund. At the time, the fund had assets of 2 billion and had delivered returns since launch in November 2010 of 67 per cent. Today, the fund has grown to 20 billion and, since writing about it in June 2014, it has generated returns in excess of 310 per cent compared to the average for its global peer group of just over 150 per cent. Terry Smith, manager of the fund and chief executive of investment house Fundsmith, has delivered in spades. Although the funds relative performance has tailed off in recent years, underperforming the average for its peer group over both three and five years, Smith has built an astonishingly successful fund. In only one calendar year 2022 has the fund failed to generate a positive return for investors. Smith is a long-term investor who invests in high-quality businesses that are valued attractively. He prefers companies that generate lots of cash and whose business model is difficult for rivals to replicate. The fund currently has stakes in 28 companies with Meta, Microsoft and Visa among its top 10 holdings. Total annual charges are a tad over 1 per cent. Judging by his recent appearance on Radio 4s Today programme to talk about the retirement of investment legend Warren Buffett, Smith is determined to keep doing what he does best making money for patient investors. A Warren Buffett in the making? FundCalibre says Smiths clear, straightforward process of finding easy-to-understand businesses without overpaying for them has proved a hugely successful and resilient approach. 6 GUINNESS GLOBAL INNOVATORS I love the approach Guinness Global Investors takes with many of its funds. It sticks to its knitting, running portfolios in three broad churches: global equities, energy and Asia. It is also highly disciplined in how it runs these portfolios, ensuring none are overdependent on one stock. Regular profits are taken from the funds best performing holdings and recycled into stocks that are not doing as well. By doing this, a fund captures investment gains rather than blindly running with winners. It has worked well on Guinness Global Innovators, a 940million fund that invests in companies benefiting from innovation. I looked at the fund in December 2020 when it had made five-year gains for investors of 139 per cent. Although returns since have been modest, no investor can scoff at a 48 per cent return, against the 31 per cent return from the average global investment fund. The Guinness formula works. The fund is still run by Dr Ian Mortimer and Matthew Page managers who are not frightened to meet investors at specially organised events. I attended one and was rather impressed (more managers should do it). Total annual charges are 0.81 per cent. 7 JPMORGAN GLOBAL GROWTH & INCOME This 2.8billion investment trust has performed quite brilliantly since I took a look at it in October 2019. It has delivered a return of 111 per cent way above its global equity income peer group (just below 60 per cent). It ticks many boxes, including low annual charges (0.48 per cent) which will reduce as the fund grows. Dividends are paid quarterly. It also lays down a quarterly payment at the start of its financial year, which it tries to stick to for the remaining three quarters. So, for the year ending June 30, shareholders knew for near certainty their annual income would be 22.8pence a share (four payments of 5.7pence). Strings are primarily pulled by Helge Skibeli in London with James Cook (London) and Timothy Woodhouse (New York) adding support. The trust is 67 per cent invested in the US with the four biggest positions being Microsoft, Amazon, Meta and Nvidia. Yet its the quality of the company rather than where it is listed which the managers are most interested in. A super investment. 8 STS GLOBAL INCOME & GROWTH This global investment trust has had a big makeover in recent years, appointing new managers in Troy Asset Management and changing its name (it was called Securities Trust of Scotland). It was a transformation in its early stages when I interviewed in February 2021 Troys James Harries, manager of the trust. Back then, Harries said the focus would be on delivering a mix of income growth and security of capital in recognition of the elderly shareholder base. He has not disappointed. Total returns since I spoke to Harries have been 40 per cent compared to an average return from the global peer group of 38 per cent. The 289million trust is conservatively managed, a feature of all funds run by Troy. The result is a global fund that is short on US tech firms with the only exposure to the Magnificent Seven US stocks being in Microsoft. Dividends are paid quarterly, delivering an annual income of about 2.7 per cent. The fund is a portfolio backstop. Solid rather than sexy. The best stockpickers for Asian markets 9 JUPITER ASIAN INCOME This 2 billion fund draws heavily on the experience of manager Jason Pidcock, who has been at the helm since its start in March 2016. He knows Asian stock markets like the back of his hand and it shows in the results for Jupiter Asian Income: gains of 150 per cent plus since launch, 76 per cent over the past five years and 70 per cent since my review of the fund in March 2019. The managers trump card lies in his investment approach. He prefers large, capitalised stocks (the likes of tech giants TSMC and MediaTek in Taiwan) which pay dividends while concentrating the portfolio in Asias more established economies. He then backs his choices the portfolio comprises just 27 stocks. Jupiter Asian Income draws heavily on the experience of manager Jason Pidcock, who prefers large, capitalised stocks which pay dividends while concentrating the portfolio in Asias more established economies Income is equivalent to around 4 per cent a year (payments are quarterly) and total annual charges are around 1 per cent. The fund gets the thumbs-up from both Hargreaves Lansdown and FundCalibre. Hargreaves includes it on its wealth list of top funds, based on Pidcocks good stock picking, the funds income bent (unusual for an Asian fund) and the managers long and successful record investing in Asia. FundCalibre labels Jupiter Asian Income an elite fund, describing it as a relatively defensive Asia Pacific option. I met Pidcock a while ago and was impressed with the grasp he has of his brief. Nothing suggests this remains anything but firm. One of the best Asian-focused fund managers in the business. He is assisted by Sam Konrad. 10 SCHRODER JAPAN TRUST When I had a look under the bonnet of this investment trust in July 2021, it was in recovery mode having a 26 per cent return in the previous 12 months. Under London-based manager Masaki Taketsume, the 290million trust has continued to deliver positive returns for shareholders, albeit at a slower rate. Since July 2021, returns are just short of 40 per cent, stealing a march on many rivals. The trust underwent a name change in 2023, dropping its growth label. It now delivers an attractive dividend, paid quarterly, which is equivalent to an income of around 4.3 per cent. This stream of income, a reflection of Japanese companies becoming more shareholder- friendly, is a feature Taketsume referred to in 2021 and thought would play to the trusts advantage. He has been proved right. The annual ongoing charge is a tad over 1.1 per cent. Young people are missing out on more than 1.3billion that is sitting in lost or forgotten accounts set up in their names, new figures reveal. Almost 690,000 young people haven't claimed their child trust fund (CTF) accounts, according to analysis by charity The Share Foundation. Londoners are the biggest losers, with almost 100,000 accounts containing some 196million unclaimed. CTFs were set up by the government for children born between September 1, 2002, and January 2, 2011. They were tax-free accounts containing 250 or 500 for lower income families and were designed to give everyone a lump sum to begin their adult life when they turned 18 and to encourage young people to develop a savings habit that would endure throughout their life. A child's parents could decide to put the money into a cash account where it it would gain interest, or an investment account. They were able to make additional contributions up to an annual limit (the current allowance is 9,000 a year). If parents did not open a CTF for their child, it was done by HM Revenue & Customs on the child's behalf. Children are permitted to take over management of the accounts when they turn 16 and can access the funds from age 18. Youngsters are missing out on more than 1.3billion that is sitting in lost or forgotten accounts set up in their names It is now almost five years since the first cohort of children became eligible to access their accounts, but many don't know they exist. A damning 2023 report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) says there are many unclaimed accounts because of a 'failure in long-term planning' by HM Revenue and Customs. It also claimed some CTF providers such as banks are not doing enough to proactively reunite owners with their forgotten accounts, while charging fees for passively managing the accounts. Many of the unclaimed accounts belong to low-income families. Almost one in three of the dormant funds are waiting for low-income young adults, the new data reveals. In England the unclaimed amount is a staggering 1.125billion while in Scotland it's 109million. In Wales some 64million is 'lost' while in Northern Ireland it is 48million. Funds are now worth around 2,000 on average as savings interest, investment growth and contributions from parents have boosted the size of pots. University of Leeds student Tayo Olutunde found more than 2,000 waiting for him when he finally accessed his lost child trust fund account. The 21-year-old grew up in the UK before moving to Nigeria for eight years and then returned to the UK again in 2019, at the age of 16. He remembered that when he was a child his mum, who now lives in Nigeria, mentioned a 'trust fund'. But it wasn't until 2023 when Tayo started to see videos on social media about CTFs that he decided to investigate. He eventually tracked his CTF down to NatWest through a combination of websites, including The Share Foundation. He says: 'It was more than 2,000 I was really impressed. I'm glad I found out about what I was owed after I got my first car!' The accounting and finance student who is on a placement year working as an analyst in a government department has invested most of the money, except 200 which he used for a trip to Milan to celebrate his 21st birthday with friends. 'So many people are unaware they have one,' he says. 'We need to push this more. I was lucky I figured it out for myself.' Just 55 per cent of 18-24-year holds hold a savings product; as many as 85 per cent of those aged 75 and over have one, however More than one million CTFs for young adults aged at least 21 have matured, the analysis reveals. To find your CTF if you don't know the provider, first ask your parents if they have any details. If they don't, you can use a service from HMRC. See www.gov.uk/child-trust-funds/find-a-child-trust-fund. You must be at least 16 years old and looking after your own CTF to use the service. You'll need your National Insurance number on hand, too. You can also use a similar tool from The Share Foundation. Go to: www.sharefound.org/ctf. Once you have tracked yours down, you can choose what to do with it. You can withdraw it or transfer it to an adult Isa where it will retain its tax-free wrapper. Anything you transfer will not count towards your annual Isa allowance, which is 20,000 for over 18s. If you have a CTF but are under the age of 18, you could choose to transfer it to a Junior Isa where the charges are likely to be lower. Third-party agents advertise services that offer to track down CTFs on your behalf. However, they charge either a flat fee or a percentage of the value of the account. Using such a service still requires you to hand over the same information and take the same length of time. Adults starting out in life are the least likely to have any savings at all, new figures from city watchdog the Financial Conduct Authority revealed last week. Just 55 per cent of 18-24 year holds hold a savings product compared with 61 per cent for 25-34-year olds. Those aged 75 and over are most likely to hold a savings product as many as 85 per cent. Those aged 18-24 are even less likely to have a cash Isa just ten per cent hold one, compared with the overall average of 32 per cent. Those aged 65-74 are most likely to hold one a total of 48 per cent. L.evans@dailymail.co.uk The man who has become the spokesman for Texas teen murder suspect, Karmelo Anthony, is defending his previous run-ins with the law. In an unhinged, nearly 13-minute video rant, Anthony's representative Dominique Alexander, 36, complained he's become the target of online attacks, dredging up his rap sheet, which includes a felony conviction. Anthony, 17, has been charged with first degree murder in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet April 2. Anthony, who initially fled the track meet after the stabbing, later told arresting officers 'I did it,' when he was taken into custody. He is now claiming self defense. Anthony had not been indicted yet. But it's the criminal history of his advisor, Alexander, who has taken center stage as the case becomes a national flashpoint about race and privilege. 'These cases are old as hell; they old as hell,' Alexander told DailyMail.com in a phone interview Tuesday. 'Did you just post an article from 2015, and you're literally holding this up like you got the golden ticket? It's laughable to anybody in North Texas.' The activist's many arrests are well-known in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Long before he attached himself to the high-profile Metcalf/Anthony murder case, Alexander inserted himself to other high-profile cases about race or police shootings in the metroplex - hosting the Black Lives Matter march where seven Dallas Police officers were ambushed and killed by a black man who was not taking part in the march in July 2017. In the nearly 13-minute video rant, Anthony's representative Dominique Alexander, 36, complained he's become the target of online attacks Accused killer Karmelo Anthony, 17, is seen at home after being released on bail with his spokesman Dominique Alexander Alexander has been a well-known in the black community in Dallas for over a decade, has been acting as the spokesman for the embattled Anthony. Anthony and Metcalf were attending a track meet on April 2 in Frisco, Texas. Metcalf, a student at Memorial High, confronted Anthony, a student at Centennial High school, who was sitting under the Memorial team tent in the stands and asked him to leave. After words were exchanged by the boys, Anthony pulled out a knife and stabbed Metcalf in the chest, according to the Frisco Police Department. Under Alexander's advice, the Anthony family has gone public about the threats they claim to be getting, hosting a press conference April 17 to talk about their hardships since their son killed another teen. Metcalf's father, Jeff, crashed the press conference and was escorted out by police after reporters recognized him. While claiming he wanted to set the records straight about why Metcalf's father was kicked out, Alexander spent most much of a Monday night video posted to X talking about himself and attacks on him. 'Your attacks towards me only do one thing: boost my ego,' the co-founder of Dallas's Next Generation Action Network railed in the Twitter clip. 'At the end of the day, I was the most-talked about individual over the course of 10 years so trying to use a moment to yet come out and say stuff about my background that I've never hidden,' the convicted felon declared. Austin Metcalf (pictured), 17, was stabbed to death at a track meet on April 2 after an alleged altercation with Karmelo Anthony Anthony reportedly told cops that he acted after Metcalf touched him in a confrontation and acted in 'self-defense' The killing happened at the the Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco at a high school track meet April 2 'You ain't gotta tell that story. At the end of the day, there's more mug shots than what you actually posted. Let me make that very clear.' Most recently, Alexander spent two days in jail after he pleaded guilty in December 2021 in a felony theft conviction out of Denton County, according to the Dallas Morning News. The case originated from a financial dispute with a company from 2016, where the firm claimed they were owed between $2,500 and $30,000. In April 2019, he was in arrested by Dallas Police after his then-girlfriend Keyaira D. Saunders told police he head-butted and shoved her, causing a broken toe. Those charges were later dismissed, as were charge of 'continuous violence against the family' the same year. 'They want to talk about the family violence... look at it said dismissed. If you find any picture, anything credible that I hit somebody, I would resign as NGAN president,' the activist added about the Next Generation Action Network. He says he co-founded the organization in 2014 while he was on probation. In 2011, Alexander was found guilty of felony injury to a child, according to the local outlet, for violently shaking a boy. Additionally, he convicted of stealing a car, forging a check, making a false report and evading arrest,' the Dallas paper reported. Dominque Alexander told DailyMail.com he co-founded the Next Generation Action Network, a civil rights and social justice organization in In a recent Facebook post, Karmelo Anthony fixer Dominique Alexander claimed he would not be shamed over his criminal history Alexander shared his multiple jail booking photos on Facebook In the interview with DailyMail.com Tuesday, Alexander doubled down, calling himself 'an open book' about being a convicted felon. 'If you're going to look at them, look at the entirety of the case. I didn't seal those records, I didn't seal for a reason. MaryAnn, if you ask me, 'Did I evade from a police officer, yes I did. I'm an open book. The public didn't find out about my background when I founded NGAN in 2014. I told it.' He recently took to Facebook to say he wasn't going to be shamed for his rap sheet, an sentiment he echoed while speaking with DM. 'I've been the most talked about individual in a long time,' he said, prompting us to download the app for local TV station WFAA. 'You'll literally see my image on there. I didn't grow out yesterday. Nobody found out about me yesterday. Ain't no body found out about that background yesterday. It's been well documented.' He also bragged about the many national cases he's being involved with, including the Botham Jean case, where a black man was shot in his own apartment after a white, female Dallas police officer claims she mistakenly shot him after thinking she a stranger was in her apartment. A jury didn't buy Officer Amber Guyger's story and convicted her of murder in the 2018 deadly shooting and sentenced to 10 years in prison. 'The Dallas Observer article when they made me Person of the Year in 2015, I literally talked about my background because that's my story. When I founded this organization, I was literally on probation. MaryAnn, don't look like I was trying to hide it.' Alexander also claims to be a minister but not could not provide the year or proof that he was ordained Dominque Alexander is advising the family of Karmelo Anthony is their high-stakes criminal trial Alexander claims to be receiving regular threats and hate-filled mail since becoming involved in the Karmelo Anthony case Alexander also claims to be a minister, with the title included before his name on his Twitter account. When asked about it, he first claimed he was a minister at Friendship West Baptist Church. The church told us he was a member there, not a minister. When pressed on the matter, Alexander said he was a member of True Love Missionary Baptist Church and but couldn't provide a year or any proof that he's an ordained minister. 'At the end of the day, when you are trying to challenge a stereotype in a system and when you are trying to tell a story of the struggle of black people and opposed people in America, you also got to tell your story transparently and authentically,' Alexander stated. The mother of a teen sextortion victim who died by suicide is amazed an international gang of 'evil' online scammers who allegedly targeted her son have finally been arrested in West Africa following a three-year manhunt. Speaking to DailyMail.com, Pauline Stuart, 56, also urged other parents to be vigilant so a similar tragedy does not befall their own children. Authorities have said the gang targeted thousands of people - including minors - in the U.S. Canada and Europe. Stuart's high school senior son, Ryan Last, 17, was 'excited for life' but took his own life in February 2022 after sending intimate photos of himself to someone online posing as a 20-year-old woman. The contact, however, was allegedly a man in Cote dIvoire, aka the Ivory Coast, who repeatedly demanded money from the teen to keep the explicit photos offline. The terrified straight-A student, who attended Ann Sobrato High School in Morgan Hill, 22 miles south of San Jose, California, feared the photos would be leaked on the internet. A few hours later, he took his own life at home while his parents were in another room. I'm amazed because it's been over three years and kind of you get to a point that you don't think anything's ever going to happen about it, Stuart said of authorities who made the arrests. Ryan Last, a straight-A student, attended Ann Sobrato High School in Morgan Hill, 22 miles south of San Jose, California Pauline Stuart, pictured left, with Ryan, 17, who was 'excited for life' but died by suicide after the horror scam I knew that they were still working on it. I was just surprised that it finally did happen. But I shouldn't be, because all the people involved were truly touched by Ryan's story. The youngster's death prompted a huge international investigation which led to the arrest of ringleader Alfred Kassi. He was arrested on April 29 - when it was discovered that he still had the menacing messages he allegedly sent to Last on his phone. Three other men were also arrested. The probe was led by the San Jose Police Department, the FBI with assistance from Meta. A May 9 statement by the Department of Justice read: Through a lengthy, coordinated investigation involving U.S. and Ivorian law enforcement, the evidence ultimately led law enforcement to identify Alfred Kassi, an Ivorian citizen living in Cote dIvoire, as the individual allegedly conducting the sextortion. On April 29, Kassi was arrested by Ivorian law enforcement. At the time of his arrest, Kassi allegedly still had the sextortion messages he sent to the 17-year-old victim in February 2022 on his phone. Three of Kassis alleged accomplices were also arrested. Oumarou Ouedraogo was picked up for money laundering and two others, Moussa Diaby and Oumar Cisse, were arrested for sextortion crimes. Ryan Last, 17, of San Jose, California, took his own life after a cybercriminal told him he would send naked pictures of the teen to his family and friends if he failed to pay $5,000 Last's parents, Pauline and Hagen, have become advocates speaking out against 'sextortion' scams targeting teen boys. Last (second from the right) is pictured with his parents and brother in an undated photo Another accomplice, Jonathan Kassi - unrelated to Alfred Kassi - was convicted in a California court in 2023 and sentenced to 18 months in jail for his part in the scheme. According to the DoJ, The government of Cote dIvoire does not extradite its own citizens, so these defendants will be prosecuted in their own country under Ivorian cybercrime statutes. Stuart said the arrests do not soothe away any of her immense pain. Theres no closure, she said. Yesterday was Mother's Day. There's always going to be a huge hole in there.' She often gives talks about about her experience in order to warn other parents. Telling Ryans story helps me survive, she said. 'I hope people learn about it because even to this day, there are some who have never heard of of these scams. People say It could never happen to my family. My kid wouldn't do it." Well, we're the example that it could happen. We had parental controls on his phone. We were close to our kids, we spoke with them but it still affected our family. 'So people need to realize that this could happen to any kid, and my kid had a lot going for him.' He was a straight-A student. He was looking forward to going to college and experiencing new things. He was excited for life, and it still was able to happen to him. People should realize this could happen to any child out there, and we need to start talking to them before things could happen. Ryan was looking forward to attending college before tragedy struck Pauline urges other parents to be vigilant so a similar tragedy does not befall their own children So maybe if it does, they'll remember that it's okay - I can go talk to my mom, my dad, my friend, somebody about this. The heartless scammers who targeted her son are evil, according to Stuart. They can do this all anonymously and they don't feel like they're hurting anybody because they haven't met that person or that family that has been devastated by it, she said. Stuart said the parental controls on her sons cell phone had blocked him from being able to wire cash abroad. Initially, he was told to send $5,000 but the scammers settled for $150 which was sent electronically to money mule Jonathan Kassi, located in the U.S., using Zelle, and then he in turn forwarded it to his namesake in Africa. Last would have turned 21 on April 14 had he still been alive. Stuart and husband Hagen Last, 54, moved from San Jose to Oregon in order to be close to family and their college freshman son, Aidan, 19. The brothers were very close,' she said. They attended Scouts together studied martial arts. We chose to go and be surrounded by family, said Stuart of leaving California. Stuart is still coming to terms with the grief. Its hard because there are always constant reminders of what Im missing and milestones,' she explained. He was a straight-A student. He was looking forward to going to college and experiencing new things,' Ryan's mother tells Daily Mail She lamented that her son is 'not going to be able to have a family. 'Its really, really hard, she added. It was bittersweet moving because we moved away from a house that we have so many memories of. But you also you move away from those memories because they can be hard and overwhelming for you because everything you look at reminds you of him. She reveals that Elton Johns classic Goodbye Yellow Brick Road was a favorite of Ryans after he used it as a soundtrack for a school video project. Anytime I hear that song come on, it's hard, she said. It will always tie him to me. Ryan's death is part of a growing 'sextortion' trend where scammers target young boys as the FBI reported more than 18,000 cases in 2021, with families losing more than $13 million. 'Ten years ago you made a choice to rip our family apart.' These were the words Bruce Morcombe, the grieving father of Daniel Morcombe, who was kidnapped from a Sunshine Coast bus stop by pedophile Brett Peter Cowan in 2003, spoke to his killer in court. 'Your decision to pull over and abduct Daniel for your own evil pleasure ultimately caused a level of personal pain to each of us that has made it hard to go on,' he continued in his victim impact statement, given at the 2014 sentencing. 'Over the years, we made a face for the media with determined self-control on the outside. On many occasions, particularly in the first few months, I was physically ill each morning at the unbearable images of what may have happened to my son Daniel.' 'But you picked on the wrong family,' he continued. 'Our collective determination to find Daniel and expose a child killer was always going to win.' A mission bigger than the hurt That determination to make meaning out of horrific tragedy has defined the past two decades for the Morcombe family, whose tireless advocacy through the Morcombe Foundation has been honoured in a new documentary marking 20 years since its establishment. Don't Waste It: The Daniel Morcombe Story is told primarily through the eyes of Bradley Morcombe, Daniel's twin brother, who talks of his 'best mate' who loved horses and riding motorbikes with him. Daniel (pictured) was abducted from a Sunshine Coast bus stop on his way to the shops Bradley Morcombe recalled the day his brother, Daniel, was abducted and murdered in 2003 (pictured left to right, Daniel, Bradley and eldest brother Dean) 'We wanted to put a statement piece out about the dynamics of the Morcombe family, who Daniel was, who his brothers are, and what's happened to us today,' Bruce Morcombe tells Daily Mail Australia. 'So we created this short documentary. Of course it has sad undertones, as we appreciate that's the nature of that beast, but in spite of the subject matter it's not an overly heavy piece to watch, because there are many uplifting moments where the community have stood tall and we got the answers at the end of the day.' The title for the documentary came about, explains Bruce, through a heartfelt conversation with an adult survivor of sexual abuse, in which he explained their family's philosophy about making meaning from senseless horror. 'Don't Waste It' is actually a shorter version of "don't waste your pain",' he explains. 'It's a reminder that your story is highly important. It's important that you tell your story, receive the help that you need, and you will be believed and you will be cared for, but most importantly, you will show others that that person didn't win. You're the survivor, and you're going to carry on the rest of your life being the best person you possibly can. So don't waste it.' The Daniel Morcombe story When it comes to pain, the Morcombes have suffered more than their fair share. Described by his mum Denise as a gentle boy who loved animals and wanted to be a vet, 13-year-old Daniel had been headed out to buy Christmas presents for his family on December 7, 2003 when he was last seen wearing a red shirt at a local bus stop around 2pm. Even though Daniel was not due to return to the bus stop until 5:30pm, Denise realised something was wrong more than an hour before he failed to show. 'At 4:00pm Sunday, December 7, 2003, while getting Daniel's clothes off the line, I knew something was wrong,' she told the Brisbane Supreme Court in her victim impact statement. Denise and Bruce Morcombe (pictured) have revealed how their six-year-old grandson was recently targeted by a paedophile online in a horror incident that re-opened old wounds 'Daniel wasn't due to return to the bus stop until 5:30pm but for some unknown reason I was anxious. Hence, I went to see if he was there at 4:30pm. I don't know what it was, but I knew that when Bruce returned home soon after 5:30pm from the bus stop without him, I knew that I would not see him again.' Sadly, Denise's mother's intuition was correct. In spite of a large-scale investigation being launched, Daniel's remains - and the answers to what happened to the Morcombe's beautiful boy - would not be found for another eight years, after an extensive police sting operation revealed the monster responsible. In 2011, Cowan led police to a remote patch of bushland north of Brisbane, confessing to the crime with six heartless words: 'I chucked the body over there.' Daniel's remains were located shortly afterwards, with a coronial inquest finding Cowan lured Daniel to his vehicle on the pretext that he would drive him to the shopping centre and instead, drove Daniel to an isolated property near Beerwah where he sexually assaulted and killed him, and then disposed of his body. So many 'what-ifs' When police finally arrested Brett Peter Cowan for Daniel's murder, it was the result of a months-long police ruse in which undercover officers had played the roles of gang members recruiting Cowan. His confession came about because, by gaining his trust for months as the result of a 'chance' meeting on a plane, one officer in particular had managed to convince the pedophile that he would be protected from prosecution as long as he showed senior gang members where he'd buried Daniel's body. The investigation, inspiring the 2022 Netflix film The Stranger starring Joel Edgerton as a lead detective, was one of the largest sting operations conducted in Australian policing history. It is rightly lauded as an impressive example of police work, but the case has not been without its critics. In 2014, when Cowan was eventually sentenced for Daniel's murder, the first police officer to interview him in connection to the case told ABC's 7:30 program that he and [senior constable] Dennis Martyn had been 'jumping up and down at the time,' when they'd first questioned him just two weeks after Daniel went missing. 'I thought he was a red-hot suspect,' former Queensland Police constable Kenneth King said at the time. Daniel's killer Brett Peter Cowan is serving a life sentence for the 13-year-old's murder King said reports of a blue car seen in the area at the time of Daniel's abduction may have been a red herring that allowed Cowan to initially slip through investigators' fingers, because he drove a white four wheel drive. 'There seemed to be an almost blinkered approach as far as locating the blue vehicle to the exclusion of other information,' he said. This week, another detective involved in the case has spoken out about a previous crime for which he had arrested Cowan, telling ex-homicide detective Gary Jubelin's I Catch Killers podcast that Cowan received a harsher sentence for the 1993 rape of a child in the Northern Territory, Daniel might still be alive. Retired homicide detective Daren Edwards, who was involved both in the 1993 case and then, coincidentally, in Cowan's 2011 arrest for Daniel's murder, reflected on the fact that Cowan got off too lightly for his horrific attack on the six-year-old boy in Darwin. Cowan served four years for the crime, but police at the time had been pushing for him to be charged with attempted murder, due to the severity of the child's injuries. 'And you know, a lot of the guys said that things might have been different if he had been serving eight or nine years for attempted murder in Darwin,' he told the podcast. '[Daniel's murder] might not have happened. It's a stretch of the bow, I know, but a lot of police still have that attitude, and maybe the Morcombes do too.' Thursday marks 20 years since Daniel Morcombe, 13, vanished without a trace after leaving his Sunshine Coast home to buy his family Christmas presents Cowan the victim of frequent prison attacks 55-year-old Cowan is serving a life sentence in Brisbane's Wolston Correctional Centre, where since his incarceration for the crime in 2014 he has been the victim of several attacks at the hands of other inmates. In 2023 he was attacked at the same time as former Gold Coast childcare worker Ashley Paul Griffith, who is serving a life sentence for over 300 offences against 69 girls. Griffith was treated for facial burns after having hot water thrown in his face, while the same attacker allegedly then assaulted Cowan, punching him in the head. In 2022 Cowan sustained burns to his legs, chest and head after having boiling water thrown over him, and in 2018 he was injured after being stabbed in the head and neck with an 'improvised implement' by a fellow inmate. The incredible resilience of the Morcombe family But while Cowan's crimes clearly have not been forgotten inside prison, in the outside world, Daniel's family prefer not to focus on him at all, looking instead to the legacy of their boy, and the work they have dedicated their lives to in his honour. 'The documentary is really a thank you,' says Bruce. 'In essence, it was to mark a milestone, which is 20 years since the Daniel Morcombe Foundation was started. We lost Daniel some 21 and a half years ago, but we like to focus on some of the good things that come about because of Daniel's legacy, and that is educating kids on how to keep safe. We established the foundation all those years ago to thank the community, which in the first 18 months or so had supported us so much.' 'We had no expectation that 20 years later we'd be in the space we're in now,' he continues, 'but that's a good thing, and we've learned over the years to say thank you. It's a small thing, but it means so much. We wanted to show people that even though yesterday was a bad day, you've got to put one foot in front of the other and say, How can I improve the place I'm in today?' The 'absurd' reality about asylum claims in Britain is today laid bare in extraordinary detail. Fuelled by the small boats crisis plaguing the Channel, a record 108,000 applications were lodged in 2024. Claims from dozens of countries, including Afghanistan and Iran, have doubled over the last 20 years. MailOnline can reveal that the UK has even recorded a 200-fold explosion from three nationalities. Just one citizen from Tajikistan, a former Soviet state, tried to claim asylum in Britain in 2004, according to Home Office statistics. This exploded to 380 in 2024, marking the biggest percentage increase of all the nations tracked. The full findings of the third chapter of our ongoing investigation into asylum seeker claims can be viewed below in our interactive map. Dating back to 2004, it lists how many applications have been registered from 200-plus countries. Our analysis comes after Keir Starmer this week warned that mass immigration risks making Britain an 'island of strangers'. Scrambling to blunt the threat of Reform, the Prime Minister vowed to give Brits what they had 'asked for time and time again'. He unveiled a package to 'take back control of our borders'. Your browser does not support iframes. The numbers of asylum seekers flocking to Britain from around the world has been rising. Pictured: New arrivals are happy to be in buses at Dover after Channel crossings on Monday Keir Starmer warned that mass immigration risks making Britain an 'island of strangers' in a hardline speech on Monday MailOnline last week exposed how one council in Britain is housing 600 times more asylum seekers now than a decade ago. Before that, we revealed citizens in the US, Australia and even Scandinavia are trying to claim asylum here despite already residing in wealthy Western countries that are free of major human rights abuses. The Centre for Migration Control said our latest analysis chronicling the increase in applications nations all over the world was proof people now view Britain as a 'soft touch just waiting to be exploited'. Robert Bates, of the think tank, added: 'It is absurd that we allow our generosity to be abused to such an extent. 'The system is in chaos, costing us billions. 'The only way to restore order is to freeze future asylum applications and ramp up the deportation of those who entered illegally.' Taking aim at Sir Keir, Mr Bates added: 'Labour doesn't have any answers to this crisis and will continue to allow our borders to be eroded by activist judges blocking deportations on spurious "human rights" grounds. 'Britain is diving headfirst into a future of division and tension as a result.' Alp Mehmet, of Migration Watch UK, said: 'We have long been seen as a soft touch, with good reason. Your browser does not support iframes. Pictured: An inflatable dinghy carrying migrants makes its way towards England What is an asylum seeker? Asylum is protection given by a country to someone fleeing from persecution in their own country. An asylum seeker is someone who has applied for asylum and is awaiting a decision on whether they will be granted refugee status. An asylum applicant who does not qualify for refugee status may still be granted leave to remain in the UK for humanitarian or other reasons. An asylum seeker whose application is refused at initial decision may appeal the decision through an appeal process and, if successful, may be granted leave to remain. Advertisement 'The bulk of those applying for asylum are now entering legally, with a minority coming illegally across the Channel. The latter, mostly young men, once here, are unlikely ever to be removed and thats why they come.' Asylum claims aren't just made by new arrivals but also by foreign nationals who may have been in Britain for years. Pakistan was the most common country of origin (10,542), followed by Afghanistan (8,508), Iran (8,099), Bangladesh (7,225) and Syria (6,680). Those five countries alone made up 38 per cent of all asylum applications last year. Yet Tajikistan, which has been controlled since 1994 by long-standing dictator Emomali Rahmon an ally of Russian despot Vladimir Putin, topped the table in terms of biggest percentage increase. The mountainous nation, tucked in central Asia has an 'abysmal' record, according to the Human Rights Watch (HRW). Tajik authorities have jailed critics of the Government, including opposition activists and journalists, on politically-motivated grounds. There has also been a crackdown on conservative Muslims since Tajik men were arrested and charged with a terrorist attack on a Moscow concert hall in March 2024. Behind Tajikistan, in terms of the biggest increases since 2004, came the Stateless group (from two in 2004 to 564 in 2024) and Nicaragua (one in 2004 to 122 in 2024). Included within the Stateless category are the Bidoon an Arab minority considered 'illegal residents' by the oil-rich Gulf state of Kuwait. Your browser does not support iframes. The country with the Tajikistan, a mountainous country of 10 million people, has been controlled since 1994 by Emomali Rahmon (pictured with Putin on May 9), who heads an authoritarian regime When it gained independence from Britain in 1961, Kuwait did not class the Bidoon as citizens. At the time they made up around a third of the country's population. From the mid-1980s onwards the Kuwaiti government began to view Bidoon as a security threat, particularly because some incoming refugees from Saddam Hussein's Iraq were trying to avoid military service by posing as Bidoon. The Minority Rights Group says: 'Due to their stateless status, Bidoon face difficulties in obtaining civil documents, finding employment, and accessing healthcare, education, and other social services provided to Kuwaiti citizens. 'As a result, many live in relative poverty and are relegated to working in the informal sector.' Kuwait also had an increase in asylum claims of 3,600 per cent, rising from 52 in 2004 to 1,936 in 2024. The official Home Office guidance on the Bidoon states all cases must be considered on their individual facts, with the onus on the person to demonstrate they face persecution or serious harm. In January, an asylum seeker from Kuwait was jailed after he fractured a bride-to-be's spine three weeks before her wedding by crashing an uninsured vehicle into her while speeding away from the police. Kuwait also had an increase in asylum claims of 3,600 per cent, rising from 52 in 2004 to 1,936 in 2024. Pictured: Kuwait City Illegal migrants disembark from a Border Force vessel into Dover port on May 12, 2025 in Dover Behind Tajikistan and Stateless, Nicaragua experienced the next biggest rise in applications to Britain. Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America, has seen democratic backsliding since 2006, and is now widely described as an authoritarian dictatorship. Under the presidency of Daniel Ortega, the country has had a growing climate of repression, intimidation, and harassment due to a policy of arbitrary arrests and exiling. To be eligible for asylum, the Home Office says: 'You must have left your country and be unable to go back because you fear persecution.' This could be based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or political opinion, or any other factor that places them at risk in their country. Only once asylum seekers are granted refugee status or another humanitarian cover are they allowed to work, study and claim benefits in the UK. In total, 80 countries out of a total of 211 reported a doubling of applications between 2004 and 2024. Eighteen of these saw rates rocket by 20-fold. The analysis, however, understates the true scale of the issue because 31 countries are now taking asylum seekers where they weren't previously. Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America, has seen democratic backsliding since 2006 - as it is now widely described as an authoritarian dictatorship. Pictured: Nicaragua's capital Managua city Under the presidency of Daniel Ortega (pictured), Nicaragua has had a growing climate of repression, intimidation, and harassment due to a policy of arbitrary arrests and exiling For instance South Sudan, created in 2011, had 359 applications lodged in Britain in 2024. However, citizens from 50 countries are now lodging fewer applications to Britain. Home Office data shows asylum claims have spiralled to all-time highs in the wake of the small boats fiasco, with 108,000 applications lodged in 2024. Pakistan was the most common country of origin (10,542), followed by Afghanistan (8,508), Iran (8,099), Bangladesh (7,225) and Syria (6,680). Those five countries alone made up 38 per cent of all asylum applications last year. On average in 2024, 53 per cent of applications were refused at initial decision not counting withdrawals. When an application is refused at initial decision, it may be appealed. Between 2001 to 2021, around three-quarters of applicants refused asylum at initial decision lodged an appeal and almost one third of those appeals were allowed. While waiting for their case to be heard, they are housed in state-provided accommodation, such as hotels, although that process can take months. Asylum seekers which have been completely refused are meant to be deported by the Home Office, but these are often expensive and subject to severe delays. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. There have been a number of high-profile cases of former asylum seekers being allowed to stay due to extremely controversial reasons. One such case from earlier this year involved an immigration tribunal appeal ruling that an Albanian criminal would be allowed to stay because his son had a 'distaste' for foreign chicken nuggets. Britain's small boats crisis has fuelled the growing toll, with tens of thousands having trekked across the Channel seeking a better life since 2018. Small boat arrivals now make-up nearly a third of all asylum claims. Others arrive through legal routes such as on a student visa before they lodge an application. The topic of where asylum seekers are housed has been a huge topic of controversy. In the Runcorn by-election, where Reform narrowly beat Labour by six votes, both parties promised to close a 425-bed hotel in the constituency that was being used by the Home Office to house asylum seekers. Locals in the Cheshire town claimed crime had increased in the area since it started housing asylum seekers in 2020. Residents in Hartlepool, Swansea and Coventry also railed against the negative consequences of the influx, saying it has heaped pressure on housing, GPs and dentists. As well as getting free accommodation, asylum seekers are also entitled to UK taxpayer-funded NHS healthcare, prescriptions, dental care and children under 18 are required to go to school (where they may be able to get free meals). Your browser does not support iframes. Migrants wave to a smuggler's boat in an attempt to cross the English Channel, on the beach of Gravelines, near Dunkirk, northern France on April 26, 2024 If their accommodation provides meals each person gets 8.86 per week, this rises to 49.18 per week if no meals are provided. Extra money is also provided to pregnant mothers and young children. Under Number 10's long-awaited blueprint to curb immigration, skills thresholds will be hiked and rules on fluency in English toughened. Migrants will also be required to wait 10 years for citizenship rather than the current five, and face deportation for even lower-level crimes. Graduate visas will be reduced to 18 months, and a new levy introduced on income that universities generate from international students. Requirements that sponsoring institutions must meet in order to recruit international students are also being tightened. Policymakers estimate the government's package will bring down annual inflows by around 100,000. Most grants of refuge have historically come via the UKs in-country asylum process. Others, however, have come through resettlement schemes involving nations such as Ukraine, Syria, Hong Kong, and Afghanistan. Citizens who arrive in these situations are not recorded in the asylum figures. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'The majority of these increases occurred under the previous government, there are multiple factors contributing to an increase in asylum applications globally over time. 'We inherited an asylum system in chaos, and have taken immediate action by increasing asylum decision making by 52 per cent and removing 24,000 people with no right to be here, meaning there are now fewer asylum hotels open than since the election. 'By ending the use of hotels, we are also forecast to save the taxpayer 4billion by the end of 2026.' One of America's greatest mysteries is why the man accused of assassinating President John F Kennedy was himself gunned down. What could have driven local strip-club owner Jack Ruby to shoot Lee Harvey Oswald as JFK's assassin was led through the basement of the Dallas police station live on national TV? The Warren Commission, the government task force established to investigate the killing, concluded that Ruby, like Oswald, had been no more than a deranged loner - and that's been the official verdict ever since. Yet now a remarkable letter disclosed in an upcoming book by author Damon West suggests a different and more disturbing answer. Published here for the very first time, the handwritten document provides chilling testimony that Ruby, a known mafia associate, was ordered to carry out the murder by Chicago don Frank Costello. Running to many thousands of words of detailed recollection, the letter was written by mobster Jerry Thomas 'JT' Goad a prominent figure in the Dallas underworld in the early 1960s and handed to West, himself a former crime boss. The two men met behind bars at the Mark Stiles Unit, a maximum-security prison in Texas. Ruby (right) shot Oswald (center), the suspect in the assassination of President Kennedy, at the Dallas police precinct in 1963. Ruby (pictured) was arrested for the killing of Oswald. One of the most interesting characters I met in prison before I turned my life around was a mobster from Dallas named Jerry Thomas 'JT' Goad. JT was old, bald and small in stature. He wore those caramel-colored, tinted glasses you see from 1970s-era casino mobster movies. He walked with a limp yet had a cool stride that you only see in the most confident of men in prison. I once heard him tell a gaggle of Crips and Bloods who were about to fight to go sit down and shut up, that they didn't even know what being a real gangster meant. Witty, funny, scary, JT went around professing the healing power of Christ. He was vastly different than the guy who started out in the early 60s, 'running girls, guns, and drugs for the mob,' as he described it. JT took an interest in me, initially, because I was an organized crime guy from Dallas. He told me, 'Guys like us gotta stick together.' And according to JT, the mob killed JFK, specifically, the New York-Chicago mob. As he and I grew closer, he began telling me stories of his days of dealings with mob-connected thugs, who had no fear of law enforcement. 'So many cops were on the take back then that the mob ran around with impunity. We owned the streets of Dallas,' JT said. One story he told was about Officer JD Tippit, the policeman who was, infamously, shot and killed by Lee Harvey Oswald in the Oak Cliff neighborhood on November 22, 1963, about 45 minutes after President John F Kennedy was gunned down in Dallas. JT said, 'Tippit was one of our best cops. We could count on him for anything.' And that included clearing up other people's mess. 'Tippit was sent to kill Oswald that day to tie up the loose end,' JT revealed to me. But, he said, things did not go to plan. Confronted by Officer Tippet on a suburban Dallas street, Oswald shot his would-be killer dead. That couldn't have been worse for the mob, because Oswald then got arrested and started telling the world 'I'm just a patsy' for the real killers. Here's where JT's letter comes in. He told me why Jack Ruby killed Lee Harvey Oswald. It was a story that I had never heard anywhere else, so I asked him to write it all down. As JT tells it in the letter, it all begins in the hours following the assassination of Kennedy when a woman named Sue Love, arrived at his apartment desperate for help. Shaking with fear, Sue told JT that her friend Sandy, a dancer at Ruby's Carousel Club, was in trouble. He recounted her panicked story - in her own words - in his letter, parts of which I've reproduced below (with edits for clarity): Ruby (center) poses for a photo with unidentified women who were part of a burlesque act at his Carousel Club. The handwritten document provides chilling testimony that Ruby (center) was ordered to carry out the murder by Chicago don Frank Costello. Sue: All the strippers have to be out of the building at Ruby's club by 1am during the week and 2am on Saturday night. Ruby really gets upset if you don't have your stuff together and be gone. The girls say that he conducts all his business after hours. You know, out-of-town mafia associates, the heroin thing with [mobster and narcotics trader] Joe Civello, stuff like that. But Sandy was fixing to marry this older guy, an airline pilot and quit the burlesque stage, so she stayed over the time limit [at the club] by quite some time trying to get all her costumes, dresses etc. together and packed up. She said she looked at her watch and said, 'never is it that late.' So, she just grabbed her overnight bag and decided to slip out. But as Sandy steps out of the changing room, she can hear Ruby talking to someone in his upstairs office. The door was 'cracked open' 18 inches. Sue: Sandy knew if she could get by Ruby's office, she could sneak out, catch a cab. So, she eased up to Ruby's office. She said Ruby's voice was very loud and the other person raised his even louder, talking back to Ruby in anger. The other person was Frank Costello (a New York and Chicago mafia boss). Sue told JT that Sandy overheard Costello ordering Ruby to shoot Lee Harvey Oswald, the man charged with assassinating the president. Here's the alleged conversation: Costello: Jack, you will do this. Rudy: I already told you, get someone else. Costello: You have no choice, Jack. The mob has been taking care of you for 25 years so you will do it, or we will kill everything close to you, even that little mutt of a weanie dog you have and [are] so proud of. And you don't even want to know what we will do to you before we kill you. Sue picks up the story once again, telling JT: Sue: Sandy eased by the door but a shadow or noise gave her away. She bolted down the stairs, ran out on the street. About 100 feet away there was a cab at the corner with inside light on and the cabbie reading a paper. She jumped in the front and screamed for him to take off. He did but Ruby and Costello were pulling guns, running trying to catch her. Sandy has not gone back to her apartment or anywhere else. But, there has been a couple of strangers asking the girls at every strip joint in town asking if they have seen Sandy. Sandy says she just wants to lie low for a couple of months then go to Atlanta, Georgia, with a new identity. Please help her. Unfortunately for Sandy, she needed more than JT's help. A short time later, Sandy was arrested by Dallas police and taken to the city jail. It was there, as JT puts it, that 'she supposedly hung [sic] herself, using her stretch pants to do so.' Six Dimes and a Nickel: Life Lessons to Empower Change by Damon West is published by Post Hill Press. A former Dallas crime boss, West famously turned his life around, becoming a best-selling author, a professor of criminal justice and an internationally known motivational speaker While London might be the centre of the world for some, for Anya Kuvarzina, the bustling capital was too much. Dreaming of a quieter life beside the sea, walking on sandy beaches and nipping down to the local village shop, the mother-of-one made the decision to uproot her life with her partner and move to Cornwall in 2021. But the idyllic seaside town of Penzance quickly turned in to a nightmare for the art agent and illustrator. Instead of beaches and quaint coffee mornings with new friends in local cafes, Anya found herself isolated and lonely. Rather than expanding her horizons, she felt trapped, relying on a car to complete even the most mundane of daily tasks like the supermarket shop. Locals complained about her relocation and told her to go back to London; she couldn't go shopping at Zara or Marks & Spencer, and she put on weight because you have to drive everywhere - all while struggling to find a cleaner or any tradesmen to help her do up her new home. Now five years later Anya told MailOnline she has finally settled in to her new home but has issued a warning to others considering making the move to be prepared for a less than idyllic start. Anya, 36, originally from Russia moved to the UK when she was 16 and lived in Walthamstow, London for years. Anya Kuvarzina, 36, was living in Walthamstow, London but made the move to Cornwall with her partner and daughter in 2021 after lockdown The artist enjoyed going to the theatre, popping in to one of the five local coffee shops that lined her high street and window shopping down Oxford Street. But during the 2020 lockdown, Anya found herself feeling stuck in her London flat with a newborn baby and rowdy neighbours. 'I just wanted to escape, just run away as far as possible.' she said. 'It was everything together with the neighbours, and with just giving birth, which was traumatic. So for some reason I thought that if we run away it's just going to fix all the problems. So in 2021, Anya and her partner went on a holiday down to Cornwall and fell in love with the quaint fishing villages. 'I always thought it was just incredible, and so beautiful and different from London,' she said. And so the couple sold their home and were able to buy somewhere almost five times bigger than their flat in north east London. While the first few weeks were lovely, Anya said she didn't realise how isolated she would feel in the remote location. The illustrator had enjoyed theatres, cafes and shopping in London and was shocked to find her nearest Zara was two hours away and the cafes were full of Cornish pasties In 2021, Anya and her partner went on a holiday down to Cornwall and fell in love with the quaint fishing villages which they preferred to their small flat and rowdy neighbours While the first few weeks were lovely, Anya said she didn't realise how isolated she would feel in the remote location and struggled to make friends Anya explained she had anticipated spending lots of time at the beach but between doing up the house and looking after her daughter, she didn't have any time to enjoy he view she had relocated for. Describing her routine, she said: 'Working online every day, taking care of the kids, cleaning the house and solving daily problems. And we didn't even really have any of those moments that I thought I would, like surfing every day.' 'I just felt more and more isolated, and actually hit rock bottom.' Anya said she struggled moving out of London without the amenities she had previously enjoyed. She said: 'I always loved going to restaurants, eating out. I love going to art galleries and shows, and I loved shopping, and I completely ignored that, and in my mind created this idea of like, just me being happy by the sea. 'The reality is, we don't even have a shop here for clothes.' The artist agent revealed that if she wants to go shopping she has to do it online because physical shops such as Zara, Primark and Marks and Spencer are a two- hour train ride away. Anya said: 'I like cool shops and I worked in an independent clothes shop in London. And I loved all the quirky brands but I'm not able to get anything shopping wise here.' The artist agent revealed that if she wants to go shopping she has to do it online because physical shops such as Zara, Primark and Marks and Spencer are a two hour train ride away The mother-of-one said she even needs a car to do her weekly supermarket shop and her home is so remote she can't walk anywhere which led her to gain weight when she first moved. 'I've gained weight here because to go anywhere is you need a car And just going out for a walk by the time you get to the sea you need to drive quite a distance so then I've found myself not going out as much as when I was in London.' Anya also revealed she can't even treat herself to the odd takeaway, explaining that they take a long time to arrive and there are limited options. 'In London I always ordered something on Deliveroo, and you can get anything you want within 15 minutes but here you have to plan it out,' she said. 'Waiting for a takeaway here can take you two hours and there's nothing on Deliveroo. Nothing on Uber Eats other than McDonald's, which is not what I would order.' Anya also confessed she struggled to meet new people and do without her familiar chain brands. 'In London when you're in a coffee shop you're with like-minded people. You see, other families who are just like like you, whereas here we don't even have a Costa, or Starbucks,' she said. 'There are some coffee shops, but just not as many. You need to actually make an effort to get to them and some of them are half an hour away.' The mother-of-one said she even needs a car to do her weekly supermarket shop and her home is so remote she can't walk anywhere which led her to gain weight The Penzance local also explained that she hadn't considered the number of tourists before moving and found that many of the local businesses are geared towards the influx of summer visitors. For example she said she can never find a regular bakery and instead has to fight through hordes of tourists only to be greeted by rows upon rows of Cornish pasties instead of a sourdough baguette. 'Everything is geared towards tourists,' Anya said, 'So, for instance they'll have ten pasty shops selling Cornish pasties but there's no coffee shops for people who just live here.' But the Londoner told MailOnline that while she feels like a local, she's not always been treated like one and recalled one instance where she was told off for her parking by a neighbour. Anya explained that as soon as she began to apologise, she was told: 'You shouldn't be here, you're a tourist, go back to where you came from'. Other barriers to Anya assimilating included not getting involved in local gossip and the Londoner revealed she didn't realise so much of rural life was conducted on Facebook. Because Anya wasn't in the local groups she found it difficult to find a cleaner or tradespeople to help her with her new home. She explained: 'Getting a cleaner was impossible. They only want to do the Airbnb's, they don't want to do private clients.' Now Anya is looking on the positive side and appreciates the slower pace of life, more disposable income and the new circle of friends she has The mother added that tradespeople had a similar attitude and it took her a long time to find a property due to the high prices and volume of short-term lets for tourists. After trying and failing to make the best of her new move Anya moved out on her own with her daughter and started her own business Art Lab Agency. She said having her little girl was a godsend and while the first few years were hard, Anya has managed to make friends and get in to a routine since her daughter started school. Anya said: 'It really helped me with my daughter, getting to stage where she was going to school, and I was meeting more people through taking her to classes. 'I was meeting people, and the more I talked to them I actually realised there were people on the same page. I've met some people who've moved down because they were escaping their own demons and I actually found a group of friends who are in the same situation as me.' Now she's looking on the positive side and appreciates the slower pace of life, more disposable income and the new circle of friends she has. 'It's not like super perfect,' she said, 'but, on the other hand, it does give me a lot of stability, and I have a friendship circle now which is really supportive, and it's very family friendly, and it is very calm.' She advised others thinking of making the move to record their London life including basic things like shopping, or going to a cafe then see if it can be replicated on holiday in somewhere more remote to see if it would work. A former care home manager has revealed how she was 'ostracised' by her community after she was wrongly arrested for injuring two teenagers with an air rifle - despite officers seizing a weapon from her neighbour as she was led away. Mandy French's nightmare began when she gently remonstrated with a group of boys who were playing on fragile sand dunes outside her home in the seaside town of Hemsby, Norfolk. Shortly afterwards, police descended on the area and she was arrested for shooting two of the boys, both aged 13 - one of whom needed hospital treatment. She remained under suspicion on police bail for three months until next-door neighbour Jason Davis, 51, a convicted paedophile, was arrested and charged for the offence. He has now been jailed for two years. Distraught Ms French, 55, said: 'Officers searched my house and took a replica blunderbuss musket-type pirate's gun, which used to be an ashtray, which they have now actually returned to me. 'But from the back of the [police] car, I saw them take the air rifle from Jason's house. But he was not arrested, something I will never understand.' She added: 'I was so ill with anxiety. I moved here because I wanted a quiet life. 'My health hasn't been great but this house was detached, in a quiet area, and suited my health needs both mentally and physically. But it has not turned out that way. Mandy French, 55, said she had been 'ostracised' by locals in Hemsby, Norfolk, after she was arrested for shooting an air rifle at two boys. She waited three months until police accepted she was not involved in the incident Ms French said she saw an air rifle being taken from convicted paedophile Jason Davies's home as she was driven away in the police car. He has now been jailed for two years 'I was bullied, ostracised in the village because everyone thought it was me still. 'I couldn't walk my dog Hendrix through the village anymore. I felt so alone but I am pleased the truth is finally out.' The bizarre incident happened last year on May 4, when locals spotted the boys playing on a spot that is at risk from coastal erosion and near an area where massive cliff falls have left homeowners worried about losing their properties. Locals also said the group had also been urinating in the area and bared their backsides when confronted. Speaking about it at the time, a weeping Ms French said: 'The only thing I did was shout at the kids for climbing up the dunes and being on top of the dunes. 'The children called me ''wibbly wobbly'' and shouted ''get your t****** out'', so I walked away.' She went inside her seafront home to contact nearby Richardson's Holiday Park where she understood the group, who were on a rugby tour, had been staying before going to speak with some friends. By the time she returned, two of the boys had been shot, unbeknown to Ms French. She said: 'When I got there, I saw all the police on the beach. I said to my friends I couldn't believe someone had called the police because I had a bit of a go at some children.' Locals said the children had accommodation at the nearby Richardson's Holiday Park Police confiscated a replica blunderbuss that was used as an ashtray - and returned it to Ms French when she was exonerated It was discovered that this ashtray was not used to shoot the youngsters 'When I was arrested, I genuinely didn't think there had been a shooting. I was in disbelief and astonishment and so confused.' Ms French, who used to be care manager at a day centre, was driven to a police station - despite seeing officers take an air rifle from Davis's house - and grilled about the incident before being released on bail. Both of the injured boys were treated by paramedics at the scene, with one later taken to hospital by his parents and released the same day. It wasn't until July that Davis was arrested and he was charged on September 15. He appeared at Norwich Crown Court on February 21 this year although no details were released by the police at the time, which Ms French said meant locals still thought she was to blame. Davis admitted possession of a firearm when prohibited and two counts of battery in relation to the boys he shot. He was also sentenced for two breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which were unrelated to the dunes incident. Hemsby is prone to coastal erosion, leaving residents concerned about people walking on the fragile dunes An air rifle was confiscated from Davis's seafront home in Hemsby - but Ms French said she was arrested instead Davis was jailed for two years in February but Ms French said police didn't publicise the case, meaning locals weren't aware she had been cleared on any involvement in the shooting of the two 13-year-old boys Davis's Alsatian, Rufus, had to be rescued from his home after he was jailed as neighbours said it was left for days at a time and could be heard 'crying and yelping' The court heard his criminal record dated back decades and included a 2003 conviction with a 12-year jail term imposed at Northampton Crown Court. This was for the systematic sexual abuse of three youths in Daventry, Northamptonshire, and Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, over a five-year period in the 1990s. A jury found him guilty of nine attempted rapes, eight indecent assaults and an act of gross indecency. Ms French claimed Davis had tried to blame her for the shooting and she had been 'taunted' about it in the village. 'I just felt like I was on my own and nobody cared and nobody believed me,' she said. 'It's horrible to think people believed I would do that.' Hemsby is largely built on sand which provides little protection against the raging sea, as pictured here in January 2007 Sixteen years later, on March 1, 2023, any remaining grass was long gone and some of the homes had sand up to their front door Davis's dog had to be rescued from his home earlier this month, following neighbours' concerns that it had been neglected since he was jailed. He was understood to have made arrangements for the Alsatian, called Rufus, to be fed, watered and walked while he served his time. But locals claimed he was left alone for days at a time and could be heard 'crying and yelping'. An RSPCA spokeswoman said: 'We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us.' Norfolk Police told MailOnline they 'don't have any record of a complaint' about Ms French's treatment, including her arrest. A spokeswoman added: 'If any member of the public is unhappy with the way an officer or member of staff has behaved, or wishes to make a complaint about the police, we would always encourage them to share their concerns with us directly.' The estranged children of the air force pilot accused of killing their mum and staging it as a lawnmower accident have moved out of the family home as he moves back in. RAAF Squadron Leader Robert Crawford, 47, has been freed on bail awaiting trial and is living at the family farmhouse in the Lockyer Valley in Queensland's Darling Downs. He allegedly strangled his psychologist wife Frances, 49, before faking her death as a tragic accident where she had been crushed by an overturned ride-on lawnmower. Crawford was allowed out of jail without an electronic monitoring ankle bracelet after police told the court it wouldn't work because of network limitations at his rural home. But after his release, a family friend has revealed the couple's adult children have moved out amid the murder allegations their father faces over their mother's death. According to a close friend of Ms Crawford, the children have now been left penniless by the decision to leave home but feel they still can't return at this time. It is not suggested that they left home because they had any view on the guilt or innocence of their father. Crawford's bail hearing was told the children, aged 23, 20, and 19, accuse their dad of being abusive, explosive and violent, and grew up 'walking on eggshells'. Psychologist Frances Elizabeth Crawford was found dead at their rural home, 100km west of Brisbane, in the early hours of July 30, 2024 On Wednesday, dressed in shorts and a fitted T-shirt, Robert Crawford popped into Bunnings to buy a light bulb He is now living at the family farmhouse in the Lockyer Valley in Queensland 's Darling Downs 'The applicant clearly has a bad relationship with his children,' the police prosecutor told the court. 'Given the nature of these charges it cannot be underestimated that he does not present a risk to witnesses.' Crawford admitted to detectives that he had multiple affairs during his 27-year marriage. 'Frances and I have had marital problems in the past, but we have been trying to fix these issues,' Crawford told the police in his first interview after her death, court documents revealed. 'Our problems stem from me being unfaithful during our marriage. I have been unfaithful on numerous occasions over the course of a 10-year period. 'Francis became aware of these incidents in mid 2023 and this resulted in me moving out of the family home.' Crawford lived at a Brisbane address and on his RAAF base between July 2023 and April 2024, but insisted they were 'giving our marriage the best shot at success'. However, the court also heard that during the separation Crawford had set up an account on the e-Harmony dating website. The body of Frances Crawford was discovered by emergency services at the base of a rock wall next to a ride-on lawnmower with fatal head and neck injuries Robert Crawford (pictured) is an squadron leader - a senior role and the equivalent of a Major in the Army - who operates out of the Royal Australian Airforce Amberley Base Frances Crawford's children, now independent young adults, have been unable to finance ongoing mental healthcare or legal fees. Police raised concerns that Crawford's return to the family home after both the long separation with his wife and his eight months incarceration could cause issues. 'He proposes to return to the scene of his alleged crimes,' the police prosecutor said. 'He had not lived at that property for a relatively extended period of time prior to April 2024. 'The property is likely to be sought as part of the deceased estate by the applicants' children. At this stage there is no legal impediment of him living there.' The move has outraged friends and family of Ms Crawford, said her close friend Suzanne Duffy. 'To say the family are angry is an understatement,' she said. 'The grandfather of Frances Crawford's children put up $250,000 for her alleged murderer's bail.' In multiple comments online, Ms Duffy slammed the decision to allow Crawford to be released back into the community ahead of his trial. Robert Crawford looked tanned and relaxed as he reported to the Toowoomba Police station around 20km from his Upper Lockyer Valley farm last Monday The family's lawnmower which was allegedly used as part of the alleged murder plot Ms Duffy has now set up a GoFundMe for the Crawfords' children which has raised almost $25,000 to help fund ongoing mental healthcare, living costs and legal fees. 'The plea for your support is desperate and urgent,' she posted in the online fundraiser appeal. 'The laws should be changed; the kids are entitled to that house.' Ms Crawford was found dead at their rural home, 100km west of Brisbane, in the early hours of July 30, 2024. She was discovered by emergency services at the base of a rock wall next to a ride-on lawnmower with fatal head and neck injuries. Crawford was arrested around ten weeks later in October and charged with his wife's murder and interfering with her corpse. Police allege Crawford strangled his wife, then used her phone to send fake messages before staging her fatal accident. During the bail application Crawford's lawyer Saul Holt said there was no conclusive evidence to support the prosecution's claim that his client strangled his wife in a state of 'murderous rage'. But the court was told Crawford posed 'an unacceptable risk of failing to appear, committing an offence, endangering the safety or welfare of witnesses and others and/or interfering with witnesses'. Police allege Robert Crawford strangled his wife, then used her phone to send fake messages before staging her fatal accident Clearly concerned about being spotted, given the high profile of his case, he chose to slip in and out of the trade entry with his sunglasses firmly kept on 'There are no conditions which can be imposed to ameliorate those risks to an acceptable level,' the police prosecutor said. Crawford was remanded in custody after he was initially charged but seven months later, Justice Frances Williams granted bail and freed him on May 2. Crawford looked tanned and relaxed as he reported to the Toowoomba Police station around 20km from his Upper Lockyer Valley farm last Monday. On Wednesday, dressed in shorts and a fitted T-shirt, he popped into Bunnings to buy a light bulb. Clearly concerned about being spotted, given the high profile of his case, he chose to slip in and out of the trade entry with his sunglasses firmly kept on. Erin Patterson claims she ate only half of a beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms at her deadly lunch. Patterson made the claim to hospital staff and a child protection officer in the days following the lunch that claimed the lives of her in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson. The jury has already heard Gail Patterson ate just half of her pastie-sized beef Wellington, with her husband finishing off the rest. Unlike Patterson, the portion was enough to make Gail violently ill within hours and eventually killed her. On Friday, Dr Dimitri Gerostamoulos, head of forensic science at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, suggested Patterson's portion should have caused an 'adverse outcome' for her. Patterson has pleaded not guilty to killing her three lunch guests and the attempted murder of Pastor Ian Wilkinson - the lone survivor of the deadly lunch. Mr Wilkinson was seated in the court on Friday after completing his evidence in the first days of the trial. Ian Wilkinson leaves the Latrobe Valley Law Courts on Friday. He was the only other survivor of the deadly lunch apart from Erin Patterson Crown prosecutor Sarah Lenthall asked Dr Gerostamoulos what his expectations were for someone with no pre-existing health conditions eating the same meal that killed another person. 'Yes, there would be likely that there would be some adverse outcomes for that person who survived, the severity of which may vary depending on some of the factors that I've previously spoken about today,' he said. Dr Gerostamoulos said there was a recent case in Victoria where two people consumed the same meal where one died but the other survived. 'The other one was significantly ill for a period of time and ended up in ICU,' he said. 'So it is possible but it will depend on how much is eaten, the person's response to that amount of toxin as well.' The jury heard a person's weight could be a factor in how ingesting death cap mushrooms would affect their 'toxic response'. Dr Gerostamoulos agreed multiple factors including weight, age, health status and how much of a meal containing death caps consumed would vary from person to person. He agreed that even if a person ate the same meal as someone else which contained death caps, it was possible one person's toxicity levels would be different to the other's. Patterson's barrister Sophie Stafford enters the court house on Friday The jury heard for the first time this week that Patterson claimed not to have eaten all of her beef Wellington. Director of Infection Prevention and Public Health At Monash Health Rhonda Stuart said Patterson gave her the information when she was admitted into hospital. 'I recall she said she ate about half of her meal,' she said. 'One of the relatives ate a meal and a half and the rest - and the other two ate most of theirs but there was some leftover and that's what she said the kids had the following day, minus the mushroom paste that she'd scraped off.' Child protection practitioner Katrina Cripps was also grilled on the subject by Patterson's barrister Sophie Stafford. Ms Cripps maintained Patterson had also told her she consumed just half of her beef Wellington, which was allegedly served on a different coloured plate than her guests. The jury has heard from a series of medical practitioners throughout the first two weeks of the trial. While Patterson did go to hospital two days after the lunch, Leongatha Hospital nurse Cindy Munro told the court she didn't look overly sick to her when she presented back there the second time. 'She didnt look unwell like Heather and Ian. Ian was so unwell he could barely lift his head off the pillow,' she told the jury. 'Erin was sitting up in the trolley and she didn't look unwell to me.' Dr Dimitri Gerostamoulos, head of forensic science at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, gave evidence on Friday Ms Cripps said Patterson told her she had found the recipe for her lunch from a RecipeTin Eats cookbook because she 'wanted to do something new and special' for lunch. Ms Cripps said Patterson told her she bought chopped mushrooms from a local Woolworths and dried mushrooms from an Asian grocer. Patterson said she used the dried mushrooms because she heard they would 'add flavour' to the beef Wellingtons. The trial, which is being held at the Latrobe Valley Law Courts in Morwell, in Victoria's Gippsland, suffered a surprise this week when a juror was unexpectedly dismissed. Justice Christopher Beale told the jury he had been alerted to the fact that a male juror had been discussing the trial outside of court. 'A few moments ago, I discharged juror 84,' he said. 'I did so because, as I explained to him, I received information that he had been discussing the case with family and friends, contrary to my instructions.' He told the jury the information he received about the juror seemed 'credible' and therefore had no choice but to let him go. Justice Beale said his swift action should act as a warning to the remaining jurors. Erin Patterson in the week after the deadly lunch 'I want to remind you of my directions that you should only discuss the case with your fellow jurors in the privacy of the jury room (and) not discuss it with anyone else, it's vital to the administration of justice,' he said. On Friday, before releasing the jury for the weekend, Justice Beale again reminded the jury of its responsibilities under the law. 'I don't want to sound like a broken record but only discuss the case with your fellow jurors in the privacy of the jury room, and don't get into a discussion with anybody about the fact that juror 84 was discharged,' he told the jury. The trial continues. In February, residents living in sunny Weymouth were riding the wave of being crowned 'best beach in the UK' for the fourth year running. But just three months later, furious locals say their reputation has been 'smeared' after the town's main beach lost its prestigious Blue Flag status. On the cusp of the busy summer season, the popular Dorset seaside town has been dealt a hammer blow after officials ruled it was no longer worthy of the prized status given to the UK's cleanest beaches. Weymouth Central beach, which stretches along the stunning Jurassic Coast, lost its internationally recognised status given to beaches, marinas and sustainable tourism boats that meet environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria. Concerns were raised that Weymouth would lose its Blue Flag after the beach's water quality was downgraded from 'excellent' to 'good' by the Environment Agency at the end of 2024. And those concerns have now become a reality, with locals up in arms over the dumping of sewage in their beloved seaside home. Dorset Council leader Nick Ireland previously said it was 'almost inevitable' the beach would lose the accolade as he blamed a 'not-fit-for-purpose sewage system. Wessex Water say there is no direct link between the overflows and the central beach. In February, residents living in sunny Weymouth were riding the wave of being crowned 'best beach in the UK' for the fourth year running. Pictured Weymouth Central Beach last August But furious locals say their reputation has been 'smeared' after the town's main beach (pictured today) lost its prestigious Blue Flag status Kim Harper, who was down on the beach with her grandson, said the beach was covered in seaweed and urged the council to make more of an effort But there is anger over the 'pollution' and 'contamination' of the water in Weymouth. Earlier this week, shocking photos emerged of two swans surrounded by polluted water and litter in Weymouth Harbour. It comes after Weymouth Beach was voted the best beach in the UK for the fourth time in a row in February, while the much-loved ribbon of sand claimed an impressive 20th place on the European list. While it is a title proudly spoken about by most, some residents blasted the award as a sham and described their seaside home as a 'scummy ghost town' blighted by tacky vape shops, anti-social behaviour and polluted waters. When MailOnline visited the beach this week, locals and tourists said it was a 'crying shame' that their beach had been allowed to decline as they raised fears it could stop families taking their children on holiday there. Sarah Riley, who has living in Weymouth for 30 years, said: 'I just think the sea and the beach is one of our greatest assets. It makes me sad to think of it losing its Blue Flag 'It's disgusting. What is it going to be like in years to come unless we make a stand and improve it and demand a certain quality of water? 'Some people will say 'We've got our grandchildren, we're not going to take them there just in case'. 'I'm disappointed because everybody knows it's such a lovely beach and it's safe. It's had the Blue Flag for a long time so I think someone somewhere is to blame. I know that lots of rivers and everything is getting polluted. 'We could have shone and said it's safe here. Even in Cornwall, where there is swimming and surfing, they are seeing raw sewage. It is absolutely beyond comprehension. If that happened on the same scale here, all the people that live here would cause a riot. 'All the kids that come here, if there was anything to catch, it would be unforgivable if they were ill a couple of nights later. 'Someone has to take a stand and take charge. It's like other parts of Weymouth that have been disintegrating.' Denise Elkes, who comes to Weymouth three times a year in her caravan, said: 'They are dumping the sewage everywhere, it's not good. It's an ideal beach because it's so nice and long and flat. You can go way out when the sea is out. 'It's very safe. I used to bring my grandchildren here when they were small and it's really safe to mess about with children. Just last week, this picture was taken of two swans surrounded by polluted water and litter in Weymouth Harbour Diana Thompson, who has lived in Weymouth 14 years, said the ocean and the town itself is declining 'It's a real shame but it doesn't surprise me because it's happening to our rivers, our oceans. It's just not on. 'I can't believe in all these years they've let this keep happening. Most of these sewage companies are private but they should have been taken to ask long ago. Once it's polluted, it is too late. 'It's bad enough with all the plastic but to keep putting sewage into the sea and rivers, in this day and age it should not be happening. 'It's just awful. It's a fantastic beach, it's one of the safest beaches around.' Her friend, Ros Weir, added: 'We've been coming 20-odd years. 'It's a crying shame that it's lost its Blue Flag. It's dreadful. It's a lovely beach, it's great for kids and if you can't swim, well. 'These sewage people must be taken to task. 'They are paying the shareholders masses of money instead of putting it into new infrastructure.' Diana Thompson, who has lived in Weymouth 14 years, said the ocean and the town itself is declining. She said: 'We pay our taxes and nothing gets done. Weymouth has changed a lot, the beach is alright but the town has got too much people stealing and anti-social behaviour. Locals say Weymouth (pictured) has been blighted by anti-social behaviour and vape shops Denise Elkes (right) and Ros Weir (left) were enjoying an ice cream on the seafront. They said it was a 'crying shame' Weymouth had lost its blue flag status Hazel Purteall, 56, said the sand at the tideline was covered in black muck when she came out of the sea today 'I have to walk to the other side of the marina under the underpass to get home. I won't come out in the evening. I try to get through the underpass before 5pm because I don't trust people under there.' Speaking about the drop in water quality in Weymouth, Ms Thompson added: 'It doesn't bother me because I don't get in the water but it really is a shame. There's a cove around the other side which can smell awful because of the pollution. 'I think they have a duty - the water boards are making all these profits but are not putting anything back in. 'The beach is nice, but as for going in the water, it's contaminated. I would never go in it - I haven't been in for years. It's a shame. The council needs to pull its finger out. 'They are just jumping on the bandwagon with everyone else, putting prices up. Anything that goes on in Weymouth, the fees have gone up astronomically. It's going to keep tourists away.' Kim Harper, who was down on the beach with her grandson, said: 'I was surprised but the council does get complacent with things. They need a proverbial kick up the backside sometimes. 'It's put that smear on it. I think it might put people off, if people have come and seen what it's like before. 'To be honest, the beach is beautiful, you can't beat it. But there's so much seaweed. I picked up my grandson after nursery, his little sandcastle is full of seaweed. Sam, a 25-year-old worker running a hut on the beach, hit out at the water companies and fears it could put visitors off 'We rely on the beach far too much. In winter there is nothing to do. It's a shame for the locals, we have to go to Dorchester. It's a shame because it's a beautiful place. 'They need to put more effort in, you have to. That's the thing with our council, they don't tend to.' Ms Harper joked she 'loves Weymouth because she was born here' but said the town itself has been 'taken over' by vape shops and London-owned shops. She said: 'We used to have great shops here. The two main roads, St Mary's and St Thomas street are now run by London owners and they are charging London prices. 'You just can't make the money here.' Hazel Purteall, 56, said: 'I've been coming here since I was a toddler and it hasn't put me off, I've been in there today. But I just can't believe they would dump it in somewhere like this. The beach is its best feature. 'It is a real shame it's lost its Blue Flag. Coming out of the sea today, all of the black on the wet sand, there never used to be any of that. 'We used to collect hermit crabs, I can't remember the last time I saw a hermit crab here, so obviously something has gone on. 'I love Weymouth and it wouldn't stop me coming, but it is a real shame. There must be grottier places!' This was the sad sight of swans surrounded by pollution on May 11 in Weymouth Harbour Speaking about the impact it could have on visitor numbers, she added: 'It could stop people coming who have never been before if they are looking for decent water swimming spots. They'd probably prioritise one which has got a Blue Flag. Sam, a 25-year-old worker running a hut on the beach, said: 'It's fair, I'm not surprised. We've got a lot of the big companies dumping the waste, they're not really hiding it. Last year, there were protests about it. 'I don't know if it's the council but they know they can make enough money and tourism by doing the bare minimum. I'm a local and I can see that's what they are doing - I think that speaks quite a bit about what's going on.' Sam said he has noticed a 'decline' in Weymouth but the town remains popular in the summer. He added: 'It's just one of those towns, me and my mates say its a borderline of becoming a Brighton or a Blackpool. I can't tell if it's picking up or if they want to add anything. The SeaLife tower that's gone now, they don't know what to do with the town. 'They've just got to keep it up from what it was. 'People have the impression that Weymouth is a nice seaside place to come so I don't think that's going to go away. But when they show up and it isn't what they imagined, that might have a change.' Weymouth Beach was given a Seaside Award which is given to beaches that celebrate the quality and diversity of the UK's coastline And Glen, who has lived in Weymouth seven years, said: 'It's not good. We've had a Blue Flag for quite a while. 'I don't go swimming in the sea, but I can't say I've noticed a decline. Usually it's pretty good, it's sad that it's lost the Blue Flag. ' The 59-year-old added: 'It's basically these water companies, since they have been privatised, they are just trying to maximise profits. 'The shareholders get dividends, it's terrible. Something like water, a natural resource, which you need to live, something like that should be in the Government hands. I don't think something like water that is vital should be in private hands. It's very bad.' While Weymouth lost their prized status, Avon Beach, Branksome Chine, Canford Cliffs, Durley Chine, Fisherman's Walk, Friars Cliff, Highcliffe, Sandbanks, and Shore Road were all recognised with a Blue Flag. A Blue Flag is only awarded to beaches with water which has achieved the highest classification as set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. They must meet the 'excellent' water quality standard. Weymouth Beach was given a Seaside Award which is given to beaches that celebrate the quality and diversity of the UK's coastline. Cllr Caroline Nickinson, Mayor of Weymouth, said: 'Our teams work extremely hard to make sure the beach is a clean, safe and welcoming environment for all to enjoy, that's why we retained the Keep Britian Tidy Seaside Award for another year. 'Based on Environment Agency testing of bathing water quality between May and September last year, the rating went from excellent to good. 'And while we are disappointed, no single cause has been identified for why the water quality dipped. We continue to do all we can to ensure Weymouth Beach remains a popular spot for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.' A Wessex Water spokesperson said: 'There are no storm overflows that discharge into Weymouth Central beach. There are overflows further north at Weymouth Lodmoor, where the bathing water is rated Excellent. 'This is a clear indication that licensed overflows, which operate automatically and discharge mostly rainwater during or after extremely wet weather, have minimal impact on the area's bathing water quality. 'Despite this, we're investing 3 million every month on schemes to reduce storm overflow discharges and have plans to do much more from 2025, including at sites like Chafey's Lake in Weymouth where rainwater and groundwater enters sewers often from private pipes. 'More widely, we believe rainwater should be better managed and returned to the environment close to where it falls rather than draining into sewers. Alongside our ongoing investment, this requires the political understanding and will to bring forward policies in government that that promote best practice in rainwater management at source.' With private jets, luxury hotels and Michelin-starred meals woven into the fabric of an influencer's everyday life it's easy to feel a pang of envy. But, behind the shimmering social media facade lies a darker reality marred by deceit danger, and brutal killings. Lately, headlines have been plagued by the chilling stories of influencers who met gruesome ends after being caught up in Central Americas drug gang underworld. Just last week Mexican beauty influencer Valeria Marquez was gunned down while livestreaming to her followers. And last year, Ecuadorian influencer Landy Parraga was assassinated after her Instagram post of a plate of octopus ceviche led gunmen to the restaurant where she was dining. Meanwhile, back in 2023 Mexican content creator 'Keilanny Boo' was shot dead in what's believed to be a cartel-related hit. Tragically, although once renowned for their engaging online presence, these young women are now remembered as victims caught in the crosshairs of a world where fame and beauty fatally collide. Influencer murdered on livestream A Mexican beauty influencer was brutally murdered while live streaming to her followers after a motorbike-riding gunman opened fire on her salon on May 13. Footage shows the horrific moment 23-year-old TikToker and aesthetician Valeria Marquez was shot multiple times while broadcasting live from inside her beauty salon, Blossom the Beauty Lounge, in the western Mexican state of Jalisco. The video shows a smiling Valeria looking out of the window momentarily before bullets strike her once in the chest and twice in the head. The influencer appears to place a hand over the gunshot wound near her ribcage before dropping dead. Footage shows the horrific moment 23-year-old TikToker and aesthetician Valeria Marquez was shot multiple times while broadcasting live from inside her beauty salon, Blossom the Beauty Lounge, in the western Mexican state of Jalisco The video shows a smiling Valeria looking out of the window momentarily before bullets strike her once in the chest and twice in the head An unknown woman then appears in the clip, seemingly turning off the video. Initial reports said that a gunman entered her salon and shot her before fleeing on a motorbike. Paramedics rushed to the bloody scene, but Valeria was pronounced dead immediately. Police are currently investigating Valeria's murder and have cordoned off the salon, while a manhunt is underway. The influencer- known for sharing beauty and lifestyle videos with her 110,000 TikTok followers - had allegedly been in a relationship with a notorious cartel hitman accused of killing another beauty queen. A feared cartel leader named 'Doble R' has been identified as the prime suspect in Valeria's murder, Mexican newspaper El Heraldo reported. Socal media reports suggest that he had been in a relationship with the TikToker for several months and became enraged over her receiving expensive gifts from online followers. He is said to be involved with a violent faction of the Jalisco Nueva Generacion cartel - considered to be one of Mexico's most powerful criminal organisations. Paramedics rushed to the bloody scene, but Valeria was pronounced dead immediately. Socal media reports suggest that he had been in a relationship with the TikToker for several months and became enraged over her receiving expensive gifts from online followers 'Doble R' has a long criminal history dating back to 2012, including the alleged involvement in the murder of Venezuelan model Daisy Ferrer Arenas, whose body was found in a sewage canal in Guadalajara. He is also accused of ordering the murder of another influencer, Juan Luis Lagunas, known as 'El Pirata de Culiacan,' who insulted CJNG boss Nemesio Oseguera in a viral video. Just hours before she was murdered inside her salon, Valeria revealed during a livestream that a masked courier had tried to deliver her an expensive gift earlier that day. 'Maybe they were going to kill me or something,' the influencer told her followers. Valeria had also previously claimed that she was being threatened, claiming that her ex-boyfriend should be held 'responsible for anything that happens to me and my family.' In another clip filmed in the moments before her death, Valeria reflected on the recent changes she had made in her life, saying: 'I've changed. I don't go out anymore, I don't drink anymore, I've stopped being around thugs, I'm a good girl.' Valeria had also previously claimed that she was being threatened, claiming that her ex-boyfriend should be held 'responsible for anything that happens to me and my family' Police are investigating Valeria's murder under Mexico's femicide protocol, with her senseless killing being just another example of the high levels of gender-based violence in the Latin American state. Mexico has long been plagued by 'machismo' and violence against women, which can range from comments on the street to, in its most extreme form, acid attacks and brutal slayings of women. Killers track influencer from social media post Ecuadorian police believe a social media post by beauty queen Landy Parraga Goyburo, 23, showing her plate of octopus ceviche gave cartel hitmen her location so they could murder her. The former Miss Ecuador contestant was gunned down last year in Quevedo, a short time after she shared details of her final meal to millions of followers on social media. The killers were believed to have been hired by the widow of a cartel boss who had an affair with Ms Parraga Goyburo before his violent death in prison. Shocking footage of the murder shows the gunmen approach the table where Ms Parraga Goyburo and a male companion were eating before shooting her repeatedly at point-blank range. Landy Parraga, a former Miss Ecuador contestant, was gunned down after she was cryptically discussed by a drug trafficker before his murder in prison Ecuadorian police believe a social media post by the beauty queen showing her plate of octopus ceviche gave cartel hitmen her location so they could murder her The first masked attacker quickly opens fire, shooting towards both Parraga and the man, before firing another round of bullets at the woman as she lays on the ground. The second attacker stays on guard by the restaurant door. Both armed assailants then flee the scene, dashing out of the door and onto the street after carrying out their murder in broad daylight. The former model can be seen lying motionless on the floor in a pool of her own blood, with a bullet mark visible on her right thigh. Influencer shot dead by drugs cartel A Mexican Instagram influencer who once posted a photo of herself posing with a gun was shot dead in a suspected drug cartel murder in 2019. Influencer 'Keilanny Boo', had more than 59,000 followers on Instagram and 136,000 followers on Facebook . Investigators say the influencer was shot to death in a bar in the municipality of Nezahualcoyotl, near Mexico City. A Mexican Instagram influencer who once posted a photo of herself posing with a gun was shot dead in a suspected drug cartel murder in 2019. Influencer 'Keilanny Boo', had more than 59,000 followers on Instagram and 136,000 followers on Facebook The woman was killed by members of the drug cartel La Union Tepito, with whom she reportedly had links, according to reports. Reports from the prosecution suggest the influencer may have belonged to the cartel. The influencer would often post photos flaunting her luxury lifestyle, with images showing her behind the wheel of a BMW and stepping into a Ford Mustang. 'TikTok Narco Queen' killed in broad daylight A drug dealer known as the 'TikTok Narco Queen' was executed in broad daylight in Chile in 2023. Chilling video recorded by a bystander showed Sabrina Duran, 24, lying face down in the middle of a street in Santiago on Tuesday morning after being shot by a masked assailant. Duran, a mother-of-one, was on her way to a nail salon when she was stopped by three men in the Santiago town of Padre Hurtado, local news outlets reported. Chilling video recorded by a bystander showed Sabrina Duran, 24, lying face down in the middle of a street in Santiago on Tuesday morning after being shot by a masked assailant A gunman aims his weapon before murdering Sabrina Duran, the leader of a drug gang who was also known as the 'TikTok Narco Queen,' in Santiago, Chile In the footage Duran is already seen laying on the ground trying to get up when a gunman steps forward and fires multiple shots before using her vehicle to escape. No motive has been provided by the Chilean police, although sources with knowledge of the investigation said the chilling murder was linked to 'settling scores.' No other information about who or why was provided. Authorities found Duran's vehicle in flames in the town of Quilicura. 'We are expanding the field of investigation to see if there are more motivating (factors),' police major Leonel Munoz told reporters. Duran was arrested in 2022 on charges that she was the leader of a local drug gang and was sentenced to three years for drug trafficking. She attempted to escape prison by jumping from the third floor with other inmates before they were all captured. Duran amassed more than 467,000 followers on TikTok, where she's been promoting beauty products since 2021. Tourist dies after being caught in cross fire Anjali Ryot - a 25-year-old California resident who shared her globe-trotting experiences on social media - was among the two women shot dead when gunmen chasing a drug dealer opened fire at a bar in Tulum. Ryot, of San Jose, was at the La Malquerida bar in 2021 when she and 35-year-old Jennifer Henzold, of Germany, were trapped in the middle of a dispute between the assailants and a rival drug dealer. Anjali Ryot - a 25-year-old California resident who shared her globe-trotting experiences on social media - was among the two women shot dead when gunmen chasing a drug dealer opened fire at a bar in Tulum Ryot was declared dead at the scene by paramedics. Henzold was rushed to an area hospital, where she died. The shooting also wounded two German males, aged 26 and 25, and a 21-year-old woman from the Netherlands. A native of India, Ryot arrived at the popular Mexican resort town on Monday ahead of her birthday - she would have turned 26 on Friday. Just hours before the tragic shooting, she took to her Instagram account to share a video of her walking near a platform at the Cielo Maya hotel and resting on a hammock. Ryot had been working as a senior site reliability engineer with LinkedIn since July. She had previously been employed by Yahoo, where she spent five years working as a site reliability engineer and service engineer. The German government warned travelers in Tulum and Playa del Carmen not to step out of their hotels and to only use taxi companies based out of the airport or any which were recommended by the hotels while traveling to and from and airport. According to the travel warning, 'rental cars have also been robbed there lately and sometimes with the use of gun violence.' He was the most legendary character ever to appear on The Apprentice - as his cringeworthy attempts to appear authoritative via a string of catchphrases backfired spectacularly. So when Stuart Baggs was found dead after an asthma attack aged just 27, the news caused genuine consternation around the country. Now, ahead of the tenth anniversary of his death, his family have spoken exclusively to MailOnline about their memories of the man who famously styled himself 'Stuart Baggs, the brand' - and their enduring regret that he didn't live to make the millions he was convinced were his business destiny. Stuart quickly became famous for one-liners like this, including: 'Everything I touch turns to sold' and 'I'm not a one-trick pony, I'm not a ten-trick pony, I'm a whole field of ponies'. And we discovered that the latter catchphrase has particularly poignant associations for his family - as they will explain. But first his parents, Rosemary, 68, and Steve, 69, are keen to stress the fact that Stuart's on-screen persona was not an invention - but simply a manifestation of the larger-than-life personality he had from childhood. 'He was much like he was on screen really,' Mrs Baggs said. 'Full of beans, full of life. He was full on, business-orientated and loved tech.' Stuart Baggs appeared on The Apprentice back in 2010, quickly becoming known for his cheeky-chappie persona. Tragically, a few years later he died at just age 27 Stuart Baggs, age six, winning the school technology prize, which his mother said was 'the start of it all' After his stint on the Apprentice, Stuart appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe under an event called 'Stuart Baggs and his field of ponies' Born in Plymouth but brought up on the Isle of Man where his family ran a pub, Stuart, at just 21, would become The Apprentice's youngest ever contestant when he appeared in series six in 2010, reaching the last five. But he had to overcome many obstacles to get there and find ways to harness his talents. From a young age Stuart, who had dyslexia and dyspraxia, became obsessed with tech - even winning his school's technology prize at just six-years-old. 'Whenever we got our first computer, when Stuart was really young, that kick-started his whole life really,' his mum recalled. His father added: 'He was also money orientated and really wanted a business, probably because he saw us in the pub with all the cash. He then started selling things at school.' At just 13, 'adrenaline junkie' Stuart, who had plans to become a lawyer if he failed as an entrepreneur, registered his business BlueWave communications to provide internet services to those on the Isle of Man. 'He just sort of came up with this plan out of the blue and was putting Wi-Fi on the boats around here,' Mr Baggs said. Living on the island helped 'nurture' Stuart and gave him the opportunity to build his business, which his parents don't believe he would have had in the UK. Stuart famously styled himself as 'Stuart Baggs, the brand' - a catch phrase many remember Stuart on a 'casual Friday' at Blue Wave in his favourite jumper Stuart and his older sister Charlotte pictured in 1993 It was while at university and also juggling his growing company, that Stuart decided to try out for The Apprentice, catching the ferry over to Manchester to audition. He had initially wanted to go onto Dragon's Den but following his mother's advice, who was concerned the judges would 'ridicule' him for being so young, he applied for the BBC show instead. 'He was running the business over here, he was at uni and he decided he was going to go on the Apprentice,' Mr Baggs said. 'There a big group of them and he had been told to leave through the backdoor, so he thought that's it, they don't want me. But it ended up that he was the one they wanted.' While Stuart told his parents he had been accepted onto the show he kept it a big secret from his friends and even his older sister, Charlotte. 'I didn't know where he really was when it was being filmed. I was told he was installing WIFI to oil rigs in the North Sea and was heading off Island for helicopter training,' his sister said back in 2010. 'Stuart completely pulled the wool over my eyes.' During filming, his parents by chance ran in to Stuart and the crew while they were on a day out to the Old Trafford Centre in Manchester. Mr and Mrs Baggs had been doing a pre-holiday shopping trip in the centre when they bumped into a familiar face. Stuart (pictured front) with Ed Giddins, Paula Hamilton, Christopher Biggins and Shelia Ferguson on the television programme Celebrity Five Stuart pictured in 2011 testing out a BMW S 'We shouldn't have seen him while he was filming. It was a bizarre coincidence,' Mr Baggs said. 'But when we got to the Trafford Centre there were all these film crews rushing around and Stuart was there amongst all the other contestants. 'He saw us straight away and he asked for permission to speak to us. Then I think he just wanted us out the way. But we thought what are the odds.' When the show finally aired later in the year, the Baggs family watched each episode together, seeing Stuart adapt his big personality for the screen. There were, however, moments his parents found 'hurtful', particularly when Claude Littner told him he was 'not a fish in a big pond or a little pond you are not even a fish' in the world of business. 'I didn't really mind any of it but the bit I did not like was when they made fun of his achievements,' his mother said. 'He was 21-years-old and in my mind, and I know I am his mother, but he had actually done really well. 'I thought it was rude and unnecessary. It is reality television but at the end of the day they are people as well. Stuart is pictured here with fellow candidate Stella English who appears confused with what her rival is saying in the boardroom back in 2010 'But he was so unbothered by it, water off a duck's back. He would say to me 'it's TV mother, don't worry about it'. His father added: 'There was no such thing as bad publicity in his mind and every episode he did was another step in his career. 'It gave him a massive leap as not only did he get recognition from the show which brought in business. He also got quite a bit of money out of it.' After Lord Alan Sugar fired Stuart from the show in the semi-final, he continued to go from strength to strength, propelling his business and appearing on other reality television shows, such as Come Dine With Me. A self-described 'workaholic' Stuart said he would regularly work 18 hour days to push his business to the next level. He helped install Wi-Fi onto the Isle of Man Steam Packet Ferry and for other boats based around the island. A few weeks after his 27th birthday, he excitedly spoke of the launch of his new home hub network. He told his local paper The Isle of Man Examiner at the time: 'We are an island, let's pull together. Let us show some innovation. 'By God this has cost an absolute fortune, but the winners will be the people of the Isle of Man.' Of his work ethic he added: 'I work, as my hair will tell you, at least 18 hours a day. I sleep for four hours religiously, I would not have it any other way, like Margaret Thatcher. 'But also I'm a geek, I make no excuse for it. I started this business as a geek.' Tragically, he was to die, the very night he had just launched that brand new 4G internet hub on the Isle of Man in July 2015, suffering from an acute asthma attack, a condition he had since childhood. He was tragically found dead at his seaside flat on the island's capital of Douglas. His parents had seen Stuart just hours before his death. Following Stuart's death Lord Alan Sugar offered his 'sincere condolences to his family and friends' Stuart's mother Rosemary touches his coffin following his funeral in August 2015 Stuart's father Stephen and sister Charlotte at his funeral in August 2015 'On the evening he passed, we had gone out with friends and were driving along Douglass promenade and he was just coming back from the gym,' Mrs Baggs said. 'We waved to each other and were shouting hi.' 'Just wish we stopped now but it is what it is. That was the last time we saw him,' his father added. 'He went home and then sometime in the night had this massive asthma attack. 'He has had asthma since he was a kid and had his first attack when I was camping with him in Spain. 'It was horrendous. You never get over it but you learn to live with it.' The fact that Stuart was just 27 saw him join the so-called '27 Club' of celebrities who died at that age alongside Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix - but for his family Stuard will always be the young man couldn't be more proud of. In the last decade, the couple have learnt to live with their grief and continue with a some-what normal life, retiring in the countryside on the Isle of Man. His sister Charlotte runs an equestrian school on the farm and they have their own 'field of ponies' with five horses. In fact it was from his sister's love of horses, which Stuart was ironically allergic to, that he came up with his iconic and most well-known catchphrase. 'It is weird because in your everyday life it becomes normal and it sort of sits in the background,' his mother said. 'But then you are driving along the road and you see something which reminds you of him, or you hear a song which he used to love, and then that's what hits you then because it is unexpected and it catches you off guard.' 'To sum it up we were, and still are, very proud of him', Mr Baggs added. To this day, BlueWave communications is still flourishing and operating out of the Isle of Man, with dozens of contracts including with Starlink. Following Stuart's death, the company was taken over from his mentor from his year in industry while at university, after asking his parents how he could help them in their grief. They handed Adam Beaumont the business allowing him to successfully carry the legacy of 'Stuart Baggs the Brand'. The handwritten letter from a dying father to his four-year-old son could not have been more heartfelt. 'My darling Edward,' it read. 'Just a little letter to you but not much because you can't read yet, can you? Are you going to be a good boy for Mummy always? I hope you always do what Mummy tells you. 'Be clever and good and happy and a credit to Daddy always. Lots of kisses and many more, Mummy will give them to you from me.' Barely eight weeks later, John Davey, 38, the solicitor father of three boys under the age of 10, died of Hodgkin disease and his letter was handed over to 'darling Edward' today better known as Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the resurgent Liberal Democrats when he had learned to read. There is an almost unbearable postscript to the letter. Five years after it was written, Davey's mother Nina was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had two mastectomies but six years later she died, aged 44, after the cancer spread to her bones. Davey, the boy who had often acted as her carer, was holding her hand at her hospital bedside in his school uniform when she passed away in 1981. 'Mum devoted herself to us after Dad had gone,' he says. 'She found the cancer was back and went into her bones when I was 12. She started spending money. She wanted us to be happy. There were holidays. We had a colour television with a remote control. She wanted to ensure we had good memories. She was amazing.' Close to tears as he spoke, Davey says she looked at peace when she finally slipped away. 'One of the most horrible things about bone cancer is the awful pain. The bones are literally crumbling.' Ed Davey with his son John, who has a rare and undiagnosed neurological condition. He can't walk unaided and for years he was non-verbal, uttering the words 'Mummy' and 'Daddy' for the first time only when he was nine Unusually frank for a politician, Davey reveals they would not be able to afford John's care, which runs to thousands of pounds a year, without the financial support of a tight-knit circle of family and friends His parents' death and the story of how the 15-year-old orphan was brought up with his two older brothers Charles, 20 at the time, and Henry, 18 by his maternal grandparents are recounted in Davey's new book, Why I Care: And Why Care Matters. It is a deeply personal account of caring not just for his mother but for his son John, 17, named after his late father. John has a rare and undiagnosed neurological condition. As a baby he could not sit up his body would flop over. To this day, John can't walk unaided. For years he was non-verbal, uttering the words 'Mummy' and 'Daddy' for the first time only when he was nine. Davey, 59, speaking to me on a sunny day in an open-air cafe in Westminster's St James's Park, says: 'We never underestimate him. He has a sense of humour and laughs when you didn't think he would understand.' John attended a series of special schools but none worked out and the Daveys reluctantly concluded that they should educate him at home. Davey's wife Emily, who he married in 2005 having met her at a Lib Dem housing group meeting, sits with John for hours each day, reading him stories word by word. As a result of this painstaking care, he can now make limited conversation. 'Some conversations make more sense than others,' says Davey. 'But his effort to reply is huge. When I hear the words in the morning from his bedroom: 'Daddy, get up', it's music to me. They are the most important words of my day. I get him up, sitting at the side of his bed, because he can't do it by himself. 'He likes to play his wooden acoustic guitar with his mother and father on either side of him. He has a toy parrot which he talks to, which speaks back to him, to encourage him to speak. I take his nappy off, take him to the shower, wash, dry him and clean his teeth.' The Daveys on their wedding day. Both would die young - John aged 38 of Hodgkin disease and Nina of breast cancer when she was 44, leaving their sons orphans The 30-minute routine is sacred to Davey. 'He is a happy, smiley boy. We have a wonderful relationship. Caring can be tough and challenging. But I would hate not to have my John. We have fun and happiness together. My biggest fear is when we are not here who is going to look after him?' John's development is being helped by regular trips to the Peto Institute in Hungary, which specialises in neurological disorders in children. 'We were told we should put John in a wheelchair... wrap him in cotton wool,' says Davey. 'But the Peto said no. We have to push him. At the Peto they work John hard with all sorts of different exercises. Emily takes notes so we can repeat the exercises when we come back. He is not always willing but he does it in the end!' Next week Emily, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2020 and now walks slowly with the aid of a stick, will go to the Peto with John and their 12-year-old daughter Ellie. Davey will join them the week after. Pictured in 1966, Ed with his older brothers, Charles (left) and Henry The cost of a live-in carer and regular trips to Hungary would stretch anyone's finances and the Daveys, who rely on his MP's salary of 94,000, while Emily earns 21,000 a year as a Kingston district councillor responsible for housing, are by no means wealthy. Unusually frank for a politician, Davey reveals they would not be able to afford John's care, which runs to thousands of pounds a year, without the financial support of a tight-knit circle of family and friends. 'We have friends and family who help. The trips to the Peto are the biggest costs, especially the flights and accommodation. I am so grateful. We just could not afford to do it without that financial support.' Given his family background, Davey's views on assisted dying are worth listening to. The Commons this week debated the latest stage of Labour MP Kim Leadbeater's assisted dying Bill, while in Scotland a separate Bill on the same issue passed its first vote in the Holyrood parliament. The death of his parents has made Davey think long and hard about palliative care. I ask him if his mother, who suffered so much in her final years and had experimented with natural remedies after radiotherapy and chemotherapy failed, would have supported the Bill. 'I have always been opposed to assisted dying and Mum would have been opposed to it,' he says. 'She wanted to be with us for as long as she could. She wanted to fight for her sons for as long as she could, even though she was in agonising pain.' Davey is also concerned about how any new legislation could put pressure on terminally ill older people. Davey at his graduation with his proud maternal grandmother, Nanna. He attended Jesus College, Oxford, where he was awarded a first class BA degree in philosophy, politics and economics in 1988 'I fear they will opt for assisted dying even if they don't really want it but are worrying about becoming a burden on their loved ones. Even though their loved ones might be caring for the sick relative, they still may think they should choose to die.' Davey's strong Christian faith is another factor in his thinking. A practising Anglican, he goes to church every Sunday. 'My wife reads the Bible in bed,' he tells me. He is horrified by one particular consequence of the Labour government's decision to hike employers' national insurance, which has resulted in some hospices being forced to close beds and cut staff. 'It is beyond shocking,' he says. In the book he also argues there is a solution to the carers shortage, estimated to be running at 135,000. 'We have to pay them 2 an hour more than the minimum wage [currently 12.21 for workers aged over 21]. If we do that we will find a lot more people living here will do the jobs,' he says. After the week in which the Government said it would stop foreign workers taking carers' roles, Davey insists the visa system is being abused. 'Over the last four or five years under the Tories, 450,000 health and care visas were issued. If all those people worked in health and care, we'd not have a problem,' he says. 'If I was Home Secretary I would say we have to pay people here more to do the job. I would also ask: where are all the people who came to our country on health and care visas? What are they doing?' Davey led the Lib Dems to their best general election performance last year with a record 72 MPs and in this month's local elections the Lib Dems came second ahead of Labour and the Tories. This means his party's new authorities will have to address some thorny issues, not least the Supreme Court ruling that a woman is defined in law by biological sex. Davey, who was ridiculed when he said in 2023 that a woman could 'clearly' have a penis, was unequivocal when asked if he will accept the judgment: 'Of course. I believe in the rule of law. We need a debate in Parliament to see how to give force to it.' Davey, who was born in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, on Christmas Day 1965, entered Parliament as the member for Surbiton at his first attempt in 1997 after a stint as a management consultant. Between 2010 and 2012 he was Post Office Minister in David Cameron and Nick Clegg's coalition government. His tenure coincided with growing realisation that hundreds of sub-postmasters had been mistakenly convicted of fraud due to the catastrophic failure of the Post Office's Horizon accounting software. The issue was front of mind when we talked because Mr Bates vs The Post Office, the dramatisation of the IT scandal, won best drama series at the Baftas. Davey did not emerge well from the affair as he initially refused to see the former sub-postmaster who was leading the campaign against the Post Office, the now knighted Alan Bates. 'I was lied to,' he insists hotly. 'I think my officials were lied to by the Post Office. There have to be prosecutions. I think officials could have done more but the real rotten apples are in the Post Office and the Fujitsu company.' What of his decision to take a consultancy role with Herbert Smith Freehills, the law firm employed by the Post Office in 2019 to try to crush the likes of Sir Alan Bates? (A position which earned him a whopping 275,000 between 2015 and 2022.) Davey tells me he had no inkling that the law firm had been hired by the Post Office as he was nothing to do with its litigation side. On the face of it, this is a surprising claim as his brother Henry, to whom he was very close, had been a corporate partner at HSF for approaching 20 years when Davey started working for the law firm. During last year's general election campaign, Davey engaged in a series of increasingly cringeworthy stage-managed photo opportunities, including juming off a paddle board on Lake Windermere while dressed in an overtight wetsuit Since those days, Davey has reinvented himself as the court jester of British politics. During last year's general election campaign, he engaged in a series of increasingly cringeworthy stage-managed photo opportunities. Dressed in an overtight wetsuit, he jumped off a paddle board on Lake Windermere. Then there was a bungee jump from a crane. And perhaps most frivolous of all, a career down a water slide in an inflatable ring. Why? 'Boris and Trump got attention by doing fun things,' he says. 'I don't model myself on them but if they are allowed to do it, why aren't I? I spoke more about Lib Dem policy than in any other election because cameras turned up because I was falling off paddle boards. We had our best result in 100 years.' Not everyone was impressed. Last month, former Tory Cabinet Minister Rory Stewart said he would consider voting Lib Dem but was deterred by Davey's 'gimmicks'. But no one can deny that, in electoral terms, Davey is the Lib Dems' most successful leader of the modern era. Likeable, hardworking, with an easygoing charm, Davey poses a serious threat to the Tories' 'wet' brigade. Under him, the Lib Dems unseated four Cabinet ministers at the last election and captured three constituencies once represented by David Cameron, Theresa May and Boris Johnson. Could he become Prime Minster? 'I am not getting ahead of myself. But it will be an interesting journey and we might just surprise people,' he says. A ruthless people-smuggler who was walking Londons streets despite being kicked out of the UK has been jailed after The Mail on Sunday exposed his return. Alket Dauti, 38, led a vile gang that smuggled hundreds of illegal migrants from Belgium inside refrigerated lorries, masterminding the operation from his British base. The group, comprising Dauti and his cousins, even wrapped migrants hands and feet some of whom were children in plastic bags so as not to leave any traces in the lorries. Dauti has been sentenced to eight months in prison after the MoS told the authorities he had illegally returned to the UK. But the gangster will not automatically be sent back to his native Albania after his term ends, despite being a twice-convicted criminal. The court heard Dauti is expected to ask to stay in the UK after his sentence is over and may submit an application while in prison. He is estimated to have made hundreds of thousands of pounds from the smuggling racket by charging migrants 13,000 for a seat in the front of a lorry or 8,000 in the back. He came to the UK in 2009 and was first arrested by the National Crime Agency nine years later. He was extradited to Belgium where he had already been sentenced for ten years and fined 625,000 in absentia. A ruthless people-smuggler who was walking London s streets despite being kicked out of the UK has been jailed after The Mail on Sunday exposed his return Alket Dauti being arrested in June 20, 2018 before returning to the UK He is estimated to have made hundreds of thousands of pounds from the smuggling racket by charging migrants 13,000 for a seat in the front of a lorry or 8,000 in the back But the crime boss served only half of this term before he was deported to Albania last year, and then illegally returned to the UK. Officials were unaware Dauti was living with his family in this country until the MoS tipped them off. He brazenly posted photos of himself in London on social media, while relatives uploaded images of him taking his two daughters to school. Dauti was arrested in Penge, south-east London, a week after this newspapers expose in March. After pleading guilty to entering the UK without leave, he appeared at Woolwich Crown Court via video link from HMP Thameside. The court heard Dauti gravitated towards the UK last year as his wife and two children lived in London. Police still do not know how he arrived, but Dauti told the MoS in March he flew from Albania to Luton Airport on a Wizz Air flight. On his plan to apply to stay in the UK, Recorder David Etherington KC said: You have grounds to apply to come here because of your wife and children being in the UK. 'Ive read the moving letter from your wife. Unfortunately, I cannot ignore the fact you came here illegally. A Home Office official will visit Dauti in prison to determine if he can submit such an application. Inch by inch or, as the EU would prefer, centimetre by centimetre, this country is being drawn back into the dreary orbit of Brussels. There was never really very much doubt that the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer regretted our departure. Earlier in his career he was open about this. But after the decisive referendum nine years ago, things have become harder and harder for those who believe the country is better off when controlled by foreign courts and foreign officials. They know that any direct attempt to overturn that vote will meet with fierce resistance and many of them made fools of themselves by demanding such a re-run and calling it a 'People's Vote', as if those who had taken part in the original referendum had not been the people. Sir Keir himself unsuccessfully campaigned for a second EU referendum as Labour's shadow Brexit secretary under Jeremy Corbyn. This approach has now quite plainly flopped. Instead the EU itself and its supporters here have adopted what are known as salami tactics to get their way. This phrase, invented by the grisly Hungarian despot Matyas Rakosi, involves getting what you want through a hundred thin slices, rather than by grabbing the whole sausage in one go. Each slice is so thin and light that many will barely notice, and few will protest at its loss, but over time you get everything. The EU's extraordinary manoeuvres over Northern Ireland are a good example of this. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at a 'People's Vote: Trust The People' march in Brighton in 2019 Sir Keir (pictured) unsuccessfully campaigned for a second EU referendum as Labour's shadow Brexit secretary under Jeremy Corbyn - and that approach has clearly flopped Instead the EU itself and its supporters here have adopted what are known as salami tactics to get their way. This phrase, invented by the grisly Hungarian despot Matyas Rakosi (pictured) involves getting what you want through a hundred thin slices, rather than by grabbing the whole sausage in one go But now comes Sir Keir's summit with EU leaders in London tomorrow, at which the process will go further still. The Prime Minister is preparing to sign a Brexit 'reset'. This is expected to include a youth mobility scheme, which many view as the return of free cross-border movement dressed up as a concession to the young. Reform UK's Nigel Farage has said that the plan would 'effectively be a back door to free movement of people', while Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has said it could amount to an 'uncapped migration scheme'. Experience shows that such warnings cannot be lightly ignored. We are also under pressure to grant long-term access for EU trawlers in newly-regained British fishing grounds. All this comes with increased trade and security links. And these are attached to thick wads of Brussels regulations and the return to our territory of the Luxembourg-based European Court of Justice, a body which has little time for UK national sovereignty. Alarmingly, Downing Street is briefing that the Premier now believes the British people are 'done' with Brexit. He and his aides may be in for a surprise when as is inevitable this policy is tested at the ballot box, especially in Labour's working class heartlands. Even more worrying is a defence and security pact that would allow British companies to win contracts from a 150billion EU weapons fund. But as The Mail on Sunday reports today, France is said to be leading demands within the EU for us to be made to pay an astounding price for this perhaps billions. The hard core of the EU, it seems, does not just want us back within its power. It also wants to make it clear that we have paid a heavy price for our attempt to escape. Sir Keir should face the toughest possible scrutiny when he presents this dubious deal to the British people. If it is the surrender it increasingly appears to be, he has no real right to accept it. If he tries to do so, it may fatally undermine his already badly damaged government. As she prepares to marry the worlds second-richest man, Lauren Sanchez can afford almost anything she wants. And it appears the former TV presenters favourite way to flaunt her wealth and that of her fiance, Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos is with ridiculously expensive accessories. Her hen do was no exception. Ms Sanchez, 55, opted for a 4,500 crystal-encrusted Eiffel Tower bag in-keeping with the backdrop of her get-together in Paris. Surrounded by friends including Katy Perry, Kim Kardashian and Eva Longoria, she paired the Judith Leiber bag with a plunging white top (211) and lace-up skirt (520) by French brand Murmur. In March Ms Sanchez showed off a 4,350 Balenciaga clutch in the shape of a coffee cup, which was mocked online as beyond stupid. Last night social media lit up again over her latest bag described on the designers website as a chic tribute to an iconic landmark with one critic saying: Is there no end to this womans ability to squander money on pointless possessions? The four-day bachelorette party comes ahead of her 5million wedding to Mr Bezos, 61, in June, which will take place at an open-air theatre in Venice. Lady Gaga and Sir Elton John are reportedly set to perform. As she prepares to marry the worlds second-richest man, Lauren Sanchez (pictured) can afford almost anything she wants. And it appears the former TV presenters favourite way to flaunt her wealth is with ridiculously expensive accessories On her hen do Ms Sanchez, 55, opted for a 4,500 crystal-encrusted Eiffel Tower bag in-keeping with the backdrop of her get-together in Paris Katy Perry was one of the attendees at Lauren Sanchez's star-studded bachelorette party in Paris this week Lauren Sanchez (back of shot, in white) leaves her hotel with close friend Kim Kardashian Also present at the bachelorette were Kris Jenner (left) and Eva Longoria (right) The hen do weekend, said to be costing 500,000, kicked off on Thursday with dinner at the historic Lafayettes restaurant, with starters including fried chicken. And on Friday her party went on a cruise along the Seine, drinking champagne and dancing on the deck of an open-top party boat. Ms Sanchez posted photos of the celebrations on Instagram, writing: Forever starts with friendship, surrounded by women whove lifted me up, illuminated my path in dark times and shaped my heart. Locked in a cell behind a see-through, reinforced Perspex door, Axel Rudakubanas every move was watched around the clock. For months following his sentencing in January, a rota of prison officers at HMP Belmarsh followed the same daily routine, standing guard or seated in a chair, eyes always on the 18-year-old. Given the nature of his crimes Rudakubana stabbed three young girls to death at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport keeping him safe was always going to be a challenge. Because alongside paedophiles, child killers are regarded as the lowest of the low by fellow inmates. And in a Category A prison such as Belmarsh, those already serving lengthy sentences have little to lose from meting out prison justice. Welcome to Hell-Marsh, reads the graffiti scrawled on the door of a reception cell into which incoming prisoners are first brought, a nod to the roll-call of infamous names who have been held within its walls, including serial killer Levi Bellfield, black-cab rapist John Worboys, Fusilier Lee Rigbys killers and Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs. But when Rudakubana arrived at Belmarsh, the first priority for those running the jail in south east London wasnt keeping him safe from others but from himself. Axel Rudakubana is serving a 52-year sentence for stabbing to death three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport Because of his age, the state of his mental health and the 52-year sentence he was given, the teenager was assessed as being at an acute and immediate risk of suicide and self-harm. It meant that he was placed in a cell in the jails healthcare centre, an area of the prison that includes cells designed to allow staff to better monitor inmates. Ian Huntley, the Soham schoolgirls murderer, is among those previously detained there. Rudakubana was placed under constant watch in what is referred to as a gated single cell with a see-through plastic door meaning there would not have been a minute of the day when he was not being directly observed by a prison officer. Officers would sit on a chair a foot or so from the cell and just watch Rudakubana, a source told The Mail on Sunday. It was pretty boring but also very demanding on staff numbers and there was a lot of overtime available. But several weeks ago it is claimed that prison authorities scaled back observations and the overtime offers stopped. Its obvious now that Rudakubana had been taken off 24-hour watch as they deemed him less of a risk, the source said. The decision to reduce his supervision would have been taken after advice from health staff and a psychiatrist. But prison officers who dealt with him would also have had input. None is understood to have picked up any signs of impending trouble. He was withdrawn, avoided communication and mainly slept, a source with knowledge of Rudakubana said. There was no evidence he was planning a violent attack. It came out of the blue. Police and the prison authorities at at HMP Belmarsh, a Category A men's prison located in Thamesmead, south-east London, are investigating and trying to understand what motivated Rudakubana to launch the attack guards Another added: There was no intelligence about his behaviour to suggest he was a threat apart from being very withdrawn. While fixtures within the cell itself such as the bed, toilet and window are designed with a view to reducing the risk of self-harm for example, a concrete bed and stainless steel toilet Rudakubana still had access to a kettle for hot drinks. It was this he chose to use as a weapon ten days ago, hurling scalding water through the hatch in the cell door at a male officer. While it was initially feared Rudakubana had mixed the water with sugar to cause more severe burns and scarring, whats known as prison napalm, thankfully that wasnt the case. Miraculously, the injured officer escaped severe injuries and after treatment at the nearby Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich was discharged the same day. Other officers heard him screaming and the commotion, another insider said of the incident. One of the first things they did was put cold water on him. They also restrained Rudakubana and made sure he could not do anything worse to the guard. Police and the prison authorities are investigating and trying to understand what motivated Rudakubana to launch the attack. We desperately need to know what triggered it, one insider said. Was it done out of a jihadist mindset does he represent a constant, violent threat? Or, was it a one-off, a petulant outburst? Although Rudakubana was identified as a risk three times by the Prevent counter-terrorism programme and police officers discovered ricin pulp and a copy of an Child-killer Axel Rudakubana had been under constant guard in a cell like this one Al Qaeda manual at his house, no clear ideological reason for his Southport attack was found so it was not classified as terrorism. Another source added: He is clearly a very disturbed individual but he was pretty well behaved up until the incident when he threw hot water at a prison officer. Was he planning this for a while or did he just do it in the moment its possible well never know. But one expert suggested that as well as understanding Rudakubanas motivation, the mindset of prison managers needs to change as they have become too focused on whether prisoners are a danger to themselves, rather than others, putting staff at risk as a result. Former prison governor Professor Ian Acheson last night told this newspaper: It seems on this occasion staff were distracted by his vulnerability as opposed to his danger to officers. This is a blindspot in high-risk management that means managers are placing the rights of prisoners over the rights of prison officers to go home safe after a shift. That balance needs to be restored before we have a fatality on our hands. Some 10,605 assaults on staff in male and female jails were recorded in 2024, up from 9,204 in 2023 and nearly three times the 3,640 in 2014 The Mail on Sunday understands that Rudakubana is likely to remain at Belmarsh while police investigate the incident. It is thought he is still on the healthcare unit but that security around him has been stepped up. He will now only be allowed out of his cell to shower and exercise, and will be moved around the prison by a five-officer escort in full protective equipment, with dogs also potentially used. The incident has once again raised questions as to whether highly dangerous prisoners are being treated too leniently. Some 10,605 assaults on staff in male and female jails were recorded in 2024, up from 9,204 in 2023 and nearly three times the 3,640 in 2014. It was only a month ago that three prison guards at HMP Frankland, another high-security jail, were hospitalised by Hashem Abedi. The 28-year-old is serving a 55-year sentence for assisting his brothers suicide bomb attack on Manchester Arena which killed 22 people, many of them children. The Islamist, who already had form for attacking a guard while himself held at Belmarsh, threw hot cooking oil over the officers before stabbing them with homemade weapons. Despite being held in the Co Durham jails Separation Centre a prison within a prison designed to prevent inmates who have refused attempts to deradicalise from spreading their toxic message to other inmates Abedi had access to a kitchen. It was there he is understood to have fashioned two 8-inch blades from baking trays, as well as heating a pan of oil which he threw at the officers. One male officer was then stabbed in the neck, with the blade coming close to severing an artery. Another male officer was stabbed at least five times in the back, puncturing a lung. A female colleague was also injured. Abedis attack sparked an outcry, with politicians calling for the appeasement of jailed terrorists to stop and for him and those like him to be held in total isolation. Following Rudakubanas attack, Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick repeated that get-tough call while warning that a prison officer will be killed if the Government does not deal with spiralling violence by prisoners. Last week it emerged that a prison guard had also been attacked at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, having his throat slashed by an inmate using an improvised weapon. Calling for kettles to be taken from the cells of all high-risk prisoners, Mr Jenrick told the Commons: I couldnt care less if Rudakubana never had a hot drink again, nor would the British public. This culture of appeasement, of protecting the rights of convicted terrorists and criminals over the safety of our officers must end, and it must end now. If that means keeping them in cells with just a bed, so be it. If it means no contact, no privileges and certainly no cups of tea, so be it. Let segregation truly and finally mean segregation. It is a move endorsed by Prof Acheson, who said: Axel Rudakubana was convicted of a carefully premeditated and horrific attack of extreme violence. He wont leave prison alive and has demonstrated a history of non-compliance. These traits should have made him an exceptional risk to officers particularly in view of the alleged attack on staff a few days earlier at HMP Frankland by someone who shared the same characteristics, Hashem Abedi. According to reformed prisoner Ricky Killeen, who spent four years in HMP Frankland having been jailed for his involvement in a machete attack, Rudakubanas assault of the prison officer will inevitably make his time inside much harder. He is in prison for killing three little, innocent angels and he is now attacking the screws [prison officers] who are the only ones who are there to protect him, said Mr Killeen, who now dedicates his time to assisting other ex-inmates to rebuild their lives, and running a YouTube channel called Behind The Bars TV. He is on the top of the list for prisoners to act out prison justice on and the only protection he has got is from the screws on the block. He added: He has done everyone a favour because 99.9 per cent of people want him to suffer for what he has done. His time now is going to be 100 times harder. Now the screws wont have to be nicey, nicey to him. He is now going to be living in the harshest conditions ever. He will have no privileges, he will not have anything in his pad [cell] that he can use as a weapon, he will be kept in solitary. He might get out for exercise, for 15 minutes if he is lucky every couple of days and he wont be getting his daily showers so he will be in his pad, stinking, in silence. Mr Killeen believes it is not a question of if Rudakubana is attacked by another prisoner so much as when. It is only a matter of time, he says. He will be viewed as the worst of the worst. Roy Whiting has been attacked a number of times and it is going to be exactly the same for him. Last month, Hashem Abedi attacked three prison guards at HMP Frankland. The 28-year-old is serving a 55-year sentence for assisting his brothers suicide bomb attack on Manchester Arena which killed 22 people Whiting snatched eight-year-old Sarah Payne from a country lane near her grandparents home where she had been playing with her siblings in West Sussex, in July 2000. Since being jailed for life for her murder, he has been slashed, knifed, clubbed and beaten on at least five occasions. Meanwhile, Soham murderer Huntley was attacked while on the healthcare wing at HMP Frankland. His throat was slashed by a prisoner using a razor-blade that he had melted into the handle of a plastic knife. His attacker, who had a deep-seated hatred of child killers, told a prison officer: Is he dead? I hope so. But Huntley, who needed 21 stitches to his neck, survived. Following the incident involving Rudakubana, a Prison Service spokesman said: Police are investigating an attack on a prison officer at HMP Belmarsh. Violence in prison will not be tolerated and we will always push for the strongest possible punishment for attacks on our staff. But Mark Fairhurst, chairman of the Prison Officers Association, says more needs to be done and is calling for the introduction of facilities equivalent to supermax regimes in the US. We would give them basic entitlements and that is their lot, they are not getting anything else, he says. They go nowhere else in the prison and they are banged up for 23 hours a day and there is nothing in their cell that can be used to attack staff. The time has come for control and containment. For the growing number of prison officers across the country nursing serious injuries, and only alive thanks to good fortune, it is a change of approach that cannot come soon enough. King Charles is being strongly urged to issue a subtle hands off Canada warning to Donald Trump when he makes an historic speech later this month. The US President has caused widespread consternation by repeatedly calling for Canada to become Americas 51st state. In what is being seen as a deliberately symbolic act, Charles will open a new session of parliament in Ottawa on May 27 and deliver the traditional speech from the throne the first time a monarch has done so in nearly 50 years. While the royal visit signals strong support in itself, many believe that as Canadas head of state, Charles should go further and remind Mr Trump that the country is off limits. The speech, which introduces the Canadian governments agenda, will be written for Charles who is bound by the Royal Familys political neutrality. Despite such constraints, there is a growing feeling that were he to add even a solitary strategically- judged phrase of his own it would speak volumes. Artur Wilczynski, a former Canadian ambassador, told The Mail on Sunday: I would like to hear the King read a speech that says Canada is and will continue to be a strong, vibrant and independent nation and that Canada is not for sale at any price. And Id like him to say that as our sovereign and head of the Commonwealth, I will continue to support and defend the will of the Canadian people to pursue your national aspirations. Vive le Canada. Elizabeth May, the countrys Green Party leader, said: I understand and respect the limits of what a monarch can say at any time. But in visiting Canada at this time any Canadian would welcome the smallest reference to God Save Canada, that Canada is a valued member of the Commonwealth family of nations. King Charles (left) is being strongly urged to issue a subtle hands off Canada warning to Donald Trump (right) when he opens a new session of the Canadian parliament in Ottawa on May 27 and delivers the traditional speech from the throne the first time a monarch has done so in nearly 50 years The King gave a warm welcome to the new Canadian prime minister Mark Carney (pictured) at Buckingham Palace in March Charles faces a delicate diplomatic balancing act showing solidarity with Canada without damaging the UKs relationship with Trump. In recent months the King has used coded signals rather than words to demonstrate his support. The 60th anniversary of Canadas maple leaf flag in February brought an unusually fulsome message from Charles who praised the proud, resilient and compassionate country. Wearing a red tie a colour associated with Canada he gave a warm welcome to the new Canadian prime minister Mark Carney at Buckingham Palace in March. And when the King visited aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales in the same month, he appeared wearing a set of Canadian medals. He also planted a maple tree behind Buckingham Palace. People will look with a microscope at everything he does while here as our head of state, said Ms May. Mr Carney said last week that Canadians were unimpressed by the UK governments invitation to President Trump for a second state visit. It was at a time when we were being quite clear about the issues around sovereignty, he said. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer extended the invitation during a meeting at the White House in February. Asked whether the invitation was appropriate, Mr Carney said that was a decision for the UK government and Buckingham Palace. Mark Carney said last week that Canadians were unimpressed by the UK governments invitation to President Trump for a second state visit The Canadian prime minister and Donald Trump shared some awkward moments as they spoke to reporters in the Oval Office on May 6, 2025. The US president once again made reference to the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state of America, to which Mr Carney responded: 'As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale' Mr Carney told Sky News his invitation for the King to attend the opening of Canadas parliament is not coincidental. It is also a reaffirming moment, will be a reaffirming, he said. Toronto Star columnist Andrew Phillips said it was a genius move to invite Charles to open up parliament. Coming to Ottawa, even as he continues treatment for cancer, is an unmissable statement of support, he said. Getting Charles to do the deed this time, on relatively short notice, shows Carney has real clout with Buckingham Palace as well as an appreciation for the importance of this moment. And echoing sentiments expressed by a number of Canadian politicians, Ms May told The Mail on Sunday: For King Charles to come and open up parliament is a strong statement in and of itself that we are not in any way open to being an adjunct to the United States, and we never will be [and] it will not be lost on Trump. We are a separate sovereign state and, no, we have no interest in being the 51st state of America. We cant undo what Trump has done. That relationship is over. Canadians will never again regard the United States as unquestionably an ally and friend. We regard the US now with deep suspicion. She added: I recognise the limits on what the King can say, but there are no limits on what the Prime Minister [Starmer] can say, and I really wish hed start saying it. A map leaked by diplomats has suggested that Gazans could be forced into three tightly controlled land strips if a ceasefire deal with Hamas is not reached within days. The controversial proposal, allegedly seen by The Sunday Times, shows military zones cordoned off exclusively for troops in the north, centre and south of the territory, while civilian areas exist in between. For the transfer of goods, security screening, which includes photo identification or bar codes, would be required. These new tight restrictions could mean that civilians will be forbidden from travelling between the four occupied sections without prior permission. Up to 2million Palestinians, therefore, would be unable to move freely throughout the strip, according to foreign companies who have been briefed on the plan and assigned to the distribution and management of humanitarian support. When questioned about the proposal's details, Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) spokesman declined to confirm or deny its details. The new leaked map follows a similar plan released earlier this month, approved by the Security Council, which suggested that Gaza's entire population will be displaced from their homes in absence of a deal with Hamas. The release of a controversial new map that could see Gazans forced into three separate strips of land comes as Israel has launched a major military operation in the Gaza Strip in a bid to pressure Hamas to release hostages (Pictured: flames rise from Northern Gaza on May 17) It follows a similar plan released earlier this month, approved by the Security Council, which suggested that Gaza's entire population will be displaced from their homes in absence of a deal with Hamas (Pictured: smoke billowing over destroyed buildings on the Gaza Strip on May 17) Your browser does not support iframes. The plan included 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' The leaked map also comes following Israel's major military operation in the Gaza Strip, launched in a bid to pressure Hamas to release hostages. According to Defence minister Israel Katz, Operation Gideon Chariots was being led with 'great force'. More than 150 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in the last 24 hours, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. It said more than 3,000 have been killed since Israel broke a January ceasefire on March 18. 'Extensive' Israeli airstrikes in Gaza also killed 10 people on Saturday after the IDF announced an intensified operation aimed at defeating Hamas, rescuers said. The announcement came after hundreds have died following days of strikes across the besieged territory, according to Gaza's health ministry. More than 150 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in the last 24 hours, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Pictured: Palestinians sit at the site of an Israeli airstrike on a tent sheltering displaced people on May 17 Pictured: The interception of a missile that the Israeli military said was fired from Yemen on Sunday, May 18 The latest strikes began on the same day that U.S. President Donald Trump concluded his four-day trip to the Middle East, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates The Israeli Defense Forces said on its Hebrew X account that it had mobilised troops for 'Operation Gideon's Chariots' to seize 'strategic areas' of the strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed earlier in the week to escalate pressure on Hamas to destroy the militant group that has ruled the Palestinian enclave for nearly two decades. The latest strikes began on the same day that U.S. President Donald Trump concluded his four-day trip to the Middle East, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The stepped-up campaign came as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continued to worsen after Israel imposed an aid blockade on the strip in March - leaving one of the territory's last functioning hospitals unable to get supplies. The army announced in a post that it had begun the 'initial stages' of the new offensive, part of 'the expansion of the battle in the Gaza Strip, with the goal of achieving all the war's objectives, including the release of the abducted and the defeat of Hamas'. It said it had 'launched extensive strikes and transferred forces to seize control of areas within the Gaza Strip'. Gaza civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal said 10 bodies had been brought to hospitals after strikes on Saturday morning. Three people were killed and four wounded in drone strikes east of the southern city of Khan Yunis, he said, while three others were killed and several wounded in the bombing of a house in Jabalia, in the north. An attack on an apartment northwest of Khan Yunis killed three people, he added, while one person was killed and five wounded, 'including a girl, a young woman and a pregnant woman', in a strike on a tent west of the same city. The civil defence agency said Israeli strikes had killed at least 100 people the day before. Israel resumed its offensive in Gaza on March 18, ending a two-month truce in its war against Hamas triggered by the group's October 2023 attack. The return to fighting has drawn international condemnation, with the UN human rights chief on Friday denouncing the renewed attacks and what he described as an apparent push to permanently displace Gaza's Palestinian inhabitants. The Israeli military added that sirens sounded in several areas over Israel after the missile was allegedly launched from Yemen Pictured: the interception seen from the city of Ashkelton, Israel, on May 18. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis have fired missiles at Israel in what they say is solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza Defence minister Israel Katz said Operation Gideon Chariots is under way and is being led with 'great force' by Israel's army. Pictured: Loved ones and relatives of Palestinians, who lost their lives in Israeli attacks on May 17 'This latest barrage of bombs... and the denial of humanitarian assistance underline that there appears to be a push for a permanent demographic shift in Gaza that is in defiance of international law and is tantamount to ethnic cleansing,' Volker Turk said in a statement. The main Israeli campaign group representing the families of hostages said that by extending the fighting, Netanyahu was missing a 'historic opportunity' to return their loved ones through diplomacy. Hamas on Friday demanded the United States press Israel to lift the aid blockade in return for a US-Israeli hostage recently released by the group. Edan Alexander, the last living hostage with US nationality, was freed after direct engagement with the Trump administration that left Israel sidelined. Senior Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said that as part of the group's understanding with Washington regarding Alexander's release, Hamas was 'awaiting and expecting the US administration to exert further pressure' on Israel to restore aid. Israel says its decision to cut off aid to Gaza was intended to force concessions from Hamas, which still holds dozens of Israeli hostages seized during the attack that sparked the war. But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced increasing pressure to lift the blockade, as UN agencies warn of critical shortages of food, clean water, fuel and medicines. Gaza civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal said 10 bodies had been brought to hospitals after strikes on Saturday morning. Pictured: Israeli tanks deployed on the border with the Gaza Strip on May 17, 2025 US President Donald Trump acknowledged on Friday that 'a lot of people are starving'. Pictured: Displaced Palestinians receive hot meals distributed by aid organizations in Jabalia refugee camp of Jabalia, Gaza on May 5, 2025 Marwan Sultan, director of the Indonesian Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip, said the situation there on Saturday was 'catastrophic after its surroundings were targeted again this morning, causing the collapse of ceilings and cracks in the walls'. 'The operating rooms and intensive care units are completely full and we are unable to receive any more critical cases,' he said, adding there was 'a severe shortage of blood units, medicines, medical and therapeutic supplies, and surgical procedures'. US President Donald Trump acknowledged on Friday that 'a lot of people are starving'. 'We're looking at Gaza. And we're going to get that taken care of,' Trump told reporters in Abu Dhabi, on a regional tour that excluded key ally Israel. The Arab League is to meet in Baghdad on Saturday to discuss regional crises, with Gaza expected to be high on the agenda. The Hamas attack of October 7, 2023 resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Of the 251 hostages taken during the attack, 57 remain in Gaza, including 34 the military says are dead. Hamas on Friday demanded the United States press Israel to lift the aid blockade in return for a US-Israeli hostage recently released by the group. Pictured: Israeli troops deploy at a position near Israel's border with the Gaza Strip, on May 5, 2025 The health ministry in the Hamas-run territory said 2,985 people have been killed since Israel resumed strikes on March 18, taking the war's overall toll to 53,119. Earlier this week, a new humanitarian organisation that has US backing to take over aid delivery said it expects to begin operations before the end of the month - after what it describes as key agreements from Israeli officials. A statement from the group, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, identified several US military veterans, former humanitarian coordinators and security contractors that it said would lead the delivery effort. Many in the humanitarian community, including the UN, said they will not participate because the system does not align with humanitarian principles and won't be able to meet the needs of Palestinians in Gaza. A statement on Friday by Tom Fletcher, the United Nations' humanitarian chief, said the plan is "rooted in the non-negotiable principles" and that the UN has people ready to deliver assistance. He demanded the rapid, safe and unimpeded aid delivery for civilians. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry Dr Majed Al-Ansari, a spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, previously told the Mail's 'Apocalypse Now?' podcast that Israel 's continued bombardment of Gaza risks fanning the flames of extremism in the region. Speaking to the Mail's special correspondent David Patrikarakos, he also confirmed that talks are ongoing with the Trump administration to replace Air Force One with a $400 million luxury Qatari plane. A pork producer in an animal welfare scandal exposed by The Mail on Sunday faces difficult questions from investors when it reveals financial results this week. Cranswick, which supplies major UK supermarkets, was thrown into crisis last Sunday after we revealed that workers at its Northmoor farm in Lincolnshire had been killing piglets by smashing them against floors and walls. Footage showed pigs being beaten and kicked, plus botched killings. The scandal is likely to dominate exchanges between Cranswick bosses and shareholders on Tuesday when it reports results for the year to March. The firm's largest backers include investment giants such as JP Morgan and Vanguard as well as UK mutual fund Royal London. Cranswick, which is traded on the London stock market, has seen about 71 million wiped off its value after the scandal erupted. Financial analysts are predicting it will report profits of 192 million for the year to March, up from 176 million the previous year. But Cranswick is facing legal action after Animal Justice Project, which is behind the investigation into Northmoor, filed a formal complaint with Trading Standards. Secret recordings obtained exclusively by The Mail on Sunday revealed a horrific catalogue of animal abuse Footage showed pigs being beaten and kicked, plus botched killings In one sickening scene, a farm worker grabs a squealing piglet by its hind legs, swings the terrified animal high above his head and smashes it down brutally on to the hard floor Campaigners filmed the botched killing of a sow, which left the animal screaming and writhing in agony Cranswick, which is traded on the London stock market , has seen about 71 million wiped off its value after the scandal erupted On its website, Cranswick Farming portrays an idyllic public image, but the reality at one of its farms at least is horrifically different Emma Milligan of Lincolnshire Trading Standards said: 'We work with partners, including police, to take action to protect livestock.' The company has suspended staff at Northmoor farm and has ordered an urgent investigation. The farm is a small part of Cranswick's operation but the revelations could cause tensions with some of its major customers. Sainsbury's, Tesco and Morrisons suspended deliveries from Northmoor farm following The Mail on Sunday's report. In March, Cranswick signed a ten-year contract with Sainsbury's for all of the supermarket's pork, sausages, bacon and gammon to be purchased through the company. A Wisconsin angler made the discovery of a lifetime during a fishing trip on Lake Michigan when he uncovered a centuries-old shipwreck. Christopher Thuss, 25, of Two Rivers, was fishing in Lake Michigan off the city of Manitowoc in foggy conditions on Tuesday when he noticed the wreckage in nine feet of water off a breakwater, the Associated Press reported. Wisconsin historical society maritime archaeologist Tamara Thomsen later confirmed that Truss' unexpected discovery was the wreck of the J.C. Ames. 'These kinds of discoveries are always so exciting because it allows a piece of lost history to resurface. It sat there for over a hundred years and then came back on our radar completely by chance,' Thomsen said in a statement. 'We are grateful that Chris Thuss noticed the wreck and reported it so we can share this story with the Wisconsin communities that this history belongs to.' The society said that according to the book 'Green Bay Workhorses: The Nau Tug Line,' the Rand and Burger shipbuilding company in Manitowoc built the J.C. Ames in 1881 to help move lumber. The tug was one of the largest and most powerful on the Great Lakes, with a 670-horsepower engine. Christopher Thuss, 25, of Two Rivers, was fishing in Lake Michigan off the city of Manitowoc in foggy conditions on Tuesday when he noticed the wreckage in nine feet of water off a breakwater Tim Pranke, a volunteer diver for the Wisconsin Historical Society, approaches the wreckage of the J.C. Ames tugboat which was scuttled in 1923 and was rediscovered on Tuesday, May 13 Wisconsin Historical Society Maritime Archaeologist Tamara Thomsen later confirmed that Truss' unexpected discovery was the wreck of the J.C. Ames. Pictured: The J.C. Ames in its Nau Tug Line Configuration The centuries-old tug served multiple purposes beyond moving lumber, including transporting railway cars, before eventually falling into disrepair and was scuttled in 1923. Scuttling a ship means to deliberately sink it - usually by making holes in the hull or opening seacocks - as was the practice then when ships outlived their usefulness, Thomsen said. The ship had been buried in the sand at the bottom of the lake for decades before storms this winter apparently revealed it, the Maritime Archaeologist said. A lack of quagga mussels attached to the ship indicates it was only recently exposed, Thomsen added. Historians continue to locate shipwrecks and downed planes in the Great Lakes before quagga mussels destroy them. Quagga have become the dominant invasive species in the lower lakes over the last 30 years, attaching themselves to wooden shipwrecks and sunken aircraft in layers so thick they eventually crush the wreckage. Quagga mussels are considered 'bad' because they are invasive species that disrupt ecosystems, cause economic damage and threaten human health, according to the USGS. They can clog water pipes, alter food webs, and even contaminate drinking water. The centuries-old tug served multiple purposes beyond moving lumber, including transporting railway cars, before eventually falling into disrepair and was scuttled in 1923. Pictured: J.C. Ames' frames The ship had been buried in the sand at the bottom of the lake for decades before storms this winter apparently revealed it. Pictured: The J.C. Ames' ceiling planking Thuss' incredible find comes months after Wisconsin shipwreck hunters discovered a 131-year-old shipwreck at the bottom of Lake Michigan. Pictured: J.C. Ames' propeller shaft coupler The tug was one of the largest and most powerful on the Great Lakes, with a 670-horsepower engine. Pictured: The J.C. Ames docked Thuss' incredible find comes months after Wisconsin shipwreck hunters discovered a 131-year-old shipwreck at the bottom of Lake Michigan that fell victim to a storm and took the life of the captain's dog. The Margaret A. Muir, a schooner, was found off the coast of Algoma, Wisconsin, on May 12, 2024 just moments before the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association's research team nearly pulled the sonar out of the water for the day, a press release said. 'I knew she was going to be in about 50 feet of water, I knew that her sides had opened up. I know she was laying flat, and I knew she'd be harder to find,' Brendon Baillod, a crew member of the search, told Fox 6 Milwaukee. Thompsen, then a member of the Wisconsin Historical Society, said all the pieces of the ship were found, including the personal items sailors lost in the wreck. The 130-foot three-mast schooner was supposed to dock in South Chicago from Bay City, Michigan, when it got stuck in a storm with 50mph gale-force winds around 5am on September 30, 1893. A man's body has been pulled from a Georgia lake amid a desperate search for a father-of-five who disappeared on Wednesday. Dustin Valencia, 43, was reported missing by his wife after he ventured out on Lake Lanier on a kayak, resulting in a massive search for the father-of-five. The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office announced two days later that the fire department and Department of Natural Resources recovered a body from the lake, but are yet to make a formal identification. There have been more than 200 fatalities on Lake Lanier over the last 20 years. The body of water has been was named as one of the most dangerous lakes in the United States. The search and rescue mission for Valencia was initiated on Wednesday evening after his wife reported him missing when he didn't pick their children up from school. Valencia was last seen having his car serviced at 1pm. His wife grew concerned when he didn't pick their children up two hours later and tracked his phone to an address near the lake. She went to the address, but Valencia was nowhere to be found. Authorities then started to search the area to find the missing dad. The sheriff's department found Valencia's black Honda Accord parked near the lake and discovered he had gone for a kayak ride. Dustin Valencia, 43, disappeared on Wednesday after he took his kayak out on Lake Lanier in Georgia Valencia was described as a 'devoted husband and father of five.' His friends and family joined the massive search after he didn't pick up his kids on Wednesday afternoon Lake Lanier has the highest recorded drownings in Georgia, with over 200 fatalities in the past 20 years Later that day, his inflatable kayak and paddles were discovered and reported to the sheriff's office. Deputies told local ABC affiliate, WALB-TV, that the seats in the kayak were not inflated or installed. The kayak was found floating in the lake, and an individual reported it to the sheriff's office. Deputies added that Valencia hadn't been wearing a life vest. Authorities scaled Lake Lanier on Wednesday night and Thursday morning but came up with nothing. The sheriff's department followed up on a lead Friday morning and located an unidentified man's body in 51 feet of water. Valencia's wife reported him missing after she tracked his phone to a location and couldn't find him Community members have set up a Meal Train to support the Valencia family with food and financial support. The description described Valencia as a 'devoted husband and father-of-five.' One of Valencia's friends, Dillon Taylor, told WALB-TV, during the search, that if the situation were reversed, the family 'would be on the front lines.' Although the body recovered by the sheriff's department hasn't yet been identified, it marks another tragedy on Lake Lanier. Last May, a man named Matthew Mayo, 73, drowned while fishing on a bass boat with his wife. A massive search, including the local sheriff's department, the fire department, and Georgia's Department of Natural Resources, ensued to find the missing father Authorities made a grim discovery on Friday when they located a body submerged in water. They clarified that the body has yet to be identified The shocking death made national news and prompted an article in Time magazine speculating whether the lake was 'haunted.' In 2023, there were 13 recorded fatal drownings, which was the highest amount in comparison to other Georgia lakes, according to the Department of Natural Resources. The second highest number of drownings was at Lake Allatoona, with only three recorded instances. In the last 20 years, there have been over 200 fatalities on Lake Lanier. It was named as one of the most dangerous US lakes by Islands.com alongside Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Erie, and Lake Piru. DailyMail.com reached out to the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office for an update on Valencia's case but didn't immediately hear back. BBC bosses had Sophie Ellis-Bextor lined up as standby to reveal the UK's Eurovision jury results 'for some time' as they believed Ncuti Gatwa could 'change his mind', it has been claimed. The allegation comes amid growing speculation over the Doctor Who star's abrupt withdrawal from his presenting duties on Thursday around the same time that Israel's Yuval Raphael qualified for the final in Switzerland. Sources have told The Mail on Sunday that executives were left 'cross' and 'exasperated' by the actor's last minute decision, and that producers were 'given no reason' for it. There have been suggestions that Gatwa's withdrawal was linked to Ms Raphael who survived Hamas's October 7 Nova massacre by hiding under the bodies of other festival goers reaching the final. A statement issued by the BBC on Thursday night said: 'Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as spokesperson during the Grand Final.' Gatwa, 32, has been vocal in his support for Palestine, sharing photographs of 'Free Palestine' graffiti on Instagram and links to fundraisers for Palestinian causes. After it was revealed that he would be delivering the UK's scores at the song contest in Basel this year, he was inundated with negative feedback on social media from fans. One told Gatwa to 'read the room', although another said: 'I would usually be excited but I'm boycotting until Israel is given the same treatment as Russia.' BBC bosses had Sophie Ellis-Bextor lined up as standby to reveal the UK's Eurovision jury results 'for some time' as they believed Ncuti Gatwa could 'change his mind' The allegation comes amid growing speculation over the Doctor Who star's abrupt withdrawal from his presenting duties on Thursday - just moments after Israel qualified Gatwa, 32, has been vocal in his support for Palestine, sharing photographs of 'Free Palestine' graffiti on Instagram and links to fundraisers for Palestinian causes. Pictured: Protesters hold a smoke bomb and Palestinian flags during a demo outside last night's final Ahead of the final last night, a source admitted that BBC producers had 'suspected he could change his mind about the role', and Ms Ellis-Bextor, 46, had been 'in place for some time' as his stand-in. Executives have attempted to play down any link between Gatwa's decision to quit his role in the coverage of the contest and his pro-Palestinian views. They claimed the announcement of his withdrawal was made on Radio 2 three minutes before Ms Raphael's place in the final was confirmed. This was followed by a social media post five minutes later, which the BBC said was 'coincidentally' just after Israel had qualified. Gatwa is yet to deny that his political views were behind his decision to pull out. Neither his agent or publicist responded to questions over his reasons. Anthony Albanese is determined not to bend to pressure and change the names of products such as prosecco and feta during trade deal negotiations with Europe. The Prime Minister is expected to discuss details of the huge trade deal on the sidelines of his visit to Pope Le XIV's inauguration in Rome. Mr Albanese arrived in the Italian capital city on Friday and will meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen. On top of the agenda for both of these meetings will be trade and the war in Ukraine. 'It will be an opportunity to have bilateral discussions with a range of world leaders who will be there, people I haven't met before face-to-face,' Mr Albanese told reporters earlier this week. Free trade negotiations between Australia and the EU broke down in 2023 with Australia wanting more access for beef and lamb exports than EU countries were willing to accept, and the EU calling for name changes to popular Australian products. The latter issue became a major point of contention with the EU insisting Australian producers could not name products like 'prosecco' and 'feta' as the names referred to geographic locations. The EU claimed prosecco can only be used to describe sparkling wine from the Veneto region of Italy. Anthony Albanese visited Rome for Pope Leo XIV's inauguration (pictured, Albanese and the Pope) Albanese will use his whirlwind two-and-a-half day visit to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen (pictured) Other products that were incorrectly named due to 'geographic indications' were parma ham, feta and parmesan cheese. Similar geographic gripes led to Australian wines being banned from using the names champagne, port and sherry in 2009. Albanese earlier refused to adopt any new name changes, noting they originated from Europeans immigrating to Australia. EU ambassador to Australia, Gabriele Visentin, this week confirmed the EU would be more open to compromising on its naming demands. Both Canada and the EU have felt the brunt of US President Donald Trump's so-called 'Liberation Day' tariffs. Albanese will be keen to discuss how countries like Australia, Canada or those in Europe can push back on his agenda, protect free trade and preserve elements of the world trading system without unnecessarily aggravating Trump. The prime minister also spoke briefly about the importance of the inauguration mass for Australia's five million Catholics at a church in Rome that welcomes visiting Australians. Since arriving in Rome on Friday, Albanese has met with Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher and Melbourne Archbishop Peter Comensoli, Nine reported. Negotiations will include calls for Australia to stop using the name 'prosecco' in its wines Other notable attendees include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, US Vice President JD Vance, who is set to represent the United States in place of Trump, and Britain's Prince William. The mass, expected to be attended by tens of thousands of people in St Peter's Square, will begin at 10am local time (6pm on Sunday AEST). It is expected to follow a visit by the Pope to St Peter's tomb in the basilica. Church leaders will then present the Pope with the pallium, a vestment that signifies his assumption of the papacy, and a fisherman's ring, the symbol of the first apostles being 'fishers of men' in the gospels. It's expected Albanese will formally invite the Pope to Australia for the International Eucharist Conference, which will take place in 2028. The prime minister, who is also Catholic, said while he often doesn't talk about his religious views, it had informed his morals in politics. Describing his attendance on Sunday as a 'great honour,' Albanese also said it would be a historic occasion for the Catholic Church. 'The event will connect Catholics around the world, and the millions of Australians of Catholic faith, as they celebrate and welcome the new Bishop of Rome and pontiff to amplify his message of peace and social justice for all humanity,' he said in a statement released earlier in the week. 'I look forward to reinforcing Australia's strong relationship with the Holy See under Pope Leo XIV's pontificate.' Britain could see a shoplifting and burglary 'crime wave' amid proposals to scrap short prison sentences, MPs have warned. Major reforms to be published this week are expected to recommend scrapping most sentences of up to a year. It would mean burglars, shoplifters and those convicted of low-level assault would not face jail time with the reforms aimed at tackling prison overcrowding. The recommendations are set to be part of the government-commissioned Sentencing Review by David Gauke, the former Conservative justice secretary. The report is expected to provide a blueprint for the Sentencing Bill, which will be introduced to Parliament this summer. It is set to recommend replacing the majority of year-long sentences with community work or suspended sentences. Sources say there would be 'carve-outs' for sexual and violent offenders but the majority of criminals currently facing a year or six months in prison would not face jail time. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said: 'Instead of deporting the 10,500 foreign criminals in our jails or reducing the 17,000 individuals on remand awaiting trial, Labour look set to decriminalise offences. Britain could see a shoplifting and burglary 'crime wave' amid proposals to scrap short prison sentences, MPs have warned. The recommendations are set to be part of the Sentencing Review by David Gauke, the former Conservative justice secretary (pictured) 'Scrapping short sentences for crimes like burglary, theft and shoplifting is a gift to hardened criminals and is certain to unleash a crime wave. 'Communities will be terrorised again and again by the same faces with no consequences. 'These criminals do untold damage to communities and deserve to be punished properly. They need to be locked up for much longer so they can't keep reoffending.' Former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: 'Shoplifting should carry a strong penalty because it's not a one off these days, it is often gang related, ignored by the police and the courts are slow to act. There is an epidemic of it across Britain.' He said that while there is a case for getting rid of shorter sentences, it must be accompanied with better rehabilitation and that ministers need to be 'very careful not to lump all one-year sentences together. 'Antisocial behaviour like shoplifting, theft and robbery need to be taken seriously. It is the basis of all other crime,' Sir Iain said. 'Just cutting sentences will only lead to reoffending again and again.' It follows reports that the review will also recommend a new model for releasing prisoners early under house arrest that will rely on using new forms of tagging and other surveillance technology which ministers claim will amount to 'digital prisons'. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick (pictured) said: 'Instead of deporting the 10,500 foreign criminals in our jails or reducing the 17,000 individuals on remand awaiting trial, Labour look set to decriminalise offences' The typical prisoner would be released under house arrest for the middle stage of their sentence, before they are deemed safe to be freed into the community on licence for the third and final part, the Times reported. They could be sent back to prison if they breached the terms of their licence. A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: 'This government inherited a justice system in crisis, with prisons days from collapse. 'Despite taking emergency action, our criminal justice system continues to teeter on the brink of complete breakdown. 'Without urgent action, we will run out of prison places by November. That's why we have announced a record 4.7billion prison building programme. 'This, alongside David Gauke's sentencing review, will ensure we never run out of prison places again.' A British former cabin crew member has been arrested in a Sri Lankan airport after 1.15 million of cannabis was allegedly found in her luggage. Charlotte May Lee, 21, from Coulsdon, south London, was detained at the main airport in the country's capital Colombo on Monday after arriving from a flight from Bangkok. According to sources, authorities seized 46kg of kush - a strain of cannabis - as Miss Lee arrived from Thailand on a SriLankan Airlines flight. Pictures from the scene show six officers in the airport standing over two large suitcases and dozens of large vacuum packed bags of the drug. Officials from the Customs Narcotics Control Unit in the airport said it is the largest amount of Kush ever to be detected since the international hub opened. Sources close to the investigation said the 'massive consignment' is worth around 460million Sri Lankan rupees. The drugs, which have now been seized, were allegedly found 'tightly packed in luggage' and are believed to have been intended for 'high-end local buyers'. Miss Lee has been remanded to custody while the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) investigates the case and potential legal action, according to local reporters. Charlotte May Lee, 21, from Coulsdon, south London, has been arrested in a Sri Lankan airport after 1.15 million of cannabis was allegedly found in her luggage The former TUI cabin crew member was detained at the main airport in the country's capital Colombo on Monday after arriving from a flight from Bangkok A photograph on Miss Lee's social media shows her in her former job as a TUI stewardess The authorities pose with what they say is 1.15million of cannabis in vacuum packed bags Meanwhile the Foreign Office in the UK has confirmed that it is supporting a British woman who has been arrested in Sri Lanka and is in contact with her family, as well as local authorities. According to Miss Lee's friends she has posted on Snapchat claiming she was being held at a police headquarters in Sri Lanka. One woman, close to the cabin crew member turned lash technician, said that she was shocked when she heard the allegation as Miss Lee was a 'nice girl'. The friend, who asked to remain anonymous, said: 'I couldn't believe it. She's a hard worker and a grafter.' 'We are shocked. I am in total shock. She's a nice girl,' she added. 'There were no red flags or anything,' another friend said. 'We saw clips of the arrest and we could hear an English woman, who sounded very much like Charlotte in the background.' Miss Lee had previously worked as a cabin crew member for TUI, yet friends have said this was only a 'summer contract'. The drugs that the police claim were smuggled into Sri Lanka inside luggage cases The Foreign Office in the UK has confirmed that it is supporting a British woman who has been arrested in Sri Lanka and is in contact with her family, as well as local authorities According to Miss Lee's friends she has posted on Snapchat claiming she was being held at a police headquarters in Sri Lanka Miss Lee had previously worked as a cabin crew member for TUI, yet friends have said this was only a 'summer contract' Following a recent holiday, Miss Lee is said to have returned to Coulsdon, telling mates that she 'loved Thailand and wanted to work out there' Her social media accounts show her appearing to have a great time working for the travel company, posing in her stewardess uniform and even in the cockpit of one of the planes. Since then, the young woman who grew up in the South London town, was training to become a lash technician. Other photos shared on her social media show Miss Lee living the typical life of a young woman in her early twenties - out drinking at the pub with friends or dancing at nightclubs. Miss Lee, according to friends, first flew out to Thailand in April to celebrate her 21st birthday with her older sister who was meeting her from Australia, where she lives. Following the holiday, Miss Lee is said to have returned to Coulsdon, telling mates that she 'loved Thailand and wanted to work out there'. She mentioned around four weeks ago that 'she had a job on a boat' in the south-east Asian country, but according to her friend did not mention any immediate plans of returning. Yet last week, the young woman began posting pictures again of beautiful white sand beaches and selfies of her partying abroad. And on Monday, the day of her arrest, she had posted a TikTok of herself on a plane, wearing a facemask, as she flew over a pretty island. She tagged the location of the video as Bangkok. Just hours before her arrest, Miss Lee had posted a TikTok of herself on a plane, wearing a facemask, as she flew over a pretty island. The location of the video was tagged as Bangkok Her social media accounts show Miss Lee appearing to enjoy working for the travel company Images posted on her social media even show the cockpit of one of the planes she worked on Days later, after rumours about Miss Lee's arrest began in Coulson, she is said to have sent some friends a Snapchat from Sri Lankan custody, briefly filming herself and assuring them she was okay. The friend, who spoke to MailOnline, added: 'No one has heard from her in a few days. Her Snapchat did go live at one point, but whether it was her or the police we don't know. 'She went travelling to Thailand for her 21st birthday and her sister paid for her to go out there as her birthday present. That was in April at some point. 'She was back here [in the UK] in May and then she was off again. But she did not mention she was going away, nothing was said. And previously she would have said [about her plans]. 'When she got back the first time she did say she loved it. I asked her what about going to Australia, as there's nothing here, and she said she should look into it one day. But that was it.' The incident comes just days after a British teenager was arrested in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi after allegedly arriving from Thailand carrying 14kg of cannabis in her luggage. Bella May Culley, 18, is now facing life in prison in the former Soviet country after being accused of illegally buying, possessing and importing large quantities of narcotics. The youngster from Billingham, Country Durham, was believed to have gone missing in Thailand before she was detained 3,700 miles away at Tbilisi International Airport on the charges. Miss Lee has been remanded to custody while the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) investigates the case and potential legal action, according to local media The incident comes just days after British teenager Bella May Culley, 18, was arrested in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi after allegedly arriving from Thailand carrying 14kg of cannabis in her luggage Questions remain as to how exactly Culley ended up in Georgia - and what her steps were in the lead up to her eventual arrest Miss Culley was caught entering Georgia with 200,000 worth of cannabis Her lawyer said Miss Culley, who claimed in court she was pregnant, ended up in the eastern European country 'without knowing what she was doing' and was 'visibly shaken' when she learned her fate' Miss Culley, who has been taken into court, now faces a minimum term of 15 years but could be jailed for life if found guilty. Her lawyer said the teen, who claimed in court she was pregnant, ended up in the eastern European country 'without knowing what she was doing' and was 'visibly shaken' when she learned her fate'. The teen was travelling around the Philippines and Thailand before she boarded the flight to Georgia from Bangkok via Sharjah, UAE. Miss Culley has yet to reveal to her lawyer how she came to be in possession of the narcotics. She first appeared in Tbilisi city court on May 13 which was broadcast locally and word finally reached her family the following day. Her father Niel, 49, who had flown out to Thailand to search for her, flew to Georgia with auntie Kerrie, 51. But they have been cruelly blocked from visiting her by local bureaucracy. It is hoped they will finally have an emotional reunion in prison next week. Miss Culley has been remanded in custody until her next appearance on July 1. The British Embassy in Tbilisi told RFE: 'We are assisting the family of the British woman detained in Georgia and are also in contact with the local authorities.' The FCDO said with regards to Miss Lee's case: 'We are supporting a British woman who has been arrested in Sri Lanka and are in contact with her family and the local authorities.' Sussan Ley has shared how she spent her final moments with her mother, who passed days after she made history as the Liberal Party's first female leader. Angela Braybrooks, 93, spent her last days in palliative care and surrounded by family before passing on Saturday. Following her election to Opposition Leader on Tuesday, Ley rushed to the hospital in Albury, on the NSW and Victorian border, to be with her mother. 'When I got home, her eyes sort of lit up when she saw me,' Ley told the Sunday Telegraph. Ley was born in Nigeria as a British citizen and spent her early years in the Middle East where her father worked in military intelligence. While most wives at the time stuck to their traditional roles as home makers, Ley recalled her mother constantly at work. Ms Braybrooks ran a daycare, opened a library in their house and trained as a nurse when their family settled in Australia. Ley proudly calls her mother her role model and told her such in their last moments together. Sussan Ley's mother, Angela Braybrooks (pictured together), died at 93 years old on Saturday Ley rushed to the hospital in Albury to be with her mother following her election to Leader of the Opposition on Tuesday 'I held her hand, I talked to her about life and things we've been through together, and I hope she hears,' Ley said. 'It's a good opportunity to reflect on all things that she did in her life, because my mum was a bit of a trailblazer.' The Opposition Leader shared news of her mother's passing in an emotional Instagram post on Saturday. 'In the very early hours of this morning, my mother, Angela Braybrooks, passed away here in Albury,' Ley wrote. 'My family and I feel this loss deeply. 'We express our deep appreciation to the staff at Riverwood Aged Care facility for the quality care provided to Angela. In her final moments, she was comfortable and at peace. 'Mum was a mental health nurse who helped so many people through her life. She taught me the values of resilience, self-reliance and persistence.' Ley said when Ms Braybrooks grew up in wartime Britain she 'could never have dreamed that her daughter would become Australia's first female Leader of the Opposition, but because of her, that happened this week'. Ley recalled her mother being a 'trailblazer' growing up and was grateful she saw the moment she was elected as Australia's first female Opposition Leader She said on Monday night a priest had urged her mother to 'hang on' so she could see one more special moment in her daughter's life, promising her, 'we'll have champagne tomorrow'. 'On Tuesday, hours after I was afforded the enormous privilege by my Liberal colleagues of leading our party, I drove back down the Hume Highway to be at her bedside,' Ley said. 'Whilst mum was no longer verbal, she watched every moment of my press conference. As I walked back into her room that afternoon, her eyes lit up with excitement. It was a moment I will treasure, forever.' On Tuesday, Ley won a 29-25 vote against Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor to replace Peter Dutton. Shadow Energy Minister Ted O'Brien was elected as deputy leader, with Jacinta Nampijinpa Price - who was aligned with Mr Taylor - dropping out of the contest shortly before the poll. Ley, 63, is one of the Liberal Party's most-experienced hands, having served as a Cabinet minister under the Coalition's past three prime ministers - Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison. A former commercial pilot, farmer and public servant, she has held the rural seat of Farrer in NSW's south-west since the retirement of her long-serving predecessor and former National Party leader and deputy prime minister Tim Fischer. Ley famously changed the spelling of her first name from 'Susan' to 'Sussan' in her 20s after exploring numerology. She believed that adding an extra 's' would make her life 'incredibly exciting' and ensure 'nothing would ever be boring'. Ley is a mother-of-three and had the support of the party's moderates, with some believing a woman at the helm will help win back female voters. A Tennessee graduate student was brutally stabbed to death in her Knoxville apartment in 2004, in a harrowing case that remained unsolved for years. Johnia Berry, a 21-year-old University of Tennessee graduate student, was found on December 6, 2004, with over 20 stab wounds to her neck, head, face, chest, back, and legs. More than two decades later, the case has been thrust back into the spotlight by a compelling '20/20' special titled 'Blood on the Door,' which aired May 16 and reignited public interest in the chilling crime. Berry had moved to the Tri-Cities area to pursue a master's degree, and was set to graduate with honors from East Tennessee State University, just six weeks before the fatal attack, WATE reported. But in the early hours of December 6, everything changed. Around 4 am, Berry was stabbed repeatedly in her sleep by an intruder. Her roommate, Jason Aymami, was also attacked when he emerged from his bedroom but managed to escape and call 911 from a nearby convenience store. Despite efforts to save her, Berry - found clinging to life in the apartment entryway - died before reaching the hospital. The investigation that followed was lengthy and complicated. Johnia Berry, a 21-year-old University of Tennessee graduate student, was found on December 6, 2004, with over 20 stab wounds to her neck, head, face, chest, back, and legs Berry had moved to the Tri-Cities area to pursue a master's degree, and was set to graduate with honors from East Tennessee State University, just six weeks before the fatal attack. Pictured: Pictures inside Johnia Berry's parent's home of her as a child and with her fiance Police were struck by the amount of blood at the scene - spattered across the doorknob, floor, and bedroom door. Investigators also recovered the murder weapon, a bent and broken steak knife, in the hallway outside Berry's room. 'What stood out to me the most about the weapon is how damaged it was,' Knox County Sheriff's Detective AmyLynn Delgado said on '20/20.' 'It was a small steak knife, but the handle was broken. The blade was bent... it was very violent, just given the force to break the handle.' Because of the sheer number of stab wounds, investigators suspected a personal motive and focused first on those closest to Berry, including her fiance and her roommate. 'We really focused mostly on her closest circle,' Delgado said. Berry's fiance was eventually cleared after cell phone records placed him in Michigan at the time of the murder. Attention then turned to Aymami, who told police he had been watching TV when Berry went to bed and claimed to have seen the intruder face-to-face. Despite efforts to save her, Berry - found clinging to life in the apartment entryway - died before reaching the hospital in May 2006, tragedy struck the investigation itself as lead investigator Assistant Chief Keith Lyon was killed in a car crash while on duty. His death devastated Berry's family who said that they spoke with Lyon nearly every day. Pictured: Johnia Berry's mother, Joan Berry His description - of a man about 5'8", 150 pounds - led to a composite sketch and a billboard campaign by May 2005. By the end of that year, with no solid leads, Governor Phil Bredesen doubled the reward for information to $60,000, WATE reported. Investigators had conducted over 300 interviews and tested 80 DNA samples, but still had no motive. Then, in May 2006, tragedy struck the investigation itself as lead investigator Assistant Chief Keith Lyon was killed in a car crash while on duty. His death devastated Berry's family who said that they spoke with Lyon nearly every day. 'We called every day,' her mother, Joan Berry, told '20/20.' 'There was that feeling that detectives and the sheriff's office weren't doing enough, when in reality they were working this every day. There just weren't any answers.' For the next year, the family continued to plead for information. Then, in April 2007, came the breakthrough when someone who recognized the composite sketch on a billboard contacted police. That tip led police to Taylor Lee Olson, a man in his early 20s with a history of petty crimes. Months later, on September 24, the Knox County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of Olson, 21, in connection with Berry's murder. In April 2007, came the breakthrough when someone who recognized the composite sketch on a billboard contacted police. That tip led police to Taylor Lee Olson (pictured) a man in his early 20s with a history of petty crimes Despite being 6'3' - much taller than the original suspect description - Berry's father, Michael Berry, (pictured) told WATE there was still a resemblance and pointed out the sketch was 'given by someone that was getting stabbed at 4 o'clock in the morning.' Olson initially denied involvement before admitting to entering Berry's apartment through an unlocked back door, saying he was looking for car keys during an attempted theft, according to officials. Despite being 6'3' - much taller than the original suspect description - Berry's father, Michael Berry, told WATE there was still a resemblance and pointed out the sketch was 'given by someone that was getting stabbed at 4 o'clock in the morning.' The arrest came after Olson voluntarily submitted DNA during an unrelated arrest in July. He became a person of interest shortly after, and was taken into custody at West Town Mall on September 21. He was indicted on seven counts, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, and aggravated burglary. But, before his trial could begin in March 2008, Olson was found dead in his jail cell by apparent suicide. The '20/20' special revisits Berry's grisly murder, the stalled investigation and the dogged determination of her family - especially her mother - to keep the case alive and find justice for a life taken far too soon. Having seized a number of councils in May's local elections, Reform UK have now declared war on low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs). The party have committed to ending the schemes in every council they control, as well as stalling the introduction of any new ones, The Telegraph reported. LTNs were introduced in 2020 and have been championed by politicians like London mayor Sadiq Khan as being positive for pedestrians and cyclists. It was also claimed that they would help slash pollution and make roads safer by closing off the majority of side roads to vehicles. But the schemes have also led to a backlash from drivers and bus passengers due to an increase in delays on roads around the areas and the impact on the disabled. At present there are more than 100 of the schemes operating inside the UK. Zia Yusuf, the Reform party chairman, said: 'LTNs have proliferated too quickly and there are far too many of them. 'We view these schemes with the same suspicion as mass immigration and Net Zero. They are policies which are supported by and made to benefit more affluent people, who are then insulated from the negative consequences. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has pledged to put an end to low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) in the councils run by his party since their dramatic election victory earlier this month London's oldest LTN (pictured) is in Hackney, East London, with many of the side roads blocked by bollards Councils cracking down on car drivers and installing unpopular Low Traffic Neighborhoods (LTNs) are spending tens of thousands of pounds on taxis for their own staff A sign is vandalised on a low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) barrier on August 1 in London This picture from November 1 shows volunteers protesting against Lambeth Council's Streatham Wells LTN - and warning motorists against driving down the road 'You can expect, if you live in a Reform council, for there to be a much higher bar for any proposals for LTNs and for the large-scale reversal of these existing LTNs.' Mr Yusef said that the 10 Reform-run councils would soon become 'islands of freedom for motorists'. LTNs were a big issue for Reform UK candidates in the May local elections, where they took control of 10 councils and racked up 677 councillors. However the schemes have been a benefit for property owners, with prices booming inside the zones. Properties inside London's controversial low traffic neighbours (LTNs) are worth up to 108 per cent more than the borough average, research last year showed. The average house price within 20 LTNs analysed by estate agent Benham and Reeves is 529,391, which is 5 per cent above the typical London value of 502,690 But while the research suggests LTNs are boosting house prices for homeowners who already live within them, experts warned the additional strain the areas place on surrounding roads from increased congestion is a deterrent to many buyers. A ship carrying 277 people collided with the Brooklyn Bridge as it was passing beneath the iconic structure, resulting in at least two deaths and more than a dozen injuries. Jaw-dropping footage posted online shows the moment a Mexican Navy training ship's 147-foot masts smashed into the bridge just before 9pm on Saturday night. Navy personnel were standing on the three masts as the tragedy struck. The vessel is believed to have experienced a mechanical difficulty - causing the captain to lose control as the boat got swept up in the river's current. A search and rescue operation in the East River has been launched, creating a chaotic scene of blaring sirens and lights as officials rushed to rescue the injured. Two people were killed, two others are in critical condition and at least 19 more sustained injuries, officials said. Victims were transported to local hospitals. Crowds are seen lining the streets, applauding first responders exiting the scene as emergency lights flashed and sirens blared. Shocked onlookers gathered on the nearby pier watching the horrifying moment unfold. 'That sh*t's about to crash,' one terrified witness exclaimed as the boat, bearing a large Mexican flag, was seconds away from disaster. The vessel was seen in horrifying footage colliding with Brooklyn Bridge just before 9pm on Saturday night The ship's mast was seen snapping backwards as the boat continued to drift under the bridge Emergency services swarmed the area. EMS officials were seen rushing injured cadets into ambulances. Divers have also arrived at the scene 'Oh sh*t!' he screamed as people flocked away from the pier when the boat, named the Cuauhtemo, collided with the bridge - causing the masts to plummet onto the deck. 'I thought it was maybe some sort of a terrorist attack,' Aaron Travis, visiting from Texas, told DailyMail.com. Another witness added: 'As long as Ive lived Ive never seen anything crash into the Brooklyn bridge.' Those standing along the masts were seen dangling from the beams, trying to save themselves from plunging nearly 150 feet into the water. Bystanders Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz told the Associated Press they were sitting outside watching the sunset when they saw the vessel strike the bridge and one of its masts snap. Looking closer, they said they noticed someone hanging from high on the ship. 'We saw someone dangling, and I couldn't tell if it was just blurry or my eyes, and we were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least like 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them,' Katz said. The Navy personnel had been standing on the masts of the Mexican Navy ship as part of a ceremonial greeting and show of respect upon entering a port. 'That sh*t's about to crash,' one terrified witness exclaimed as the boat, bearing a large Mexican flag, was seconds away from disaster The boat sustained damage to its masts but continued to pass under the bridge connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn This tradition, known as 'manning the yards,' is a longstanding maritime custom practiced worldwide. The sailors aboard the Cuauhtemoc appeared to have been engaged in this time-honored ritual during the crash. Emergency services swarmed the area. EMS officials were seen rushing bloodied cadets into ambulances. Divers have also arrived at the scene. A bystander at the scene told DailyMail.com the emergency response was 'insane' and said boats continue to check the water. In an X statement, the Mexican Navy explained in Spanish: 'During the sailing maneuver of the Cuauhtemoc sailboat in New York, a mishap occurred with the Brooklyn Bridge, causing damage to the training ship, preventing the continuation of the training cruise for the time being. 'The status of personnel and equipment is being reviewed by naval and local authorities, who are providing support. 'The Navy reaffirms its commitment to personnel safety, transparency in its operations, and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Navy.' During a press conference, NYC Mayor Eric Adams was joined by Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch and other safety officials The Coast Guard is working on towing the ship and at least 50 people have gathered at the scene to watch emergency efforts unfold During a press conference, NYC Mayor Eric Adams was joined by Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch and other safety officials. 'It is a unified effort to make sure that we look after all of those who were on the ship,' Adams said. NYPD officer Wilson Aramboles said no one is believed to have plunged into the water, but divers were sent out as a precaution. Rodriguez confirmed there was no major damage to the bridge connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn. The Brooklyn bridge was closed in both directions, but it has since reopened, according to NYC emergency officials. However, the NYPD has urged people to avoid Brooklyn's Dumbo neighborhood and the South Street Seaport in Manhattan as the investigation persists. Tisch said the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be taking over the investigation. The Coast Guard is working on towing the ship and at least 50 people gathered at the scene to watch emergency efforts unfold. Hundreds of others lingered in the area to watch from afar. The boat is still in the water and people have gathered at the scene to watch emergency efforts unfold It left the Mexican port of Acapulco on April 6 and was scheduled to visit 22 ports across 15 countries Video captured witnesses clapping and cheering for first responders, thanking them for their heroic efforts. The ship arrived earlier this week and docked at Pier 17 at the South Street Seaport Museum in lower Manhattan and has been open for tours. It arrived in the city as a part of a promotion for next years Sail4th tall ship event, celebrating the country's 250th birthday. It left the Mexican port of Acapulco on April 6 and was scheduled to visit 22 ports across 15 countries. When the gut-wrenching collision occurred, the boat was en route to Iceland. Liberal senator Anne Ruston has come under fire for revealing she used artificial intelligence to find the policy shortfalls that cost her party the federal election. Viewers of ABC Insiders on Sunday morning were shocked to hear Ruston admit she'd used 'off the shelf' AI to assess the reasons behind the loss. Although she was unable to draw a 'clear theme' from her research, the online response to her interview did illustrate one thing: Aussies don't want AI in politics. 'Anne Ruston is aware that AI isnt magic right? She knows its not an oracle?' one social media user wrote on X. 'Anne Ruston, Liberal Senator, tells ABC she has asked AI why the Liberal Party ran such a poor electoral campaign and lost the election. Is this more evidence the Liberal Party is now a political entity that can be best be described as having artificial intelligence?' another wrote. A third said: 'What a wooden, uninspiring interview with Anne Ruston. Even AI cant help here.' 'Anne Ruston now including AI in policy strategy. You can't make this s*** up,' another wrote. 'Senior Liberal Anne Ruston suggesting the Liberal party should ask AI to get a better handle on why the party failed at the last election. God forbid they talk to and believe what ordinary Aussies tell them,' another said. Liberal senator Anne Ruston (pictured) was criticised for suggesting the Liberal Party use AI to analyse its election results Insiders host David Speers took his interview with Ruston, who was recently elected Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, as an opportunity to quiz her on what role AI could play in the Liberal party. 'Very interestingly, last week after the election result I just used some off the shelf AI to ask what AI thought about the Liberal Party and the election result,' Ruston said. 'More than anything, it showed me that there were so many different issues that Australians were considering when they went to the ballot box to vote. 'I think it shows us that we absolutely have to look at everything because there was no clear theme apart from, quite clearly, the Australian public went to the ballot box and didn't vote for us.' When pressed more on whether she believed the best way for the party to analyse its election results was through AI, Ruston backtracked and said it could be used as part of a larger process. 'There's many ways that we need to address this,' she said. 'We need to speak to our party members, we need to speak to the front bench and the backbench. We need to speak to the Australian public. 'But, obviously technology gives us an opportunity to be able to collate the broader commentary across Australia, that's something that we haven't had access to before and we should use that as well.' Ruston (pictured) claimed she asked AI what her party's shortcomings were in the recently lost election but 'no clear theme emerged' A parliamentary inquiry in October 2024 released a report regarding the effects of AI on Australian democratic processes. It found AI could be used to 'help voters better understand political debates, legislation and policy proposals, and to undertake data analysis'. However, it also carried several risks included the creation of fake political content - such as videos and speeches through deepfakes, the spread of political disinformation, and sharing its own biases. The committee made several recommendations on how the government could safeguard against these risks, including enforcing mandatory watermarks on AI-generated content. It also called on politicians to voluntarily disclose their use of AI. 'The ANU Tech Policy Design Centre noted that politicians had an important role to play in maintaining the integrity of elections,' the report stated. 'It recommended the development of a pledge for transparent and democratic use of AI in campaigning for politicians, by which they could publicly disclaim any use of AI in their advertising in order to maintain trust and engagement in the election process.' Daily Mail Australia contacted Ruston for further comment. Mexican sailors were seen dangling from a navy training vessel's main mast moments after the ship smashed into the Brooklyn Bridge. The sailors had been standing atop the Cuauhtemoc's 150-foot masts in the lead up to the ship striking the iconic structure on Saturday as part of a traditional greeting. The massive Navy vessel, reportedly carrying nearly 300 passengers, hit the iconic New York City bridge, triggering a colossal rescue response and leaving two dead and dozens more severely injured. In multiple eyewitness videos, the towering masts are seen snapping and partially collapsing as they crash into the bridge's deck. Sailors perched high above are thrown into chaos, with some seen clinging to the shattered beams high up in the air. Bystanders Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz told the Associated Press they were sitting outside watching the sunset when they saw the vessel strike the bridge and one of its masts snap. Looking closer, they said they noticed someone hanging from high on the ship. 'We saw someone dangling, and I couldn't tell if it was just blurry or my eyes, and we were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least like 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them,' Katz said. They reported seeing two people taken off the ship on stretchers and transferred to smaller boats. In multiple eyewitness videos, the towering masts are seen snapping and partially collapsing as they crash into the bridge's deck Sailors perched high above are thrown into chaos, with some seen clinging to the shattered beams high up in the air The Navy personnel had been standing on the masts of the Mexican Navy ship as part of a ceremonial greeting and show of respect upon entering a port. This tradition, known as 'manning the yards,' is a longstanding maritime custom practiced worldwide. The sailors aboard the Cuauhtemoc appeared to have been engaged in this time-honored ritual during the harrowing crash. Historically, the high vantage point of a ship's masts was used for lookout duties, enabling sailors to detect hazards, approaching ships, or land beyond the horizon, according to TheAge.com. The Mexican navy said in a post on the social platform X that the Cuauhtemoc, an academy training vessel, was damaged in an accident with the Brooklyn Bridge that prevented it from continuing its voyage. It added that the status of personnel and material was under review by naval and local authorities, which were providing assistance. Bystanders told the Associated Press that they noticed someone hanging from high on the ship. Pictured: Dozens of sailors can be seen dangling from the Mexican Navy training vessel on Saturday, May 17, 2025 The massive Navy vessel, reportedly carrying nearly 300 passengers, collided with the iconic New York City bridge while passing beneath it, triggering a colossal rescue response 'The Secretary of the Navy renews its commitment to the safety of personnel, transparency in its operations and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Armada,' it said in Spanish. The vessel is believed to have experienced some kind of mechanical difficulty that caused the captain to lose control. A search and rescue operation in the East River have been launched. It is understood at least four people are in critical condition and a total of 19 were injured, officials said. Victims are being taken to the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Those who have suffered injuries are been transported to local hospitals. The Coast Guard confirmed to DailyMail.com emergency efforts are currently underway. Two people have been killed after a terrifying maritime disaster unfolded in the heart of New York City on Saturday night when a towering Mexican navy ship slammed into the Brooklyn Bridge. The crash happened in a matter of seconds and without warning leaving at least 19 other people injured, including two in critical condition. The Cuauhtemoc, a majestic three-mast sail training vessel was carrying hundreds of cadets and crew as it struck the underside of the historic bridge just before 8:30pm during a departure maneuver. In a matter of moments, joy turned to chaos as the ship's 147-foot tall masts snapped like twigs, sending splinters, steel, and rigging crashing down onto the deck below. In the aftermath, emergency responders raced to the scene, with NYPD Harbor and Scuba teams conducting a frantic search and rescue mission. Although no one was believed to have fallen into the East River, dozens of victims were reported injured on board, with four sailors in critical condition, according to fire officials. Video from the scene showed horrified onlookers screaming and fleeing as the vessel approached, as part of its enormous masts sheared off one by one with the sickening sound of a crack as each one snapped. Some spectators watching on land believed the ship might slam directly into the shoreline. One of the snapped masts sent two sailors hurtling through the rigging, witnesses said, while others were seen clinging to ropes and beams dozens of feet above the deck. A terrifying maritime disaster unfolded in the heart of New York City on Saturday night when a towering Mexican Navy tall ship slammed into the Brooklyn Bridge injuring at least 35 people In a matter of seconds, joy turned to chaos as the ship's 147-foot tall masts snapped like twigs, sending splinters, steel, and rigging crashing down onto the deck below The ship was backing out from Pier 17 when the crash occurred and appeared to have lost power, according to Mayor Eric Adams. The vessel collided squarely with the bridge's lower structure, which has a maximum clearance of just 135 feet - far below the height of the Cuauhtemoc's tallest mast. Despite the dramatic collision, there was no damage detected on the Brooklyn Bridge as of late Saturday night, according to Mayor Adams' office. The bridge was briefly closed in both directions before being reopened around 10:30pm. The Cuauhtemoc's collision was captured from multiple angles by shocked bystanders, many of whom were filming the grand ship as it attempted to depart. 'Earlier tonight, the Mexican Navy tall ship Cuauhtemoc lost power and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge. At this time, of the 277 on board, 19 sustained injuries, 2 of which remain in critical condition, and 2 more have sadly passed away from their injuries,' Mayor Adams tweeted just after midnight. Sailors can be seen dangling from the masts of the Cuauhtemoc, a Mexican Navy training boat, as it sits in the East River Dozens of victims were reported injured on board, with four sailors in critical condition, according to fire officials Following the collision with the bridge, dozens of sailors could be seen still strapped into their harnesses with some left danging from the masts People look at the Cuauhtemoc, a Mexican Navy training boat, as it sits in the East River after the ship hit the Brooklyn Bridge, in New York on Saturday evening A Mexican navy tall ship, making a festive visit to New York, crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge A disabled Mexican Navy tall ship floats between the Brooklyn and the Manhattan bridges on the East River. The ship struck the Brooklyn Bridge as it was traveling north Footage shows the ship moving in reverse, slowly approaching the bridge, before the topmost mast makes contact. Within seconds, one mast crumples and crashes down, followed by another. Naval cadets dressed in white uniforms could be seen dangling in midair from the rigging and from the ship's crossbeams after the crash, caught between wood, wire, and collapsed masts. Debris including splintered beams, light fixtures, and canvas rained down on the deck below. 'No one fell into the water; they were all hurt inside the ship,' a police official said. The official said mechanical issues had probably caused the crash, without providing further details. The vessel, which was flying a giant green, white and red Mexican flag drifted toward the piers lining the riverbank as onlookers scrambled away. At one of the suspension bridge's bases, located near New York City's South Street Seaport, online video showed bystanders running in terror as the massive vessel hit the bridge and veered toward the dock. A masted Mexican Navy training ship, the Cuauhtemoc, sits stranded after colliding with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York on Saturday A New York Police Department harbor unit passes in front of the Cuauhtemoc, a masted Mexican Navy training ship as it sits stranded The New York skyline and Brooklyn Bridge are framed in one of the snapped masts of a Mexican Navy training ship after it collided with the Brooklyn Bridge The bridge, a popular tourist attraction and a main conduit between Manhattan and Brooklyn, was completed in 1883. It was once the largest suspension bridge in the world. The bridge sustained no major damage, New York City transportation official said. Traffic reopened in both directions after a preliminary inspection. Earlier, Mexico's foreign ministry said on social media that Mexico's ambassador to the US and other officials were assisting affected cadets and had been in contact with local authorities. The training ship Cuauhtemoc was built at the Celaya Shipyards in Bilbao, Spain in 1981, according to the South Street Seaport Museum, which said on its website that it was co-hosting the vessel's visit to New York that was scheduled to conclude on Saturday evening. The public was invited to come aboard the ship during its visit. The ship was disembarking from New York and heading to Iceland, the New York police official said. New York City Mayor was on the scene and gave a press conference just before 11pm on Saturday night Rescue workers are seen standing dockside following the deadly collision Mayor Adams was seen standing alongside representatives from the emergency services with the doomed ship seen in the background The ship can be seen stranded following the collision on Saturday night Onlookers enjoying the balmy spring evening watched in horror as the ship, its sails furled and festive lights draped in its rigging, tried to pass beneath the bridge. Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz were they were sitting outside to watch the sunset when they saw the vessel strike the landmark. Looking closer, they saw several people dangling from high up on the ship. 'We saw someone dangling, and I couldn't tell if it was just blurry or my eyes, and we were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least like 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them,' Katz said. Just before the collision, Nick Corso, 23, took his phone out to capture the backdrop of the ship and the bridge against a sunset, Instead, he heard what sounded like the loud snapping of a 'big twig.' Several more snaps followed. People in his vicinity began running back and 'pandemonium' on the boat erupted, he said. He later saw a handful of people dangling from the mast. 'I didn't know what to think, I was like, is this a movie?' he said. Hundreds of New Yorkers clapped and cheered for first responders as they rescued victims from a Mexican Navy ship that crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge. The Cuauhtemoc, a Mexican Navy training vessel, struck the iconic bridge around 9 pm during a promotional tour in New York City. The tops of its three towering masts slammed into the span, partially collapsing as the ship floated in the East River, leaving at least two dead and dozens severely injured. FDNY, NYPD, and the US Coast Guard coordinated a rapid search and rescue operation, deploying divers and emergency boats to evacuate the injured from the vessel. In multiple eyewitness videos, crowds are seen lining the streets, applauding first responders exiting the scene as emergency lights flashed and sirens blared. Despite the severity of the crash, no one reportedly fell into the East River, and the Brooklyn Bridge sustained no major structural damage, according to the Department of Transportation. The FDNY and NYPD Harbor Unit worked together to secure the area and ensure the safety of everyone aboard the stricken ship. Officials believe the vessel experienced a mechanical failure that caused the captain to lose control. Hundreds of New Yorkers clapped and cheered for first responders at the chaotic scene Saturday night after a Mexican Navy ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge The Cuauhtemoc, a Mexican Navy training vessel, struck the iconic bridge around 9 pm during a promotional tour in New York City The tops of its three towering masts slammed into the span, partially collapsing as the ship floated in the East River, leaving at least two dead and dozens severely injured Two people died, two more remain in critical condition and at least 19 more were injured, authorities said. Victims were initially taken to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and those needing medical care were transported to local hospitals. It is unclear as to if the person who died is among those who are critically injured. The Coast Guard confirmed to DailyMail.com that emergency operations remain underway. Shocked onlookers gathered at a nearby pier, watching the terrifying scene unfold and speculating about the cause of the unprecedented crash. 'I thought it was maybe some sort of a terrorist attack,' Aaron Travis, who is visiting from Austin, Texas, told the DailyMail.com. 'I was out of breath, I had to run over to see it,' added Donny C., who had traveled from New Jersey. 'You play with the ocean, the ocean will play with you,' a bystander identifying himself as Dave said. In multiple eyewitness videos, crowds are seen lining the streets, applauding first responders exiting the scene as emergency lights flashed and sirens blared At least four people are reportedly in critical condition, with a total of 19 injured, authorities said. It is unclear as to if the person who died is among those who are critically injured 'As long as I've lived, I've never seen anything crash into the Brooklyn Bridge,' another witness told DailyMail at the scene. 'It's kind of crazy to think there was no clearance. It's honestly crazy,' Theodore Kaltsas, who was at the scene during the crash said. 'We're just looking to hang out and we witnessed history.' 'The problem is what's going to happen now?' asked Queens native Nick Karastamates. Another bystander at the scene told DailyMail.com the emergency response was 'insane' and said boats continue to check the water. In an X statement, the Mexican Navy explained in Spanish: 'During the sailing maneuver of the Cuauhtemoc sailboat in New York, a mishap occurred with the Brooklyn Bridge, causing damage to the training ship, preventing the continuation of the training cruise for the time being. 'The status of personnel and equipment is being reviewed by naval and local authorities, who are providing support. 'The Navy reaffirms its commitment to personnel safety, transparency in its operations, and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Navy.' During a press conference, NYC Mayor Eric Adams was joined by Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch and other safety officials The NYPD has urged people to avoid Brooklyn's Dumbo neighborhood and the South Street Seaport in Manhattan as the investigation persists During a press conference, NYC Mayor Eric Adams was joined by Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch and other safety officials. 'It is a unified effort to make sure that we look after all of those who were on the ship,' Adams said. NYPD officer Wilson Aramboles said no one is believed to have plunged into the water, but divers were sent out as a precaution. Rodriguez confirmed there was no major damage to the bridge connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn. The Brooklyn bridge was closed in both directions, but it has since reopened, according to NYC emergency officials. However, the NYPD has urged people to avoid Brooklyn's Dumbo neighborhood and the South Street Seaport in Manhattan as the investigation persists. Tisch said the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be taking over the investigation. The Coast Guard is working on towing the ship and at least 50 people have gathered at the scene to watch emergency efforts unfold. Hundreds of remain in the area to watch from afar. The heir of the Oroton fashion empire has spent $10.25million on a luxurious home with ocean views. Tom Lane, 53, splashed the cash on a six-bedroom, six-bathroom property in Clontarf, near his birthplace of Manly, on Sydney's Northern Beaches. The home is another addition to the property portfolio built by him and his wife Emma Lane, known as The Range Estates. Mr Lane bought the home from financial services executive Donald Sharp and his wife Yunxia Tong. The former owners paid $8million for the 784sq metre block in 2021. The latest sale of the Clontarf home was through Bo Zhang of Atlas Lower North Shore, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. The Lanes have spent upwards of $24million on Sydney's Northern Beaches in the past six months. Mr Lane bought a new duplex in Manly for $5.3million - which he paid in cash. Tom (centre) and Emma Lane (left) bought a a six-bedroom, six-bathroom in Clontarf Mr Lane bought the Northern Beaches home (pictured) for $10.25million Ms Lane also purchased a property in Manly, spending $8.5million on a penthouse late last year. Mr Lane is the grandson of Oroton founder Boyd Lane. Having opened in 1938, Oroton is Australia's oldest luxury fashion company. Oroton entered voluntary administration in 2017 and was purchased by Will Vicars who reinstated it as a private company. The news follows the sale of The Range Estates' Copperstone property in Bangalow, near Byron Bay. The luxury equine estate sold for $30million, breaking the record for highest sale in Bangalow and reaching one of the top sales in the Byron region. Kim Jones of Jones and Co finalised the sale last week. The couple bought the 19ha property in Bangalow for $3million in 2021. The Clontarf home (pictured) is the latest in the couple's north Sydney portfolio Mr Lane previously told News Corp he treats his property investments as a 'business model'. That model includes buying properties, redeveloping them and living in them for a while before eventually reselling them. Some of the couple's recent successes include The Farm in Ewingsdale which sold for about $16million in 2020 and The Range at Coopers Shoot for $37million in 2023. A man has been arrested after attempting to scale the mooring lines of a cruise ship docked at Sydneys Circular Quay in front of a crowd of onlookers. The 29-year-old climbed onto the Carnival Adventure's tethering ropes about 3pm on Saturday at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney Harbour. Social media videos captured the bizarre stunt, with bystanders gasping and laughing as the man made his way across the mooring line, suspended above the harbour. NSW Police said officers arrived to find the man still clinging to the rope. A police vessel could be seen approaching the man and the mooring line was slowly slackened and lowered toward the water to the sound of laughter from the shore. Footage showed an officer quickly grabbing the man and pulling him aboard the vessel before taking him back to land. Four officers then escorted him from the terminal. He was taken to Day Street Police Station and later charged with three offences. A man seen climbing the mooring lines of a cruise ship on Sydney Harbour has been arrested They included entering a cleared zone when not screened and cleared; entering a land-side restricted zone when not authorised; and entering a water-side restricted zone when not authorised. He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on June 11. On social media, viewers were divided, with many impressed by the larrikin feat. 'That's amazing, he didn't even lose a (sandal),' one said. 'No-one can have any fun these days,' another added of the arrest. 'What's wrong with what he did? Like, he didn't do any damage?' a third asked. Others were unamused and slammed the man for his behaviour. 'This is a completely ridiculous thing to do,' one wrote. 'Its a stupid thing to do and if old mate fell the coroner's inquest would be to get rid of the ship and build a massive fence around the water, ruining it for everyone else!' another feared. Luxury assets linked to a previously convicted hacker worth more than $4.5million, including a beachfront mansion, have been seized by Australian Federal Police. Shane Stephen Duffy, 32, from Queensland had millions of dollars worth of assets seized following a lengthy investigation into stolen cryptocurrency and cyber hacking. In April, a beachfront home, a 2019 black Mercedes-Benz sedan and nearly 25 Bitcoin was seized by the AFP-led Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce (CACT). Duffy is suspected of stealing 950 Bitcoin from a French cryptocurrency exchange in 2013, now worth about $150million. He had previously been convicted of hacking US-based gaming firm Riot Games, the company behind the popular video game League of Legends. In 2018, the CACT launched an investigation after AUSTRAC were tipped off by law enforcement in Luxembourg about suspicious Bitcoin transactions. The alleged Bitcoin theft has not led to any criminal charges. However the CACT was able to restrict the suspected proceeds of the alleged crime under federal laws, even without a prosecution. Shane Stephen Duffy (pictured) from Queensland has had millions of dollars worth of assets seized The AFP-led Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce seized a waterfront home, purchased in 2018 for $1.1million, which is now estimated to be worth about $2million (pictured) Authorities secured restraining orders over the assets in 2019 and they were subsequently forfeited in April. Assets included a Beachmere waterfront mansion in Queensland's Moreton Bay region purchased in 2018 for $1.1million, which is now estimated to be worth about $2million. The luxury property was held in Duffy's mother's name. Following the home's sale, the proceeds will be transferred into a special fund that assists crime prevention and law enforcement initiatives. The AFP remains committed confiscating alleged proceeds of crime to disrupt criminals and cybercrime. 'The Proceeds of Crime Act provides law enforcement agencies with unique powers to restrain and forfeit instruments and proceeds of crime,' AFP Commander Jason Kennedy said. 'Criminals are driven by greed at the expense of honest Australians and businesses who are losing their hard-earned money to cyber criminals. 'The profits derived from criminal activities are also often used to fund further criminal acts, which is why the AFP works closely with our partners in the CACT to target the proceeds of crime and ensure they are re-invested in the community.' A 2019 black Mercedes-Benz sedan linked to Shane Duffy was also seized following the investigation (stock image) Since 2019, CACT has restrained more than $1.2bn in criminal assets, including houses, cars, yachts, cryptocurrency, fine art and luxury goods. Duffy accumulated more than $32,000 in 2013 by selling access to inactive League of Legends accounts, according to court documents. He hacked X, formerly known as Twitter, account of Riot Games president Marc Merrill to promote the illegal operation and allegedly teamed up with another hacker to disrupt matches on the platform by disconnecting players. The company said the operation resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars being lost. In 2016, Mr Duffy was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in jail, to be served on immediate parole after he pleaded guilty in Brisbane District Court. Pope Leo XIV said this morning at his inaugural mass that he wanted to confront modern challenges as JD Vance and Volodymyr Zelensky shook hands at a glittering ceremony. The Pontiff said during his homily 'we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth's resources and marginalises the poorest'. Leo said he wanted to be a servant to the faithful through the two dimensions of the papacy: love and unity. He said: 'I would like that our first great desire be for a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world.' He said there was no room in the church for religious propaganda or power play. It comes as the Vatican confirmed the first US Pontiff will hold a private meeting this afternoon with Zelensky. Leo has offered the Vatican as a venue for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia to help solve the 'very difficult, dramatic situation'. Speaking moments after Sunday's Mass, Leo mentioned the 'martyred' Ukraine and called for a 'just and lasting peace'. Pope Leo XIV arrives on the popemobile for his inaugural Mass at the Vatican -- May 18, 2025 Pope Leo XIV arrives on the popemobile for his inaugural Mass at the Vatican Pope Leo XIV walks during his inaugural mass in St Peter's Square at the Vatican, Rome -- May 18, 2025 Earlier, the Ukrainian President warmly greeted a smiling US Vice President JD Vance as the Secretary of State Marco Rubio looked on. Echoing the priorities of his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo criticised the global economic system. He also warned against the centralization of power within the papacy, saying he would seek to govern 'without ever yielding to the temptation to be an autocrat'. Leo appeared to choke up ahead of his homily when the two potent symbols of the papacy were placed on him - the pallium wool stole over his shoulders and the fisherman's ring on his finger - as if the weight of responsibility had just sunk in. He turned his hand to look at the ring and seal and then clasped his hands in front of him in prayer. The crowd cheered and plenty of Peruvian, American and Holy See flags mixed with flags of other nations and banners. At the end of the Mass, Leo expressed hope for negotiations to bring a 'just and lasting peace' in Ukraine and offered prayers for the people of Gaza, children, families and elderly who are 'reduced to hunger', he said. Leo made no mention of hostages taken by Hamas from southern Israel on October 7, 2023, as Francis usually did when praying for Gaza. Princess Charlene of Monaco and Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were among the royals in attendance. Buckingham Palace announced last week King Charles would not be at the inauguration mass and instead sent the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Edward to represent him. While most wore black, the handful of Catholic queens and princesses - Princess Charlene Queen and Letizia among others - wore white in a special privilege allowed them. People had streamed into the square in the Vatican City ahead of celebrating history's first American pope with a formal installation ceremony. Civil protection crews in neon uniforms had earlier funnelled pilgrims into quadrants in the piazza while priests and patriarchs hurried into St Peter's Basilica to get ready for the Mass. Vance, one of the last foreign officials to see Pope Francis before he died, paid his respects at the Argentine pope's tomb upon arriving in Rome late Saturday. Leo started the day by taking his first tour through the piazza in the popemobile. The open-topped vehicle has become synonymous with the papacy's global reach and mediatic draw, used at home and abroad to bring popes close to their flock. Pope Leo XIV blesses a child as he arrives on the popemobile for his inaugural mass Ukraine's President Volodymr Zelensky and Vice President JD Vance greet each other as Secretary of State Marco Rubio (centre) looks on Pope Leo XIV greets the faithful as people hand him babies as he arrives in the popemobile Pope Leo XIV attends his inaugural mass in Saint Peter's Square, at the Vatican Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle places the Ring of the Fisherman on the finger of Pope Leo XIV The Ring of the Fisherman - named in honour of the first pope, Saint Peter The Clergy at their seats during the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV Pope Leo XIV leads a Holy Mass for the beginning of his pontificate -- May 18, 2025 Pope Leo XIV attending his inaugural mass in St Peter's Square this morning The Clergy take their seats ahead of the inauguration mass -- May 18, 2025 Priests wave and cheer and hold up their mobile phones to get a snapshot of history inside St Peter's Square, Vatican City Pope Leo XIV sprinkles water as he blesses the faithful at a Holy Mass for the beginning of his pontificate Cardinals prepare take their places during the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, arrives at St Peter's Square for the inaugural mass Guests and dignitaries attend the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV's pontificate Pope Leo XIV at his inaugural mass in St Peter's Square, at the Vatican Pope Leo XIV leads a Holy mass for the beginning of his pontificate Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives at St Peter's Square to attend Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass Pope Leo XIV holds a baby as he arrives ahead of the inauguration mass Pope Leo XIV receives the pallium by French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti Nuns react on the day Pope Leo XIV holds his inaugural Mass in Saint Peter's Square Pope Leo XIV looks at the Ring of the Fisherman after it was placed on his finger. He turned his hand to look at the ring and seal and then clasped his hands in front of him in prayer Pope Leo XIV holds his inaugural mass in St Peter's Square, at the Vatican Pope Leo XIV greeting the crowd from the popemobile before a Holy mass for the beginning of his pontificate A woman reads a book during Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass at the Vatican Pope Leo XIV leads a Holy mass for the beginning of his pontificate Pope Leo XIV blesses a baby as he arrives on the popemobile for his inaugural Mass Members of the clergy attend the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV in St Peter's Square US Vice President JD Vance and US second lady Usha Vance arrive for the inaugural Mass A woman waves a United States flag ahead of Pope Leo XIV's formal inauguration of his pontificate Pope Leo XIV waves to the faithful from the popemobile -- May 18, 2025 Priests wait for the start of the Holy Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV A faithful holds up a U.S. flag at the Saint Peter's Square, on the day Pope Leo XIV holds his inaugural Mass Priests pose for a selfie ahead of Pope Leo XIV's inaugural Mass in Saint Peter's Square A general view shows people attending a Holy mass led by Pope Leo XIV for the beginning of his pontificate A US flag is held up by a man ahead a Holy Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV Pope Leo XIV arrives on the popemobile for his inaugural Mass at the Vatican Clergy members gather on the day of Pope Leo XIV's inaugural Mass at the Vatican A person holds a US flag as people gather in St. Peter's Square ahead of Pope Leo XIV's inauguration mass Pope Leo XIV waves to the masses as he rides through the piazza on the popemobile The bells of St Peter's Basilica rang as Leo waved from the back of the vehicle that looped slowly through the square as the crowd waved flags and cheered 'Viva il Papa!'. Born in Chicago, the pontiff spent many years as a missionary in Peru and also has Peruvian citizenship, meaning he is also the first pontiff tied to that South American nation. One person in the crowd shouted out 'White Sox, White Sox,' referring to the Chicago baseball team at the bottom of the American League standings It was here that Francis took his last popemobile ride on Easter Sunday, and it was on the back of a popemobile that Francis' casket was brought across Rome last month to its final resting place. Leo, an Augustinian missionary elected May 8 after a 24-hour conclave, seems a bit more timid than Francis. But all eyes will be on how he manages the throngs of pilgrims, tourists and curiosity-seekers, and the babies who will inevitably be passed up to him for him to bless. After the festive public tour in the square, Leo will head into the basilica to begin the solemn ceremony to inaugurate his ministry in a series of rites that emphasise the service that he's called to perform in leading the Catholic Church. He prays first at the tomb of St. Peter, considered to be the first pope, under the basilica's main altar and then processes out into the piazza for the Mass. Strict diplomatic protocol dictates the seating arrangements, with both the United States and Peru getting front-row seats thanks to Leo's dual citizenship. Vance, a Catholic convert who tangled with Francis over the Trump administration's mass migrant deportation plans, is being joined by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who arrived in Rome ahead of time to try to advance Russia-Ukraine peace talks. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte is one of around a dozen heads of state attending. US seminarian Ethan Menning, 21, from Omaha, Nebraska, wrapped himself in an American flag, purchased at a truck stop in Iowa, to celebrate. 'Rome always felt like home for a Catholic, but now coming here and seeing one of our own on the throne of Peter ... it almost makes Jesus himself more accessible,' he said. Kalen Hill, a pilgrim from the US, got to St. Peter's soon after the gates opened Sunday morning and said he never expected an American would lead the 1.4 billion strong church. 'I would say all the Americans are emotional about it,' he said. 'It is really powerful for American Catholics who sometimes feel separated from the world church to be brought in and included in this community through Pope Leo.' During the Mass, Leo will receive the two potent symbols of the papacy: the lambswool stole, known as a pallium, and the fisherman's ring. Faithful gather on the day Pope Leo XIV holds his inaugural Mass in Saint Peter's Square Ukraine's President Volodymr Zelensky and first lady Olena Zelenska arrive for Pope Leo XIV's formal inauguration of his pontificate Well wishers pray during the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV People gather in St.Peter's Square for Pope Leo XIV's inauguration mass Nuns sit on the ground and eat ahead of Pope Leo XIV arriving at St Peter's Square -- May 18, 2025 Pope Leo XIV holds his inaugural Mass in St Peter's Square, at the Vatican A person holds a Palestinian flag during Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass The pallium, or lambswool stole, centre, and the fisherman's ring, bottom, symbols of the papacy, are seen on the altar Pope Leo XIV attends his inaugural mass in St Peter's Square, at the Vatican Pope Leo XIV walks towards the popemobile on the day of his inaugural Mass A woman looks up during Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass at the Vatican Guest arrives ahead of the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV in St Peter's Square Nuns during the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV -- May 18, 2025 Pope Leo XIV arrives on the popemobile for his inaugural Mass at the Vatican Pope Leo XIV walks during his inaugural mass in St Peter's Square Nuns pray during the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XI A person is wrapped in a Spanish flag as they attend Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass A person reads a newspaper with an image of Pope Leo XIV, on the day Pope Leo XIV holds his inaugural mass Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa at St Peter's Square Prince Albert II of Monaco (right) and his wife Princess Charlene of Monaco arrive to attend a Holy Mass Pope Leo XIV waves to the crows as he tours St Peter's on the popemobile -- May 18, 2025 People and nuns gather in St.Peter's Square for Pope Leo XIV's inauguration mass Jordanian Prince Ghazi bin Mohammad (centre) is greeted as he arrives for Pope Leo XIV's Inauguration mass Vatican officials carry the chair of Pope Leo XIV ahead of the inauguration mass People in the crowd hold up their phones to take photos of Pope Leo XIV as he tours through the piazza Pope Leo XIV arrives on the popemobile for his inaugural Mass at the Vatican Faithful follow Pope Leo XIV formally inaugurating his pontificate Pope Leo is flanked by security as he rides through St Peter's Square on the popemobile Well-wishers attend the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV in St Peter's Square Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrives for the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV Pope Leo XIV waves as he arrives ahead of the inauguration mass Newly elected Pope Leo XIV attends his Papal inauguration mass The pallium, draped across his shoulders, symbolizes the pastor carrying his flock as the pope carries the faithful. The ring, which becomes Leo's official seal, harks back to Jesus' call to the apostle Peter to cast his fishing nets. The other symbolically important moment of the Mass is the representational rite of obedience to Leo: Whereas in the past all cardinals would vow obedience to the new pope, more recent papal installations involve representatives of cardinals, bishops, priests, deacons, nuns, married couples and young people participating in the rite. Another change from the past is that Sunday's Mass isn't a coronation ceremony, which used to involve the pope receiving a tiara, but is merely known as a 'Eucharistic Celebration for the start of the Petrine ministry of the Bishop of Rome'. In the days since his historic election, Leo has already sketched out some of his key priorities as pope. In his first foreign policy address, he said the Holy See's three pillars of diplomacy were peace, justice and truth. In his first major economics address, he emphasized the Catholic Church's social doctrine and the search for truth. It's not known if he'll use his installation homily as a mission statement as some of his predecessors did. In his Oct. 22, 1978 installation homily, St. John Paul II uttered a phrase that became something of a refrain of his pontificate and the ones that followed: 'Be not afraid! Open wide the doors to Christ!' A Swiss Guard stands in St Peter's Square, on the day Pope Leo XIV holds his inaugural Mass Belgium's King Philippe (second from the right) and Belgium's Queen Mathilde (centre) arrive to attend the Holy Mass Italy's President Sergio Matarella and his wife Laura Matarella arrive to attend a Holy Mass for the beginning of the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV Faithful gather at the Saint Peter's Square, on the day Pope Leo XIV holds his inaugural Mass Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives for the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV Pope Leo XIV on his popemobile tours St Peter's Square at the Vatican which was being beamed onto giant Samsung television screens Worshippers attend the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV -- May 18, 2025 Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco arrive ahead of the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen (centre) arrives to attend a Holy Mass A Pontifical Swiss guard stands as nuns arrive in St. Peter's Square ahead of Pope Leo XIV's inauguration mass People gather to attend Pope Leo XIV's formal inauguration of his pontificate with a mass in St. Peter's Square Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia arrive for Pope Leo XIV's formal inauguration Pope Benedict XVI quoted his predecessor during his installation homily, on April 25, 2005, and offered a meditation on the symbols of church unity represented by the pallium and fisherman's ring. Francis' installation homily, on March 19, 2013, focused on the need to protect the environment, an early hint of what would become one of the priorities of his pontificate. Leo has vowed all efforts to find peaceful ends to the wars in Ukraine, Gaza and elsewhere. But as a priority, he has also identified the challenges to humanity posed by artificial intelligence, making the parallel to the challenges to human dignity posed by the industrial revolution that were confronted by his namesake, Pope Leo XIII, who was pope from 1878-1903. After the homily and at the end of the Mass, Leo will offer a final blessing and then go into the basilica to greet the heads of the more than 150 official delegations attending. Security was tight, as it was for Francis' funeral on April 26, which drew an estimated 250,000 people. Rome authorities are planning for another 250,000 on Sunday. The piazza and main boulevard leading to it, and two nearby piazzas were set up with giant television screens, and dozens of portable toilets have been erected in a nearby park. At first glance the three-bedroom detached house on sale in Scotland for 258,000 looks like most roomy homes on the market. The property in Clackmannanshire is bright and eclectic with the bedrooms painted an array of different colours. But the bathroom sets the home apart with a very strange feature plastered across the wall. An eight ft grey cat takes up the entire space in the bathroom. Instead of eyes it has two giant round mirrors for residents to use. The unusual feature sits directly next to the toilet opposite the bathroom sink and bath. It is unclear if the cat is wallpaper, a drawing or vinyl. While the quirky cat may not be for everyone, it's a great way for animal lovers to express their passion for a pet. An eight ft grey cat takes up the entire space in the bathroom - Iinstead of eyes it has two giant round mirrors for residents to use. The property in Clackmannanshire is bright and eclectic with the bedrooms painted an array of different colours Several users took to social media to express their love for the bathroom feature. With some claiming it would be a selling point of the property for them. One user wrote: 'Nothing wrong with being different. In fact, it's refreshing... from another quirky home owner.' Another agreed: 'Wow I'd love the cat face I'd defo keep it so unusual but I'm a cat mum.' Police have released pictures of the 1.5 million cannabis stash a British former cabin crew member has been accused of smuggling into Sri Lanka. Charlotte May Lee, 21, from Coulsdon, south London, was detained at the main airport in the country's capital Colombo on Monday after arriving from a flight from Bangkok. According to sources, authorities seized 46kg of Kush - a cannabis strain - as Miss Lee arrived from Thailand on a SriLankan Airlines flight. Pictures from the scene show six officers in the airport standing over dozens of large vacuum packed bags of the drug. Officials from the Customs Narcotics Control Unit in the airport said it is the largest amount of Kush ever to be detected since the international hub opened. Sources close to the investigation said the 'massive consignment' is worth around 460 million Sri Lankan rupees. The drugs, which have now been seized, were allegedly found 'tightly packed in luggage' and are believed to have been intended for 'high-end local buyers'. Miss Lee has been remanded to custody while the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) investigates the case and potential legal action, according to local reporters. Police have released pictured of the 1.5 million cannabis stash a British former cabin crew member has accused of smuggling into Sri Lanka Charlotte May Lee, 21, from Coulsdon, south London, has been arrested in a Sri Lankan airport after 1.15 million of cannabis was allegedly found in her luggage Pictures from the scene show six officers in the airport standing over dozens of large vacuum packed bags of the drug The Foreign Office in the UK has confirmed that it is supporting a British woman who has been arrested in Sri Lanka and is in contact with her family, as well as local authorities. According to Miss Lee's friends she has posted on Snapchat claiming she was being held at a police headquarters in Sri Lanka. One woman, close to the cabin crew member turned lash technician, said that she was shocked when she heard the allegation as Miss Lee was a 'nice girl'. The friend, who asked to remain anonymous, said: 'I couldn't believe it. She's a hard worker and a grafter.' 'We are shocked. I am in total shock. She's a nice girl,' she added. 'There were no red flags or anything,' another friend said. 'We saw clips of the arrest and we could hear an English woman, who sounded very much like Charlotte in the background.' Miss Lee had previously worked as a cabin crew member for TUI, yet friends have said this was only a 'summer contract'. The former TUI cabin crew member was detained at the main airport in the country's capital Colombo on Monday after arriving from a flight from Bangkok The Foreign Office in the UK has confirmed that it is supporting a British woman who has been arrested in Sri Lanka and is in contact with her family, as well as local authorities A photograph on Miss Lee's social media shows her in her former job as a TUI stewardess According to Miss Lee's friends she has posted on Snapchat claiming she was being held at a police headquarters in Sri Lanka Miss Lee had previously worked as a cabin crew member for TUI, yet friends have said this was only a 'summer contract' Following a recent holiday, Miss Lee is said to have returned to Coulsdon, telling mates that she 'loved Thailand and wanted to work out there' Her social media accounts show her appearing to have a great time working for the travel company, posing in her stewardess uniform and even in the cockpit of one of the planes. Since then, the young woman who grew up in the South London town, was training to become a lash technician. Other photos shared on her social media show Miss Lee living the typical life of a young woman in her early twenties - out drinking at the pub with friends or dancing at nightclubs. Miss Lee, according to friends, first flew out to Thailand in April to celebrate her 21st birthday with her older sister who was meeting her from Australia, where she lives. Following the holiday, Miss Lee is said to have returned to Coulsdon, telling mates that she 'loved Thailand and wanted to work out there'. She mentioned around four weeks ago that 'she had a job on a boat' in the south-east Asian country, but according to her friend did not mention any immediate plans of returning. Yet last week, the young woman began posting pictures again of beautiful white sand beaches and selfies of her partying abroad. And on Monday, the day of her arrest, she had posted a TikTok of herself on a plane, wearing a facemask, as she flew over a pretty island. She tagged the location of the video as Bangkok. Just hours before her arrest, Miss Lee had posted a TikTok of herself on a plane, wearing a facemask, as she flew over a pretty island. The location of the video was tagged as Bangkok Her social media accounts show Miss Lee appearing to enjoy working for the travel company Images posted on her social media even show the cockpit of one of the planes she worked on Days later, after rumours about Miss Lee's arrest began in Coulson, she is said to have sent some friends a Snapchat from Sri Lankan custody, briefly filming herself and assuring them she was okay. The friend, who spoke to MailOnline, added: 'No one has heard from her in a few days. Her Snapchat did go live at one point, but whether it was her or the police we don't know. 'She went travelling to Thailand for her 21st birthday and her sister paid for her to go out there as her birthday present. That was in April at some point. 'She was back here [in the UK] in May and then she was off again. But she did not mention she was going away, nothing was said. And previously she would have said [about her plans]. 'When she got back the first time she did say she loved it. I asked her what about going to Australia, as there's nothing here, and she said she should look into it one day. But that was it.' The incident comes just days after a British teenager was arrested in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi after allegedly arriving from Thailand carrying 14kg of cannabis in her luggage. Bella May Culley, 18, is now facing life in prison in the former Soviet country after being accused of illegally buying, possessing and importing large quantities of narcotics. The youngster from Billingham, Country Durham, was believed to have gone missing in Thailand before she was detained 3,700 miles away at Tbilisi International Airport on the charges. Miss Lee has been remanded to custody while the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) investigates the case and potential legal action, according to local media The incident comes just days after British teenager Bella May Culley, 18, was arrested in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi after allegedly arriving from Thailand carrying 14kg of cannabis in her luggage Questions remain as to how exactly Culley ended up in Georgia - and what her steps were in the lead up to her eventual arrest Miss Culley was caught entering Georgia with 200,000 worth of cannabis Her lawyer said Miss Culley, who claimed in court she was pregnant, ended up in the eastern European country 'without knowing what she was doing' and was 'visibly shaken' when she learned her fate' Miss Culley, who has been taken into court, now faces a minimum term of 15 years but could be jailed for life if found guilty. Her lawyer said the teen, who claimed in court she was pregnant, ended up in the eastern European country 'without knowing what she was doing' and was 'visibly shaken' when she learned her fate'. The teen was travelling around the Philippines and Thailand before she boarded the flight to Georgia from Bangkok via Sharjah, UAE. Miss Culley has yet to reveal to her lawyer how she came to be in possession of the narcotics. She first appeared in Tbilisi city court on May 13 which was broadcast locally and word finally reached her family the following day. Her father Niel, 49, who had flown out to Thailand to search for her, flew to Georgia with auntie Kerrie, 51. But they have been cruelly blocked from visiting her by local bureaucracy. It is hoped they will finally have an emotional reunion in prison next week. Miss Culley has been remanded in custody until her next appearance on July 1. The British Embassy in Tbilisi told RFE: 'We are assisting the family of the British woman detained in Georgia and are also in contact with the local authorities.' The FCDO said with regards to Miss Lee's case: 'We are supporting a British woman who has been arrested in Sri Lanka and are in contact with her family and the local authorities.' BBC bosses were warned that a complaint was made about Huw Edwards as far back as 2012, a dossier of emails has revealed. An email titled 'private and confidential' was sent to BBC director-general Tim Davie, an hour before Britain's most famous newsreader was due to be sentenced over making indecent images of children on September 16 2024. The disgraced presenter was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after he admitted having 41 indecent images of children which were sent to him by paedophile Alex Williams on WhatsApp. Moments before Edwards entered the dock, Mr Davie was warned that a complaint had been made about the Welsh newsreader's conduct in the aftermath of the Jimmy Savile scandal in 2012 - some 10 years before Edwards was suspended. Mr Davie was sent the email by a former BBC employee, who said he wished to 'personally and potentially flag an area of risk to the Corporation that you may not be previously aware of'. They said a complaint had been made against Edwards, adding: 'The reason for my email to you is just to flag that there is a high probability that this complaint was documented somewhere but was (by recollection) to have been deemed non actionable.' The ex-employee stressed that this was 'not necessarily a criminal allegation and I have no real specifics I can offer you - other than it exists'. Mr Davie replied three minutes later, confirming he would share it with the team investigating past allegations. In a dossier of emails, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by The Sunday Times, it has also been revealed how Edwards made a 'very serious allegation' himself and how BBC bosses used secret code names for his arrest. Huw Edwards leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court in September 2024 after he was sentenced for making indecent images of children The disgraced presenter (pictured in court) was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years Emails show how Tim Davie was warned about a complaint made against Edwards, which The Sunday Times reports as being as far back as 2012 Just moments before Edwards was sentenced on September 16 2024, Mr Davie replied to say he would be sharing the email with the team looking into allegations against the star Following Edwards' dramatic fall from grace, it emerged that Edwards' bosses had twice warned him about his online behaviour, first in 2021 and then in 2022, when he became close to a vulnerable woman on Instagram and email. But it can now be revealed that these were not the first allegations made against Edwards. The email to Mr Davie stated that the complaint was 'most likely [listed] under the so-called 'C-List' if it's anywhere'. The author of the email was referring to a spreadsheet of allegations against BBC stars that was created after Savile's heinous crimes were exposed a year after his death. The incident log, made by the BBC HR team, separated complaints into categories - A for high-risk allegations involving sexual assault or other criminality, B for former high-risk cases where police were not able to take them forward so they would be handled internally, and C - for 'non-high risk actions'. The C-List involved cases that were not necessarily criminal but included allegations of bullying and harassment. The BBC has a longstanding position not to comment on any internal HR matters. On August 16 2024, an email from Deborah Turness to Edwards reveals that the presenter had reported an allegation to the BBC - and also agreed to pay back part of his salary which has been the subject of public fury. The BBC News chief executive writes: 'Dear Huw, I note you propose to repay part of your salary paid to you since your arrest last year and would ask that you now do so without delay. 'Your email makes a very serious allegation and so I have made colleagues aware of it. If you have emails in your possession that raise issues that you are concerned about I would urge you to share them with us so we can look into them. A mugshot released of Huw Edwards which was released after he was handed a suspended sentence Edwards pictured in 1999. He would go on to become one of the BBC's highest-paid stars Edwards spent 40 years working his way up the ranks of the BBC, first coming to national attention presenting the BBC Six O'Clock News 'While you believe that you are drawing an evident risk to my attention, I do find it surprising that you should think it appropriate to do so in the form that you have.' The BBC has still not recieved a penny of Edwards' salary, which soared to 475,000-a-year when he signed a three-year contract in March 2023. He also received further payments for his coverage of royal and state occasions for BBC Studios. Earlier this month, it emerged that Edwards has refused multiple requests to hand back the 200,000 he was paid after his arrest. Emails obtained by The Sunday Times also show how executives had secret code names for Edwards and the allegations against him, namely 'Finch' and 'Redstart'. And it has also been revealed how Ms Turness warned colleagues to 'buckle up' on the eve of Edwards' resignation. Edwards stepped down from the BBC in April 'on medical advice' following a tumultuous nine months when he was plunged into the centre of a sex pictures scandal. On July 7 2023, The Sun reported an unnamed BBC star who had paid a teenager thousands of pounds for explicit photos. The police said they would not be taking further action, but Edwards' wife then publicly named her husband as the star in question on July 12 that year. Huw Edwards is pictured arriving at Westminster Magistrates' Court in July last year Alex Williams, 25, shared indecent images with Huw Edwards that led to the newsreader's downfall. Williams is pictured here as a teenager on a family trip to a Welsh beauty spot Vicky Flind also revealed at the time that Edwards was now in hospital with 'serious mental health issues'. Six new allegations followed and Edwards would go onto be investigated over making indecent images of children. His arrest in November 2023 was not made public until July 2024, when the Met Police confirmed he had been charged. Edwards pleaded guilty to having made indecent images of children on July 31 last year at Westminster Magistrates' Court, including seven of the most serious category A, one believed to be of a child aged seven to nine. He was handed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and is now living with his elderly mother, back in the Welsh village where he spent his childhood. A BBC spokesperson told MailOnline: 'The BBC believes that Huw Edwards should return the money paid to him by the BBC, covering the period between his arrest and his resignation.' MailOnline has contacted Edwards for comment. The extraordinary moment an Aussie soldier risked his life by running through intense drone fire in Ukraine to save his mate has been captured on camera. Ukraine's International Legion, which is made up of foreign volunteers, released GoPro footage featuring an Australian solider named 'Dave' recalling a horrific incident in which his unit were attacked in the trenches by Russian drone strikes last year. The footage was released last week as part one of a documentary which showed a three-day defensive operation following Russia's offensive to take over the Pervomaiske region in April 2024. Dave was the squad leader of the Chosen Company, a unit within the legion comprising of highly skilled tactical soldiers which led the operation. The documentary showed the Aussie soldier recalling the frightening incident following his unit's attempt to relieve some friendly forces. Dave's helmet had a GoPro strapped to it, which captured the heartstopping moment the unit realised they had come under fire from Russian forces. After leading the unit from a bunker house to a trench, the soldiers are attacked by suicide drones. 'That just hit the building! Dave shouted as one drone strikes near the group. 'Let's go!' Australian solider named 'Dave' (pictured) risked his life to save his friend after his unit was attacked by Russian suicide drones Dave and two other soldiers left the safety of the bunker house to rescue a member of the unit who had been hit in the torso by shrapnel (pictured) 'We have to move! Go inside! Get the f***inside!' 'F**king hell,' Dave can be heard yelling as another strikes near them. 'We need to f**king get back.' One of the soldiers, who is referred to as Swede, can be heard coughing up blood after being hit in the torso by shrapnel. 'Within five minutes of us going into this trench in this offensive half the team has already gotten injured,' Dave said in the documentary. 'It happened so quickly and we all decidedwe are not combat ready anymore.' The Aussie ordered his unit to return to the bunker house. But after returning to safety, he realised Swede and two other soldiers were left behind. GoPro footage was released as part one of a documentary which showed a three-day operation following Russia's offensive to take over the Pervomaiske region in April last year (pictured) 'I yell to them like 'hey guys you have to run you have to run' but realise one of them must be unable to walk,' Dave recalled. In the GoPro footage, the Aussie leader can be heard telling his unit he has 'to go back out there'. 'Myself and two other dudes went out across the open field again,' Dave explained. The trio reached the Swede and the two other soldiers and placed the injured solider on a makeshift stretcher. 'We get closer and another round lands between us and the house,' Dave said. Dave and the other soldiers were forced to drop Swede 20 metres from the bunker house before coming back out to get him. He explained the medic performed CPR on the Swede, but was unable to save him. Despite the heartbreaking end, viewers who watched the documentary on YouTube were quick to praise Dave as a legend. 'Dave is the epitome if a leader, a man, a warrior, and a true believer for a cause. Salute to these brave courageous soldiers on both sides because war is hell ,' one viewer commented. Another added: 'The amount of bravery it takes to go through this hell and share the story with us. My respect to you guys. All of you.' A third wrote: 'Good on ya Dave for showing the spirit of the ANZAC still lives on.' The Chosen Company, a unit of highly skilled tactical soldiers within Ukraine's International Legion, which is made up of foreign volunteers, led the defensive operation (pictured) A Swedish viewer wrote: 'As a Swede, it is hard to watch - thank you for getting him back home and thank you for your brave service.' There are an estimated 200 Australians fighting for Ukraine At least seven feared dead since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. The latest Aussie feared dead is Caleb List, 25, from Gladstone in central Queensland, who's believed to have died last month after being hit with artillery fire in a contested territory near the city of Izyum, in the Kharkiv region. The news comes as Russia sentenced an Australian citizen to 13 years in a maximum-security prison for fighting alongside Ukrainian forces. Oscar Jenkins, 33, was found guilty by a court for taking part in an armed conflict as a mercenary, a statement from prosecutors said on Friday. The court had ruled he had taken part in combat operations against Russian troops between March and December 2024. Sir Keir Starmer was today accused of handing the EU 'exactly what it wants' as he prepares to sign a new post-Brexit deal aligning Britain more closely with Brussels. Critics warned that the proposed reset to be signed at a 'Surrender Summit' in London tomorrow will open the country up to thousands of migrant workers and sell off fishing rights in our waters. The UK would also be forced to swallow many Brussels rules and accept a role for the European Court of Justice as the two sides deepen trade and security links. Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Cabinet Office minister in charge of negotiations, said the final detail of a deal are still being negotiated but used a round of TV appearances to say that the agreement would mean 'lower household bills' and 'stronger borders'. And he appeared to confirm reports that the deal will see the ban on UK holidaymakers using EU passport e-gates lifted, speeding up transit through airports on the continent. But his Tory shadow, Alex Burghart, cited recent deals agreed with India and the US as a sign that it could be a failure. He told Sky News' Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips: 'You can you can sign bad deals any day of the week. And, the truth is that we have a worse deal with the US now than we had at the start of March. and the deal with India has come at a price on on immigration... 'Anybody can walk into a negotiating room and say, ''I'll tell you what, I'll give you what you want. Can we have a deal?'' and the fear is that that is exactly what's going to happen with the EU summit on Monday.' Sir Keir Starmer is preparing to sign an outline agreement for a 'reset' with the bloc that critics have branded a ' Brexit betrayal'. Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Cabinet Office minister in charge of negotiations, said the final detail of a deal are still being negotiated but used a round of TV appearances to say that the agreement would mean 'lower household bills' and 'stronger borders'. But his Tory shadow, Alex Burghart, cited recent deals agreed with India and the US as a sign that it could be a failure. He added: 'When people hear about a youth mobility scheme, they think about an 18 year old coming over working at a bar. 'But actually we may well be looking at a scheme which allows 30 year olds to come over and play access to the NHS on day one, to claim benefits on day one to bring their extended families. 'You're looking at a continent which currently has, youth unemployment at about 15 per cent. Some countries, like Romania, have youth unemployment about 26 per cent. 'So there are obviously very considerable disadvantages to the UK at this deal is done in the wrong way.' Mr Thomas-Symonds said the Government was 'seeking to negotiate a deal for food products' as part of a 'successful deal'. He also said the Government was pushing for measures to speed up the process for British holidaymakers going through passport control in the EU. He said: 'I would love to see you being able to go through the border more quickly in that way. That's certainly something we've been pushing with the EU and I think that will be something that will be very helpful to British people.' Any deal on a youth mobility scheme with Europe will have to be 'smart and controlled' and will be 'absolutely consistent' with the Government's immigration policy, he added. Sir Keir Starmer is preparing to sign an outline agreement for a 'reset' with the bloc that critics have branded a 'Brexit betrayal'. It is expected to include a youth mobility scheme dubbed free movement 'by the back door' and an agreement to allow EU trawlers to fish in British waters. It is expected to include a youth mobility scheme dubbed free movement 'by the back door' and an agreement to allow EU trawlers to fish in British waters. (File) The Tory leader was in Belgium on Friday to speak at the International Democracy Union (File image of the European Commission) Brexiteers' fears that the Prime Minister is preparing to surrender freedoms gained after the 2016 referendum deepened last night after No 10 told The Mail on Sunday that Sir Keir believed that the British people were 'done' with Brexit. A Downing Street adviser said: 'His view is people have had it with the Brexit wars. They're done with all that. What they want is a relationship with Europe that benefits them. All they care about now is something that will put some extra money in their pockets'. The agreement in principle, which is expected to be signed by European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Costa at Lancaster House in London, will also include a defence and security pact that would allow British companies to win contracts from a 150 billion (125 billion) EU weapons fund. Firms such as BAE Systems could bid for contracts from the Security Action For Europe (Safe) fund, established in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and fears that Donald Trump could ditch America's Nato commitments. However, a senior diplomatic source last night said that the French government were leading demands for the UK to pay Brussels for the privilege of being allowed access to the fund. The source said: 'The figures being discussed are in the hundreds of millions up to possible billions. It would inevitably trigger memories of the days when Britain forked out a fortune to the EU each year'. The deal would also require Britain and the EU to 'standardise' mutual defence systems and ensure 'greater interoperability'. Last night Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge said: 'Labour's Brexit betrayal is in full swing. Whenever they negotiate, Britain loses.' And Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: 'We should not be putting our army under an EU flag, let alone then paying for the privilege'. Mr Farage has called the youth mobility plan, 'effectively be a back door to free movement of people that will be strongly opposed by Brexit voters', while the Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch has claimed it could amount to an 'uncapped migration scheme'. But Sir Keir has insisted that it would not amount to a return to pre-Brexit freedom of movement, pointing to reciprocal schemes that the UK already has with the likes of Australia. Under such agreements, people between the ages of 18 and 35 are allowed to work in each other's countries for two years. They are subject to annual quotas, ranging from 100 visas for Andorra to 42,000 for Australia. The PM told The Times: 'We have a red line in our manifesto about freedom of movement, but youth mobility is not freedom of movement. 'I think the British public are pretty pragmatic, that's what we're known for, which is why I think they will look forward not backwards'. It has been calculated that 80 million Europeans would qualify for a British visa if a mobility scheme for under-35s is not capped. Last night, Downing Street said that the deal would help UK firms 'who face red tape and checks just to export to our nearest and biggest trading partner'; British supermarkets 'who have to pass these costs on to consumers and reduce the availability of products on shelves'; and British families 'who face higher bills, queues on holiday and whose safety and security is harmed by a lack of cooperation between neighbouring countries facing the same global challenges'. Sir Keir said: 'In this time of great uncertainty and volatility, the UK will not respond by turning inwards, but by proudly taking our place on the world stage strengthening our alliances and closing deals in the interests of British people'. Two pensioners have been killed after being hit by electric bikes in 48 hours leaving their families devastated. The two women were both pedestrians when they were hit in the north of England. 72-year-old Shaat Bibi died after an electric motorbike slammed into her on Leeds Old Road in Bradford on Wednesday. A 17-year-old boy who was driving the vehicle, was arrested on suspicion of offences relating to the collision. He has since been released on police bail. Mrs Bibi, sadly died in hospital on Friday from injuries sustained in the crash. The tragic crash occurred at 4.54pm in the afternoon and police are appealing for witnesses. Meanwhile, an 86-year-old woman was struck by an e-bike on Friday while crossing the road with her dog in Burdon Road, Sunderland. Despite the efforts of medics, Gloria Murphey was pronounced dead at the scene after being hit by a black Sur-Ron bike travelling north. Two pensioners have been killed after being hit by electric bikes in 48 hours leaving their families devastated The two women were both pedestrians when they were hit in the north of England. Locals said she was walking her daughter's rescue terrier at the time, which suffered minor injuries. The driver fled the scene where the collision occurred shortly before 1pm. An 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and released on bail pending further inquiries. It is believed the bike weaved in between some stationary cars at the crossing before colliding with Ms Murphey. Locals who knew her said she was super fit for her age and was regularly out walking. Barry Slee, 49, a neighbour, said: 'Gloria was going over the crossing as a pedestrian but was knocked over and killed. 'She hadn't done anything wrong. The bike has apparently gone through some cars who had stopped to let her through. 'Gloria was 86 but was as fit as a lop. She would walk with her dog every day. You would never believed she was 86. 72-year-old Shaat Bibi died after an electric motorbike slammed into her on Leeds Old Road in Bradford on Wednesday 'She was tremendous. She had a huge heart and was loved by everyone. 'She was that fit that you would have thought she would have easily reached 100. 'She has lived in the area for a long time and knew everyone around here. 'This should be murder. She was crossing the road when she was hit.' Allison Burnett, 58, said: 'She was amazing. She was the best friend to everyone and was always happy. 'She lives life to the fullest for an 86-year-old. The shock is unbelievable. We still can't take in that she's not with us anymore. 'She was well travelled. She still travelled abroad on her own even now. She was a mum-of-four and had grandchildren.' One message left at the scene read: 'To my darling sister Gloria. You are always in my thoughts.' File image: Locals who knew Ms Murphey said she was super fit for her age and was regularly out walking 'RIP Gloria. Fly high angel. Will be missed.' Commenting on the crash in Bradford, West Yorkshire Police said: 'Police have renewed an appeal for witnesses following the death of a woman injured in a serious road traffic collision in Bradford earlier his week. 'The Major Collision and Enquiry Team (MCET) would like to speak to anyone who saw or has footage of the collision on Leeds Old Road, Bradford at 4.54pm on Wednesday May 14. 'It took place after an electric motorcycle was in collision with a female pedestrian who can now be named as Mrs Shaat Bibi (72) from Bradford. 'She sadly passed away in hospital on Friday from injuries sustained in the collision. 'The rider of the motorcycle involved, a 17-year-old male, was arrested on suspicion of offences relating to the collision and released on police bail.' They added if anyone has information which could assist the police, contact the Major Collision and Enquiry Team by calling 101. Meanwhile, Sergeant Andrew Ferguson, of Northumbria Police, said the death of the 80-year-old in Sunderland was a 'devastating incident' and appealed for witnesses to come forward. He said: 'We know this is quite a busy stretch of road, with lots of people and vehicles in the area at the time, so please get in touch if you saw anything.' People living in a costal town, dubbed Chelsea-on-Sea, fear tourists taxes on second home owners and holidaymakers threatens its future. Salcombe in Devon has long been a popular bolthole for wealthy city dwellers looking for a seaside break. However, business owners are worried taxes imposed by the council on second home owners and tourists will drive people away from visiting which could be detrimental for the town as it relies on tourism. Some say they have already started to see the impact, reporting a much quieter Easter holiday season compared to years previous. Owners of second homes - which make up around 60 per cent of the properties in the picturesque town - are already charged double council tax. Now they have also been hit with a differential parking scheme imposed by South Hams District Council. Tourists are being charged up to 10 a day for parking, whereas locals can pay 5 for an annual permit which lets them use the town's car parks for 8 a day. Owner of Salcombe Yawl cafe and Norman's Fishmonger, Beck Gordon, 51, said: 'It's a can of worms. I don't even know where to start. Salcombe in Devon has long been a popular bolthole for wealthy city dwellers looking for a seaside break Beck Gordon (pictured), owner of Salcombe Yawl cafe and Norman's Fishmonger said the town has had a 'quieter' Easter than usual Owners of second-homes - which make up around 60 per cent of the properties in the picturesque town - are already charged double council tax 'In an ideal world, we'd have far more locals living here than second homes and the kids would be able to afford to stay here and everything else, but in reality the town needs the tourism because it has become what it is and these businesses only survive because we've got tourism here. 'I've noticed that kind of second home dynamic is changing and there are more families on holiday than there are people with second homes. 'It's quieter generally. The parking's definitely an issue. 'It was only yesterday I had guys in here talking about parking charges and how it's really hard to make the machines work. It's all just reasons not to come, isn't it?' She said day trippers, who often live more locally in areas such a Plymouth and Exeter, 'definitely don't come anymore' as they are 'put off by how hard it is to park and by how expensive it is to come'. This is '100 per cent a worry' for her as their season is so short and they can only afford to stay open from April to October. Ms Gordon added: 'We have no choice but to close because we can't pay someone to stand here when there is no tourism in the winter now.' Tourists pay up to 10 to park for a day 25 per cent more than locals. Residents pay 5 for an annual permit that lets them use the towns car parks for 8 a day The park-and-ride scheme encourages people to park in designated locations outside of the town and then use public transport to travel in Business owners are worried taxes imposed by the council on second home owners and tourists will drive people away from visiting which could be detrimental for the town as it relies on tourism Despite Easter being less busy than usual, she said it was still 'okay' and credits the good weather for getting them through. 'For us, the minute the weather's not good, nobody wants to stand at the counter and get a takeaway,' she said. But she is 'massively' worried about the future of the town and dwindling numbers. Ms Gordon, who has lived locally for seven years, added: 'It's really hard to work out why it's changed because it's so complicated. But pre-Covid, it was almost twice as busy in summer. You couldn't walk or drive down the street; it was like a sea of people. 'We had two crazy seasons after Covid because obviously people couldn't go anywhere and since then, I would say we have been 30 or 40 per cent down. 'Businesses change really regularly. I've noticed this year a gallery has had to rent out one side of its unit. Jack Wills has just gone, which has been here forever and ever. 'We see shops change all the time because they can't survive. 'It's that frustration of, if everywhere stayed open then people would come, but you've got to get to that point. It's a no-win and we're not in a place where we can change it.' She wants the council to do 'anything and everything' to aid tourism, such as promoting the park-and-ride scheme, which she said is a 'really good facility', or introducing free parking. The park-and-ride scheme encourages people to park in designated locations outside of the town and then use public transport to travel in. Owner of the newly opened sandwich shop Mrs Cookies, Bonnie Kouki (pictured), 38, hopes her business can attract locals back to the town to boost the tourism industry - not just the second home owners Ms Gordon said: 'We can't park. They won't give us a business permit, for whatever reason - they say we don't meet the criteria' 'It needs to be made as accessible and inviting as possible to keep the town alive,' she said. Ms Gordon added: 'The message from the council needs to be: "We want you here, come", and we need to make it easier not harder to be here because the businesses won't survive if the barriers keep going up.' Workers in the town also complain about the impact the increased parking charges has on employees who come from out of town. Ms Gordon said: 'We can't park. They won't give us a business permit, for whatever reason - they say we don't meet the criteria. 'We can't afford to park in the car parks everyday and walk down. We end up juggling our vans around and diving out the door in a queue. 'Sometimes you get lucky and the parking guys don't come round for one or two days so you end up with maybe two parking tickets a week - but it's cheaper to pay for one or two parking tickets a week than it is to park in the car park, which is absolutely ridiculous. 'We probably pay anywhere between 25 and 50 a week in parking tickets whereas if we parked in the car park it would cost us 70. 'We have a WhatsApp group amongst the high street shops and there's a lot of chat on there about parking.' A cafe manager, who asked to remain anonymous, said the parking increases also punished workers in the town. A cafe manager, who asked to remain anonymous, said the parking increases also punished workers in the town The manager does 'not support the parking increases' and believes people shouldn't be 'penalised' for owning a second home She said: 'It's a difficult one. I think on the whole, they had a good Easter. I think the worst thing for us is staff and their parking. I pay 10.60 a day. I could walk from the top of the hill but I might have a heart attack and die. 'I think we are stung by parking. I think it's affecting workers in the town. 'Because I park before 8am, I have to go for 24-hour parking at Creek car park, which is ridiculous. Yes, I can buy a parking permit, but that's so much money and I only work three days a week. '120 of my wages is parking. I pay the cheaper one but it's still a lot of money. 'Easter was good. I think people still came. We wouldn't survive without tourists. The manager does 'not support the parking increases' and believes people shouldn't be 'penalised' for owning a second home. She said: 'I had a business here for 32 years. Without these people and without the holiday homes and without any of it, I wouldn't have had a business. We live in a tourism area - which is why I kind of suck up the parking.' Another store owner wondered whether local tourists would be put off by the prices. She said: 'There were several comments generally that the town wasn't as busy as normal. Some say they have already started to see the impact, reporting a much quieter Easter holiday season compared to years previous 'There are so many people with an awful lot of money that have properties in Salcombe, those increases probably wouldn't worry them too much but that doesn't include people visiting for the day, I don't know whether that would put them off.' Meanwhile, businesses benefitting from the housing drive reported a good Easter. Owner of the newly opened sandwich shop Mrs Cookies, Bonnie Kouki, 38, said: 'We had a pretty good Easter. We are such a new business, we have never done an Easter, so it was the unknown. 'We're tucked away as well but we were okay.' Her shop was opened last year and provides cheaper meals which attracts builders who construct mansions for the wealthy. Ms Kouki added: 'I'm local anyway so I understand how Salcombe works. We opened in October, so that was the hardest part of the year and we're still standing and have come out of that time with a profit. 'We didn't lose any money in those quieter periods. But we appeal to a lot of builders and there's a lot of building work going on and by keeping our prices a bit lower because we are tucked away, it really does help what we do.' She hopes her business can attract locals back to the town to boost the tourism industry - not just the second home owners. She said: 'Within Salcombe a lot of families won't venture into town because it is so expensive. 'I've got three children - to come out for lunch somewhere in town you're looking at 100. 'Trying to keep that reasonable and encourage locals in, I think that helps. 'I've grown up here and a lot of locals do avoid the town during the summer months especially because it does get so busy. 'I've been speaking to changeover cleaners and people that look after holiday homes and I can see there are gaps, whereas 10 years ago it would have been completely full. 'Even a lady this morning said she is seeing more short breaks rather than bookings but that is better for us as it brings in two lots of families. 'Although she's got bookings in, it's not the volume she would have had.' Councillor Julian Brazil, Executive Lead for Community Services and Operations at South Hams District Council, said: 'We welcome all our visitors to the South Hams and our parking charges are still some of the cheapest places to park in the South of the country and within the South West. 'We'd like to do everything to help the tourism trade and we have kept our car parking charges as competitive as possible. Residents of the South Hams can benefit from our discounted Resident Parking Scheme. 'Many workers in Salcombe have benefited from our competitive parking permits which offer significantly lower long-term parking compared to our pay on the day rates. 'Be under no illusion, we don't want to increase prices, but this is the best choice for us under the circumstances we find ourselves in. Our prices have been frozen for four years, and now everyone who benefits from our public services are being asked to contribute, and that includes our visitors. 'The council always planned to review the scheme after the first six months and decide if any changes are needed. 'But clearly, if there is anything that is obviously wrong, which can always happen in a big change like this, then we will look to rectify that straight away.' Hopes of an Israel-Hamas ceasefire were dealt a fresh blow after 100 Palestinians were killed in a wave of air strikes across the Gaza Strip overnight. Israel has expanded its strikes on the enclave, killing hundreds of people since Thursday, in preparation for a new ground offensive to achieve 'operational control' in parts of Gaza. 'We have at least 100 martyrs since overnight. Complete families were wiped off the civil registration record by Israeli bombardment,' Khalil Al-Deqran, Gaza health ministry spokesperson, told Reuters. It comes as mediators hosted a new round of ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas in an effort to bring an end to a war that has raged on since the Palestinian terror group carried out the deadly October 7 attacks in 2023. Israel has decimated huge parts of Palestine ever since, killing more than 53,000 people, according to Gaza health authorities. Tel Aviv has blocked the entry of medical, food and fuel supplies into Gaza since the start of March to try to pressure Hamas into freeing Israeli hostages and has approved plans that could involve seizing the entire Gaza strip and controlling aid. Hamas says it will only free the hostages in return for an Israeli ceasefire. Egypt and Qatar mediators, backed by the United States, began a new round of indirect ceasefire talks between the two sides on Saturday, but sources close to the negotiations told Reuters there had been no breakthrough. Israel has expanded its strikes on the enclave, killing hundreds of people since Thursday, in preparation for a new ground offensive to achieve 'operational control' in parts of Gaza. Pictured: Palestinians inspect the damage of after a strike in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip Palestinian boys look out of a damaged house at the site of an Israeli strike, in the central Gaza Strip A building was completely torn apart by a fresh wave of strikes in the Gaza Strip last night A Palestinian official close to the talks, which are taking place in the Qatari capital, Doha, said: 'Hamas is flexible about the number of hostages it can free, but the problem has always been over Israel's commitment to end the war.' Sky News Arabica and the BBC both reported that Hamas had proposed releasing about half its Israeli hostages in exchange for a two-month ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Contacted by Reuters, a Hamas official said: 'Israel's position is unchanged, they want their prisoners released, without a commitment to end the war.' One of Israel's overnight strikes hit a tent encampment housing displaced families in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, killing women and children, wounding dozens and setting several tents ablaze. Hamas described the strike as a 'new brutal crime' and blamed the U.S. administration for the escalation. Among the dozens killed earlier on Sunday were three journalists and their families. Medical officials said another family in northern Gaza lost at least 20 of its members. Zakaria Al-Sinwar, the brother of former Hamas chief Yehya Al-Sinwar whom Israel killed last October, and three of his children were killed in an Israeli airstrike on their tent in central Gaza Strip, medics said. Sinwar was a history lecturer at a Gaza university. The Gaza healthcare system is barely operational because of repeated Israeli bombardment and raids on hospitals. The blockade on aid supplies has compounded their difficulties while adding to widespread hunger, for which Israel blames Hamas. Hamas says it will only free the hostages in return for an Israeli ceasefire. Pictured: Palestinian man inspect the damage the site of an Israeli strike, in the central Gaza Strip Palestinians inspect the debris at the site of Israeli strikes on a displacement tent camp, in the Mawasi area west of Khan Yunis One of Israel's overnight strikes hit a tent encampment housing displaced families in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house, in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip A young child walks through the rubble of Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip, after air strikes Palestinians mourn by the bodies of relatives who were killed in Israeli strikes, at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital in Dair El-Balah 'Hospitals are overwhelmed with the growing number of casualties, many are children, several cases of amputations and the hospitals, which have been hit repeatedly by the occupation, are struggling with shortages of medical supplies,' Deqran said. The Israeli military said in a statement Saturday it was conducting extensive strikes in areas of Gaza as part of its plan to reach its war objectives. Israel's declared goal in Gaza is the elimination of the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas, which attacked Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and seizing about 250 hostages. The Israeli military campaign has devastated the enclave, pushing nearly all residents from their homes and killing more than 53,000 people, according to Gaza health authorities. Ministers are under growing pressure to ban Iran's top religious military organisation amid a growing confrontation with Tehran. More than 550 MPs and peers have signed a letter calling for the 125,000-strong Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp to be outlawed in the UK over the hardline regime's so-called 'hijab and chastity law'. The Islamist government in Iran is facing a major rebellion against its conservative ideology and is clamping down with an attack on women who dared to remove their headscarves. In the letter, whose signatories include Tories Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Suella Braverman, and Labour's Lord Kinnock, the politicians say the 'mandatory hijab (is) suppressing women who lead the protest and resistance movement to prevent future uprisings'. 'Appeasing this faltering regime betrays democratic values, emboldens its repressive policies, and undermines global security as Tehran continues its nuclear ambitions and terrorism,' it added. 'Given the regime's complete blockade of all avenues for political activity, the international community must recognise the Iranian people's right to regime change. 'The IRGC should be designated as a terrorist organisation.' It came as three alleged Iranian spies arrested by anti-terror police in London were accused of targeting journalists. More than 550 MPs and peers have signed a letter calling for the 125,000-strong Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp to be outlawed in the UK over the hardline regime's so-called 'hijab and chastity law'. In the letter, whose signatories include Tories Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Suella Braverman, and Labour's Lord Kinnock, the politicians say the 'mandatory hijab (is) suppressing women who lead the protest and resistance movement to prevent future uprisings'. Mostafa Sepahvand, 39, of St John's Wood, Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44 of Kensal Rise and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55, of Ealing, were arrested on May 3 under the National Security Act and have been charged with spying for Tehran. The trio are alleged to have been helping the Middle Eastern country's intelligence service between August 14 2024 and February 16 2025, and are accused of targeting individual journalists working for London-based Persian language TV channel, Iran International. All three appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday, and it was revealed that they had been granted temporary leave to remain in the UK after claiming asylum. They are said to have arrived in the UK, including by small boats, between 2016 and 2022. Foreign criminals should be deported immediately or after serving just a fraction of their sentences to free up space in jails, a Labour review will urge this week.. An existing early removal scheme which allows foreign national offenders to be deported after serving 50 per cent of their sentence should be brought forward to the 30 per cent point, the official report will recommend. Combined with the effects of an additional early release scheme launched by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood last year, it means some foreign prisoners would serve just 12 per cent of the sentence handed down by the courts. The review, led by for Labour by former Tory justice secretary David Gauke, will also say foreign offenders handed less than three years in jail should be subject to immediate deportation. His recommendations, which are likely to be adopted by ministers, would save the taxpayer a multi-million pound annual bill for imprisoning foreign nationals, and create more headroom in overcrowded jails. However, the review will not address how officials should overcome current hurdles to deportation such as the Human Rights Act, it is understood. Mr Gauke said: There is no place in our society for criminals who come to this country and break our laws, but it is clear the current system for deporting foreign criminals is not working - and the taxpayer is footing the bill. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, pictured on a visit to HMP Millsike near York earlier this year, commissioned a review last year which has said rules should be changed to allow foreign prisoners to be deported earlier Those sentenced to custody for less than three years should expect to be immediately deported, and further changes should be made to the early removal scheme to enable the Home Office to remove foreign national offenders as quickly as possible. He added: This will free up valuable space in prison, save the taxpayer money and ultimately protect the public. The review for Labour by former Tory justice secretary David Gauke said foreign prisoners should be deported after serving less of their sentence, or even immediately after sentencing There are currently more than 10,000 foreign nationals in jail in England and Wales, making up 12 per cent of the total. Under current laws, a deportation order must be made where a foreign offender has received a prison sentence of 12 months or more. Those handed sentences under 12 months can be deported if they have caused serious harm, are persistent offenders or represent a threat to national security. A spokesman for the independent review said the new proposals were likely to apply to criminals who have multiple domestic burglaries, assault, or some drug offences, for example. The review will also recommend a review of legislation to give the Home Office stronger powers to remove foreign offenders as quickly as possible, they added. Shabana Mahmood, pictured at HMP Millsike near York, commissioned the review last year to find longer-term solutions to the jail overcrowding crisis Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has already begun separate work to look at the way Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights the right to private and family life is deployed in immigration legal challenges, including deportation cases. The existing early removal scheme came into operation in 2004. It only applies to those serving a determinate sentence in other words, a specific period of time. Inmates sentenced to life are ineligible. Anyone deported under the scheme is free upon arrival in their home country and is not required to serve any further jail time there. Currently inmates can only be freed 18 months at the earliest before the end of their sentence but Mr Gaukes review recommends extending it to a longer period. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick has repeatedly urged Labour to cut the number of foreign offenders in the jails. However, the reviews proposals may cause consternation among victims groups because they would lead to some offenders serving very short sentences before being deported. Your browser does not support iframes. Ms Mahmoods existing early release scheme - which allows most inmates to be freed after serving 40 per cent of their sentence - would work in tandem with Mr Gaukes new proposals, it is understood. Your browser does not support iframes. It would mean some foreign offenders would serve just 12 per cent of their sentence. For example, a criminal jailed for five years would serve just over seven months if they were eligible for both the early release scheme and the early removal scheme, as proposed in this weeks review. It comes after Ms Mahmood unveiled new measures last week which mean most freed prisoners who are recalled to jail for breaching the terms of their release will serve just 28 days before being let out again. The average cost of a jail place is nearly 54,000 a year. The review is expected to be published later this week. Labour's law and order policies contrast sharply with most members of the public's views, polling suggests. Earlier this year an Ipsos survey found six out of 10 Britons believe prison sentences are not long enough, with 34 per cent saying they are 'much too short', and 26 per cent saying they were 'a bit too short'. When Egyptian-born fisherman Ahmed Ebid arrived in the UK in October 2022 on a small boat from France, it didn't take him long to make the most of his new home. Alongside his wife and daughter, then aged about 12, he was put up in a taxpayer-funded block of flats with a deco-style in the desirable Isleworth area of southwest London. Ebid, 42, was given the lodgings while he applied for asylum, despite previously serving a jail sentence in Italy for six years for attempting to smuggle a tonne of cannabis into the country. But instead of using his new home properly, he used it as his headquarters while he organised an international people smuggling ring. He masterminded a 12 million operation, in which around 3,800 migrants, including women and children, were transported to Europe from Libya on just seven crossings of dangerously overcrowded fishing vessels. Known as 'Captain Ahmed' on Facebook, he was eventually caught after investigators linked his London-based mobile number to satellite phones that were used to make distress calls from the boats to the Italian coastguard. His home was raided in June 2023 by Britain's FBI, the National Crime Agency (NCA) which uncovered evidence which would unmask Ebid as one of Britain's most prolific and ruthless people smugglers. He is expected to receive a long prison sentence at Southwark crown court in London on Monday. Ahmed Ebid, 42, masterminded a 12 million operation, in which around 3,800 migrants, including women and children, were transported to Europe from Libya on overcrowded fishing boats The moment Ebid was arrested by National Crime Agency (NCA) officers in Hounslow, West London, on June 21, 2023 Ebid had been using his taxpayer-funded deco-style block of flats in the desirable Isleworth area in southwest London as a base to mastermind a ruthless people smuggling gang Ebid is the first person in Britain to be convicted of smuggling migrants across the Mediterranean, in a new crackdown on the international smuggling gangs being organised from Britain. The NCA believes that although his clients landed on Italian shores, some of them ended up making their way to Britain. They were charged an average of 3,300 for the dangerous crossing. Ebid's scheme involved arranging for 600 to 700 migrants to be placed on ramshackle fishing boats that had a capacity of less than 100. They would then sail from Africa, and upon entering Italian waters, they would use a satellite phone to make a distress call which would trigger a rescue at sea by the Italian coastguard. The Italian authorities eventually discovered that data taken from the recovered satellite phones showed they had been repeatedly called from a mobile number in Britain, which was traced to Ebid's flat. The NCA then placed Ebid under surveillance, bugging his flat so they could listen into his phone conversations. It was then that they discovered that Ebid was acting as a 'virtual skipper' for the whole operation, according to the Times. Ebid, 40, organised death trap boat crossings with people smuggling networks in North Africa, transferring hundreds of people at a time across the Mediterranean from Libya to Italy A boat with migrants seen under the lighthouse in Lampedusa, Italy on August 4, 2022 Although most vessels sail from the Tripoli area of Libya, Ebid's boats were launched from Benghazi, which is closer to the country's border with Egypt. The journey to Italy is known as the 'central Mediterranean route' and it is regarded by experts as one of the world's most dangerous crossings. Almost 25,000 people have lost their lives attempting the arduous journey since 2014, with 382 dead from this year already, according to the UNs International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Nearly 19,000 migrants successfully crossed the Mediterranean over the crossing this year. In comparison, a record 12,000 have arrived in Britain on small boats from France. But at the height of demand in 2023, almost 158,000 migrants travelled from northern Africa to Italy, according to the IOM. Planning to cross the sea took careful planning, and Ebid was required to be on hand to discuss tactics with gang members in north Africa. Migrants being brought to shore on the Italian island of Lampedusa on September 15, 2023 Illegal migrants disembark from a Border Force vessel into Dover port on May 12, 2025 in Dover, England In an attempt to confuse authorities, Ebid used code words, such as referring to boats as 'cars'. He was caught telling an accomplice 'the most dangerous trip to Europe is this trip'. In another recorded conversation, which were revealed in court, Ebid banned migrants from taking mobiles onto the vessels, saying: 'Phones are not allowed [dissenters] will be killed, thrown into the sea.' The NCA and its Italian counterparts linked Ebid to seven crossings in total, which began just days after he had arrived as an asylum seeker in Britain in October 2022. In one of the boats that was rescued at sea by the Italian authorities, at least two bodies were discovered. And a four-year-old girl had to be airlifted to hospital from another 'death trap' vessel. Your browser does not support iframes. Migrants disembark from a Border Force catamaran at the Port of Dover on May 1, 2025 But investigators believe Ebid was involved in many other smuggling trips, involving thousands of migrants. Ebid was charged following the raid on his flat, where the NCA discovered notebooks and seized various electronic devices. He later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to assist unlawful entry into an EU member state. But he tried to downplay his leading role and claimed he had only received 15,000 (12,600) from his smuggling gang for navigational assistance. However at the hearing in March, Judge Adam Hiddleston agreed with the NCA, which argued that Ebid had charged migrants an average fee of about 3,300 for each crossing - although poorer clients were given a discounted rate. The judge said Ebid was involved for 'personal gain' and operated the trafficking of migrants from Africa to Italy at a 'very high level'. He added that his primary motive was a 'great deal of money' and that he must have managed to hide a substantial amount from the authorities. Ebids case highlights a shift in strategy by Sir Keir Starmer's government and law enforcement agencies to tackle the people smuggling gangs 'upstream', thousands of miles from the small boat launches in northern France. Ebids case highlights a shift in strategy by Sir Keir Starmer's government and law enforcement agencies to tackle the people smuggling gangs 'upstream' Four suspected smugglers were arrested in Libya earlier this year based on intelligence gathered by the NCA. The agency is understood to have deployed officers in the region for the first time for the operation. It comes as Starmer struggles to get a grip on immigration and combat the threat from Reform UK - which have promised to drastically reduce immigration. Earlier this year, four suspected smugglers were arrested in Libya based on intelligence gathered by the NCA. The agency is understood to have deployed officers for the first time in the region. Rick Jones, a deputy director at the NCA said: 'The fight against organised immigration crime is not limited to the English Channel. 'We are working to target, disrupt and dismantle these criminal networks wherever they operate, in source countries and in transit countries.' The Home Office refused to comment on Ebid's case due to the ongoing legal proceedings. E-bike batteries used by asylum seekers working as delivery drivers risk starting fires at hotels hired out by the Government to house migrants. Firefighters from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) have been deployed six times to one hotel, in central London, housing hundreds of male asylum seekers since 2023. In one incident, a roaring blaze was sparked by a lithium battery which exploded into flames while charging in a migrant's room. It's understood the battery pack was being used to power a refugee's e-bike for food deliveries through apps such as Deliveroo, UberEats and JustEat. The Home Office, which is responsible for housing migrants in the hotels, has confirmed 'dangerous' e-bike batteries found indoors can be confiscated, The Telegraph reports. The newspaper previously reported how illegal asylum seekers are paying off people smuggler debts by making up to 500 a week as bike couriers. They have seen evidence of scorched plug sockets and electrical fittings at the hotel, suggesting faulty electrical equipment was responsible. The parent company of the well-known chain that owns the hotel told The Telegraph: 'There are stringent health and safety policies and regulations in place for both the building and its residents, with strict guidelines and comprehensive daily checks in line with fire safety regulations. E-bike batteries used by asylum seekers working as delivery drivers risk starting fires at hotels hired out by the Government to house migrants. (File image) 'This responsibility falls under the operational management of a third party as part of the private booking.' A Home Office spokesman told MailOnline: 'The safety and security of individuals residing in Home Office accommodation is paramount. 'We work closely with accommodation providers to ensure safety information about electrical items is thoroughly communicated. 'If found indoors, dangerous items, such as e-bike batteries can be confiscated to mitigate dangers of a fire.' A spokesman for LFB said there were six fires at the hotel between 2023 and 2025, adding: 'One fire in 2023 was caused by the failure of a lithium-ion battery for an e-bike.' Fire services across the UK have warned of the risks posed by e-bike batteries following a surge in blazes linked to the lithium devices. Many fires are sparked by faulty chargers, modifications to e-bikes or counterfeit products bought online, including lithium batteries and chargers. The LFB has rushed to 143 e-bike fires since 2023, along with 36 blazes involving e-scooters. Three people have been killed and 60 injured in those fires. It was previously reported how illegal asylum seekers are paying off people smuggler debts by making up to 500 a week as bike couriers. (File image of a Deliveroo driver in London) In March, it was announced that all non-folding e-bikes will be banned on London Tube and trains from the end of the month because they keep catching fire. This is a file image of an e-bike exploding at Sutton train station during rush hour on March 21 last year The Government is updating product safety laws around the batteries to help improve safety. Seven people were rushed to hospital earlier this month after a house fire in Cardiff was started by a lithium-ion battery-powered scooter. The incident led to South Wales Fire and Rescue Service warning that lithium batteries present the "fastest growing" risk of fires. In March, it was announced that all non-folding e-bikes will be banned on London Tube and trains from the end of the month because they keep catching fire. London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced the move after a series of blazes sparked by the cycles on the capital's transport network. Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum has issued a heartbreaking statement after two sailors were killed when a Navy vessel struck the Brooklyn Bridge. Tragedy struck Saturday evening as the massive 160-foot-high Cuauhtemoc Training Ship, carrying a crew of 277, smashed into the iconic New York City bridge. Two unidentified passengers were killed after falling from the masts to the ship's deck, sources told CNN. A total of 22 crew members have been reported injured as of Sunday morning, with at least 11 in critical condition, Mexican Navy officials said. Early Sunday, Sheinbaum sent her condolences to the loved ones of the two deceased crew members. 'We are deeply saddened by the loss of two crew members of the Cuauhtemoc Training Ship, who lost their lives in the unfortunate accident in New York Harbor. Our sympathy and support go out to their families,' she wrote on X. She confirmed that the Navy and local authorities are 'currently treating the wounded' and that the Mexican ambassador, the U.S. and the Mexican Consulate General in New York are also supporting the Navy. 'I thank New York Mayor Eric Adams for all the support he has provided to our fellow citizens. We are monitoring the situation, and the Navy will continue to provide updates,' Sheinbaum added. Tragedy struck Saturday evening when a massive 150-foot masts Navy vessel, known as the Cuauhtemoc Training Ship, carrying a crew of 277, hit the iconic New York City bridge Early Sunday, Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum (pictured in April) sent her condolences to the loved ones of the two deceased crew members In multiple eyewitness videos, the towering masts were seen snapping and partially collapsing as they crashed into the bridge's deck. Sailors perched high above are thrown into chaos, with some seen clinging to the shattered beams high up in the air. Nick Corso, who had just taken his phone out to take a picture of the ship and bridge during the sunset, told the Associated Press he suddenly heard what he described as the snapping of a 'big twig' when the ship hit the 141-year-old bridge. Other bystanders told the outlet they were also admiring the sunset when they saw the vessel strike the bridge and one of its masts snap. Looking closer, they said they noticed someone hanging from high on the ship. 'We saw someone dangling, and I couldn't tell if it was just blurry or my eyes, and we were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least like 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them,' Katz said. They reported seeing two people taken off the ship on stretchers and transferred to smaller boats. The Navy personnel had been standing on the masts of the Mexican Navy ship as part of a ceremonial greeting and show of respect upon entering a port. Two unidentified passengers were killed after falling from the masts to the ship's deck. Dozens more were left severely injured This tradition, known as 'manning the yards,' is a longstanding maritime custom practiced worldwide. The sailors aboard the Cuauhtemoc appeared to have been engaged in this time-honored ritual during the harrowing crash. Historically, the high vantage point of a ship's masts was used for lookout duties, enabling sailors to detect hazards, approaching ships, or land beyond the horizon, according to TheAge.com. The Mexican navy said in a post on the social platform X that the Cuauhtemoc, an academy training vessel, was damaged in an accident with the Brooklyn Bridge that prevented it from continuing its voyage. The Navy personnel had been standing on the masts of the Mexican Navy ship as part of a ceremonial greeting and show of respect upon entering a port It added that the status of personnel and material was under review by naval and local authorities, which were providing assistance. The vessel is believed to have experienced some kind of mechanical difficulty that caused the captain to lose control. A transportation expert told CNN the ship's voyage data recorder will provide important information about what went wrong just before the crash. The recorder is expected to reveal information about the ship's mechanics and when power may have been lost. It will also likely provide investigators with crucial information on its 'control input,' Mary Schiavo, CNN transportation analyst and former US Department of Transportation inspector general, said. The ship was built in 1982 and was in the Big Apple as part of a promotional for year's celebration of America's 250th birthday - also known as the Sail4th 250 ship event. New York City was the vessel's third stop in its eight-month journey around the world, as Mexican sailors also got to visit Portugal, Iceland, Jamaica, and Germany, among other locations, according to an April press release. Police have launched a murder investigation after a man was found stabbed to death following a fight in the early hours this morning. Officers were called to reports of an altercation in Kingsbury Road in Kingsbury, northwest London, at 3.31am on Sunday. A 26-year-old man was found with a stab wound and was rushed to hospital for treatment where he sadly passed away. The victim's family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers, the Metropolitan Police said. A formal identification process and a post-mortem examination are set to take place in due course. No arrests have been made so far, but the force is appealing for anyone with information which could help their investigation to come forward. Pictures from Harrow Online show police and a forensics team at the scene which has been cordoned off with tape. Kinsgsbury Road, between Uphill Drive and Church Lane, remains closed and police have urged people to avoid the area where possible. Pictures show a police and a forensics team at the scene which has been cordoned off with tape Officers were called to reports of an altercation in Kingsbury Road in Kingsbury, northwest London , at 3.31am on Sunday Detective Chief Inspector Allam Bhangoo, who is leading the investigation, said: 'Our team of detectives and forensic specialists are working at pace to establish the full circumstances that led to the tragic death of a young man. 'We understand this incident will cause concern within the Kingsbury community, and we're grateful for their continued patience and co-operation. 'Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area, along with a crime scene, as we carry out the early stages of our investigation. 'We urge anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information that could assist us, to come forward as soon as possible.' Anyone who can help is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference: 1052/18May. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The Mexican Navy ship that crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge likely suffered a 'mechanical issue' before losing power, according to police. The massive 160-foot-high Cuauhtemoc Training Ship, carrying a crew of 277, smashed into the iconic New York City bridge around 9pm Saturday. Two unidentified crew members were killed after falling from the masts to the ship's deck. A total of 22 crew members have been reported injured as of Sunday morning, with at least 11 in critical condition, Mexican Navy officials said. After the tragic incident, Chief Wilson Aramboles with the NYPD Special Operations Bureau said 'some mechanical issues' most likely caused the ship to hit the bridge. 'The captain that was maneuvering the ship lost, I guess, power of the ship,' Aramboles told reporters, while advising that the information was preliminary. A graphic posted to X appeared to show the massive ship losing power and stalling in the water just before reaching the bridge. The records show the ship undocking at Seaport in Lower Manhattan around 8.20pm alongside alongside a tugboat. It was then seen rapidly losing control as it started to move backward toward the Brooklyn Brooklyn bridge. The Mexican Navy ship that crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge 'likely suffered a mechanical issue' before losing power, according to police A graphic posted to X appeared to show the massive ship losing power and stalling in the water just before reaching the bridge The vessel was then seen drifting toward the Manhattan Bridge before it was saved by NYPD and FDNY boats. The ship itself was moving in the 'wrong direction' when it slammed into the bridge, a senior city official close to the investigation told the outlet. The Cuauhtemoc was set to make a stop at a Bay Ridge fueling dock after leaving the dock that night before heading out to sea on its way to Iceland, the official said. 'It was the current that took it under the bridge. It wasn't supposed to be headed in that direction,' they added. The captain of the ship told investigators he lost control of the ship after the rudder - a piece attached near the stern of the boat for steering - shut down. 'They had some sort of mechanical issue, they lost power so without being able to use the rudder, they could not steer,' the official revealed. A transportation expert told the outlet the ship's voyage data recorder will provide important information about what went wrong just before the crash. The recorder is expected to reveal information about the ship's mechanics and when power may have been lost. It will also likely provide investigators with crucial details on its 'control input,' Mary Schiavo, CNN transportation analyst and former US Department of Transportation inspector general, said. Early Sunday, Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum sent her condolences to the loved ones of the two deceased crew members. Two unidentified crew members were killed after falling from the masts to the ship's deck. Dozens more were left severely injured. 'We are deeply saddened by the loss of two crew members of the Cuauhtemoc Training Ship, who lost their lives in the unfortunate accident in New York Harbor. Our sympathy and support go out to their families,' she wrote on X. She confirmed that the Navy and local authorities are 'currently treating the wounded' and that the Mexican ambassador, the U.S. and the Mexican Consulate General in New York are also supporting the Navy. 'I thank New York Mayor Eric Adams for all the support he has provided to our fellow citizens. We are monitoring the situation, and the Navy will continue to provide updates,' Sheinbaum added. In multiple eyewitness videos, the towering masts were seen snapping and partially collapsing as they crashed into the bridge's deck. Sailors perched high above are thrown into chaos, with some seen clinging to the shattered beams high up in the air. Nick Corso, who had just taken his phone out to take a picture of the ship and bridge during the sunset, suddenly heard what he described as the snapping of a 'big twig' when the ship hit the 141-year-old bridge. Other bystanders told the outlet they were also admiring the sunset when they saw the vessel strike the bridge and one of its masts snap. Looking closer, they said they noticed someone hanging from high on the ship. 'We saw someone dangling, and I couldn't tell if it was just blurry or my eyes, and we were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least like 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them,' Katz said. They reported seeing two people taken off the ship on stretchers and transferred to smaller boats. The Navy personnel had been standing on the masts of the Mexican Navy ship as part of a ceremonial greeting and show of respect upon entering a port. This tradition, known as 'manning the yards,' is a longstanding maritime custom practiced worldwide. The sailors aboard the Cuauhtemoc appeared to have been engaged in this time-honored ritual during the harrowing crash. The Mexican navy said in a post on the social platform X that the Cuauhtemoc, an academy training vessel, was damaged in an accident with the Brooklyn Bridge that prevented it from continuing its voyage. Emotional footage showed the moment hundreds of New Yorkers applauded for first responders as they rescued victims from the vessel. The ship was built in 1982 and was in the Big Apple as part of a promotional for year's celebration of America's 250th birthday - also know as the Sail4th 250 ship event. FDNY, NYPD, and the US Coast Guard coordinated a rapid search and rescue operation, deploying divers and emergency boats to evacuate the injured from the ship crash. The FDNY and NYPD Harbor Unit worked together to secure the area and ensure the safety of everyone aboard the stricken ship. The ship was built in 1982 and was in the Big Apple as part of a promotional for year's celebration of America's 250th birthday - also known as the Sail4th 250 ship event. New York City was the vessel's third stop in its eight-month journey around the world, as Mexican sailors also got to visit Portugal, Iceland, Jamaica, and Germany, among other locations, according to an April press release. Usha Vance has been seen wearing an elegant black ensemble paired with a traditional veil as she attended Pope Leo XIV's inauguration mass. The second lady - who is Hindu - stood dotingly beside her Catholic convert husband, Vice President JD Vance, as they returned to the Vatican on Sunday. Usha, 39, supported her husband and the new American pontiff by clasping her hands in prayer during the service despite not sharing the same faith. She also showed respect through her black mantilla, a traditional Spanish veil symbolizing reverence, modesty and piety. Pope Leo, 69, warmly took hold of Vance's hand as he received a series of world leaders at St Peter's Square. The pontiff has repeatedly criticized Donald Trump's administration's immigration stance, including sharing several articles which directly criticize Vance. One of the articles shared by the Pope is titled: 'JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others.' Vance, 40, last week appeared to brush aside Leo's previous criticisms, telling conservative broadcaster Hugh Hewitt, 'I try not to play the politicization of the Pope game.' Usha Vance wore an elegant black ensemble paired with a traditional mantilla for Pope Leo's inaugural mass The second lady - who is Hindu - dotingly stood by her Catholic convert husband as they returned to the Vatican on Sunday Usha supported her husband and the new American pontiff by praying during the service despite not sharing the same faith 'I'm sure he's going to say a lot of things that I love. I'm sure he'll say some things that I disagree with, but I'll continue to pray for him and the church despite it all and through it all, and that'll be the way that I handle it.' Leo said this morning at his inaugural mass that he wanted to confront modern challenges as Vance and Volodymyr Zelensky shook hands at a glittering ceremony. Vance was one of the last foreign officials to see Pope Francis before his death, and paid his respects at the Argentine Pope's tomb upon arriving in Rome late Saturday. The pontiff said during his homily, 'We still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth's resources and marginalizes the poorest'. Leo said he wanted to serve the faithful through the papacy's two dimensions: love and unity. 'I would like that our first great desire be for a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world,' he said. He said there was no room in the church for religious propaganda or power play. It comes as the Vatican confirmed the first US Pontiff will hold a private meeting this afternoon with Zelensky. She also showed respect through her black mantilla, a traditional Spanish veil symbolizing reverence, modesty and piety Pope Leo, 69, warmly took hold of Vance's hand as he received a series of world leaders at St Peter's Square Leo has offered the Vatican as a venue for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia to help solve the 'very difficult, dramatic situation.' Speaking moments after Sunday's Mass, Leo mentioned the 'martyred' Ukraine and called for a 'just and lasting peace.' Earlier, the Ukrainian President warmly greeted a smiling JD Vance as the Secretary of State Marco Rubio looked on. Echoing the priorities of his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo criticized the global economic system. He also warned against the centralization of power within the papacy, saying he would seek to govern 'without ever yielding to the temptation to be an autocrat.' Leo appeared to choke up ahead of his homily when the two potent symbols of the papacy were placed on him - the pallium wool stole over his shoulders and the fisherman's ring on his finger - as if the weight of responsibility had just sunk in. President Donald Trump has shared a shocking conspiracy theory linking Bill and Hillary Clinton to a series of high-profile deaths. Trump shared an explosive video on his Truth Social account on Saturday accusing the powerful political couple of eliminating several enemies and potential threats over the decades. Titled 'THE VIDEO HILLARY CLINTON DOES NOT WANT YOU TO SEE', the footage attempts to connect the former First Lady and her husband President Bill Clinton, to a string of deaths including those of John F. Kennedy Jr., DNC staffer Seth Rich, and former White House lawyer Vince Foster. Trump didn't offer any comment of his own to accompany the bizarre post. The controversial footage pushes the 'Clinton Body Bags' conspiracy theory that has circulated since the 1990s. The video shockingly claims that Hillary Clinton was somehow involved in JFK Jr.'s fatal 1999 plane crash because he was allegedly a 'frontrunner' for the New York Senate seat she would later win. Remember John F Kennedy Jr? He was declared the front runner for the New York Senate seat back in 1999 days later, his plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, and his rival Hillary Clinton was elected senator, the video begins. President Donald Trump has shared a shocking theory that links Bill and Hilary Clinton to numerous deaths Trump shared the explosive video on his Truth Social account on Saturday that alleges the powerful political couple were behind the deaths of seven people In another explosive allegation, the video claims the Clintons orchestrated the murder of Mary Mahoney, a former White House intern who worked under Bill Clinton's administration in 1997. Mary Mahoney was a Clinton White House intern. She knew enough of the inner workings of Bill's sexual advancements to be a star witness during the Clinton impeachment trials,' the narrator says. 'She was brutally executed at a Starbucks Tuesday in 1997.' The video also revisits questions about Vince Foster, the deputy White House counsel who died by suicide in 1993. In 1993 White House Counsel Vince Foster was found dead in Fort Marcy park near DC, he supposedly killed himself, and among a lengthy list of potential foul play, the bullet was never found. The clip then discusses James McDougal, key witness for White House prosecutors. 'He was serving his three year sentence for bank fraud at the Fort Worth Federal Medical Center in Texas, and just before he was to give the testimony before the grand jury. McDougall suffered a heart attack in solitary confinement in 2015.' Walter Scheib, a White House Chef hired under Bill Clinton, joined the list. His body was found at the bottom of a river nearly two miles from the base of the trail he was reportedly hiking. An autopsy determined that Scheib death was accidental drowning, but he might have known too much. The video shockingly claims that Hillary Clinton was somehow involved in JFK Jr.'s fatal 1999 plane crash because he was allegedly a 'frontrunner' for the New York Senate seat she would later win The video concludes with the most recent conspiracy death of 27-year-old Democratic National Committee staffer Seth Rich, who was shot and killed in DC in 2016. 'There is speculation that he was the source of the controversial leaked emails allegedly sent by DNC staffers, and that he may have been murdered in retaliation then Sean Lucas will lead eternity in a frog case against the Dean C was found lying on the bathroom floor by his girlfriend when she returned home,' the narrator says. 'On August, 2. His death was reported classified, pending the results of an autopsy. The video's origin is unclear, but the explosive claims it contains have been repeatedly debunked by fact-checkers over decades. In 2019, Trump retweeted conspiracy theories linking his political enemies Bill and Hillary Clinton to Jeffrey Epstein's suicide. Trump's Twitter feed included a link to a breaking news site which claims that unsealed court documents revealed 'top Democrats, including Bill Clinton, took private trips to Jeffrey Epstein's 'pedophilia island'.' The video, titled 'THE VIDEO HILLARY CLINTON DOES NOT WANT YOU TO SEE', attempts to connect the former First Lady and her husband President Bill Clinton , to a string of deaths including those of John F. Kennedy Jr., DNC staffer Seth Rich, and former White House lawyer Vince Foster The controversial footage pushes the 'Clinton Body Bags' conspiracy theory that has circulated since the 1990s The video also revisits questions about Vince Foster, the deputy White House counsel who died by suicide in 1993 The president also retweeted a post from Terrence K. Williams, an actor and comedian who was known for his conservative views. Williams tweeted: 'Died of SUICIDE on 24/7 SUICIDE WATCH ? Yeah right! How does that happen[Epstein] had information on Bill Clinton & now he's dead. 'I see #TrumpBodyCount trending but we know who did this!' The post ended with the hashtags #ClintonBodyCount and #ClintonCrimeFamily. Anthony Albanese brought along a very Aussie accessory as he met Pope Leo XIV at the inauguration mass on Sunday. The Prime Minister donned an Akubra as he joined world leaders and royals at St Peter's Square in Vatican City for the historic event watched by millions around the world. Albanese later documented his meeting - minus the Akubra, with the new Pope on social media. Footage showed the pair shaking hands and sharing a brief conversation. 'Honoured to attend the inaugural Mass and meet His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, who is in the prayers of Australia's five million Catholics today,' Albanese captioned the footage. Ahead of the ceremony, he told reporters in Rome: 'It will be a special day for the five million Australians of Catholic faith ... and it is a great honour for me to be here representing Australia Since arriving in Rome, Albanese has met with Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher and Melbourne Archbishop Peter Comensoli at Domus Australia. The mass, attended by tens of thousands of people in St Peter's Square, began at 10am local time (6pm Sunday AEST). Anthony Albanese (left) met with Pope Leo XIV (right) at the inauguration mass at the Vatican on Sunday The Prime Minister was seen wearing an Akubra at the Inauguration Mass (pictured) Church leaders presented the Pope with the pallium, a vestment that signifies his assumption of the papacy, and a fisherman's ring, the symbol of the first apostles being 'fishers of men' in the gospels. Albanese said the Pope would be invited to Australia for the International Eucharist Conference in 2028. If it goes ahead, the trip would mark the first papal visit to Australia in more than a decade and attract thousands of Catholics from around the globe. 'As part of this visit we will be inviting his holiness Pope Leo to visit Australia at that time and give us that honour,' Albanese said. He will lobby for the visit alongside Australia's ambassador to the Holy See, former federal minister and Nationals MP Keith Pitt, who also attended the inaugural mass at St Peter's Basilica on Sunday. 'It's been a long time since a Pope has been in Australia,' Pitt told Sky News. He added that the Pope, who hailed from America but spent much of his life in Peru, was 'a student of the world'. 'He's been to Australia a number of times ... and I was reminded again this morning by an Archbishop that apparently he loves Tim Tams,' Pitt said. Albanese joined other world leaders at the Inauguration Mass (pictured) Albanese, who is also Catholic, said he did not often talk about his religious views but they had helped inform his politics. 'One of my first memories is of Pope Paul VI visiting Pyrmont Bridge Road, Camperdown, across the road from my house,' he said. 'My mum took me across to get close to Pope Paul. 'It was one of the very important moments in my mum's life. I was just a little kid at the time.' The recently re-elected Prime Minister will also advance Australia's domestic and foreign policy agenda as part of his whirlwind two-and-a-half-day visit to Rome. Albanese has also met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen, with the war in Ukraine and trade expected to top the agenda. Albanese said he hoped to schedule meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (pictured second right), who was also in attendance Albanese (pictured wearing an Akubra at the Inauguration Mass on Sunday) said the Pope would be invited to Australia for the International Eucharist Conference in 2028. The Prime Minister said he supported a trade deal with the Europeans if it was in Australia's interests. Ms von der Leyen told Mr Albanese she is 'looking forward to a new era between Europe and Australia'. 'The good thing is Australia and Europe and reliable partners, we're predictable, we share the same values,' she said. 'We can offer to each other stability and we're very grateful for that and this is the reason that we do not only see you as a trading partner but we also see you as a strategic partner'. Canada and the EU have felt the brunt of US President Donald Trump's so-called 'Liberation Day' tariffs, and Albanese will attempt to revive free trade negotiations with the EU, which broke down in 2023. Other notable attendees include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prince William and US Vice President JD Vance, who will represent the US on behalf of Trump. Albanese said he also hoped to schedule meetings with Vice President Vance and President Zelensky. Police have arrested a 17-year-old after a boy died when he was stabbed on a beach in Ayrshire, Scotland. The 16-year-old, Kayden Moy from East Kilbride, was found by police with serious injuries on Irvine Beach on Saturday at 6.45pm. Police Scotland say the boy was rushed to hospital after suffering multiple stab wounds, but sadly passed away on Sunday morning. His family have been made aware and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. Friends of the family paid tribute to Kayden on social media and called for a crackdown on youngsters carrying knives. His father, Paul Moy, posted pictures with his son and wrote: 'My first born son my big boy my best friend my main man my everything rest easy my boy'. Karen Nelson posted: 'Thinking of my big sister Marion, her fiance Kris Moy, and all his family, especially Kris's brother Paul, his partner Ashley, and the boys, as their oldest boy, Kayden Moy, passed away after being stabbed in the stomach up in Irvine Beach. 'My heart's broken for them. All thoughts are with the whole family at this devastating time. Kayden Moy, 16, from East Kilbride, sadly passed away in hospital after he was stabbed on Irvine Beach in Ayrshire on Saturday evening Tributes are pouring in for the 16-year-old Police were called to reports of a disturbance on the beach and tragically found Kayden fighting for his life 'This is what happens when wee boys at the age of 14 carrying a knife do they think they're hard but they're not. 'Heartbroken for the MOY family. R.I.P. KAYDEN MOY shine bright pal.' Carol Brown added: 'RIP Kayden. My heart breaks for Ashley, Paul, his brothers, and the rest of his family.' Police are now appealing for information, and are urging people who were at the beach to check their phones for any footage that may aid in their investigation. Detective Chief Inspector Campbell Jackson, Major Investigations Team, said: 'An extensive investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding this death. 'Our officers are supporting the boy's family at this very difficult and heartbreaking time. 'From our investigation so far, we know there were a number of people on the beach around the time of the disturbance. 'We believe several of them were filming at the time and may have footage of what happened. 'I would urge people to review the footage they have and contact police if they think the footage captured could be of significance to our investigation.' Superintendent Jim McMillan said: 'We understand this death will be of great concern for the local community, but please be assured that we are doing everything we can to identify those involved. 'There will be additional patrols in the area as we carry out our enquiries and anyone with any concerns can approach these officers.' Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3106 of Saturday, 17 May, 2025. David Lammy has been forced to deny he was carrying a gun during a chaotic taxi trip which he is alleged to have dodged a 590 fare on. The Foreign Secretary has been plunged into a humiliating row after taxi driver Nassim Mimun, 40, claimed Mr Lammy and his wife, Nicola Green, refused to pay the fare for a 360-mile journey from Italy to France. The Foreign Office has scrambled to extinguish the claims, insisting that Mr Lammy and his wife had paid the fare in advance, were victims and the driver has been charged with theft after driving off with their luggage. Lammy, the Labour MP for Tottenham, and his partner were travelling to the French Alps for a private holiday, having joined the King for a state visit to Italy in April. Mr Mimun claims he took the couple more than 360 miles from the Italian town of Forli to the French ski resort of Flaine. The driver claims Mr Lammy became 'aggressive' when he was asked to pay 700 euros (590) of the 1,550 euro bill, with the rest covered by the booking service. But the taxi row has deepened today after Mr Mimun claimed the Foreign Secretary was carrying a weapon, The Sun reports. No evidence has been put forward to prove Mr Lammy had a gun and a source close to the Foreign Secretary told newspaper: 'It's a completely absurd allegation. Of course he didn't have a gun. 'The allegation speaks more to the character of the taxi driver than anything else.' Nassim Mimun, 40, said he was left 'scared' during a trip delivering Mr Lammy, 52, and his 53-year-old artist wife, Nicola Green, to an Alpine ski resort Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his wife Nicola Green had spent three days in Italy accompanying King Charles on a state visit before taking the taxi to France. Lammy and Green are pictured arriving for a state banquet amid Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla's visit, at the Quirinale Palace in Rome, Italy, April 9, 2025 In court documents, it has also been revealed how Mr Mimun claimed to French officials that two cars were following them on the huge journey. Mr Lammy and his wife could be called to France to give evidence after a court hearing was set for November in relation to Mr Mimun being charged with theft. According to legal documents, Mr Mimun told prosecutors: 'When I received the transport request, the name of the victims was not mentioned nor that they were authority figures, which is what constitutes a transport risk so the tariff is not the same. 'I asked for 700 euros to be paid. They refused, and they left. He came towards me. I left in the car. I was scared, because I knew since Forli that he had a gun on him. I called the Swiss police. I pressed on the GPS, to find the nearest police station or gendarmerie, and it indicated the municipal police of Cluses. 'By coincidence, they said I stole 700 euros from them. The suitcase had a code. We were followed from Italy by two vehicles because of her husband.' Mr Mimun's on the record statement was handed to vice-prosecutor Aude Menaige in the French commune of Bonneville on May 6 - three weeks after the trip. Questions are also mounting over why Mr Lammy had no bodyguard in the car and whether or not Mr Mimun had even been vetted. Business as usual: David Lammy is seen speaking during an interview in Islamabad, Pakistan, yesterday Mr Mimun shared a picture which he said showed that Mr Lammy and his wife had left his car 'in a filthy state' Your browser does not support iframes. Mr Mimun has accused Mr Lammy of 'acting like a thug' during the subsequent argument, in which he insisted that the fare had already been 'paid in full' when the six-hour journey was booked via an agency. He also said he had exposed 'a very serious security breach', as he had not been told he had one of the most senior members of the British government in the back of his Ford Kuga. The driver, meanwhile, is alleged to have 'fraudulently removed luggage and cash' from the couple, who have claimed in a police statement that he attempted to intimidate them by opening his vehicle's glove compartment, which revealed a knife. He insists that he did not knowingly take the couple's bags - claiming instead that he decided to go to the police station to lodge a complaint when they refused to pay and had not realised the luggage was still in his vehicle. King Charles III and UK Secretary of State David Lammy participate in a 'Clean Power for Growth' roundtable during a visit to the Mattatoio on day three of King Charles III and Queen Camilla's State visit to The Republic of Italy on April 09, 2025 Lammy and his wife asked to be taken to Flaine, a ski resort in Haute Savoie, France. File image of Flaine He said he handed the bags over to police, who worked out that they belonged to the government official and his wife. An ally of Mr Lammy said: 'Anyone choosing to believe made-up stories and photos from a rogue taxi driver charged with a serious crime by French prosecutors over the UK Foreign Secretary needs to get a grip.' An FCDO spokesperson said: 'We totally refute these allegations. 'The fare was paid in full. 'The Foreign Secretary and his wife are named as victims in this matter and the driver has been fired by his employer and charged with theft. 'As there is an ongoing legal process, it would be inappropriate to comment further.' Thousands of anti-tourism protesters have taken to the streets of the Canary Islands. Scores of fed-up locals kicked off demonstrations across the archipelago from 11am, including in Tenerife, where thousands of Brits are currently holidaying. Dozens of armed officers from the National Police were seen on patrol, while 'terrified' tourists stayed inside their hotels. One holidaymaker visiting from Ireland said he was too scared to leave his Airbnb. Alberto Babo, 32, told MailOnline: 'I didn't go out today due to the protests, I'm stuck in my Airbnb to avoid the crowds. 'I hope they are not violent or anything but just to be safe I'm here. All I can hear is the noise.' Protesters were heard blowing through enormous shells to make a loud horn-like noise, while banging on drums. Slogans being chanted included: 'El dinero del turismo, donde esta?', meaning 'The money from tourism, where is it?' Activists are calling for a cap on the number of holidaymakers, to prevent overcrowding and resource depletion The Canary Islands has a population of 2.2million people, but welcomes around 18million holidaymakers each year Thousands of anti-tourism protesters have taken to the streets of the Canary Islands Scores of fed-up locals kicked off demonstrations across the archipelago from 11am, including in Tenerife, where thousands of Brits are currently holidaying Dozens of armed officers from the National Police were seen on patrol, while 'terrified' tourists stayed inside their hotels Among their other demands is a ban on any new hotels or tourism apartment complexes, and the immediate demolition of projects already declared illegal One placard read: 'Stop excessive tourism this is our home.' Another said: 'My misery is your paradise' One banner declared the Canary Islands 'is no longer a paradise' thanks to tourism. Another said 'tourists swim in s**t', referencing the large amount of sewage water that is dumped into the sea - the majority of it, activists say, coming from hotels and tourist accommodations. Other placards in Spanish said: 'Don't sell your homes to guiris!' Guiri is a Spanish slang word for British and other tourists. Among the protesters is Paula McKnight Morales, 39, whose father is from the US but who grew up on the islands. The swimming instructor told MailOnline: 'Spain has become the after party for Europe, and Tenerife has more tourists per year than Brazil, we don't have room. Protesters were heard blowing through enormous shells to make a loud horn-like noise, while banging on drums Tourism minister for Tenerife, Lope Alfonso, has since announced that he will reach out to the activists to 'discuss the future of the islands' Protestors want a 'significant' tourist eco-tax that will be used to pay for the conservation and maintenance of natural spaces One of the biggest gripes is the surge in Airbnb-style properties, which has been blamed for rising house costs and the dwindling supply of homes to rent or buy Another housing issue is the high number of properties being snapped up by foreign purchasers, which locals say is behind skyrocketing prices Protestors beat drums during the protests Thousands of people protested against the tourism model and mass tourism 'We are not against individual tourists, just those who don't respect the rules, who throw trash and pollute and commit crimes. 'We have toilets that are closed on our beaches because they are contaminated by sewage. 'Since our historic protest last year the government has done nothing, they have actually increased the number of tourists coming and we don't have enough room. 'The traffic is so bad when they are here; a 15 minute journey takes one hour. 'The number of Airbnbs is too high and there is nowhere to rent, it is catastrophic for the island.' It comes after the Canary Islands government said it wants to hold emergency talks with the activists following a plunge in British bookings. Santiago Sese, president of the region's Chamber of Commerce, expressed concern on Friday after revealing the number of British reservations for this summer have fallen by 8 per cent year-on-year in Tenerife. Sese revealed the troubling numbers while presenting the Economic Situation Report for 2025, reports regional newspaper El Dia. Among the protesters is Paula McKnight Morales, 39, whose father is from the US but who grew up on the islands It follows a series of widely-reported 'anti-tourism' protests across Spain that have made many Brits feel unwelcome Slogans being chanted included: 'El dinero del turismo, donde esta?', meaning 'The money from tourism, where is it?' Protesters want much stricter controls on vacation rentals to alleviate the housing crisis They want to ban on any new hotels or tourism apartment complexes from being built Several flags were waved by protestors in Tenerife Tourism minister for Tenerife, Lope Alfonso, has since announced that he will reach out to the activists to 'discuss the future of the islands'. Alfonso said the government has been working on a model to 'achieve a balance between the interests of residents and tourists.' According to Sese, there are signs of a decline in the number of tourists, with the British market among the most affected. He said competing countries like Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and neighbouring Morocco have all seen their bookings increase. He regretted that the advertising campaigns specifically targeting the UK are not having an impact. It follows a series of widely-reported 'anti-tourism' protests across Spain that have made many Brits feel unwelcome. But the 'Canaries has a limit' (Canarias tiene un limite) movement, which is behind the protests this weekend, has seemingly rejected the olive branch. Referencing the government's offer of a dialogue it wrote: 'Dialogue? We want facts. Tourism minister for Tenerife, Lope Alfonso said the government has been working on a model to 'achieve a balance between the interests of residents and tourists.' The 'Canaries has a limit' (Canarias tiene un limite) movement, which is behind the protests this weekend, has seemingly rejected the olive branch Anti-holidaymaker protests took a sinister turn last year as 'kill a tourist' graffiti appeared on a wall in Mallorca Activists are calling for a cap on the number of holidaymakers, to prevent overcrowding and resource depletion Protestors painted their faces and wore matching yellow t-shirts at the protests The 'Canaries has a limit' (Canarias tiene un limite) movement, which is behind the protests this weekend Thousands of protestors gathered in Tenerife with flags and drums 'The rest are attempts to calm what's coming: a social uprising demanding a fair model for the Canary Islands, where bosses, lobbyists, and corrupt officials have no place. See you this Sunday.' The Canary Islands has a population of 2.2million people, but welcomes around 18million holidaymakers each year - which locals say is placing a strain on resources, causing jet fuel pollution, traffic chaos and a host of other issues. For this reason, activists are calling for a cap on the number of holidaymakers, to prevent overcrowding and resource depletion. Among their other demands is a ban on any new hotels or tourism apartment complexes, and the immediate demolition of projects already declared illegal. These include large-scale luxury projects like the Cuna del Alma and La Tejita hotels in Tenerife, which they accuse of causing environmental harm. They also want a 'significant' tourist eco-tax that will be used to pay for the conservation and maintenance of natural spaces. One of the biggest gripes is the surge in Airbnb-style properties, which has been blamed for rising house costs and the dwindling supply of homes to rent or buy. Therefore, protesters want much stricter controls on vacation rentals to alleviate the housing crisis. Another housing issue is the high number of properties being snapped up by foreign purchasers, which locals say is behind skyrocketing prices. They therefore want to ban or restrict the ability of non-residents to buy homes. The mum of a young man who vanished without a trace is on a quest for answers amid fears he may have met foul play. Wallsend father-of-two Jayden Harwood, 20, disappeared after he went for a walk while visiting his girlfriend's family in Ingleburn, in Sydney's south-west on March 1. Witnesses claim he was going door to door begging for help before borrowing a phone to make a chilling final phone call to his mum and stepdad to say he had been attacked and needed directions back to his girlfriend's family home. Almost 11 weeks on, there has been no sign of or contact from Mr Harwood since, despite extensive searches of surrounding streets and bushland. NSW Police re-issued a public appeal regarding Mr Harwood's disappearance last Thursday. It's understood detectives are now treating his disappearance as suspicious and have spoken to several 'persons of interest', Nine News reported. His mum Alana Wallace believes someone knows what happened to her son, who missed his daughter's first birthday on Sunday. 'I need my son back, I need my baby back,' she said as she fought back tears. Jayden Harwood's distraught mum Alana Wallace (pictured) wants to know what happened to her son Mr Harwood (pictured right with his girlfriend) was last seen in Ingleburn, in Sydney's south-west on March 1 while visiting his girlfriend's family 'I need to know what's happened, why he's not here.' Mr Harwood and his girlfriend had travelled from Newcastle to Sydney at the time of his disappearance. His bank accounts remain untouched and his phone is switched off. 'My son isn't here with me and with his daughter on her first birthday,' Ms Wallace said. 'If you have anything big, small, short or tall, please, please come forward. 'I just want my beautiful boy home.' Strangers in Sydney's south-west haven't given up the search and spend their weekends putting up posters and doorknocking. 'I think it's important to find out what happened to Jayden because it did happen in our community and it is important to us,' local Brittany Wells said. Ms Wallace urged anyone with any information about Jayden (pictured) to come forward 'He's not just a missing person's poster.' 'He's a real person, he's got family that love him, children that love him, and he's wanted and needed.' Ms Wallace previously told Daily Mail Australia she had put up her car as a reward in a desperate bid to find her son. The concerned mum revealed how she received a disturbing phone call after her son went on a walk alone while visiting family with his girlfriend. 'It was a young man and his mum on the phone at first because Jayden had knocked on their door asking for help,' Ms Wallace told Daily Mail Australia. 'He was confused and he told us he had been assaulted and was hurt and didn't know how to get back to Jade's parents' house. 'That was the last contact ever made. He didn't say what exactly had happened or who had done it - he was really disoriented.' It been 11 weeks since Jayden (pictured) was last seen and heard from Mr Harwood's (pictured) bank accounts remain untouched and his phone switched off Mr Harwood is described as Caucasian, 165cm tall, medium build, with short brown hair. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt with black logo across the chest, black shorts and dark coloured sneakers. The young father is known to frequent the Ingleburn, Newcastle and Toronto areas and gets around via public transport. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers. Pro-Palestine protestors have once again disrupted filming of Israeli-born Gal Gadot's new film in London. Activists wearing keffiyehs over their faces clanged metal saucepan lids and shouted from megaphones on Waterloo Bridge this morning. Chants of 'Gal Gadot not welcome here' and 'Gal Gadot you can't hide' were heard as the actress was filming for The Runner. Sirens blared out of megaphones as the gathering protestors waved Palestinian flags and dangled a red banner over the railings with 'Stop Starving Gaza' written in white letters. Gadot, donning a black outfit, could be seen chatting with other crew members as protestors screamed at her from the other side of the bridge: 'Gal Gadot, shame on you.' Scotland Yard officers were called to the area and swiftly moved the protestors away. No arrests were made. The Israeli actress, 40, who served in the IDF, has been vocal in her support of Israel's invasion of Gaza following the October 7 Hamas attacks. Pro-Palestine protestors have once again disrupted filming of Israeli-born Gal Gadot's new film in London Activists wearing keffiyehs over their faces clanged metal saucepan lids and shouted from megaphones on Waterloo Bridge A Pro-Palestine protestor holds up a cardboard sign with the words :'Trash Gadot not welcome in London!' The Runner centres on a high-flying attorney (Gal) who has to race through London to try to save her abducted son. It is being produced by David Kosse via his new London-based production company Rockwood Pictures. Pro-Palestine activists have been repeatedly targeting Gadot's filming in London. The latest rally is the second in eight days with protestors last holding up the set in Moorgate. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: 'Police were called to reports of a small group of protesters on Waterloo Bridge at 8.42am on Sunday, 18 May. 'Officers arrived swiftly and moved them on. No arrests were made.' Last night, Gadot posted a short clip on her Instagram account of her chatting with Israel's Eurovision entrant and Nova Festival massacre survivor Yuval Raphael. Speaking in Hebrew, Gadot said according to The Jerusalem Post: 'Celebrate your creation, it's a creation of love and of so much light.' Yuval reposted the video on her Instagram alongside a heart emoji and the message: 'Gal thank you so much!! 'This call made me so much stronger, you are called Wonder Woman for a reason.' Meanwhile, on Tuesday Gadot's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony was hit by warring protestors amid ongoing controversy over her 'woke' film Snow White. Sirens blared out of megaphones as the gathering protestors waved Palestinian flags and dangled a red banner over the railings with 'Stop Starving Gaza ' written in white letters Scotland Yard officers were called to the area and swiftly moved the protestors away from the area. No arrests were made Gadot, donning a black outfit, could be seen chatting with other crew members as protestors screamed at her from the other side of the bridge: 'Gal Gadot, shame on you' Met Police officers quickly arrived at Waterloo Bridge this morning where filming had to be temporarily halted A red banner dangles over the railings with the words 'Stop Starving Gaza!' written on the front The actress, who plays the Evil Queen in the live action remake alongside Rachel Zegler's Snow White, looked delighted as she arrived to receive the accolade - but outside the barriers, drama was unfolding. In dramatic video captured by, police were seen running after a member of the public amid claims 'a pro-Palestine protestor stole a pro-Israel protester's flag.' Pro-Palestine protestors had gathered outside the ceremony carrying signs reading: 'Heroes fight like Palestinians' and 'Viva Viva Palestina.' Israeli actress Gadot who formerly served in the IDF - is staunchly pro-Israel. The unidentified man was seen being grabbed by police and pushed against a wall, as screams rang out from the crowd. Recent claims emerged that a feud was brewing between Gadot and Zegler - who is pro-Palestine - over their opposing stances on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Zegler was tellingly not in attendance at the ceremony. Gadot seemed unaware of the altercation unfolding outside as she posed with her husband Jaron Varsano and their four daughters, as well as Fast & Furious co-star Vin Diesel and Wonder Woman director Patti Jenkins. In an interview published Tuesday with Variety, Gadot spoke about how she felt compelled to speak out on politics after the October 7 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel. She said: 'After October 7th [2023], I don't talk politics because who cares about the celebrity talking about politics? I'm an artist. I want to entertain people. I want to bring hope and be a beacon of light whenever I say anything about the world. 'But on October 7th, when people were abducted from their homes, from their beds, men, women, children, elderly, Holocaust survivors, were going through the horrors of what happened that day, I could not be silent. 'I'm not a hater. I'm a grandchild of a Holocaust survivor who came to Israel and established his family from scratch after his entire family was erased in Auschwitz. And on the other side of my family, I'm eighth generation Israeli. I'm an indigenous person of Israel. 'I am all about humanity and I felt like I had to advocate for the hostages. I am praying for better days for all,' she continues. 'I want everybody to have good life and prosperity, and the ability to raise their children in a safe environment.' Sean 'Diddy' Combs' twin daughters have put their father's legal woes aside for the evening as they danced the night away in matching dresses for their high school prom night. Jessie and D'Lila, 17, were pictured being swept off their feet - quite literally - as their handsome dates carried the glamorous teens who were wearing identical glitzy red gowns. The Combs twins joined their classmates at the Great Gatsby themed party on Saturday amid their dad's sex trafficking trial. The duo, who have made several courthouse appearances to support their embattled father in recent weeks, were also seen in photos being escorted to waiting vehicles. A source told DailyMail.com that the twins are not expected to return to their father's trial until after their upcoming graduation. They are seniors at Sierra Canyon School in Los Angeles with their graduation scheduled for May 22. Exclusive DailyMail.com photographs show the teens stunning as they enjoyed their prom, temporarily escaping the media frenzy surrounding their father's legal troubles. The twins recently admitted the past couple of years have been 'extremely difficult' since he was arrested for a string of depraved crimes. Sean 'Diddy' Combs' twin daughters have put their father's legal woes aside for the evening as they danced the night away in matching dresses for their high school prom night Jessie and D'Lila, 17, were pictured being swept off their feet - quite literally - as their handsome dates carried the glamorous teens who were wearing matching glitzy red gowns The Combs twins joined their classmates at the Great Gatsby themed party on Saturday amid their dad's sex trafficking trial The rapper, 55, is on trial after pleading not guilty to allegations of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; racketeering conspiracy; and transportation to engage in prostitution. His mom Janice and daughters put on a brave face in court last week, barely reacting as his years of depravity, oiled-up orgies and drug-induced rages were put on display for the whole world. Jessie and D'Lila Combs didn't flinch as witness Cassie Ventura talked about rubbing gigolos' semen on their graying dad's nipples. Janice Combs, the rapper's mother with whom he shares an oddly close relationship, kept her eyes forward. They left the courthouse hand-in-hand, ignoring the press as they demanded reactions to the mogul's maniacal sex fetishes. But Daily Mail revealed that behind the scenes, the girls were horrified by what they learned. Sean Combs' mother Janice (left) walks into court with Combs' twin daughters Jessie and D'Lila. Insiders close to the family have revealed to Daily Mail how the young girls are 'disgusted' by the sexual testimonies 'She hates to hear about all the sexual things... no one wants to hear that about their dad. It's disgusting to her, of course. No one likes that,' a source close to the rapper's 18-year-old daughter, D'Lila, told Daily Mail. None the less, she is determined to support him until the end. 'She just said she's trusting God. She's trusting God to make sure that justice will be done, and she's leaving it in God's hands. Nonetheless, his family have been steadfast in their support of Combs, led by his mother Janice, D'Lila and Jessie and his three sons have been watching his trial unfold from the courtroom. His ex-girlfriend Cassie testified about her experience with the three-time Grammy-winner while she was his partner from 2007 to 2018. Before the trial began in New York this week, his daughters, both 18, revealed they had endured an arduous time following their father's fall from grace. Sharing a tribute to their late mom Kim Porter on Mother's Day - which took place on Sunday May 11 - they shared how hard life has been without her since her death in November 2018. It read: 'Dear mommy, You were the best mommy anyone could've ever had and we are so blessed that god chose you to be our mommy. 'We miss you so very much every single day and we wish you could be here with us today. The twins, who have made several courthouse appearances to support their embattled father in recent weeks, were also seen in photos being escorted to waiting vehicles A source told DailyMail.com that the twins are not expected to return to their father's trial until after their upcoming graduation The exclusive photos show the teenagers stunning as they enjoyed their prom night, temporarily escaping the media frenzy surrounding their father's legal troubles in recent years which they previously admitted have been extremely difficult' The twins have admitted the past couple of years have been 'extremely difficult' since he was arrested for a string of depraved crimes 'These last couple years have been sooooo extremely difficult without you by our side. We really wish you were here for these years that we begin to grow and start to mature into young ladies. 'We are going to follow in your footsteps and always make you proud. I hope you are up there celebrating this beautiful day with your mommy and grandma we miss you all so much! Happy Mothers Day to our Queen.' Alongside the message, they shared a fresh-faced throwback picture of their mother wearing pajamas while heavily pregnant with them. During the trial, one of the girls made a heart gesture with her hands, which he then repeated back to her, and his spirits appeared to lift when his son, King, pumped up his fist. A court sketch artist also caught the moment Combs offered a thumbs up to his family behind him. Before the trial began in New York this week, his daughters, both 18, revealed they had endured an arduous time following their father's fall from grace Jessie and D'Lila pictured with their parents Kim Porter and Diddy During opening statements, prosecutors outlined horrific claims against Combs, saying he once forced a male escort to urinate in Cassie's mouth. As the prosecution and their first witness laid out revolting allegations, both of Combs' daughters took turns leaving the courtroom. The trial continues on Monday. The remains of a missing Connecticut mother-of-three who vanished more than two years ago on a solo hiking expedition through Japan have been discovered. Patricia 'Pattie' Wu-Murad, 60, was last seen on April 10, 2023, when she checked out of the Mandokoro guesthouse in Higashiomi city. She was due to stay at the Taiyo-no-yu guesthouse 11.2 miles away Osaka that night, and her family believed she was planning to follow a scenic hiking trail along the Kumano Kodo, which should have taken her seven to nine hours. But Wu-Murad never arrived and her family launched a years-long search to find the recently retired avid hiker. However, the family announced to the Facebook group Help Find Pattie on Saturday that her remains had been found. 'On Friday, May 9, 2025, our family received confirmation that our beloved Wife, Mother, Sister, Daughter, Aunt, and Friend, Pattie Wu-Murad, is deceased,' the family said. 'Despite an extensive international search effort that involved 24 American search and rescue (SAR) professionals, local Japanese SAR experts, law enforcement, U.S. Embassy officials in both Japan and Washington, D.C., the FBI, and Senator Richard Blumenthal, no trace of Pattie was found in the months following her disappearance.' The family revealed that after almost a year and a half with no developments, Wu-Murad's belongings were discovered in September 2024. Patricia 'Pattie' Wu-Murad (pictured), 60, was last seen on April 10, 2023, when she checked out of the Mandokoro guesthouse in Higashiomi city Wu-Murad never arrived and her family (pictured) launched years long search to find the recently retired avid hiker The family confirmed her remains had been found on April 27 when a member of their search team found a femur bone in the area where her backpack was discovered 'A fisherman discovered Patties backpack and one hiking shoe near a stream closer to a different trail from where we originally believed she was hiking,' they said. 'Upon this discovery, Japanese police conducted a search of that region for several days, but again, no further evidence was found.' They finally made a break through on April 27 when a member of their original search team was back in Japan and decided to retrace the area where the backpack was found. 'During his hike, he discovered several of Patties personal items and what appeared to be a femur. He delivered the remains to the local Japanese police, who confirmed they were human,' the family said. 'DNA testing was performed, and on May 9, we were notified that the remains were a match to Pattie, through comparison with our daughters DNA.' The family said they were devastated to learn the news and still have many unanswered questions about what happened to Wu-Murad. 'Although we had tried to prepare ourselves for this outcome, the finality of this news is heartbreaking,' they said. 'It offers a measure of closure, but many questions remain unanswered, including the exact circumstances and cause of Patties death. We now begin the process of working through international protocols to bring her remains home. The family revealed that after almost a year and a half with no developments, Wu-Murad's belongings were discovered in September 2024 A fisherman discovered her backpack (pictured) and one hiking shoe near a stream closer to a different trail from where they originally believed she was hiking The family said they were devastated to learn the news and still have many unanswered questions about what happened to Wu-Murad 'Pattie was an incredible woman whose love and friendship touched many lives. While we are devastated, we are also humbled by the global community that rallied to help find her. We will continue to honor her memory with love and gratitude in our hearts.' Her husband, Kirk, told DailyMail.com in June 2023 that his 'gut' told him his wife may have 'trusted the wrong person.' 'My gut tells me that Pattie perhaps trusted the wrong person by accepting a ride and became a victim,' he said after searches were called off, 'but there is no evidence that occurred. 'I think she struck up a conversation with someone and trusted them enough to accept a ride from them. Her toe was giving her problems, so it's possible she accepted a ride and then was abducted.' The last time he spoke to his wife was the eve of April 7. The couple, who have been best friend since 1986 and married in 1990, spoke on Facetime before their lives changed forever. 'She said she was going to hike the Kumano Kodo trail and may not be reachable for about four days,' he said. 'She had a big smile on her face.' Kirk said his wife had traveled on a two-month pilgrimage where she went to Spain and France, and another month where she hiked in Jordan and Egypt. The couple was planning to travel to Spain together that June. 'She wanted me to experience the Camino de Santiago, and she already had plans for another two-month trip in the fall of 2024.' He described his life partner as 'very trusting.' 'That's what helped her make so many friends from her previous hikes,' he said. The father of drug arrest teenager Bella Culley has vowed to stay in Georgia for 'as long as it takes' - as organised crime experts fear British backpackers are being targeted by the Thai cartel. Niel Culley, 49, has still not been able to visit the 18-year-old despite jetting out to the Black Sea nation as soon as news broke of her arrest last Tuesday night. He is facing every parent's worst nightmare as he battles to get information on how Bella allegedly came to be in possession of 14kg of cannabis and hash. Mr Culley, an offshore oil rig technician who lives in Vietnam, is being supported by his sister Kerrie Culley, 51, in Tbilisi. 'I can't say anything but I will be here for as long as it takes,' he told the Mail. 'I obviously have no experience in dealing with situations like this and its very difficult.' It comes as a second arrest of a British national allegedly smuggling cannabis out of Thailand has raised fears UK backpackers are being targeted by drug gangs in the country. Air stewardess Charlotte May Lee, 21, was detained at Colombo airport in Sri Lanka on Monday where police say she had a stash of 1.15million of kush - a synthetic strain of the drug. She left Bangkok Airport within hours of Bella who was arrested entering Tbilisi Airport on a flight via Sharjah, UAE, last Sunday. It means they could be related cases. Niel Culley (pictured) has still not been able to visit the 18-year-old despite jetting out to the Black Sea nation as soon as news broke of her arrest last Tuesday night He is facing every parent's worst nightmare as he battles to get information on how his daughter Bella Culley (pictured) allegedly came to be in possession of 14kg of cannabis and hash Mr Culley (left) an offshore oil rig technician who lives in Vietnam, is being supported by his sister Kerrie Culley (right) in Tbilisi Former Georgian police general Jemal Janashia, one of the countrys foremost drug crime experts, told the Mail: 'The fact that two young British women have taken off with large quantities of drugs from the same airport will interest investigators. 'They will be concerned about the possibility of a link and that Thai gangs may be attempting to recruit vulnerable British travellers.' Both girls departed from the Thai capital during the Royal Ploughing Ceremony weekend. It is one of the busiest festivals of the year when airports are overloaded with tourists - a prime opportunity for gangs to try to push through mules. The two arrests also follow a huge crackdown on smugglers sending cannabis to the UK by post. A joint operation by both countries has seen a 90 per cent in reduction in the drug being mailed to Britain since last year. It suggests Thai gangs may now be reverting to using drug mules to ship their products instead - and targeting British backpackers. Air stewardess Charlotte May Lee (pictured) was detained at Colombo airport in Sri Lanka on Monday where police say she had a stash of 1.15million of kush - a synthetic strain of the drug Miss Lee, a former TUI cabin crew member, left Bangkok Airport within hours of Bella who was arrested entering Tbilisi Airport on a flight via Sharjah, UAE, last Sunday - meaning they could be related cases The authorities pose with what they say is 1.15million of cannabis in vacuum packed bags seized from Miss Lee Pictured: The drugs that the police claim were smuggled into Sri Lanka inside luggage cases by Miss Lee Mr Janashia said: 'After the crackdown on postal drug deliveries, the Thai cartel are seeking new routes. 'Georgia does look like an attractive middle transit point: It is relatively close and easy to reach Europe from.' Thailand decriminalised cannabis in 2022 which sparked a massive rise in the narcotic being posted to the UK. In the last quarter of last year Border Force detected 15 tonnes of the drug which was threatening to overwhelm resources. They established a new agreement with counterparts in Bangkok requiring Thailand to check mail before being shipped, which stopped 1.5tonnes in the first quarter of this year - a 90 per cent drop. It raises the terrifying prospect that Thai gangs are now looking for alternative means to get the drug out of the country. Some 800 people including 50 British nationals have been arrested in Thailand for attempted smuggling since July 2024 with over nine tonnes of cannabis seized. Bella was arrested at Tbilisi Airport on May 11 and found with 12kg of cannabis and 2kg of hashish after getting a 550 Air Arabia flight from Bangkok via Sharjah. She first appeared in Tbilisi city court on May 13 which was broadcast locally and word finally reached her family the following day. Bella (pictured) was arrested at Tbilisi Airport on May 11 and found with 12kg of cannabis and 2kg of hashish after getting a 550 Air Arabia flight from Bangkok via Sharjah She first appeared in Tbilisi city court on May 13 which was broadcast locally and word finally reached her family the following day Georgian bureaucracy has blocked her father and auntie from visiting Bella who is languishing in notorious Women's Penitentiary Number 5 just outside of Tbilisi. They might not be granted their first visit until Wednesday - and Bella's lawyer has still not been told how she came to be in possession of the drugs. Mr Janashia has advised her to cooperate. 'I feel sorry for this woman because she was clearly used and manipulated. Shes 18, shes a foreigner, pregnant,' he said. 'All of this indicates that she was chosen deliberately, chosen carefully, she was studied. Whoever chose her, they knew what they were doing.' He added: 'First of all, I would advise her to cooperate, together with the lawyer, with the investigation, indicate who were the youths that she was in touch with in Thailand. Retired police General Jemal Janashia has advised Bella (pictured) to cooperate Mr Janashia said he 'felt sorry' for Bella (pictured) 'because she was clearly used and manipulated' He added: 'First of all, I would advise [Bella] to cooperate, together with the lawyer, with the investigation, indicate who were the youths that she was in touch with in Thailand' 'And also indicate whether there was a contact person in Georgia as well. 'Then a plea bargain should be reached, her profile does not strike me as one of a drug trafficker, she might be a user but I suppose we will find out soon enough. 'But it does not look like she has any previous experience in drug trafficking. 'The court, first of all will clarify and find out whether she has sold drugs before or trafficked them before, what kind of profile she has. And if its the first time, its mitigating circumstances.' Asked whether his message to Bella was to tell the police everything she knows, he replied: 'Of course.' Bella has been remanded in custody until her next appearance on July 1. Some residents living in a sleepy Hampshire village claim they have taken to locking their doors and shutting their blinds on the same day every year when a notorious traveller festival descends on their tiny community. For generations, the Wickham Horse Fair has taken place in the village which has a population of just over 2000 people. The fair takes place every year and is an opportunity for the travelling community to sell and trade horses and meet up with family and friends. However in recent years it has been met with criticism due to the treatment of the horses who race down the streets - with some having to be put down following the event. It began when Roger De Syres obtained a royal charter from King Henry III to have a weekly market in Wickham's town square in the 13th century and is now held 'every year' on May 20, unless that date falls on a Sunday. However residents say the revelry brings their neighbourhood to a standstill every year. Like clockwork, the day before the festival, roads, shops and pubs are all closed in preparation for the event and quiet streets are swarmed by animals, horse boxes and caravans. Fun fairs, burger vans and other stalls also set up shop to cash in on the historic day that has been celebrated 'every year' with no signs of stopping. Slide me Every year hundreds of travellers descend on a sleepy Hampshire village to sell horses For generations, the Wickham Horse Fair has taken place in the village which has a population of just over 2000 people Though it started as a weekly market, it soon became the annual fair we see today The fair takes place every year and is an opportunity for the travelling community to sell and trade horses and meet up with family and friends (2024's event) Residents say the revelry brings their neighbourhood to a standstill every year (2024's event) Earlier this week, surrounding villages flagged that travellers looking to attend the fair had already arrived and set up make shift camps on public land Photos showed at least 21 caravans on Greta Park in Hedge End, around six miles from where the historic event will take place It's not just isolated to Wickham either. Earlier this week, surrounding villages flagged that travellers looking to attend the fair had already arrived and set up make shift camps on public land. What is the Wickham Horse Fair Wickham Horse Fair has been held in The Square in the Hampshire town's square since 1269. Members of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities gather to trade horses, as well as meeting family and friends. It was first devised as a weekly fair after Roger De Syres obtained a royal charter from King Henry III before it evolved into the annual event it is now. It is held every year on May 20, unless that falls on a Sunday. 2022 saw it's official return following Covid lockdown restrictions blocking it in 2020 and 2021. However, a gathering still took place in 2021 as up to 150 people were understood to have turned up to buy, sell and admire ponies and horses. Advertisement At least 21 caravans arrived at Greta Park in Hedge End, around six miles from where the historic event will take place. A council worker alleged that four padlocks were broken in order for the group to gain access to the park area. Police swiftly moved them on but more have arrived in the surrounding area since. When MailOnline visited the sleepy idyll earlier this week the central square was a hub of activity ahead of the two day shut down. Traditionally the local butchers has been one of the only shops to remain open, serving hot snacks to the thronging crowds, however even they say they will close this year. Manager Ben said: 'We're not opening this year no. We just don't have the staff and it isn't really worth the effort. We would if we could, there hasn't been trouble for years.' The few shops that do remain open make a roaring trade' selling cans of lager and hot food to the crowd, however none of the three village pubs are brave enough to open their doors. Newly opened Woody's is situated at the heart of the fair circuit. On the day of the fair, dozens of ponies are tied up on a fence around the pub's outdoor seating area before they are sold. Manager Nicola Lang revealed: 'It is what it is.. It's an old tradition that comes with the territory of the area. 'The police advise us to close, for safety. They aren't able to be here if anything was to happen. We're missing out on a Monday and Tuesday this year so it softens the blow. If we were to miss the weekend it would be considerably more, the police and the council don't compensate us. 'But it would be silly to open.' Newly opened Woody's is situated at the heart of the fair circuit and manager Nicola says disruption comes with the territory Residential homes and the pubs dining area are boxed off for the event Eric Ryan recently moved into a property close to the fair and loves it Eric Ryan recently moved into a property close to Woody's in the heart of the action. On fair days, he has to move his car and if he is to leave his house will have to navigate dozens of horses and traders. But he told the MailOnline he loved the event. 'It's been here for hundreds of years!', 'he said, We normally go away for it, prior to that we've been in the thick of it. 'But I enjoy watching it, yes I have to move my car, but that's fine. Yes you occasionally get a few unsavoury characters turning up, but that's by the by. 'They've always been good to me!' Others in the village are less positive however. Rob Owen told us he dreaded the event. 'I don't like it and I don't go. I just stay in and shut my doors and windows. I seal in for it. They shut down everything. 'It's getting smaller thankfully, we just avoid it, it's not something I want to be involved in. People have things go missing afterwards apparently but who knows if that's connected. 'Anyway places are closed for a reason.' The publican of the nearby Square Fox also expressed frustration that police seemed uninterested in helping them trade during the festival. 'It's not supported by the police, if there's a problem we're by themselves. They police the beer tent, but not us. 'I have been tempted to try and do a service from the door, but I'm not allowed. 'We lose turnover definitely.' The Wickham Horse Fair falls on May 20 every year, unless that date falls on a Sunday Crowds of travellers have descended on Wickham, Hampshire, for a traditional horse fair dating back to 1269 Sadly, in the past some of the horses at the event have had to be put down (A man in an RSPCA jacket is seen overlooking Wickham 2024's event) Traditionally, the launch of the event is met with a number of horses being raced down the streets of Wickham while others are paraded through the town, including small ponies. There will also be more officers on the ground to engage with visitors and respond to any issues which may arise. Aside from horses, visitors at the event this year often sell clothes, bedding and cleaning products. Sadly, in the past some of the horses at the event have had to be put down, Members of the RSPCA have often been seen amongst the crowds. In 2020 and 2021, the event was banned due as lockdown was imposed on the country. However, in the latter of those years, up to 150 people were understood to have turned up, in a move slammed by police and angry business owners. The agreed plan had been to hold a small, symbolic event involving 'one or two horses' to maintain the tradition of the festival. Former Vice President Mike Pence had some choice words for recent decisions made by his former boss, President Donald Trump. During an appearance on Meet the Press with Kristen Welker Sunday morning, Pence said that he has 'never been a fan of American presidents criticizing America on foreign soil.' 'To have the president in Saudi Arabia questioning America's global war on terror, and describing it as nation-building and interventionist, I thought was a disservice to generations of Americans who wore the uniform and who took the fight to our enemy, you know, in Afghanistan and in Iraq.' 'And particularly giving that speech in Saudi Arabia, where 15 of the 19 9/11 hijackers hailed from, not including Osama bin Laden, I thought was unfortunate,' Pence continued. Missing from the list of Trump's stops this past week was the nation of Israel, which the Administration has been closely working with, most recently to secure the release of the last American hostage in Gaza, Edan Alexander, earlier this week. The former Vice President also expressed his disapproval at Trump's acceptance of a $400 million plane from Qatar, another one of the Gulf nations visited by the President this past week. 'I think first we've got to remember who Qatar is. We've got a military base there. I have members of our immediate family that have deployed to the region. But Qatar has a long history of playing both sides. They support Hamas. They supported Al Qaeda,' Pence noted. Former Vice President Mike Pence tells Meet the Press in an exclusive interview that he hopes President Donald Trump "reconsiders" the $400 million luxury plane gifted by Qatar Former Vice President Mike Pence had some choice words for recent decisions made by his former boss, President Donald Trump Bringing the conversation closer to home, the former Vice President added that 'Qatar has actually financed pro-Hamas protests on American campuses across the United States. So, the very idea that we would accept an Air Force One from Qatar I think is inconsistent with our security, with our intelligence needs.' Overall, Pence suggested that the president 'reconsiders' the gift. 'I think if Qatar wants to make a gift to the United States, they ought to take that $400 million and plow it into infrastructure on our military base,' Pence concluded. Trump skipped out this past week on visiting the Middle Eastern country arguably most aligned with the United States, Israel. Commenting on the omission from the president's schedule, Pence added that he 'thought it was a missed opportunity not to also travel to Israel as President Trump did eight years ago.' 'I think sending the message to the Arab world that we're prepared to engage, we're prepared to support, we want economic commerce, we want strategic and security engagement. But in that trip eight years ago, he also made a point to fly to Israel and make it clear that if the world knows nothing else, the world knows this, that America stands with Israel.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks in Jerusalem on April 29, 2025 UAE President, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, receives US President, Donald Trump, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on May 15, 2025 'Now there were people that said that our efforts and the president's decision to move the American Embassy to Jerusalem, to recognize the Golan Heights, would be disruptive, that it would create and foment violence in the region.' 'But there we were, seated on the South Lawn of the White House in the fall of 2020, signing the first peace agreement between Israel and two Arab nations in 25 years-- in the Abraham Accords.' 'So for me, not only the president's decision to not travel to Israel on this trip was a missed opportunity, but also I have concerns about excluding Israel from the ceasefire with the Houthis. And also, I have concerns about what I hear about negotiations and discussions with Iran,' Pence concluded. A heroic Pennsylvania Uber driver has saved the life of a passenger after he started suffering with a brain hemorrhage in his car. Taras Zvir, 38, picked up Justin Anderson, 41, on the morning of February 25 in Philadelphia to take him to work in Bucks County. The ride initially went smoothly as the two men sparked up a conversation during the 45-minute drive, Zvir recalled. 'We just started talking about music and stuff. And he mentioned that he [drove for] Uber as well. So we were just talking about that for a little bit,' Zvir, of Northern Lights, told People. Suddenly, toward the end of the trip, Zvir noticed a drastic change in his passenger's behavior, adding that it appeared he was 'suffocating.' 'His head was kind of bobbing up and down but he was still communicating,' he recalled. 'I was [like], "Justin, you okay? Do you need anything?" I immediately rolled the windows down, blasted my A/C to try to see if it would make him feel a little better. But he was just getting worse and worse, and eventually he became unresponsive.' The quick-thinking driver then pulled over on the side of the road and called 911 to report Justin's symptoms before starting CPR on him. Taras Zvir (pictured), 38, picked up Justin Anderson, 41, on the morning of February 25 in Philadelphia to take him to his job, but at the end of his ride he was trying to save his life Justin suffered a brain hemorrhage while riding is Zvir's car before being transported to the hospital Officials told him he needed to perform CPR on Anderson as soon as possible, and thankfully Zvir knew just what to do from his former job as an ambulance driver. 'I ran around the car,' Zvir said. 'I opened the door, placed him flat, made sure that his head wasn't hitting the concrete because he didn't have any support or anything. 'So once I placed him flat, I just started doing CPR and was doing it for maybe six to eight minutes.' Soon enough, he heard emergency sirens nearby as he continued to try and save Justin's life. Once paramedics arrived they took over life-saving measures 'immediately,' Zvir said. 'They did Narcan. They weren't sure if it was a drug overdose or medical emergency, so I guess they had to cover everything,' the driver continued. Anderson's mother, Deborah Anderson, later created a GoFundMe page for his son, revealing he 'suffered a spontaneous brain hemorrhage' while on his way to his second day at a new job. 'The quick-thinking driver pulled over and called 911. Justin was rushed by ambulance to the emergency room, and after a CT scan, a large bleed on the right side of his brain was discovered,' Deborah said. The quick-thinking driver then pulled over on the side of the road and called 911 to report Justin's symptoms before starting CPR on him until paramedics arrived (pictured) Anderson's mother, Deborah Anderson, later created a GoFundMe page for his son, revealing he 'suffered a spontaneous brain hemorrhage' Her son was then rushed into emergency surgery where he underwent a craniotomy, or removal of part of the skull, to release blood and in turn relieve pressure on his brain, she said. An endovascular embolization - when a catheter is inserted through a leg artery and brought up to the brain to treat the bleed - was then performed on Justin. She said it was hard for doctors to determine where the source of the bleed was coming from. Justin was later diagnosed with subdural hematoma, or a brain bleed, that was brought on by an AV fistula - an abnormal connection between a vein and artery. Deborah also discovered her child was likely born with this condition but he didn't know he had it. Justin, the father of a 17-year-old daughter, has continued to show improvement since the terrifying incident occurred. In a post from May 4, his mother wrote: 'Justin continues to show improvement. He now can wiggle his toes on his left foot when asked to. He can also slightly move a couple toes on his right foot. When asked, he is able to squeeze my hand with his left hand significantly more than he was able to previously.' She said medical staff have also 'been weaning him off the ventilator.' Justin was later diagnosed with subdural hematoma, or a brain bleed, that was brought on by an AV fistula - an abnormal connection between a vein and artery 'Had he been home alone, he would not be here today. Had he not been in the back of that Uber, he would not be here today. He was only in the Uber because he was supposed to come back home from work with his assigned work van,' she noted, speaking of her gratitude for how her son was saved. 'Otherwise, he would have been driving his own car. I am also thankful for the Uber driver's quick response to call 911.' Since it happened, Zvir said he has been in contact with Deborah and hopes that he can meet him soon. 'I definitely want to meet him. And I also, I just want to make sure that he recovers. I actually texted his mother yesterday just to get an update on him. So I'm keeping in touch with his family and hopefully he pulls through,' he told the outlet. As of Sunday morning, more than $16,700 was raised to help Justin's family during this challenging time. Russian state TV aired a video of Vladimir Putin warning Donald Trump to stop trying to dictate the terms of a ceasefire with Ukraine. Putin stressed that he plans to finish what he started three years ago and warned that Trump should not push him into a US blueprint for stopping the war. The Russian ruler told Kremlin-controlled state TV: 'You know, the Americans the American people and the American leadership, including the president have their own national interests. 'We respect that. 'We proceed from the assumption that we will be treated the same way.' The message was released on the eve of a scheduled Monday phone call between Trump and Putin. Putin's words were recorded in late March but broadcast today after Trump made clear he wants the Russian leader to concede a ceasefire in their upcoming telephone talk. 'We have enough strength and resources to bring what was started in 2022 to its logical conclusion with the result that Russia needs,' Putin added. Russian state TV aired a video of Vladimir Putin warning Donald Trump to stop trying to dictate the terms of a ceasefire with Ukraine Putin stressed that he plans to finish what he started three years ago and warned that Trump should not push him into a US blueprint for stopping the war The message was released on the eve of a scheduled Monday phone call between Trump and Putin Putin's words were recorded in late March but broadcast today after Trump made clear he wants the Russian leader to concede a ceasefire in their upcoming telephone talk He failed to mention that his military operation has killed tens of thousands of Russian speaking Ukrainians since it started in February 2022. Discussing the phone call, Trump said: 'I will be speaking, by telephone, to President Vladimir Putin of Russia on Monday at 10:00am. 'The subjects of the call will be - stopping the 'bloodbath' that is killing, on average, more than 5,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, and trade.' Trump said he would then speak to Volodymyr Zelensky and NATO leaders. 'Hopefully it will be a productive day, a ceasefire will take place, and this very violent war, a war that should never have happened, will end.' The family of a chef who died aboard the doomed superyacht Bayesian is seeking justice for his death - and could be in line for a $40 million compensation payout. Canadian Antiguan Recaldo Thomas, 59, was among seven people who drowned when the yacht owned by British tech billionaire Mike Lynch went down in a violent storm off the coast of Sicily last summer. Mr Lynch and his daughter Hannah, 18, were also among the victims, and an interim report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch last week highlighted design flaws in the yacht and crew response as possible factors in the sinking. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Recaldos sister-in-law Joycelyn Palmer, who is executor of his estate, said: We just want justice and yes, we will be looking at compensation, someone must pay for what happened. We all knew Recaldo as Rick, and he was a lovely, lovely man with a heart of gold, and his smile would light up the room, I never heard him say hed had a bad day, and he loved working on yachts, he was at sea for more than 30 years. He was friendly and endearing, and he was such a positive person, full of goodness, and when he died, it was a terrible shock for all of us, and it still upsets us to talk about it because he didnt need to die. It took us six weeks to get his body back, and because of that, we had to have a closed casket, and we couldnt even say goodbye properly; it hurt all of us really badly. Last weeks MAIB report said the 30 million yacht was doomed after it was hit by 80.6mph winds, causing it to tilt violently on its side, and it was unable to straighten as the freak storm hit off the coast of Porticello on August 19. Canadian Antiguan Recaldo Thomas, 59, was among seven people who drowned when the yacht owned by British tech billionaire Mike Lynch went down in a violent storm off the coast of Sicily last summer The family of the chef is now seeking justice for his death - and could be in line for a $40 million compensation payout An undated photo of the tragic yacht The report highlighted how the keel had not been lowered and that vulnerabilities in the yachts stability had not been highlighted in the 184ft Bayesians information manual carried onboard. But Mrs Palmer, a US citizen who lives in Antigua, has also questioned whether the yachts 236ft-tall mast also played a part in the yacht sinking in just 16 minutes after it was hit by a freak storm with 70 knot winds. Sharing pictures of Recaldo on the Bayesian taken just hours before he died, she said: I looked up the yacht and when I saw the mast I just thought that must have something to do with what happened. You can even see it in one of the last pictures he sent us. But I think that was one of many factors, were the manufacturers aware of what the mast might do because once the yacht tilted? There was nothing that could be done. Also, the crew were definitely at fault; they seem to have taken the weather report for granted, and as a result, didnt act on time. One guy filmed the storm as it approached and put it on social media. The crew didnt alert the captain until it was too late, so they were negligent, and then the manufacturers dont appear to have been aware of the safety issues. The more I read about it, the more upset I get because it looks as if a number of circumstances all came together and it cost my brother-in-law his life. Any compensation is going to be handled by our lawyers, and anything we get will go towards creating a legacy for Rick in Antigua, where he lived, and to celebrate his life. To know he has gone has been really rough. I cope by thinking he is away on one of his voyages. The tragedy last August killed seven people including the owner of the superyacht British billionaire and tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah Jonathan Bloomer, 70, and his wife Judy, 71, from Kent, were among the seven people who died when the 56-meter sailing boat sank Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda Morvillo were killed when the yacht was hit by a storm Your browser does not support iframes. The moment the doomed Bayesian sank in the early hours of August 19 was captured by security cameras of a nearby villa on the coast Lawyer James Healy-Pratt, who is representing the family, said: They have serious concerns about a series of failures evidently involved in the causes of this tragedy. These include failures in design, safety certificates, the seaworthiness of the yacht, and the actions of some of the crew during the storm. The mast had a longer wingspan than a jumbo and would have acted as an aerofoil in a storm. Mr Healy-Pratt added they were looking at a US lawsuit against various entities in the future and '$40 million pay-out would not be out of the question for an emotional loss. He added: Those entities include the American Bureau of Shipping, Camper and Nicholsons, who managed the yacht and Angela Bacares, Mr Lynchs wife. Mrs Bacares survived the sinking, and Mr Healy-Pratt said the family noted she was up on deck when a number of questionable decisions were being made by the crew. He highlighted how a recent lawsuit in New York had paid out $90 million to relatives of the man killed in a 2018 helicopter crash. Italian Sea Group, which bought Perini Navi, which built the Bayesian, has insisted the yacht was unsinkable and declined to comment following the MAIB report. The Bayesian sank in just 16 minutes after being hit by the violent mesocyclonic storm front which has violent downdrafts and surface winds over 100mph (87 knots). In its report, the MAIB said the captain and crew would have had no idea of the yachts vulnerabilities as they were not laid out in the stability information booklet onboard. Salvage crews had hoped to raise the Bayesian which is lying 160ft below the surface - this weekend, but the death nine days ago of a Dutch diver has delayed the 20 million operation until later this month. Are YOU in one of the hotspots? Contact shannon.mcguigan@mailonline.co.uk Holidaymakers are cowering in hotels as anti-tourism protesters storm the streets of the Canary Islands, as fed up locals disrupt sunshine bliss for thousands of Brits abroad. Thousands of fed-up residents kicked off demonstrations across the archipelago from 11am, including in Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Ela Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, and Lanzarote. Dozens of armed officers from the National Police were seen on patrol, as protesters were heard blowing through enormous shells to make a loud horn-like noise, while banging on drums. They marched with the slogan 'Canarias tiene un limite' (The Canaries has a limit, while slogan were chanted such as: 'El dinero del turismo, donde esta?', meaning 'The money from tourism, where is it?' Demonstrators have also taken to the streets in Barcelona, Valencia as well as Madrid, as tensions towards tourists have continued to rise over the last year. In April, locals fired water pistols at a tour bus outside Barcelona's Sagrada Familia, as they warned of bigger protests this summer. Today in Lanzarote, an Irish holidaymaker revealed he was too scared to leave his AirBnB, as one furious tourist was spotted waste and sewage on Canary Island politicians. Alberto Babo, 32, told MailOnline: 'I didn't go out today due to the protests, I'm stuck in my Airbnb to avoid the crowds. I hope they are not violent or anything but just to be safe I'm here. All I can hear is the noise.' Activists are calling for a cap on the number of holidaymakers, to prevent overcrowding and resource depletion Several activists stage a performance, pouring waste and sewage water on Canary Islands politicians The stage performance involving sewerage took place while anti-tourism demonstrators took to the streets of the Canary Islands The Canary Islands has a population of 2.2million people, but welcomes around 18million holidaymakers each year Solidarity protests have also been occurring in Madrid, as residents there express their support for the Canary Islands Around 50 people gather in front of the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona under the slogan 'Canarias tiene un limite' (The Canary Islands have a limit') Thousands of anti-tourism protesters have taken to the streets of the Canary Islands Scores of fed-up locals kicked off demonstrations across the archipelago from 11am, including in Tenerife, where thousands of Brits are currently holidaying Dozens of armed officers from the National Police were seen on patrol, while 'terrified' tourists stayed inside their hotels Among their other demands is a ban on any new hotels or tourism apartment complexes, and the immediate demolition of projects already declared illegal One placard read: 'Stop excessive tourism this is our home,' while another said: 'My misery is your paradise'. A banner declared the Canary Islands 'is no longer a paradise' thanks to tourism. Another sign was inscribed with the words: 'tourists swim in s**t', referencing the large amount of sewage water that is dumped into the sea - the majority of it, activists say, coming from hotels and tourist accommodations. Other placards in Spanish said: 'Don't sell your homes to guiris!' Guiri is a Spanish slang word for British and other tourists. Demonstrators could also be heard shouting 'Canarias No Se Vende', meaning 'The Canary Islands Are Not For Sale,' while the blew whistles and proudly held Canary Island flags in the sky. Marchers also echoed the chant 'No hay cams pa' tanto guiri', translating to 'There's not enough beds for so many foreigners.' While another placard read: 'Enjoying a day at your pool? That water could be going on food.' According to Metro, there were initially 2,000 marchers expected to participate in the march this Sunday - a significantly lower number than an April protest against anti-tourism in Tenerife capital, Santa Cruz. Holidaymakers looked on from rooftops as protesters marched by, as locals reportedly took the opportunity to pull the middle finger towards tourist, who allegedly did kissing gestures back. Among the protesters is Paula McKnight Morales, 39, whose father is from the US but who grew up on the islands. The swimming instructor told MailOnline: 'Spain has become the after party for Europe, and Tenerife has more tourists per year than Brazil, we don't have room. Protesters in Barcelona hold up signs which read: 'No queda paraiso para Lxs Canaria,' translating to 'There is no paradise left for the Canary Islands' Others in Madrid hled up signs which read: 'El paraiso no se hace con cemento,' meaning: 'Paradise is not made with cement' Demonstrators could also be heard shouting 'Canarias No Se Vende', meaning 'The Canary Islands Are Not For Sale' Thousands of fed-up locals kicked off demonstrations across the archipelago from 11am, including in Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Ela Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, and Lanzarote A placards in Spanish said: 'Don't sell your homes to guiris!' Guiri is a Spanish slang word for British and other tourists Thousands of people wave Canary Islands flags as they protest against tourism on the islands Protesters were heard blowing through enormous shells to make a loud horn-like noise, while banging on drums Tourism minister for Tenerife, Lope Alfonso, has since announced that he will reach out to the activists to 'discuss the future of the islands' Protestors want a 'significant' tourist eco-tax that will be used to pay for the conservation and maintenance of natural spaces One of the biggest gripes is the surge in Airbnb-style properties, which has been blamed for rising house costs and the dwindling supply of homes to rent or buy Another housing issue is the high number of properties being snapped up by foreign purchasers, which locals say is behind skyrocketing prices Protestors beat drums during the protests Thousands of people protested against the tourism model and mass tourism 'We are not against individual tourists, just those who don't respect the rules, who throw trash and pollute and commit crimes. 'We have toilets that are closed on our beaches because they are contaminated by sewage. 'Since our historic protest last year the government has done nothing, they have actually increased the number of tourists coming and we don't have enough room. 'The traffic is so bad when they are here; a 15-minute journey takes one hour. 'The number of Airbnbs is too high and there is nowhere to rent, it is catastrophic for the island.' It comes after the Canary Islands government said it wants to hold emergency talks with the activists following a plunge in British bookings. Santiago Sese, president of the region's Chamber of Commerce, expressed concern on Friday after revealing the number of British reservations for this summer have fallen by 8 per cent year-on-year in Tenerife. Sese revealed the troubling numbers while presenting the Economic Situation Report for 2025, reports regional newspaper El Dia. Among the protesters is Paula McKnight Morales, 39, whose father is from the US but who grew up on the islands It follows a series of widely-reported 'anti-tourism' protests across Spain that have made many Brits feel unwelcome Slogans being chanted included: 'El dinero del turismo, donde esta?', meaning 'The money from tourism, where is it?' Protesters want much stricter controls on vacation rentals to alleviate the housing crisis They want to ban on any new hotels or tourism apartment complexes from being built Several flags were waved by protestors in Tenerife Tourism minister for Tenerife, Lope Alfonso, has since announced that he will reach out to the activists to 'discuss the future of the islands'. Alfonso said the government has been working on a model to 'achieve a balance between the interests of residents and tourists.' According to Sese, there are signs of a decline in the number of tourists, with the British market among the most affected. He said competing countries like Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and neighbouring Morocco have all seen their bookings increase. He regretted that the advertising campaigns specifically targeting the UK are not having an impact. It follows a series of widely-reported 'anti-tourism' protests across Spain that have made many Brits feel unwelcome. But the 'Canaries has a limit' (Canarias tiene un limite) movement, which is behind the protests this weekend, has seemingly rejected the olive branch. Referencing the government's offer of a dialogue it wrote: 'Dialogue? We want facts. Tourism minister for Tenerife, Lope Alfonso said the government has been working on a model to 'achieve a balance between the interests of residents and tourists.' The 'Canaries has a limit' (Canarias tiene un limite) movement, which is behind the protests this weekend, has seemingly rejected the olive branch Anti-holidaymaker protests took a sinister turn last year as 'kill a tourist' graffiti appeared on a wall in Mallorca Activists are calling for a cap on the number of holidaymakers, to prevent overcrowding and resource depletion Protestors painted their faces and wore matching yellow t-shirts at the protests The 'Canaries has a limit' (Canarias tiene un limite) movement, which is behind the protests this weekend Thousands of protestors gathered in Tenerife with flags and drums 'The rest are attempts to calm what's coming: a social uprising demanding a fair model for the Canary Islands, where bosses, lobbyists, and corrupt officials have no place. See you this Sunday.' The Canary Islands has a population of 2.2million people, but welcomes around 18million holidaymakers each year - which locals say is placing a strain on resources, causing jet fuel pollution, traffic chaos and a host of other issues. For this reason, activists are calling for a cap on the number of holidaymakers, to prevent overcrowding and resource depletion. Among their other demands is a ban on any new hotels or tourism apartment complexes, and the immediate demolition of projects already declared illegal. These include large-scale luxury projects like the Cuna del Alma and La Tejita hotels in Tenerife, which they accuse of causing environmental harm. They also want a 'significant' tourist eco-tax that will be used to pay for the conservation and maintenance of natural spaces. One of the biggest gripes is the surge in Airbnb-style properties, which has been blamed for rising house costs and the dwindling supply of homes to rent or buy. Therefore, protesters want much stricter controls on vacation rentals to alleviate the housing crisis. Another housing issue is the high number of properties being snapped up by foreign purchasers, which locals say is behind skyrocketing prices. They therefore want to ban or restrict the ability of non-residents to buy homes. The suspect believed to be responsible for detonating a car bomb outside of a California fertility clinic has been identified. Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, is accused of setting off the blast just before 11am Saturday at the American Reproductive Centers in Palm Springs inside a silver Ford Fusion sedan, the FBI said. Bartkus is the only person who died in the incident, which authorities are calling an 'intentional act of terrorism.' Four others were injured from the blast but none of them are employees of the clinic, according to city officials. In his writings, Bartkus allegedly said he was 'pro-mortalist', something he described as someone who intends to bring on their own death as soon as possible 'to prevent your future suffering, and, more importantly, the suffering your existence will cause to all the other sentient beings.' He also recorded a 30-minute-long audio clip explaining why he 'decided to bomb an IVF building, or clinic.' 'I figured I would just make a recording explaining why Ive decided to bomb an IVF building, or clinic. Basically, it just comes down to Im angry that I exist and that, you know, nobody got my consent to bring me here,' he said. Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, is accused of setting off the blast just before 11am Saturday at the American Reproductive Centers in Palm Springs inside a silver Ford Fusion sedan At least one person died from the horrific incident, which authorities are calling an 'intentional act of terrorism.' They have not been identified Bartkus also said he was 'angry' that IVF clinics exist, adding: 'These are people who are having kids after theyve sat there and thought about it. How much more stupid can it get?' 'These are people who are having kids after theyve sat there and thought about it. How much more stupid can it get?' He is suspected of setting off a large vehicle-borne improvised explosive device outside of the clinic, which performs IVF treatments, egg collections and other procedures, according to its website. Authorities found an AK-47 and an AR-Style rifle, as well as ammunition next to the burnt vehicle, the LA Times reported. He allegedly tried to film the terror attack by setting up a tripod with a camera beforehand, but the filed failed to upload to his website, according to BNO News. On Saturday, FBI officials raided his home and evacuated the neighborhood over fears it was a 'blast zone.' Akil Davis, the assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office, said the agency was running the investigation, but did not specify if the raid was connected to the fatal explosion. Following the powerful explosion, Davis confirmed it was a terror attack. 'Make no mistake: This is an intentional act of terrorism,' Davis said during an evening news conference. Multiple witnesses reported hearing a loud boom, and dramatic videos shared on social media show the explosion shattered windows of a nearby liquor store. Graphic images from the scene appeared to show at least one set of charred human remains A statement on behalf of Governor Gavin Newsom said: 'The state, through [California Governor's Office of Emergency Services], is coordinating with local and federal authorities to support the response.' Dr. Maher Abdallah, who operates the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic, confirmed to The Associated Press that his facility was among the properties damaged in the blast. He said all staff members were safe and accounted for. The explosion impacted the office area used for patient consultations but did not harm the IVF laboratory or any of the stored embryos. 'I really have no clue what happened,' Dr Abdallah said. 'Thank God today happened to be a day that we have no patients.' Graphic images from the scene seemed to show charred human remains. American Reproductive Centers offer fertility treatments but do not perform abortions. According to its website, the building houses the Coachella Valley's first and only full-service fertility clinic and in vitro fertilization lab. Multiple witnesses reported hearing a loud boom, and dramatic videos shared on social media show the explosion shattered the windows of a nearby liquor store Opened in 2006, the center offers a comprehensive range of fertility services, including IVF, egg donation, genetic testing, egg freezing, fertility evaluations for both men and women, intrauterine insemination, LGBTQ family planning, and surrogacy support. Palm Springs resident Tamara Cash was out jogging just a few blocks away when the explosion rocked the American Reproductive Centers on Indian Canyon Drive. 'It was so loud it shook me,' she told the Desert Sun. Cash ran past the smoldering building moments later and saw that every window in sight had been blown outincluding some at nearby Desert Regional Medical Center. 'All I could hear was alarms going off in different buildings,' she added. Matt Spencer told the Desert Sun he was at home in his apartment just 200 yards away when the explosion rocked Palm Springs Saturday morning. Within minutes, he walked over to the American Reproductive Center and was stunned by the destruction. The deadly drug Ketamine is being taken by children during school hours as it's been dubbed a 'rite of passage', warn experts. Ketamine, known as 'K' or 'Special K', comes as a powder and is usually snorted. It can lead to a relaxed and dream-like sensation, but taking too much can cause temporary paralysis. Longer-term use can lead to memory loss, mental health problems and organ damage. Mark O'Hagan, 55, headteacher of Sacred Heart Catholic Academy in Crosby, Liverpool warned that for many young children, taking the Class A drug has become the new normal. 'Six or seven years ago, we didn't really know what ketamine was. Now, it's in the common language of the children and for lots of children they do, unfortunately, see this as almost like a rite of passage. It's seen as just a normal thing to do, to engage in this risk taking behaviour,' he told the Echo. He added that while the amount of drug use hasn't changed, in the last few years the substance haswith ketamine being most common among young students. But the long term effects of the killer drug has sparked a rise in young people struggling with urination and suffering with side effects like pain on peeing, or needing to pee more than usual, while some see blood in their urine. Dr Verity Sullivan, 40, a sexual health consultant, told the Echo she has found school children are using ketamine in their lunch breaks: 'People sometimes say, "yeah, I use a bit of ket now and again". You realise that their ketamine use is pretty regular. Local schools have reported that teenagers are regularly using ketamine in their lunch breaks. It's absolutely terrifying.' The deadly drug Ketamine is being taken by children during school hours as it's been dubbed a 'rite of passage'. Mark O'Hagan (pictured), 55, a headteacher of a school in Crosby, Liverpool warned that for many young children, taking the Class A drug has become the new normal While Merseysides police and crime commissioner Emily Spurrell warned of the serious health implications from using the drug. 'What I think young people aren't necessarily aware of is just how dangerous it is and the long-term health impacts it has, so we are seeing a worrying rise of young people with urinary tract infections and displaying all kinds of significant health issues.' It comes as rocketing ketamine use among Gen Z-ers is being fuelled by TikTokers making light of the drug by posting videos of their friends experiencing its effects, experts have previously warned. Social media users regularly make light of its impacts - with a trend for videos showing users in 'k-holes' (the disassociate state associated with heavy usage). Ian Hamilton, a leading drugs expert who serves as associate professor of addiction at the University of York, said there was 'no doubt' social media content was helping to fuel ketamine's popularity. 'Young people see these videos on TikTok and that has accelerated its use,' he previously told MailOnline. 'It's really worrying, particularly the content about what people refer to as ''k holes''. 'We've seen how particular challenges start trending and can result in fatalities. The same thing happens with drugs - they don't come out of a vacuum.' Clips uncovered by MailOnline on TikTok reveal intoxicated users struggling to stay on their feet on so-called 'ket walks' or standing immobile while staring into the distance on dance floors. Social media users regularly make light of its impacts - with a trend for videos showing users in 'k-holes' (the disassociate state associated with heavy usage). This clip showed a man wobbling on his feet in what was branded a 'ket walk' This clip was subtitled 'when the K kicks in' and showed a man staring into the distance on a dancefloor Dr Verity Sullivan, 40, a sexual health consultant, said she has found school children are using ketamine in their lunch breaks Deaths related to the drug are up a shocking 650 per cent on 2015 and now average around one per week, according to new data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) The horse tranquiliser is now the drug of choice among Brits aged 16 to 24, with the latest government figures showing that consumption among the age group - dubbed 'Generation K' - has tripled since 2016. The low cost of the drug maybe a large factor in what is making it so accessible and desirable to children. It is around 10 a gram or 25 for 3.5 grams. It can work out cheaper than cannabis and in some cases alcohol. Meanwhile cocaine is around 80-100 a gram so therefore Ketamine is much more accessible as it can also be produced in the UK, says Scott Ardley, a senior treatment advisor at Rehabs UK. He added that youngsters were frequently targeted by dealers online, with Snapchat a particularly popular forum for selling the drug due to disappearing messages. Deaths related to the drug are up a shocking 650 per cent on 2015 and now average around one per week, according to new data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) that shows 53 people lost their lives in 2023. Police have been given more time to question a second man arrested in connection with the trio of fires linked to the Prime Minister - after nabbing the suspect at the airport. Sir Keir Starmer's home, as well as a flat and a car he previously owned, were targeted in suspected arson attacks in London between May 8 and 12. Counter-terror officers arrested a 26-year-old man at Luton Airport yesterday just before 2pm, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. He was taken into police custody in London - where he can now be detained by the Metropolitan Police for an additional 36 hours, for further questioning. The move comes after a warrant of further detention was obtained at Westminster Magistrates' Court today. It follows the arrest of 21-year-old Roman Lavrynovych, of the Sydenham area of south-east London, on Tuesday. Lavrynovych, originally from Ukraine, denied arson in a police interview. He appeared in court on Friday charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life in connection with the fires. Sir Keir Starmer 's home, as well as a flat and a car (pictured) he previously owned, were targeted in suspected arson attacks in London between May 8 and 12 Counter-terror officers arrested a 26-year-old man at Luton Airport yesterday just before 2pm, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. Pictured: Sir Keir Starmer earlier this week He was taken into police custody in London - where he can now be detained by the Metropolitan Police for an additional 36 hours, for further questioning. Pictured: The remains of the burnt-out car He was then remanded in custody until a further hearing at the Old Bailey, scheduled for June 6. Sir Keir's 2million private home in the Kentish Town area of north London, where he lived before becoming PM last year, was one of the properties allegedly targeted. The Labour leader has let the four-bedroom north London house to his sister-in-law on a peppercorn rent since he moved into 10 Downing Street following his general election victory. The property was set alight in the early hours of Monday morning, with the London Fire Brigade alerting police to reports of a fire there at 1.35am. The blaze damaged the porch of the property but no one was hurt. Firefighters were able to bring it under control within 20 minutes, stopping it from spreading further indoors. It came just 24 hours after a flat the Prime Minister previously lived at (pictured), in the nearby Islington area, caught fire, in the early hours of Sunday morning. Firefighters attended the blaze, helping one person to safety, with the door of the property suffering fire damage. It follows the arrest of 21-year-old Roman Lavrynovych (pictured), of the Sydenham area of south-east London, on Tuesday It came just 24 hours after a flat the Prime Minister previously lived at (pictured), in the nearby Islington area, caught fire, in the early hours of Sunday morning On May 8, on the same street as Sir Keir's Kentish Town property, a car he sold to a neighbour last year also burst into flames. The new owner of the Toyota Rav 4 is understood to have thought the fire started because of a faulty battery. The hybrid car was completely destroyed in the blaze, which occurred on VE Day. City mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said the three fires had left the Prime Minister's family feeling 'frightened' for their safety. He told LBC Radio: 'Don't underestimate the ripples of fear that [his wife] Vic and the kids felt when they will have read this stuff in the paper. 'But for the grace of God they are safe thankfully, in Downing Street, they've got a protection team.' All three targets of the arson attacks have 'previous connections with a high-profile public figure', Metropolitan Police confirmed - so officers from the force's Counter Terrorism Command are leading the investigation. The head of the Met branch issued a statement following the blazes, urging any MPs who may be concerned to contact police. Sir Keir's 2million private home (pictured, manned by a police officer after the fire) in the Kentish Town area of north London, where he lived before becoming PM last year, was one of the properties targeted Forensics officers outside the property following the fire Suspect Lavrynovych appeared in the dock on Thursday wearing a prison grey tracksuit. He was accompanied by a Ukrainian interpreter, and spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and his multiple occupancy address - which he did not seem to know the postcode of. Prosecutor Sarah Przybylska said: 'At this stage, the alleged offence is unexplained.' The defendant is accused of planning the arson attacks for several days and purchasing an 'accelerant material' in B&Q on May 6 and 8. Ms Przybylska said: 'The car and both properties were linked to the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.' The defendant, who lived with his grandmother, showed no emotion as the charges were read out. No formal pleas were entered but the court heard he denies them. Ms Przybykska said: 'The defendant is charged with three offences of aggravated arson - on the 8th of May in relation to a car parked on a residential street in Kentish Town, on the 11th of May in relation to a residential property in Islington and on the 12th of May in relation to a residential property on the same street in Kentish Town as where the car was parked on the 8th of May.' The Labour leader has let the four-bedroom north London house to his sister-in-law on a peppercorn rent since he moved into 10 Downing Street following his general election victory. Pictured: Police and forensics officers outside the property following the fire Police officers were pictured looking through bins on the street for any potential evidence Bethan David, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service Counter Terrorism Division, said on Thursday night: 'Following a review of the evidence provided by the Metropolitan Police Service's Counter Terrorism Command, we have authorised criminal charges against a 21-year-old man after three fires in north London. 'Roman Lavrynovych has been charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life or being reckless as to whether life would be endangered, contrary to section 1(2) and (3) of the Criminal Damage Act 1971. 'These charges relate to two fires at residential addresses in Islington on Sunday, 11 May 2025 and in Kentish Town on Monday, 12 May 2025, as well as a car fire in Kentish Town on Thursday, 8 May 2025. 'The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are now active and that he has the right to a fair trial. 'It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.' Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting CAD 441/12 May. The public is also asked to remain vigilant and to report anything suspicious to police on 0800 789 321 or via the Action Counters Terrorism online portal. The high-flying attorney husband of a beautiful young woman whose body was found 'pulverized' in a luxury Chicago high-rise has been arrested - as medical examiners finally reveal how she died. Caitlin Tracey, 36, died from 'multiple injuries' and a 'fall from height,' according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office - though mystery still shrouds the case as the manner of death remains 'undetermined'. Tracey's body was discovered in the stairwell of her husband's luxury South Loop condominium on October 27, 2024, and the medical examiner's office released it's findings this week after several months of investigations. Her husband, Illinois attorney Adam Beckerink, was arrested months later on March 7, 2025, on a fugitive warrant out of Michigan. However, according to Chicago Police and court records, the arrest is not directly related to his wife's tragic death. He was detained on unrelated domestic violence charges. DailyMail.com previously revealed that Tracey's parents, retired real estate tycoon Andrew Tracey, 69, and college professor Dr. Monica Tracey, 65, accused Beckerink of wreaking a secret 'campaign and abuse of terror' against her in her final months. Their claims came as they battled against him for custody of their daughter's remains. Caitlin Tracey, 36, died from 'multiple injuries, fall from height,' according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office Her husband, attorney Adam Beckerink, was arrested months later on March 7, 2025, on a fugitive warrant out of Michigan Beckerink, a former partner of international law firm Duane Morris who had been married to Tracey for six months, argued that he had the rights to her body as the surviving spouse. But on November 6, her family filed documents accusing him of wreaking a 'campaign of abuse and terror' against their daughter, including allegedly throwing a glass pickle jar at her head and pouring vodka on her wounds. Pictured: Adam P Beckerink According to the Traceys, their daughter had been in a relationship with Beckerink from October 2022 until September 2023, but the couple never lived together or had children. At some point after September, they got back together, and married in a private ceremony on April 8, 2024, which did not involve any of Traceys relatives. Amid the wrangling for control of her body, her parents accused Beckerink of manipulating their daughter, of purposefully isolating her from her family and being responsible for her tragic and highly suspicious death. To support their argument, the Michigan-based family presented a since-rescinded petition Tracey made to Cook County Court a year before she died in a desperate attempt to obtain a restraining order against her husband. In her October 4, 2023 filing, Tracey detailed three examples of horrific attacks by the tax attorney. Tracey said that on July 11, 2023, at around 3 pm, Beckerink stripped her naked and attacked her at her three-story home in New Buffalo on the banks of Lake Michigan, where her parents said she lived to be close to them and away from her partner. Though they had a fraught relationship, Tracey split her time between Beckerink's flat and her home in New Buffalo, on the banks of Lake Michigan. Neighbors in the Michigan town opened up about disturbing events which unfolded during her final months, while remembering their beloved friend. Joyce Lantz and Bunny Coyner lived on Tracey's street, and they recalled how scared she was of Beckerink. 'She said, "I felt like he was going to kill me,"',' Lantz told Fox News. Lantz also told the Chicago Tribune that Tracey's house, close to the lake, was 'like something that you'd see in a design magazine'. 'As another woman, you just want to cheer her on, because she's on her own, and built this amazing life,' Lantz said. 'It's just amazing to me how one person can come into your life and change the trajectory in such a major way. It's deeply sad, right? That she's not with us anymore.' Coyner said she met Tracey in the fall of 2023, after Tracey offered to help with DIY around her house. She said Tracey told her, 'I know my way around a drill and some drywall.' Coyner said Tracey invited her for a tour of her home, and mentioned she had taken a temporary restraining order out against an ex-boyfriend. She even described his car and asked Coyner to let her know if she saw it on their street. 'She was a beautiful, intelligent young woman and had a wonderful life ahead of her,' Coyner told the Chicago Tribune. 'I think she was looking forward to maybe getting out of this and searching out a new life, and I wished only the best for her, and she just couldn't do it.' Lantz said that earlier this year, something changed and Tracey seemed to abruptly disappear from their neighborhood. She said she began sending 'cryptic' texts, and they witnessed police cars pull up to her home while she was inside on August 19. Tracey's body was at the center of a dispute between her family against her husband Tracey fell down 24 flights of stairs in Beckerink's high rise (pictured) on the 1200 block of Prairie Street in South Loop, severing her foot during the descent This matches with court records seen by DailyMail.com, which outline how Beckerink was charged with two counts of resisting and obstruction, interference with electronic communications and more counts of domestic violence against Tracey on that date. Lantz and Coyner said when they saw Beckerink being taken away from the home in handcuffs that day, they text Tracey to ask if she wanted her to come over. 'She said yes, which surprised me, honestly, because you know, I felt like she was a pretty independent woman that just handled things on her own,' Lantz told the Chicago Tribune. 'And when I got down there, I walked up the steps to her home, to her front door, I went to hug her she felt so small and tiny, and honestly, frail. Almost like a shell of what she used to be.' 'We told her she had to get out of it, this was the time to get out of it. You're better than this, you're a wonderful woman, you're beautiful,' Coyner added. In the following days, Tracey told the women she wanted to 'start her life over again here in Michigan' and 'turn that corner', Lantz said. 'I thought she was getting to a point finally where she was going to get back on track, and that makes me feel incredibly sad,' Lantz added. 'I felt like she was hopeful.' She also sent them a text days later - on August 29 - saying: Bunny and Joyce - Thank you for being fabulous neighbors. Your support (and space) has meant the world to me. 'Ive been to court twice since you were last over and yesterday was tough but moving forward and have a great advocate in the prosecutors office. 'Now its time for me to rebuild and move forward with a calmer and healthier life and future relationships.' The women remembered Tracey for her love of travel, dancing, fine wine, fashion, and hosting dinner parties. Lantz also described her as 'such a shining star' who was fashionable, with an 'intelligence that's (also) a humor'. Beckerink's lawyer Todd Pugh said he denies the domestic violence claims. 'There was no physical violence that Adam had directed towards CT,' he told the Chicago Tribune. 'There is no corroboration to any of her claims. There was a layer of emotional volatility to the relationship, but CT enjoyed an incredibly close relationship with Adam's parents and Adam.' Pictured: Caitlin Tracey's father, retired real estate developer Andrew Tracey (second left), 69, holding hands with his wife and her mother, college professor Dr Monica Tracey, 65 Pictured: The Traceys speaking with their lawyers in court previously Beckerink's disheveled mugshot was unearthed by a DailyMail.com FOIA request in November, following from his arrest the day she was found dead. Chicago PD officers initially charged the attorney with disorderly conduct and accused him of making a false report of an offense on October 28, but he was released without charge after questioning. Beckerink appeared with stubble and his hair skewed to one side in the mugshot pictured in his police report. Since Tracey's autopsy results are pending and the investigation into her death is ongoing, police declined to give any further information. The report came after Tracey's parents won custody of her body from Beckerink amid an acrimonious court battle. Beckerink hit back by filing an emergency motion to prevent them from proceeding with her funeral and give him the opportunity to challenge the decision. However, a Cook County judge denied his motion, according to the Chicago Tribune, which allowed them to proceed with the Catholic burial they had planned for their daughter on November 23. Vice President J.D. Vance came face-to-face with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the first time since their Oval Office showdown earlier this year. The two attended Pope Leo XIV's first Sunday mass after being elected the new leader of the Catholic Church and the first American to ever hold the top post in Vatican City. After the service, Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined Vance and Zelensky in Rome for talks aimed at advancing the goal of ending the war between Russia and Ukraine. 'The leaders discussed their shared goal of ending the bloodshed in Ukraine and provided updates on the current state of negotiations for a ceasefire and lasting peace,' states a readout of their meeting from the Vice President's office. The meeting comes as President Donald Trump prepares for a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday to negotiate an end to the conflict that has gone on for nearly three-and-a-half years. A White House official told reporters that Trump did not phone in for the meeting, but plans to speak with Zelensky on Monday, which the president previously announced on Truth Social. Vice President J.D. Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met on Sunday in Rome, Italy for their first sit-down since their heated Oval Office showdown in February The two ran into each other earlier on Sunday during Pope Leo XIV's first Sunday mass at the Vatican since he was elected this month to be the first-ever American pope The vice president and first lady Usha Vance were seen shaking hands with Zelensky hours before the meeting on peace negotiations. After sitting down with Zelensky, Vance and Rubio also had a trilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen at the Palazzo Chigi. They mostly discussed trade and cooperating to end the war in Ukraine. Back in February, Vance and Zelensky had a very tense exchange during an Oval Office meeting with President Trump. Vance felt that the Ukrainian leader was being disrespectful to his boss and said he should be more appreciative of the assistance the U.S. has provided to Kyiv over the years. 'Mr. President, with respect, I think it's disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media,' Vance said as he went into attack mode after Zelensky repeatedly disputed statements made by Trump. Vance noted that Biden stood up for four years and 'talked tough' while 'thumping his chest' but Putin invaded Ukraine anyway. 'The path to peace and the path to prosperity is maybe engaging in diplomacy,' the vice president said at the time. Zelensky explained how Putin occupied parts ofUkraine since 2014, beginning in Crimea, and complained how nobody would stop him or help broker a ceasefire. Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined the team meeting for peace talks in Rome on Sunday, May 18, 2025 as Ukraine seeks a ceasefire with Russia Zelensky (right) goes in for a handshake as he seeks Vice President J.D. Vance and First Lady Usha Vance at St. Peter's square in the Vatican City on Sunday, May 18, 2025 'What kind of diplomacy, JD, you are speaking about?' Zelensky asked. 'I'm talking about the kind of diplomacy that's going to end the destruction of your country,' he replied. Vance reminded Zelensky that Trump was engaging in diplomacy and that he should be respected for trying to find peace between the two countries. 'Do you think it's respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America that's trying to prevent the destruction of your country?' Vance asked Zelensky. When the Ukrainian leader further questioned Trump's remarks and disputed the president about the ongoing war between Russia, Vance pushed back: 'Have you said thank you once? During this entire meeting?' 'A lot of times,' Zelensky replied. 'Even today.' Vance and Zelensky's interaction on Sunday marked the first time they saw each other since that very heated back-and-forth. Foreign patients have racked up a 'staggering' 6m treatment bill in Scotland's hospitals. Shock new figures show much taxpayers have had to shell out for tourists who have had everything from dental procedures to heart care and plastic surgery on the NHS. Details provided by health boards show 4,366,934 of debt is currently outstanding as a result of treatment given to overseas visitors. More than 900 still owe cash after returning home while 2,130,570 has been written off as bad debt in the past six years. It comes as the Scottish Government has recently been forced to spend millions of pounds bailing out health boards to plug their financial black holes. Scottish Tory health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane said: The NHS cant afford to write off millions of pounds, at a time when every penny is a prisoner and Scottish patients are facing unacceptable waiting times due to SNP mismanagement. Whilst healthcare should be free at the point of use, there must be an appropriate mechanism in place so that treatment costs for overseas visitors can be recouped from their travel insurance provider or home state. Hard-pressed Scots should not lose out because of this staggering bill. Its vital SNP ministers prioritise all efforts to recover this money and redirect it to frontline NHS services. Anybody in Scotland may access services at a GP practice and receive A&E treatment without charge. But some visitors are supposed to pay for non-emergency care. Health boards are losing out on vital cash due to the difficulties of identifying those not entitled to free NHS care While GP services and emergency care are free for anyone, regardless of residency status, hospitals are supposed to identify chargeable patients and bill them upfront before receiving any other care, such as specialist appointments and planned procedures. But the figures reveal overstretched hospitals often fail to do this in time, and instead issue invoices to patients afterwards - allowing them to leave the country without paying. The true sum could be even higher as only patients who have been identified as having to pay are included - raising the prospect that more cash could be unaccounted for. The health tourism bill comes at a time when the country's A&E departments are under huge pressure Scottish Labours Health spokesman Jackie Baillie said: Overseas visitors are expected to pay for most health care excluding emergency treatment, yet on the SNPs watch it seems that too often they are not charged. The SNP must ensure that health boards are reimbursed for the services they deliver to overseas visitors so that the money can be invested back into our struggling hospitals and clinics. Scottish Labour will end the SNPs culture of waste and make sure that taxpayers money goes to frontline services so that Scots get the treatment they need. Details of the money being racked up in bills for treating foreign patients comes as many health boards struggle with huge financial deficits. Last month it emerged NHS Grampian owes the Scottish Government more than 90million. It had to borrow 67.5m to balance its budget last year the largest overspend of any NHS health board across Scotland. John OConnell, Chief Executive of the TaxPayers Alliance, said: Taxpaying patients stuck on long waiting lists will be furious that foreign users of the NHS arent paying their bills. When Brits go abroad they will make sure they are insured and we ought to expect the same from visitors to this country. Politicians must ensure they prioritise patients from our own country, and refuse non emergency treatment for foreigners while chasing down unpaid bills. A Scottish Government spokesman said: Scotlands NHS manages healthcare for overseas visitors though an effective combination of regulations and guidance. Processes are in place to ensure that people pay for services when they are liable to do so, and in the vast majority of cases this happens. Boards have a legal duty to recover the cost of NHS hospital healthcare provided to overseas visitors who are not eligible to receive NHS treatment at no charge. New York Senator Chuck Schumer has called for an investigation into the role he claims Donald Trump's administration may have played in the Brooklyn Bridge crash. A Mexican Navy ship with a crew of 277 on board smashed into the iconic New York City structure around 9pm Saturday. Two unidentified crew members were killed after falling from the masts to the ship's deck. Democrat Senator Schumer questioned whether cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), contributed to the crash. 'I have the general sense of a DOGE dysfunction in parts of the Coast Guard,' Schumer said at his weekly press conference, according to CBS New York. 'We know that there has been meddling by the Trump administration into the Coast Guard staffing, and now we need to know how this meddling might have impacted the events of last night, from a command, communication and local coordination level.' In April, DOGE cut $32.7 million from the Coast Guard by eliminating an 'ineffective IT program' known as the Logistics Information Management System (CG-LIMS), reported Fox News. Almost immediately after he took office in January, Trump fired the female leader of the US Coast Guard over concerns about the border and her obsession with DEI policies. A Mexican Navy ship with a crew of 277 on board smashed into the iconic New York City structure around 9pm Saturday New York Senator Chuck Schumer (pictured at the Israel Day Parade on Sunday) implied the Trump Administration's cuts to the Coast Guard could have led to the deadly crash The Senate Minority Leader implied the Trump Administration's cuts could have led to the deadly crash and called for an investigation. 'After being fully briefed on last night's Brooklyn Bridge accident, one thing is very clear, there are many more questions than answers as to how the accident occurred and whether it could have been prevented,' Schumer said. Schumer said the Coast Guard has a system called vehicle traffic service (VTS) that's similar to how the FAA handles air traffic control, and said it may not have been working at the time of the crash. 'There are indications that this service called the VTS may not have been fully or adequately functional in light of that hiring freeze,' he said. 'We don't know the answer to that question. We need answers. If this were the case, Brooklyn Bridge accident could be a national harbinger, demanding immediate attention.' The massive 160-foot-high Cuauhtemoc Training Ship likely suffered a 'mechanical issue' before losing power, according to police. A total of 22 crew members have been reported injured as of Sunday morning, with at least 11 in critical condition, Mexican Navy officials said. After the tragic incident, Chief Wilson Aramboles with the NYPD Special Operations Bureau said 'some mechanical issues' most likely caused the ship to hit the bridge. Two unidentified crew members were killed after falling from the masts to the ship's deck The massive 160-foot-high Cuauhtemoc Training Ship likely suffered a 'mechanical issue' before losing power 'The captain that was maneuvering the ship lost, I guess, power of the ship,' Aramboles told reporters, while advising that the information was preliminary. A graphic posted to X appeared to show the massive ship losing power and stalling in the water just before reaching the bridge. The records show the ship undocking at Seaport in Lower Manhattan around 8.20pm alongside alongside a tugboat. It was then seen rapidly losing control as it started to move backward toward the Brooklyn Brooklyn bridge. The vessel was then seen drifting toward the Manhattan Bridge before it was saved by NYPD and FDNY boats. The ship itself was moving in the 'wrong direction' when it slammed into the bridge, a senior city official close to the investigation claimed. The Scottish state is committed to spending your money wisely, and just so you know how wisely, it is spending more than 100m telling you about it. As revealed by the Scottish Daily Mails Michael Blackley, the Scottish Government and 93 other public bodies now employ 642 spin doctors between them, each tasked with presenting their institution in the most favourable light possible. Given the track records of some of these organisations, that is no small feat, but breaking through the 100 million cost barrier, and in the space of three years no less, lays bare the price of the SNPs empire of spin. There is something faintly absurd, in a comedic style reminiscent of the Soviet Union, about the state having done such a good job for its citizens that it must hire hundreds of public relations specialists to help its citizens realise this. You might not see any evidence of a bountiful wheat harvest, comrade, but the Five Year Plan for Revolutionary Grain Farming has met all its targets. This is, of course, an exercise in propagandistic profligacy, as foolhardy a use of scarce resources as the outrageous spending that was allowed to go on at the Water Industry Commission for Scotland and the six-figure sum frittered away fighting and losing the For Women Scotland case on the definition of sex in the Equality Act. Under John Swinney, the Scottish Government and 93 other public bodies now employ 642 spin doctors between them What sticks in the craw of the public is that there is never any accountability for these decisions. Just some faux contrition and mumbling about lessons learned, the lesson seemingly being how not to get caught the next time. But this is more than a matter of pounds and pennies. The top-heavy spin operation of the Scottish Government and other public bodies risks stifling transparency in a country where it is sorely needed. The Scottish state is a creature that stalks the shadows, opting to do its business behind closed doors and away from the prying eyes of the public. Understandably, there are matters which cannot be attended to under the harsh aspect of sunlight, issues like security and emergency situations, but these are exceptions to the rule that to govern well is to govern openly. The Scottish Government, and the whole cosmos of devolved power, appears to be allergic to openness. They know best and theyll let the rest of us know when theyre good and ready. This attitude was exemplified in the cover-up of the first Covid-19 outbreak, in central Edinburgh, early in the pandemic. Despite the cases being linked to an international conference, in a busy city, after which delegates would have dispersed nationally and globally, neither the public nor businesses in the surrounding areas were alerted to the risk. It wasnt until 69 days later, and via a BBC Scotland investigation, that the outbreak became public knowledge. It was a breach of trust that would have required resignations in any other government but under Nicola Sturgeon was just the way things were done. The Edinburgh cover-up paled in comparison to the investigations into Alex Salmond and their fallout. Accused of misconduct, the former first minister was investigated by a procedure later found unlawful and prosecuted on charges of which he was later acquitted. Yet when the Scottish Parliament came to interrogate the circumstances behind these extraordinary events, it was met with unminuted meetings, informal chats, absent civil servants, and the almighty power of silence in an institution in which those who know the most know to keep their mouths shut. All sorts of assurances were given in light of what we were told were lapses. Only, the famous lessons had not been learned when the time came to manage the pandemic. We learned thanks to the Covid inquiry that the country was being run by a shadowy group, Gold Command, the existence of which was unknown even to senior ministers. Life or death decisions taken in secret with no minutes recorded. That should chill the blood of any democrat. Yet there was more contempt for open and accountable government yet to come when it was revealed that Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney deleted their messages during the crisis. The one hope Scots might have had of learning who made the fateful decisions, how and why snatched away. We hear a lot these days about the hostility some members of the public harbour towards politicians, and obviously threats and abuse are unacceptable, but there isnt nearly enough recognition of just how much hostility some politicians, including the most senior in the land, harbour towards the public. It is not enough that they have power over us, they insist on having it without any responsibility. If the battalions of spin doctors to be found across government and the public sector were there to share key information to the population, we would not learn about such things via leaks and inquiries and press exposes. But these highly paid, generously pensioned apparatchiks are not in the business of communicating information but of controlling it, of trying to gull journalists into presenting ministerial perfidy as public service and managerial failure as imperfect success. They are massagers of truth, rehabilitators of lies, and dealers in the plausible and the deniable. Scotland is hardly the only nation where government and public sector encircle themselves in a praetorian guard of press officers, but it is one in which the imbalance between journalists trying to unearth the facts and propagandists trying to keep them buried is so very pronounced. Nicola Sturgeon routinely deleted her WhatsApp messages during the Covid crisis It means that, no matter how diligently they strive to separate fact from falsehood, to compose the most accurate picture of what has transpired behind closed doors, and to put this information in front of the voting public, reporters will always be outnumbered and outgunned by a taxpayer-funded manipulation machine. Spending 100 million on spin in three years is indefensible given the duty to use taxpayers money wisely and hypocritical given oft-heard complaints about insufficient finances. But it is more than that. Recruiting so many spin doctors that the journalists tasked with holding you to account will always be unequal in manpower and resources is intrinsically anti-democratic. On the surface, it meets all the outward requirements for open, transparent government, but where it matters, on the level of substance, it is a cynical pretence. The Scottish Government and the myriad bodies and agencies that run this country do not want you to know what they are up to with your money. They want you to know only what they want you to know. When the state cloaks itself in this much spin and secrecy it is because the state has something to hide. When it spends so much cash defending its policies, cash that could have gone to improving services, its only natural to ask whether the decision-makers have the publics best interests at heart. However cynical you feel towards the governing class, you do not feel anywhere near cynical enough. A government or a public body that would spend so extravagantly to shield from your eyes the consequences of its actions is one that has forfeited your trust. Trust is what this whole racket runs on. They can make you hand over your money, but they cant force you to trust them. 100 million pays for a lot of spin, but it costs government something money cant buy: credibility. As one of Hollywoods leading men, he has earned a string of glittering prizes for his commanding on-screen presence. But for more than a decade, one treasure has eluded Oscar-winning actor George Clooney after he waded into a long-running diplomatic row over the Elgin Marbles, named after the Scots nobleman who removed them from the Parthenon building in Athens. Now, Clooney has stoked the debate further after insisting that he and his wife, human rights lawyer Amal, will personally keep pushing until it happens, even though UK law prohibits their removal from the British Museum where they have been housed since the early 19th century. Amid delicate talks between the Greek government and chairman of the British Museum, George Osborne, over the future of the 2,500-year-old marbles, the actor declared confidently that they will head to Greece. In an interview with the Greek newspaper Ta Nea, Clooney reportedly said: Theyre going to come back. I know they are. He added: My wife and I both have worked to get the Parthenon Marbles back to Greece. Well keep pushing until it happens. Theres no question about it. George Clooney says he and his wife Amal will personally keep pushing' until the Elgin Marbles are returned to Greece The actors comments mark a continuation of his outspoken support for Greece taking back the sculptures - a position he first brought to international attention more than a decade ago. During a trip to Berlin in February 2014 to promote the film The Monuments Men - a film about Allied efforts to restore looted Nazi treasures to their true owners - Clooney stated that the Parthenon Marbles should be returned to Greece. It is the right thing to do, he said. The actors comments drew criticism from then London mayor Boris Johnson, who suggested that someone urgently needs to restore George Clooneys marbles. He added that Clooney was advocating nothing less than the Hitlerian agenda for Londons cultural treasures, referencing Nazi plans to plunder the British Museum during the Second World War. Clooney later dismissed Mr Johnsons comments as too much hyperbole washed down with a few whiskies. At the time, Clooneys wife was among a panel of experts advising Greece on possible legal options to pursue the return of the marbles. Their recommendation, detailed in a 600-page report, was ultimately not adopted by the Greek government. However, it was later published as a book under the title Who Owns History?, which Mrs Clooney called a powerful cry for justice. She praised the work for laying out the case for reuniting the Parthenon Marbles in Athens once and for all. Her husbands latest remarks are understood to have been made last week in New York, where Clooney is currently starring in the Broadway adaptation of Good Night, and Good Luck, the 2005 film he also directed and co-wrote. The Elgin Marbles on display at the British Museum in London The 7th Earl of Elgin, who brought the Elgin Marbles to Britain According to reports, Clooney recently told Janet Suzman-the chair of the British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles-that the Parthenon Sculptures must be returned to their original owner. Earlier this year, Clooney wrote to Suzman, saying: There are a lot of historical artefacts that should be returned to their original owners, but none more important than the Parthenon Marbles. Despite ongoing talks between Greek ministers and former Chancellor Mr Osborne, no solution to the ongoing dispute appears to be in sight. The British Museum is prevented by the British Museum Act 1963 from disposing of the artefact held in its collection, meaning it could at best offer Greece a temporary loan. Greece are unlikely to agree to that, as any loan would require a legal recognition of the British Museums ownership. The fifth-century-BC statues have been housed in the British Museum since 1817 after they were removed from the Parthenon temple on the Acropolis in Athens by Thomas Bruce, the 7th Earl of Elgin, the then Ottoman ambassador. In an online statement, the trustees of the British Museum say that Elgin acted with the full knowledge and permission of the legal authorities of the day in both Athens and London. The sculptures on display in London convey huge public benefit as part of the museums worldwide collection, they add. The statement reiterates that the trustees have never been asked for a loan of the Parthenon sculptures by Greece, only for the permanent removal of all of the sculptures in its care to Athens. Israel has retrieved thousands of items belonging to the country's most famous spy after a covert operation in Syria, but it's not what his family wanted. On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared some of the 2,500 items from the Syrian archive relating to Eli Cohen, an Israeli spy who infiltrated the political echelon in Syria, with Cohen's widow. Sunday marked 60 years since Cohen was hanged in a square in Damascus. But his remains have yet to be returned to Israel, where he is regarded as a national hero. The items recently spirited into Israel include documents, recordings, photos, and items collected by Syrian intelligence after his capture in January 1965, letters in his own handwriting to his family in Israel, photographs of his activity during his operational mission in Syria and personal objects that were taken from his home after his capture. Suitcases of items brought to Israel included worn folders stuffed with handwritten notes, keys to his apartment in Damascus, passports and false identification documents, missions from the Mossad to surveil specific people and places, and documentation of all the efforts of his widow, Nadia Cohen, begging world leaders for his release from prison. Cohen's success in Syria was one of the Mossad spy agency's first major achievements, and the top-secret intelligence he obtained is widely credited with helping Israel prepare for its swift victory in the 1967 Middle East War. Eli Cohen managed to forge close contacts within the political and military hierarchy of Israel's archenemy in the early 1960s, ultimately rising to become a top adviser to Syria's defense minister. He was working under deep cover as an Argentinian-Syrian businessman called Amin Thaabet. On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared some of the 2,500 items from the Syrian archive relating to Eli Cohen, an Israeli spy who infiltrated the political echelon in Syria, with Cohen's widow Eli Cohen (1924-1965) hanged in the square Marjeh in Damascus, on May 18, 1965 Israeli spy Elie Cohen (L) and two other unidentified co-defendants, during their trial in Damascus, ten days before his execution in May 1965 Although his main task was to report on military and political developments in Syria, Cohen was also told to inform his bosses about Nazis living in the country's capital. Among Mossad's top targets were war criminals Alois Brunner - the former deputy to Holocaust architect Adolf Eichmann - and fellow mass murderer Franz Rademacher. He attempted to assassinate Rademacher with a letter bomb in 1962. From February 1962, Cohen worked his way up Syria's elite, sending coded messages back to his homeland. In 1965, Cohen was caught radioing information to Israel. Spooks from the Soviet Union's KGB agency brought in specialist radio equipment to the Middle East which was able to pinpoint secret broadcasts being made inside Damascus. They found that signals were coming from Cohen's home. Armed men kicked down his door and arrested him. His fingernails were ripped out while he was tortured, before he was hanged in Damascus Sqaure on May 18, 1965. Cohen's body was covered in anti-Zionist slogans and left hanging for six hours. In 2019, actor Sasha Baron Cohen portrayed Eli Cohen (no relation) in a six-episode Netflix series called 'The Spy.' 'We conducted a special operation by the Mossad, by the State of Israel, to bring his (Eli Cohen's) archive, which had been in the safes of the Syrian intelligence for 60 years,' Netanyahu told Nadia Cohen on Sunday in Jerusalem. Ahead of viewing the items, Nadia Cohen told Netanyahu that the most important thing was to bring back Cohen's body. Netanyahu said Israel was continuing to work on locating Cohen's body. Last week, Israel recovered the body of an Israeli soldier from Syria who had been missing for more than four decades, after he was killed during a clash with Syrian forces in Lebanon in 1982. Eli Cohen with his wife Nadia and eldest daughter Sophie Eli Cohen in training in Tel Aviv trying to avoid being seen, pictures took on spy camera Eli Cohen Postcard written in French sent from Istanbul signed of with his code name Menashe Eli Cohen pictured on the Syrian boarder, Golan Heights Eli Cohen undercover in Syriahe is on the right One of two apartments Eli Cohen used while undercover in the city. The addresses are based on the Mossad files. This one is at 375 Lavalle Street. Also attached is the Mossad picture showing the location and how it looked in the Sixties In 2019, actor Sasha Baron Cohen portrayed Eli Cohen (no relation) in a six-episode Netflix series called 'The Spy' 'Eli is an Israeli legend. He's the greatest agent Israeli intelligence has had in the years the state existed. There was no one like him,' Netanyahu said. In 2019, Israel released two Syrian prisoners in a 'goodwill gesture' after the remains of soldier Zachary Baumel, missing since 1982, were returned. Russia's president Vladimir Putin said the remains had been found by the Russian and Syrian armies, but a Syrian official denied Damascus had knowledge of the repatriation plans or details behind the discovery. Israeli soldiers fought against Syrian forces in a battle in June 1982 in the Lebanese village of Sultan Yacoub, near the Syrian border. Baumel and two other soldiers, Zvi Feldman and Yehuda Katz, had since been listed as missing and presumed killed. The latter two remain missing. Pro-western centrist politician Nicusor Dan has unexpectedly beaten Trump-supporting George Simion in the presidential election. Mr Dan, the incumbent mayor of Bucharest, took on hard-right nationalist Simion in a vote that has determined the geopolitical direction of the NATO member country. The vote was held months after the cancellation of the previous election plunged Romania into its worst political crisis in decades. According to the official tally, Mr Dan was leading by nearly nine percentage points with more than 98 per cent of the votes counted. There were not enough votes remaining for Mr Simion to make a comeback. After exit polls suggested he wasn't going to win, Trump-supporting Mr Simion rejected the result and said estimates put him 400,000 votes ahead. Speaking after voting ended, Mr Simion said his election was 'clear' as he posted on Facebook: 'I won!!! I am the new President of Romania and I am giving back the power to the Romanians!' When voting closed at 9pm local time, 11.6million people - or about 64 per cent of eligible voters - had cast ballots, according to official electoral data. Pro-western centrist politician Nicusor Dan has unexpectedly beaten Trump-supporting George Simion in the presidential election Supporters of Presidential candidate Nicusor Dan react, following exit polls of Romania's second round of the presidential election, in Bucharest, Romania, May 19, 2025 Leader of nationalist sovereign party 'Alliance for the Union of Romanians' AUR George Simion speaks to supporters after first exit polls were announced, in the second round of the Presidential election in Bucharest, Romania, on May 18, 2025 About 1.64million Romanians abroad, who have been able to vote since Friday at specially set-up polling stations, participated in the vote. After polls closed on Sunday, Mr Dan told the media that 'elections are not about politicians' but about communities and that in Sunday's vote, 'a community of Romanians has won, a community that wants a profound change in Romania'. 'When Romania goes through difficult times, let us remember the strength of this Romanian society,' he said. 'There is also a community that lost today's elections. A community that is rightly outraged by the way politics has been conducted in Romania up to now.' Turnout was significantly higher in Sunday's runoff and is expected to play a decisive role in the outcome. In the first round on May 4, final turnout stood at 9.5million, or 53 per cent of eligible voters. Romania's political landscape was upended last year when a top court voided the previous election in which far-right outsider Calin Georgescu topped first-round polls, following allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference, which Moscow denied. Standing on the steps of Romania's colossal Communist-era parliament building after polls closed, Mr Simion predicted a significant victory over his opponent, which he called a 'victory of the Romanian people'. Mr Simion said that Mr Georgescu was 'supposed to be the president' before last year's election was annulled. After polls closed on Sunday, Mr Dan told the media that 'elections are not about politicians' but about communities and that in Sunday's vote, 'a community of Romanians has won, a community that wants a profound change in Romania' He also called for vigilance against election fraud, but said that overall he was satisfied with the conduct of the vote. Shortly after 6pm, Romania's ministry of foreign affairs spokesperson Andrei Tarnea said in a post on X that the election was subject to a 'viral campaign of fake news' on the Telegram messaging app and other social media platforms, which tried to influence the electoral process and had 'the hallmarks of Russian interference'. Networks of co-ordinated disinformation have emerged as a pervasive force throughout Romania's entire election cycle. Romanian authorities debunked the deluge of fake news, Mr Tarnea said. Mr Simion appeared alongside Mr Georgescu at a Bucharest polling station on Sunday and told reporters that he voted against the 'humiliations to which our sisters and brothers have been subjected'. 'We voted against abuses and against poverty,' he said. 'I voted for our future to be decided only by Romanians, for Romanians and Romania. So help us God.' Sympathetic reactions poured in from leaders across the political spectrum Sunday as former President Joe Biden, 82, was diagnosed with an 'aggressive form' of prostate cancer. Surprisingly, MAGA Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, of Georgia was one of the members of Congress to weigh in on the news, noting that cancer had impacted her own family: 'Cancer is truly awful. My Dad passed away in 2021 with cancer.' The cancer has metastasized and spread to his bones, a statement on Biden's diagnosis revealed. The announcement came just one week after reports revealed that a 'small nodule' was found on Biden's prostate that needed 'further evaluation.' Biden's former Vice President Kamala Harris posted on X on behalf of herself and her husband, 'Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Bidens prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time.' 'Joe is a fighter and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery,' the former veep added. Biden's former Vice President Kamala Harris posted on X on behalf of herself and her husband, reacting to the news of former President Joe Biden's cancer diagnosis. Former Democrat National Committee chairman Jaime Harrison wrote: 'Keeping my friend and my President @JoeBiden in my prayers! May God keep and heal you Mr. President!' Meghan McCain, political podcaster and daughter of former Senator and GOP presidential candidate John McCain who passed away from cancer sent well wishes. 'Wishing nothing but healing, prayers, light and strength to President Biden and his family,' she stated, adding 'I dont believe times like these are appropriate for politics.' Im sorry to see this news. Cancer is truly awful. My Dad passed away in 2021 with cancer. Prays for Joe Biden and his family. pic.twitter.com/IS38b2mpmL Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) May 18, 2025 Keeping my friend and my President @JoeBiden in my prayers! May God keep and heal you Mr. President! https://t.co/Yy9Yzwca41 Jaime Harrison (@harrisonjaime) May 18, 2025 Cancer is the absolute worst. It is hell. It is incredibly difficult for any family, anywhere that has to deal with it. Wishing nothing but healing, prayers, light and strength to President Biden and his family. I dont believe times like these are appropriate for politics. Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) May 18, 2025 A statement on the diagnosis states: 'Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms.' 'On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone,' it adds of the grave prognosis. 'While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management.' Joe Biden's personal office released a statement on Sunday revealing that the former president was diagnosed with an 'aggressive form' of prostate cancer on Friday, May 16, 2025 Biden left office as the oldest serving president in U.S. history he was also elected as the oldest ever person to hold the highest office. Last weekend, his office said a 'small nodule' was found on his prostate during 'a routine physical exam.' It's common for those of the his advanced age to experience prostate issues. A nodule is a firm lump or swelling that can develop throughout the body. While they can be benign and harmless, some can be associated with bigger health concerns like infections or, in this case, cancer. Questions over the former president's age, health and fitness for office ultimately led him to ditch his reelection campaign and let then-Vice President Kamala Harris, 60, take over. Leaders within the Democratic Party have started to publicly admit that Biden should not have run for reelection in 2024. Some claim that they were duped by advisers who were shielding Biden from the public and telling members of the party he was fit behind the scenes. Progressive California Democrat Ro Khanna, who appeared on ABC's This Weekon Sunday to discuss the concealment of the former president's mental state during his time in office, stated that he was 'Praying for @JoeBiden and his family to defeat the cancer hes recently been diagnosed with. He and Jill have always been fighters and I am confident they will meet this challenge with grit and grace.' Praying for @JoeBiden and his family to defeat the cancer hes recently been diagnosed with. He and Jill have always been fighters and I am confident they will meet this challenge with grit and grace. Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) May 18, 2025 Gwen and I are praying for President Biden and his family. A truly decent man and a friend. Were wishing him all the best. https://t.co/5huZNmEdXD Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) May 18, 2025 Tim Walz, who joined the Democratic ticket for the White House after Biden's Kamala Harris was anointed the party's presidential nominee as Biden was pushed aside from another presidential run wrote 'Gwen and I are praying for President Biden and his family. A truly decent man and a friend. Were wishing him all the best.' In February 2023, Biden had a cancerous lesion removed from his chest and before entering office had several non-melanoma skin cancer spots removed with Mohs surgery. Prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) is the most severe grade a patient can receive. And the fact it has metastasized in the former president's bones adds to the grave diagnosis. The statement from Biden's office claims that the form of cancer he has appears to be hormone sensitive and might be effectively managed by various treatments. A Mexican Navy cadet who was killed in the harrowing ship collision with the Brooklyn Bridge was pictured smiling in front of the ill-fated vessel before the crash. America Yamilet Sanchez, 20, has been identified as one of the two fatal victims of the Saturday night catastrophe. The Xalapa, Mexico native was reportedly standing atop one of the Cuauhtemoc's masts when the boat experienced a mechanical issue, causing the captain to lose control as the East River's current dragged it toward the iconic bridge. Its 147-foot masts smashed into the crossing connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan, and terror ensued as onlookers watched victims dangle and plummet from the masts' beams. Shortly before the nightmarish crash, Sanchez appeared to be enjoying a light-hearted trip to New York City. In a chilling Facebook post, shared at 12:40pm on Sunday - about eight hours before the incident that ended her life - the bright-eyed Navy trainee was pictured during a night out in the Big Apple. Captioned 'NY' with a red heart emoji, Sanchez wore a yellow blouse and blue jeans as she grinned while leaning against a metal railing. The training ship was blurrily seen lit-up in the background. America Yamilet Sanchez (pictured), 20, has been identified as one of the two fatal victims of the Saturday night catastrophe Its 147-foot masts smashed into the crossing connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan, and terror ensued as onlookers watched victims dangle and plummet from the masts' beams (pictured: crew members dangling from the masts) Captioned 'NY' with a red heart emoji (pictured), Sanchez wore a yellow blouse and blue jeans as she grinned while leaning against a metal railing According to local outlet E-Consulta Velacruz, outside of her naval pursuits, Sanchez was known as a talented swimmer who won several medals in the sport. Veracruz Governor Rocio Nahle Garcia made the chilling announcement of the bright-futured cadet's death. The second deceased victim has yet to be publicly named. 'I deeply regret the passing of Veracruz cadet America Yamilet Sanchez,' the governor of Veracruz, where Xalapa is the capital, wrote on X Sunday afternoon. The Mexican Navy has sworn to return her body to her family as soon as possible. In addition to the two fatalities, the Navy reported 22 crew members were harmed and 11 of those are in critical condition. The remaining nine people are said to be stable. There were 277 people onboard, 64 women and 213 men. The Cuauhtemoc Training Ship was in New York as a part of the Bicentennial of the Consolidation of Independence at Sea tour. The voyage aimed to commemorate 'the seafaring spirit, strengthen naval education and carry the message of peace and goodwill of the Mexican people to the seas and ports of the world,' according to SeaWaves Magazine. The Cuauhtemoc Training Ship was in New York as a part of the Bicentennial of the Consolidation of Independence at Sea tour (pictured: the training vessel after the harrowing collision) Outside of her naval pursuits, Sanchez (pictured in 2022) was known as a talented swimmer who won several medals in the sport Setting sail from Acapulco, the ship was destined for 22 ports across 15 different countries. When the boat crashed, the Navy personnel were bound for Iceland. The records show the ship undocking at Seaport in Lower Manhattan around 8:20pm alongside a tugboat. It was then seen rapidly losing control as it started to move backward toward the Brooklyn Brooklyn bridge. The vessel was then seen drifting toward the Manhattan Bridge before it was saved by NYPD and FDNY boats. The ship itself was moving in the 'wrong direction' when it slammed into the bridge, a senior city official close to the investigation revealed. Its captain of the ship told investigators he lost control of the ship after the rudder - a piece attached near the stern of the boat for steering - shut down. Shocked onlookers gathered on the nearby pier witnessed horrifying moment. 'I thought it was maybe some sort of a terrorist attack,' Aaron Travis, visiting from Texas, told DailyMail.com. Emergency services swarmed the area (pictured). EMS officials were seen rushing injured cadets into ambulances. Divers have also arrived at the scene Sanchez (pictured in 2023) was reportedly standing atop one of the Cuauhtemoc's masts when the boat experienced a mechanical issue Another witness added: 'As long as Ive lived Ive never seen anything crash into the Brooklyn bridge.' As emergency efforts unfolded, crowds were seen lining the streets, applauding first responders exiting the scene as emergency lights flashed and sirens blared. NYC Mayor Eric Adams and other city officials also arrived at the scene for a press conference. Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez confirmed there was no major damage to the bridge. Both sides of the bridge were initially closed after the crash, but were reopened shortly after. The Navy personnel may have been standing on the masts of the Mexican Navy ship as part of a ceremonial greeting and show of respect upon entering a port. This tradition, known as 'manning the yards,' is a longstanding maritime custom practiced worldwide. The sailors aboard the Cuauhtemoc appeared to have been engaged in this time-honored ritual during the crash. Shocked onlookers gathered on the nearby pier witnessed horrifying moment (pictured: witnesses standing near the wrecked boat) During a press conference, NYC Mayor Eric Adams was joined by Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch and other safety officials (pictured) In a statement shared on Sunday morning, the Secretary of the Navy and High Command of the Mexican Navy, Raymundo Pedro Morales Angeles addressed the gut-wrenching tragedy. 'In difficult times, we reaffirm what is most valuable to the Mexican Navy: its people,' he wrote. 'I deeply regret what happened during the maneuver on the Training Ship Cuauhtemoc. My commitment to the well-being of naval personnel and their families is absolute. 'We know that every leg of the voyage carries risks inherent to our seafaring vocation. Therefore, the professionalism and constant preparation of our sailors are essential, but so is the humane support in the face of any adversity. 'From the first moment, protocols for medical care, institutional support, and direct accompaniment to the wounded and their loved ones were activated.' If you have a job in Australia, you've probably noticed each of your payslips has a section telling you how much superannuation will be paid alongside your wages. But while your wages are deposited in your bank account however frequently you receive a payslip whether that's weekly, fortnightly or monthly it's a different story for your super. Under current superannuation laws, employers are only required to pay super into an employee's nominated fund at least four times a year 28 days after the end of each quarter although many do pay more regularly. But that's set to change. From July 1 2026, new 'payday super' rules will require employers to pay super into the employee's fund within seven days of wages. This reform was announced in the 202324 federal budget, allowing employers, superannuation funds and software providers three years to set up compliant systems. But it hasn't yet been legislated. Now, some industry groups are calling for a further delay of up to two years. So, who are these reforms designed to benefit? And does business really need more time to get ready? Missing or incorrect super Missing or incorrect super payments present a huge problem for Australia's retirement system. Missing super payments are a multi-billion dollar problem The Super Members Council claims one in four Australians are missing out on the correct amount of superannuation contributions. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) estimates A$5.2billion of guaranteed superannuation went unpaid in 202122. This can be due to payroll errors, misclassification under an award or, in extreme cases, non-payment of superannuation as a form of wage theft. All these things can be harder to spot when super is paid less frequently. Rules only requiring super to be paid quarterly may have been appropriate 30 years ago, in the early days of the superannuation guarantee. Business systems were often not computerised, and wages were often paid in cash. Times have changed Payroll systems are now much more sophisticated. From 2018, the federal government rolled out the single-touch payroll program that requires employers to report wages in real time, including details of superannuation guarantee withheld from an employee's wages. The government is already benefiting from the increased automation of data submitted through this system. From July 1 2026, new 'payday super' rules will require employers to pay super into the employee's fund within seven days of wages under reforms from Anthony Albanese Single-touch payroll data helps improve official labour statistics and provides up-to-date income information for employees through the MyGov portal. Sending real-time data to Centrelink addresses one of the major flaws underpinning the Robodebt scandal, which used an averaging system to estimate fortnightly earnings. Benefits for employees In simple terms, the coming changes are basically a change in timing. Payments will be transferred to an employee's super fund in the same way their wages are transferred directly to their bank account. Once bedded down, the changes will provide benefits across the board to employees, employers and the government. Currently, if an employee believes the correct amount of superannuation is not being paid to their fund, they are expected to follow this up directly with the ATO. Unfortunately, many employees presume the withheld amount shown on the payslip has already been paid into their super account. Unless a member is actively monitoring their super balance, they may be unaware that the amount shown on their payslip is not being paid into their fund on a timely basis. Payday super changes could help employees more easily check their super is being paid Benefits for business Employers should also benefit from these changes, many of whom already do transfer superannuation when wages are paid. Currently, superannuation guarantee payments are run on a separate payment cycle to payroll, coinciding with payment of tax liabilities. If payments are on the same cycle as payroll, it should make budgeting easier, and ensure the separate super payment run is not overlooked. This assumes, of course, that the business is not relying on unpaid superannuation contributions to manage their cash flows elsewhere in the business. If that is the case, payday super changes will help protect the employee if the employer runs into financial difficulties. The change will also allow the tax office to match deductions and payments in real time to detect fraud and check that super is actually being paid. This can reduce audit costs and in the long run reduce reliance on the aged pension as super account balances improve. Why wait any longer? So, with all of these expected benefits, why has the financial services sector this month asked for implementation to be delayed further by up to two years? The building blocks of the system electronic payments to transfer funds and the government's single-touch payroll gateway are already in place. One challenge is legislative. Although announced in May 2023, the draft legislation was only released for consultation in March 2025. The Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 needs extensive amendments to rewrite references to the calculation and payment of the superannuation guarantee charge. The draft legislation also makes some changes to definitions that may impact on how systems must be set up for payday super. Although not intended to change entitlements, they need to be made accurate in the software. Still, payday super has the potential to strengthen Australia's superannuation system, protecting employee contributions and smoothing the payment system for employers. Concerns around its implementation are largely due to the time it has taken for the draft legislation to emerge. Following the election, the federal government has the numbers to pass this legislation as a matter of priority. Dr Sorell has given evidence supporting the Crowns case that Patterson visited an area in South Gippsland where death cap mushrooms grew. Prosecutors have told the court Patterson's phone records suggested she visited Outtrim on May 22 and Loch on April 28 in 2023. Fungi expert Tom May has previously told the court that sightings of death cap mushrooms were recorded in the Outtrim and Loch areas in May and April 2023 respectively. The jury heard Dr May made an online posting about the mushrooms at Outtrim on May 21. Dr Sorell said Pattersons phone records for May 22, 2023 were consistent with Patterson travelling from Leongatha, where she lived, to Outtrim that morning. Her phone handset appeared to be relatively stationary, based on its connection to Outtrim base station, from 11.24am to 11.49am. A sprawling estate in the Florida Keys, listed for $22.5million, features ten bedrooms and comes with a huge perk - a private white sandy beach. The property has three homes that are situated on the 8.5 acre oceanfront lot, including a four bedroom main house and guest house as well as a two bedroom caretaker's cottage. With almost 8 acres of ocean bottom included in the Kids Cay estate, the property also features spacious protected concrete dockage. But under the swaying palm trees is the estate's most unique perk, the Atlantic Ocean lapping onto a gorgeous stretch of private sandy white beach. Wide porch space wraps around the main property with ocean views across the beach and space to lounge around the pool. The cozy interior of the home features coastal-inspired elements, including light wood flooring, colorful tiling's and sandy colors. Within one of the eleven bathrooms, blue, orange and green hues adorn the walls contrasting the sandy beige wall and floor tiles. The estate's three homes are situated on the 8.5 acre oceanfront lot, including a four bedroom main house and guest house as well as a two bedroom caretaker's cottage Wide porch space wraps around the property with ocean views across the beach and space to lounge around the pool Under the swaying palm trees is the estate's most unique perk, the Atlantic Ocean lapping onto a gorgeous stretch of private sandy white beach Realtors The Florida Keys Sold Sisters Sabrina Wampler and Sarah Ewald described the estate as the 'epitome of true island living and serenity' 'This home brings the outside in and makes you feel like you are on vacation at every moment. Timeless elegance would best define it,' Ewald said Realtors The Florida Keys Sold Sisters Sabrina Wampler and Sarah Ewald described the estate as the 'epitome of true island living and serenity'. In 2023, Ewald told Mansion Global that 'just driving into Kids Cay takes your breath away'. 'The beach is massive. A quarter mile of private residential beach in the Florida Keys is unheard of as our islands are very small,' she added. 'The homes themselves ae simply and lend themselves to those who love spending time outdoors. 'When you live in the Florida Keys, you are here for the island charm and outdoor fun, not to be holed up inside for an extended period of time,' Ewald said. 'This home brings the outside in and makes you feel like you are on vacation at every moment. Timeless elegance would best define it.' The estate, in Lower Matecumbe Key, is part of the village of Islamorada which has a population of 7,051 just 90 minutes south of Miami. The new owner, according to the listing, will also enjoy 'a sanctuary for plethora's of beautiful native birds' that fly around the estate. The estate, in Lower Matecumbe Key, is part of the village of Islamorada which has a population of 7,051 just 90 minutes south of Miami 'It feels like a home, a place where you want to kick your shoes off and never leave,' Ewald said 'The beach is massive. A quarter mile of private residential beach in the Florida Keys is unheard of as our islands are very small,' Ewald added The new owner, according to the listing, will also enjoy 'a sanctuary for plethora's of beautiful native birds' that fly around the estate The cozy interior of the home features coastal-inspired elements, including light wood flooring, colorful tiling's and sandy colors Within the Lower Matecumbe Key, bird species such as the Roseate Spoonbill, Anhinga and the Bald Eagle can be spotted. It is also a destination spot for sportfishing and boating, with a chance to spot the variety of wildlife in the area including manatees, dolphins and tropical fish. 'It feels like a home, a place where you want to kick your shoes off and never leave,' Ewald said. An ancient text claims to reveal the name of the soldier who pierced Jesus with a spearing, delivinger the final death blow as he hung on the cross. The Gospel of Nicodemus, also known as the Acts of Pilate, was not accepted into the traditional Bible due to debates on the authorship, date and theological consistency. But tucked away in its pages is the name 'Longinus,' noted as the soldier who took a spear, pierced Jesus side where blood and water spilled from. This mirrors the account in John 19:34: 'But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.' Though Longinus is never named in the canonical scriptures, Christian legend has long associated him with the soldier at the crucifixion who witnessed the supernatural events and converted to Christianity. Stories about Longinus were passed down through generations, narrating how he went on to preach the gospel and was killed because of his faith during a time when Christianity was outlawed. There is no historical evidence confirming Longinus was a real person, but there is a striking statue of him that stands beneath the dome of Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. The story of Longinus was recently discussed on the Sunday Cool podcast, where hosts retold the legend of the Roman soldier turned martyr. The Gospel of Nicodemus, also known as the Acts of Pilate, provides intricate details about the trial, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus . 'Then Longinus, a certain soldier, taking a spear, pierced his side, and presently there came forth blood and water,' it reads While the author of the omitted text is mystery, many scholars speculate it was written by Nicodemus, a Pharisee mentioned in the Gospel of John, who assisted in Jesus's burial. However, other experts contend that it was written later, in the 4th century, by an unknown individual. The story of Longinus, while not in traditional Holy Scripture, is one of redemption. Legend has it that he was a Roman centurion under Pontius Pilate, the governor who condemned Jesus to death. Longinus was tasked with standing at the foot of the cross and stabbing Jesus in the side after his legs were broken by other Roman soldiers. According to Eastern Orthodox tradition, Longinus was the one who said, 'Truly this was the Son of God' (Matthew 27:54) following the earthquake that occurred after Jesus' death. The stories have also claimed that the soldiers was nearly blind, but when blood and water rushed from Jesus' side, it feel on his face and restored his sight. According to Christian tradition, Longinus was also believed to be among the soldiers assigned to guard Christ's tomb to stop anyone from stealing the body. There is no historical evidence confirming Longinus was a real person, but there is a striking statue of him that stands beneath the dome of Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City When Jesus rose from the dead, the guards were astonished and fled, according to the traditional Bible. But the legend of Longius says Jewish authorities attempted to bribe the soldiers into claiming that the body had been stolen, but he refused. Longius is believed that have returned to his homeland in Turkey, where he continued to spread the message of Christ's resurrection. According to early Christian tradition, Longinus was arrested for his newfound faith and brutally tortured. Accounts state his teeth were pulled and his tongue cut out, but he miraculously continued to speak clearly. Longinus was later executed by beheading. There are many sacred books that have been omitted from the Bible, one being the Book of Jubilee that talks about giants roaming the earth in the time of Noah. The Book of Genesis says the flood happened because humanity had become wicked, while the omitted text states it was due to 'the Watchers,' or fallen angels, taking human wives and having giant offspring who devoured everything. The Book of Jubilees describes the violence and corruption the giants and their descendants brought, such as cannibalization and sinning, leading to widespread evil on Earth. 'And the Lord destroyed everything from off the face of the earth; because of the wickedness of their deeds, and because of the blood which they had shed in the midst of the earth He destroyed everything,' reads Chapter 10:25. The Book of Jubilee was discovered in caves along the northwest shore of the Dead Sea, about 15 miles east of Jerusalem. While the chapters retell the books of Genesis and Exodus, it was not considered canonical by the Jewish and Christian communities because of supernatural elements and lack of spiritual content and apostolic authorship. Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Not all 'influencer' brands are created equal, and few live up to the social media hype. But Loungeface - the brainchild of one of the original Australian beauty YouTubers Lauren Curtis - has proven to be a resounding success. The brand's hero mascara, Loungeface Lash, has built a cult following since its launch in 2021. With over 1072 reviews and an average rating of 4.74 out of five stars, Curtis' loyal customers have dubbed the mascara their 'Holy Grail' make up product. Loungeface Lash is famed for building dramatic volume and lengthening lashes, while remaining completely smudge-proof. The beauty vlogger built on the success of the vegan tubing mascara with a range of eyebrow products, including brow pencils and builder gels. Now, Loungeface has announced a huge brow sale, offering customers up to 33 per cent off of all brow bestsellers and bundles. Loungeface, the brand founded by Lauren Curtis (pictured) has announced a huge sale The Aussie brand is offering up to 33 per cent off of all brow products, including bundles and bestsellers like the popular mascara The Brow Trio includes a Brow Pencil, Brow Builder in a choice of colours, and Clear Brow Gel. The brow pencil and builder gels are available in blonde, auburn, taupe, dark brown, and black brown shades. The Complete Collection includes the brow products plus the iconic Loungeface Lash Mascara. The Brow Trio includes a Brow Pencil, Brow Builder in a choice of colours, and Clear Brow Gel The Complete Collection includes the brand's cult Loungeface Lash mascara, which has over 1000 glowing reviews, as well as a brow pencil, builder and clear gel The pencil and builder set, and the pencil and clear brow gel set, are both reduced. Trio and duo bundles of the brow products are also on sale, so fans can stock up on their favourite items at the reduced price, and take advantage of free shipping on orders over $80 too. There are also savings to be found on individual brow pencils, builders and clear gels. Curtis began her YouTube channel in 2011, at just 18 years old. A video detailing her mascara routine went viral, amassing her an army of new followers and cementing her as one of the most influential beauty 'vloggers' in Australia. The sale is across individual brow products, duo and trio bundles, and sets After years of her fanbase asking her how they could achieve the same fluttery, dark, high-impact lash look she became known for, Curtis decided to produce her own mascara. The product was an instant success, and the reviews speak for themselves: 'I've used tubing mascara for years but this one is by far the best I've ever had,' one customer wrote, adding it was a 'Holy Grail' product. 'This mascara is exactly as advertised - intense volume & definition, no transfer, no smudging, buildable and gorgeous lashes that last all day. I will never go back to any other product now that I've tried this one.' Another customer wrote: 'Long time follower of Lauren Curtis. Decided to give this mascara a go because I love tubular mascaras and WOW. 'Never has a mascara given my lashes that much length & volume before! And a bonus it doesn't smudge and leave you with panda eyes by 5pm Will be repurchasing again and again 10/10!' Shop the sale and more on the Loungeface website. Emma Stone wows in a sleek black slip dress featuring delicate white lace ruffles as she joins her Eddington co-stars Austin Butler and Pedro Pascal for a photo call at the Cannes Film Festival. The actress kept her accessories minimal on Saturday, opting for simple silver jewelry by Louis Vuitton to complement her gown by the designer. The trio of stars, who walked the red carpet and posed together, were later joined by Joaquin Phoenix and director and co-producer Ari Aster for photos. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Friller! Emma Stone looked chic in a Louis Vuitton ruffle-detailed gown and jewelry on Saturday Casting call: Emma joined her Eddington co-stars Austin Butler (center) and Pedro Pascal (right) at the Cannes Film Festival Elegant: Her dress was edged with lace panels Handsome: Austin looked dapper in a black shirt tucked into smart brown pants Toned: Pedro charmed the crowd in an all-black outfit Present: The trio were joined by their Eddington co-star Joaquin Phoenix (second left) and the movie's director and co-producer Ari Aster (center) Emma had a sweet reunion with a reporter who said the star had changed his life when he reminded her of their previous interaction. The film critic from Kazakhstan began by expressing his gratitude to the actress: 'I'd like to thank you for quite literally changing my life. Just a year ago, we were at the very same press room, where I addressed you by your real name, Emily. The actress was born Emily Jean Stone but changed her professional name to Emma after discovering their was already another actress named Emily Stone. Emma told the standing reporter: 'Yes, very good to see you.' Recollection: Emma was reunited with a reporter (right) who said she had changed his life The broadcaster said: 'The video of this, and your kind and warm response, it went viral in Western media and obviously in my country Kazakhstan. It has skyrocketed my career and it has changed my personal life - literally for saying one word.' Emma said: 'That was incredibly sweet, and I'm so happy that a name could do that.' The interaction took place in 2024 when she was promoting her film Kinds Of Kindness, that the reporter first called her Emily. At the time, Emma told the movie's director Yorgos Lanthimos: 'That's my name!' Open day: The movie's cast answered questions about Eddington Grateful: The reporter had addressed the actress by her real name, Emily, last year Although Apple changes the spec and features every year on its handsets, iPhones tend to maintain the same general size and shape - but that could all soon change for its upcoming 20th-year celebrations. According to a new report, the tech giant's preparing a radical new form factor for an upcoming handset. Tech reporter Mark Gurman claimed the trillion-dollar company's working on a 'mostly glass, curved iPhone', 'without any cutouts in the display', such as the familiar black 'notch' area at the top for the speaker and camera that cuts into the screen. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO First & foremost: The original iPhone was announced in January 2007 and released in the U.S. that June 29, with its 3.5-inch diagonal screen, 16GB of storage, and a 2-megapixel camera Taste of things to come? A concept image from Tech Designs showed what the next round of curved iPhone could look like The new design would hit stores in a couple of years after the very first iPhone went on sale on June 29, 2007. In his Power On newsletter, Gurman said: 'Later in the year, a mostly glass, curved iPhone without any cutouts in the display is due to hit. 'That will mark the ten-year anniversary of the iPhone X, which kicked off the transition to all-screen, glass-focused iPhone designs.' According to Gurman, 2027's set to be 'a monumental year' for new Apple devices as a 'product renaissance is on the way'. He said: 'If all goes well, Apples product road map should deliver a number of promising new devices in that period, in time for the iPhones 20-year anniversary.' The tech reporter added that a 'lack of groundbreaking change' meant sales of the iPhone had 'tapered and are lower than where they were two years ago'. Apart from the 'mostly glass, curved iPhone', Apples first foldable iPhone should be on the market by then. Moving forward: A tech reporter said 2027 would be 'a monumental year' for new Apple devices as a 'product renaissance is on the way' at the company Unlike several of its rivals in the form of Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola, Apple's yet to release a foldable phone, although it's long been rumored to be working on one. The foldable iPhone device will be unique in that the typical foldable display crease would be 'nearly invisible', according to Gurman. Also, a pair of smart glasses that operate similarly to Ray-Ban's Meta versions, should also be available by 2027. Another product described as a cross between a foldable iPad with a touch-screen Mac would also be coming but 'likely wont arrive until 2028'. Smartphones: Apple's released plenty of new hardware in the past year, including the iPhone 16, the iPhone 16e, and the Apple Watch Series 10 While the idea of a predominantly glass smartphone sounds radical, Apple's already filed a patent for an all-glass smartphone with a continuous display across the front, back, and sides. Dubbed 'a single slab of glass', the patent showed a device with displays on both its front and back, as well as touchscreen buttons on the curved edges. Apple HQ's notable for its enormous curved glass walls created with the world's largest pieces of structured glass. Before the 'mostly glass' iPhone makes an appearance, Apple would have released at least two more phones the iPhone 17 (later in 2025) and iPhone 18 (in 2026). It's rumored that iPhone 17 models would have rectangular camera bars across the back, which fans noticed was reminiscent of the Google Pixel phones. One of the iPhone 17 models, 'iPhone 17 Air' or 'iPhone 17 Slim', was expected to be a lighter, thinner option with less-powerful hardware. It's also believed that Apple was considering getting rid of USB-C charging to be replaced by port-free iPhones in the near future. Travelling to every country in the world is already one of the globe's hardest challenges. But for Thor Pedersen, it wasn't quite hard enough. The 45-year-old Danish adventurer became the first and only person to visit every country in the world without taking a single flight in 2023. His mammoth voyage to 203 countries took him a decade (3,576 days) to complete. He spent at least 24 hours in each country and says that the challenging journey across 380,000km 'took him to the brink of his sanity'. Thor has now written a book about his adventure, 'The Impossible Journey'. In an exclusive chat with MailOnline Travel, the traveller reveals where he faced 'grave danger', the most logistically challenging country to travel to and the destinations which hold a special place in his heart. The idea for Thor's incredible voyage was sparked by an email from his father in 2013. He says: 'My father sent me a link to an article about extreme travellers who'd been to every country in the world. And I started digging into it and I found out that no one had accomplished a journey of visiting every country without flying and that struck me like a lightening bolt.' Once the idea was formed, Thor set out planning his route and admits that he was 'quite naive' about the difficulties when he left home. Of all the places he visited, he reveals that Equatorial Guinea, on Africa's west coast, presented the biggest logistical challenges. 'I had no idea that Equatorial Guinea was going to be difficult. I overlooked it in my research. It almost broke me,' says Thor. 'Equatorial Guinea is just notorious for not giving visas. It just didn't need tourists, it's a wealthy oil state and it's a paranoid dictatorship. The borders were shut and I went from one embassy to the next and got denied over and over again. Often in the most cruel and unnecessary ways with people screaming at me and belittling me. It took me three months before I finally had the visa.' Thor Pedersen became the first and only person to visit every country in the world without taking a single flight in 2023. He's pictured here in Sri Lanka The traveller completed his decade-long journey in the Maldives, where he's pictured above His mammoth voyage to 203 countries took him a decade (3,576 days) to complete. He's pictured in Sri Lanka That logistical nightmare occurred soon after one of the worst moments from Thor's trip where he reveals he felt 'certain he was going to die'. The traveller was accosted at a checkpoint in Cameroon by three drunk men armed with guns close to the border with Congo. Thor tells MailOnline: 'That was the only moment where I was 100 per cent certain that I was going to die. I had absolutely no doubt that it was the end of the road for me and there was no way out of it.' While the traveller escaped the encounter, the moment left an impression and came at a time when he was at his 'lowest point' on the adventure. Thor says: 'I spent part of my journey thinking "maybe I shouldn't be doing this".' Another challenging moment came while Thor was 'onboard a container ship in the North Atlantic during winter'. He says: 'The weather acted up to a degree where you couldn't stand on your legs without holding on to something. You couldn't lie down on the bed without ending up on the floor. You could barely eat a meal because you would be out of hands. And there was ice in the water and the ship wasn't ice class. We were also pretty close to where Titanic went down and that storm lasted for four days.' But despite the difficulties, Thor reveals that during his decade of travels the good moments far outweighed the bad. And while he met fantastic people everywhere, there are two countries he picks out as the friendliest in the world, which many may be surprised by. Thor reveals: 'I could single out Uganda. In Uganda, I found an openness and a kindness where I almost expected to get a hug just walking down the street. 'And in Pakistan, they have a saying that's something along the lines of "The guest is God". They don't mean that you're a god or anything like that, they just mean that the guest should be respected and treated with the utmost courtesy. If you're a guest you do nothing at all. They do everything for you and in many cases, you can find it hard to pay as well because you're a guest.' Despite having 203 countries and territories under his belt, Thor says that there's nowhere he wouldn't want to go back to. However, there are two countries that he's in 'no great hurry to return to'. Thor reveals that guests are treated with the 'utmost courtesy' in Pakistan, where he's pictured above Thor faced some of his biggest logistical challenges travelling to Equatorial Guinea, where he's pictured above Thor experienced incredible 'openness and kindness' while travelling in Uganda (where he's pictured above) He explains: 'I ended up spending two months in Tuvalu (in the Pacific Ocean) because I couldn't leave. I really feel I've seen that country. But on the other side of that, I'd like to go back and meet some of the people I met the first time around. And the Vatican is not high on my list. I spent 24 hours in the Vatican and I really don't have a good reason to go back.' After reaching the Maldives, the last country of his decade-long journey, Thor is now back in Denmark and lives with his wife and daughter. He jokes that his family are now 'having to deal with having him around all the time'. While the traveller learned many lessons over the course of his trip, it's the kindness he received that's stayed with him the most. He reveals: 'I look at the world map and I realise that I haven't been to a single country in the world where I didn't receive some sort of kindness or support from local people. 'In a conventional lottery, you buy a ticket and your chances of losing are almost 100 per cent, you expect to lose. But when you're dealing with people, it's reversed. You're winning, of course it's possible to lose, but the odds are overwhelmingly in our favour. You'll find kindness in all the places you wouldn't expect to.' 'The Impossible Journey' by Thor Pedersen is published by Robinson and available at Amazon, Winstone's Books, Bookshop.org and other major retailers. As one of the most respected voices in travel writing, Tony Wheeler has been helping tourists experience the world's most majestic sights since the early Seventies when he first founded Lonely Planet. The holiday sage, now 78, regularly discusses his favourite places, and the destinations he's got no desire to visit - and his latest list is out. While some might not surprise many, given global politics, the other two that have made Wheeler's no-go list are hugely popular tourist destinations. In a blog post on his website, the Lonely Planet co-founder - he set the company up with his wife Maureen in 1973 but later sold it to BBC Worldwide, posted explaining exactly what's behind his decisions. The post, entitled, Im Not Going There Anymore, reveals that travelling at all by plane feels difficult as the threat of global warming increases, but admits he 'continues travelling and continues to feel guilty about it. The first two destinations on the list are Russia and Saudia Arabia. While the latter is investing heavily in wooing tourists with luxury hotels and high-end developments, it doesn't float Wheeler's boat - and he's frank about it. Saudi Arabia gets short shrift from Lonely Planet co-founder Tony Wheeler in his latest list of places that he says he has no plans to go back to Bali high? Not according to travel sage Wheeler, who says the popular tourist island is to besieged by traffic to woo him back anytime soon (Pictured: View of Nusa Dua resort area in the vicinity of Denpasar in southern Bali) He says while he had an interesting time when visiting in 2002, he has no wish to go back, and it's a similar story with Russia, with the Lonely Planet founder citing political stories about both countries that have left him voting with his feet. The place those who read his books might be more surprised about? Indonesian island Bali. Sorry Bali, he explains. There are so many good things about that Indonesian island and Ive just had a great travel writers reunion trip there, but until they sort out the ridiculous traffic I never want to go back, unless theres a very good reason to drag me there. While he maintains he loves the art, food, shopping and cultural attractions on Bali, the jam between Kuta beach and Ubud has put him off for the forseeable. And a place that he's visited dozens of times also gets short shrift, meaning he may not complete his quest to visit all 50 states. Yes, the USA is off radar for the travel guru, with his visits to Missouri and Carolina likely to be his last for a while - well, at least the next four years. He explained: Despite having spent nearly 10 years of my life living in the USA and despite having many American friends, Im currently happy to leave the USA at the bottom of my dance card.' He reveals it's the current president that's putting him off: 'Right now with the orange one (or even Donald Trump to some people) and his associated scoundrels running the place I really dont want to go there anymore.' Wheeler has been to Russia many times but says the current political situation means he won't go back And the beaches of Miami are also on his no-go list, with Wheeler unimpressed by the current US administration, led by 'the orange one' Wheeler and his wife Maureen sold Lonely Planet in 2007 to the BBC Worldwide in a deal worth 130million in 2007. However, the commercial arm of the BBC later sold it to US company NC2 Media at a loss of nearly 80million. In 2020, the brand was acquired by Red Ventures. Last year, the current batch of travel experts at Lonely Planet unveiled a wanderlust-inducing list of the 30 best places to visit in 2025 - and the US did make the cut. Lonely Planet's Best In Travel 2025 book crowns the top ten countries, regions and cities to visit this year. The rankings were curated by 'Lonely Planet experts, contributors from around the world and publishing partners', with the guide adding that the destinations have been chosen 'for their topicality, unique experiences, wow factor and ongoing commitment to sustainability, community and diversity'. Cameroon topped the country ranking, with Lithuania in second place and Fiji snatching the bronze medal. Pittsburgh came sixth in the city ranking, which was topped by Toulouse in France. East Anglia was declared the eighth-best region in the world. The Amalfi Coast is one of Europe's dreamiest destinations. But what if you could get a similar vibe at a 'secret' beach in Kent? Located in Hailing, St Andrews is a 70 acre lake with sparkling blue water that has earned it comparisons to the Amalfi. Although it was once a quarry, the lake is now a watersports paradise with a pretty beach to match. The lake's beach has soft golden sand with easy access to its 'beautifully clean turquoise waters'. At the Aqua Park, which is Kent's largest, guests can tackle floating obstacles and soar down slides in the middle of the lake. If that's not for you, St Andrews Lakes also has kayaks, paddleboards, pedalos and bell boats available for hire. There's also a zipwire across the lake and a 33ft 'zip tower' where tourists can 'test their courage' by stepping off into a free fall with a controlled landing. One visitor to St Andrews Lakes even described their visit as being as good as a trip to the Maldives. Located in Hailing, St Andrews is a 70 acre lake with sparkling blue water that has earned it comparisons to the Amalfi. Although it was once a quarry, the lake is now a watersports paradise with a pretty beach to match 'Joel O' says: 'Unreal views and stunning setting. Like being in the Maldives.' And the beach has also caught the attention of TikTokers. In a video shared to the platform by @enyoglowsup, the TikToker films herself getting ready to travel to St Andrews Lakes. She says: 'To all my lovelies who live in Kent and say that Kent is boring and there's nothing to do, I'm about to blow your mind right now.' Once there, she relaxes under the sun on a lounger by the 'secret' lake's water. Visitors do have to pay 25 per adult to access the beach while children can enter for 7.50. Each adult ticket includes a sun lounger. A popular European airport has been plunged into chaos after the breakdown of a control tower forced the cancellation of 130 flights. Thousands of passengers have been left scrambling for alternative travel routes after Paris Orly Airport, which handles over 30 million passengers a year, suffered a 'failure in their air traffic control systems', officials have said. A spokesman for Aeroports de Paris, which operates the French capital's second busiest airport, said about 40 percent of the day's departures and arrivals had been called off. Passengers hoping to travel to destinations including Spain, Italy, Austria and Germany have been left stranded after experiencing flight cancellations, while others endured lengthy delays. France's DGAC civil aviation authority blamed the 'significant' reduction in flight numbers on 'a failure of the air traffic control systems' that had taken place at the Orly tower early this afternoon. Meanwhile, an aviation source revealed that the chaos at the travel hub had been caused by a radar breakdown. The airport spokesman said about half of the 130 cancelled flights were departures, while half had been incoming flights. Thousands of passengers were left scrambling for alternative travel routes after Paris Orly Airport, which handles over 30 million passengers a year, suffered a 'failure in their air traffic control systems', officials have said (Pictured: flight information boards at Orly Airport) With 130 flights cancelled, passengers hoping to travel to destinations including Spain , Italy , Austria and Germany have been left stranded, while others endured lengthy delays. Pictured: stranded passengers at Orly airport on May 18 Flights across France and to an abundance of other destinations across Europe and North Africa were among those most severely hit. The DGAC were unable to confirm whether flights would return to normal on Monday. Amid the mayhem and stood near a line of suitcases, Agnes Zilouri, 46, tried desperately to find a seat for her 86-year-old mother and six year old son after her flight had been cancelled. The family had been meant to take a flight to Oujda in Morocco on Sunday evening to go to a funeral. Speaking on the devastation of the chaos, Ms Zilouri added: 'The flight is cancelled. Fortunately I am with my mother'. Meanwhile, another frustrated passenger took to X to share their dismay at their flight cancellation from Dublin to Paris, stating: 'My 19:45 flight to Orly from Dublin was cancelled. It's been almost two hours, and still no email that informs me of a cancellation. It's ridiculous to have to find out right as I walk into the airport.' Flights across France and to other European destinations and North Africa were among those hit. The DGAC would not say whether flights would return to normal on Monday Pictured: a traveller looks on at the flight information board at Paris Orly Airport. France's DGAC civil aviation authority blamed the 'significant' reduction in flight numbers on 'a failure of the air traffic control systems' that had taken place at the Orly tower early this afternoon Serving as a secondary hub for domestic and international flights, Orly Airport handled an estimated 33 million passengers last year, approximately half the number of the main Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) International airport. Prior to the opening of CDG in 1974, Orly was the main airport of Paris. The travel mayhem comes just a week after an IT meltdown sparked travel chaos for holidaymakers at the UK's Stansted Airport, with up to 10,000 passengers missing flights on Saturday, May 17. Travellers faced 'utter carnage' and delays after an IT failure at around 2.30am brought operations to a standstill. Holidaymakers were forced to queue for hours through check-in, baggage and security, while Jet2 and Tui delayed departures to wait for passengers to reach the gate. Some were even made to enter huge queues stretching outside the airport terminal before they were able to enter the building. At the time, one furious passenger wrote on X: 'Some people are queuing outside just to get inside the airport terminal. Some have given up and gone home as they have missed their flights.' Paris Orly Airport was contacted for comment. An award-winning director's forgotten film has been hailed as 'brilliance on a whole new level' as it finally lands on Netflix. James Cameron is known for his involvement with movie classics like Titanic, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Directing as well as Avatar, which earned him a Global Globe Award. Another film directed by Cameron, which isn't as well known, is 1989 sci-fi thriller The Abyss. The adventure movie follows a diving team, made of civilians, who are roped into helping with a search for a lost submarine. Ed Harris, Mary Mastrantonia, Micahel Biehn and Dick Warlock are amongst some of the talented cast members. The Abyss received an Academy Award for the Best Visual Effects and James was presented with a Saturn Award for Best Director. Award-winning director James Cameron's forgotten film, The Abyss, has been hailed as 'brilliance on a whole new level' as it finally lands on Netflix James Cameron is known for his involvement with movie classics like Titanic, which he won an Academy Award for Best Directing as well as Avatar, which earned him a Global Globe Award Another film directed by Camera, which isn't as well known, is 1989 sci-fi thriller The Abyss The awards were well deserved as creating the movie involved cast members and crew to be under water for long periods of time in tanks inside an unused power plant in South Carolina, America, during filming. The film is available to stream on Netflix and fans have raved about it as 'the most intense movie'. Many have taken to Rotten Tomatoes, where the film has an impressive 89% score, to leave their verdicts and posted: 'One of Cameron's best films. Amazing use of practical effects as well as ground breaking CGI that still (mostly) holds up today.'; 'Move over Avatar and AliensThe Abyss is James Camerons unsung action adventure masterpiece. 'Complete with the archetypal characters typical of a Cameron film, this submersible tale of aliens and the deep blue ocean is an unforgettable thrill ride. 'Packaged with relatable and interesting people, the stakes are always high and the action never stops, as Cameron takes you deep underwater in this claustrophobic epic. This is a blockbuster film and a classic, mark my words!'; 'James Cameron's best film IMO. A work of art that was very difficult to make, but it was worth it. 'The performances, set design, storyline and special effects are beyond amazing. This is top of the line film at the highest level of all time. Perfection!!' The adventure movie follows a diving team, made of civilians, who are roped in with helping a search for a lost submarine The Abyss received an Academy Award for the Best Visual Effects and James was presented with a Saturn Award for Best Director The film is available to stream on Netflix and fans have raved about it as 'the most intense movie' According to the Express, someone else raved: 'After all these years, James Camerons The Abyss remains the most intense movie I have ever seen.' While another added: 'Audience: Back in the 90's, I had the pleasure of experiencing this mind-blowing sci-fi film, and even to this day, it continues to captivate me. 'Undoubtedly, it has secured its place as one of my all-time favourites in the genre. However, let me tell you, the uncut version takes the brilliance to a whole new level.' Though not everyone has enjoyed the film and someone penned: 'Very bad honestly. It would have worked much better as a sci-fi horror movie. Wasted potential for a plot.' The Abyss is available to stream on Netflix. Peep Show fans were shocked as a video revealed the condition of a flat inside the same building the iconic sitcom was filmed in. The comedy series which was broadcast on Channel 4 from 2003 - 2015 focused on the lives of Mark Corrigan and Jeremy Usborne, played by double act David Mitchell and Robert Webb respectively, in their flat in London. In real life, the home of the fictional housemates is in a tower block called Zodiac House in Croydon, London - although it underwent a rebrand for the series and was called Apollo House. A video on TikTok appeared to show a brief tour of a flat located in the apartment block, though it looks very different to what fans witnessed on the beloved show. Captioned with 'Mark & Jez' Flat in 2025,' the clip first shows the exterior of the building, located in Croydon. The camera then pans to reveal a corridor in the property and shows an empty cupboard with the words, 'no more orac,' followed with a crying emoji over the video. Peep Show fans were shocked as a video revealed the condition of a flat inside the same building the iconic sitcom was filmed in. Pictured: The comedy's Mark Corrigan and Jeremy Usborne, played by David Mitchell and Robert Webb The comedy series which was broadcast on Channel 4 from 2003 - 2015 focused on the lives of Mark Corrigan and Jeremy Usborne, played by double act David Mitchell and Robert Webb respectively, in their flat in London In the show, eccentric Mark calls his boiler 'Orac' as a continuous joke that features throughout the series. The boiler is located in an indent in the wall in the hallway, as shown in the TikTok clip. The video then moves into another room, which appears to have a cluttered carpet and boxes and other items stacked near a window. Captioned with 'Jez coded decoration,' the video refers to Jeremy who was portrayed as immature and laid back. Another part of the clip revealed a living room area with a large window, scattered dining chairs and rubbish on the floor. The poster commented 'Creamy elephant gone,' which was what Jeremy named the cream, leather living room sofa. Moving into the kitchen, which appeared to feature missing tiles and broken cupboard doors, the caption 'NO TURKEY?!' played over the clip. 'Where's the turkey Jeremy?' Mark asked as he began to cook Christmas dinner during an episode. The camera pans to reveal a corridor in the property and shows an empty cupboard with the words, 'no more orac,' followed with a crying emoji over the video. In the show, eccentric Mark calls his boiler 'Orac' as a continuous joke that features throughout the series The video then moves into another room, which appears to have a cluttered carpet and boxes and other items stacked near a window. Captioned with 'Jez coded decoration,' the video refers to Jeremy (left) who was portrayed as immature and laid back Another part of the clip revealed a living room area with a large window, scattered dining chairs and rubbish on the floor. The poster commented 'Creamy elephant gone,' which was what Jeremy named the cream, leather living room sofa 'What?' Jeremy replied. 'The turkey, where's the turkey?' Mark persisted, to which Jeremy responded, 'I thought you were getting the turkey?' 'You what,' Mark exclaimed. 'No turkey! You f****** idiot, Jeremy! You total f****** idiot! That was your job!' He continued to shout at Jeremy who stood stone-faced and bluntly said: 'It was a joke Mark, I was joking. It was a Christmas joke. Of course I've got a turkey, it was an organic turkey. I spent ages researching it online, it's going to be delicious.' Peep Show fans commented on the condition of the flat and penned: 'Why has it been left a tip?'; 'This is outrageous!'; 'Bro I'm so sad.'; 'Very different'. 'Where's the turkey Jeremy?' Mark (pictured) asked as he began to cook Christmas dinner during an episode Moving into the kitchen, which appeared to feature missing tiles and broken cupboard doors, the caption 'NO TURKEY?!' played over the clip. Peep Show fans commented on the condition of the flat and penned: 'Why has it been left a tip?' Another posted: 'Never been the same since Super Hans kicked the bathroom door off it's hinges.'; 'This is such an iconic flat.' Earlier this year, Croydon Council purchased the blocks of flats, according to Inside Croydon. Another flat in the same Peep Show block was listed for sale back in 2023 for 300,000. The kitchen was a fully renovated space which boasted black marble floors, with entirely new whitewashed units installed. The bathroom was pristine with white and black marble - quite the opposite of the room that had a door broken down by Super Hans. The flat also shows off an impressive view of London from the high-rise balcony, where Battersea power station can be seen in the distance. The property was listed on Rightmove and read: 'The property is an ideal purchase for an individual looking to get onto the property ladder as a first time buyer or a buy to let investor looking to obtain an attractive rental yield. Another flat in the same Peep Show block (pictured) was listed for sale back in 2023 for 300,000 'The property consists of two double bedrooms, an open-plan reception room with majestic views of London, a fully renovated kitchen with integrated appliances, and a modern family bathroom. 'The owners have been able to refurbish and polish the original parquet flooring, which adds to the character of the property. 'The decor is light and airy and will allow a buyer to use their imagination to put their stamp on it. 'The property spans over an impressive 792 square feet and has two well-proportioned bedrooms with ample space for storage in the master and integrated storage in bedroom two.' Netflix fans have shared how obsessed they are with a 'masterpiece' gangster series which has been compared to The Godfather and Goodfellas. The Hindi-language crime drama Sacred Games, which is based on Vikram Chandra's novel of the same name, hit our screens on the streaming service back in 2018. Netflix's synopsis reads: 'A link in their pasts leads an honest cop to a fugitive gang boss, whose cryptic warning spurs the officer on a quest to save Mumbai from cataclysm.' Sacred Games has 16 episodes across two seasons and then wrapped up in 2019. It stars the likes of Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte, Pankaj Tripathi, Kalki Koechlin and Ranvir Shorey. Although the programme wrapped up six years ago, it is still a huge fan favourite and has received plenty of rave reviews. Netflix fans obsessed with 'masterpiece' gangster series compared to The Godfather and Goodfellas with glowing reviews The Hindi-language crime drama Sacred Games, which is based on Vikram Chandra's novel of the same name, hit our screens on the streaming servive back in 2018 The series has a solid 71 per cent on the Tomatometer and impressive 81 per cent on the Popcornmeter on the site. Many have rushed to IMBD to praise the show. One wrote: 'A raw, gripping crime drama in the best tradition of Godfather and Goodfellas.' Goodfellas, directed by Martin Scorsese, hit our screens in 1990 and is 2 hours and 26 minutes long. Netflix's synopsis reads: 'Martin Scorsese's mob masterpiece recounts the life and crimes of real-world gangster Henry Hill, who goes from big-time wiseguy to federal witness.' Meanwhile The Godfather is a popular trilogy directed by Francis Ford Coppola - the first instalment was released in 1972. 'The aging patriarch of an organized crime dynasty transfers control of his clandestine empire to his reluctant son,' IMBD says of the franchise. 'Truly a masterpiece. Nawazuddin did an amazing amazing job. I loved the storyline. I can say that this is the series I can watch in a single sitting without eating or drinking anything.' Goodfellas, directed by Martin Scorsese, hit our screens in 1990 and is 2 hours and 26 minutes long The Godfather is a popular trilogy directed by Francis Ford Coppola - the first instalment was released in 1972 'I am speechless.' 'Sacred Games season 1 was one of the best thrillers I have seen and probably the best thrillers in India. 'Netflix and he makers Anurag Kashyap and Vikram Aditya Motwane did the awesome job. 'Performances are absolutely top notch. Be it Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Neeraj Kabi, Kubbra Sait. Every actors was convincing and on the top of their game. 'Need more series like this.' 'A very nicely narrated story. Good direction and script. 'The unfolding is brilliant and the end is Worth the wait. The sequencing of events and the easy flow of the story makes it a must watch for people who like crime and drama.' 'Loved every bit of it! Superb screenplay and direction. Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqi at their very best!' Sacred Games has 16 episodes across two seasons and then wrapped up in 2019 It comes after Netflix fans confessed that they 'laughed and cried' over new comedy drama that has stormed the charts after generating millions of views. The Four Seasons, which is based on Alan Alda's 1981 film of the same name, hit the streaming service on May 1. The miniseries has become a huge hit over the past week. According to Variety, the miniseries has accumulated 11.9 million views in the first four days of it being available to watch on the platform. The incredible figures have beat the fifth season of You, which was released on 24 April 2025, which bagged 10.9 million in the first seven days of being on Netflix. Hollywood rebel Nick Nolte showed off his tender side while showering his wife Clytie Lane with flowers and a special Mother's Day lunch. The legendary actor, 84, behaved like a gentleman while making a rare public sighting with his longtime spouse, who is in her 50s, and their 17-year-old daughter Sophia. As they walked around a luxury shopping mall near their Malibu home, Lane rocked a purple patterned maxi dress, wide rimmed hat and small black leather crossbody. The British actress, who lives an extremely private life away from the cameras these days with her husband, could also be seen carrying two white roses in her hand. For their outing, Nolte wore a baggy blue shirt, navy sweat pants and black shoes. Three time Oscar nominee Nolte, best known for his comedies such as Tropic Thunder, Down and Out in Beverly Hills and 48 Hrs., was most recently seen filming his upcoming film, Crime 101. Hollywood rebel Nick Nolte showed off his tender side while showering his wife Clytie Lane with flowers and a special Mother's Day lunch In December, the Oscar nominee was joined on set by his castmate Chris Hemsworth in Southern California. The pair are part of an ensemble cast for the Bart Layton crime drama while Halle Berry, Barry Keoghan, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Mark Ruffalo and Monica Barbaro round out the principal cast of the movie. Corey Hawkins, Tate Donovan, Babak Tafti, Payman Maadi, Deborah Hedwall, Devon Bostick, Matthew Del Negro, Drew Powell and Paul Adelstein are also in the movie, Variety reported last month. The script, which was penned in part by Layton, is based on a novella from Don Winslow, the outlet reported. According to a logline, the plot is based on 'a series of high level jewelry thefts up and down the Pacific Coast Highway that have gone unsolved for years.' The perpetrator of the crimes acts under a protocol called Crime 101, the logline stated, which leaves authorities confused, thinking it is the work of South American cartels. 'Detective Lou Lubesnick's gut says it's the work of just one man,' the logline stated. 'Now the lone-wolf jewel thief is looking for that fabled final last score and Lou breaks all the rules of Crime 101.' In 2022, Nolte spoke to Business Insider about what keeps him compelled to remain playing new roles after decades of success in show business. The legendary actor, 84, behaved like a gentleman while making a rare public sighting with his longtime spouse, who is in her 50s, and their 17-year-old daughter Sophia As they walked around a luxury shopping mall near their Malibu home, Lane rocked a purple patterned maxi dress, wide rimmed hat and small black leather crossbody Three time Oscar nominee Nolte enjoyed a moment of quiet contemplation during the day The star is seen in Cape Fear with Joe Don Baker in 1991 He won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor Motion Picture Drama for The Prince of Tides in 1991 'I've always had something artistic outside of myself that I can turn to, so I'm still interested in the stories,' Nolte said. 'I don't really know what they are, as there are fewer and fewer of them these days. 'And I don't find the 80s particularly fun because you're falling apart in a way. But I've always said that I'll keep on going until I just can't go anymore.' In the chat, Nolte confirmed that he was in consideration in the late 1970s to portray the role of Superman, which ultimately went to the late Christopher Reeve. 'They were interested in me but I turned them off by saying that I would only do it if I could play him as a schizophrenic,' he said. 'That's sabotage. It would have been very strange to play that.' Nolte, best known for his comedies such as Tropic Thunder, Down and Out in Beverly Hills and 48 Hrs., was most recently seen filming his upcoming film, Crime 101 Prior to tying the knot with Lane after more than a decade together, Nolte was married three times Prior to tying the knot with Lane after more than a decade together, Nolte was married three times. His first marriage was to actress, Sheila Page. They pair were wed for four years between 1966 to 1970. He went on to marry Sharyn Haddad eight years later. Nolte and Haddad's marriage lasted six years. Following their divorce, he walked down the aisle with Rebecca Linger. On June 20, 1986, they welcomed their son Brawley Nolte. He and Linger, ultimately, split in 1994. Meanwhile, Nolte and Lane first began dating sometime before 2006. After more than a decade, they exchanged vows in 2016 and went on to welcome their daughter, Sophia, in 2007. Helena Christensen looked incredible as she enjoyed some much-needed R&R in the south of France during Cannes Film Festival week on Saturday. The 56-year-old former Victoria's Secret angel kicked back to soak up the glorious sunshine in a figure-hugging swimsuit in the French city. The Danish beauty sunbathed on a float in the middle of the sea, and was also seen going for a dip. The supermodel looked sensational for the day, commanding attention in a plunging patterned swimsuit. Helena looked fresh off the runway with her soaked hair as she relaxed amid the chaos of the 78th annual star-studded event. On Friday, Helena attended the film festival for Bono's new film Bono: Stories of Surrender, and looked elegant as ever. Former Victoria's Secret angel Helena Christensen, 56, is enjoying some much-needed R&R in the south of France during Cannes Film Festival week She cut a chic figure in an off white dress with short sleeves that clung to her incredible physique. She also wore a pale pink feathered jacket for the evening which she paired with a matching clutch. Wearing her brunette locks in a sleek updo, Helena complimented her look with an eye-catching gold necklace and matching earrings. Over recent years, Cannes has arguably won more attention for the outfits worn by its celebrity guests than the roster of feature films being screened on the Croisette. But new nudity rules, devised for 'the sake of decency,' have been implemented at this year's festival. According to organisers, the austere move is an attempt to stifle the celebrity trend for 'naked dresses' - namely provocative outfits that reveal considerably more than they conceal - on the red carpet. 'For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as any other area of the festival,' states a Cannes festival document. Helena looked fresh off the runway with her soaked hair as she relaxed amid the chaos of the 78th annual star-studded event She kicked back to soak up the glorious sunshine in a figure-hugging swimsuit in the French city on Saturday She enjoyed sunbathing on a float in the middle of the sea, and was also pictured on her phone looking out to the views She was the picture of an off-duty model as she basked in the heat, showing off her toned physique Helena was pictured swimming after having a solo sunbathe in the crystal clear waters following Friday's event 'The festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit red carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules.' The surprise new policy features in a recent festival-goers charter - released with a series of outlines regarding expected public behaviour. Guests are expected to converge on the Grand Auditorium Louis Lumiere for some of the highest profile film screenings across a packed two-week schedule in Cannes. It's understood that the iconic venue now adopts a more conservative dress code, with suits, dinner jackets and floor-length evening gowns generally favoured over headline grabbing ensembles. Classic little black dresses, cocktail dresses, pant-suits, dressy tops and elegant sandals, 'with or without a heel', will also be permitted. While the decision to implement a more stringent policy will be a first, it is not known if French TV broadcasters, wary of airing nudity, played a role in its enforcement. On Friday, Helena attended the film festival for Bono's new film Bono: Stories of Surrender, and the model looked elegant as ever Major red carpet events, including the Cannes Film Festival, are aired in France by France Televisions Recently attracting more models and influencers than actors and filmmakers, the annual ceremony has seen an increase in risque red carpet fashion statements. In 2021, American supermodel Bella Hadid bared her cleavage in a plunging black gown while attending a screening of Tre Piani (Three Floors). She pulled a similar stunt three years later, with guests at the 2024 gala left speechless after she attended the premiere of Donald Trump biopic The Apprentice completely braless beneath a sheer brown evening dress. Emma Stone had a sweet reunion with a reporter who said she changed his life. The actress, 36, was promoting her latest project, Eddington, which received a seven minute standing ovation after its debut on Friday, when the reporter reminded her of their previous interaction. The film critic from Kazakhstan began by expressing his gratitude to the actress. 'I'd like to thank you for quite literally changing my life. Just a year ago, we were at the very same press room, where I addressed you by your real name, Emily,' he said. Stone was born Emily Jean Stone, but changed her professional name to Emma, after discovering their was another actress named Emily Stone. 'Yes, very good to see you,' Stone said as she recalled the interaction. Emma Stone had a sweet reunion with a reporter who said she changed his life on Saturday. The actress was at the Cannes Film Festival supporting her new film Eddington when the two were reunited 'The video of this, and your kind and warm response, it went viral in Western media and obviously in my country, Kazakhstan, and it has skyrocketed my career and it has changed my personal life literally for saying one word,' he explained about his new circumstances. 'That was incredibly sweet, and I'm so happy that a name could do that,' the Oscar winner said before answering a question about the dark comedy co-starring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Austin Butler, Michael Ward and Luke Grimes. It was in 2024 when Stone was promoting her film Kinds of Kindness, that the reporter first called her Emily. 'That's my name!' she told director Yorgos Lanthimos at the time. Stone wasn't the only one who shared a personal memory at the news conference. A reporter asked if any of the cast were concerned about being targeted by the Trump administration because of the 'brave movies that you make?' After a few moments of silence Pedro Pascal, 50, shared his experience. 'I think fear is the way that they win, for one, so keep telling telling the stories and keep expressing yourself and keep fighting be who you are,' he said. 'F**k the people who try to make you scared, you know, and fight back, and this is a perfect way to do so in telling stories. Don't let them win,' he admonished, 'Don't let them win.' Stone, 36, was answering questions about Eddington with co-stars Michael Ward, Pedro Pascal, Joaquin Phoenix, director Ari Aster, Austin Butler, and Luke Grimes IN 2024, the reporter addressed her as Emily, Stone's given name. The video went viral and the reporter relayed 'it has skyrocketed my career and it has changed my personal life' 'That was incredibly sweet, and I'm so happy that a name could do that,' the Oscar winner said before answering a question about the dark comedy Earlier in the press conference he shared, 'I want people to be safe and to be protected, and I want very much to live on the right side of history.' 'I'm an immigrant. My parents are refugees from Chile. I myself was a refugee,' he asserted. 'We fled a dictatorship, and I was privileged enough to grow up in the U.S. after asylum in Denmark,' the Mandalorian star explained of his escape from the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, who ruled Chile with an iron hand from 1973-1990. The action hero said, 'And if it weren't for that, I don't know what would've happened to us. So I stand by those protections, always.' Bella Hadid's raunchy 2024 Cannes Film Festival outfit was used as an example of what not to wear to this year's ceremony, sources claim. New nudity rules, devised for 'the sake of decency,' were implemented only days before the festival kicked off. And according to The Sun, Bella's racy nude look was used to outline what would be considered a breach in the new guidelines. The supermodel, 28, went braless in a sheer light brown dress at the premiere of The Apprentice at last year's ceremony. A source told the publication: 'A memo was sent round to chauffeurs so they could see what is and is not appropriate for the red carpet. 'Bellas nude dress was an example of what would go against the new dress code. Bella Hadid's raunchy 2024 Cannes Film Festival outfit was used as an example of what not to wear to this year's ceremony, sources claim The supermodel went braless in a sheer light brown dress at the premiere of The Apprentice at last year's ceremony 'The organisers dont want to stop people expressing themselves, but want to avoid stars looking completely naked on the carpet.' MailOnline has contacted Cannes Film Festival for comment. Fast-forward 12 months, Bella ditched her sexy looks for a much more covered up ensemble. She slipped into an elegant black gown with a thigh-high split for the premiere of Leave One Day on Tuesday. However, Bella still ditched her bra while posing in her dress with revealing her side boob. Over recent years the star-studded extravaganza has arguably won more attention for the outfits worn by its celebrity guests than the roster of feature films being screened on the Croisette. According to organisers, the austere move is an attempt to stifle the celebrity trend for 'naked dresses' - namely provocative outfits that reveal considerably more than they conceal - on the red carpet. 'For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as any other area of the festival,' states a Cannes festival document. New nudity rules, devised for 'the sake of decency,' were implemented only days before the festival kicked off Fast-forward 12 months, Bella ditched her sexy looks for a much more covered up ensemble She slipped into an elegant black gown with a thigh-high split for the premiere of Leave One Day on Tuesday Over recent years the star-studded extravaganza has arguably won more attention for the outfits worn by its celebrity guests than the roster of feature films being screened (pictured: Bella Hadid, left, and Natasha Poly, right, on the red carpet at previous Cannes ceremonies) Chantel Jeffries attends the screening of Everybody Knows (Todos Lo Saben) at the 71st annual Cannes Film Festival in 2018 Meredith Mickelson left little to the imagination when she attended a screening of Rambo: Last Blood during the 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival in 2019 (pictured) Natasha Poly (L) and Elle Fanning (R) have both bared the flesh at the annual film ceremony 'The festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit red carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules.' The surprise new policy features in a recent festival-goers charter - released with a series of outlines regarding expected public behaviour. Guests are expected to converge on the Grand Auditorium Louis Lumiere for some of the highest profile film screenings across a packed two-week schedule in Cannes. It's understood that the iconic venue now adopts a more conservative dress code, with suits, dinner jackets and floor-length evening gowns generally favoured over headline grabbing ensembles. Classic little black dresses, cocktail dresses, pant-suits, dressy tops and elegant sandals, 'with or without a heel', will also be permitted. While the decision to implement a more stringent policy will be a first, it is not known if French TV broadcasters, wary of airing nudity, played a role in its enforcement. Major red carpet events, including the Cannes Film Festival, are aired in France by France Televisions Recently attracting more models and influencers than actors and filmmakers, the annual ceremony has seen an increase in risque red carpet fashion statements. Ben Affleck was ever the doting dad as he spent Saturday afternoon with two of his kids. The actor, 52, took Fin, 16, and Samuel, 13, for lunch at Huckleberry Cafe in Santa Monica, after recently visiting their mom Jennifer Garner, 53, on Mother's Day. The Batman star whose ex-girlfriend Ana de Armas, 37, is romancing Mission Impossible star Tom Cruise, 62 was a tad distracted by the phone in his hand, and appeared to make a surprised face while looking at something on the device. Fin, who held a book, was pictured glancing over at the phone as if trying to decipher what had captured Ben's attention so intently. Not pictured on the outing was older sister Violet, 18, who's away in college. Ben sported a black peacoat with matching jeans and boots for the outing. Peeking out from underneath his coat was a grey t-shirt. Ben Affleck, 52, was a tad distracted by his cellphone as he spent Saturday afternoon with two of his kids: Fin, 16, and Samuel, 13 The actor took Fin and Samuel for lunch at Huckleberry Cafe in Santa Monica, after recently visiting their mom Jennifer Garner, 53, on Mother's Day He completed the look with a pair of aviator sunglasses. Finn rocked a white and orange sweatshirt, blue jeans, and a brown belt. The youngster's shoe laces appeared untied, posing a potential tripping hazard. Ben's son Samuel sported a grey hoodie, grey sweatpants and blue and white sneakers. The sneakers appeared to be the Off-White x Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG, which have a resale market price anywhere from $3,000 to upwards of $6,000. It comes after Affleck had a blistering response when Samuel publicly asked him for $6,000 sneakers back in March. The Town actor made sure his teenager understood that fortune is earned, not inherited, after a pair of Dior Air Jordan 1 shoes caught Sam's eye at the Got Sole sneaker convention, telling him quite simply: 'You're broke.' In a later red carpet interview at SXSW, Affleck, who has a reported $150 million net worth, explained why he turned down the request. 'He's like "We have the money,"' the father-of-three told Access Hollywood. 'I'm like "I have the money, you're broke!"' 'That's what happens when you tell a motherf***er they have to mow a lawn. All of a sudden they don't want those shoes,' Affleck, who shares his son's love of sneakers, joked. The star appeared to make a surprised face while looking his phone. Fin, who held a book, was pictured glancing over as if trying to decipher what had captured his attention Ben sported a black peacoat with matching jeans and boots for the outing. Peeking out from underneath his coat was a grey t-shirt He completed the look with a pair of aviator sunglasses Finn rocked a white and orange sweatshirt, blue jeans, and a brown belt Ben's son Samuel sported a grey hoodie, grey sweatpants and blue and white sneakers. The sneakers appeared to be the Off-White x Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG, which have a resale market price anywhere from $3,000 to upwards of $6,000 It comes after Affleck told Sam 'You're broke' when he publicly asked him for $6,000 sneakers back in March at the Got Sole sneaker convention 'He's like "We have the money,"' the father-of-three told Access Hollywood. 'I'm like "I have the money, you're broke!"' he said as he explained his decision in a red carpet interview 'That's what happens when you tell a motherf***er they have to mow a lawn. All of a sudden they don't want those shoes,' Affleck, who shares his son's love of sneakers, joked Affleck added that 'there's always some grift why I need to be buying... I'm like, man, you do not need thousand dollar shoes.' In a video from the convention, shared on the Got Sole Instagram account, Affleck was seen telling his son, 'That's a lot of lawns you've gotta mow there.' 'You just like those because they're expensive,' he added. It comes after Affleck recently visited his ex-wife Garner on Mother's Day. The Argo director was spotted heading toward Garner's home in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles and seemed to be carrying a small gift. The pair sparked reconciliation rumors earlier this year following a very public embrace. Affleck and Garner were married from 2005 to 2018. She has since been in an off-again-on-again relationship with businessman John Miller. Last month Ben praised Jennifer and their co-parenting partnership during an interview with British GQ. 'Im really lucky that I have a really good co-parent and partner in Jennifer Garner, the kids mom, whos wonderful and great and we work together well.' That same month the pair were seen embracing during an outing, sending the internet into a frenzy. Daily Mail later learned Garner is 'deathly afraid of falling back in love' with the actor, with a source saying she still has 'trust issues' with Affleck following affair rumors with their children's nanny, Christine Ouzounian, now 37, a decade ago. 'She loves Ben but is worried that he will crush her all over again,' the source said. 'She doesn't want to heal another broken heart because it is just too much drama, plus she does not want their kids to see round two of their mom in a bad place with their dad. It comes after he visited his ex-wife Garner on Mother's Day, following a recent public embrace. Affleck and Garner were married from 2005 to 2018; They are pictured in 2014 'So much could go wrong if they reunite.' Affleck has not spoken much about his recent divorce from second wife Jennifer Lopez, 55, but was photographed spending more time with first wife Garner in the months that followed. He wed Lopez in 2022 and she filed for divorce last year following months of speculation. The marriage officially ended earlier this year. The 13 Going On 30 star was said to have played a key role in helping her ex-husband through his split from Lopez, adopting the role of 'marriage counsellor' to the struggling couple, with some friends feared she had been forced to 'play mediator.' Jennifer Lawrence and her husband Cooke Maroney put on a very loved-up display as they shared a smooch on the red carpet at the Die My Love premiere on Saturday. The actress, 33, and art gallery director Cooke, 40, exuded happiness as they enjoyed a glitzy night out at Cannes Film Festival. For the star-studded evening, Jennifer was a vision in a black gown, which had a knotted detail on the front and featured a draping sleeve on one side. The blonde beauty flashed a little leg as she posed in her beautiful gown, which also included a meter-long train. She wore her signature long blonde hair off her face and into a neat bun, with it all slicked back behind her ears. To accessorise, she kept it elegant with some diamond drop earrings. Jennifer Lawrence and her husband Cooke Maroney put on a very loved-up display as they shared a smooch on the red carpet at the Die My Love premiere on Saturday For the star-studded evening, Jennifer was a vision in a black gown, which had a knotted detail on the front and featured a draping sleeve on one side The couple put on a loved-up display as they wrapped their arms around each other Meanwhile, Cooke looked dapper in a black two-piece suit which layered over a crisp white shirt. The gorgeous black gown was Jennifer's second outfit of the night after she and her co star Robert Pattinson shared a light-hearted moment on the red carpet earlier in the evening after suffering a wardrobe mishap. The Twilight heartthrob, 38, looked every inch the leading man in a sharp black tux and slick bow tie as he hit the red carpet arm-in-arm with J-Law, who wowed in a dramatic floor-sweeping ballgown. But their grand entrance hit a tiny snag when Robert accidentally trod on the train of Jennifer's voluminous dress, briefly stopping her in her tracks. Ever the pro, Jen turned with a gasp before the pair burst into laughter. They quickly regained composure, smiling as they continued down the red carpet together. Jennifer stunned in the elegant strapless white dress, complete with a layered skirt and a gathered bodice that fanned out gracefully across her chest. She kept accessories minimal, pairing the look with classic black heels and sparkling diamond earrings. Letting the gown take centre stage, she styled her hair in a sleek ballerina-style bun and opted for bold makeup, featuring a deep red lip and sultry, smokey eyes. The blonde beauty flashed a little leg as she posed in her beautiful gown, which also included a meter-long train She wore her signature long blonde hair off her face and into a neat bun, with it all slicked back behind her ears It was Jennifer's second outfit of the night after her co-star Robert Pattinson accidentally stepped on her white bridal ballgown that she was wearing earlier in the evening The pair shared a light-hearted moment on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday night after the small wardrobe mishap Their grand entrance hit a tiny snag when Robert accidentally trod on the train of Jennifer's voluminous dress, briefly stopping her in her tracks Both are at the festival to promote their film Die My Love, which tells the story of a young mother living in a rural area as she undergoes a battle with psychosis. Die My Love is described as both a horror and a comedy and was directed by Lynne Ramsay, who was also present on the red carpet. It is notably Jennifer and Robert's first film together. They both rose to fame in the 2010s, with Jennifer starring in film adaptations of The Hunger Games series as Katniss Everdeen and Robert Pattinson gaining worldwide fame for his role as Edward Cullen in Twilight. Die My Love is based on a 2017 novel by Argentine writer, Ariana Harwicz, which details a new mum's battle with postpartum depression and subsequent psychosis. The red carpet appearance is Jennifer's first since she welcomed her second child earlier this year, whose name and gender are not known, with husband Cooke Maroney. In a 2022 interview with Vogue, the actress opened up about the joy of becoming a first-time mother following the birth of her first child that year, sharing that the birth of her son Cy 'felt like my whole life had started over.' The Twilight heartthrob, 38, looked every inch the leading man in a sharp black tux and slick bow tie as he hit the red carpet arm-in-arm with J-Law, 33, who wowed in a dramatic floor-sweeping ballgown After the unfortunate accident, Jen turned with a gasp before the pair burst into laughter, and quickly regained composure, smiling as they continued down the red carpet together Jennifer stunned in the elegant strapless white dress, complete with a layered skirt and a gathered bodice that fanned out gracefully across her chest Letting the gown take centre stage, she styled her hair in a sleek ballerina-style bun and wore a deep red lipstick She kept accessories minimal, pairing the look with classic black heels and sparkling diamond earrings As soon as Robert realised what he'd done, he quickly went to Jennifer's rescue, making sure the bridal style ballgown still wowed as she made her way down the carpet Both are at the festival to promote their film Die My Love, which tells the story of a young mother living in a rural area as she undergoes a battle with psychosis 'I just stared. I was just so in love. I also fell in love with all babies everywhere. Newborns are just so amazing,' she gushed. Jennifer and Cooke are already proud parents to son, Cy, now three, who was born in February 2022. The American actress and her husband tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at Rhode Island's historic Belcourt Mansion in 2019. The Hunger Games star tends to keep her family life private. Elsewhere in the conversation, she described, 'I mean the euphoria of Cy is just Jesus, it's impossible. 'My heart has stretched to a capacity that I didn't know about. I include my husband in that.' The film's release comes as Jennifer Lawrence recently welcomed her second child with husband Cooke Maroney Pattinson also recently became a parent, welcoming his first child, a baby girl, with his partner Suki Waterhouse (pictured) Robert also recently became a parent, welcoming his first child, a baby girl, with his partner, Suki Waterhouse last year. He told BBC News that the experience has brought more joy and fun into his life. The actor also admitted that parenthood has opened him up to the world more and helped him become more social. Also describing himself as less 'danger prone', he joked: 'If someone told me I was going to die in a week, I'd be like, 'What? I want to spend some more time with my kid'.' Mariska Hargitay revealed a bombshell family secret she has kept hidden for over 30 years in her new documentary about her iconic late mother Jayne Mansfield. Hargitay's documentary, My Mom Jayne, which marks her feature film directorial debut, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday. In the film, the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star revealed that her biological father is not Mickey Hargitay, the man who raised her. She later opened up about the revelation in a Vanity Fair interview published on the same day just shortly after premiering the documentary about her late mother, who passed away in a tragic car accident at the age of 34, when Mariska was just three years old, in June 1967. She told the outlet that she learned about the secret when she was already an adult. At age 25, she found out that her biological father is a former Las Vegas entertainer named Nelson Sardelli. She later confronted Mickey, the man who raised her, but he insisted that he was her father. Mariska Hargitay, 61, revealed a bombshell family secret she kept hidden for over 30 years in her new documentary about her iconic late mother Jayne Mansfield; Mariska pictured May 17 Mariska shared that her biological father is not Mickey Hargitay, the man who raised her; Mickey pictured with Jayne, baby Mariska, sons Zoltan, Mikos, and daughter Jayne from Mansfield's previous marriage They never discussed it again, but she recalled how she continued to question her lineage, wondering if she was truly Hungarian like her father Mickey who passed away at the age of 80 in 2006 and her brothers, Zoltan and Mickey Jr. In her interview with Vanity Fair, Hargitay said she went to see Sardelli perform in Atlantic City, New Jersey when she was 30 years old and introduced herself to him as his daughter. She told the outlet that he was moved to tears when he told her: 'I've been waiting 30 years for this moment.' Hargitay said that she ended up giving him a hard time and went 'full Olivia Benson' on him, as she referred to her Law & Order: SVU character. 'I was like, "I don't want anything. I don't need anything from you... I have a dad",' she recalled telling him. 'There was something about loyalty. I wanted to be loyal to Mickey.' After that meeting, she said that she struggled with learning the secret about having more family members, 'knowing I'm living a lie my entire life.' Sardelli, who is now in his late eighties, also appeared in her documentary alongside his other two daughters, Hargitay's half sisters. Hargitay told the outlet that she eventually opened up to Sardelli and his daughters after understanding and accepting that her mother returned to Mickey because she knew he would provide a stabler home life for her. At age 25, Mariska found out that her biological father is actually a former Las Vegas entertainer named Nelson Sardelli; Jayne and Sardelli pictured in 1963 Mansfield had a total of five children and was divorced three times. Her second husband, Mickey, was a Hungarian-American actor; Jayne pictured in 1957 Mariska later confronted Mickey, but he went on to insist that he was her father. Mickey passed away at the age of 80 in 2006; Jayne pictured with Mickey, Zoltan, Mickey Jr., and Jayne circa 1960 Mariska told Vanity Fair she went to see Sardelli perform in Atlantic City when she was 30 years old and introduced herself to him as his daughter, and he told her he'd been 'waiting 30 years for this moment'; Jayne pictured kissing Nelson 'I was like, "I don't want anything. I don't need anything from you... I have a dad",' she recalled telling him. 'There was something about loyalty. I wanted to be loyal to Mickey'; Mickey and Jayne pictured 1969 in Los Angeles Hargitay told the outlet that she eventually opened up to Sardelli and his two daughters, her half sisters, after understanding and accepting that her mother returned to Mickey because she knew he would provide a stabler home life for her; Janye pictured in 1950 She said that she gathered her sisters in Las Vegas for a private screening of the documentary before the premiere and recalled their emotional reactions. 'They just wept and wept and wept. These two women that I love so much I made them secrets! It's so heartbreaking to me.' In the documentary, Hargitay explained why she was unveiling her family secret now and said that because she is now 61 years old, she felt she could finally tell the truth and didn't have to hide it anymore. 'I grew up where I was supposed to, and I do know that everyone made the best choice for me,' she said. 'I'm Mickey Hargitay's daughter that is not a lie.' 'This documentary is kind of a love letter to him, because there's no one that I was closer to on this planet,' she said. She explained that she wanted to make the documentary to 'unburden all of us.' Jayne was not only an international sex symbol in the 1950s and 1960s, but an award winning actress - winning a Golden Globe Award and a Theatre World Award. She tragically died at age 34 in a car accident in Biloxi, Mississippi on June 29, 1967. Mariska was in the car with her mom during the horrific accident; Mariska was three years old at the time, along with her siblings Miklos, then eight, and Zoltan, then six. Her late mother passed away in a tragic car accident at the age of 34 , when Hargitay was just three years old, in June 1967; Jayne pictured holding six-weeks old baby Mariska in 1964 Mansfield was a trailblazer sex symbol in the fifties and sixties - at a time where many actresses were afraid to embrace their sexuality; pictured on set of Too Hot To Handle The accident took place on US Highway 90 on June 29, 1967 in Biloxi with Jayne, her attorney and partner Sam Brody (who was 40), and the driver (Ronald B. Harrison, 19) in front row with two of her dogs, and her three kids Mariska, Miklos and Zoltan with her other two dogs in the back. They left the Gus Stevens Supper Club after midnight to head to New Orleans for an appearance Jayne was set to make the next day. However at 2:25 am on June 29, 1967, the car crashed into the back of a tractor trailer that had slowed down in front of it - which occurred because of a insecticide fog spraying truck flashing a red light ahead of them. The front row (Jayne, Sam and Ronald) plus two dogs died instantly - with the back row - her three kids and two dogs - only had minor injuries. The kids were sleeping in the back of the car. Jayne had five kids total - daughter Jayne Marie with first husband Paul Mansfield, three children (Miklos, Zoltan and Mariska) with her second husband Mickey Hargitay - and one son Antonio with third husband Matt Cimber. Jayne, who was born on April 19, 1933, first appeared in Playboy magazine as the February 1955 Playmate of the Month, and multiple other issues after. As an actress, she starred in The Girl Can't Help It, The Wayward Bus, Too Hot to Handle and Promises! Promises!, as well as the Broadway play Will Success Rock Hunter? Hargitay followed into her famous mother's footsteps as an actress. She's been playing Detective Olivia Benson in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit since 1999; seen in a still Hargitay and her mother were united on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame when their stars placed stars were placed side by side in 2013 My Mom Jayne, which will air on HBO, will follow Mariska as she 'seeks to know, understand, and embrace her mom for the first time,' per the outlet. Mariska has made a name for herself in Hollywood - most known for her iconic role of Olivia Benson in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. She has played Olivia in the hit series since 1999. She is a Globe Globe winner and a two-time Emmy winner, with her own Hollywood Walk of Fame star, which she received in 2013. Kate Ritchie looked effortlessly stylish on Saturday as she stepped out for a low-key morning coffee run in Sydney with her daughter Mae. The former Home and Away star, 46, turned heads in a casual yet chic ensemble, pairing a cream short-sleeve T-shirt with beige trackpants featuring bold red side stripes. But it was her arm candy that truly stole the spotlight a $5,500 Louis Vuitton Dauphine MM crossbody bag, complete with the brand's signature monogram print and gold hardware. Kate finished off the look with oversized black sunglasses and slicked her brunette locks into a low ponytail. She enhanced her beauty with a natural makeup palette as she clutched a Campos takeaway coffee cup and her car keys. Walking alongside her was daughter Mae, 10, who was dressed comfortably in a navy oversized T-shirt and grey trackies. Kate Ritchie looked effortlessly stylish on Sunday as she stepped out for a low-key morning coffee run in Sydney with her daughter Mae The former Home and Away star, 46, turned heads in a casual yet chic ensemble, pairing a cream short-sleeve T-shirt with beige trackpants featuring bold red side stripes The sighting comes amid ongoing speculation over when she'll return to co-host Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie on Nova 96.9 following her sudden departure in January after a troubling public incident in a Sydney park. Despite her absence, the breakfast radio show has continued to thrive with just Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald and Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli at the helm, recently recording its highest ratings in almost a year. The duo pulled in an impressive 8.7 per cent share of the audience in the latest survey, putting pressure on Nova bosses to make a decision about the show's future direction. Kate has been receiving ongoing support at a rehabilitation facility since the incident, which saw her photographed in tears and appearing visibly distressed shortly after picking Mae up from school. At the time, Kate released a heartfelt statement on social media explaining her decision to step away from the show. 'I struggle with mental health issues at times, which are deeply personal. This has proven to be a bigger challenge than I imagined,' she began. 'So I have decided to take a break from the show and the team who I love to focus on my health. I want to thank all of those who are helping me through this very difficult time. I love you. Thank you Nova for being there when I need you.' Kate went on to address the images taken on January 29. But it was her arm candy that truly stole the spotlight a $5,500 Louis Vuitton Dauphine MM crossbody bag, complete with the brand's signature monogram print and gold hardware Walking alongside her was daughter Mae, 10, who she shares with ex-husband Stuart Webb Kate finished off the look with oversized black sunglasses and slicked her brunette locks into a low ponytail She enhanced her beauty with a natural makeup palette as she clutched a Campos takeaway coffee and her car keys 'This is also a problem many others are struggling with. They know what it's like. The images of me taken last week show that I wasn't okay on that day,' she continued. She went on to thank her friends and fans for their support. 'Thank you to my wonderful family, all the Nova listeners, and many others who are sending their love and support. I appreciate it more than you can imagine,' she wrote. Footage obtained by Daily Mail Australia then showed the former actress crying while on the phone, wiping tears from her eyes and burying her head in her hands. A witness, who saw Ritchie get out of the car at the park, said the star 'looked really distressed'. 'She walked around a bit in the park while talking and then suddenly she sat down and started rocking her whole body back and forth and crying,' they said. 'It was really confronting she looked so upset. When she turned around her eyes were all red and puffy and she looked absolutely devastated.' The actress was then seen struggling to get up from the grass. Kate wore her brunette locks slicked back into a sleek and polished low ponytail, giving her casual look a refined edge She accessorised with a silver-toned wristwatch featuring a delicate bracelet strap, adding a touch of understated elegance to her off-duty ensemble 'After the call ended, she tried to stand up but lost her balance and sort of fell over again,' the bystander added. 'When she finally managed to get to her feet, she started making another phone call... she looked much happier during that call.' Kate then walked around to the back of the vehicle holding an arm out on the car as she got into the driver's seat and drove home. At the time, Nova's co-hosts had promised their audience that the absent Kate would return after one day off, but that timeline was soon dropped. This isn't the first time Kate has stepped away from her duties at Nova. In 2022, she took an extended hiatus from her drive-time program with Tim Blackwell and Joel Creasey, citing exhaustion and burnout. She never returned to that show either. Nova has remained tight-lipped on any potential comeback date and did not respond to questions about whether the embattled star had continued to receive pay during her absence. Tom Cruise appeared to be in high spirits as he greeted his fans outside of his hotel in New York City on Saturday night. While in the same city as Ana de Armas amid their romance, the action star, 62, had a big smile on his face as he met a large crowd of his fans and signed autographs for them. He looked dashing in an all-black outfit, sporting Top Gun-inspired aviator sunglasses, as he stepped out into the city with a backpack presumably fitted with his essentials. The Ballerina actress is currently busy around town on a press tour for her new action movie, which Cruise recently raved about, and staying in SoHo. The Mission: Impossible actor donned a black, fitted polo shirt that hugged and accentuated his muscles for his evening on the town. He paired the top with black slacks, a shiny silver watch and his brown hair in his signature floppy, windswept 'do. Tom Cruise appeared to be in high spirits as he greeted his fans outside of his hotel While in the same city as Ana de Armas amid their romance, the action star, 62, had a big smile on his face as he met a large crowd of his fans and signed autographs for them; de Armas pictured April in Las Vegas As he stepped out, a massive, adoring crowd of fans had huge smiles on their faces upon the sighting and he also flashed a cheery grin in return. His outing comes after reports that he is already 'super smitten' with de Armas, 37, even though it is still early into their romance. 'It's low-key, still new and in the early stages,' a source told Us Weekly in an article published earlier this week. 'Their romance is definitely on the down low.' The insider also mentioned that one of Cruise's exes 'raved' about de Armas, and the source also explained how the Cuban-born actress' romance with him came to be. 'Penelope [Cruz] put in a good word for her both personally and professionally.' Cruz and Cruise previously dated for three years after starring together in Vanilla Sky in 2001. Their relationship ended in early 2004, but the pair have remained friends, per the source. Meanwhile, Cruz and de Armas became friends after working on the 2019 film Wasp Network together. He looked dashing in an all-black outfit, sporting Top Gun-inspired aviator sunglasses, as he stepped out into the city with a backpack presumably fitted with his essentials The Ballerina actress is currently busy around town on a press tour for her new action movie, which Cruise recently raved about, and staying in SoHo The Mission: Impossible actor donned a black, fitted polo shirt that hugged and accentuated his muscles for his evening on the town He paired the top with black slacks, a shiny silver watch and his brown hair in his signature floppy, windswept 'do The source also revealed how the romance between de Armas and Cruise came to be. The insider said they originally met up to discuss work-related matters in February before their 'relationship developed.' Cruise was reportedly 'super smitten' with de Armas immediately and it quickly 'developed into feelings' for her. 'They've gone out on some dates, and it's very low-key,' the insider added about the couple who have been romantically linked since February. 'It's in the early stages and he's been courting her.' The source added that Cruise is 'really into her' before adding that the feeling is mutual, though de Armas is being 'more cautious' and is taking things slow. 'She isn't looking for anything to move too fast,' the source said. 'She's taking it really slow. It's very private. They are protecting themselves from the intense media scrutiny.' The source also said de Armas is not a big fan of 'public attention regarding romantic relationships, so she is 'unsure' about going the distance with Cruise. As he stepped out, a massive, adoring crowd of fans had huge smiles on their faces upon the sighting and he also flashed a cheery grin in return His outing comes after reports that he is already 'super smitten' with de Armas, 37, even though it is still early into their romance; de Armas pictured March in Hollywood The insider said they originally met to discuss work-related matters in February before their 'relationship developed.' Cruise was reportedly 'super smitten' with de Armas immediately and it quickly 'developed into feelings' for her 'They've gone out on some dates, and it's very low-key,' the insider added about the couple who have been romantically linked since February. 'It's in the early stages and he's been courting her' 'With [her ex-boyfriend] Ben Affleck, that's one of the things she didn't like.' However, her preference for privacy is 'one of the things Tom likes about her.' Cruise has also been publicly gushing over his girlfriend, or at least her new film From the World of John Wick: Ballerina. The Top Gun star made a comment to reporters at the premiere of Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning in London. 'I saw the movie, it kicks a**,' Cruise said. 'Oh, man, it's right in that tone. It's right in that big world, and you're gonna love it.' Tom and Ana, 37, have been linked to each other since earlier this year though neither have spoken out about their relationship - until now. De Armas appeared on GMA earlier this week and excitedly talked about her upcoming action film, praising Keanu Reeves, 60, and revealing the intense stunts she performed as well as her relationship with Cruise. 'I was like, 'I hope I can just do it as best as I can maybe as good as [Reeves] does it.' He recently gushed over his girlfriend's new film From the World of John Wick: Ballerina He made a comment to reporters at the premiere of Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning in London But when host Michael Strahan brought up her connection to Cruise, she didn't shy away. 'You're working with another big star, Tom Cruise, on another project that will lead you to do more crazy stunts,' Strahan said. 'It's so much fun,' Ana replied. 'We're definitely working on a lot of things.' She added: 'It's not just one, but a few projects with [directors] Doug Liman and Christopher McQuarrie and, of course, Tom.' Flashing a big smile, she added, 'And I'm so excited.' De Armas and Cruise have been getting serious in recent weeks, the Daily Mail has learned, with one of his A-list exes even granting approval for the unlikely romance. It is understood Spanish actress Penelope Cruz who dated Cruise from 2001 to 2004 is 'happy' that her ex-boyfriend has found new love. Cruz, 51, and de Armas have been friends ever since they co-starred in the 2019 movie WASP Network. I saw the movie, which kicks a**,' Cruise said. 'Oh, man, it's right in that tone. It's right in that big world, and you're gonna love it' Cruise and de Armas, 37, have been linked to each other since earlier this year though neither have spoken out about their relationship until now '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, de 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.' Friends believe the relationship could last, with our insider pointing to the fact that de Armas does 'not like to party', prefering quiet nights at home like her decades-older boyfriend. Though another source stressed that the pair are 'taking it day-by-day' and that de Armas 'does not give her heart away easy.' De Armas and Cruise have been getting serious in recent weeks, the Daily Mail has learned, with one of his A-list exes even granting approval for the unlikely romance 'Ana has a thing for older men, and Tom fits the bill of her type. The proof is in the pudding. Being affectionate with someone is not something that Ana would do for a role,' the second source added. In November last year, de Armas was linked to the stepson of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, with the pair stepping out for a loved-up stroll in Madrid the following month. Despite receiving massive backlash over the relationship, the actress, who fled communist Cuba at age 18, did not shy away from engaging in some PDA with him. She also previously dated Ben Affleck from November 2019 to January 2021 after meeting on the set of the 2022 thrilled Deep Water. Emma Louise Connolly shared a glimpse into her new life as a mother of two with her husband as she posted sweet snaps of her newborn baby to Instagram on Sunday. The influencer, 33, and former Made In Chelsea star, Oliver Proudlock, 36, - who married in December 2020 - welcomed their second child in March. Taking to her Stories, Emma shared a candid mirror selfie using a breast pump as she revealed she was suffering from a UTI. In another snap Oliver lovingly gazed at their latest arrival who is called Levi Fox Proudlock. The blonde beauty also posted a snap of their first outing as a family of four as her eldest child, Bonnie, two, helped push the pram across the street. Emma also posted an adorable picture of the baby boy's foot wrapped in a white blanket. Emma Louise Connolly shared a glimpse into her new life as a mother of two with her husband as she posted sweet snaps of her newborn baby to Instagram on Sunday The influencer, 33, and former Made In Chelsea star, Oliver Proudlock, 36, - who married in December 2020 - welcomed her second child in March First announcing the birth the couple posted a black-and-white photograph of them cuddled up to their newborn baby in hospital and appeared overjoyed at their new arrival. In a caption, Emma confirmed they had welcomed a baby boy and revealed his adorable name. She gushed: 'He's here. Our hearts are fuller, our home louder, and our arms forever occupied. Levi Fox Proudlock, the perfect piece to complete our family of four.' They were flooded with congratulatory messages from their famous friends and fans in the comments section. Giovanna Fletcher wrote: 'Oh my loves!!! Huge congratulations!!! Xxxx' while Rochelle Humes penned: 'Oh congratulations guys.' Tasha Ghouri simply added: 'Congratulations,' and Rachel Stevens gushed: 'Awww guys huge congratulations!!!' Their Made In Chelsea co-stars, Jamie Laing and his wife Sophie Habboo, also commented a string of love heart emojis. Emma and Oliver announced they were expecting on New Year's Eve. The blonde beauty also posted a snap of their first outing as a family of four as her eldest child, Bonnie, two, helped push the pram across the street Emma also posted an adorable picture of the baby boy's foot wrapped in a white blanket and playfully captioned it 'dinner' First announcing the birth the couple posted a black-and-white photograph of them cuddled up to their newborn baby in hospital and appeared overjoyed at their new arrival In the Instagram post, Emma showed off her baby bump in a sweet video while they fussed over their daughter Bonnie. They captioned the announcement: '2024, thank you for the greatest gift ever! Our hearts and hands are gonna be fuller than ever in 2025, and we couldn't be more excited! 'Sending love and wishing you all the happiest of New Years. Yeah Baby! ' Emma looked glowing in the heartwarming clip as she highlighted her growing baby bump in a chic black jumpsuit. They were flooded with congratulatory messages from their famous friends and fans in the comments section The couple (pictured in June) first met in person in 2014 after four years of exchanging messages and have been going strong ever since Meanwhile, proud dad Oliver sweetly kissed his partner's stomach, with the couple -who met in person in 2014 after four years of exchanging messages - also sharing a smooch with each other. The couple welcomed their daughter, Bonnie Lou, in May 2022. Emma and Oliver announced their engagement in August 2018 after Oliver got down on one knee during a romantic trip to Gothenburg, Sweden. They then confirmed they secretly tied the knot during in a small church ceremony in Fulham, London, on December 15 2020, by sharing a series of stunning images from their big day on Instagram. The model looked stunning in a bespoke Pronovias Atelier gown lace gown with a plunging white slip dress underneath, teamed with a flowing veil, as she said 'I do' to her reality star beau before celebrating with an intimate reception at The Ned. The pair married at St Albans Church after previously cancelling three wedding dates due to the global crisis in accordance with government restrictions. Oliver and Emma planned initially to host 200 guests at Cowdray Park, West Sussex, for a wedding in April 2020. But their grand plans were reduced to just 15 people. Their fourth attempt to tie the knot was almost thwarted when Boris Johnson announced plans to plunge London into Tier 4, meaning that all wedding receptions were banned, but Proudlock managed to pull together a last-minute wedding. The pair finally celebrated their marriage in April last year as they jetted off to the Caribbean's St Lucia for their honeymoon. Emma and Proudlock had to wait four years before going on the trip after 'covid stole it from them'. Olivia has previously opened up about finally meting Emma face-to-face after they spent four years messaging each other as he explained the great lengths he went to in order to bag a first date with the model. Speaking to Tom Green on the Dangerous Dinners Podcast in 2021, the Made In Chelsea star admitted he cried 'tears of joy' as gushed about their 'crazy emotional' wedding day. He explained: 'We ended up talking on Facebook for, I don't know, two or three months maybe and then she was in Glasgow this time. 'I was down in London and then about a year in she moved down to London with modelling, we got each other's number. 'We then messaged for three years. But we never met, and it was a weird one' explained Proudlock who then travelled to Glasgow years later when they were both single.' Asher Keddie and her husband Vincent Fantauzzo are embroiled in a battle with a builder who was tasked with renovating their Melbourne home. The multiple Logie-winning actress and the acclaimed artist hired the builder to work on their the Black Rock property but refused 'to pay the bulk of their final invoice' the Herald Sun reported on Sunday, after the $650,000 home makeover spiralled into an ugly legal war. The high profile pair this month agreed to pay out the $108,000 they owe to Brighton builder First Ave Homes as part of a settlement between the parties. The settlement was agreed upon during a compulsory conference overseen by a tribunal member and closed to the public. The couple 'took the bizarre step of breaking into the home before handover, moving in, and changing the locks, effectively locking the builder out' according to documents filed with the tribunal'. Keddie and Fantauzzo claimed they were left with no choice due to their rental lease at a second property ending. Asher Keddie and her husband Vincent Fantauzzo are embroiled in a battle with a builder who was tasked with renovating their Melbourne home. Both pictured The couple had additionally claimed the builder was only entitled to part of the invoice, alleging that they had been overcharged and double billed for certain items, left out of pocket over delays and charged for changes to the project made without approval. First Ave Homes has denied those claims. They also accused First Ave Homes of deliberately delaying the project to 'extract payments' - a claim the builder strongly denied. A $56,000 counterclaim from First Ave Homes has been dropped as part of the terms of the settlement. The three bedroom, two bathroom and two garage 'mid-century showpiece' home was sold for $2.46 million in February. A real estate listing for the property described it as 'meticulously enhanced and respectfully renovated to create a sanctuary of indulgent luxury and sophistication.' It adds that the house is, 'exceptionally curated throughout with a rare commitment to excellence'. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Asher Keddie for comment. Keddie and Fantauzzo have since relocated to another home in Melbourne's St Kilda, where they were the victims of a break-in late last year. The multiple Logie-winning actress and the acclaimed artist hired the builder to work on their the Black Rock property (pictured) but refused 'to pay the bulk of their final invoice' the Herald Sun reported on Sunday, after the $650,000 home makeover spiralled into an ugly legal war The three bedroom, two bathroom and two garage 'mid-century showpiece' home was sold for $2.46 million in February The high profile pair this month agreed to pay out the $108,000 they owe to Brighton builder First Ave Homes as part of a settlement between the parties A real estate listing for the property described it as 'meticulously enhanced and respectfully renovated to create a sanctuary of indulgent luxury and sophistication' In March, a man admitted breaking into the home of the television star before being tackled by her husband while attempting to steal a motorbike. James Powell, 44, had already spent 234 days behind bars on remand awaiting his hearing over the shocking incident. He pleaded guilty in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court to a swag of dishonesty offences, including his raid on the Keddie property just days after Christmas last year. Appearing in court via videolink from prison, the court heard Powell was spotted by Keddie as he removed her husband Fantauzzo's Ducati. Her screams caused Fantauzzo, 48, to spring into action, sparking a scuffle outside the front of their house. The court heard Powell hit Fantauzzo in the head as he tried to break free. A passer-by helped Fantauzzo subdue the drug-addled thief, who then lapsed into unconsciousness from a suspected drug overdose. Powell was taken by ambulance to The Alfred hospital before being charged over the home invasion. A $56,000 counterclaim from First Ave Homes has been dropped as part of the terms of the settlement Neither Keddie or Fantauzzo were in court to watch the intruder face justice, nor was a victim impact statement read to the court on their behalf. Powell also pleaded guilty to attacking his former partner, whom he attempted to force into the boot of his car during a domestic incident. 'We've got a kid together,' she was heard pleading as Powell insisted she get into the boot. Powell also admitted to stealing bike accessories from another inner-city apartment complex during an earlier raid in September. The court heard Powell had a lengthy criminal history. Powell was bailed in April. He appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court via video link from Ravenhall Corrections Centre where he was bailed by Magistrate Vincenzo Caltabiano. The magistrate imposed strict bail conditions, including living at his mother's Altona address and not leaving the state or contacting any prosecution witnesses. Keddie met her husband in 2012 when Fantauzzo asked to paint a portrait of her and they wed in a beachside ceremony on Fiji's Turtle Island in April 2014 The robbery at the Keddie home made national headlines at the time. Keddie met her husband in 2012 when Fantauzzo asked to paint a portrait of her and they wed in a beachside ceremony on Fiji's Turtle Island in April 2014. The couple share Valentino, nine, and Mr Fantauzzo's 14-year-old son, Luca, from a previous marriage. Fantauzzo is a world-renowned artist who has won the Archibald Prize's People's Choice Award four times and painted former prime minister Julia Gillard's official portrait on display in parliament house. Keddie, 50, is best known for her role in Australian drama Offspring where she won the Gold Logie and has won the Most Popular Actress Logie five times in a row. Asher, meanwhile, is a multiple Logie-winning actress, nabbing a Gold Logie in 2013 for her breakout role as Dr Nina Proudman in Offspring. She was also awarded a Most Popular Actress Logie five times in a row from 2011 to 2015. Most recently Asker was nominated or a Gold Logie in 2024 for her portrayal of Evelyn Jones in the BINGE series Strife. Sabrina Dhowre Elba sent pulses racing in a red lace dress as she attended the Campari Discover Red bash during Cannes Film Festival on Saturday. The model, 34, looked sensational as she stepped out in a Dilara Findikoglu bondage dress which costs an eye-watering 3,400. Her busty garment featured a sizzling lace design down the center of her corset structured dress. She added inches to her statuesque frame as she slipped into a pair of towering red shiny stilettos. To accessorise she added a hint of fun to her sizzling look as she wore a pair of red cherry earrings. Ensursing all eyes stayed on her lavish dress, Sabrina opted for a soft glam makeup look. Sabrina Dhowre Elba, 34, sent pulses racing in a red lace dress as she attended the Campari Discover Red during Cannes Film Festival on Saturday Elsewhere at the party, Alessandra Ambrosio looked sensational in a black cropped leather studded top which she paired with a matching pleated skirt. Shanina Shaik looked ethereal as she wore a silky white jumpsuit which featured a layered shawl and was paired with white heels. Grace Elizabeth put on a very risky display as she went braless in a knitted green dress which featured a very low neck line. Helena Christensen cut a casual figure in a black summer dress which she layered under a black jacket and paired with black sandals. Claire Holt put on a very leggy display as she stepped out in a black velvet mini dress which she paired with a matching blazer and black heels. Grace Elizabeth put on a very risky display as she went braless in a knitted green dress which featured a very low neck line, while posing with her footballer husband Nicolas Krause Shanina Shaik looked ethereal as she wore a silky white jumpsuit which featured a layered shawl and was paired with white heels, while posing with Carmella Rose Helena Christensen cut a casual figure in a black summer dress which he layered under a black jacket and paired with black sandals This year's Cannes Film Festival is taking place in the wake of Trumps vow to enact tariffs on international films. Cannes, where filmmakers, sales agents and journalists gather from around the world, is the Olympics of the big screen, with its own golden prize, the Palme dOr, to give out at the end. Filmmakers come from nearly every corner of the globe to showcase their films while dealmakers work through the night to sell finished films or packaged productions to various territories. 'You release a film into that Colosseum-like situation,' says Brazilian director Kleber Mendonca Filho, whos returning to Cannes with 'The Secret Agent, a thriller set during Brazils dictatorship. 'Youve got to really prepare for the whole experience because its quite intense - not very far from the feeling of approaching a roller coaster as you go up the steps at the Palais.' Trump sent shock waves through Hollywood and the international film community when he announced on May 4 that all movies 'produced in Foreign Lands' will face 100% tariffs. The White House has said no final decisions have been made. Options being explored include federal incentives for U.S.-based productions, rather than tariffs. But the announcement was a reminder of how international tensions can destabilize even the oldest cultural institutions. The Cannes Film Festival originally emerged in the World War II years, when the rise of fascism in Italy led to the founding of an alternative to the then-government controlled Venice Film Festival. In the time since, Cannes resolute commitment to cinema has made it a beacon to filmmakers. Countless directors have come to make their name. This year is no different, though some of the first-time filmmakers at Cannes are already particularly well-known. Scarlett Johansson (Eleanor the Great) and Harris Dickinson (Urchin) will all be unveiling their feature directorial debuts in Cannes Un Certain Regard sidebar section. Scarlett's directorial debut Eleanor The Great, will be unveiled on May 20. Over recent years the star-studded extravaganza has arguably won more attention for the outfits worn by its celebrity guests than the roster of feature films being screened on the Croisette. But new nudity rules, devised for 'the sake of decency,' have been implemented at this year's festival. According to organisers, the austere move is an attempt to stifle the celebrity trend for 'naked dresses' - namely provocative outfits that reveal considerably more than they conceal - on the red carpet. 'For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as any other area of the festival,' states a Cannes festival document. 'The festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit red carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules.' The surprise new policy features in a recent festival-goers charter - released with a series of outlines regarding expected public behaviour. Classic little black dresses, cocktail dresses, pant-suits, dressy tops and elegant sandals, 'with or without a heel', will also be permitted. While the decision to implement a more stringent policy will be a first, it is not known if French TV broadcasters, wary of airing nudity, played a role in its enforcement. Claire Holt put on a very leggy display as she stepped out in a black velvet mini dress which she paired with a matching blazer and black heels Barbara Palvin cut a glamorous figure in a form-fitting black gown as she posed up a storm at the swanky event Barbara was joined by her husband Dylan Sprouse as they posed for snaps on the red carpet Major red carpet events, including the Cannes Film Festival, are aired in France by France Televisions Recently attracting more models and influencers than actors and filmmakers, the annual ceremony has seen an increase in risque red carpet fashion statements. In 2021, American supermodel Bella Hadid bared her cleavage in a plunging black gown while attending a screening of Tre Piani (Three Floors). She pulled a similar stunt three years later, with guests at the 2024 gala left speechless after she attended the premiere of Donald Trump biopic The Apprentice completely braless beneath a sheer brown evening dress. Bella Hadid looked effortlessly chic in a navy pinstriped fitted dress as she arrived at Selfridges in London to launch her new fragrance Orebella. The supermodel, 28, showed off her amazing figure in the long sleeved V-neckline number which boasted buttons down the front. Bella - who is dating cowboy Adan Banuelos - added a smart crisp white shirt beneath her knee length dress and elevated her frame in a pair of white Maje slingback pumps. Styling her newly dyed blonde tresses in a neat up do, the American socialite flashed her gorgeous smile as she headed inside the department store. She simply accessorised the sophisticated look with a diamond necklace and a pair of matching stud earrings. Bella looked in good spirits as she opted for a pair of trendy sunglasses to complete her look for the pop-up which will run at Selfridges until the May 28. Bella Hadid looked effortlessly chic in a navy pinstriped fitted dress as she arrived at Selfridges in London to launch her new fragrance Orebella The supermodel, 28, showed off her amazing figure in the long sleeved V-neckline number which boasted buttons down the front Orebella is Bella's latest business venture that sells 'nourishing skin care fragrances' and is sold in luxury high street retailers such as Selfridges. Bella arrived in London on Thursday for a busy few days promoting her new fragrance as she made a statement in a number of glamorous outfits. As she first arrived in the capital, she was spotted heading to famous budget fried chicken shop in Brick Lane - hinting the model might be in for a spicy interview with Amelia Dimoldenberg on her Chicken Shop Date Days earlier, Bella debuted her new blonde hairstyle as she went braless in a daring black gown at the Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony. The model showed off her eye-catching new blonde hairstyle as she slipped into an elegant black gown with a thigh-high split for the premiere of Leave One Day. Bella's appearance was a far cry from the Cannes gowns of previous years, after organisers announced a ban on risque or voluminous gowns, but she still ditched her bra while posing in her dress with revealing side splits. Regardless, Bella still put on a showstopping display in her form-fitting dress, while showing off her model pins with the revealing split. It comes after the American superstar argued it should be illegal to model when menstruating in a candid interview. Bella - who is dating cowboy Adan Banuelos - added a smart crisp white shirt beneath her knee length dress and elevated her frame in a pair of white stilettos Bella looked in good spirits as she opted for a pair of trendy sunglasses to complete her look Styling her newly dyed blonde tresses in a neat up do, the American socialite flashed her gorgeous smile as she headed inside the department store Bella headed inside the department store for a shopping spree She was all smiles as she headed up the escalators The socialite stunned as she posed with her new fragrance The model departed with several shopping bags She stunned as she posed with her fragrance Orebella On Friday, Bella proved why she is one of the world's most in demand models as she slipped into two different outfits for the launch party of her new fragrance Orebella after landing in London Days earlier Bella debuted her newly dyed blonde tresses as she turned heads at the opening ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival Bella's launch party comes after the model discussed the reality of living with Lyme disease, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Endometriosis is a disease in which cells similar to the womb lining grow outside the uterus and cause severe pain, while PCOS is a hormonal disorder characterised by irregular periods and PMDD is a menstrual syndrome which impacts mood. Opening up about her difficulties, Bella revealed she wants women to get two weeks off while menstruating and said it should be 'illegal' to model while on her period. She told British Vogue's June issue: 'We get our periods. You're shooting Victoria's Secret on your period, with endo. That should be illegal. 'I'm going to talk to the White House about it, because we should literally ban women working on the week of their period. And the week before, to be honest.' Bella said she often 'pushes' herself to work 14-hour days in fashion despite her illnesses, but it eventually results in her burning out, adding that she is in therapy to work on her confidence. Jennifer Lawrence has candidly shared her struggles during an 'extremely isolating' postpartum period after the birth of her first child. The actress, 34, who welcomed her second baby earlier this year with husband Cooke Maroney, is starring as a mother battling psychosis in her new film Die, My Love, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday. Speaking at a press conference to promote the film, Jennifer candidly shared how she related to her character's struggles after struggling with the loneliness of her early motherhood. The Hunger Games star gave birth to her first child, son Cy, back in 2022, and shared that she had not long had her baby when she was approached to star in the film. She said: 'I mean, obviously, as a mother, it was really hard to separate what I would do as opposed to what she would do. It was just heartbreaking. When I first read the book, it was just such a devastating, powerful... Lynne (Ramsay) said it was dreamlike. Jennifer Lawrence has candidly shared her struggles during an 'extremely isolating' postpartum period after the birth of her first child The actress is starring as a mother battling psychosis in her new film Die, My Love, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday 'I had just read my first (baby). And there's not really anything like postpartum. It's extremely isolating, which is so interesting when Lynn (Ramsay) moves this couple into Montana. 'She doesn't have a community. She doesn't have her people. But the truth is, extreme anxiety and extreme depression is isolated, no matter where you are. You feel like an alien. And so it deeply moved me. I wanted to work with Lynn Ramsey since I saw Rat Catcher.' In the film, Jennifer stars as Grace, a new mother whose mental health begins to deteriorate as her marriage crumbles, with Robert Pattinson starring as her husband Jackson. The star admitted that since having children, it has changed her perspective on her career, and described motherhood as 'brutal and incredible.' She added: 'Well, having children changes everything. 'It changes your whole life. But it's brutal and incredible. And so not only do they go into every decision of if I'm working, where I'm working, when I'm working. 'It taught me... I didn't know that I could feel so much. My job has a lot to do with emotion. They've opened up the world to me. It's almost like feeling like a blister or something, so sensitive. 'So they've changed my life, obviously, for the best, and they've changed me creatively. I highly recommend having kids if you want to be an actor.' Speaking at a press conference to promote the film, Jennifer candidly shared how she related to her character's struggles after struggling with the loneliness of her early motherhood In the film, Jennifer stars as Grace, a new mother whose mental health begins to deteriorate as her marriage crumbles, with Robert Pattinson (pictured) starring as her husband Jackson The star cut a stylish figure in an embroidered skirt and a matching cream blouse as she and Robert posed at a photocall following the film's premiere at Cannes on The two stars were joined by fellow cast members Lakeith Stanfield, Sissy Spacek, as well as director Lynne Ramsay This film is the first time Jennifer and Robert have worked together, and the Twilight star, who welcomed his first child with fiancee Suki Waterhouse last year, echoed his co-star's sentiments. He said: 'I think in the most unexpected way, having a baby gives you the biggest trove of energy and inspiration. 'Ever since she was born, it's reintegrated the way I approach work. We just your completed. Can you go over here?' Die My Love is described as both a horror and a comedy and was directed by Lynne Ramsay, who was also present on the red carpet. Jennifer and Robert both rose to fame in the 2010s, with Jennifer starring in film adaptations of The Hunger Games series as Katniss Everdeen and Robert Pattinson gaining worldwide fame for his role as Edward Cullen in Twilight. Die My Love is based on a 2017 novel by Argentine writer, Ariana Harwicz, which details a new mum's battle with postpartum depression and subsequent psychosis. The red carpet appearance is Jennifer's first since she welcomed her second child earlier this year, whose name and gender are not known, with husband Cooke Maroney. In a 2022 interview with Vogue, the actress opened up about the joy of becoming a first-time mother following the birth of her first child that year, sharing that the birth of her son Cy 'felt like my whole life had started over.' 'I just stared. I was just so in love. I also fell in love with all babies everywhere. Newborns are just so amazing,' she gushed. This year's Cannes Film Festival is taking place in the wake of Trumps vow to enact tariffs on international films. Cannes, where filmmakers, sales agents and journalists gather from around the world, is the Olympics of the big screen, with its own golden prize, the Palme dOr, to give out at the end. Filmmakers come from nearly every corner of the globe to showcase their films while dealmakers work through the night to sell finished films or packaged productions to various territories. Jennifer showed off her elegant sense of style as she posed for snaps at the photocall to promote the film Jennifer tied the knot with husband Cooke Maroney in 2019, and they welcomed their second child together earlier this year 'You release a film into that Colosseum-like situation,' says Brazilian director Kleber Mendonca Filho, whos returning to Cannes with 'The Secret Agent, a thriller set during Brazils dictatorship. 'Youve got to really prepare for the whole experience because its quite intense - not very far from the feeling of approaching a roller coaster as you go up the steps at the Palais.' Trump sent shock waves through Hollywood and the international film community when he announced on May 4 that all movies "produced in Foreign Lands" will face 100% tariffs. The White House has said no final decisions have been made. Options being explored include federal incentives for U.S.-based productions, rather than tariffs. But the announcement was a reminder of how international tensions can destabilize even the oldest cultural institutions. The Cannes Film Festival originally emerged in the World War II years, when the rise of fascism in Italy led to the founding of an alternative to the then-government controlled Venice Film Festival. In the time since, Cannes resolute commitment to cinema has made it a beacon to filmmakers. Countless directors have come to make their name. MasterChef Australia: Back to Win sent home Matt Hopcraft after the dentist failed to impress the judges in Sunday's elimination challenge. Matt, 53, who finished sixth on the cooking competition in 2015, hung up his apron when his Italian meringue missed the mark. The popular contestant struggled in the presentation of his Bombe Alaska dessert which included a burning rum finish. However, the dish was a disappointment with the meringue ending up wet, instead of silky, a result of Matt running out of time. Matt was given credit for his delicious ice cream by Andy Allen, but the judge also slammed the dish for its 'overly boozy' flavour. 'Well, it's been a wild ride, but sad to say that for me, my MasterChef journey has come to an abrupt end,' Matt said in an Instagram post. MasterChef Australia: Back to Win sent home Matt Hopcraft (pictured) after the dentist failed to impress the judges in Sunday's elimination challenge Matt, 53, hung up his apron when his Italian meringue missed the mark. Pictured: The popular contestant farewells the MasterChef cast Adding some pictures from Sunday night's episode the kitchen star thank his fans and followers and MasterChef's cast and crew. 'It takes courage to say yes, to put yourself out there on national TV, to compete against the best and open yourself up to be judged and to be so vulnerable,' he wrote in the message. 'But the experience, and the opportunity for growth are second to none. This kitchen is a magical place where dreams come true.' 'I want to thank everyone for their words of encouragement and support it's meant a lot to me knowing how many people have been behind me. A special shout out to my family for giving me them opportunity to do this again. MasterChef Australia is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and to get a second chance is just crazy.' he said. Talking about his exit on Sunday night, Matt said that the challenge put him'out of his element'. 'I was nervous, I'm not well known for my flair, dentists are not often thought of as being overly theatrical,' he told 10Play. 'I was definitely out of my element in that challenge, but that's also part of the fun of the MasterChef kitchen. The popular contestant struggled in the presentation of his Bombe Alaska desert which included a burning rum finish. Pictured: Matt making up his dish Matt finished sixth on the cooking competition in 2015 'It's designed to push you, to help you grow so you're nervous doing something like that, but you also embrace the opportunity to push yourself as far as you can go.' It comes after Steph de Sousa, 52, who appeared in the 11th season of the series and has since gone on to find cookbook fame with Air Fryer Queen and Easy Dinner Queen was knocked out last Sunday. Steph's team lost the notorious 'One Inch Cube Taste Test' and were placed in an elimination challenge. For the cook, contestants could only use the ingredients from the taste test, which led to Steph making a pork belly dish with caramel sauce and a celeriac, fennel and green apple coleslaw. But with no fish sauce at her disposal, Steph got creative by using Balachan a fermented shrimp paste instead, a choice that sealed her fate when it overpowered her caramel. Despite the judges' warnings that her flavours may be too punchy, the chef stuck to her guns and produced final result that she was proud of. 'I really love strong, funky flavours, I love fermented food and I really enjoyed my dish,' she told 10Play of her final episode cook. However, relying on her instincts saw the chef come in last, with an overpowering palate and pork belly fat that hadn't rendered enough. 'It's just the luck of the draw, isn't it? A bad cook on the wrong day,' Steph said. Speaking of her time on the show, Steph said that it was 'nowhere near as stressful' as the first time around, however she was still surprised when she was eliminated. 'Obviously it was a bit of a shock because I really liked my dish but I was happy just to be there for the short time that I was, and happy to go back and do what I love to do!' Fans had pegged the chef as a possible winner before the disastrous result. Victoria Beckham shared a throwback snap of her son Brooklyn as she marked her father Tony's birthday in the midst of an escalating family feud. The designer, 51, shared a series of sweet family images as Tony turned 78 on Sunday, with Brooklyn noticeably featuring in one of the snaps despite growing tensions in the family. Victoria first shared a snap of herself during her teenage years alongside her proud dad, writing: 'Happy Birthday Daddy I love you so much.' The second snap then showed all of Victoria's children, Brooklyn, 26, Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 13, with her parents, and the caption: 'The best pap in the world.' Victoria also noticeably tagged her son in the post, despite claims she and husband David are 'heartbroken' over their rift with Brooklyn, and his wife Nicola Peltz. David is allegedly 'desperate to make amends with his son Brooklyn as he fears history is repeating itself' following his bitter fall out with his father Ted in 2005. Victoria Beckham shared a throwback snap of her son Brooklyn as she marked her father Tony's birthday in the midst of an escalating family feud Sources have claimed that David and Victoria are 'heartbroken' over the growing tensions with Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz The designer shared a series of sweet family images as Tony turned 78 on Sunday, with Brooklyn noticeably featuring in one of the snaps despite growing tensions in the family In the latest evidence of this, David included Brooklyn in a post about Mother's Day in the U.S. as he dedicated a post to the mother of his children, Victoria. Over the weekend, David reached out to his son on social media as rumours of their family feud continue to bubble. A sweet black and white photo showed Victoria cuddled up with her four kids, soon after welcoming their daughter Harper, now 13. They also shared sons Romeo, 22, and Cruz, 20. Alongside the photo, David wrote: 'Happy Mother's Day to the best mommy. To all our friends in the U.S. Happy Mother's Day.' Meanwhile, Victoria shared a photograph of a beautiful bouquet of flowers she had been sent by Cruz and his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 29. While David and his dad Ted, 77, now share a close-knit relationship, the father-son duo were once not even on speaking terms. After Ted suffered a near-death health scare in 2007, it sparked the pair to make amends and get back in touch - and they have been close ever since. And now David is reportedly worried 'history is repeating itself' amid his rift with his and Victoria's eldest son Brooklyn. Another snap showed Victoria posing with her brother Christian and sister Louise, as well as their mother Jackie during a family dinner A close friend of David reportedly told The Sun: 'David and the family genuinely fear Brooklyn could be lost to them forever. 'The word "lost", here, is especially poignant as it was the exact sentiment used when David fell out with his dad. 'Ted believed his son would never speak to him again, and he was heartbroken. It was an extremely tense few years, and devastated the whole family.' The Mail's Katie Hind revealed that Brooklyn has ditched his old pals in the UK and has followed Nicola's lead when it comes to mixing in new LA circles. They were certainly in good company on Saturday as they joined Hollywood actors Gerard Butler and Lewis Tan at Oliver Trevena's bash. A source told the publication: 'The wider Beckham family and Brooklyns friends many of whom he no longer sees take the view that he does what Nicola wants. From Beckhams point of view, its not nice to watch. Their trip to the U.S. comes following a slew of lavish celebrations to honour David's 50th birthday, all of which were not attended by his son Brooklyn and his wife. David hosted an early birthday party in Miami in April, as well as a fishing trip with his sons in Scotland, an intimate dinner at his Cotswolds mansion, a trip to France for a vineyard tour and finally a big bash in London to round off the week. The couple's absence at the events is said to have cemented the divide between them, with The Mail revealing that Romeo's girlfriend Kim Turnbull has been made the 'scapegoat' in the feud. A Mail Plus report also revealed Victoria's heartbroken verdict on the row, claiming that she feels 'betrayed' by Brooklyn and thinks Nicola is a viper. Read the full story here. A source said: 'Victoria is fairly open among her close friends about what a viper Nicola is and how she feels betrayed by Brooklyn, so the mask has fully dropped.' The Beckhams have been hit by fears they won't be able to heal their rift with Brooklyn as Victoria has been having 'sleepless nights' over the feud. The fashion designer and her husband David are said to have been left heartbroken at the distance that has grown between them and their eldest son. A source told The Sun: 'This is Victoria's worst nightmare. The thought of any of her children falling out gives her sleepless nights. 'It's been difficult with Brooklyn since he met Nicola, and there's no denying that there was a family fallout over their wedding. 'But Victoria and David have worked hard to get things back on track, so this is a real blow. Victoria's social media has been filled with photographs from various parties held to celebrate David's 50th birthday last week, including a bash at their Cotswolds home. The fun-filled celebrations culminated with a massive party held at London's esteemed Michelin-star restaurant Core on Saturday night. 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. Brooklyn was reportedly planning to attend, but felt too uncomfortable to come after he felt Nicola was being blamed for the rift with his family. 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 TMZ they wanted 'to get together privately' to avoid Romeo's girlfriend Kim as the couple are said to 'have a problem' with her. 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. 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 wife. '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.' The Beckham family have been at the centre of a feud that has pitted Brooklyn, 26, and his wife Nicola , 30, on one side, and the rest of the family on the other (pictured in 2023) Brooklyn and Nicola were absent from all of David's parties including a family bash at their Cotswolds mansion (pictured on the night) 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.' The Mail revealed Romeo's girlfriend Kim is being made the 'scapegoat' in the feud between Brooklyn and David - with Nicola 'at the centre' of the rift. Kim and Brooklyn were undeniably close for a brief period as photographs of them together in 2016 show - but suggestions that they were ever an item are wide of the mark, according to well-informed sources who spoke to The Mail. In fact, younger brother Cruz, personally shut down the gossip recently when he responded to an Instagram post showing a picture of Romeo and Kim together. In a now-deleted message, one user commented: 'It's appropriate to date your brother's ex too? Cool.' Cruz replied: 'Brooklyn and Kim never dated.' One friend told the Mail's Katie Hind: 'This is nothing to do with Kim and is all about Nicola. 'All David and Victoria want is their son back and they will be there to welcome him any time.' Family friends claim Brooklyn's wife has a pattern of 'starting an argument' before family events and then preventing her husband from attending. Some believe that friends of Nicola have been behind the briefings about Kim being the cause of Brooklyn's rift with his family, some of which went so far to claim that he had told them he refused to come to any event at which Kim was present. A source close to the family told MailOnline: 'Brooklyn was close to Kim because she was dating Rocco and they all hung out in a tightknit friendship group. But that was years ago. Brooklyn and Kim were close, but there was never any romance. 'It seems Nicola doesn't like Brooklyn spending any time with the Beckhams full stop and is using his previous closeness to Kim and her getting in with the family as a reason to not be around them. 'She denies it, but Nicola has been controlling him since the wedding. The family - including the brothers - have had enough of it. 'This is the narrative that's been put out to other news outlets, that Romeo is dating his brother's ex-girlfriend - and that's really weird, so that's why they wouldn't want to be around the family when she is there. 'But none of this is true. And it's really upset Romeo and his parents because Kim is seemingly being used by Nicola as a reason to start the rift. Romeo is furious at the suggestion that he would bring an ex-girlfriend of Brooklyn into the family when there never was any romance.' Eva Longoria looked every inch of the glamorous mother as she enjoyed a morning stroll with her husband Jose Baston and their son Santiago in Cannes during the 78th annual Film Festival. The actress, 50, showcased her incredible figure in a crossover halterneck dress that clung to her curves and boasted ruched detailing to highlight her tiny waist. The petite star boosted her 5ft2 frame with a pair of silver high heels, to match her sparkly hoop earrings and styled her signature long brown hair in bouncy waves. Eva beamed as she doted on her six-year-old son, wrapping an arm around him as the youngster avidly played on her phone. The Flamin' Hot director was later spotted heading back to the Hotel Martinez, walking hand-in-hand with Santiago and husband Jose. The Mexican businessman, 56, cut a dashing figure in a grey suit complete with a burgundy pocket square, teamed with a pink button-up shirt and sunglasses. Eva Longoria looked every inch of the glamorous mother as she enjoyed a morning stroll with her husband Jose Baston and their son Santiago in Cannes during the 78th annual Film Festival The actress, 50, showcased her incredible figure in a crossover halterneck dress that clung to her curves and boasted ruched detailing to highlight her tiny waist The petite star boosted her 5ft2 frame with a pair of silver high heels, to match her sparkly hoop earrings and styled her signature long brown hair in bouncy waves Eva and Jose have been married for almost a decade - first getting together in 2013, before tying the knot in May 2016 and welcoming Santiago two years later. Reflecting on falling for the media mogul, Eva told People in 2017: 'It was like the cliche angels singing, and there was a glow around him, and it was immediate chemistry. 'He was the most handsome man I'd ever seen. He was so charismatic, charming, sweet, and funny. I thought, "Who is this guy?!" 'I want to yell from the highest mountaintop about everything that goes on with us because I'm so happy and excited to be with a person as kind as Pepe is. 'He is probably one of the first men I've dated that has been older and established and, basically, a grown-up.' This year's Cannes Film Festival is taking place in the wake of Trumps vow to enact tariffs on international films. Cannes, where filmmakers, sales agents and journalists gather from around the world, is the Olympics of the big screen, with its own golden prize, the Palme dOr, to give out at the end. Filmmakers come from nearly every corner of the globe to showcase their films while dealmakers work through the night to sell finished films or packaged productions to various territories. Eva beamed as she doted on her six-year-old son, wrapping an arm around him as the youngster avidly played on her phone The Flamin' Hot director was later spotted heading back to the Hotel Martinez, walking hand-in-hand with Santiago and husband Jose The Mexican businessman, 56, cut a dashing figure in a grey suit complete with a burgundy pocket square, teamed with a pink button-up shirt and sunglasses 'You release a film into that Colosseum-like situation,' says Brazilian director Kleber Mendonca Filho, whos returning to Cannes with 'The Secret Agent, a thriller set during Brazils dictatorship. 'Youve got to really prepare for the whole experience because its quite intense - not very far from the feeling of approaching a roller coaster as you go up the steps at the Palais.' Trump sent shock waves through Hollywood and the international film community when he announced on May 4 that all movies "produced in Foreign Lands" will face 100% tariffs. The White House has said no final decisions have been made. Options being explored include federal incentives for U.S.-based productions, rather than tariffs. But the announcement was a reminder of how international tensions can destabilize even the oldest cultural institutions. The Cannes Film Festival originally emerged in the World War II years, when the rise of fascism in Italy led to the founding of an alternative to the then-government controlled Venice Film Festival. In the time since, Cannes resolute commitment to cinema has made it a beacon to filmmakers. Countless directors have come to make their name. This year is no different, though some of the first-time filmmakers at Cannes are already particularly well-known. Kristen Stewart (The Chronology of Water), Scarlett Johansson (Eleanor the Great) and Harris Dickinson (Urchin) will all be unveiling their feature directorial debuts in Cannes Un Certain Regard sidebar section. The much-anticipated eighth and final instalment of Mission Impossible was one of the earlier premieres on this year's Cannes calendar, with its glitzy red carpet taking place on Wednesday. Eva and Jose have been married for almost a decade - first getting together in 2013, before tying the knot in May 2016 and welcoming Santiago two years later (pictured in 2015) Meanwhile Scarlett's directorial debut Eleanor The Great, will be unveiled on May 20. However, in the wake of his legal battle with former co-star Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni is not expected to attend. Over recent years the star-studded extravaganza has arguably won more attention for the outfits worn by its celebrity guests than the roster of feature films being screened on the Croisette. But new nudity rules, devised for 'the sake of decency,' have been implemented at this year's festival. According to organisers, the austere move is an attempt to stifle the celebrity trend for 'naked dresses' - namely provocative outfits that reveal considerably more than they conceal - on the red carpet. 'For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as any other area of the festival,' states a Cannes festival document. 'The festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit red carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules.' The surprise new policy features in a recent festival-goers charter - released with a series of outlines regarding expected public behaviour. Guests are expected to converge on the Grand Auditorium Louis Lumiere for some of the highest profile film screenings across a packed two-week schedule in Cannes. The much-anticipated eighth and final instalment of Mission Impossible was one of the earlier premieres on this year's Cannes calendar, with its glitzy red carpet taking place on Wednesday (Tom Cruise pictured) It's understood that the iconic venue now adopts a more conservative dress code, with suits, dinner jackets and floor-length evening gowns generally favoured over headline grabbing ensembles. Classic little black dresses, cocktail dresses, pant-suits, dressy tops and elegant sandals, 'with or without a heel', will also be permitted. While the decision to implement a more stringent policy will be a first, it is not known if French TV broadcasters, wary of airing nudity, played a role in its enforcement. Major red carpet events, including the Cannes Film Festival, are aired in France by France Televisions Recently attracting more models and influencers than actors and filmmakers, the annual ceremony has seen an increase in risque red carpet fashion statements. In 2021, American supermodel Bella Hadid bared her cleavage in a plunging black gown while attending a screening of Tre Piani (Three Floors). She pulled a similar stunt three years later, with guests at the 2024 gala left speechless after she attended the premiere of Donald Trump biopic The Apprentice completely braless beneath a sheer brown evening dress. After more than half a century on-screen it would be one of his last significant contributions to American cinema. But Gene Hackman, who tragically died alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa at their New Mexico home in February, was initially reluctant to accept a starring role in The Royal Tenenbaums following a dispute over pay. Speaking to The Times, director Wes Anderson says Hackman - at the time one of Hollywood's greatest living actors and revered for a canon of work that includes The French Connection, Unforgiven and Mississippi Burning - objected to being given the same baseline salary as every other actor on the cast. 'Gene was very annoyed about the money,' he recalled. 'He was furious. Also, he didnt want to do the film anyway. I talked him into it - I just didnt go away.' Hackman later accepted the terms of his contract - if not the relatively young Anderson's maverick techniques - as part of an ensemble cast after Oscar-winner Gwyneth Paltrow and Anjelica Huston signed up, having agreed to the same budget fee. 'And everybody else said yes to the salary, so Gene just went with it and - that just became our way,' he added. Gene Hackman was initially reluctant to accept a starring role in The Royal Tenenbaums following a dispute over pay (pictured in the film) Director Wes Anderson says Hackman objected to being given the same baseline salary as every other actor on the cast Hackman won critical praise for his role as the eccentric Royal O'Reilly Tenenbaum in Anderson's surreal 2001 tragicomedy about the mixed fortunes of three talented siblings. Also starring Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Danny Glover and Bill Murray, the film won numerous accolades throughout the ensuing awards season - among them Golden Globe and National Society of Film Critics' awards for Hackman. But despite its success and enduring popularity among film enthusiasts, Anderson admits his relationship with Hackman deteriorated as soon as the cameras stopped rolling. Asked if they had spoken prior to Hackman's death, he said: 'Not a word. In fact he left without saying goodbye. He was grumpy - we had friction. 'He didnt enjoy it. I was probably too young and it was annoying to him.' Anderson - currently promoting new film The Phoenician Scheme in Cannes - believes the unorthodox script may have played a part in Hackman's cantankerous attitude on set, with the pair last communicating at the film's premiere. 'And he liked it,' the director recalled. 'But he told me he didnt understand it when we were shooting. 'I wish Id shown him ten minutes, early on. Then, maybe, he would have said, "OK, I get it."' The film won numerous accolades throughout the ensuing awards season - among them Golden Globe and National Society of Film Critics' awards for Hackman (pictured) The Oscar-winning actor was found dead aged 95 in his Santa Fe, New Mexico home alongside wife Arakawa, 64, in February (seen in March 2024) An autopsy report released two months after the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa (pictured in 1994) reveals the actor likely starved in his final days after his wife passed away first The Oscar-winning actor was found dead aged 95 in his Santa Fe, New Mexico home alongside wife Arakawa, 64, in February, with investigators concluding that Arakawa died first after contracting a rare rat-borne disease Hantavirus. For up to seven days after Arakawa died, Hackman - who suffered from Alzheimer's disease in later life - remained inside the home before he died from heart failure. Autopsy results released in April and first obtained by Fox News found that Hackman died with acetone in his system, a sign of a 'prolonged level of fasting.' The grim finding shows that Hackman had no food for some time before he died, and due to his advanced cognitive deterioration, officials said the actor may not have ever realized his wife had died. His autopsy noted that he had a 'history of congestive heart failure', was fitted with a 'bi-ventricular pacemaker' since April 2019, and suffered 'neurodegenerative features consistent with Alzheimer's Disease.' Investigators believe Hackman wandered through the home for days as he suffered Alzheimer's Disease, as his autopsy found he likely went without food in his final days Hackman won critical praise for his role as the eccentric Royal O'Reilly Tenenbaum in Anderson's surreal 2001 tragicomedy about the mixed fortunes of three talented siblings At a press conference weeks after the couple were found, Dr. Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Examiner for New Mexico said Alzheimer's Disease and kidney failure were 'significant contributing factors' to Hackman's death. Jarrell said authorities believe the actor died on February 18, and Arakawa died on February 11 following a bout with 'Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.' The autopsy, from the Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico, noted that Hackman tested negative for the Hantavirus that killed his wife. The documents added in their findings: 'Autopsy showed severe atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with placement of coronary artery stents and a bypass graft, as well as a previous aortic valve replacement. 'Remote myocardial infarctions were present involving the left ventricular free wall and the septum, which were significantly large.' A report obtained by DailyMail.com indicated that Arakawa had bookmarks on her computer suggesting that she had been researching medical conditions with symptoms similar to Covid-19 or the flu prior to her death. Beneath another roiling cloud of controversy, Shia LaBeouf appeared on an otherwise serene French Riviera as a new documentary charting the rise and dramatic fall of his theatre collective launched in Cannes. The American actor made a rare public appearance at a Sunday afternoon photo-call with Lewis O'Neil, the first-time director responsible for Slauson Rec - an often unflattering 145 minute account of the combustible LaBeouf's attempt at mentoring a young theatrical group of the same name. Having attended previous functions looking rather more hirsute, the actor, 38, modelled a neatly groomed mustache outside the Palais des Festivals after trimming his thick facial hair. LaBeouf, who wore a smart black co-ord and classic white T-shirt for his latest appearance in France, appeared to be in a jovial mood as he chatted with O'Neill in front of those who had gathered en-masse for a glimpse of the star. He will be on the Croisette when Slauson Rec premieres at the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival on Sunday evening. Director O'Neil whittled down more than 800 hours of raw footage to little more than two after following LaBeouf and his attempts to fine tune his own theatre group in Los Angeles over an astonishing three year period. Shia LaBeouf appeared on the French Riviera as a new documentary charting the rise and dramatic fall of his theatre collective launched in Cannes on Sunday afternoon Slauson Rec (pictured) is an often unflattering 145 minute account of the combustible LaBeouf's attempt at mentoring a young theatrical group of the same name Official Cannes press materials claim the new documentary examines the fine line between mentorship and manipulation," with LaBeouf often using questionable methods such as verbal abuse to push participants to their limits." The actor is promoting the film under a cloud of sorts after Timothee Chalamet fans reacted badly to his comments about the actor in a recent interview. LaBeouf was speaking to The Hollywood Reporter about his 2013 sacking from Broadway play Orphans - during which he was rumoured to have butted heads with co-star Alec Baldwin. Reflecting on his extreme method acting - which saw him sleep in Central Park and join Baldwin's acting classes, the controversial star said finding Catholicism had changed him. He explained: 'Me and Alec would never have these problems now. But I was in an island. 'Then I hear Timothee Chalamet get up and he says something like, I want to be great. I so know the feeling. On him, its cute. On me, it wasnt cute. You know what Im saying?' In February Chalamet expressed his wish to become an acting legend when he won the Best Actor SAG Award for A Complete Unknown. He said: 'I cant downplay the significance of this award, because it means the most to me. I know were in a subjective business, but the truth is, Im really in pursuit of greatness.' The American actor made a rare public appearance at a Sunday afternoon photo-call with Lewis O'Neil, the first-time director responsible for Slauson Rec Having attended previous functions looking rather more hirsute (left), the actor modelled a neatly groomed mustache outside the Palais des Festivals after trimming his thick facial hair (right) LaBeouf appeared to be in a jovial mood as he chatted with O'Neill in front of those who had gathered en-masse for a glimpse of the star Fans quickly took to social media to slam the actor and bring up abuse allegations levelled against him by ex girlfriend FKA Twigs in a 2020 lawsuit. He has denied the allegations. LaBeouf has since responded by sharing a chummy text exchange with Chalamet, 28, from 2023, in which the younger actor appears to praise him for his work in a Broadway production of David Mamet play Henry Jones. Beginning his post with a quote from Rudyard Kiplings 1895 poem If, he wrote: 'If you can bear to hear the truth youve spoken, twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools.' Hitting back at rumours of a rift with the star, he added: 'Timothee Chalamet is doing better work than anyone alive we been good.' Official Cannes press materials claim new documentary Slauson Rec examines the fine line between mentorship and manipulation" LaBeouf is promoting the film under a cloud of sorts after Timothee Chalamet fans reacted badly to his comments about the actor in a recent interview LaBeouf has since responded by sharing a chummy text exchange with Chalamet from 2023, in which the younger actor appears to praise him for his work in David Mamet play Henry Jones In the purported email screenshot, Chalamet wrote: 'Absolutely blown away by your work the other night. Totally electric, totally present at every turn, king of your kingdom even if that kingdom is a miserable 44 prison cell. 'What a fantastic play. I hope you guys take it to New York. And I hope this is the beginning of your work on stage and not an anomaly !! Timothee.' LaBeouf responded: 'Thank you doggy / Every blessing to you / Fun watching you evolve / Take ownership / Bang bang.' DailyMail.com has contacted Chalamet's representatives for further comment. Mia Threapleton has opened up on sharing the screen with her mother Kate Winslet, and revealed the key piece of advice she has given her. The actress, 24, has followed in her famous mum's footsteps, starring in the likes of The Buccaneers and Firebrand, before landing her biggest role yet, as a lead in Wes Anderson's latest film, The Phoenician Scheme. While she won critical praise in 2022's hard-hitting I Am Ruth, where she starred opposite Kate, 49, playing a mother and daughter. The Channel 4 drama saw Mia play a troubled teenager battling a mental health crisis after becoming consumed by the pressures of social media, while Kate took on the role of her concerned mum Ruth, trying to help her daughter through her struggles. And while it won rave reviews as well as BAFTAs for Best Single Drama and the Best Actress gong for Kate, Mia has admitted that it was challenging working with the Oscar winner. The pair shared many heavy and emotionally-fraught scenes onscreen, with the dialogue in their shouting matches being improvised. Mia Threapleton has opened up on sharing the screen with her mother Kate Winslet, and revealed the key piece of advice she has given her (seen Saturday) The actress, 24, has followed in her famous mum's footsteps, starring in the likes of The Buccaneers and Firebrand, before landing her biggest role yet, as a lead in Wes Anderson's latest film, The Phoenician Scheme (pictured in film) While she won critical praise in 2022's hard-hitting I Am Ruth, where she starred opposite Kate, 49, playing a mother and daughter (seen together in I Am Ruth) In a new interview with The Sunday Times, Mia admitted that sharing that tension with her real life mum was no easy feat, with Kate making it clear that they would leave their characters' feelings on the set. She said: 'It was quite frightening at times, because both of us were going into extremely emotionally intense places. I remember [Kate] saying to me when we started, "We cant be sad all the time. We have to be able to come home and have a lovely cup of tea and a biscuit".' However, having one of the greatest British actors as a parent also means a wealth of advice at your fingertips, with Mia revealing Kate has gifted her some solid acting tips, chiefly: 'Read the damn script as many times as you can!' She explained how she had first told her mother she wanted to follow into her footsteps and be an actress herself at just 10 years old, and described Kate as being 'quite caught off-guard' by her aspiration. She explained how she has signed herself up to online casting sites at the age of 15, out of her desire to do it 'on my own'. While she added that Kate has been nothing but supportive of her career in the industry, while also making sure that she was aware of the difficulties that came with the job. Mia said: 'She was very, very encouraging of me doing it on my own and for myself, having the experiences being mine and mine alone. But she always - I mean, always - emphasised the hard work that goes into it and the effort that needs to go into it.' Kate previously gushed over her experience working with her daughter, saying she was 'blown away' by her courage on set. In a new interview with The Sunday Times, Mia admitted that sharing that tension with her real life mum was no easy feat, with Kate making it clear that they would leave their character's feelings on the set (pictured together in 2023) Kate previously gushed over her experience working with her daughter, saying she was 'blown away' by her courage on set (Mia pictured in I Am Ruth) The film industry veteran insisted Mia didn't need her advice and would even tell her to 'shut up' and proudly gushed that her daughter has a 'power' that she herself never had as a young actress. Appearing on Lorraine in December 2022, she explained: 'As far as performance, she didn't need me at all. There are even moments where she'd look at me and go, "Shut up Mum, let me do it!" 'It was really amazing working alongside her and actually being blown away by her courage she's very, very powerful.' And in her BAFTA acceptance speech for the role in 2023, the Titanic star gave a sweet tribute to Mia, saying: 'If I could break [the award] in half, I would give the other half to my daughter Mia Threapleton. We did this together, kiddo!' Mia, who Kate shares with film director Jim Threapleton, has previously hit back at claims she is a 'nepo baby' or that she had a helping hand in the industry through her mum. Earlier this week, she claimed her famous parentage has led to a 'misconception' that she was submerged in the acting world from an early age. She said: 'I feel like it's a misconception about me, considering who my mother is, that I grew up going to set or that I would know anything about this world because of her and what she does. 'That is not the case at all. I genuinely can count on not even two hands the amount of times I went to set as a kid. There were never scripts lying around the house.' And in her BAFTA speech, she gave Mia a sweet tribute, saying: 'If I could break [the award] in half, I would give the other half to my daughter Mia Threapleton. We did this together, kiddo!' And she has previously insisted she didn't get to spend much time learning acting skills by watching Kate work as a child. Speaking to Variety, she admitted: 'I never actually spent much time around sets that my mum was working on. It was always a special treat. 'Its a very different experience when it is happening to you, and not just something I was getting to observe from time to time. 'I really understand why my mum has always impressed on us how hard the work is. She is right! And I loved every second of it.' Earlier this year, Mia scooped the Breakout Artist Award during the Newport Beach Film Festival UK & IE Honours 2025 in London at the same age that Kate was when received her first Best Actress Oscar nod for Titanic. Mia made her own acting debut in 2014's A Little Chaos, in which her mother starred, followed by a role in 2020 thriller drama, Shadows. She then made waves with her performance in I Am Ruth, and is currently starring in the Apple TV+ adaptation of the Edith Wharton novel The Buccaneers. Earlier this year, Mia scooped the Breakout Artist Award during the Newport Beach Film Festival UK & IE Honours 2025 in London (pictured) Kate has also been insistent that Mia is not a 'nepo baby' and that her success is down to her own talent. She previously said: 'What's great for her is she has a different surname so she slipped under the radar and the people who cast her didn't know she was my daughter and that was important for her self-esteem, of course'. Kate met Mia's father Jim on the set of Hideous Kinky in 1998 where he was assistant director and they tied the knot the same year. The couple went on to welcome Mia in 2000, but then divorced just a year later. Joe Exotic's worst fear came true when his husband Jorge Flores Maldonado was picked up by ICE upon his release from prison. Joe - real name Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage - posted a photo on Instagram with his husband on Saturday. 'They have officially taken him to an ICE detention Center for his hearing to either stay in America or go back to Mexico.' Maldonado was deported to Mexico just hours after the immigration hearing, TMZ confirmed Sunday. Jorge was serving time for immigration-related issues while Joe is behind bars for 21 years for his alleged involvement in attempting to have his rival Carole Baskin killed. Exotic rose to fame from the 2020 Netflix series Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness that followed his life as he looked after exotic big cats at his G.W. Zoo in Oklahoma. Joe Exotic 's worst fear came true when his husband Jorge Flores Maldonado was picked up by ICE upon his release from prison Joe's big mistake was offering $10,000 to an undercover FBI agent to kill Baskin. was imprisoned in 2024 for 'unlawfully reentering the US from Mexico after previously being deported' per The Sun. In October, after announcing their engagement, Exotic said he was working on 'getting asylum or we be leaving America when we both get out.' He doubled down on that claim in answering a comment on social media wishing him luck in his appeal. Exotic wrote that he has 'no problem going to Mexico' with his husband when released. That might not be as easy as Exotic thinks it is with his felony conviction. Mexico can deny entry to felons with dangerous convictions such as attempted murder. On Saturday, Joe shared a photo of his husband on Instagram and included a long and heartfelt message and hope that they can be together again someday. 'You know, I could die tomorrow, and I could go knowing what true love was really all about,' Joe began. 'Jorge gave me the most loving and devoted 10 months of my life. I pray God will give me the chance to experience life with him again.' Joe - real name Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage - posted a photo on Instagram with his husband on Saturday 'They have officially taken him to an ICE detention Center for his hearing to either stay in America or go back to Mexico' Maldonado was deported to Mexico just hours after the immigration hearing, TMZ confirmed Sunday Jorge was serving time for immigration-related issues while Joe is behind bars for 21 years for his involvement in his attempt to have his rival Carole Baskin killed He went on to say when he went outside, prisoners came up to him to check on how he was 'holding up since he left.' 'You know, they all respected us because we weren't the typical gay people just causing drama and bed-hopping. They saw that we were real and serious about our devotion to each other, which is amazing that some of the worst of the worst society has to offer saw that in us.' Joe then went on to throw his hope behind a Presidential pardon from Donald Trump. 'We need to get some serious campaigns going to get Trump to let me go. No matter where I am, I'm fine with Mexico or America, as long as I spend my last days with Jorge. 'Pray that we make it back together one day. I am falsely incarcerated in my own country I dont belong here I pray President Trump signs my pardon soon.' Joe shocked fans last month when he announced he'd married a fellow prisoner. Speaking to Sydney, Austrailia's 2DayFM's Jimmy & Nath Show, Joe revealed whether the couple had consummated the marriage. Sharing a photoshopped snap of the couple wearing suits for the big day, he quipped: 'Never been more proud of someone. Meet my husband Jorge Flores Maldonado.' Exotic rose to fame from the 2020 Netflix series Tiger King : Murder, Mayhem and Madness that followed his life as he looked after exotic big cats at his G.W. Zoo in Oklahoma Joe shared the news of their engagement back in October, as he told fans: 'Meet Jorge Marquez. He is so amazing and is from Mexico.' He added: 'Now, the quest of getting married in prison and getting him asylum or we be leaving America when we both get out. 'Either way, I wish I would have met him long ago.' Joe, also known Joseph Maldonado-Passage, submitted a marriage application to the federal prison to wed Jorge. Aubrey O'Day has branded Sean 'Diddy' Combs "selfish" for having his children attend his sex trafficking trial. Aubrey O'Day has slammed Sean 'Diddy' Combs The disgraced rapper - who has pleaded not guilty to five felony counts of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution - is currently on trial in New York and his kids Quincy, 33, Justin, 31, Christian, 27, Chance, 18 and twins DLila and Jessie, also 18 were seen in the courtroom during the first days of testimony over the last week. And former Danity Kane member Aubrey blasted the decision for Diddy's family to hear harrowing tales of the alleged abuse he subjected people to. Speaking on iHeartRadio's 'Amy Robach + T.J. Holmes Present: Aubrey O'Day, Covering the Diddy Trial' podcast, she said: "The fact that the kids are being are marching up to that court. "I don't know any father that would want their children to sit through [that kind of] testimony." Arguing Combs was "being selfish", she added: "In my opinion, it feels like 'Daddy needs you in court because Daddy needs all the optics to look in his favour.' " Aubrey - who signed to the rap mogul's Bad Boy Records as part of Danity Kane in 2005, and claimed the 'I'll Be Missing You' hitmaker asked her to sign an NDA to never disparage him or his record label - finds the trial "bittersweet" but hopes recording the podcast will help her to move on. She told People magazine: "This trial is bittersweet for me, as I've been speaking the truth about Diddy for 20 years now. "This podcast is the first step in reclaiming my voice and career that I was robbed of when I was abruptly fired from my band in order to appear discredited. "My heart goes out to all the victims, especially those who could have been spared, had anyone taken these claims seriously prior. "My sincere hope is that justice will prevail and for there to be further systemic changes within the music industry to prevent all forms of abuse from those in a position of power." Despite speculation, Aubrey had confirmed on the podcast she wouldn't be called to testify during the trial, which is set to run for several weeks. She said: "No, I'm not here to testify for the Diddy trial, that I know of... I did have a meeting with Homeland Security. "I posted on my Instagram that I was here in New York and enjoying myself because I wanted to make it clear to everyone that I am not here testifying." Gwyneth Paltrow had a foul-mouthed three-word response to backlash over her brand Goop's controversial 'vagina' candle. In 2020, the 52-year-old Goop CEO-founder teamed up with Heretic Parfum founder Douglas Little to create the $75 'This smells like my vagaina' candle scented with geranium, citrusy bergamot, cedar absolutes, Damask rose, and ambrette seed. As the star attended the Mindvalley Manifesting Summit 2025 in Los Angeles on Saturday - she hit back at criticism of the candle in a hilarious quip. 'That product is so fascinating because we were messing around with different scents one day. And I smelled something and I was like, "Oh, that smells like... you know,"' Gwyneth recalled during the sold-out Q&A. 'I was joking. And then [Douglas] was like, "Oh we should make that a candle and put it on the site."' Paltrow thought Little was kidding and she sarcastically agreed that it 'sounded like a winner.' 'All of a sudden, it was literally on the website. And then we broke the Internet again. And then it took us a long time to live that one down,' the Oscar winner said of the discontinued candle that now sells for $400 on eBay. Gwyneth Paltrow had a foul-mouthed three-word response to backlash over her brand Goop's controversial 'vagina' candle In 2020, the 52-year-old Goop CEO-founder teamed up with Heretic Parfum founder Douglas Little to create the $75 candle scented with geranium, citrusy bergamot, cedar absolutes, Damask rose, and ambrette seed 'But, I kept it on the site because there is an aspect to women's sexuality, that I think, we're socialized to feel a lot of shame. And I sort of loved this kind of punk rock idea. "We are beautiful and we are awesome and go f*** yourself."' But it wasn't all rose-scented success as Texas customer Colby Watson filed a $5M class action lawsuit against the lifestyle brand in 2021 when his vagina candle allegedly 'exploded' after burning for 'an estimated three hours or less.' Months earlier, London customer Jody Thompson alleged that her vagina candle 'exploded' in her living room and sparked a similar 'inferno.' In 2022, Goop released a $75 'Hands Off My Vagina' candle benefitting the ACLU in honor of the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, which was overturned by the Supreme Court the same year. Justices Neil Gorsuch, Amy Coney Barrett, and Brett Kavanaugh all declared Roe v. Wade was 'precedent' and 'settled law' while under oath during their confirmation hearings, but then promptly overturned it with Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas. The LA-born nepo baby originally launched Goop in 2008 as a weekly e-mail newsletter providing new age advice before expanding the brand into e-commerce, a wellness summit, a print magazine, a podcast, and a Netflix docuseries. On the personal front, Gwyneth has two children - daughter Apple, 21; and son Moses, 19 - from her decade-long marriage to Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, and they 'consciously uncoupled' in 2013. Apple has been acting in plays when she's not studying law, history, and society at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. Moses fronts the band Dancer Dancer Dancer Dancer when he's not busy with his freshman studies at Brown University in Providence, RI. Gwyneth recalled during the sold-out Q&A: 'That product is so fascinating because we were messing around with different scents one day. And I smelled something and I was like, "Oh, that smells like... you know"' Paltrow continued: 'I was joking. And then [Douglas] was like, "Oh we should make that a candle and put it on the site"' The Oscar winner said of the discontinued candle that now sells for $400 on eBay: 'All of a sudden, it was literally on the website. And then we broke the Internet again. And then it took us a long time to live that one down' Gwyneth added: 'But, I kept it on the site because there is an aspect to women's sexuality, that I think, we're socialized to feel a lot of shame. And I sort of loved this kind of punk rock idea. "We are beautiful and we are awesome and go f*** yourself"' But it wasn't all rose-scented success as Texas customer Colby Watson filed a $5M class action lawsuit against the lifestyle brand in 2021 when his vagina candle allegedly 'exploded' after burning for 'an estimated three hours or less' In 2022, Goop released a $75 'Hands Off My Vagina' candle benefitting the ACLU in honor of the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, which was overturned by the Supreme Court the same year Paltrow originally launched Goop in 2008 as a weekly e-mail newsletter providing new age advice before expanding the brand into e-commerce, a wellness summit, a print magazine, a podcast, and a Netflix docuseries (pictured in 2020) Last year, the LA-born nepo baby wrapped her role as Timothee Chalamet's (R, pictured October 16) much older love interest in Josh Safdie's solo feature directorial debut Marty Supreme, which hits US theaters December 25 Last year, Paltrow wrapped her role as Timothee Chalamet's much older love interest in Josh Safdie's solo feature directorial debut Marty Supreme, which hits US theaters December 25. A24's $70M-budget ping pong drama also stars Tyler the Creator, Fran Drescher, Penn Jillette, Abel Ferrera, and Sandra Bernhard. The empty nester will also have a cameo in Rachel Israel's indie comedy Miracle on 74th Street alongside Drew Barrymore, Jill Kargman, Justin Bartha, David Krumholtz, Christine Taylor, and Jason Biggs. Helena Christensen showed off her enviable figure on Sunday as she stepped out on day six of the Cannes Film Festival in a plunging blue dress. The model posed up a storm in her laid-back look as she enjoyed the sunny weather at the French Riviera. Helena's look, however, still relatively conservative following the festival's ban on risque outfits and stretched down to the model's ankles. She cut a casually stylish figure outside the Hotel Martinez, pairing the dress with black flip-flops, a pink bag and oversized brown sunglasses. The look was finished by her decision to pin back her hair, creating a cool look for the summer sunshine. The Victoria's Secret model has been enjoying the festival since Wednesday, attending the opening ceremony and screening of Quentin Dupieux's new comedy film, Le Deuxieme Acte. Helena Christensen, 56, showed off her enviable figure in a plunging blue dress as she stepped out on day six of the Cannes Film Festival on Sunday The model posed up a storm in her laid-back look as she enjoyed the sunny weather at the French Riviera The garment emphasised her enviable waist and assets with two cut out sections below the bosom On Friday, Helena attended the screening of Bono's new film, Bono: Stories of Surrender. Her outfit then was even more show-stopping and consisted of a long, pink cocktail dress and oversized featured scarf. This too was in-keeping with the new modesty rules that have dramatically changed the looks showcased at Cannes in 2025. Devised for 'the sake of decency,' the austere move is an attempt to stifle the celebrity trend for 'naked dresses' - namely provocative outfits that reveal considerably more than they conceal - on the red carpet. 'For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as any other area of the festival,' states a Cannes festival document. 'The festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit red carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules.' The new rules come amid increased controversy caused by naked dresses this year, with Bianca Censori notably causing outrage at the 2025 Grammy Awards by wearing a completely see-through garment. The shocking outfit was initially hidden by a fur coat, which Bianca removed at the request of her husband Kanye West. However, it is not just the stars who are expected to cover up at this year's event, so too are attendees. Helena's outfit on Friday was equally show-stopping, yet conservatvie and consisted of a long, pink cocktail dress and oversized featured scarf The surprise new policy features in a recent festival-goers charter - released with a series of outlines regarding expected public behaviour. Guests are expected to converge on the Grand Auditorium Louis Lumiere for some of the highest profile film screenings across a packed seven day schedule in Cannes. It's understood that the iconic venue now adopts a more conservative dress code, with suits, dinner jackets and floor-length evening gowns generally favoured over headline-grabbing ensembles. Classic little black dresses, cocktail dresses, pant-suits, dressy tops and elegant sandals, 'with or without a heel', will also be permitted. While the decision to implement a more stringent policy is a first, it is not known if French TV broadcasters, wary of airing nudity, played a role in its enforcement. A host of famous faces descended on Cannes Film Festival's iconic red carpet for The Phoenician Scheme's very star-studded premiere on Sunday night. Leading lady Mia Threapleton headlined the stylish arrivals in a dramatic dark green gown as she posed up a storm for the cameras. The 24-year-old daughter of Kate Winslet wowed in the strapless number which was embroidered with an orange flower design and had a statement structured skirt. Elsewhere Eva Longoria, 50, continued her jam-packed Cannes schedule as she arrived wearing a glitzy light pink gown. British actress Daisy Edgar-Jones, 26, also dazzled in a floor-length dark red sequin gown and accessorised with a gorgeous silver Boucheron necklace as she made her arrival. The Wes Anderson film marks the director's fourth picture to compete for the Palme d'Or. There were a host of famous faces descending on the Cannes Film Festival's red carpet for The Phoenician Scheme premiere on Sunday night: leading lady Mia Threapleton pictured British actress Daisy Edgar-Jones also dazzled in a floor-length dark red sequin gown and accessorised with a gorgeous silver Boucheron necklace Elsewhere Eva Longoria continued her jam-packed Cannes schedule as she arrived wearing a glitzy light pink gown Also on the red carpet Halle Berry turned heads in a white and black sequin adorned trousers suit, while Julianne Moore looked typically sophisticated in a one-shoulder black dress. Carla Bruni meanwhile looked red hot in a velvet dress which showed off her legs while Benedict Cumberbatch and his wife Sophie Hunter put on a loved-up display. The Phoenician Scheme is the most the star-studded film that has premiered at this year's Cannes so far, but this is no surprise with legendary director Anderson at the helm. Leading the cast is Benicio del Toro, who plays wealthy businessman Zsa-zsa Korda, who appoints his only daughter, a nun as the sole heir to his estate. However, as Korda embarks on a new enterprise, they soon become the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists and determined assassins. Mia stars Sister Liesl, and she joins Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Richard Ayoade, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rupert Friend and Bill Murray. The film is set to be released in the US on May 30, with hopes it could become Anderson's next big Oscars contender, following his success with The Grant Budapest Hotel in 2014. His last big effort, Asteroid City, failed to make a splash at the Oscars, despite being nominate for Cannes' Palm D'Or. Kate Winslet 's daughter, 24, wowed in the strapless number which was embroidered with an orange flower design and had a dramatic structured skirt The dramatic skirt helped the star command attention on the red carpet Mia Threapleton, Wes Anderson, Benicio del Toro, Michael Cera, Yusr Feature Jury Member, Abu Bakr Shawky, Jeffrey Wright, Benedict Cumberbatch and Alexandre Desplat Mia looked gorgeous in her green gown as actor Rupert Friend helped her with the skirt The Wes Anderson film marks the director's fourth picture to compete for the Palme d'Or Mia stars Sister Liesl, and she joins Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Richard Ayoade, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rupert Friend and Bill Murray She shared a laugh with Rupert As he helped her with her dress Julianne Moore poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film The Phoenician Scheme She looked as sophisticated as ever in a one-shoulder black dress and a selection of eye catching Boucheron Jewellery Halle Berry wore an incredible black and white embellisher trouser suit Which featured black velvet detailing She accessorised with statement silver jewellery Her makeup was as radiant as ever This year's Cannes Film Festival is taking place in the wake of Trump's vow to enact tariffs on international films. Cannes, where filmmakers, sales agents and journalists gather from around the world, is the Olympics of the big screen, with its own golden prize, the Palme dOr, to give out at the end. Filmmakers come from nearly every corner of the globe to showcase their films while dealmakers work through the night to sell finished films or packaged productions to various territories. 'You release a film into that Colosseum-like situation,' says Brazilian director Kleber Mendonca Filho, who's returning to Cannes with The Secret Agent, a thriller set during Brazil's dictatorship. 'You've got to really prepare for the whole experience because it's quite intense - not very far from the feeling of approaching a roller coaster as you go up the steps at the Palais.' Trump sent shock waves through Hollywood and the international film community when he announced on May 4 that all movies 'produced in Foreign Lands' will face 100% tariffs. The White House has said no final decisions have been made. Options being explored include federal incentives for U.S.-based productions, rather than tariffs. But the announcement was a reminder of how international tensions can destabilize even the oldest cultural institutions. Daisy looked gorgeous in the dress which had a velvet trim She posed up a storm for the cameras as she made her arrival to the red carpet Carla Bruni looked red hot in her leggy gown The velvet number had a stylish one-shoulder design Eva looked incredible in her long gown as she gave a wave She boosted her height with platform heels and wore her brunette tresses in loose waves She has had a busy few weeks at the festival Her dress featured corset detailing at the back She matched her dress perfectly with a light pink necklace Benedict Cumberbatch and his wife Sophie Hunter looked as loved-up as ever He gazed at his wife adoringly Sophie was the epitome of elegance in a burnt orange gown And boosted her height with silver heels White Lotus star Charlotte Le Bon showed off her incredible legs in a black mini dress She added sheer tights to the look Model Stella Maxwell attends The Phoenician Scheme red carpet She looked incredible in a long black lace dress She showed off her incredible figure in the racy number Stella risked breaking the new dress code rules for Cannes She wore her blonde tresses in soft waves American model Grace Elizabeth wore a gorgeous blue and green patterned dress The strapless number featured a peacock-style design and extra sparkle was added with Messika Jewellery Romee Strijd opted for a bridal-style gown The model wowed in the strapless number She wore her long blonde tresses in loose waves The dress featured ruffled detailing on the skirt The cast assembled for a group snap The Cannes Film Festival originally emerged in the World War II years, when the rise of fascism in Italy led to the founding of an alternative to the then-government controlled Venice Film Festival. In the time since, Cannes' resolute commitment to cinema has made it a beacon to filmmakers. Countless directors have come to make their name. This year is no different, though some of the first-time filmmakers at Cannes are already particularly well-known. Kristen Stewart (The Chronology of Water), Scarlett Johansson (Eleanor the Great) and Harris Dickinson (Urchin) will all be unveiling their feature directorial debuts in Cannes Un Certain Regard sidebar section. Many Cannes veterans will be back, too, including Tom Cruise (Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning), Robert De Niro - who's to receive an honorary Palme d'Or 49 years after Taxi Driver premiered in Cannes - and Quentin Tarantino, to pay tribute to low-budget Western director George Sherman. The much-anticipated eighth and final instalment of Mission Impossible is one of the earlier premieres on this year's Cannes calendar, with its glitzy red carpet taking place on Wednesday, May 14. Meanwhile Scarlett's directorial debut Eleanor The Great, will be unveiled on May 20. However, in the wake of his legal battle with former co-star Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni is not expected to attend. Over recent years the star-studded extravaganza has arguably won more attention for the outfits worn by its celebrity guests than the roster of feature films being screened on the Croisette. But new nudity rules, devised for 'the sake of decency,' have been implemented at this year's festival. According to organisers, the austere move is an attempt to stifle the celebrity trend for 'naked dresses' - namely provocative outfits that reveal considerably more than they conceal - on the red carpet. 'For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as any other area of the festival,' states a Cannes festival document. 'The festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit red carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules.' The surprise new policy features in a recent festival-goers charter - released with a series of outlines regarding expected public behaviour. Guests are expected to converge on the Grand Auditorium Louis Lumiere for some of the highest profile film screenings across a packed two-week schedule in Cannes. It's understood that the iconic venue now adopts a more conservative dress code, with suits, dinner jackets and floor-length evening gowns generally favoured over headline grabbing ensembles. Classic little black dresses, cocktail dresses, pant-suits, dressy tops and elegant sandals, 'with or without a heel', will also be permitted. While the decision to implement a more stringent policy will be a first, it is not known if French TV broadcasters, wary of airing nudity, played a role in its enforcement. Joan Smalls attends The Phoenician Scheme red carpet at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival She looked great in a figure-hugging black and white dress The film stars Benicio Del Toro and Mia Threapleton (pictured) as a tycoon and his daughter, a nun, who is made the sole heir of his estate White Lotus star Patrick Schwarzenegger poses on the red carpet during arrivals Edward Norton and his wife Shauna Robertson put on a loved-up display as they attended the glitzy premiere The actor cut a dapper figure as he joined his spouse for the red carpet event, which marks the premiere of Wes Anderson's latest film Shauna, who married Edward in 2012, opted for a plunging cream gown with a delicate floral print surrounding the skirt Emma Weymouth looked as gorgeous as ever in a white strapless gown Benedict Cumberbatch had a sling on his arm as he looked dapper on the red carpet Riz Ahmed and his wife Fatima Farheen Mirza looked great together Riz looked smart in a cropped grey jacket Benicio del Toro looked smart in his black suit Shia LaBeouf wore a smart black suit too Director Wes Anderson gave a wave Toni Garrn wowed in a glamorous silver number And boosted her height with silver heels Lady Victoria Hervey wore a ruffled light pink number Which was covered with silver detailing And showed off her legs with the sheer fabric Other stars of the film Charlotte Gainsbourg and Bill Murray posed together Rupert Friend and his wife Aimee Mullins posed together on the red carpet Shia LaBeouf sported his statement facial hair Wes Anderson, Benicio del Toro and Michael Cera looked dapper as they posed together Kim Dammer attends The Phoenician Scheme red carpet Major red carpet events, including the Cannes Film Festival, are aired in France by France Television. Recently attracting more models and influencers than actors and filmmakers, the annual ceremony has seen an increase in risque red carpet fashion statements. In 2021, American supermodel Bella Hadid bared her cleavage in a plunging black gown while attending a screening of Tre Piani (Three Floors). She pulled a similar stunt three years later, with guests at the 2024 gala left speechless after she attended the premiere of Donald Trump biopic The Apprentice completely braless beneath a sheer brown evening dress. Stella Maxwell and Romee Strijd led the model glamour as they stepped out in striking gowns at Cannes Film Festival on Sunday. They were on the star-studded guest list for the The Phoenician Scheme red carpet at the 78th Film Festival, which is taking place in the French town until next weekend. Former Victoria's Secret model Stella, 35, wore a risque sheer dress which showed off her supermodel figure. Stella - who was born in Brussels to Northern Irish parents - looked every-inch a superstar in the glitzy LBD number which had a long floor-sweeping train. Her sensational physique was on full display as she turned heads in the crowd. Stella has been making the most of her time in Cannes. Stella Maxwell, 35, looked every-inch a star in her risque sheer gown as she attended The Phoenician Scheme red carpet in Cannes Stella - who was born in Brussels to Northern Irish parents - posed in a glitzy LBD number which had a long floor-sweeping train Dutch model and mum-of-two Romee Strijd, 29, commanded attention in a cream strapless ruffled feather dress as she posed up a storm On Saturday she turned up the heat as she stepped out in a sizzling black ensemble - a bra-flashing black lace crop top and coordinating black leather trousers. Dutch model Romee Strijd, 29, commanded attention in a cream strapless ruffled feather dress. The mum-of-two proved less is more as she slipped her toned physique into the glamorous gown, which she paired with a sleek bracelet and matching earrings. Romee, who is also a former VS model, struck up a pose on the carpet as she joined other big names at the bash. Other notable names include Desperate Housewives' Eva Longoria, The White Lotus hunk Patrick Schwarzenegger and Normal People's Daisy Edgar-Jones. Eva looked incredible as she attended the 10th anniversary dinner of La Mome restaurant alongside her husband Jose Baston on Saturday. The Desperate Housewives actress, 50, wowed in a stylish satin midi dress that showed off her incredible physique. The star flashed a huge grin as she walked arm-in-arm alongside Jose, 57. The mum-of-two proved less is more as she slipped her toned physique into the glamorous gown, which she paired with a sleek bracelet and matching earrings On Sunday, she attended the The Phoenician Scheme in a figure-hugging sparkly pink dress. Eva was glowing as she waved to fans in the audience. Meanwhile, Daisy Edgar-Jones wowed in a brown sequinned dress, which clung to her petite frame. Actor Patrick Schwarzenegger set pulses racing in a tailored suit as he also attended the same red carpet event. Over the weekend, Julia Garner and Rooney Mara both stepped out in style as they were spotted on their way to carry on the celebrations in the south of France on Saturday. The socialites looked ready to carry on into the early hours of the morning after attending the star-studded annual event, as they strolled the busy Croisette. Ozark actress Julia, 31, and Girl with the Dragon Tattoo's Rooney, 40, were suited and booted in designer. Julia looked incredible in head-to-toe Gucci, whilst Rooney pulled off an oversized suit and white tee. Eva Longoria attended the The Phoenician Scheme in a figure-hugging sparkly pink dress, waving to fans in the audience Normal People actress Daisy Edgar-Jones wowed in a brown sequinned dress, which clung to her petite frame The White Lotus actor Patrick Schwarzenegger set pulses racing in a tailored suit as he also attended the same red carpet event Julia Garner (left) and Rooney Mara (right) both stepped out in style as they were spotted on their way to carry on the celebrations in the south of France on Saturday Cannes, where filmmakers, sales agents and journalists gather from around the world, is the Olympics of the big screen, with its own golden prize, the Palme dOr, to give out at the end. Filmmakers come from nearly every corner of the globe to showcase their films while dealmakers work through the night to sell finished films or packaged productions to various territories. 'You release a film into that Colosseum-like situation,' says Brazilian director Kleber Mendonca Filho, whos returning to Cannes with 'The Secret Agent, a thriller set during Brazils dictatorship. 'Youve got to really prepare for the whole experience because its quite intense - not very far from the feeling of approaching a roller coaster as you go up the steps at the Palais.' Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter put on a loved-up display as they attended the screening of The Phoenician Scheme at Cannes. The latest release from acclaimed director Wes Anderson is one of the mostly hotly-anticipated premieres of the festival, featuring a big-name cast which also includes Tom Hanks and Scarlett Johansson. Sophie, 47, stunned in a 1950s-style red gown that accentuated her trim waistline, while Benedict, 48, looked dapper in a black tuxedo. She accessorised with silver earrings that popped beneath her curled brown hair while her husband sported a pair of brown sunglasses. Benedict also notably had an arm in a sling, although it is not known what caused the injury. Sophie put a loving hand on Benedict as they posed for the camera before later holding his hand as they walked across the red carpet. Sophie, 47, stunned in a 1950s-style red gown that accentuated her trim waistline, while Benedict, 48, looked dapper in a black tuxedo at the premiere on Sunday Sophie put a loving hand on her husband as they posed for the camera before later holding his hand as they walked across the red carpet Benedict, who stars in The Phoenician Scheme, also notably had an arm in a sling, although it is not known what caused the injury The Phoenician Scheme centres around a wealthy father-daughter who are targeted by tycoons, foreign terrorists, and determined assassins when she is appointed heir to his estate. For the film, Benedict steps into the shoes of the fictional Uncle Nubar, although little is currently known about his character. Benedict and Sophie have been a couple since 2009 when they met on the set of Burlesque Fairytales. They went on to tie the knot in 2015 and have three children. But while the couple do make red carpet appearances, they chose to keep their relationship largely out of the spotlight. They choice of attire was in-keeping with the new strict Cannes dress code, which has put a blanket ban on the headline-grabbing risque outfits that have come to characterise similar events. Also present at the premiere was Emma Weymouth, 39, the Marchioness of Bath, who opted for similarly glamorous Old Hollywood silver dress. Model Stella Maxwell, 35, similarly opted for a glamorous look, donning a floor length lace black dress, although it was ever so slightly see-through in places. Also present at the premiere was Emma Weymouth, 39, the Marchioness of Bath, who opted for similarly glamorous Old Hollywood silver dress Model Stella Maxwell, 35, similarly opted for a glamorous look, donning a floor length lace black dress, although it was ever so slightly see through in places The surprise new policy features in a recent festival-goers charter - released with a series of outlines regarding expected public behaviour. Guests are expected to converge on the Grand Auditorium Louis Lumiere for some of the highest profile film screenings across a packed seven day schedule in Cannes. It's understood that the iconic venue now adopts a more conservative dress code, with suits, dinner jackets and floor-length evening gowns generally favoured over headline-grabbing ensembles. Classic little black dresses, cocktail dresses, pant-suits, dressy tops and elegant sandals, 'with or without a heel', will also be permitted. While the decision to implement a more stringent policy is a first, it is not known if French TV broadcasters, wary of airing nudity, played a role in its enforcement. A former Harry Potter actor stars in an X-rated film that earned an incredible eight-minute standing ovation at Cannes Film Festival on Sunday night. Actor Harry Melling, 36, who played Dudley Dursley in the famous wizarding film franchise forms a key part of the cast of Pillion. The film explores the BDSM relationship between a gay biker and a parking attendant - with the project earning rapturous applause at the premiere this weekend. The movie is from first-time feature writer-director Harry Lighton and follows the character of Ray played by Alexander Skarsgard and the introverted Colin (Harry Melling). A synopsis reads: 'Colin, a timid man, meets Ray, a confident biker gang leader, who initiates him into a submissive relationship, challenging Colin's mundane existence and prompting personal growth through their unconventional dynamic.' As well as an eight-minute standing ovation at Cannes it has also earned praise from the critics. Former Harry Potter actor Harry Melling stars in X-rated film Pillion that earned an incredible eight-minute standing ovation at Cannes Film Festival on Sunday night (seen in the film with co-star Alexander Skarsgard) The movie is from first-time feature writer-director Harry Lighton and follows the character of Ray played by Alexander Skarsgard and the introverted Colin (Harry Melling) Indie Wire writes: 'Harry Lighton's first feature outdoes 'Babygirl' in its graphic and psychologically complex portrayal of an aloof leather-clad biker and his devoted submissive.' Before the screening, director Lighton said he wanted the film 'to make you laugh, make you think, make you feel and make you horny.' The film features explicit sex scenes and wild costumes but Cannes audiences were still lapping it up. The Queen's Gambit actor Harry stars as shy Colin, whose humdrum life in the suburbs is blown apart when he meets Alexander's character Ray. Ray strikes up a sexual relationship with Colin and integrates him into his queer biker milieu, injecting his life with a fresh dose of excitement and mystique. However Colin eventually starts to feel stifled by the fact that he always has to occupy the submissive role in his dynamic with Ray. Alexander has spoken freely in the past about how comfortable he is playing nude scenes, quipping to uInterview: 'I'm Scandinavian, godda***it! We love to be naked.' The Swedish hunk is also no stranger to gay sex scenes, having played multiple during his star-making turn on the vampire show True Blood. Actor Harry Melling, 36, who played Dudley Dursley in the famous wizarding film franchise forms a key part of the cast of Pillion (Harry seen as Dudley in Harry Potter) The film explores the BDSM relationship between a gay biker and a parking attendant - with the project earning rapturous applause at the premiere this weekend (Harry seen at the premiere) Andrew Lowe, British director and screenwriter Harry Lighton, Harry Melling, Lee Groombridge, Irish producer Ed Guiney and Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgard at the Cannes premiere As well as an eight-minute standing ovation at Cannes it has also earned praise from the critics (Alexander Skarsgard seen at the premiere) The Queen's Gambit actor Harry stars as shy Colin, whose humdrum life in the suburbs is blown apart when he meets Alexander's character Ray One of the scenes was with heterosexual actor Theo Alexander, whose anxiety Alexander had to help assuage before they shot the sequence. 'He's also a straight guy and he was nervous; he had never kissed a guy before,' Alexander explained in an interview with PrideSource. He said to Theo: 'Look at the scene. It's this nemesis and he comes in and then it gets seductive and you think they're gonna make love and it gets into that and then suddenly my character stabs him in the back and he explodes.' He added: 'In two minutes, look at this emotional rollercoaster we're taking the audience on. If we commit to this, it's going to be an amazing scene and we're going to be very happy with it forever. If we hold back, that's when it gets awkward.' Alexander is himself heterosexual and is in a long-term relationship with Swedish actress Tuva Novotny, with whom he welcomed a baby in 2022. However he remarked that homosexuality has 'always been the most natural thing to me because my uncle and godfather is a gay man and so growing up, even as a little toddler, it was just as natural as being straight.' Alexander, whose father is the Swedish movie star Stellan Skarsgard, recalled: 'My aunt would show up with her husband and my uncle would show up with his husband. Alexander Skarsgard, Harry Lighton and Harry Melling at the Cannes photocall Dudley (Harry Melling) and Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) seen in The Order of the Phoenix 'He was, by far, out of my father's four siblings, the most fashionable and the most trendy, cool guy. So, when I was a kid, he was the one I looked up to.' The Stockholm-born heartthrob noted: 'I thought he was really bada*** fit and awesome and cool, and obviously not because he was gay.' He remembered: 'When I became a teenager and the kids made fun of other teenagers who were gay, I never really understood that. 'It just baffled me because my idol, my godfather, was gay, and he was the coolest guy I knew. I just couldn't understand how that could be an insult.' A lip reader has revealed what Pedro Pascal told Joaquin Phoenix after he pulled down the actor's waving hand during the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. NJ Hickling broke down the interaction to DailyMail.com after video captured the interaction at the Cannes premiere of their film Eddington on Friday. In the video, which is now circulating online, Pascal stops Phoenix from waving to onlookers before the duo briefly speak. Netizens suspected The Last Of Us actor was concerned Phoenix's wave could have inadvertently resembled the Nazi salute. But according to Hickling, Pascal told Phoenix, both 50, he was 'affecting the cred' before advising him to 'act cool.' As they pose together for photos, Pedro grabs Joaquins arm and pulls it down with a playful warning. A lip reader has explained what Pedro Pascal told Joaquin Phoenix after he pulled down the actor's waving hand while on the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival But Pedro ended up pulling his arm down in an awkward exchange caught by fans 'Argh, dont do that. Youre affecting the cred. Try and act cool, like youre about to score, my man.' Joaquin, ever the introspective soul, pauses for just a beat. His mouth forms the words: 'Oh, enough.' On the surface, its a reply to Pedro, but the deeper truth is, Joaquin is talking to himself too. A flicker of self-awareness washes over him. Then, quietly, almost to no one in particular, he breathes, 'Oh my goodness.' The humour lingers, but so does something else, a momentary crack in the mask, and a glimpse of Joaquins quiet rebellion against the performance of fame. Hickling added that Phoenix digested the information before replying, 'Alright man.' Fans sounded off with their theories about the interaction on social media, with various tweeting about it and others sharing their musings in the comments section of the video posted to Instagram. One wrote on X, 'Joaquin was really enjoying that wave until he got told he looked like a Nazi.' 'The way Pedro Pascal pulled down Joaquin Phoenix's arm before an accidental salute has me fried,' another wrote. Another Instagram user remarked in the comments section of the video: 'A decade ago, no one would have mistaken a simple wave for a Nazi salute. But in today's heightened political climate, such misinterpretations have become not only plausible but, unfortunately, unsurprising,' one mused. 'Guys, he's trying to save him from being misinterpreted. Or being purposefully misinterpreted. It's hilarious how people literally can't do anything anymore,' one posted on Instagram. 'Pedro just saved Joaquin's entire career,' one joked. 'The problem is not that he was waving, but what if the photographers snap a photo at just the wrong time, and then suddenly everyone on the internet thinks he did something bad,' another posted. Fans sounded off with their theories about the interaction on social media 'Omg Pedro Pascal is such a character and an awesome actor. They were waving and he turns and pulls the guy's arm down beside him. Pedro was probably like we can't wave like that anymore people gonna say we are nazis,' one posted. 'How could that be misinterpreted? Clearly just waving,' one fan wrote on Instagram,. 873 others were in agreement with this particular comment as they gave it a 'like.' Another netizen was angered over the hypothetical scenario that the Jewish actor's wave could have been accidentally interpreted as the salute. This particular X user said Pascal had 'crossed the line'. Joaquin and Pedro waved to fans at the premiere of their film Eddington during the Cannes Film Festival Lip reader NJ Hickling told DailyMail.com that Pedro told Phoenix, 'Argh, don't do that, you're affecting the cred, try and act cool like you're about to score man' The duo flashed big waves on the red carpet 'This progressive militant persona that Pedro Pascal has adopted has simply crossed the line. For him to even suggest that Joaquin Phoenix, a descendent of Jews, would be making a gesture that could be mistaken for a Nazi salute is stupidly paranoid,' one said. Phoenix and Pascal are in France debuting their film Eddington at the Cannes Film Festival. The western horror movie, which releases July 18, stars Emma Stone, Pascal, Austin Butler, Phoenix, Michael Ward and Luke Grimes. The film, by Midsommar and Hereditary director Ari Aster, is set during the COVID-19 pandemic, seemingly at the onset of the Black Lives Matter riots. Eddington stars Joaquin as a small-town sheriff in New Mexico and Pedro as the local mayor, locked in a battle of wills that drags in the people around them. Adrien Brody shocked the Oscars audience when he tossed a piece of gum he was chewing towards his girlfriend of five years, Georgina Chapman, before delivering his best actor acceptance speech on March 2. But apparently, the disgusting gesture was all the British 49-year-old's idea. 'I asked him to do it,' Georgina confessed to Page Six last week. 'I saw him standing there, I could see that moment of panic on his face. He was really like, "Wow, I shouldn't be having gum."' Chapman yelled 'give it to me' but failed to catch the sticky shrapnel from seven feet away inside the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. 'I forgot I was chewing gum, and I can't make a speech with gum in my mouth,' the 52-year-old Brutalist star tried to explain on LIVE with Kelly and Mark backstage at the Oscars. Adrien Brody shocked the Oscars audience when he tossed a piece of gum he was chewing towards his girlfriend of five years, Georgina Chapman, before delivering his best actor acceptance speech on March 2 But apparently, the disgusting gesture was all the British 49-year-old's idea (pictured last Monday) Mark Consuelos agreed that Adrien couldn't swallow the gum because 'it's bad for you.' 'I could've!' Brody groaned. 'I didn't think about that. [I just thought], "I've got to get rid of this somehow!"' The two-time Oscar winner and the Marchesa co-founder made their official red carpet debut as a couple in 2021 but, curiously, she has yet to make an appearance on his social media accounts. Things got even more awkward onstage for Adrien, whose droning five-minute and 40-second speech broke Academy Awards history, but he did gush that Georgina was 'amazing' and he's nicknamed 'Popsy' by her two children. Indeed, Chapman welcomed 14-year-old daughter India and 12-year-old son Dashiell during her decade-long marriage to disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, which ended in 2017 (divorce finalized in 2021). The 73-year-old Miramax co-founder not only requested that all his actors wear his wife's fashion label, he also produced Project Runway which hired her as a judge for 90 episodes. Harvey is battling a rare type of bone marrow cancer known as chronic myeloid leukemia while behind bars at Rikers Island awaiting his rape re-trial in New York and appealing his 16-year sentence for rape in Los Angeles. 'It is a little daunting when you have an Oscar winner, a double Oscar winner as a partner,' Georgina told Us Weekly of her own acting aspirations last week. Georgina confessed to Page Six last week: 'I asked him to do it. I saw him standing there, I could see that moment of panic on his face. He was really like, "Wow, I shouldn't be having gum"' Chapman yelled 'give it to me' but failed to catch the sticky shrapnel from seven feet away inside the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood Backstage at the Oscars, the 52-year-old Brutalist star tried to explain on LIVE with Kelly and Mark: 'I forgot I was chewing gum, and I can't make a speech with gum in my mouth' Mark Consuelos (M) agreed that Adrien couldn't swallow the gum because 'it's bad for you' Brody groaned: 'I could've! I didn't think about that. [I just thought], "I've got to get rid of this somehow!"' The two-time Oscar winner and the Marchesa co-founder made their official red carpet debut as a couple in 2021 but, curiously, she has yet to make an appearance on his social media accounts Things got even more awkward onstage for Adrien, whose droning five-minute and 40-second speech broke Academy Awards history, but he did gush that Georgina was 'amazing' and he's nicknamed 'Popsy' by her two children Indeed, Chapman welcomed 14-year-old daughter India and 12-year-old son Dashiell during her decade-long marriage to disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein (pictured July 19), which ended in 2017 'I could never quite live up to that standard.' Chapman added: 'I don't know if anyone else would want to see me act.' The Wimbledon School of Art grad keeps busy running Marchesa, named after socialite Marchesa Luisa Casati, which she co-founded with Keren Craig in 2004. Meanwhile, Brody was said to have previously romanced his Giallo co-star Elsa Pataky and his The Jacket co-star Keira Knightley. It's been over a decade since the native New Yorker wrapped the titular role of Charles V in Lee Tamahori's 16th century action epic Emperor, which was never released due to legal issues. Emperor was also set to feature Bill Skarsgard, Oliver Platt, and the late Rutger Hauer. She never puts a foot wrong when it comes to fashion. And Diane Kruger was the epitome of elegance as she attended the La Femme La Plus Riche Du Monde premiere during Cannes Film Festival on Sunday night. The actress, 48, wowed in a gorgeous white lace gown which she teamed with glamorous sheer black gloves and a draped scarf. She accessorised with dazzling silver jewellery and wore her blonde tresses swept back into a chic bun. Diane was joined by the likes of Isabelle Huppert, Victoria Silvstedt and Carmella Rose at the glitzy premiere. La Femme la Plus Riche du Monde, directed by Thierry Klifa, tells the story of Marianne, the richest woman in the world, and Pierre-Alain, a writer-photographer, who become inseparable after meeting during a photo shoot. Diane Kruger was the epitome of elegance as she attended the La Femme La Plus Riche Du Monde premiere during Cannes Film Festival on Sunday night The actress, 48, wowed in a gorgeous white lace gown which she teamed with glamorous sheer black gloves and a draped scarf Their close friendship, which amuses and intrigues those around them, eventually unsettles Marianne's entourage and family. This year's Cannes Film Festival is taking place in the wake of Trump's vow to enact tariffs on international films. Cannes, where filmmakers, sales agents and journalists gather from around the world, is the Olympics of the big screen, with its own golden prize, the Palme dOr, to give out at the end. Filmmakers come from nearly every corner of the globe to showcase their films while dealmakers work through the night to sell finished films or packaged productions to various territories. 'You release a film into that Colosseum-like situation,' says Brazilian director Kleber Mendonca Filho, who's returning to Cannes with 'The Secret Agent, a thriller set during Brazils dictatorship. 'You've got to really prepare for the whole experience because it's quite intense - not very far from the feeling of approaching a roller coaster as you go up the steps at the Palais.' Trump sent shock waves through Hollywood and the international film community when he announced on May 4 that all movies 'produced in Foreign Lands' will face 100% tariffs. The White House has said no final decisions have been made. Options being explored include federal incentives for U.S.-based productions, rather than tariffs. But the announcement was a reminder of how international tensions can destabilize even the oldest cultural institutions. She accessorised with dazzling silver jewellery and wore her blonde tresses swept back into a chic bun She gave a wave to the cameras Her silhouette was highlighted in the dress Diane was joined by the likes of Isabelle Huppert (seen), Victoria Silvstedt and Carmella Rose at the glitzy premiere She wore a bright green dress and silver necklaces The cast of the film and director Thierry Klifa posed together Isabelle seemed to get her dress stuck at one point The Cannes Film Festival originally emerged in the World War II years, when the rise of fascism in Italy led to the founding of an alternative to the then-government controlled Venice Film Festival. In the time since, Cannes' resolute commitment to cinema has made it a beacon to filmmakers. Countless directors have come to make their name. This year is no different, though some of the first-time filmmakers at Cannes are already particularly well-known. Kristen Stewart (The Chronology of Water), Scarlett Johansson (Eleanor the Great) and Harris Dickinson (Urchin) have all unveiled their feature directorial debuts in Cannes Un Certain Regard sidebar section. Many Cannes veterans have returned, including Tom Cruise (Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning), Robert De Niro - who received an honorary Palme dOr 49 years after Taxi Driver premiered in Cannes - and Quentin Tarantino, who paid tribute to low-budget Western director George Sherman. Meanwhile Scarlett's directorial debut Eleanor The Great, will be unveiled on May 20. However, in the wake of his legal battle with former co-star Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni is not expected to attend. Over recent years the star-studded extravaganza has arguably won more attention for the outfits worn by its celebrity guests than the roster of feature films being screened on the Croisette. But new nudity rules, devised for 'the sake of decency,' have been implemented at this year's festival. According to organisers, the austere move is an attempt to stifle the celebrity trend for 'naked dresses' - namely provocative outfits that reveal considerably more than they conceal - on the red carpet. 'For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as any other area of the festival,' states a Cannes festival document. 'The festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit red carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules.' The surprise new policy features in a recent festival-goers charter - released with a series of outlines regarding expected public behaviour. Guests are expected to converge on the Grand Auditorium Louis Lumiere for some of the highest profile film screenings across a packed two-week schedule in Cannes. It's understood that the iconic venue now adopts a more conservative dress code, with suits, dinner jackets and floor-length evening gowns generally favoured over headline grabbing ensembles. Classic little black dresses, cocktail dresses, pant-suits, dressy tops and elegant sandals, 'with or without a heel', will also be permitted. While the decision to implement a more stringent policy will be a first, it is not known if French TV broadcasters, wary of airing nudity, played a role in its enforcement. Actress Blanca Blanco wore a light blue princess-style dress She looked great in the statement gown Victoria Silvstedt attends the La Femme La Plus Riche Du Monde premiere She turned heads in a white glitzy dress And posed up a storm for the cameras Carmella Rose also opted for a bridal style She wowed in the textured strapless gown Major red carpet events, including the Cannes Film Festival, are aired in France by France Televisions Recently attracting more models and influencers than actors and filmmakers, the annual ceremony has seen an increase in risque red carpet fashion statements. In 2021, American supermodel Bella Hadid bared her cleavage in a plunging black gown while attending a screening of Tre Piani (Three Floors). She pulled a similar stunt three years later, with guests at the 2024 gala left speechless after she attended the premiere of Donald Trump biopic The Apprentice completely braless beneath a sheer brown evening dress. In a startling development with national security implications, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has uncovered a racket involving the illegal activation and cross-border trafficking of mobile SIM cards from Sitapur to Nepal and Pakistan. Acting on a complaint by ATS Inspector Arvind Kumar Pandey, the Khairabad police arrested Santram, a resident of Dharincha village in Sitapur district, for his alleged role in the operation. Santram, who is only educated up to Class 8, was found in possession of fake Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, identity documents, multiple photographs and suspicious audio recordings. Preliminary investigations suggest that he is part of a wider cybercrime network with links to anti-national elements. According to ATS sources, Santram had been activating mobile SIM cards using forged documents since 2022 and was operating under the guise of a POS (Point of Sale) agent of a private telecom operator. These SIM cards were reportedly sent to Nepal with the help of an associate from Pilibhit. Some of these SIMs are suspected to have been used in anti-national activities, including cyber fraud and illicit communication across borders. The ATS had been monitoring Santramas activities for several weeks before making the arrest. He operated his latest outlet, Sachin Mobile Shop, near the Bijwar police post, where he was eventually apprehended. Investigations have revealed that Santram expanded into cybercrime after initially starting out with mobile sales and repairs. He allegedly lured local residents into opening bank accounts, promising them `25,000 as incentive. These accounts were then used to transfer and withdraw funds obtained through cyber frauds, with Santram keeping a large share as commission. Two of his bank accounts reportedly contain transactions running into lakhs of rupees, and the ATS is now probing his links with individuals in other states and possibly foreign entities. In a further twist, police said Santram used photographs of his first wife, Shalu, along with forged documents to activate several SIM cards. He had left Shalu about three years ago and married her sister, but continued to use Shaluas identity for illegal activities. Investigators believe that he tampered with numerous Aadhaar cards and identity documents to facilitate his operations. Santramas sudden rise in wealth had already raised eyebrows in his village. Hailing from a family of laborers, his income grew rapidly after he opened a mobile shop outside Dharincha village in 2022. Within a short period, he purchased a bike, demolished his mud house, and constructed a 2,000 square-foot pucca home. He later shifted his business to Dhedhurai and finally to Bijwar, where he operated until his arrest. This is not the first time Sitapur has found itself in the middle of a SIM card racket. In 2017, the ATS and local crime branch had recovered more than 47,000 pre-activated SIM cards from Khairabad, Sandana, and nearby areas, along with a cache of fake documents, mobile phones, laptops, passports, and activation forms. Those SIMs, too, were believed to be intended for cybercrime use. The current arrest has reignited concerns about the use of fake identity-based SIMs in cross-border and anti-national operations. ATS officials have indicated that more arrests are likely as the investigation expands. Brigitte Nielsen refuses to discuss her relationship with her estranged son Killian but is adamant she has been a good mother to him. Brigitte Nielsen The 61-year-old actress' son Killian Marcus Nielsen - who she had with Mark Gastineau - recently opened up about how the star cut him out of her life about a year ago after he attended the birthday party of the daughter of Raoul Meyer - who is Brigittes former husband. The pair did not end on good terms after their divorce in 2005 - after being married since 1993. When asked about her relationship with her estranged son, Brigitte told Vanity Fair Italy: Thats something Id rather not talk about. These things, in my view, should be dealt with at home, not in public." Despite not wishing to discuss her fractured relationship with her son, the mother-of-five went on to explain that she does believe she has been a good parent to Killian. When asked whether she thinks she has been a good mother, the 'Rocky IV' star answered: Absolutely, yes. Clearly Im probably better at it now than I was in my 20s. But I managed to raise five children, take them to school, teach them right from wrong, all without ever stopping working or travelling. It was incredibly hard: I always took them with me, I never missed a single nappy. Did you know I named [my son] Douglas after McDonnell Douglas planes because when I was pregnant with him I was constantly flying on them!" Last month, Killian appeared on the Italian television show 'La Volta Buona' and explained how his relationship with his mother improved when he met his partner Laura Barbieri following his battle with alcohol issues. Speaking on the show, he said: Once I met Laura, I got closer to my mother ( Brigitte Nielsen ), to my adoptive father. We were doing well, there was a finally positive family situation. However, Killian went on to explain that his relationship with his mother has since fallen apart because of an Instagram Story of Killian at a party with Raoul Meyer and since then, he has been banned from her events. He added: A few weeks later, I called my mom because she had an event in Capri. I asked her if I could come too. She said, 'No, you can't come because you're a former alcoholic and we're promoting a gin.' Top Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT)terrorist Razaullah Nizamani Khalid alias Abu Saifullah Khalid, who was the brain behind the 2006 attack on the RSS headquarters, was killed by three unidentified gunmen in Sindh province of Pakistan on Sunday, officials here said. Khalid used to head the terror operations of LeT from Nepal in early 2000 and had many aliases including Vinode Kumar, Mohammed Salim and Razaullah. He was involved in multiple terror strikes in India, they said. He left his residence at Matli this afternoon and was gunned down by assailants near a crossing at Badni in Sindh province, the officials said. A close associate of Abu Anas of Lashkar, Khalid was the mastermind of the attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters at Nagpur in which all three terrorists were shot dead. Besides the RSS attack, the Lashkar operative was involved in the Indian Institute of Science terror attack of 2005 in Bengaluru, in which IIT professor Munish Chandra Puri was killed and four others injured. The terrorists had escaped from the scene. Later, police investigated the case and chargesheeted Abu Anas, who is still at large. Khalid was also the mastermind of the 2008 attack on a Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF)camp at Rampur in Uttar Pradesh in which seven personnel and a civilian were killed. The two terrorists escaped under the cover of darkness. From mid-2000, Khalid was the in-charge of the Nepal module of LeT, responsible for the recruitment of cadres, providing financial and logistic support and facilitating the movement of LeT operatives across the Indo-Nepal border. Khalid was working closely with LeTas so-called alaunching commandersa a Azam Cheema alias Babaji and Yaqoob (LeTas chief accountant). Khalid left Nepal and returned to Pakistan after Indian security agencies exposed the module. He later worked closely with several leaders of LeT and Jamaat-ud-Dawah, including Yusuf Muzammil, LeT commander for Jammu and Kashmir, Muzammil Iqbal Hashmi and Muhammad Yusuf Taibi. Khalid was tasked by the LeT and JuD leadership in Pakistan to undertake the recruitment of fresh cadres from the areas of Badin and Hyderabad districts of Sindh and collect funds for the organisation. According to media reports from Sindh, Khalid was declared brought dead at hospital after being shot. These reports also termed it a case of personal enmity. Last week, three more Lashkar terrorists, including aOperations Commandera Shahid Kuttay, were killed in an encounter with security forces in south Kashmiras Shopian district. Kuttay, and the other two, Adnan Shafi, a resident of the Vanduna Melhura area of Shopian, and Ahsan ul Haq Sheikh, a resident of Murran area of the neighbouring Pulwama district, were killed in the Shukroo Keller area. Two AK series rifles, a large quantity of ammunition, grenades, and other war-like stores were found in their possession. Kuttay, who was the operations commander of LeT in south Kashmir, promoted terrorist recruitment in Kashmir, also misled many young men and killed many innocent people, it was learnt. Eva Longoria found it "nice to celebrate love" at Lauren Sanchez's bachelorette party. Eva Longoria attended Lauren Sanchez's bachelorette party The 50-year-old actress appeared alongside the likes of Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner and Katy Perry at Lauren's bachelorette party in Paris, ahead of her marriage to Amazon boss Jeff Bezos, and Eva has admitted to relishing the occasion. The brunette beauty - who is married to producer Jose Baston - told People: "I had to pop in and out, so I wasn't there as long. But yeah, its so nice to celebrate love. "Its just the best feeling in the world to be there and go, Yay, love." Eva was also in Paris to shoot 'Eva Longoria: Searching for France', her latest documentary series for CNN. The film star - who has Santiago, six, with Jose - said: "Paris is great." Eva has been at the Cannes Film Festival, too, and she loves attending the annual event. The actress said: "Being a filmmaker, it's one of my favourite festivals because of the convergence of not just the film industry, but the fashion industry. "The journalists that are here, the conversations that are taking place on this global stage matter in media, and what we do matters in society and in culture and in changing hearts and minds. "I think that the greater purpose of the festival is what calls me back every single time." Meanwhile, Eva recently revealed that she always thought she'd become a success. The actress has enjoyed a hugely successful career, starring in shows such as 'Desperate Housewives' and 'Only Murders in the Building', and Eva never doubted her own talent. The actress told Byrdie: "When I look at the longevity I've had in this industry, it makes sense to me. "Of course, I'm going to work as hard as I can at whatever I do, and it just happens to be in this industry. I knew I'd be successful because I was surrounded by successful women - my mother, sisters, and aunts were independent, strong, smart, and charitable. They were everything I wanted to be." Eva's self-belief has helped her to navigate the pitfalls of Hollywood. She explained: "If you don't champion yourself, who else is going to? That unwavering belief in yourself will take you so far." Now we are all young students welcomed in the UK! an illiterate 45-year-old sub-Saharan African shouted from his Calais home. His plan is to apply for the EU Youth Mobility Scheme, like the hundreds of millions of other illegal economic migrants residing in France, and the rest of the EU. UK Schengen Zone EU Youth Mobility Scheme All you have to do is say you are eighteen and present them with a piece of paper saying you want to study in the UK, a 38-year-old Congolese convicted rapist revealed. In another Calais camp, there were whoops and cheers from the fake asylum seekers who were waiting for this day to come. The UK surrender deal is not only giving away our fishing quotas, but its us becoming a rule-taker from Brussels once again and getting free movement by the back door. So far since Labour has come into power, over 700,000 fake asylum seekers have entered the UK through its porous borders, and the EU Youth Mobility Scheme will make things easier for many to come to Britain making it part of the EU Schengen zone. 72 English Virgins I want to make many English women pregnant. Thank you, Keir Starmer, for opening the doors further. Now I can get a mountain of young English pussy one way or another. Im so hard right now at the mere thought, another economic migrant convicted rapist from Afghanistan revealed. A Letterkenny property is listed as available to rent for two nights over rally weekend for a staggering 20,000. Multiple booking sites - booking.com, agoda, Ireland-Hotels.net and Tripadvisor have the listing from Convent Road, St Eunan's Court in Letterkenny, priced at 20,000 for either a budget double room (or 10,000 per person), with the same price of 20,000 for a budget single room from Friday, June 20 till Sunday, June 22. Breakfast is not included. The details on the Letterkenny property from Booking.com and below, Irish-Hotels Avondale Accommodation, 600 metres from the middle of Letterkenny, is described as offering: "A hostel with free WiFi and a shared kitchen. Free on-site parking is available for guests. Modern Amenities: Each room features a private bathroom, work desk, shower, carpeted floors, and a wardrobe. Shared bathrooms are also provided. Guests appreciate the value for money, convenient location, and comfortable beds." The property's Facebook description reads: "Hello! We're Avondale Accommodation. We provide affordable, flexible, short-term all-inclusive shared short-term accommodation in Letterkenny, Co Donegal." The map of Letterkenny featuring the property's price from Booking.com The Donegal International Rally is a three-day event is the only full-length rally in the country, making it a standout fixture in the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. Its estimated that the Donegal International is worth 25 million to the local economy each year. In the region of 70,000 spectators are expected to watch the event unfold over the three days next month, June 20-22, while around 400,000 will watch it on television and online. DonegalLive has contacted the property to ascertain whether the listed price is the correct one. Ebrington Square in Derry stepped 80 years back in time yesterday with a special commemoration event to mark one of the most significant events in world history, the surrender of the Battle of the Atlantic. While the world has been reflecting this month on the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the occasion was marked locally by reflecting on the citys role, and the moment when Derry made the headlines across the globe. On May 14th 1945, the world looked on as the first eight German U-boats surrendered to Admiral Sir Max Horton at Lisahally and the German crew were marched through Ebrington Square, where there was relief and jubilation that the prolonged conflict had come to an end. The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr, joined the Swingtime Starlets at Ebrington along with living history actors to retell the story and give people a glimpse of 1945 Derry through the music and fashion from the day. There was a whole host of family fun activities throughout the day and visitors had the opportunity to view artefacts from the Tower Museums World War II collection. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Mariska Hargitay spent 30 years "living a lie". Mariska Hargitay met her biological dad when she was 30 The 61-year-old actress - whose mother, actress Jayne Mansfield, was killed in a car accident when she was a baby - was raised to believe the late Mickey Hargitay was her biological father but, after always feeling different from her siblings, she realised in her 20s that her dad was actually Italian entertainer Nelson Sardelli, who her mom had dated following a brief split from her spouse. Recalling how she was shown a photo of Nelson and immediately realised he was her dad, she said in new documentary 'My Mom Jayne': It was like the floor fell out from underneath me. "Like my infrastructure dissolved. But when she confronted Mickey - who passed away in 2006 - he denied her suspicion and she never mentioned Nelson to him again. However, she went to see Nelson perform in Atlantic City when she was 30, and he cried when she introduced herself. He told her: Ive been waiting 30 years for this moment. But the 'Law and Order: SUV' star wanted to stay "loyal" to Mickey. She recalled: I went full Olivia Benson on him. I was like, I dont want anything, I dont need anything from you. I have a dad. There was something about loyalty. I wanted to be loyal to Mickey. In the aftermath, Mariska struggled to cope with knowing Im living a lie my entire life" and questioned whether she had been a wanted child or "illegitimate" mistake, and if she was Hungarian or Italian. The actress eventually bonded with Nelson and his daughters and began to understand Jayne had reconciled with Mickey because she knew he would offer them love and stability. She tearfully said: I grew up where I was supposed to, and I do know that everyone made the best choice for me, she says. Im Mickey Hargitays daughterthat is not a lie. This documentary is kind of a love letter to him, because theres no one that I was closer to on this planet. Mariska was keen to open up about her complex family background in the documentary as a way to "unburden all of us", and she had a private screening of the film with Nelson's daughters in Las Vegas. She said: They just wept and wept and wept. These two women that I love so much I made them secrets! Its so heartbreaking to me. Uisce Eireann are warning that customers in Dundalk should expect water discolouration in the coming months as the company commences their flushing programme of the water network supplied by Cavan Hill Water Treatment Plant. Areas affected will include Avenue Road, Inner Relief Road, Dublin Road as well as Bay Estate, Muirhevnamor, Hill Street and Carlin Hall. Discolouration issues affecting the Cavan Hill supply, which supplies Dundalk and surrounding areas, are typically experienced as rising temperatures over the summer months are associated with increased levels of manganese in raw water which result in instances of discoloration. The first round of flushing works will start in Carlinn Hall and will continue working down the west side of Dublin Road to Hill Street. They will then work their way back out the East side of the Dublin Road back towards the Inner Relief Road. The second round of flushing works will take place at Muireavnamore, Tom Bellow Avenue, Avenue Road and Bay Estate. Duration at each location will depend on the quality of water as flushing progresses. Read Next: Unlicensed taxi seized in Dundalk during Garda and NTA crackdown Uisce Eireann said that: Discolouration may occur as flushing progresses, however, the intermittent issues with the discoloration in Dundalk, and the nature of the problem means that Uisce Eireann is unable to predict where, when, and for how long that the discoloration will happen, the only thing that we can predict is that it will happen somewhere in the network during the summer months, and the only thing that the customer can do is to run the tap until it runs clear. As we are unable to predict where this happens we are unable to notify people in advance. The only advice we can give to customers is to run the tap until the water comes clear. According to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 2024 Domestic Waste Water Treatment System Inspections Report, Louth has emerged as one of the top-performing counties in Ireland for managing domestic waste water treatment systems (DWWTS). In 2024, Louth County Council completed its full allocation of 12 inspections under the National Inspection Plan (NIP). The county recorded a failure rate of just 33%well below the national average of 56%. This is a strong indication of better performance relative to many other counties, where failure rates often exceeded 50%. Louth also boasts one of the highest fix rates for failing systems. Out of 54 systems that failed between 2013 and 2024, 98% were rectified by the end of 2024. This puts Louth in second place nationally, just behind Fingal, which achieved a perfect 100% fix rate but had a much smaller total number of failures. Read Next: Go ahead given for 51 houses in mid-Louth The EPA noted the national importance of addressing malfunctioning DWWTS, which pose serious risks to both public health and the environment. Faulty systems can contaminate drinking water wells and lead to pollution in streams and rivers due to discharges of nitrogen and phosphorus. The strong compliance and follow-through in Louth are likely helped by recent policy changes, including a grant increase from 5,000 to 12,000 for repairs, introduced in early 2024. These changes have contributed to a nationwide uptick in system remediation. For the fifth year running, Dundalk IT recently welcomed Transition Year (TY) students from across the region to the campus to explore the world of engineering. Organised in collaboration with Engineers Ireland STEPS Engineering Your Future (STEPS EYF), the TY students participated enthusiastically in some engineering site visits and a series of practical workshops. These have been designed to give Transition Year students a hands-on, fun and practical insight into engineering at third level and as a career choice. The group of 30 students come from a range of different schools and gelled extremely well during the team-based activities. The activities have been designed by School of Engineering staff to be practical, interdisciplinary and career focussed ranging across Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronics and Civil Engineering. These included Robot Assembly and programming, Lean Manufacturing and Business, 3D printing, Biomedical Engineering, Renewable Energy workshop, Site Surveying and using Bridge Building software. The students also had the opportunity to engage with local industry in the sector, experiencing trips to the IKON Kingspan Research Centre and MultiHog. Local Industry have been very supportive of the programme and these visits provide a fantastic context within which to understand engineering careers. Thanks are also due to Engineers Ireland North East branch for their support. Read Next: Unlicensed taxi seized in Dundalk during Garda and NTA crackdown Programme co-ordinator Kimmitt Sayers said: It was fantastic to welcome Transition Years once again to the DkIT campus to explore Engineering hands-on. The variety of courses available in the School of Engineering have gone from strength to strength in respond to industry demand. It was wonderful to see the engineers of the future experiencing first-hand what a career in this area can look like. The students brought great energy and positivity to the week and we look forward to welcoming many of them back as DkIT students. Over 100 community-led STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities will take place in Dundalk over the next six months as part of this years Town Scientist initiative, funded by Research Ireland. Led by Dundalk native and science communicator, writer, engineer and performer Dr Niamh Shaw, the events will build on the success of last year and will involve a six-month science communicator-in-residence pilot study. This years Town Scientist programme was launched at an event today in Dundalk Credit Union, and will be delivered in partnership with Louth Library, Louth ABC programme, Dundalk Credit Union and Louth County Council. The overarching aims of this years Town Scientist programme are to create a STEM-engaged community and to make science more accessible, break down barriers that often keep people from engaging with scientific topics, and change attitudes towards science. Events this year will include: Family science experiment events; STEM career events; A climate action speaker series; Weekly walk-in Q&A sessions; and much more. Alongside the activities, a Think Tank advisory group will be established. Led by science communicators Dr Claire OConnell and Phil Smyth, the group will work with Dr Niamh Shaw to build capacity that will allow the science communicator-in-residence (aka Town Scientist) role to be replicated in communities throughout Ireland in the future. Speaking at todays launch, Dr Shaw said: I am delighted to launch an expanded programme of Town Scientist events this year. This years programme builds on the success of last year which had a transformative impact on the people who took part and identified a real need and desire for informal science learning opportunities for adults in our community in Dundalk and surrounds. It has encouraged those who do not typically engage with science to now consider a career in STEM and has given them the skills and knowledge to participate in debate and conversations on topics that directly impact them, whether that is Artificial Intelligence, climate change, or astronomy. This year, I want to reach even more people in Dundalk and will be doing so through a wide range of events that will be open to everyone in the community. By being the towns science communicator-in-residence and partnering with Louth ABC programme, Louth Library, Dundalk Credit Union and Louth County Council, I am hoping to change attitudes to science and STEM, and to learn how this programme can be replicated in communities throughout Ireland in the future to create communities who have access to knowledge to make informed decisions about their and their families futures. Welcoming the launch, Interim CEO of Research Ireland, Celine Fitzgerald, commented: We are pleased to be supporting the Town Scientist project though Research Irelands Discover Programme. Impactful STEM initiatives like this help empower individuals, families and communities, equipping them with critical thinking skills, inspiring curiosity and, in turn, laying the groundwork for innovation in many different guises. Society needs and values these grassroots-focused projects as part of the collective effort to be appropriately informed and equipped to tackle challenges old and new. A number of Town Scientists local partners spoke at the launch, including Mary McHugh from Louth Library Service, who said: As a cornerstone of knowledge and discovery Louth Library Service is proud to support Dr Niamh Shaw and the Town Scientist programme bridging curiosity with opportunity and empowering our community to explore, innovate and thrive in science and beyond. We are excited to continue supporting Niamh and the Town Scientist initiative in bringing science to life in our libraries and community. Also speaking was David Hanratty, Acting Director of Services, Louth County Council, who said: Louth County Council is proud to support the Town Scientist initiative, which aligns with our commitment to fostering inclusive education, civic engagement, and innovation within our communities. Initiatives like this are vital in creating communities that are informed, curious, and resilient, and we hope that this project will inspire the young people in Dundalk and beyond to see science as a tool for understanding and shaping the world around them. Gavin McGee from Louth Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme said: The Louth Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme is part of a national programme funded through Tusla - The Child and Family Agency under the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY). We were delighted to partner again with Dr. Niamh Shaw on her Town Scientist Deep Dive Dundalk a nine-month scientist-in residence community-led informal science learning programme to measure long-term behavioural change in attitudes to science in the region. The STEM Activities we have collaborated on with Niamh and David have been a wonderful opportunity for Parents and Children to share positive shared experiences together and learn that creativity and innovation is for everyone, despite where you came from or what you have been through. Read Next: SOSAD Dundalk to introduce session fee amid funding shortfall A lot of our work focuses on building better outcomes for children - and when families see Niamh make the improbable, possible it creates a sense of hope that anything is possible. Hope is a key component in helping families overcome difficulty and achieve the better outcomes we aspire, together." Naomi ODonoghue, Head of Sales & Business Development, Dundalk Credit Union said: Supporting the Town Scientist programme is an expression of our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting access to education, quality learning experiences, and climate action. Were especially proud to be part of an initiative that opens up science to families, schools, and communities who may not traditionally have had access. Dr Niamh Shaw has a unique ability to connect with young people and inspire curiosity and creativity. As strong supporters of women in STEM, were delighted to see her lead this exciting initiative in our town. For more information on Dr Niamh Shaw, visit: https://niamhshaw.ie/ What lies beneath the surface? What stories shimmer just out of sight? Reveal, Conceal, a striking new exhibition from Louth Craft Mark Designers Network, opens at The Market Place Gallery, Armagh this Saturday, 17 May and invites you to explore the liminal space between what is shown and what is hidden. The exhibition will also visit The Leitrim Design House (24 May 6 July), and The Cowshed Gallery, Farmleigh (15 July -15 August). Spanning textiles, glass, jewellery, ceramics, print, sculpture, and painting, Reveal, Conceal brings together over 30 Louth Craft Mark artists across a range of disciplines, including textiles, glass, jewellery, ceramics, print, illustration, sculpture and painting to create a new body of work for The Market Place Gallery which explores the inside out of things. From the layered transparencies of fused glass artist Aoife Burke, who uses iris imagery to explore life's constant expansion and contraction, to the embroidered dreamscapes of Sinead Gregory, whose figurative stitching traces the contours of memory and imaginationeach artist offers a portal into something just beneath the surface. Fiona Mc Kenna's sculptural felt vessels echo the delicate power of oysters, revealing rich contrasts of soft and sharp. Colleen Eilis Murphy reimagines myth and tarot through experimental printmaking, while Suzanne Carroll's haunting paintings confront the disappearing wild, capturing echoes of vanished species. For nearly two decades, Louth Craft Mark has been a vibrant force in Irish visual culture, showcasing members work in venues such as Bloom in the Park, Showcase Ireland, Highlanes Gallery, and Powerscourt Townhouse. Now, in Reveal, Conceal, they present some of their most daring and introspective work yet. Read Next: Over 100 community-led STEM activities to take place in Dundalk This exhibition does not merely displayit invites. It asks viewers to look closer, to feel more deeply, and to question what lies behind the visible. Follow Louth Craft Marks work and updates on Instagram: @louthcraftmark. REVEAL CONCEAL ARTISTS Aoife Burke is a fused glass artist working from her studio in Bettystown. Fascinated by the possibilities of glass as a material, she explores life's deeper themes through her work. For the Reveal/Conceal series, Aoife used the iris motif to illustrate how life can expand and contract, while retaining its inherent beauty. Blanche Kirk is a multidisciplinary artist passionate about exploring multicultural traditions through visual art. She combines photography, stitching, painting, and digital manipulation to produce striking mixed-media pieces. Blanche enjoys working with translucent materials like acetate and glass, particularly Float Glass, where she uses techniques such as firing, fusing, slumping, and Pate de Verre. Her work continuously pushes the boundaries of image-making to create powerful visual expressions. Caoimhe ODwyer is a visual artist and facilitator based in County Louth, specialising in painting and fashion design. Her 2023 solo exhibition Renewal explored childhood and natural themes. Her layered watercolour and oil works often stem from everyday inspiration. A graduate of NCAD and recipient of the Mittelmoda design award, Caoimhe has exhibited widely and worked internationally in fashion before returning to Ireland. She now teaches and collaborates on community projects, including early years programmes, drawing on nature and daily life to inspire her visual and teaching practices. Ciara Agnew is a Louth artist whose work features geometric compositions of colour strips with both sharp and blurred edges. A University of Ulster graduate, Ciaras abstract pieces are rooted in memory and emotion, experimenting with colour and form to reflect the environment. Her work has entered prestigious public and private collections worldwide. She is affiliated with Creative Spark Print Studio, Visual Artists Ireland, and Louth Craft Mark. Clemence Prosen is a French-born, Ireland-based artist who works primarily in oil and watercolour. Her art captures the calm beauty of everyday moments, often created en plein air. Deeply influenced by nature and mindfulness, Clemences paintings convey emotion through soft light and simple forms. Colleen Eilis Murphy is a Dundalk-based printmaker exploring mythology, folklore, and tarot through layered mixed media. Her narrative-rich work uses familiar symbols reimagined to invite new interpretations. She is currently in residence at Creative Spark Print Studio and has exhibited in venues such as Rua Red, Outset Gallery, and An Tain Arts Centre. Fiona Mc Kenna began her career as a jeweller with Bridge Street Studios before transitioning into felt and textile art. Inspired by oysters, her recent felted work explores texture and contrast. Her practice includes drawing with thread and creating soft sculptural forms. Fiona combines her love of materials and nature in richly textured pieces that reveal beauty through contrast. Gina Petrea is a visual artist working in painting and sculpture, examining gesture, materiality, and space. Her abstraction-based studio practice reflects presence and absence. A recipient of a Droichead Arts Centre bursary, Ginas works have been featured in group exhibitions and acquired by public collections such as Droichead Arts Centre. Her work evolves through material experimentation and perception. Helen Loughran is a charcoal artist whose journey began when she shifted from oil painting to charcoal. Enchanted by its expressive power, she uses this medium to explore local landscapesparticularly treesand the dramatic interplay of light and shadow. A member of Louth Craftmark and an associate member of USWA, Helens work is observational and emotional, continually evolving with each new technique she explores. Iseult Raftery is an Irish jewellery artist and goldsmith based in Dublin. Under her brand Iseult Designs, she creates sterling silver and semi-precious stone jewellery inspired by the flowing forms of the natural world. Her organic aesthetic captures beauty in structure and movement. Jane Campbell holds both a BA in Sculpture and an MA from NCAD. She creates large-scale ceramic forms from white stoneware that are designed to be looked into or through. Janes work explores hidden interior spaces, blending decals, hand painting, and textures to evoke the curiosity of the viewer and a deeper engagement with space. Joanne Cartwright is a plein air painter inspired by the fleeting effects of light and seasonal changes in the Irish landscape. A self-taught artist guided by mentors, Joanne paints in oils, often en plein air, to capture the vibrancy and natural beauty of her surroundings. Krystyna Krasowska-Cicha is a Polish-born artist living in Ireland who paints landscapes and sacred images in oil. Educated at the Academy of Fine Art in odz, she honours her faith and nature through a plein-air process that includes field sketches and large-scale compositions. Her work blends observation with spiritual reverence. Leonora Reilly is a self-taught artist from County Derry now living in County Louth. Her work spans representational oil painting, abstract art, and landscapes, often inspired by family memories and local beauty. Leonora is the founder of the Louth Plein Air Art Festival and includes mindful messages in her abstract work. She offers classes and commissions from her home studio. Louisa Kelly is a textile artist from rural County Derry. After graduating from the University of Ulster in 2001 with a degree in fine and applied arts, she pursued education and then a full-time art career. Louisa creates felted wool "paintings" inspired by the Irish landscapes colour and texture. She co-runs the Boathouse Gallery in Bushmills and regularly exhibits her work. Maureen Finn is a ceramic artist based in Millmount, Drogheda, who works with hand-building techniques. Her pieces draw from the shapes, textures, and colours of the Irish landscape, resulting in tactile and organic ceramic forms. Mel Bradley is a textile artist who studied at NCAD and has been designing hand-painted silks for over 35 years. Her work has been featured in fashion, corporate, and interior design contexts. She has collaborated with prominent designers and now operates from a studio-gallery in Millmount, Drogheda, offering workshops and exhibitions through Gallery 13. Noella Manley is a Louth-based oil painter whose vibrant, textured works often depict coastal scenes. Inspired by the changing skies and sea, she uses brushes and palette knives to build energy and movement into her paintings. A member of Louth Craftmark and Visual Artists Ireland, Noella has had several solo exhibitions and regularly shows at art markets and festivals. Orla Barry is a Dundalk-based painter whose richly decorative style reflects influences from sacred art and iconography. Graduating from DIT in 2007, her paintings explore our relationship with animals and nature. Orla has exhibited widely, completed international residencies, and has works in public collections such as the OPW and Louth County Council. Rachel Tinniswood is a mixed-media textile artist who works in both 2D and 3D formats. Combining fabric, thread, wax resist, and hand/machine embroidery, Rachel explores environmental fragility and nature's textures. Her work includes wearable art, framed pieces, and home decor, all reflecting a deeply contemplative process. Rozzi Kennedy is a painter from County Armagh who studied at Limerick School of Art & Design. She is a member of the ROGHA collective, At Home Studios Dublin, and the Ulster Society of Women Artists, and her practice centres around vibrant, expressive painting. Shauna Swords Shauna Swords is a Dundalk-based visual artist who studied Textiles and Fashion Design at the University of Ulster, Belfast. She went on to establish a design studio in Carlingford, creating textile-based lighting, framed artworks, and greeting cards, and exhibited at trade events in Dublin, London, and New York. Shauna now works as an art teacher with LMETB and as a community arts facilitator, collaborating with diverse groups on projects for Cruinniu na nOg, Culture Night, and Brigid 1500. She has recently returned to her own practice, creating vibrant, expressive paintingsoften painted en plein airwith bold use of colour that captures emotion and personal interpretation. Sinead Gregory is a visual artist based in Dunleer whose work spans drawing, printmaking, and textiles. She holds an HND in Fine Art and a BA in Creative Imaging. Sineads recent works incorporate paint and figurative embroidery to explore dreams, memories, and inner thoughts. Her tactile, layered works draw on nature and emotional expression. Sinead McInerney is a metal sculptor from Warrenpoint, County Down, whose fascination with flight inspires her copper creations. Influenced by birds, planes, and rockets, her intuitive metalworking results in unique, textured pieces that celebrate innovation and organic beauty. Sinead uses techniques involving heat, brass, and silver to evoke the fragility and achievement of flight. Suzanne Carroll is a visual artist and NCAD graduate whose work investigates ecological loss through painting. She explores themes of extinction and restoration, using Irelands ecosystems as a focal point. Suzannes The Fishery Exchange project links artistic expression with environmental activism, including paintings like that of the extinct Giant Irish Deer. Louth Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly has today called on Minister for road transport, Sean Canney TD to urgently intervene in securing a new site for Drogheda, driving test centre. "Louth Deputies & elected representatives have beaten a path to the RSA over the years continuously raising this issue in the Dail, all they have ever received is generic replies stating that the RSA and OPW are working to secure a suitable site, despite several sites being proposed," says Butterly. "It beggars belief that despite suggestions, not one suitable location can be found. The population of County Louth and Drogheda is growing rapidly, and we are completely out of sync with the rest of the country. "Counties Carlow, Laois, Offaly and Kilkenny have nine testing centres to service a population of 340,000 people. Counties Meath, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan have four centres to service a population of over 500,000 people. Read Next: BBC reporter denies claims she had no regard or care about former Louth TD allegation "Droghedas population is tipping 50,000 and has no test centre, it is disproportionate and grossly unfair to the people of County Louth, Drogheda and surrounding areas. "Our community has grown, our roads are busy and yet we remain without a basic service that towns of our size need and rightfully deserve. Young people particularly in rural areas have to rely on their own transport to get them to work or college as there are not sufficient public transport options. "I have called on The Minister for Transport to urgently intervene and prioritise the establishment of a driver test centre in Drogheda. Given the length of time it has taken to get nowhere, we need to get somewhere." The VisitBlackrock Tourism Group says it is delighted to announce that the Dudley Lifeboat project has been awarded a Community Heritage Grant by the Heritage Council of Ireland. This vital funding will support a feasibility study into the future preservation and potential restoration of the historic lifeboat as a tourism attraction in north Louth. The General R Dudley Blake Lifeboat is an important part of Blackrocks maritime heritage, once served as a beacon of safety and resilience on our coast as direct result of the Mary Stoddart Disaster in Dundalk Bay in 1858. The VisitBlackrock Tourism Group says that this grant marks a significant first step in exploring how the vessel can be conserved, celebrated and potentially made accessible to the public as a local tourism and heritage asset. The lifeboat was acquired by the Visitblackrock group and a crowdfunded campaign by locals allowed it to be brought from Wexford to Blackrock for safe storage. PRO Jason McGee expressed his gratitude, saying: Were thrilled to have been selected in such a competitive round. This support from the Heritage Council gives us the opportunity to assess the lifeboats condition and explore how it might once again take pride of place in our community. Only one-third of applicants to this years Community Heritage Grant Scheme were successful, underscoring the importance and potential, VisitBlackrock says, of the Dudley Lifeboat project. The feasibility study, to be undertaken in the coming months, will examine restoration logistics, heritage value and options for public engagement and display. The Dudley Lifeboat was brought back to Blackrock from Wexford in 2018 and is in storage waiting a restoration. Stay tuned to VisitBlackrock social channels for updates as this exciting project develops, more information can be found on www.visitblackrock.ie The Marcy Hotel was the venue for the April event for Network Ireland Louth and the members were enthralled with the two speakers on the night. Linda Hanlon, a retired psychotherapist, who picked up a camera and took on a project to photograph women, in Ireland, who had pushed through personal and professional glass ceilings with determination and resilience. Lindas beautiful book entitled EM-POWER-HER is produced In Celebration of Extraordinary Women of Ireland. The book is a beautifully bound testament to all these wonderful ladies and Linda, in her generosity, had one for everyone in the audience. One of the 54 women photographed in the book is Lisa Cusack, who was the 2nd speaker on the night. Lisa told her story of wanting to be a pilot from the age of 13, going to Florida to get her Private Pilots Licence, and telling herself that she would be a commercial pilot by the time she was 30. She loved aviation so much that she worked on the ramps as a young woman and even went in on her day off she couldnt get enough of the aviation life. She went on to study Applied Physics in DCU and graduated with an honours degree, but she still wanted to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. It costs 120,000 to become a pilot. She saved and went to the banks looking for the money only to be refused a loan. She started a cupcake business and produced over 10,000 cupcakes in one year; such was her determination to save to achieve her dream. Aer Lingus launched their cadetship programme and having been unsuccessful at the first attempt, she bought aptitude test books and practiced relentlessly and was successful when the programme launched again. Lisa flew her first commercial plane just 2 days before her 31st birthday. She achieved her goal and her dream. Lisa now flies transatlantic for Aer Lingus and still loves every minute she spends in the cockpit. Her mantra is: Work hard, Believe in yourself; Never give up. As part of the celebration of resilient women, Caroline Duffy, Artist and Designer, and a member of Network Ireland Louth had a gift of one of her beautiful prints with an inspirational quote on it, for everyone in the audience. Nicola Connolly Byrne, President Network Ireland Louth, thanked Linda, Lisa and Caroline for sharing their stories and beautiful gifts with the members present and she described the evening as truly inspirational. Read Next: Louth County Council projects honoured at Irish Construction Excellence awards Nicola also reminded everyone of the forthcoming Network Ireland Louth Businesswoman of the Year Awards night which will be held in the Fairways Hotel, Dundalk, on 23rd May. All are welcome for what promises to be a night of celebration and fun. Tickets are available on www.networkireland.ie/events - Louth branch. Network Ireland is a progressive, dynamic organisation supporting the professional and personal development of women. With over 1,200 members and a strong nationwide presence, the group holds regular events, workshops, and networking opportunities that promote empowerment and leadership for women in business. They are always open to new members joining, who can avail of all the supports and benefits available. It doesnt matter if someone is an established businesswoman or just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey. To join Network Ireland, go to: www.networkireland.ie and become a member. Jason Biggs wants to make another 'American Pie' movie. Jason Biggs in American Pie The 47-year-old actor is "very proud" of the comedy franchise - in which he played Jim Levenstein - and how it shaped his career, and after the cast last got together for 2012's 'American Pie Reunion', he'd love to reunite on screen with the likes of Eugene Levy, Jennifer Coolidge, Seann William Scott, Chris Klein, Tara Reid, Alyson Hannigan, Natasha Lyonne and Eddie Kaye Thomas once again. Asked about being part of a potential 'American Pie 5', he told People magazine: Of course, of course, I would. Ive always said I would 100% be down to work with those people again and to play that character again, and you know, its one of the best experiences of my life. Im very proud of it. Im proud that 26 years later people are still talking about it, so I would for sure do another one." Jason still thinks of Eugene as his "second dad" thanks to the bond they built working on the movies. He said: He lost his house in the [Los Angeles] fires, he and his wife, and so I spoke to him after that. Eugene is one of my favourite people in the world. He really is a second dad in a lot of ways to me and so hes just the best. He taught me so much. The 'Orange is the New Black' actor is also in regular contact with other members of the cast. He said: Eddie Kaye Thomas, who played Finch in the movies, is one of my best friends. He lives on the East Coast, so we see each other, we talk a lot. Then everyone else, you know, theres texts that go around for sure. Jason previously admitted he was delighted with the long-lasting impact of the 'American Pie' movies, the first of which was released in 1999. He said: Theres now another one or two generations of people that have seen the movie, identified with the movie, liked the movie. Its been a really, really special thing for me. A decision is due next month from Louth County Council on plans by the Simon Community to demolish three buildings in Dundalk and construct 27 residential units. Dublin Simon Community applied to Louth County Council in June 2024 for planning permission for the development on the site of the former Labour Exchange Site at no 63 Barrack Street, and no's 65 & 67 Barrack Street, Dundalk. In the June 2024 application, the organisation sought permission for the demolition of the existing derelict properties 63, 65 and 67 Barrack Street to facilitate the development, comprising 27 residential units over two blocks. The proposed Block A was three stories in height, at the north of the site and would provide 12, one bedroom apartments and three studio apartments. The proposed Block B was two stories in height, at the south of the site, and would provide ten, one bedroom apartments and two studio apartments. The planning application also provided for bin stores, ESB Substation and all associated siteworks. Significant further information received by Louth County Council in April and May of this year, provided for a reduced development comprising 21 one bedroom units within a single three storey block. The development also proposes a single storey plant and storage building, comprising ESB substation, switch room, bulk storage and water services, located to the northeast of the site. Read also: SOSAD Dundalk to introduce session fee amid funding shortfall A decision is now due from Louth County Council on the application by 5 June 2025. Louth Volunteer Centre (LVC) are hosting a week-long series of local events to celebrate all things volunteering in Louth this May. National Volunteering Week takes place annually during the third week of May and is dedicated to showcasing the enormous contribution of volunteers and their impact on our Louth community. Kicking off the celebrations on Monday 19th May, LVC will host their annual AGM, and all are welcome to attend. You can learn about the work of the Centre, its impact, their new 2025 projects and much more. It takes place at 12 midday at the new Louth County Council Buildings at Fair St, Drogheda and all are welcome. On Tuesday 20th, at 10am-1pm in the Market House, Dunleer, LVC hosts the Annual Volunteer Leadership Seminar. This event is for all Volunteer Leaders. Anyone who manages volunteers in the course of their work, be that paid or voluntary in nature, is welcome to attend. The attendees will hear from two expert speakers. Simply register with the Centre at the contact details below. There will be two key speakers. Geraldine Johnston, of Boyne Communications will bring her 25 years of expertise and is a strategic communications expert, mentor, and facilitator. Geraldine will discuss the Essentials of Communication, helping to share your organisations message to volunteers, other stakeholders and the wider community. Stuart Garland, Learning and Capacity Building Manager at Volunteer Ireland, manages the National Volunteer Management & Leadership Training Programme, working to build the capacity of organisations to run quality volunteer programmes. Stuart will look at The Volunteer Charter - who its for, the benefits of adopting it and how it can be applied to your organisation. A complementary networking lunch will follow, offering the opportunity to connect in-person with other volunteer leaders from across the county. On Thursday 22nd of May, LVC will be hosting open coffee mornings in 3 locations across Louth from 10 to 11am. These are informal drop-in sessions, and everyone is encouraged to pop-in to one of 3 open venues: their Drogheda office at Bolton Street, their Dundalk office at County Hall, Alphonsus Road and the Ardee Library. This event is open to people already volunteering in the community, as well as people who are curious to learn more about volunteering in Louth and anyone from a community or voluntary group who is currently, or simply considering, involving volunteers. You can chat over a complementary cuppa and pastries, to members of the LVC team about what they do, what support services are on offer to both volunteers and organisations. If you are already a volunteer, you need volunteers, are interested in volunteering or simply curious about what LVC offer, this is a welcoming space to connect with others in a relaxed setting. Like all events during the week, it is free to attend, so why not come along, in fact why not bring a friend for a cup of coffee, some treats, and a chance to learn more about volunteering in your community. As part of the celebrations, Dundalk FM will be hosting their annual live outside broadcast from the open morning at the Dundalk Office, so even if you cant join us in person, everyone in the wider community is invited to tune in. The broadcasting will give people an insight into the different volunteering opportunities available in Louth, and the positive impact that volunteering has on individuals, communities, and society. In collaboration with Volunteer Ireland, the theme of the week is Building Community Together, with a special focus on the social opportunities, which volunteering offers such as meeting new people, making friends and connecting with your community. Kayleigh Mulligan, Manager of LVC told us, Outside of home and work, volunteering is the third space for many people where we connect, empathise, laugh and nurture. The bonds we build through volunteering, strengthen our communities and unite us. National Volunteering Week is an opportunity for all of Louth to celebrate how countless instances of volunteers supporting our community, connects us into a huge network of care. To start the week, LVC are hosting celebrations of some of their very own volunteers. On Saturday 17th May, they will mark the contributions of the Centres English Language Tutors, celebrating the contribution, time and skills these volunteers give at weekly sessions. Here, they support new arrivals to Louth in developing their language skills, thus facilitating genuine integration and connections in the community. Read Next: 75 social homes reactivated from vacancy in Louth in 2024 Throughout the week, LVC team members will also be attending volunteer celebration events right across the County. This year, LVC awarded Recognition Grants to six Louth voluntary and community groups, to support them in hosting their own Volunteer Appreciation Events as part of the weeks celebrations. In collaboration with Louth Public Participation Network, a LVC team member will attend and personally present the groups volunteers with Certificates of Recognition. If you would like to let LVC know how you are celebrating National Volunteering Week in your organisation, you are invited to tag them on social media or get in touch with your local office in Drogheda or Dundalk. For more information about volunteering in Louth, or how you can get involved in a way that works for you, please contact Louth Volunteer Centre at info@volunteerlouth.ie, visit their website at www.volunteerlouth.ie , drop in to your local office or phone them in Drogheda 041 9809008 or Dundalk 042 9392934. Louth Volunteer Centre is a non-profit organisation that aims to promote and support volunteering in the County Louth. The centre provides a matching service between individuals and organisations seeking volunteers and offers a wide range of training and support services both for volunteers and volunteer-involving organisations. Corks Castlemartyr Resort is to host a large, partly-outdoor exhibition of works by some of the biggest names in art. Art and Soul, described by curators Gormleys as Irelands biggest art and sculpture event, will run at the East Cork venue, for the third time, across June, with 350 works by artists including Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Banksy, Julian Opie, and Salvador Dali. One of the highlights will be an outdoor exhibition of 90 large sculptures and installations set throughout the 220-acre, 18th-century manor estate. In addition, 70 smaller and more intimate sculptures will be on display within the hotel. Among the exhibiting Irish sculptors will be Patrick OReilly, Ian Pollock, Eamonn Ceannt, Giacinto Bosco, Bob Quinn, Paddy Campbell, Sandra Bell, and John Fitzgerald. Foreign sculptors will include Michael Ayrton, Philip Jackson, Sophie Ryder, Matteo Lo Greco, and Lorenzo Quinn. The exhibition will incorporate a programme of exclusive artists talks with daily guided tours. Speaking about Art and Soul, Oliver Gormley, of Gormleys, said it will give art lovers a unique opportunity to view these incredible works of art in the beautiful surroundings of Castlemartyr. Adults and children will enjoy the event equally and our previous events in The K Club, Russborough, and the Culloden Hotel attracted over 10,000 visitors, said Mr Gormley. Brendan Comerford, general manager of Castlemartyr Resort, said: Castlemartyr Resort is the perfect background for its arts-centric summer, with its rich history and impressive grounds dating back to the 13th century. We are looking forward to welcoming guests and visitors to celebrate the extensive programme of artworks, talks, tours, and musical performances that will take place. Art and Soul will be open to the public each day from 11am7pm, with guided tours at 12pm, 3pm, and 5pm daily, from June 1-29 On May 30, Castlemartyr Resort will host a drinks reception, an opportunity to meet the artists and a preview tour of the exhibition. Statement delivered by Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, at the plenary of the 37th Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting held on 17th May 2025 Chairperson, Secretary General of Commonwealth, Fellow Health Ministers, Higher Officials, Invitees and, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Morning! First of all, let me appreciate the selection of a vital and an important theme for all the countries, as the theme of the 37th Commonwealth Health Ministers meeting (CHMM). Due to the reason that Health is a fundamental human right, in order to secure an equitable future, it is essential that we invest in health. It is important that you prioritize the problems that have considerable impact on health of nations. In this time, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become one of the priorities in the world and for the Commonwealth, for which an adequate investment is needed. Non-communicable diseases are responsible for 74% of deaths worldwide. The scenario in most of the Commonwealth countries are the same. In order to get a good impact, you need to invest in key risk factors leading to NCDs. Therefore, investing in primary and primordial prevention for NCDs, is important to reduce future burden due to NCDs, in the Commonwealth countries. I also support subject areas such as climate change, Universal Health Coverage and to promote healthy aging. Careful planning with data driven decision making combined with sustainable financing, definitely will lead to health equity. Recently, Sri Lanka has undergone a severe economic downturn. We think that sustainable financing for an equitable Commonwealth includes Human Resources for Health, as it has significant implication on health financing. We experience a serious brain drain of health professionals compounding burden on the health system. I trust that the health professionals, specially doctors in post graduate training in developed countries, should return to serve their motherland as colossal amounts of resources have been spent on them over the years. Therefore, it is timely that we in the Commonwealth come to a consensus among us in commonwealth. Let us work along these years theme, accompanied by solid plan of action to make a reality for an equitable Commonwealth. Thank you! View PDF Gardai in Gurranabraher seized two kilos of cannabis at 52 Steps in Fairhill, and now one of the men involved with these drugs more than two years ago has been given a two-year suspended sentence. Judge Dermot Sheehan imposed that sentence at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Garda Peter Kelleher arrested 21-year-old Alan Quilligan of Beechtree Avenue, Ard Sionnach, Shanakiel, Cork, and charged him with possession of cannabis and having it for sale or supply at 52 Steps, Innishannon Road, Fairhill, Cork, back on January 4, 2023. Now at the circuit court, Alan Quilligan has pleaded guilty to the drugs offences. Judge Sheehan was told that the accused had not come to the adverse notice of An Garda Siochana in the meantime. The judge said during sentencing: He appears to have settled down. The probation report puts him at a low risk of reoffending. He has shown remorse and he is no longer associating with anti-social peers. And he wishes to proceed as a law-abiding citizen. Judge Sheehan said that in all the circumstances, taking into consideration the defendants lack of previous convictions, his relative youth and other facts, that a fully suspended sentence was appropriate. The search for four tradesmen, who worked on Corks Metropole Hotel in the late 1960s, has ended as links to each of their families have been found. During recent refurbishment at the venue, workers uncovered a swatch of wallpaper dating back to July 1969, which had been signed by four men who were working on the hotels lobby. The note read with love from Tommy Ross (electrician), Jerry Higgins (carpenter), Steve Casey (painter), and John Keogh (plumber). The 56-year-old note was found at the Metropole Hotel during recent refurbishment works. Following the discovery earlier this week, the hotel launched a public search for the men, hoping to invite them to the venue once renovations are complete. John Keogh Within hours, John Keogh, who is now 86, appeared on Corks 96FM on The Opinion Line with PJ Coogan, where he said that he would love to return to the space to see how the current renovations will look and to share his experience of working on the hotel more than 50 years ago. Steve Casey A number of days later, May Casey, who is the daughter of the late painter Steve Casey, reached out to the radio station to let them know that she recognised her fathers distinctive handwriting. He had lovely hand, that was definitely his, said Ms Casey. She remembered offcuts of the hotels wallpaper being used to cover her schoolbooks in 1969. Steve worked on some of Corks most iconic buildings, including the Cork Opera House and North Cathedral, and he was one of four generations of painters in the Casey family. Tommy Ross David Ross, son of the late Tommy Ross, reached out to share memories of his fathers work ethic and character. Tommy, who passed away in 1995, worked with Fitzgeralds Electrical on Grand Parade and helped wire rural homes across West Cork during Irelands rural electrification drive. Hed head off on a BSA motorbike at 4:30am on a Monday morning and be back Friday or Saturday, said Mr Ross. Davids brother, Thomas, served his apprenticeship with their father, and has worked on hotels like Actons in Kinsale. Jerry Higgins Providing the final piece of the puzzle, Richard Higgins, who is the son of carpenter Jerry Higgins, also reached out to Corks 96FM to share insight in to his fathers career. Jerry worked under J Horgan Bros Builders, of Henry St, and was based at The Metropole for decades. Id say he worked there for 30 years. He was very loyal to The Metropole any family event, The Metropole was the place, said Mr Higgins. Jerry retired in 1975, at the age of 70, and passed away 10 years later. Mr Higgins shared that Jerrys granddaughter, Anna, held her wedding reception in the hotel the same year the note was signed. Recalling the little workshop his father kept at the hotel, Mr Higgins said: Hed sprinkle sawdust on the floor to make it look busy if the boss was due to visit! The Higgins family, much like the Casey, Ross, and Keogh families, were touched by the rediscovery, saying that it would be an honour to return to the space. The Metropole Hotel has now framed the wallpaper swatch and plans to install a permanent historical display at the venue, once renovations are finished. The hotel is now planning a special reunion event next month to mark the official reopening of the refurbished reception, with representatives of each of the four mens families invited to attend. The prayers of the all the priests and people of the Diocese of Cork and Ross were with Pope Leo XIV, Bishop Fintan Gavin said following the inauguration Mass of the new pope in Rome today while his counterpart in Cloyne said Leo would signal a period of both change and continuity for the Church. Bishop Gavin and Bishop William Crean were speaking to The Echo after the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV was celebrated in St Peters Square with hundreds of cardinals, bishops, and priests and before a congregation including world leaders and tens of thousands of Catholic faithful and other pilgrims. It was great to see church leaders and world leaders together gather with Pope Leo XIV at his inauguration Mass where he once again called for a united Church in communion with a missionary spirit that goes out from itself to offer Gods love to all, said Bishop Gavin. He is restating his appeal for peace. Bishop Crean, meanwhile, said Pope Leo XIV is clearly a very gifted man, linguistically. Hes also a man with a missionary heart which, Im sure, will be reflected in the way he approaches his task. He pointed out Pope Leos worldwide travels while with the Prior of the Augustinian Order would have added to his perspective. Its a fresh voice but its a voice which will re-echo much of what Pope Francis has been saying, he said, referring to the fact Pope Leo had been chosen personally by the late pontiff to come from his Bishopric in Peru to head the Congregation of Bishops in Rome. He was present at the synodal gatherings, the synod on synodality over two terms. Bishop Crean said one of the electors had said, before going into the conclave, in response to whether he and his fellow cardinals would opt for continuity or change that the choice was to go forward and that includes both continuity and change and that has always been our way forward. In his homily, Pope Leo said he wanted to be a servant to the faithful through the two dimensions of the papacy, love and unity, so that the church could be a force for peace in the world. I would like that our first great desire be for a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world, he said. In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earths resources and marginalises the poorest. Tomas Doherty New developments in the Michael Gaine case are among the stories on the front pages of Sunday's newspapers. The Sunday Independent, Irish Sunday Mirror and The Irish Mail on Sunday lead with discovery of partial human remains in Co Kerry as gardai search for missing farmer Michael Gaine. The Government is trying to lure tech giants such Samsung and TSMC to invest in Ireland with billions in subsidies, the Business Post reveals. The Ireland edition of The Sunday Times reports that controversial Tipperary TD Michael Lowry still chairs meetings for the Regional Independent Group, which cabinet ministers regularly appear before. A woman has shared photos with the Sunday World of the aftermath of a brutal attack by her husband, who poured boiling water over her and hit her with a hammer. Sunday Life has images of a dissident republican getting arrested in connection with a 2021 murder in Belfast. By Rebecca Black, PA A man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Co Kerry farmer Michael Gaine. The 56-year-old was reported missing from his home near Kenmare on March 21st. Following extensive searches over the last eight weeks, Gardai confirmed on Saturday that human remains had been discovered. A man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of farmer Michael Gaine (Garda/PA) On Sunday afternoon, Gardai said a man, who is aged in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of murder. The male is being detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda Station in Kerry Division, a Garda spokesperson said. An Garda Siochana continue to carry out searches and technical examinations at lands at Carrig East, Kenmare, Co Kerry. The family of Michael Gaine have been informed of this arrest and An Garda Siochana continues to support Michaels family through a family liaison officer. Garda at the scene in Carrig East, Kenmare, investigating the disappearance of Co Kerry farmer Michael Gaine (Noel Sweeney/PA) State Pathologist Dr Sally Anne Collis and forensic anthropologist Laureen Buckley, assisted by the Garda Technical Bureau, carried out preliminary examinations in the area that gardai described as a crime scene on Saturday. Work continued at the site on Sunday in a bid to recover further human remains. A Garda spokesperson said DNA analysis will be required to carry out formal identification of the recovered human remains. There have been extensive inquiries by gardai investigating Mr Gaines disappearance over the last eight weeks, as well as a public plea for information issued by his wife, Janice Gaine and sister, Noreen ORegan. On April 29th, the investigation was reclassified as a homicide. The Garda spokesperson said officers are continuing to appeal for public assistance in this investigation. The Garda investigation team can be contacted at Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or speak with any member of An Garda Siochana, they said. TD Michael Healy-Rae said the community called for answers (Liam McBurney/PA) On Sunday, Independent TD for Kerry, Michael Healy-Rae, said the local community in Kenmare wants answers. All we want is answers, he told RTEs This Week programme. We want to know, and the family want to know. Mike was a very respectable, hardworking, genuine man, a great community person and a person that everybody liked. To think that somebody would have this type of event happen to them were all horrified. Were upset. It is not something that were used to in any part of Ireland. But in this locality, we never had a situation like this before. He said: This is a horrific time for the family, for the whole community, the extended friends, relatives and relations. But at the end of the day, at least now the team can work on the evidence that they have found. And we hope and earnestly pray that more answers can be found to all questions that the family and all of us have. Almost 90 years ago in February of 1936 a schooner from Youghal was lost without trace with five local sailors on board. The beginning of this story tells that Flemings Merchants had lost their first Nellie Fleming vessel when it went aground at Ardmore in 1913. Thankfully all the crew were saved from that shipwreck. In 1916, Flemings purchased a replacement named Emily that had been built at Carrigfergus in 1884. It was a wooden three-masted double topsail schooner. The moniker of this newly purchased vessel was changed to be named after one of Martin Flemings daughters Nellie Fleming. From 1917 to 1936, it was kept busy in Flemings ownership. The Youghal Harbour record books show that the Nellie Fleming plied mainly to Cardiff, Newport and Lydney, with an odd trip to Garston and Sharpness. Cargoes were listed as coal and salt. On the matter of cargoes, 1922 brings to mind a very sad happening on the local quays. A vessel named Isabella under Captain Jones arrived with cargo in the dark of a September evening in 1922. The Irish Civil War was in full swing and there was a curfew in place unknown to the captain and crew. The captains teenage son Samuel aged 16 and another crew member innocently went ashore during curfew and were challenged by Free State soldiers while up town. The two young men ran away not knowing what this was about and were shot dead. Captain Jones son is buried in the grounds of St. Marys Collegiate Church. Captain Mike Duggan with his wife shortly before he was lost copy. From Lost Without Trace: The Nellie Fleming Schooner Story. Nellie Fleming was skippered in the early years by Captain Joe Aherne and from 1933 to 1936 Captain Mike began to skipper some of the voyages. We move now to the record books of Youghal Bridge where we see that the Nellie went upriver as far as Cappoquin and onto the River Bride as well. Before its last fateful voyage, the Nellie Fleming needed a cabin boy to double as a cook and two young lads applied for the job. Eddie Sullivan of Cork Hill and Eddie Norris of Windmill Lane were both hopeful of starting a sea-faring career. Eddie Sullivan got the job and sailed away to Wales with four other crewmen while the other Eddie stayed at home disappointed. Local people living at Cork Hill can remember seeing Eddie Sullivan walking down to the quayside with a pillow-case (sea-bag) of clothes thrown over his shoulder. When the Nellie Fleming sailed down Youghal Harbour, passed beyond the lighthouse and out into the bay, nobody suspected that it was to be for the last time. On the return journey, the Nellie left Lydney laden with coal on a calm morning. However, as they sailed away down the Bristol Channel the weather changed. A storm was brewing! The last image of the Nellie Fleming before she sank. A sister vessel, Kathleen and May, was also heading for Youghal at the same time in the same area. Unlike the Nellie, which was sail only, the Kathleen and May also had an auxiliary engine. The Kathleen decided to drop the sails and motor for refuge in the port of Angle in Milford Haven and made safety. The helpless Nellie, however, was running before wind and tide. The wind that night was fearful as it built up to record an average of seventy-five miles per hour for the whole of the next three days. It became the worst storm in living memory on the Irish Sea. Meanwhile, back in Youghal, as they experienced the storm, people feared the worst for their two vessels. Down on the quays and out at the Head of the Rock (Moll Goggins Corner) crowds kept vigil, saying the Rosary for the safe return of their loved ones. The Eastern Point is the part of Monatrea that lies across the harbour from the lighthouse and it was only when the schooners would come around that point that they knew they were home and safe. The high hills on both sides of the river provided great shelter and any favourable puff of wind would see them sail up into port. The Head of the Rock is beyond the lighthouse and is the most prominent position from which to watch the horizon for the first glimpse of a mast. Jack Loughlin, Bill Kelly, Fr. Ben Cotter, Frank Keane and John Young with Nellie Fleming Appeal Posters. Image provided by Mike Hackett author of Lost Without Trace: The Nellie Fleming Schooner Story. It is the place where the families waited and watched. Imagine those years before radio, when a ships whereabouts was only known to the crew, and nobody ashore could tell if they were blown off course. Local sailors were hoping that the two vessels had remained in Lydney to weather the storm in port or at anchor. That was the best possibility. The vigil went on day and night but time was passing by without a sighting. Nine days later, the Kathleen and May rounded the Eastern Point to be greeted by a big cheer that could be heard over in County Waterford. It brought relief for some and hope for others. Any sign of the Nellie, the people on shore asked. No sign was the dreaded reply. When the Kathleen tied up at the quay, the whole story was told. Both schooners had left before the storm started and had been driven before it down the Bristol Channel. As already stated, the Kathleen had an auxiliary engine, while the Nellie did not. It made all the difference when the storm struck. The ill-fated Nellie could only run before the storm and hope for the best. It was no contest. The captain and crew were very capable, but in that awful situation with an old vessel laden with coal, it was not enough. The vigil at home continued. More days passed and there was still no sign. An awful realisation began to show on the population of a closely knit fishing and sailing community. Five local men with numerous family connections were gone. No trace was ever found. The five crewmen were: Captain: Mike Duggan, of Church Lane married - aged 60; Mate: Batty Glavin of Cork Hill married aged 58; Able Seaman: Dan Kenneally of Strand Street married aged 54; Able Seaman: Declan Doyle of Penders Lane single aged 21 on his first voyage; and Cabin Boy: Eddie Sullivan of Raheen Lane, Cork Hill single aged 18 also on his first voyage. The Nellie Fleming was no match for the storm. Five lives taken together shocked the town so much that, even now, our elders can still feel the indescribable sadness. What is not generally known is that Flemings supplied groceries to the families of the lost sailors for seven years afterwards until the widows could claim the state pension (of the 1935 Act). As no bodies were found, the seven years deferment clause applied. Meanwhile a fund was set up to assist the families. Incidentally, it was during that same storm (February 1936) that the Ballycotton lifeboat Mary Stanford was at sea for three days as it rescued the crew of the Daunt Lightship. Mike Hackett is the author of Lost Without Trace: The Nellie Fleming Schooner Story. (Photo: Vatican News)Pope Leo XIV at his inauguration mass in St. Peter's at the Vatican on May 18, 2025. Pope Leo XIV arrived at his inaugural mass in a white vehcile, called for church unity in a homily, and later prayed for people suffering from war and those marginalized. At the end of his May 18 Inauguration mass for his pontificate, the new Pope, the first from the United States, appealed for world peace. In his Homily, the Pope expressed his desire for unity in the 1.4 billion strong Catholic Church and Christians worldwide. "I would like our first great desire to be for a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a lever for a reconciled world," Leo said in his homily. Later, he said, "In this, our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, by violence, by prejudice, by the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the world's resources and marginalizes the poor." Pope Leo thanked the 200,000 people and many delegations attending the Eucharist and expressed his gratitude to the representatives of nations, churches, and various religions who attended his Sunday service, according to Vatican News. Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, the moderator of the World Council of Churches, which represents more than 580 million mainly Anglican, Orthodox and Protestant Christians worldwide, and the WCC general secretary, Rev. Jerry Pillay, attended Pope Leo's inauguration mass. "In the joy of faith and communion, we cannot forget our brothers and sisters who are suffering because of war," said Pope Leo. He recalled that "the surviving children, families, and elderly" in Gaza have been reduced to starvation, as the Israel-Hamas war continues. In Myanmar, noted Pope Leo, "new hostilities have cut short innocent young lives." And, he lamented, "martyred Ukraine awaits negotiations for a just and lasting peace." - UKRANIAN PRESIDENT Vatican News reported that after the Mass, Pope Leo XIV met privately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who attended the Inauguration Mass with his wife. In his address, the Pope said he "strongly felt the spiritual presence of Pope Francis accompanying us from heaven." As he marked the official beginning of his ministry, Pope Leo XIV invited Catholics to pray entrust his ministry to the Blessed Virgin Mary, under her titles as "Star of the Sea and Our Lady of Good Counsel." "We implore her intercession," he concluded, "for the gift of peace, for support and comfort for those who suffer, and for the grace for all of us to witness the Risen Lord." The Pope's inaugural mass ended with loud applause from the huge crowd at St. Peter's in Rome, who had come from around the world to see the new Catholic leader. After the mass bells pealed out over the Vatican, crowds cheered and waved the world's flags in St. Peter's Square The first pontiff from the United States made his debut tour of St Peter's Square on Sunday in a popemobile, greeting tens of thousands of pilgrims and well-wishers ahead of his inauguration mass. Pope Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, became the head of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics on May 8. Among other dignitaries who attended the inaugural mass were: JD Vance, U.S. vice president Marco Rubio, U.S. secretary of state Mark Carney, prime minister of Canada Anthony Albanese, prime minister of Australia Francois Bayrou, prime minister of France Isaac Herzog, president of Israel Bola Ahmed Tinubu, president of Nigeria Dick Schoof, prime minister of the Netherlands Queen Maxima of the Netherlands Prince Edward, representing the British Royal Family Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine Sunday, May 18, 2025 I happened to be in Rome on a Sunday many years ago. It was during the reign of Pope John Paul II as head of the Catholic Church. Rather fortuitously, at noon that day, I found myself in St. Peters Square, standing with the thousands of people who were gathered there to receive the traditional Sunday blessing of the Holy Father. Looking at the throng from the window of his apartment overlooking the square, the pontiff spoke for several minutes, prayed, and then delivered his benediction. Most likely, the crowd had a large number of non-Catholics like me in it. The Holy Father spoke and prayed in languages that many of us couldnt understand. But at the end of it all, there was a palpable sense in the air that every single person there had been deeply touched by his presence. Those of us who are old enough to have witnessed the papacy of John Paul II will remember the positive force that he represented in the world during his 26-year pontificate. His moral clarity, in particular, was highly instrumental in the fight against communism. Millions of people in the Soviet Union, his native Poland, and all across Eastern Europe, had been trapped under that tyrannical form of rule for decades and were yearning for freedom. He focused a lot of his attention and energy on helping to dismantle the system that had robbed so many people of their dignity. Our world today finds itself in another moment that urgently requires the kind of voice that Pope John Paul II lent to the primary global issue of his day. The many crises that humanity is currently facing all around the globe are worsening rapidly and ominously because there is no one at the rudder. What is needed is strong, quiet, and steady leadership. Instead, what we have in many places are leaders who are full of bombast and appear more likely to sink the ship than steer it safely ashore. I wasnt in St. Peters Square when Pope Leo XIV made his first appearance at the famous balcony of St. Peters Basilica shortly after his election ten days ago. But watching him on television, I had a feeling that was quite similar to the one I experienced in the physical presence of Pope John Paul II years ago. Everything about Pope Leos body language, from his facial expressions to the way he had his hands clasped in front of him, exuded both humility and quiet strength. It was also clear from the reception of the thousands who had gathered to greet him that the new pontiff had made a deep and instant connection with them. His type of calming presence is what our world desperately needs today. In the days since his election, I have read a lot about Pope Leo XIV. Everything I have learned thus far validates my initial reading of him. He is known to be a deeply empathetic and humble man who speaks his mind clearly. In an interview with a journalist, the pontiffs older brother, John Prevost, described him as middle of the road and predicted: I dont think well see extremes either way. He expressed confidence that his brother will use his new platform to shine the spotlight on issues that are important to him. He added: I dont think hell stay quiet for too long if he has something to say. One thing that has greatly impressed me about Pope Leo XIV is the account of his initial encounters with the late Pope Francis. The two men are said to have met before Pope Francis assumed the papacy. He was then Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, archbishop of Buenos Aires. At the time, Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, was an Augustinian priest. He visited Cardinal Bergoglio many times in Argentina, and according to reports, their views differed on many issues. When Pope Francis was elected to head the church in 2013, Prevost reportedly confided in some of his fellow Augustinians that he would never become a bishop. He assumed that given his past disagreements with the now Pope Francis, it was unlikely that he would elevate him to the position of bishop. He was mistaken. In 2014, Pope Francis made him a bishop and asked him to return to Peru, where he had previously served. As time went on, Pope Francis is said to have recognized Prevosts potential even more and decided to put him on a fast track. In 2023, he brought him back to Rome and appointed him as the head of the office for the bishops, a high-profile position inside the Vatican. Soon thereafter, he made him a cardinal. In a world increasingly filled with spineless leaders, it is quite satisfying to have as head of the Catholic Church now, a man who is known to have moral courage. Prevosts elevation to positions of increasing authority in the church by a much senior person in the clergy, despite his numerous previous disagreements with him, should be a lesson for us all. Sycophancy may work at times in advancing peoples careers, but it must surely feel a whole lot better to get to the top the way Pope Leo XIV has done it. Clearly, Cardinal Bergoglio, later Pope Francis, greatly appreciated Prevosts candor. The now Pope Leo XIV is said to have earned the respect of everyone he met along his lengthy journey to the papacy. That must have factored heavily during the conclave. It beautifully demonstrates that honesty and moral courage are qualities that are still highly valued, even in our current cynical world. I am constantly saddened by the fact that so many of us have adopted a mindset of resignation. We seem to have concluded that the major problems we see all around us are insoluble, and the best we can do is either look away or hope that we will personally escape their ravages. This defeatist attitude is quite unfortunate. Because most of the problems have been caused by humans, they can be addressed if enough people put their shoulders to the wheel. In reference to the wars, political polarization, economic inequality and the myriad problems confronting the world today, the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II of the Yale Divinity School put it best when he said: Were in a moment when the moral forces of the world and religious forces of the world have a deep responsibility to say it doesnt have to be this way. Pope Leo XIV is both a religious and a moral force. I pray that his leadership will inspire not only the flock he has been elected to shepherd, but also our political leaders and the rest of us who are not members of the Catholic Church. And may the Lord grant him even greater wisdom and strength because he has a lot of new weight on his shoulders. Pakistan's foreign minister will make a three-day official visit to China, his office said on Sunday, a little over a week after Islamabad reached a ceasefire with India to end their most serious conflict in decades. Ishaq Dar, who also holds the portfolio of deputy prime minister, will start his visit on Monday in Beijing where he will hold "in-depth discussions" with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi "on the evolving regional situation in South Asia and its implications for peace and stability", his office said in a statement. "The two sides will also review the entire spectrum of Pakistan-China bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest," it said. Dar's visit to Beijing comes on the heels of a tumultuous couple of weeks, following an April attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in which 26 people were killed. New Delhi blamed Islamabad for backing the militants it claimed were behind the attack -- the deadliest on civilians in Muslim-majority Kashmir in decades. Pakistan denies the charge. The territory is claimed in full by both India and Pakistan, which have fought several wars over Kashmir since their 1947 independence from British rule. On May 7, India launched strikes against what it said were "terrorist camps" in Pakistan, kicking off four days of intense tit-for-tat drone, missile and artillery exchanges with Islamabad. The conflict left more than 70 people, including dozens of civilians, dead on both sides. Fearing further escalation, global leaders had urged restraint from both sides early on in the conflict, including China which promised to play a "constructive role" -- though experts say Beijing had clearly picked a side. China has been one of Pakistan's most reliable foreign partners, readily providing financial assistance to bail out its often struggling neighbour. Dar told parliament on May 7, hours after aerial combat between the two sides, that Islamabad used Chinese jets against India, with Beijing's ambassador called to his office over the deployment. "At 4 am in the morning, the whole Chinese team, led by their ambassador, was present at the foreign office," Dar told the parliament. "We apprised them about all the developments taken place until that time, and they were very happy," he said. US President Donald Trump announced a surprise truce on May 10, which appears to be holding over a week later. While Islamabad stated earlier in the week that the ceasefire would last until Sunday, the Indian army said there was no expiry date to the agreement. zz/dhc A group of engineers in San Diego left their jobs at well established corporations (especially a large number of former NCR employees) to form their own company. They set out to build massively parallel computers with Sparc processors. The market they were targetting has traditionally been a hard one, and they had a hard time surviving. They were acquired by similar companies and reshaped several times, most notably their second to last acquisition by Cray Research, Inc.. They were also joined with several engineers in Beaverton, Oregon through these mergers. Under Cray's leadership, they produced a machine with 64 Sparc processors called the CS6400 (or more affectionately called the SuperDragon since it was an implementation of Sun's sun4d architecture, similar to what would be found in a SparcCenter 2000 computer from Sun). The CS6400 supported a feature called Dynamic System Domains, meaning that its multiple system boards could be electronically isolated into distinct sets (called domains), and that the partitioning could be changed dynamically while separate instances of the operating system were executing within each domain. Another feature called Alternate Pathing allowed SCSI and ethernet devices to be virtualized on top of pairs of SCSI and ethernet interface cards, allowing an operator to dynamically repartition system boards or even physically remove system boards from the chassis without interrupting I/O services provided to the end users. A relationship was established between the engineers who built the CS6400 and Sun Microsystems because their large Sparc based servers ran the Solaris Operating Environment. (Well, along with a few low level tweaks in the kernel to get Solaris to work on the slightly different hardware, and to support the Alternate Pathing feature and the Dynamic Reconfiguration feature that allows the kernel to release/claim resources as they're physically detached/attached.) When Cray was purchased by SGI, and while SGI analyzed what it had just bought, it found this quirky little division in San Diego building things with Sparc processors and working closely with Sun Microsystems. SGI didn't really want to keep the group, considering that it clashed with the sorts of technologies that SGI was already producing. So they gladly sold the group off to Sun for about $50 million. Sun liked what the engineers were doing and how their computer systems worked, so it gladly acquired the division just as it was about to complete its follow-on to the CS6400: the Ultra Enterprise Server 10000 (also known as the Starfire). Development was completed on the new machine under Sun's leadership, and it took off in the marketplace once the fine products from these brilliant engineers were finally coupled with the vast resources of Sun's marketing department. The Enterprise 10000 servers were essentially a more modern and refined approach at what the CS6400 was. The Enterprise 10000 had easier, more reliable Dynamic Reconfiguration. (Although, I'd advise using the Solaris 7 or Solaris 8 versions of DR over the Solaris 2.5.1 and Solaris 2.6 versions if possible; but that's just my personal preference.) It also had faster hardware based on a 16x16 crossbar implementation of Sun's UPA architecture (sun4u, same as an Ultra-1, except on a larger scale). The server was praised in the computer industry for its success at scaling SMP up to the largest number of processors ever achieved, due in no small part to the amazing ASICs that drive its interconnect with a remarkably fast cache coherency snooping implementation. (All 64 processors can access any of the 64GB of memory in the system with uniform performance measurements of ~12GBytes/sec of bandwidth and ~500ns of latency while keeping their 8MB e-cache's coherent.) Scott McNealy considers his company's acquisition of the Enterprise 10000 and its engineers as the best deal since Microsoft bought DOS. The acquired division was directly responsible for several billion dollars in revenue during its first year within Sun's ranks, not to mention the other revenue associated with selling service and accessories to go with all of that Enterprise 10000 hardware. Sun intends to purchase Cray's Business Systems Division Eagan, Minn. -- Silicon Graphics subsidiary Cray Research, Inc. announced receipt of a letter-of-intent for Sun Microsystems Computer Company to acquire Cray's Business Systems Division, based in Beaverton, Ore. The preliminary agreement, announced this morning, calls for Sun Microsystems, based in Mountain View, Calif., to acquire the assets of the Business Systems Division. The Cray Business Systems Division designs and manufactures the CS6400 enterprise server, a SPARC/Solaris system that scales to 64-processors and is Solaris binary compatible with Sun's enterprise server product line. Upon completion, the acquisition will extend Sun's involvement in enterprise-class server solutions for large scale mission-critical network computing applications. In addition, Cray's installed base of SPARC/Solaris customers will gain access to Sun's sales and support organization. "Sun is bringing a whole new generation of technology and products to market so that customers can build the network 'backbone' infrastructure necessary to carry them into the next century," said Ed Zander, president of Sun Microsystems Computer Company. "Sun's new Ultra Enterprise servers, combined with last month's acquisition of fault-tolerant systems supplier Integrated Micro Products (IMP) plus the anticipated Cray purchase, give Sun the broadest, most scalable server line in the industry. We are squarely positioned to be a major powerhouse for industrial-strength commercial computing." "Cray's SPARC/Solaris server business does not fit Silicon Graphics' and Cray's long-term MIPS-based product roadmap, but is a good fit with Sun," said Cray Research president and chief operating officer Robert H. Ewald. "Today's announcement reflects our stated commitment to provide a compatible path forward for our SPARC/Solaris system customers." Ewald noted that Silicon Graphics' Challenge product line has been highly successful in addressing the needs of commercial and enterprise customers, and that Cray's experience in designing systems for the commercial market will benefit the Challenge product line. Cray Research introduced the CRAY CS6400 system in early 1994, pricing the computer from about $400,000. The chips used in the CS6400 were upgraded to 85 MHz models in the fall of 1995. In early 1995 Cray was reorganized into two business units, the Supercomputing Unit and the Business Systems Unit. A key strategic element in the development of the CS6400 was to base the system on Sun Microsystem's SPARC technology -- a decision that provided Cray with a popular technology free of chip development cost. It also opened the door, or the architecture so to speak, allowing over 10,000 off-the-shelf applications to run on the system with little or no modification. Later the company enhanced the memory management and I/O capabilities and scalability up to 64 processors. Among Cray's customer base for the CS6400 are Citibank, Bank of America, MCI, Macklanburg-Duncan and the American Automobile Association. Upon completion of the acquisition, the Cray Business Systems Division will report to Sun Microsystems Computer Company's Enterprise Server and Storage Group. "With the acquisition of this division, Sun will gain an extremely talented group of employees with expertise in delivering scalable and reliable solutions for high-performance decision support, on-line transaction rocessing, business analysis and technical computing," said John Shoemaker, vice president and general manager of Sun Microsystems Computer Company's Enterprise Server and Storage Group. "We are deeply committed to supporting ray's existing base of CS6400 customers and to providing a continuing flow of future products for these customers." The letter-of-intent is subject to completion of a definitive agreement, and to the receipt of government approvals. Pending approvals, Sun expects this transaction to be finalized within 90 days; further details of the intended acquisition will be released at that time. Last month, Sun completed its acquisition of Integrated Micro Products (IMP), a U.K. based supplier of fault-tolerant computing products for telecommunications companies. With the acquisition of the Cray Business Systems Division, Sun will offer a range of systems, from low-end desktops to scalable enterprise servers to fault-tolerant systems, in a single hardware and software architecture that is fully Solaris binary compatible. An in-depth overview of Cray's business unit can be obtained by ordering HPCwire article 8120, "CRAY UPS THE VOLUME ON ITS COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS MARKET STRATEGY", 12.01.95. See also the Sun Microsystems and Cray Research Web sites. Quick Dry Restoration launches Spring Mold Awareness Campaign in Austin with comprehensive prevention initiatives, including specialized HVAC assessments, moisture control consultations, and homeowner education resources designed to address heightened humidity and rainfall risks from current weather conditions in Central Texas. Pflugerville, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - May 17, 2025) - Quick Dry Restoration, a leading mold remediation company, today announced the launch of a comprehensive Spring Mold Awareness Campaign in response to a sharp rise in mold-related service calls across the Austin area. The initiative aims to educate homeowners and provide proactive solutions as rainfall and rising temperatures create ideal conditions for mold growth in Central Texas homes. Company Responds to Seasonal Spike with Targeted Outreach The Quick Dry Restoration team standing proudly in front of their branded service truck, ready to respond to water, mold, and fire damage emergencies. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/252068_24c527341492095c_002full.jpg Quick Dry Restoration, a trusted name in Austin restoration services, has observed a significant increase in mold remediation requests as Austin transitions into its humid late spring and early summer period. In response, the company is deploying a multi-channel awareness campaign that includes complimentary HVAC inspections, homeowner education resources, and community workshops focused on early detection and prevention. "Every year, we see a predictable spike in mold issues as humidity and rainfall intensify," said Penny Lane, owner of Quick Dry Restoration. "This year, we're taking a proactive approach-offering complimentary home assessments and sharing practical tips to help Austin residents protect their families and properties before small problems become major health hazards." Spring Mold Awareness Campaign Highlights: Special HVAC system assessment services available for Austin-area homeowners through June 15, 2025, focusing on moisture control and mold prevention Educational content series on our blog and social media platforms addressing early mold detection specific to Central Texas homes Distribution of a digital Mold Prevention Checklist via the company's website and social media Seasonal moisture control consultations highlighting vulnerable areas in homes throughout Pflugerville, Round Rock, and Georgetown Expert-Identified Risk Zones and Prevention Measures Quick Dry Restoration's fleet vehicle, fully equipped for rapid response across residential and commercial restoration projects. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/252068_24c527341492095c_003full.jpg Based on recent field data, Quick Dry Restoration Pflugerville is focusing outreach on the most vulnerable home areas, including bathrooms, kitchens, attics, and HVAC systems. The company advises homeowners to watch for persistent musty odors, visible water stains, and increased allergy symptoms-early indicators of potential mold problems. "Proper HVAC maintenance is critical," Lane added. "Unchecked condensation can turn air conditioning units into mold super-spreaders. Our technicians are ready to help residents identify and address these risks before summer heat sets in." Commitment to Safe, Professional Remediation Quick Dry Restoration technicians unloading industrial drying equipment during an on-site water damage recovery. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/252068_24c527341492095c_004full.jpg Quick Dry Restoration follows industry-leading protocols for mold removal, including HEPA filtration and EPA-approved antimicrobial treatments, ensuring safe and thorough remediation. The company's certified professionals provide tailored solutions to prevent cross-contamination and safeguard occupant health. Homeowners and businesses seeking more information about the Spring Mold Awareness Campaign or wishing to schedule an assessment can contact Quick Dry Restoration at 512-540-4747 or visit quickdryrestoration.com. About the company: Quick Dry Restoration is a Texas-licensed restoration company specializing in water damage restoration, mold remediation, and fire damage recovery. Serving Austin, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Round Rock, Hutto, Cedar Park, Bee Cave, Lakeway, and Leander, Quick Dry Restoration is dedicated to protecting Central Texas homes and businesses with fast, reliable, and professional service. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252068 SOURCE: Plentisoft Richmond, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 17, 2025) - TMG Industrial, a leader in supplying professional and high-quality equipment, is proud to announce the recent launch of its new line of metal sheds. With the vision to meet the growing demand of its client's need for a multifunctional outdoor space, the company introduces its durable large sheds as an affordable solution for homeowners and contractors. TMG Industrial Launches Advanced Metal Sheds For Homeowners And Contractors To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/252519_daedc7cdb42458f7_002full.jpg The new line provides clients with metal sheds, sheds for garages, steel sheds, and large barn sheds. This versatile range allows the company to cater to various contractors and homeowners to improve their outdoor spaces. TMG Industrial's metal sheds have gained popularity due to their high-quality structure that resists harsh weather conditions. With this, the company hopes to gain a reputation for delivering quality sheds for workshops and vehicle storage. This launch is set out to provide customers with a reliable storage solution that actively adapts to their personalized requirements. By being constructed from high-quality galvanized steel, TMG Industrial's metal sheds are a testament to its community well-being approach as this guarantees that customers have a spacious interior protected by metal layers. The company remains committed to delivering maximum competency in its operations for optimal product development. With the goal to prioritize the need to understand its client's requirements, TMG Industrial has evolved into a platform that believes in continuous improvement to put the latest products out for customers. TMG Industrial Launches Advanced Metal Sheds For Homeowners And Contractors To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/252519_daedc7cdb42458f7_003full.jpg Christopher Hall, the spokesperson shared his delight with the launch of TMG Industrial's new metal sheds: "My team and I are excited to serve our customers with the most advanced and durable metal sheds to make outdoor spots functional. Our goal at TMG Industrial is to drive economic growth by remaining committed to improving the lifestyle and space of our clients." The platform takes pride in its client-centric approach as it puts the needs of its clients at the forefront of the company's goals. TMG Industrial provides metal sheds centered around the scope of the site to help clients achieve their individual goals as it aims to simplify the process by offering cutting-edge equipment to empower its clients in ensuring a safe storage space. The company attributes this success to its team of highly professional and experienced individuals who integrate sustainable choices in developing various equipment in order to provide only reliable metal sheds to clients. This has garnered local trust by reducing risks associated with poor-quality sheds or inexperienced craftsmanship. With a focus on quality and continuous innovation, TMG Industrial remains at the forefront of the industry by expanding its community ties and partnerships to create lasting value for its clients. Embedded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdyJmDl_y2w Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdyJmDl_y2w About TMG Industrial TMG Industrial is a trusted brand founded in 2007 in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. It specializes in providing durable equipment needed for industrial work. The company has invested in product development to cater to the personalized needs of various sectors. This has built a reputation of excellence for the brand as the company believes in delivering solutions for customer satisfaction. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252519 SOURCE: Plentisoft "The DEA is creating a regulatory paradox where science is stifled and illegal activity is tolerated. Thomas Prevoznik, one unelected bureaucrat should not have the power to derail federally authorized drug development," said Duane Boise, CEO of MMJ International Holdings. WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / May 18, 2025 / As the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) releases its 2025 National Drug Threat Assessment, a stunning contradiction emerges: while the DEA points fingers at states that have legalized marijuana for allegedly aiding transnational cartels, it continues to obstruct MMJ International Holdings and its subsidiaries - MMJBioPharma Cultivation and MMJ BioPharma Labs from lawfully developing cannabis based pharmaceutical drugs under full federal compliance. For seven years, MMJ BioPharma has adhered strictly to federal statutes. It has received two Investigational New Drug (IND) applications from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and been awarded Orphan Drug Designation for its treatment of Huntington's disease. It has passed DEA security inspections and holds a DEA Schedule I Analytical Lab Registration. Yet, the DEA refuses to grant the necessary Schedule I Bulk Manufacturing Registration required for growing pharmaceutical grade cannabis for clinical trials, stonewalling innovation and delaying potential life-saving treatments. Meanwhile, in its own report, the DEA claims that legal cannabis states are being exploited by Asian Transnational Criminal Organizations (TSOs), which operate under "state-level business registrations" and ignore plant limits, production quotas, and licensing laws. The report claims these groups exploit inconsistencies in state regulations to shield illicit operations from federal enforcement. Yet ironically, the DEA's continued blockade against legitimate federal drug developers like MMJ BioPharma is pushing innovation and pharmaceutical investment offshore. MMJ has openly criticized the agency's delays as "a violation of law, science, and democracy." DEA Federal Hypocrisy on Full Display DEA Acting Administrator Derek Maltz, who has called cannabis a "gateway drug," maintains the agency's hardline stance against MMJ's drug development despite its legal compliance and scientific rigor. Meanwhile, the agency paradoxically admits that the marijuana smuggled across state lines is primarily destined for non-legal states-a tacit admission that prohibition itself sustains the illicit market. This undermines the DEA's narrative that legal states are the core problem. Instead, the report validates what advocates have long argued: that prohibition breeds black-market activity, while federal obstruction stalls medical progress. Unelected Bureaucrats Holding Back Science Thomas Prevoznik, DEA Deputy Assistant Administrator, has been directly implicated in MMJ's years-long delay. Legal filings and correspondence point to his central role in repeatedly stalling the company's application without justification. Despite the DOJ's withdrawal of support for unconstitutional ALJ procedures, DEA attorneys like Aarathi Haig continue to advance flawed legal defenses that conflict with DOJ policy and Supreme Court precedent. "One unelected bureaucrat should not have the power to derail federally authorized drug development," said Duane Boise, CEO of MMJ International Holdings. "The DEA is creating a regulatory paradox where science is stifled and illegal activity is tolerated." Public Health Versus DEA Policy Posturing Patients suffering from progressive diseases like Multiple Sclerosis and Huntington's continue to wait as DEA leadership prioritizes outdated drug war narratives over FDA-approved research. This obstructionism occurs while the agency allows illicit products grown in so-called "legal" states to flood into black markets across the country. The irony is lost on no one: the DEA has become both the gatekeeper and the roadblock to cannabis reform, impeding law-abiding researchers while blaming states for consequences rooted in federal dysfunction. The Need for Congressional and Executive Action The call for reform is now urgent. Congressional oversight must investigate the DEA's Diversion Control Division, its treatment of MMJ BioPharma, and its failure to execute consistent, science-based policies. President Trump's incoming DEA nominee Terrance Cole has promised to prioritize rescheduling marijuana but has yet to provide a definitive stance. If the United States is serious about revitalizing its pharmaceutical industry and leading in medical cannabis innovation, agencies like the DEA must be held accountable. Otherwise, the message is clear: follow the law, and you'll be blocked. Break it, and you'll be blamed-but only after your profits are made. MMJ BioPharma's legal struggle represents more than one company's battle; it symbolizes a national crossroads between science and stagnation, between integrity and institutional decay. The time for excuses is over. The time for accountability is now. MMJ is represented by attorney Megan Sheehan. CONTACT: Madison Hisey MHisey@mmjih.com 203-231-85832 SOURCE: MMJ International Holdings View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/dea-marijuana-hypocrisy-exposed-mmj-legal-drug-blocked-while-cartels-1028785 LONDON, May 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a history-defining moment, member communities of Britain's Movement for Reform Judaism and Liberal Judaism have voted to unite into one Progressive Judaism for the UK at two parallel EGMs. Dr Ed Kessler MBE - a leading interfaith thinker, writer and academic - chaired the Advisory Board that has overseen the process. He hailed the decision, saying: "This is the biggest change and most significant development in British Judaism since the Second World War. "For the first time, this country now has a single, unified Progressive Judaism - providing a voice and a space that brings together timeless Jewish tradition with the diversity and values of 21st-century Jewish life." The new Progressive Judaism will be the UK's largest synagogal movement, measured by number of communities (80). It will represent 1/3 of synagogue affiliated Jews with the goal of reaching out to roughly the same percentage of non-affiliated Jews who are known to align with Progressive Jewish values. This is the first ever known unification of two Jewish denominations and the culmination of 250 years of Progressive Jewish history. Rabbi Charley Baginsky, CEO of Liberal Judaism, and Rabbi Josh Levy, CEO of the Movement for Reform Judaism, have led the merger journey. Rabbi Josh Levy said: "We have heard first-hand how Progressive Jews all around the country want to take this once-in-a-generation opportunity to create something new and intentional - a Progressive Judaism that has something to say into the world and that can help more people have more fulfilling religious lives." Rabbi Charley Baginsky added: "We are now seeing the fruition of the next iteration of Progressive Jewish history. Through this vote, our members are both standing on the shoulders of all those who came before us and creating something long and lasting for our children and the generations who come after us." Progressive Judaism differs from Orthodox Judaism in several ways. Services are egalitarian with everyone sitting together. The Progressive clergy is 50% women and 20% LGBTQI+. Progressive communities fully welcome mixed-faith families and hold dual-heritage wedding blessings. The movements campaigned for the introduction of the same-sex marriage law. In a further key difference to Orthodoxy, Jewish status can be inherited from either parent where a child is brought up as Jewish. Liberal Judaism Chair Karen Newman said: "Our new Progressive Judaism will manifest its commitment to a Judaism that is non-dogmatic, inclusive and celebrates diversity in policy, prayer, and practice." Paul Langsford, Chair of the Movement for Reform Judaism, added: "We will now be stronger, our voice will be louder and we will be able to bring even greater benefit not just to our own members, but to the whole Jewish community and wider British society." Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2690209/Progressive_Judaism.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/biggest-change-in-british-judaism-since-the-war-as-new-progressive-movement-forms-302458416.html Washington, DC, United States (PANA) - This topic that you discussed at the IMF Conference on Public Debt TransparencyAligning the Law with Good Practices, affects countries, businesses and communities, in a way that slows down progress and makes it harder for countries that are still falling behind to catch up Association of Medical Device Reprocessors issued the following statement: Friday's unanimous verdict by a federal jury in Santa Ana, California for Innovative Health against Johnson Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) is a victory for America's hospitals, providers, patients, and the environment. The jury found that Biosense Webster violated federal and state antitrust laws by withholding clinical support to hospitals using Innovative Health's FDA regulated, reprocessed catheters. "For too long, Johnson Johnson has used tying arrangements and other tactics to interfere with fair competition from lower cost, FDA regulated, reprocessed 'single-use' devices (SUDs)," said Daniel J. Vukelich, President and CEO, Association of Medical Device Reprocessors. "We hope this jury's message will be heard loud and clear: hospitals want to reduce costs and greenhouse gas emissions by using more reprocessed SUDs without fear of retribution by their original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)." Reprocessed SUDs are domestic devices, and domestic devices make hospitals stronger By having the freedom to choose FDA regulated reprocessed SUDs, hospitals reduce costs, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. When using reprocessed SUDs, hospitals also help address supply chain resilience issues that were illuminated by COVID and could be made worse by tariffs. How to Stop OEM Anti-Reprocessing Tactics: Proactive Steps for Hospitals For decades, AMDR and its member companies have reported potentially anticompetitive market manipulation tactics by some OEMs. This case brings these tactics under closer examination. Hospitals, particularly procurement staff, should pay close attention to these activities and take proactive steps to combat them. Threats to void warranties or case support OEMs cannot lawfully revoke support, void warranties, withdraw service, or otherwise retaliate for using FDA-regulated reprocessed SUDs. Make it policy to document and escalate any such threat and remind sales reps this activity is illegal and will not be tolerated. Unapproved software updates that disable reprocessed devices Protect your consoles and generators: require written hospital approval before any OEM software upgrade is installed. Explicitly deny updates that "just happen" to block reprocessed devices or force obsolescence, and audit firmware versions after service visits. "Chipping" or ePROMs that brick reprocessed devices Bar OEMs that use embedded chips or ePROM programming that disable reprocessed devices or shortens their life. Require advance disclosure of any device-identification or authentication features, make chip-based lock-outs a breach of contract, and reject products that rely on forced-obsolescence coding. Contract clauses that restrict reprocessing When negotiating contracts, particularly those including volume-based discounts, calculate the hidden cost of losing reprocessing savings. Refuse language that conditions "free" equipment or discounts on exclusive use of new SUDs and run all proposals past legal/procurement for anti-competitive red flags. Price gouging on the "reprocessable" model Track SKU pricing over time and across vendors. If an OEM inflates the price of its reprocessable version to steer you to a non-reprocessable device, document it consider switching suppliers. Interference with hospital assets Ban any practice that sabotages your inventory: replacing cables without permission, hiding or discarding reprocessed-device bins, rearranging stock to favor new SUDs, or instructing clinicians to destroy hospital property. Treat such actions as asset tampering and revoke vendor access privileges immediately. Publication or use of misleading "dirty device" studies If a rep circulates OEM-funded studies, especially any that have been retracted or flagged for bias, suspend their access pending a formal review, and share the incident with infection-control and value-analysis committees. Adopt these guardrails as formal policy, train staff to spot violations, and remind OEM partners that the rules of engagement have changed hospitals will no longer put up with anti-reprocessing sabotage. AMDR is conferring with its members, and considering legal options, to push back forcefully against behaviors like those described above and identified in Innovative Health, LLC v. Biosense Webster, Inc. About AMDR The Association of Medical Device Reprocessors (AMDR) is the global trade association for the regulated, commercial "single-use" device reprocessing and remanufacturing industry. AMDR members serve over 9,400 hospitals and surgical centers in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia. Founded in 1997, AMDR advocates for reprocessing and remanufacturing as an important healthcare strategy that helps hospitals and healthcare providers to strengthen the supply chain while simultaneously reducing costs, waste, and emissions. AMDR protects the interests of its members in regulation, legislation, and standard-setting. AMDR protects the interests of its members in regulation, legislation, and standard-setting. AMDR members include Arjo ReNu Medical, Innovative Health, Medline Renewal, Stryker's Sustainability Solutions, Sustainable Technologies (a Cardinal Health Business), and Vanguard AG. Having played a key role in the establishment of the reprocessing industry, AMDR continues to push the global medical technology industry, leading the way for remanufacturing to play a defining role in the evolution of new device technologies. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250518207778/en/ Contacts: David Sheon VP External Affairs 202-422-6999 dsheon@amdr.org Die Finanzwelt ist im Umbruch! Nach Jahren der Dominanz erschuttert Donald Trumps erratische Wirtschaftspolitik das Fundament des amerikanischen Kapitalismus. Handelskriege, Rekordzolle und politische Isolation haben eine Kapitalflucht historischen Ausmaes ausgelost. Milliarden stromen aus den USA und suchen neue, lukrative Ziele. Und genau hier kommt China ins Spiel. Trotz aller Spannungen wachst die chinesische Wirtschaft dynamisch weiter, Innovation und Digitalisierung treiben die Markte an. Im kostenlosen Spezialreport stellen wir Ihnen 5 Aktien aus China vor, die vom US-Niedergang profitieren und das Potenzial haben, den Markt regelrecht zu uberflugeln. Wer jetzt klug investiert, sichert sich den Zugang zu den neuen Wachstums-Champions von morgen. Holen Sie sich den neuesten Report! Verpassen Sie nicht, welche 5 Aktien die Konkurrenz aus den USA outperformen durften, und laden Sie sich das Gratis-PDF jetzt kostenlos herunter. Dieses exklusive Angebot gilt aber nur fur kurze Zeit! Daher jetzt downloaden! Highlights: The Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") and NSX Limited ("NSX"), have entered into an agreement that will see the CSE acquire NSX, owner of the National Stock Exchange of Australia ("NSXA") in an all-cash transaction valued at AUD$0.035 per fully paid ordinary share The NSXA is positioned to provide listings, trading and market information services, focusing on Australia's dynamic early-stage capital community The CSE leverages its success in Canada supporting small companies to pursue international growth Under its experienced management team and investment and support from the CSE, the NSXA is positioned to disrupt the exchange landscape in Australia for the benefit of issuers and investors Toronto, Ontario and Sydney, New South Wales--(Newsfile Corp. - May 18, 2025) - The Canadian Securities Exchange today announced that it has entered into an agreement with NSX Limited (ASX: NSX), parent company of the National Stock Exchange of Australia, to acquire, pursuant to a Scheme of Arrangement, NSX for all-cash consideration of AUD$0.035 per fully paid ordinary share. The price represents a 59% premium to the closing price of NSX's ordinary shares on May 16, 2025, the last day of trading prior to this announcement. Under the Scheme, CSE will acquire approximately 95.2% of the ordinary shares, having acquired approximately 4.8% of the ordinary shares in NSX on May 7, 2025. This acquisition enables the CSE to expand its geographic footprint by partnering with an exchange that has a similar focus and culture. Like the CSE, the NSXA is primarily focused on early stage, entrepreneurial companies, with particular strength in the resource sector. The NSXA is positioned to disrupt a market currently dominated by an incumbent, legacy exchange, as the CSE was over 20 years ago. The NSXA will continue to be operated locally by its management team, each member having deep expertise in the exchange space. With the support being provided by the CSE, the NSXA will be better able to offer a credible and service-oriented alternative for the capital formation and liquidity needs of emerging companies in Australia and beyond. "This transaction enables the CSE to expand its reach and builds on our success in attracting global listings," said Richard Carleton, CEO of the CSE. "Through our 21-year history, the CSE has grown to more than 750 listings by focusing on and supporting entrepreneurial companies. The NSXA, working with us, is poised to execute a similar plan in Australia." "This transaction is exciting for issuers and investors," added Mr. Carleton. "Both countries have highly developed capital markets with many common features, including a unique infrastructure that supports pre-revenue companies in the public markets. We look to build on the success of the CSE in Canada and help to provide competing exchange market services to Australian issuers and investors. We will create a collaborative environment where both exchanges can investigate inter-listing solutions for clients." Under its management team led by Max Cunningham, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, the NSXA is positioned to replicate the CSE's success and become a competitive force in Australian capital formation. "The CSE's acquisition will provide NSX with financial strength and operational stability, and bring global expertise to local exchange activities," said Mr. Cunningham. "That is great news for participants and competition in Australia's capital markets." "The Canadian experience demonstrates that one exchange size does not fit all," added Mr. Cunningham. "Issuers and investors in Australia are keen to see a dynamic alternative to the larger, legacy incumbent. A stronger balance sheet enables NSX to expand our product offering, sharpen our customer focus, and provide Australian companies, brokers and investors liquid, reliable and well-regulated services. We believe in a strong, accountable and transparent regulatory environment underpinned by rules rather than opaque 'precedent-based' decision-making around waivers and other governance matters." The CSE Board has recommended that CSE shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme. The agreement with NSX contains customary deal protections, including a break fee payable to CSE in certain circumstances, as well as exclusivity covenants on the part of NSX. The Scheme is also subject to the approval of NSX shareholders, the Australian court, and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. On the assumption that the transaction is approved, it is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025. About the Canadian Securities Exchange: The Canadian Securities Exchange is a rapidly growing exchange invested in working with entrepreneurs, innovators and disruptors to access public capital markets in Canada. The Exchange's efficient operating model, advanced technology and competitive fee structure help its listed issuers of all sectors and sizes minimize their cost of capital and enhance global liquidity. Our client-centric approach and corresponding products and services ensure businesses have the support they need to confidently realize their vision. The CSE offers global investors access to an innovative collection of growing and mature companies. https://thecse.com/ About NSXA: The National Stock Exchange of Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of NSX Limited, was formed in 1937 as the Newcastle Stock Exchange. It listed on ASX in 2005, the same year it acquired the Bendigo Stock Exchange, and changed its name to the National Stock Exchange of Australia in 2006. It relocated its headquarters and operations to Sydney in 2016. NSX has a Tier 1 market operator licence for the listing and trading of equity securities, corporate debt and miscellaneous investment scheme units. https://www.nsx.com.au/ FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable securities legislation which include statements with respect to the Acquisition and its anticipated effects; the parties' ability to complete the Acquisition and the timing thereof, the ability to satisfy closing conditions, and receipt of required shareholder and court approvals among others. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements and, accordingly, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the possibility that the Acquisition will not be completed on the terms and conditions or on the contemplated timing, and that it may not be completed at all due to a failure to satisfy closing conditions or for other reasons. Actual results may therefore differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. CSE does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements except as may be required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252552 SOURCE: Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) Regulatory News: (BOURSE:MLSEQ) Further to Sequa Petroleum N.V.'s (the "Company") announcements of 28 April 2022 and 24 October 2024, progress towards completion of the acquisition by Namcor E&P of participating interests in Block 15/06, Block 23 and Block 27 from Sonangol P&P (the "Transaction) has stopped (for reasons unrelated to Sungara or the Company). If the Transaction does not complete, Sungara's (including the Company's) economic interest in the Transaction would become null and void. Sungara has refunded the Company's Transaction contribution (minus costs and expenditures) as a result of which the Company received USD 6.6 million. The Company continues to monitor the situation and is preparing for an AGM in the near term. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250518997977/en/ Contacts: Sequa Petroleum N.V. info@sequa-petroleum.com For Stewart, the accomplishment of The Chronology of Water, which is playing in the sidebar Un Certain Regard and is up for sale in Cannes, was also a revelation about the mythology of directing. read more Kristen Stewart has been talking about directing as long as shes been acting. Not many people encouraged it. I spoke to other actors when I was really little because I was always like: I want to direct movies! Stewart recalls. I was fully set down by several people who were like, Why? and No. Its such a fallacy that you need to have an unbelievable tool kit or some kind of credential. It really is if you have something to say, then a movie can fall out of you very elegantly. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD You wouldnt necessarily say that Stewarts feature directing debut, The Chronology of Water, elegantly fell out of her at the Cannes Film Festival. She arrived in Cannes after a frantic rush to complete the film, an adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitchs 2011 memoir, starring Imogen Poots. Sitting on a balcony overlooking the Croisette, Stewart says she finished the film 30 seconds before I got on an airplane. It was eight years in the making and then a really accelerated push. Its an obvious comparison but it was childbirth, says Stewart. I was pregnant for a really long time and then I was screaming bloody murder. Yet however dramatic was the arrival of The Chronology of Water, it was emphatic. The film, an acutely impressionistic portrait of a brutal coming of age, is the evident work of an impassioned filmmaker. Stewart, the director, turns out to be a lot like Stewart, the actor: intensely sensitive, ferociously felt. For Stewart, the accomplishment of The Chronology of Water, which is playing in the sidebar Un Certain Regard and is up for sale in Cannes, was also a revelation about the mythology of directing. Its a such a male f thing, she says. Its really not fair for people to think its hard to make a movie insofar as you need to know things before going into it. There are technical directors, but, Jesus Christ, you hire a crew. You just have a perspective and trust it. My inexperience made this movie. Stewarts first steps as a director came eight years ago with the short Come Swim, which she also premiered in Cannes, in 2017. The festival, she says, generates the kind of questions she likes around movies. It was around then that Stewart began adapting Yuknavitchs memoir. In it, Yuknavitch recounts her life, starting with sexual abuse from her father (an architect played by Michael Epp in the film). Competitive swimming is one of her only escapes, and it helps get her away from home and into college. Blissful freedom, self-lacerating addiction and trauma color her years from there, as does an inspirational writing experience with Ken Kesey (Jim Belushi in the film). Stewart calls the book a lifesaver like, actually, a flotation device. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The book was this call to arms invitation to listen to your own voice, which, if youre walking around in a girl body, is really hard to do, says Stewart. It fragments in a way that feels truer to my internal experience than anything Ive ever read. I really wanted to make something that wasnt about what happened to this person, its about what she did with what happens to her, and what writing can do for you, adds Stewart. Its like the most meta, crazy experience to have also cracked myself open at the same time. That goes for Poots, too, the 35-year-old British actor who, in The Chronology of Water, gives one of her finest, most wide-ranging performances. Its Lydias life story and the cards that were dealt her, but in terms of the reactive nature, thats the female experience, says Poots. How youre surveilled, how youre supposed to respond, conform, how thats repulsive, and how you sabotage something good all of these things are just very, very female. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Together, Stewart and Poots have been clearly bonded by the experience. Stewart calls Poots a sibling now. In Stewarts best experiences with directors, she says, it becomes such a back-and-forth exchange that the separate jobs disintegrate, and, she says, Youre kind of sharing a body. But Im positive I said nothing useful to her ever, and I talked way too much, says Stewart. Poots immediately disagrees: Thats not true, Kristen! Kristen is incredibly present but at the same has this ability, like a plant or something, to pick up on a slight shift in the atmosphere where its like: Wait a minute, Poots says, causing Stewart to laugh. There is this insane brain at play and its a skill set that comes in the form of an intense curiosity. That curiosity, now, includes directing more movies. The Chronology of Water may signal not just a new chapter for one of American movies most intrepid actors, but an ongoing artistic evolution. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Our production was a shipwreck, so basically we had to put the boat back together, Stewart says of the editing process. That reassembling, Stewart believes helped make The Chronology of Water something less predetermined, where the emotional, neurological tissue that occurred between images was real. There was no way to make this movie under more normal circumstances, says Stewart, because then it would have been more normal. Ayushmann Khurrana also stepped away from the much-awaited Border 2. Whats wrong with Bollywood actors? Heres what we can understand read more When Hera Pheri 3 was officially annouced with our beloved iconic characters - Raju (Akshay Kumar), Shyam (Suniel Shetty) and Baburao Ganpatrao Apte (Paresh Rawal), it created humongous buzz among the fans. However, the latest reports suggest that Paresh Rawal has quit the film due to creative differences with the makers. There were creative differences between the makers and Paresh Rawal. As a result, the actor decided to step down from the film, said a source to Bollywood Hungama. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Diljit Dosanjh Diljit has quit No Entry 2. Boney Kapoor told Filmfare, Yes, there are date issues, but certainly no creative differences. That is absolutely false. We are trying our best to work the dates out. Ayushmann Khurrana Ayushmann Khurrana also stepped away from the much-awaited Border 2. A source was quoted saying, He was in talks to play a soldier in the sequel. While both Ayushmann and the makers were keen on collaborating, the actor felt unsure of his positioning in an ensemble led by Sunny Deol. The source added, Nothing is confirmed yet. But Diljit has been approached by the makers. It will be a treat to see Diljit and Sunny together on screen. Paresh Rawal has revealed in an interview with The Lallantop how Ajay Devgns father Veeru Devgan asked him to drink his urine for 15 days when he was injured. The actor said, I did this for 15 days. 15 days later when the doctor took my X-ray, he was shocked. The doctor asked me, How did this cementing happen? He could see a white line forming. I was supposed to be discharged in 2-2.5 months, but I was discharged in 1.5 months. It was like magic. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nana Patekar and Paresh Rawal are two of the finest actors in the Indian film industry. In a recent interview, the latter spoke about the formers no-nonsense attitude and recalled an incident where he made a producer wash utensils after a meal together. Paresh also revealed that he was the first character artist to demand Rs 1 crore. In a promotional video, released by Paramount Pictures India, Cruise, 62, interacted with actor-influencer Avneet Kaur, who asked him to say a few words for his fans in the country. read more Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise has a message for his fans in India Main aap sab se bahut pyaar karta hoon. The actor went on to share his wish of making a Bollywood-style film, especially one with song and dance sequences. Cruises latest film Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning released in Indian theatres on Saturday. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film is the eighth installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise. In a promotional video, released by Paramount Pictures India, Cruise, 62, interacted with actor-influencer Avneet Kaur, who asked him to say a few words for his fans in the country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Main aap sab se bahut pyaar karta hoon (I love you all very much) Cruise said in Hindi. He also recounted his memories of visiting India in 2011 during the promotions of Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol, which also featured Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor in a cameo appearance. I feel so much love for India. India is an amazing country, people, and culture. I have to say the whole experience has been etched in my memory. Every single moment. From the moment I landed, going to the Taj Mahal, and spending time in Mumbai, I remember each moment quite vividly, he said. Cruise further said he wants to make a film in India as he has been a fan of Bollywood movies. I love it when in a scene someone suddenly breaks into a song. I love it. Its something that I have grown up watchingmusicals from different countries. I love Bollywood movies. You can just break out into a song, its so beautiful. I love the dancing, singing, and the actors. That is such a unique experience and craftsmanship of the actors to be able to sing, dance, and act, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I cannot wait to go back to India. I have so many friends there. I have met such amazing people there. I would love to make a Bollywood-style movie. It would be so much fun and amazing to do that. I love the dancing and singing, it would be so much fun to do that. Towards the end, Kaur asked Cruise to recite the dialogue I need you to trust me, one last time from The Final Reckoning in Hindi. Mujh par bharosa karo, ek aakhri baar, Cruise said. Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning also stars Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Esai Morales, Angela Bassett, Ving Rhames, Henry Czerny and Pom Klementieff. The film, directed by McQuarrie and co-produced by Cruise, released in India in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu On May 18, 1974, India made history by conducting its first nuclear test in the Pokhran desert of Rajasthan. Code-named Smiling Buddha on the occasion of Buddha Purnima, the test marked Indias formal entry into the league of nuclear-capable nations read more A crater marks the site of the first Indian underground nuclear test conducted 18 May 1974 at Pokhran in the desert state of Rajasthan. AFP May 18 marks a defining moment in Indias journey to becoming a global power. In 1974, India surprised the world by entering the nuclear age with its first atomic test at Pokhran, dubbed Smiling Buddha. Despite international criticism and suspension of nuclear cooperation, India remained resolute and continued to build its nuclear capabilities. Just six years later, in 1980, the United States faced one of the deadliest natural disasters in its modern historythe catastrophic eruption of Mount St. Helens. As many as 57 people lost their lives in the incident. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Heres a closer look at the moments that made history on May 18 in Firstpost Explainers ongoing series, History Today . India conducts its first nuclear test On May 18, 1974, India made history by conducting its first nuclear test in the Pokhran desert of Rajasthan. Code-named Smiling Buddha, the test marked Indias formal entry into the league of nuclear-capable nations, becoming the first country outside the five permanent members of the UN Security Council to do so. The journey to this test began decades earlier. In 1954, India set up the Department of Atomic Energy under the leadership of Dr Homi J Bhabha. The programme was initially focused on peaceful uses of nuclear energy, but the geopolitical situation took a shift. Chinas nuclear test in 1964 heightened security concerns in India. Further, the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) came into being. The treaty allowed the five declared nuclear statesUS, UK, Russia, France, and Chinato retain their weapons, while restricting others from developing the same capabilities. India termed the move as discriminatory and believed this denied it the right to strategic autonomy and technological progress. Scientists like Homi Bhabha, who played a critical role in nuclear testing, advocated retaining at least the option of developing Peaceful Nuclear Explosives (PNEs) for civilian purposes like mining and earth-moving projects, according to the Observer Research Foundation (ORF). Then, PM Indira Gandhi took a strong stance against the discriminatory NPT and authorised the efforts of the Indian nuclear establishment to achieve a functional nuclear explosive capability over the next several years, in pursuit of the peaceful option if needed, states ORF. It is being said that after the test was successfully done, Dr. Ramanna called the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and told her, The Buddha has smiled. (Image courtesy: X/Congress) Over the next several years, Indian scientists worked in secret to prepare for a test. Finally, on Buddha Purnima in 1974, an underground detonation was successfully carried out in Pokhran. The yield was estimated to be between 10 and 15 kilotons. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the government described it as a peaceful nuclear explosion, the test sent shockwaves across the world. It invited condemnation from Canada, which had supplied the reactor used for the test, and the United States, which suspended nuclear cooperation. Pakistan too expressed alarm, accelerating its own nuclear ambitions. Some critics also suggested it was a political move by the Gandhi government to deflect attention from the economic crisis. Yet, despite the backlash, Smiling Buddha marked Indias arrival as a nuclear-capable stateand rewrote the rules of global power. The eruption of Mount St Helens On the same day in 1980, Mount St Helens in Washington State, US, erupted violently in the deadliest and most economically damaging volcanic event in the nations history. Triggered by a 5.1 magnitude earthquake, the north face of the volcano collapsed, causing the largest landslide ever recorded. This released a lateral blast of hot gas and rock that swallowed everything in its path, flattening over 230 square miles (595 sq km) of forest. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The massive eruption column rose 15 miles into the sky, and ash was carried eastward by the prevailing winds, reaching as far east as the central United States and even Canada. Mount St Helens in Washington State, US, erupted violently in the deadliest and most economically damaging volcanic event in the nations history. File image.AFP Fifty-seven people were killed, including volcanologist David Johnston and photographer Reid Blackburn. The financial cost exceeded $1 billion, with entire communities, ecosystems, and transport networks disrupted. There were indirect and intangible costs of the eruption as well, the USGS website states. Unemployment in the immediate region of Mount St Helens rose tenfold in the weeks immediately following the eruption and then nearly returned to normal once timber salvaging and ash cleanup operations were underway. The disaster marked a turning point in how the US approached volcanic hazards. It led to improvements in monitoring and disaster preparedness, with Mount St Helens now serving as one of the most studied volcanoes in the world. With input from agencies The US Golden Visa is an attractive option for people around the globe. It combines the promise of opportunity, education, and security, making it one of the most powerful draws for wealthy individuals and families seeking a future in the United States read more A view of the iconic Times Square in New York. Representational image/AP The US Golden Visa combines the promise of opportunity, education and security, making it one of the most powerful draws for wealthy individuals and families seeking a future in the United States. Firstpost and Moneycontrol bring you a series, titled The Golden Ticket, on global golden visas . We look at the US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa, which is among the top residency-by-investment visas, as per the 2025 Global Residence Program Index by Henley & Partners, an investment migration consultancy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Residency by investment, or Golden Visa, is a way to secure immigration, permanent residency or eventually citizenship in another country. These visas provide wealthy individuals the opportunity to effectively purchase residency rights. Lure of the US Golden Visa The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa attracts global citizens by offering a direct route to permanent residency through investment. According to Rohit Bhardwaj, Country Head India at Henley & Partners, The US EB-5 programme is attractive to global citizens because it offers a direct path to US permanent residency (a Green Card) by investing in projects that create jobs and stimulate the US economy. This golden visa option provides a relatively fast way for investors and their families to secure permanent residency and potentially US citizenship. Another reason for the programmes popularity is the access it provides to world-class education and employment opportunities. Children of EB-5 investors can attend public schools and may be eligible for in-state tuition at top universities. Unlike many other visa categories, EB-5 does not require a US sponsor, offering independence and flexibility to live and work anywhere in the country, said Gaurav Nalawade, Country Head, RIF Trust. Also, for many international investors, the EB-5 serves as a strategic plan B an insurance policy against political, social, or economic instability in their home countries. The US is also seen as a safe haven with a strong legal system, robust healthcare, and a high standard of living. US Golden Visa vs others According to Nicholas A Mastroianni III, President of the US Immigration Fund, unlike Portugal or Greeces Golden Visas , which offer regional access within the EU, EB-5 provides full integration into the US economy, with the right to live and work anywhere in the country. Theres no restriction on where the investment is made versus where the investor can residesomething that remains uncommon in most European programmes, said Mastroianni. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Further, programmes like Dubais Golden Visa or Canadas Start-Up Visa offer long-term stay, but often without clear paths to citizenship or permanent residency. EB-5 is a legislated path to a Green Card and eventual US citizenship, structured through stages (I-526E Conditional Green Card I-829). This makes it better suited for families planning long-term educational or generational migration. A unique feature of EB-5 is concurrent filing for Adjustment of Status and work/travel permits for those already in the US (e.g., F-1 or H-1B holders). No other residency-by-investment programmewhether Canada, Australia, or the UKoffers interim benefits this quickly while awaiting adjudication, said Mastroianni. Henley & Partners Rohit further states that In comparison to EU Golden Visa options, the US EB-5 visa programme and other Golden Visa programmes share the goal of attracting foreign investment, but they differ significantly in investment requirements, job creation mandates, and potential for citizenship. Know the US Golden Visa requirements The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme offers a path to permanent residency for foreign nationals who invest in the American economy. To qualify, investors must contribute $800,000 (Rs 6.84 crore) in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1.05 million (Rs 8.97 crore) elsewhere into a new business that creates at least 10 full-time US jobs. The programme covers the investor, spouse, and unmarried children under 21, with eligibility for US citizenship after five years of residency. However, processing times can be lengthy, particularly for applicants from high-demand countries, said Nalawade. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Applicants can choose between direct investments, requiring active management, or passive investments through United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approved Regional Centers. The process involves filing petitions, undergoing USCIS review, obtaining a two-year conditional green card, and later proving job creation to secure permanent residency. After five years, investors may apply for US citizenship if they desire. Tourists view the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. The EB-5 provides full integration into the US economy, with the right to live and work anywhere in the country. Representational image/Reuters The procedure 1. Choose a qualifying investment Invest $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1.05 million elsewhere. The investment must go into a new commercial enterprise that will create 10 full-time US jobs. 2. Select Direct or Regional Centre Investment Regional Centres are popular and handle compliance and job creation on your behalf. Direct investment requires more involvement and control. 3. File Form I-526E (or I-526) This petition shows the lawful source of funds and outlines the investment plan. 4. Await USCIS approval Processing time ranges from 1.5 to 3 years, depending on nationality and case complexity. 5. Apply for a Visa or Adjust Status If outside the US, apply at a US embassy (consular processing). If inside the US, file Form I-485 to adjust status. 6. Receive conditional Green Card (2 Years) Conditional residency is granted upon approval. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 7. File Form I-829 (Remove Conditions) After 2 years, prove job creation and sustainment of the investment to get permanent residency. 8. Apply for US citizenship (Optional) Eligible after 5 years as a permanent resident. Accessibility to other countries US Green Card holders enjoy easier access to several countries, though visa requirements depend on nationality: Canada: Green Card holders from most countries can enter without a visa for up to six months. Mexico: Visa-free for up to 180 days with proof of US residency. Caribbean & Latin America: Many Caribbean nations (eg, Bahamas, Barbados) and Latin American countries (eg., Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia) offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access. UAE & Qatar: Provide visa-on-arrival for certain Green Card holders based on nationality. Green Card holders must still carry their native passports for international travel. Once the EB-5 process is completed and the applicant becomes a US citizen, the US passport grants access to 185 countries and territories, including the Schengen Area in Europe. Validity of the US golden visa The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa grants conditional permanent residency, allowing investors to live and work in the US under specific conditions. Initially, investors receive a conditional Green Card valid for two years after approval of the I-526 petition and entry into the US. This conditional status requires investors to prove that their investment has created at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers and that the investment is sustained, said Nalawade. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Before the two-year period ends, investors must file Form I-829 to remove the conditions on their green card. The I-829 petition must demonstrate that the investment has met the job creation requirement and has remained active. If approved, the investor receives a 10-year permanent Green Card. This is renewable every 10 years as long as the investor maintains his/her status as a lawful permanent resident. After holding a permanent Green Card for five years, an investor may apply for US citizenship if they meet the residency and other eligibility requirements. Under the US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme, the principal investor can sponsor only their immediate family as part of the visa application. This includes the investors spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21. A return on investment The EB-5 visa programme is primarily intended to provide US permanent residency, not financial profit. While there is potential for a return on investment (ROI), it is typically modest and not guaranteed. Most EB-5 investments are made through regional centres that fund large development projects, such as hotels or commercial real estate. Investors usually receive a small annual return, often between 0.5 per cent and two per cent. To meet visa requirements, the investment must be at risk, meaning theres no guarantee of return or capital recovery. After a typical holding period of five to seven years, investors may get back their initial investmentdepending on the projects success. Professional or educational requirements The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme does not have specific educational or professional requirements. Applicants are not required to have a certain level of education, work experience, or English proficiency. Further, while there are no formal professional prerequisites, some EB-5 projects may require investors to be accredited under US securities regulations. Other costs involved While the minimum investment amount is a significant cost, additional expenses like legal fees, regional centre fees, filing costs, and due diligence can bring the total cost to $100,000 (Rs 85.55 lakh) to $150,000 (Rs 1.28 crore). The US is seen as a safe haven with a strong legal system, robust healthcare, and a high standard of living. File image/AP Other residency requirements Although there is no set requirement for the number of days you must stay in the US, to maintain your status, you must demonstrate that the US is your primary residence. But if one spends too much time outside the US, it could jeopardize residency status. A path to citizenship The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme provides a pathway to US citizenship, but it involves several steps. Initially, after approval of your EB-5 petition (Form I-526), you and your family receive a two-year conditional Green Card. To remove the conditions, you must file Form I-829 and prove that your investment has created or will create 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Once the conditions are removed, you receive a permanent Green Card, said Nalawade. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD To apply for US citizenship, you must meet the residency requirements: a 5-year period of continuous residence in the US as a Green Card holder, during which you cannot stay outside the US for more than 6 months at a time. You must also be physically present in the US for at least 30 months of the five years. After meeting these requirements, you can apply for naturalisation by filing Form N-400. You must demonstrate good moral character, pass a civics test (covering US history and government), and show English proficiency, unless exempt. Upon approval, youll take the Oath of Allegiance and become a US citizen. Local taxes As a US Green Card holder, you are considered a tax resident and must report and pay taxes on worldwide income, including wages, investments, and business income. Federal tax rates range from 10-37 per cent, with an additional 3.8 per cent tax for high-income earners. State taxes vary, with some states like Florida having no income tax, while others like California and New York impose higher rates. Local taxes may also apply, such as in New York City. Tax treaties and credits, like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, may help avoid double taxation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A tourist takes a selfie with Donald Trump impersonator in front of the White House. File image/Reuters Differences between the US Gold Card Visa and the EB-5 Visa The US Gold Card Visa, also referred to as the Trump Card , is a proposed immigration initiative unveiled by President Donald Trump in February 2025. It is designed to provide affluent foreign nationals with a fast-tracked route to US permanent residency and eventual citizenship in return for a $5 million investment. Bhardwaj says the proposed US $5 million Gold Card Visa programme is primarily targeting at UHNI and investors, rather than entry-level or mid-career professionals, including skilled workers from India and we have to wait for further details as to when it might come into effect and the requirements to qualify. While the US Gold Card visa has captured attention, the visa remains speculative. EB-5 Investor Visa vs proposed Gold Card Visa No legislation has been introduced. There is no USCIS process, no rulemaking, and no pathway for implementation today. In contrast, the EB-5 Visa Program is not just legislated but reauthorized through 2027 under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act. It offers a transparent framework with regulatory oversight, job creation mandates, and protection for investors through concurrent filing and Adjustment of Status, said Mastroianni. The fundamental distinction is that EB-5 is based on economic contribution and job creation, whereas the Gold Cardif it ever becomes lawwould be based purely on financial payment. The EB-5 programme integrates investors into US development and public policy priorities. The Gold Card does not yet exist in any enforceable or operational way. Until such time as legislation is drafted, passed by Congress, and implemented by federal agencies, the Gold Card remains a proposal. EB-5, by contrast, is real, actionable, and structured for long-term planning, said Mastroianni. Abhinav Kaul is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. US President Donald Trump, who was on a trip to West Asia, announced a massive US-Saudi defence deal worth $142 billion this week. In Canada, Anita Anand made history as the countrys first Hindu foreign minister. As the conflict between India and Pakistan intensified, there were rumours that ex-prime minister Imran Khan had died in custody. We explore this and more in our weekly wrap read more Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, President Donald Trump, and Syrian interim president Ahmad al Sharaa meet in Riyadh on May 14, 2025. Image: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavit/X Its been another massive week in the world. US President Donald Trump, who was on a trip to West Asia, announced a massive US-Saudi defence deal. In Canada, Anita Anand was named the countrys first Hindu foreign minister. As the conflict between India and Pakistan intensified, there were rumours that ex-prime minister Imran Khan had died in custody. More details about the Pope Leo XIV who was chosen to succeed Pope Francis in the papal conclave that ended on May 8 came to light. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also, Covid made a troubling comeback in parts of Asia. We analyse the most pertinent headlines in our weekly roundup of stories from around the world. 1. Trump, who was in West Asia, is a huge fan of headlines especially those that mention and flatter him. During the 1980s, he was famous for dialing up publications and posing as his own press agent. Now, as President of the United States, Trump can simply make headlines through his decisions and pronouncements. Trump did exactly during his trip announcing a $142 billion defence deal between the US and Saudi Arabia. The deal, which the White House has touted as the defence largest in history, deepens the relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia. It also brings Trump one step closer to the House of Saud, with whom his family has had business dealings. Indeed, Trump on his trip met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman the de facto ruler of the Kingdom as well as other senior Saudi officials. But whats in the deal? What does this agreement mean for both countries? How will it impact West Asia as a whole? 2. But that wasnt the only major decision that Trump made recently. Trump last week called a ceasefire with the Houthis the Iran-backed militia on which the US had been conducting airstrikes since March in Operation Rough Rider. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump had vowed to use overwhelming and lethal force against the group, which had vowed to Israeli vessels in the Red Sea over its actions in Gaza. The Houthis had disrupted commerce by launching hundreds of drone and missile attacks on ships. Trump in his announcement from the White House had claimed the Houthis simply didnt want to fight anymore. Were going to stop the bombing of the Houthis, effective immediately, Trump said. They dont want to fight anymore. They just dont want to fight. And we will honour that, and we will stop the bombings. A fighter plane takes off for an operation against the Yemens Houthis at an unidentified location in this screengrab taken from a handout video released on March 18, 2025. US CENTCOM via X/Handout via REUTERS The announcement came as a shock to many particularly the US staunch ally Israel, which currently is in conflict with the militia group. However, news this week emerged that there was more than met the eye to Trumps announcement. It turns out that Trump was forced to call a ceasefire by mounting US losses during the operation. Not only had the Houthis had taken down seven drones costing $30 million, the US had also lost two fighter jets valued at around $120 million. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US had spent thousands of bombs and missiles during the operation spending approximately $1 billion in a month and had little to show for it. This article takes you inside Americas operation against the group, how the US suffered humiliating losses and Trumps ultimate decision to call the entire conflict off. 3. Anita Anand this week made history in Canada. After Prime Minister Mark Carney won the federal election in April, he made a Cabinet shakeup this week by appointing Anand the countrys new foreign minister. Anand, who is the first Hindu woman to serve as Canadas foreign minister, took her oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita. Anand, 58, was the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry prior to the election. Anand, who is the first Hindu woman to serve as Canadas foreign minister, took her oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita. Image courtesy: Anita Anand Anand also previously served as Canadas defence minister. She has replaced Melanie Joly, who is now the Minister of Industry. I am honoured to be named Canadas Minister of Foreign Affairs. I look forward to working with Prime Minister Mark Carney and our team to build a safer, fairer world and deliver for Canadians, Anand, an MP from Oakville East, posted on X soon after taking oath. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But who is Anand? What do we know about her rise? And what about her ties with India? 4. As the conflict between India and Pakistan heated up this past week, rumours about the fate of ex-prime minister Imran Khan began doing the rounds. Khan, who was arrested in May 2023 while making an appearance at the Islamabad High Court, has been in custody for the past two years. The Pakistani state has unleashed a flood of legal cases against Khan who has pointed the finger at Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir for his arrest and detention. Munir, the powerful ex-ISI chief, and Khan had a falling out during his tenure as prime minister. Imran, who has been in jail for two years, had accused Asim Munir of ordering his arrest in a corruption case. Khans supporters and party men have repeatedly alleged that he is being mistreated in prison. Khan has even alleged plots to kill him. So, when news emerged that Khan had died in custody, many were quick to jump. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Making things worse was a video that spread on social media purportedly showing an injured Khan being carried away by security guards. But what happened? Why the confusion? Where is Khan currently? 5. Habemus papam. The world this month and the billion plus Catholics got a new pope. Cardinal Robert Prevost, born and raised in Chicago, was chosen as the successor to Pope Francis who was known for his simple, frugal living. Prevost, who is the first US-born pontiff, is now Pope Leo XIV. Pope Leo XIV delivers first public address from St Peters Basilica balcony, hours after being elected leader of the Roman Catholic Church. (Photo-BBC) But have you ever wondered what Gods chosen representative on Earth gets paid? That he has the Popemobile, of course, is well known. But where will he live? What about his clothes? And what at the other perks does the Pontiff receive? This article gives you a behind the scenes look at the perks and privileges Pope Leo XIV will be afforded as head of the Catholic Church. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 6. For years, a small town in Brazil was gripped by a mystery illness. Children in Serrinha dos Pintos, began losing their ability to walk as they grew up. Once they reached their teens, their legs grew weak. Others could barely move their arms. A 2010 study led by Santos revealed that more than 30 per cent of couples in Serrinha were related by blood. And among those couples, one-third had at least one child living with a disability, according to the BBC. Image for Representation. Pixabay The entire village was stupefied until geneticist Silvana Santos solved the puzzle. It took Santos 20 years of painstaking research, collecting DNA samples, and interviews with dozens of families, to find the answer Spoan syndrome. But what is it? How did Santos unlock this mystery illness? 7. Is it back? Could it be? Thats what many are wondering after Covid cases spiked in parts of Southeast Asia. Hong Kong and Singapore are reporting a sudden spike, while China and Thailand are also seeing an increase in infections. This seems to be part of a fresh wave spreading through several regions in Asia. Reuters/File Photo Singapore, alarmingly, has witnessed a nearly 30 per cent increase in Covid cases. But whats happening exactly? How bad is it? How are authorities reacting? Is there any reason to worry? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If you like how we take a deep dive into the news, you can come back to this page for more. Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Members of the UN Security Council have expressed their deep concern at the escalation of violence in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, in recent days, with reports of civilian casualties The clarification came after reports that the understanding between the two militaries was scheduled to end Sunday evening, indicating the possibility of fresh escalation read more Indian army personnel stand guard near Pahalgam, south of Srinagar, following an attack. At least 26 people were killed when gunmen opened fire on tourists. AFP The Indian Army on Sunday (May 18) clarified that the understanding reached with the Pakistani side earlier this month, following a brief period of military escalation, has no expiry date, effectively meaning that the ceasefire will continue to remain in place along the Line of Control (LoC). The clarification came after reports that the understanding between the two militaries was scheduled to last till Sunday evening, indicating the possibility of fresh escalation between the two sides. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is to be noted that the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan on May 12 decided to continue with the understanding of halting all military actions. As far as continuation of break in hostilities, as decided in DGMOs interaction of May 12 are concerned, there is no expiry date to it, the Indian Army said in a brief clarification. It also made it clear that there are no DGMO talks scheduled for Sunday as reported in a sector of the media. The arrangement reached on May 10 came after four days of intense hostilities that saw the two sides targeting each others military installations with drones, missiles and long-range weapons that raised fears of a wider military conflict. India says Operation Sindoor paused Concerns regarding fresh escalation between the two nuclear-armed nations arose last week when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Indias Operation Sindoor against Pakistan had just been paused. When Pakistan reached out, they assured that there would be no further terrorist activity or military aggression from their side. Only then did India consider its response. I repeat once again we have merely suspended our retaliatory actions against Pakistans terrorist and military targets for now, said PM Modi. Terrorists in their dreams could not think that India could take such a big step, the Indian leader added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Operation Sindoor Under Operation Sindoor, India carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure early on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Following the Indian action, Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10. The Pakistani attempts were strongly responded to by the Indian side, inflicting heavy damage to a number of key Pakistani military installations, including air bases, air defence systems, command and control centres and radar sites. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on May 10 evening announced that India and Pakistan reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea, with immediate effect. On May 15, Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told the countrys Senate that the DGMOs of Pakistan and India talked over the hotline on May 14 to discuss the ceasefire. (With inputs from agencies) Since the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistani ministers have attempted to control the damage and also gain global support by presenting themselves on global media networks. However, they have faced a storm of national embarrassment not just over the countrys continued support for terrorism but also for their gaffes on television read more Pakistani ministers have been running to global media since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, intending to convey their governments viewpoints, desperate to change the anti-Pakistan narrative growing across the globe. While it was understood that Pakistan would play a different narrative for its domestic audience, its ministers embarrassed themselves when they attempted the same on the global stage. The first major subject which they sought to highlight was that Pakistan no longer supports terrorists and there are no terrorist camps in the country. However, in the end they either contradicted themselves or ended up with mud on their faces. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In an interview with Sky News, Pakistans defence minister Khwaja Asif admitted that Pakistan had been harbouring terrorists on its soil. He mentioned, Well, we have been doing this dirty work for the United States for about three decades. He added, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) doesnt exist in Pakistan anymore. It is extinct. It is extinct if the parent organisation does not exist, how can the offshoot take birth here? However, it is an open secret that the terror organisations, such as LeT, not only exist but are actively supported by the Pakistani establishment. Bilawal Bhutto echoed Khwaja Asifs views. In an interview with Sky News he mentioned, I dont think that its a secret that Pakistan has a past as far as extremist groups are concerned. He meant it no longer does. No one believed them. Pakistans information minister Attaullah Tarar, questioned by Afghanistan-born journalist Yalda Hakim on Indian armed forces targeting terrorist camps, mentioned, Let me make it very clear, there are no terrorist camps in Pakistan. She fact-checked Tarar with Khawaja Asifs statement on the subject in an interview with her itself on the same channel, as well as comments by Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto on the subject. He was left red-faced and stammering. Former Pakistan minister Hina Rabbani Khar walked out of a live debate being conducted by UK journalist Piers Morgan where Barkha Dutt was also present. When questioned by the host on the presence of terrorist groups on their soil, she responded, I would reject your last comment (on terrorist groups in Pakistan). Pakistan is the country which is trying to correct the wrongs. When grilled by Barkha Dutt with details, she left the show, possibly ashamed at being proved wrong. The Pakistan army itself proved its ministers comments on not supporting terrorism as lies when senior officers, including Lieutenant General Fayyaz Hussain Shah, a Corps Commander, and Maj Gen Rao Imran Sartaj, amongst others, attended funeral prayers of killed LeT terrorists. The prayers were led by LeT leader Hafiz Abdul Rauf, a UN-sanctioned terrorist with a $10 million bounty on his head. Terrorist coffins were draped in Pakistani flags, conveying they were accorded a state funeral, which even members of Pakistans armed forces do not receive. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The second subject was an international investigation into Pakistans involvement in the Pahalgam attack. Khwaja Asif, in an interview with Russian government-run RIA Novosti news agency, said, Lets find out who is the culprit and the perpetrator of this incident in India, in Kashmir; talk or empty statements have no effect. There must be some evidence that Pakistan is involved or that these people were supported by Pakistan. Khwaja Asif subsequently claimed it was a false flag operation. Shehbaz Sharif backed this claim by mentioning, Pakistan is open to participating in any neutral, transparent and credible investigation. Not a single nation supported Pakistans stand of not being involved. The investigations into the Mumbai terrorist attacks and Pathankot have yet to conclude; this would take a few lifetimes. At the same time, Ishaq Dar, who doubles as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, termed the terrorists who conducted the attack as freedom fighters. It is only Pakistan which terms terrorists operating in Kashmir as freedom fighters. No wonder, not a single Western or West Asian nation heeded Pakistans demand of joining an independent investigation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The third subject was on Indias Operation Sindoor. On April 30, Pakistans information minister Attaullah Tarar held a press conference at 2 am mentioning India will attack Pakistan within the next 24-36 hours, claiming credible intelligence. Nothing happened for another week. He was left licking his wounds. Playing to his local audience at a rally, Bilawal Bhutto mentioned, Standing here in Sukkur by the Indus, I want to tell India that the Indus is ours and will remain ours. Either water will flow in this Indus, or their blood will. Empty threats and a bunch of lies have been Pakistans forte. There is nothing Pakistan can do on the Indus Water Treaty. India held the treaty in abeyance, not suspending it. On this, the World Bank has no role now. When questioned on their claim of Pakistan shooting down five Indian jets, their defence minister, Khawaja Asif, mentioned, It is all on social media and Indian social media, not our social media. When quizzed further on proof, as social media is not evidence, he responded, I cant hear you properly. Are these the qualities of Pakistans famed ministers? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A similar statement was made by their Air Force spokesperson. As proof they displayed an image of an aircraft on fire, which was fact-checked to be of a fighter crash of September 2024. The story continues within Pakistan with no global backing. Shares of Rafale are the highest ever, solely because it was a success. Pakistans permanent representative to the UNSC sought a closed-door session hoping to gain their sympathy and support against India, post Pahalgam. The entire incident backfired. The Pakistan representative, Asim Iftikhar, was grilled on the presence of the LeT on its soil. The next aspect was of the call for a ceasefire. Pakistan ministers, including its PM Shehbaz Sharif and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto, amongst others, refused to accept that they approached India, claiming it was Trump who brokered the ceasefire. India denied any such intervention. New Delhis silence was enough. The world is aware that in panic, the Pakistan army chief, Asim Munir, called US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, asking for an intervention. He advised Pakistan to directly interact with India, which it did. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistani ministers have attempted to control the damage and also gain global support by presenting themselves on global media networks. However, they have faced a storm of national embarrassment not just over the countrys continued support for terrorism but also for their gaffes on television. Pakistan ministers gaffes were an embarrassment even within the nation. Pakistan MP Zartaj Gul strongly criticised Defence Minister Khawaja Asif for his recent appearances in international media, describing his behaviour as irresponsible. She stated in the Senate, If you dont know English, dont go on international media dont mock yourself; dont mock your government. On the contrary, no Indian minister went on global media to brag or defend the Indian decision. That itself gave credence to its actions. In fact, Indian ministers were missing from the media. They were visible in meetings and discussions, never in the media. India did not thump its chest. Prime Minister Modi gave a message of response immediately after Pahalgam and promised retaliation. He made it clear that armed forces will determine the time, place and level. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It was after Operation Sindoor that the PM resurfaced and sent a message to the world on Indias new normal on dealing with Pakistan and emanating terrorism in his national address. He stated the truth about Pakistan approaching India for peace out of fear, debunking Trumps mediation as also Pakistans fake claims. It was after this that Indias defence minister and the external affairs minister surfaced. India does not need to change global narratives; it already has international support. Pakistan acted like an immature child whose mischief is caught and is compelled to lie to save face. 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. Gen Asim Munirs statement wasnt simply a wink-wink dog whistle to activate anti-India extremists but a big flashing green signal to them to go into action read more Pakistan's Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir stands on a military tank speaking with army troops. Amidst India's precise strikes on Pakistan's air bases, reports say that Munir was shifted to a fortified bunker. File image/AFP There are ideological absurditiesand then theres the two-nation theory which led to Indias Partition on the absurd basis that Muslims and Hindus could not co-exist peacefully under the same roof as they constituted two separate and irreconcilable nationalities on the basis of their faith. After more than 75 years during which it was thought that it was long dead and buried, it has been raked up again by Pakistan to justify its anti-India (read anti-Hindu) activities that drove the two countries to the brink of a full-blown recently. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Its no coincidence that days before the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 Hindu tourists were gunned down by Pakistan-linked terrorists, Pakistan army chief General Asim Munir made a gratuitous and provocative reference to the two-nation theory saying that Hindus and Muslims were distinct nations and urged his audience (Pakistan Military Academy cadets) to share the story of Pakistans creation with their children. His rabble-rousing remarks came completely out of the blue. In retrospect, its clear that it wasnt simply a wink-wink dog whistle to activate anti-India extremists but a big flashing green signal to them to go into action. And they did. Munir returned to the theme after the Pahalgam massacre as if to give a thumbs-up to his boys. The two-nation theory, he said, was based on the fundamental belief that Muslims and Hindus are two separate nations, not one. Muslims are distinct from Hindus in all aspects of lifereligion, customs, traditions, thinking and aspirationsOur religion is different, our customs are different, our traditions are different, our thoughts are different, our ambitions are different. Thats where the foundation of the two-nation theory was laid. We are two nations, we are not one nation, he said, seeking to mobilise Pakistani public opinion against Hindu India. Invoking the all-too-familiar bogey of threat to Pakistans security and sovereignty from a Hindu India, he said in a media interview: Our forefathers have sacrificed immensely, and we have sacrificed a lot for the creation of this country, and we know how to defend it. And should someone may have missed the sermon, he added: My dear brothers and sisters and sons and daughters, please dont forget the story of Pakistan and dont forget to narrate the story of Pakistan to your next generation, so that their bond with Pakistan never weakens. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Munirs rant predictably drew a strong reaction from across the political spectrum in India, besides of course a strong condemnation from the government which called it an attempt to divide Hindus and Muslims. Media reports quoted unnamed top official sources as saying that his statement was intended to rally a united Muslim bloc against India, calling upon radical elements, extremists, and terrorists to launch attacks. Gen Munirs bid to resurrect a defunct doctrine is seen as a way of presenting himself as an ideological heir to Jinnah and Zia-ul-Haq. In trying to cast himself as heir to Jinnah and Zia, Munir is embalming a vision of Pakistan that no longer serves its peopleand driving it toward becoming a reckless, war-making garrison state, wrote former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria. For all this, however, theres an elephant in the room (to which Ill come in a bit) that nobody wants to notice for fear of upsetting the liberal romantic vision of a multi-religious and multicultural society where everyone irrespective of who theyre happily rubs along. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Once, I also innocently shared their sunny vision endlessly citing our proud tradition of Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeebthe composite high culture of northern India representing a syncretic fusion of Hindu and Muslim cultural elements, embracing language, art, music, literature, and down to social customs. Traces of that tehzeeb still linger on, but the old generation of Hindus and Muslims that valued and cherished it is fading away. And simultaneously, theres an alarming hardening of religious and cultural identities on both sides fuelling a Hindutva -Sharia clash. As a result, Hindu-Muslim relations are at an inflexion point after a post-Partition lull. This is not a sudden development or caused entirely by a few rotten apples. Its important to remember that for much of the past 75 years the secular Congress party was incharge of community relations. So, most of the damage happened on its watch, though its true that lately the distrust between the two communities has deepened markedly to the point that theyre barely on talking terms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Its easy to point fingers at each other, but theres a deeper problem at the heart of the crisis. And that brings us to the elephant in the room mentioned above. The reality is that Hindus and Muslims do inhabit different and distinct religious and cultural spheres, though it doesnt necessarily mean that they cant live under the same roofoccasional pin pricks notwithstanding. Addressing the 19th session of Hindu Mahasabha in Ahmedabad, V.D. Savarkar said in 1937: There are two antagonistic nations living side by side in India. India cannot be assumed today to be a unitarian and homogenous nation. On the contrary, there are two nations in the main: the Hindus and the Muslims, in India. Later when in the 1940s, Jinnah articulated the idea that Hindus and Muslims constituted two separate nations with distinct religious, philosophical, social, cultural, and literary traditions, Savarkar endorsed it . In a speech in Nagpur on August 15, 1943: I have no quarrel with Mr Jinnahs two-nation theory. We Hindus are a nation by ourselves and it is a historical fact that Hindus and Muslims are two nations." STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even the venerable B.R. Ambedkar recognised the historical, religious, cultural and social factors behind Hindu-Muslim tensions in his book, Pakistan, Or the Partition of India, published in 1945. He wrote that the assumption that Hindus and Muslims could live under one state if they were distinct nations was but an empty sermon, a mad project, to which no sane man would agree. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat also enthusiastically supported Jinnah and his two-nation theory. In fact, Chaudary Zafarullah Khan, an Ahmadi leader, drafted the Lahore Resolution calling for the creation of Pakistan. How ironic therefore that today they are not recognised as Muslims in Pakistan and face persecution. So, clearly, back then there was a much wider, if grudging, recognition of the Hindu-Muslim culture clash than is acknowledged today, especially by liberals. What should really worry community and political leaders, however, is that the two-nation doctrine still retains emotional appeal for sections of religio-nationalists on both sides of the communal divide. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And it was this latent sense of separateness that Gen Munir was hoping to tap into. However, while he succeeded in motivating Muslim extremists in his own country leading to the Pahalgam attack, his strategy failed when it came to deepening the Hindu-Muslim divide in India. On the contrary, it had the opposite effect uniting the two communities against a common enemy still mentally and ideologically stuck in a time-warp while India moved on. But beware: there are too many Munirs around waiting to exploit religious sentiments by exhuming old corpses. Hasan Suroor is author of Unmasking Secularism: Why We Need A New Hindu-Muslim Deal. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. While the world has been watching the northwestern border of India, it is across the northeastern border with Bangladesh that critical developments have quietly taken place. United Nations Chief Antonio Guterres had, in March 2025, on a visit to Dhaka, proposed a humanitarian corridor for Rohingya repatriation. In response to the suggestion, the unelected Yunus-led interim government is pushing the humanitarian corridor plan forward. The sudden appointment of Khalilur Rahman, who holds the position of High Representative of the Rohingya Issue as Bangladeshs National Security Advisor (NSA), also points towards a determined interest in pushing the plan without any internal or external consensus on the matter or dialogue on the repercussions of the same. Bangladeshs foreign affairs advisor Md Towhid Hossain has stated that the corridor will be used to send humanitarian aid to Myanmars Rakhine state as well as send the Rohingya refugees back who are largely settled in Coxs Bazar in Bangladesh. However, the 1.3 million Rohingya refugees have consistently refused to go back to Rakhine State in Myanmar since 2017. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nevertheless, this unilateral decision has come under fire in Bangladesh from the opposition. First, it is not under the purview of the unelected interim government to take such decisions. Second, other political stakeholders were not consulted. The now-banned Awami League has opposed the corridor, suggesting the West could use the corridor to wage a war against the military junta in Myanmar. Other political parties, such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, have also been critical of this unilateral decision. The common fear is that a so-called humanitarian corridor will jeopardise the sovereignty of Bangladesh. Unfortunately, Bangladesh seems to be in a free fall with no foreseeable elections. Democracy has taken a backseat while the blue-eyed boy of the West and Chief Advisor to the interim government, Muhammed Yunus, panders to the new dispensation in the United States. The fate of Bangladesh rests in his hands, but the outcome of such serious decisions is bound to have an impact on the fragile regional stability around Indias neighbourhood. But with Yunus focused on Western interests, Bangladesh is likely to become a centre of geopolitical contestations. Apart from the US and the United Nations, it was also delegations from the International Crisis Group that had earlier this year advised Yunus to start engagement with the Arakan Army (AA) in Myanmar, an ethnic armed organisation (EAO) that has emerged as the most powerful group in conflict-ridden Myanmar. Not only is it challenging the Tatmadaw, but it has also negotiated with China to keep its assets, such as the Kyaukphyu deep sea port, safe. It has also arranged a deal for the resumption of construction of the port, with Chinese workers having landed in Rakhine. There is also the news of the Joint Security Venture Company (JSVC) floated by the State Administration Council (SAC), which would allow private security companies to arrange for protection for their own infrastructural interests. China is keen to make use of this provision and will have its boots on the ground quicker than any other country. It was, after all, in 2023 that Operation 1027 and, subsequently, 1107 were launched by the Three Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan state against the Tatmadaw, backed by China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The alliance consisted of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Arakan Army (AA). The AA had stationed almost 6,000 soldiers in the northern region to support the alliance besides providing support to other smaller EAOs around Myanmar. Additionally, AA has also received considerable support from Wa State, the de facto independent , autonomous and self-governing state with considerable Chinese influence. Today, China wields influence not just on the Tatmadaw but also on several EAOs, making the West jittery. On the other hand, India too has channels of communication open with both sides in order to prioritise the security of the 1,640 km of porous borders that it shares with Myanmar. The insistence of the West on opening a humanitarian corridor while Bangladesh is grappling with political instability, economic crisis and internal security issues, apart from the glaring fact that an unelected government is making a unilateral decision, should therefore raise alarms across the region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is not a coincidence that the Awami League has been suddenly banned and will be referred by Yunus to the International Criminal Court in The Hague and that the pro-Hasina Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman was in Russia on an official visit when Khalilur Rahman was appointed the NSA. Many insiders have speculated that Rahmans elevation was done to counter the Army Chiefs position in order to clear the path for a humanitarian corridor. Zaman in all likelihood would have objected to the corridor, keeping in mind the security challenges it will pose to Bangladesh. But today there is a possibility that he may be a reluctant participant in the plan in order to safeguard his position. Especially since there have also been rampant news reports of United States Air Force planes with large cargo arriving in Shah Jalal International Airport, presumably carrying crucial military supplies to aid AA and other EAOs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is exactly the problem with humanitarian corridors. They have time and again failed to become the safe passages that they should be. Instead of being demilitarised zones that can allow humanitarian aid and facilitate the movement of affected civilians, their potential misuse works towards exacerbating a conflict. Whether it was in Mariupol, Ukraine, or Syria, humanitarian corridors have failed. There was bombing of corridors in Ukraine, and in Syria they were used to regain opposition-held cities. In the case of Bangladesh, considering the interim government has not made the conditions of the promised corridor public and the decision has been taken without public or political consensus, it is but natural to assume that it is on the behest of the West to gain a foothold in Bangladesh and Myanmar. The chances are that not only will the corridor be used to pass military equipment to EAOs in Myanmar, but it could also be used by terrorist organisations in Bangladesh as safe passage for illegal drug trafficking , which is already a huge problem for the country. Neighbouring Myanmar is the largest hub of not just poppy cultivation but also synthetic drug manufacturing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What makes this proposed humanitarian corridor" plan even more dubious is that none of the Rohingyas in Bangladesh or, for that matter, those illegally settled in India have any intention of going back to Rakhine. Neither do they feel that their protection can be assured, nor do they want to go back to a country that is in a state of conflict lacking basic necessities, administration and economic opportunities. Additionally, the Rohingyas are represented by the armed Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), making clashes between the AA and ARSA a possibility, turning Bangladesh into a war zone. Finally, India must remain vigilant against the growing influence of the US not just in Bangladesh but also in Myanmar. Even though the Arakan Army is a formidable EAO in Myanmar with a young and dynamic leadership, it is also one of the youngest armed organisations in the region, established only in 2009. The West, led by the US, has supported the resistance against the Tatmadaw; it would make sense to them to back the AA against the SAC, resulting in turmoil on Indias northeast borders. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India should remember the neighbouring Chin State is Christian-dominated, and recently it was Crisis Management Initiative (CMI), an organisation from Helsinki, that negotiated between two warring Chin factions. The US, to gain a foothold and counter China as well as India, can attempt to splinter AA and influence and manipulate the delicate relationship between transnational ethnic communities. As of now, AA is wary of the West. But it doesnt take long for the tide to turn with the right offer. 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. Brazil is one of the worlds leading producers and exporters of poultry, accounting for 14% of global chicken meat production, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture read more An aerial view of an an excavator digging a trench to bury infected poultry on a commercial farm where a bird flu outbreak was detected, in the municipality of Montenegro, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. AP Authorities said on Saturday that Brazil has verified its first bird flu infection on a commercial farm, prompting Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay to suspend poultry imports from the country. Brazils Agriculture and Livestock Ministry said on Friday that China and the European Union have suspended chicken imports from Brazil. Mexicos National Service for Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety, and Quality announced Saturday that it has temporarily halted the import of chicken meat, viable eggs, live birds, and other poultry products from Brazil as a precautionary measure. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chile and Uruguay have also halted poultry imports, Luis Rua, secretary of international trade at Brazils Ministry of Agriculture, told local news service Broadcast Agro. Brazil is one of the worlds leading producers and exporters of poultry, accounting for 14% of global chicken meat production, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. An egg shortage in the United States following a bird flu outbreak there boosted Brazilian egg exports to the U.S., rising by more than 1,000% between January and April 2025, compared to the same period the previous year, according to trade data from the Brazilian government. Brazilian authorities said Friday the virus was found at a facility in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, adding that a contingency plan has been implemented not only to eliminate the disease but also to maintain the sectors productive capacity, ensuring supply and, consequently, food security for the population. The agriculture ministry also said it notified the World Organization for Animal Health, the Ministries of Health and the Environment and Brazils trade partners. Restriction on poultry exports follows rules agreed on with each importing country, based on international health certificate requirements, the Agriculture and Livestock ministry added. Depending on the type of disease, some deals apply to the whole country while others involve limits on where products can come from for example, a specific state, city or just the area of the outbreak. Brazilian chicken exports have previously faced resistance over sanitary concerns. In 2018, the European Union temporarily banned imports of chicken from 20 Brazilian plants due to concerns about salmonella. Brazil brought the case to the World Trade Organization. A deadly explosion rocked a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, on Saturday, killing one person and injuring four others. Authorities have described the blast as an intentional act of terrorism. read more 'Intentional act of terrorism': Bomb blast outside fertility clinic in California kills one, injures four. Image: AP A bomb exploded outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, on Saturday (local time), killing one person and injuring four others, the New York Post reported. Local authorities have called the blast an intentional act of terrorism. Palm Springs Mayor DeHarte said the explosion may have come from a car parked outside the American Reproductive Centres. Palm Springs Fire Chief Paul Alvarado said, The blast appears to be an intentional act of terrorism, adding that the explosion caused severe damage to nearby buildings and debris was spread across several blocks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to sources cited by the Post, the person who died may have been the suspected bomber, but police only described them as someone near the vehicle. Officials have not identified the victim and declined to confirm if they were responsible for the bombing. However, police said there is no ongoing threat to the public and no search is underway for a suspect. Palm Springs Police Lt. William Hutchinson told the Desert Sun that authorities are still trying to determine whether the explosion qualifies as an act of terrorism. Federal agencies including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are involved in the investigation. US Attorney Bill Essayli said the FBI would investigate whether the attack was intentional. US Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the attack, calling it unforgivable. She said federal agents are working alongside local law enforcement and emphasized the administrations support for women and families. Police Chief Andy Mills said, Terrorism came knocking on the door of Palm Springs. We survived. This city will rise stronger. The clinic, which offers fertility services such as in vitro fertilization and egg transfers, was closed at the time of the explosion. No abortion services are offered at the facility. Dr Maher Abdallah, who runs the clinic, said no patients were present, and all staff are safe. He confirmed that none of the stored embryos were harmed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sources told the Post that the blast was caused by a pipe bomb. Mayor DeHarte said early reports suggested it could have been a helicopter crash or gas leak, but both possibilities were ruled out. Firefighters responded around 11 a.m. local time. Photos and videos showed shattered glass and debris outside the facility. Smoke was visible in the area, and some residents reported smelling a strange odor after the explosion, which could be felt up to three miles away. Chinas new controls require exporters to submit end-use certifications to ensure materials are not used for military purposes or re-exported to the United States a key condition under the licensing terms read more A mining machine is seen at the Bayan Obo mine containing rare earth minerals, in Inner Mongolia, China. File photo/Reuters China has begun approving limited exports of rare earth elements under its new licensing regime, but delays in processing have raised alarm among global manufacturers about potential disruptions to critical supply chains. Beijing introduced export controls in early April on seven rare earth elements and related permanent magnets essential to products such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, fighter jets, and humanoid robots. The move was widely seen as a response to a sweeping tariff package announced by US President Donald Trump on April 2. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While Chinese commerce officials have since granted some export licenses including to companies supplying customers in Europe industry participants say the approvals have been too slow and too limited to meet demand. The window to avoid significant damage to production in Europe is rapidly closing, Financial Times quoted Wolfgang Niedermark, a board member of the Federation of German Industries, as saying. Volkswagen confirmed that its German operations had received rare earth supplies, noting that a limited number of licenses were issued to its suppliers. Other European manufacturers said they were still struggling to navigate Chinas export bureaucracy, with one unnamed executive calling the delays untenable. The new controls require exporters to submit end-use certifications to ensure materials are not used for military purposes or re-exported to the United States a key condition under the licensing terms. Several exporters and buyers said the requirements were unclear and difficult to fulfill. Rajesh Jejurikar, head of the automotive division at Indias Mahindra & Mahindra, said the certification process remained opaque. A manager at Chengdu Galaxy Magnets said her company was assisting clients with statements for export approval, but any applications related to military use were categorically rejected. The controls have prompted concern from major US companies, including Tesla, Ford, and Lockheed Martin. Lockheed, whose F-35 fighter jet uses rare earth magnets, said it has adequate supplies for now, and expects the US government to prioritise access. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Some suppliers say limited material continues to flow. Yantai Zhenghai Magnetic Material, based in eastern China, confirmed it had resumed taking orders after receiving export licenses. Other sources said certain long-standing clients were still receiving shipments even before formal approvals were granted. There is still material going out, said Cameron Johnson, a supply chain expert at Tidalwave Solutions in Shanghai. However, questions persist over whether China has resumed exports to the U.S. since both countries agreed to a temporary 90-day ceasefire in their tariff dispute. Analysts say Beijings strategic advantage lies in maintaining uncertainty. Everyone wants Mofcom to provide clarity, said Cory Combs of Trivium China, referring to Chinas Ministry of Commerce. But Chinas strategic leverage relies partly on the ability to pull the export control lever to the extent that the US does not provide a satisfying deal. With no full resolution in sight, experts say the episode will likely accelerate Western efforts to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on Chinese rare earths. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Colombian President Gustavo Petro concluded his vacation to China this week with a trip in Shanghai, where he met with former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, the president of the New Development Bank read more Colombias government has applied to join a China-based development bank, marking another sign of Latin Americas shift away from the United States, as the Trump administrations foreign aid cuts, trade barriers, and immigration crackdown drive many regional leaders to seek closer ties with Washingtons geopolitical rival. Colombian President Gustavo Petro concluded his vacation to China this week with a trip in Shanghai, where he met with former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, the president of the New Development Bank. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The international lender was established a decade ago as an initiative of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa the so-called Brics nations of large emerging economies to fight US-dominated institutions such as the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. According to Rousseff, the New Development Bank has authorised financing for 122 infrastructure projects totalling more over $40 billion in categories including transportation, sanitation, and renewable energy. Petro told reporters in China on Saturday that Colombia has committed to purchase $512 million in bank shares. He stated that he was particularly excited about the prospect of obtaining the New Development Banks support for a 120-kilometer (75-mile) canal, or railway, connecting Colombias Atlantic and Pacific Ocean coastlines, which he claimed would place the country at the heart of trade between South America and Asia. Colombia is the second Latin American country to apply to join the bank, after Uruguays application in 2021. But Colombias traditional role as a staunch U.S. ally and caretaker in the war on drugs is likely to raise eyebrows in Washington. The U.S. State Department this week said that it would vigorously oppose financing of projects linked to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative in Latin America. Petro signed up to the initiative during a summit with fellow leftist leaders from Brazil and China. Petro, a former leftist guerrilla, said he wouldnt be dissuaded by U.S. pressure and reaffirmed that Colombia seeks to remain neutral in a new era of geopolitical wrangling. We made this decision freely, Petro told reporters from Shanghai. With the United States we can speak face to face, with China too. The three individuals were convicted of aiding and abetting in corruption on earth, a charge that carries the death penalty in Iran. Two other individuals described as Islamic State members were sentenced to 15 years and 10 years in prison read more Iran has sentenced three people to death and handed prison terms to several others in connection with two deadly Islamic State-claimed shootings at a major Shiite shrine in Shiraz, the judiciary announced Sunday. The verdicts follow attacks in October 2022 and August 2023 on the Shah Cheragh mausoleum, a revered religious site in the capital of Fars province. The shootings killed 15 people and were later claimed by the Islamic State group. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to Fars provinces chief justice, Sadrollah Rajaei-Nasab, the three individuals were convicted of aiding and abetting in corruption on earth, a charge that carries the death penalty in Iran. The Revolutionary Court in Shiraz also sentenced them to 25 years in prison for assisting in moharebeh, or enmity against God, another serious capital offence under Irans Islamic penal code. Two other individuals described as Islamic State members were sentenced to 15 years and 10 years in prison based on what authorities said was their level of involvement and cooperation in the shrine attacks. The judiciary also sentenced two women to five years each. However, their punishment will be carried out under Islamic leniency provisions. They will be monitored with electronic ankle bracelets and confined within a one-kilometre radius of their homes, Rajaei-Nasab said. The verdicts are part of a broader case that includes weapons trafficking and other charges still under judicial review. Some of the rulings have been appealed to Irans Supreme Court. In July 2023, Iran publicly executed two men convicted over the first Shah Cheragh attack. Authorities said the second attack, in August 2023, led to the arrest of nine suspects, all of whom were identified as foreign nationals. A Tajik national, also linked to the Islamic State, was sentenced to death in September. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Shah Cheragh shrine, one of the holiest sites for Shiite Muslims in southern Iran, has become a target for militants in recent years, underlining the countrys security challenges amid broader regional unrest. _With inputs from agencies _ Israel said it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen on Sunday, shortly after Houthi rebels claimed they had fired two ballistic missiles at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. read more The Israeli military said on Sunday that it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, shortly after Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed they had fired two ballistic missiles at Israels main airport. Air raid sirens were heard in parts of the country, the Israeli army added. The Houthis said they had targeted Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. They have repeatedly launched missiles and drones at Israel since the Gaza war began in October 2023, following a Hamas-led attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier this month, a Houthi missile hit near Tel Aviv airport, damaging the area and injuring several peopleone of the few times Israels air defences were breached. More from World Israeli bombing kills at least 24 Palestinians in Khan Younis In response to earlier Houthi attacks, Israel bombed ports in Houthi-controlled Hodeida and Salif, warning it could strike Houthi leaders if the assaults continued. After a missile landed near Ben Gurion Airport, Israel also hit the airport in Yemens capital Sanaa and nearby power stations. On Sunday, a Houthi spokesperson said attacks on Israel would continue until the blockade on Gaza is lifted. The group, which controls large parts of Yemen, has also targeted Red Sea shipping during the Gaza conflict, claiming support for Palestinians. These attacks prompted US retaliation and a ceasefire deal in early May between the Houthis and the USthough it did not include Israel. Parents from Tennessee are reporting issues when applying for school vouchers in the state as demand significantly exceeds the program's availability. The situation comes as the school voucher program originally opened on May 15, 2025. Some parents reported that they received confirmation emails with the first name and last name of another person's child while others did not receive any confirmation email at all. Tennessee School Voucher Program Issues One parent, Jennifer Shinall, said she was initially impressed by the relative ease of applying for a Tennessee private school voucher. She reported that it only took her 20 minutes to complete her application. The school voucher was designed for the 2025-26 school year and will give eligible students a $7,295 fund to use for tuition and school fees. It is limited to use in registered Category I, II, or III non-public schools across the state. For this particular school year, there are 20,000 scholarships available for residents to apply for. Half of the openings are for any students in the state, but the other half are specifically given to families who qualify under a specific income formula, according to WSMV. One example of this is a family of four making less than $173,000 every year to qualify. Shinall said that she received a confirmation email shortly after applying for the program. However, she got a second email a few hours after the first one. The parent said the second email told her she applied for a child, whom she said she never heard of and is not related to. The message wrote the first name and last name of a child she did not know, causing her to worry about what other information could have been sent somewhere else. Supporting Parents With Children's Education Shortly after the Tennessee school voucher program was launched, it quickly received more than 33,000 applications. Despite the issues, Gov. Bill Lee called the wave of applications a success, Chalkbeat reported. Lee made enacting private school vouchers a key campaign promise starting from his first run for governor in 2018. Legislators finally passed the universal program following a special legislative session earlier this year. Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds added that the state's response to universal school choice has been an "overwhelming success." She said that Tennessee families embraced the opportunities they were given in support of students. The recently launched program is the latest iteration of a private school voucher program in the state, but it is the first version to actually apply to all of the region's 95 counties. In 2019, the Education Savings Account was established, which started in the 2022-23 school year, as per the Commercial Appeal. Israel expanded its military offensive in the enclave and ramped up bombing that has killed hundreds of people over the past 72 hours read more Footage released by the Israeli Army says to show military operations in a location given as northern Gaza, in this screen grab taken from an undated handout video, released May 17, 2025. Reuters An Israeli bomb killed at least 24 Palestinians at a tent encampment housing displaced families in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, local health officials reported on Sunday, as mediators held a new round of talks between Israel and Hamas. Israel boosted its military attack in the enclave and increased bombardment, which has killed hundreds of Palestinians in the last 72 hours. Medics say the latest blow killed women and children, injured scores more, and set many tents on fire. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite US President Donald Trumps visit to the area, the Gaza health ministry said that Israeli attacks have killed hundreds of Palestinians in recent days. Hamas described the strike as a new brutal crime in a statement on Sunday and blamed the U.S. administration for the escalation. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the latest strikes but it said in an earlier statement that it was conducting extensive strikes in areas of Gaza as part of its plan to reach its war objectives. Egypt and Qatar mediators, backed by the United States, began a new round of indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas on Saturday, officials from both sides said. Sources close to the negotiation told Reuters there has been no breakthrough reported in the talks in the Qatari capital, Doha, as each of the sides remained committed to its stance. Meloni called on the European Commission to refine important elements of the so-called Green Deal further, such as updated emissions calculations that take into consideration a vehicles whole manufacturing cycle rather than simply its exhaust emissions read more Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for a more cautious approach to the ecological transition that safeguards social and economic stability on Saturday, warning that strict green regulations might destroy Europes industrial basis. Meloni warned that the European Unions drive for electrification, especially in the automobile industry, might jeopardise the continents industrial power after meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Meloni stated to reporters in Rome, I have often said that there is nothing green in a desert. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She also added, Before anything else, we must fight the desertification of European industry. According to her, a key component of Europes green plan has to include alternative fuels like hydrogen and biofuels. The EUs previous regulatory approach, according to Meloni, was overly rigid and had crushed industries like the automobile sector. She also referred to Europes reliance on non-European supply chains for electric vehicles as a strategic weakness, voicing concerns about this. I continue to believe it is counterproductive to focus solely on the electric transition, where the supply chains are not controlled by Europe, but by other actors, she stated. Meloni called on the European Commission to refine important elements of the so-called Green Deal further, such as updated emissions calculations that take into consideration a vehicles whole manufacturing cycle rather than simply its exhaust emissions. The European Parliament earlier this month voted to soften rules for European automakers, meaning they will not have to comply with EU CO2 emissions targets for cars and vans that could have led to fines of up to 15 billion euros ($17 billion). Following heavy lobbying, the European Commission proposed allowing automakers to meet the targets based on their average emissions over the period 2025-2027, rather than just this year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Italy and Germany Europes two largest manufacturing economies should lead efforts to restore competitiveness, Meloni said, adding that the automotive sector was one area where bilateral cooperation could make a decisive impact. A Mexican navy training ship struck the Brooklyn Bridge during a promotional tour in New York City on Saturday, causing part of its mast to collapse and prompting an emergency response. read more A Mexican navy training ship collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday during a promotional tour in New York City, prompting an emergency response from authorities. At least 22 people were injured. The top of the vessels three masts struck the bridge and partially collapsed after the impact, while the ship was sailing on the East River. The Mexican navy said the training ship Cuauhtemoc, which is approximately 297 feet long and 40 feet wide, was damaged in the accident and could not continue its journey. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Just watched the Brooklyn Bridge get smoked live by a boat with a massive Mexican flag pic.twitter.com/R8eJKwJaJ2 Nelson Slinkard (@TheWillieNelson) May 18, 2025 In a post on X, the navy confirmed that 22 crew members were injured, including three seriously. The Navy remains committed to crew safety, transparency, and high-quality training for future officers, the statement added, in Spanish. The New York Fire Department confirmed that emergency teams responded to reports of injuries but did not specify how many people were hurt or whether they were on the ship or the bridge. Videos of the incident surfaced on social media. One video captured the moment the tall masts struck the bridge and snapped, as heavy traffic passed across the span. The vessel, flying a large green, white, and red Mexican flag, then drifted towards the riverbank as bystanders moved away. Eyewitnesses Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz told the Associated Press they were watching the sunset when they saw the ship collide with the bridge and one of its masts break. Katz said they noticed someone hanging from a harness near the top of the ship for about 15 minutes before being rescued. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They also saw two people carried off the ship on stretchers and transferred onto smaller boats. The Mexican navy said on social media that the Cuauhtemoc, a naval training vessel, was being assessed by local and naval authorities to determine the condition of the crew and the ship. Mexicos Foreign Affairs Ministry stated that its ambassador and consulate officials in New York were coordinating with local authorities to assist the affected cadets. It did not confirm whether anyone was injured. With inputs from AP. Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas that are taking place in Doha include discussions on ending the war as well as a truce and hostage deal proposal, a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said on Sunday. read more Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday indicated that Israel is open to a potential agreement with Hamas that could include ending the fighting in Gaza, provided certain conditions are met. While not elaborating on the full terms, Netanyahus statement marks a rare public signal that Israel is willing to consider a broader deal to halt hostilities, as international pressure mounts and humanitarian concerns deepen over the situation in Gaza. Even at this very moment, the negotiation team in Doha is working to exhaust every possibility for a deal whether according to the Witkoff framework or as part of ending the fighting, which would include the release of all the hostages, the exile of Hamas terrorists, and the disarmament of the Gaza Strip, his office said in a statement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ending the war must include the demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip as well as the exile of Hamas militants, the statement said. A senior Israeli official said there has been little progress in the talks so far. More from World Hamas frees last US-Israeli hostage ahead of Trump's Middle East visit During meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), PM Modi had made it clear the question was not about if India should retaliate but was about where and when read more Within days of India pausing its Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, key details have been reported in media highlighting how the anti-terror mission was successfully executed following a series of high-level discussions and meetings among the top political and military leadership. PM Modis free hand to armed forces During meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), PM Modi had made it clear the question was not about if India should retaliate but was about where and when, Times of India quoted top sources as saying. PM Modi cut short his Saudi trip and met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was also consulted, and a plan was conceived to deliver justice to terrorists and their patrons. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD No nuclear blackmail Even as the global experts, analysts and media kept talking about the associated risks of a nuclear war, India was not deterred. PM Modi remained resolute, undeterred by warnings about Pakistans army chief, Gen Asim Munir, being a jihadi in olives with a finger poised on the nuclear trigger, ensuring such fears would not hinder Indias response this time either. Even in 2019, during the Balakot strikes, PM Modi had called Pakistans nuclear bluff by launching strikes at Balakot. Targets As it happened during the 2019 strikes, India conducted strikes in mainland Pakistan, in regions far away from the Line of Control, during Operation Sindoor. For precision strikes, the headquarters of terror outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, South Asias biggest terror hubs, were bombed in Muridke and Bahawalpur, respectively. This time around, India made sure to inflict damage that is very easy to see and detect. With these strikes, India gave a clear message to these jihadis: We know who you are, where you are and how to get you. Testing Pakistans preparedness Following the Pahalgam attack, there was widespread speculation that India would strike terrorist strongholds, particularly the jihadi centres in Muridke and Bahawalpur. Pakistan, having been caught off-guard twice, was expected to have bolstered defences around its key assets, reducing Indias chances of a surprise attack. However, two weeks after the massacre, India targeted those same sites. Sources did not confirm whether this was due to intelligence indicating Pakistan had relaxed its vigilance. The Navy: The silent force While the Indian Navy did not directly engage during Operation Sindoor, its assertive stance clearly conveyed Indias intent and preparedness to counter any escalation. On the night Indian missiles struck targets near Karachi, ships executed bold maneuvers. The message was clear: India was ready to expand the conflict across all domains, and Pakistan understood. As Vice Admiral AN Pramod noted, the Indian Navy effectively kept the enemys air force contained along the Makran coast. Choice of weapons Indian intelligence identified a vulnerability in Pakistans air defense system. Designed by Rawalpindi GHQ and their Chinese allies to counter aircraft and missile attacks, it overlooked Indias loitering munitions. These drones, a potent addition to Indias arsenal, fly low to evade standard defences, loiter over targets with precise coordinates, and strike with accuracy. In recent years, India has amassed a formidable stockpile of these stealth weapons, initially acquired through emergency overseas purchases but now increasingly manufactured domestically. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Poland, Romania & Portugal Elections 2025 Updates: Polls opened in Portugal on Sunday for a snap election that centre-right Prime Minister Luis Montenegro is tipped to winthough without a clear path to forming a stable government. Meanwhile, voters in Romania and Poland also began casting ballots in high-stakes presidential elections: Romania in a runoff rerun after last years annulled vote over interference claims, and Poland in the first round of a tight race that could shape the future of its centrist leadership. read more Center-right and pro-European forces made gains across Europe in recent elections, though coalition-building remains a challenge. In Portugal, the center-right Democratic Alliance, led by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, won 32.1% of the vote and 86 seats in Sundays parliamentary electionswell short of the 116 needed for a majority in the 230-seat parliament. Rafa Trzaskowski, a pro-European moderate, and historian Karol Nawrocki, backed by the populist right, received around 30% of the vote in Poland's tight first round presidential election. Romanias election winner, Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan, said he hopes to form a coalition with all four centrist, pro-European parties in parliament. Talks are expected to take several weeks. But public frustration with their record in government has fueled the growth of new alternatives in recent years. That has denied the bigger parties enough seats in Parliament to snare a majority needed to ensure they serve a full four-year term. For the past 50 years two parties have dominated politics in Portugal, with the center-right Social Democrats and the center-left Socialist Party alternating in power. They are likely to come out on top in this ballot, too. Hopes that the ballot might end the worst spell of political instability in decades for the European Union country of 10.6 million people could be dashed, however. Polls suggest the election is poised to deliver yet another minority government, leaving the Portuguese back where they started. Voters in Portugal return to the polls Sunday for a third general election in three years, as the countrys increasingly fragmented political landscape defies efforts to unite behind policies on pressing national issues such as immigration, housing and the cost of living. Polls in Poland opened at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT) and close at 9 p.m. Around 29 million people are eligible to vote. A victory for two eurosceptic candidates would send shockwaves through the European Union at the bloc grapples with the twin challenges of Russias invasion of Polands eastern neighbour Ukraine and Trumps tariffs. The Polish first round vote takes place on the same day as a second round presidential run-off in Romania, where George Simion, a nationalist who campaigns to Make Romania Great Again, faces centrist Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan. The election was called after Montenegro, a 52-year-old lawyer, lost a parliamentary vote of confidence in March following accusations of conflicts of interest stemming from his consulting firms business. Montenegro has denied wrongdoing. Polls opened in Portugal on Sunday for a snap election that centre-right Prime Minister Luis Montenegro is tipped to win, but with no guarantee he can form a more stable government. The Polish first round vote takes place on the same day as a second round presidential run-off in Romania, where George Simion, a nationalist who campaigns to Make Romania Great Again, faces centrist Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan. Also competing are far-right candidate Slawomir Mentzen from the Confederation party, Parliament Speaker Szymon Holownia of the centre-right Poland 2050 and Magdalena Biejat from the Left. Trzaskowski has been cast as the frontrunner, likely to face Nawrocki in a run-off, due on June 1, if no candidate wins over 50%. Media blackout laws forbid the publication of opinion poll results from early on Saturday until voting ends on Sunday. The election pits Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, from Tusks Civic Coalition, against conservative historian Karol Nawrocki, who is backed by PiS. Trumps return to power has energised eurosceptics across Europe, and Sundays ballot will be the sternest test of Tusks pro-European vision since he came to power in 2023, ousting the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party. Poles were voting on Sunday in a presidential election that will decide whether Warsaw follows the pro-European path set by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, or take a step towards bringing back the nationalist admirers of U.S. President Donald Trump. George Simion, a 38-year-old hard-right nationalist who criticises the leadership of the European Union and opposes military aid to neighbouring Ukraine, handily won the first round of presidential elections, leading to the fall of a pro-Western coalition government. That led to large outflows of cash. A hard-right eurosceptic and a centrist independent are facing off in Romanias presidential election runoff on Sunday; the result might have an impact on the nations faltering economy as well as the unity of the EU. The election pits Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, from Tusks Civic Coalition, against conservative historian Karol Nawrocki, who is backed by PiS. Trumps return to power has energised eurosceptics across Europe, and Sundays ballot will be the sternest test of Tusks pro-European vision since he came to power in 2023, ousting the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party. Poles were voting on Sunday in a presidential election that will decide whether Warsaw follows the pro-European path set by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, or take a step towards bringing back the nationalist admirers of U.S. President Donald Trump. The far-right Chega party is on track to finish third once more, making it a potential kingmaker, although Montenegro has refused to govern with the populist movement. Final opinion polls indicate his centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD) is ahead of the Socialist Party (PS) and is likely to pick up more votes but once again fall short of the 116 seats needed in Portugals 230-member parliament to obtain a ruling majority. Voters in Portugal went to the polls on Sunday for the countrys third general election in three years, with Prime Minister Luis Montenegro tipped to win, yet without securing a majority in parliament. Simion, who leads the AUR party, won the first round earlier this month with 40.96 per cent of the vote. Polls show both candidates are now neck-and-neck. Romania is voting in the second round of its presidential election, with the race too close to call between Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan and far-right leader George Simion, a Trump supporter. If this momentum continues on Sunday, the number of votes from abroad could exceed 1.5 million, a new record for Romanian elections. Over 100,000 votes were cast in the UK alone, while Germany and Italy followed closely with about 97,000 each. In the Republic of Moldova, more than 70,000 voted, and over 65,000 turned out in Spain. More than 15,000 voters also participated in the US and Canada. Romanians living abroad have shown strong interest in the second round of the countrys presidential election. Voting in the diaspora began on Friday morning, and by 7 pm on Saturday, more than 609,000 Romanians had already voted almost 90 per cent more than at the same time in the first round. The election is between Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski from Tusks Civic Coalition and conservative historian Karol Nawrocki, supported by PiS. Trzaskowski is seen as the front-runner and may face Nawrocki in a run-off on June 1 if no candidate gets more than 50 per cent of the votes. Trumps return to power has encouraged eurosceptic groups in Europe. Sundays vote is the biggest challenge to Tusks pro-European plans since he took office in 2023, replacing the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party. Poles are voting on Sunday in a presidential election that will decide if Poland stays on a pro-European path led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk or moves towards nationalist leaders who admire US President Donald Trump. Under the previous Socialist Party (PS) government, Portugal became one of Europes most welcoming countries for immigrants. Between 2017 and 2024, the number of foreign residents quadrupled, reaching around 15 per cent of the total population. Immigration has emerged as a key issue in the election. Montenegro has cut income taxes for young people, raised pensions, and adopted a tougher stance on immigration, vowing to end what he called a wide-open doors policy. Final polls show his centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD) slightly ahead of the Socialist Party (PS), yet still short of the 116 seats required for a majority in the 230-seat assembly. Portugal heads to the polls on Sunday for its third general election in as many years. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro is expected to win, but likely without securing a clear majority in parliament. Trumps return to power has boosted eurosceptic forces across Europe. This election is the biggest test yet of Tusks pro-EU stance since he took office in 2023, replacing the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party. Polands presidential election on Sunday will decide whether the country continues on Prime Minister Donald Tusks pro-European path or shifts back towards nationalist politics aligned with US President Donald Trump. The election was called just a year into the centre-right minority governments term after Prime Minister Luis Montenegro lost a confidence vote in March. He had proposed the vote himself after the opposition raised concerns about his familys consultancy business. Portuguese voters cast their ballots on Sunday in the countrys third parliamentary election in as many years. However, many expect continued political uncertainty, as the vote is unlikely to produce a stable government. The top contenders are Warsaw Mayor Rafa Trzaskowski, a liberal ally of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian with no prior political experience, backed by the right-wing Law and Justice party. Poland is holding a presidential election amid rising security concerns, driven by the ongoing war in neighbouring Ukraine and fears that the US might be pulling back its commitment to European defence under President Donald Trump. Am votat astazi la Fagaras, in orasul meu natal, in scoala in care am invatat. Este esential sa tinem minte de unde am plecat, unde ne sunt radacinile, si sa realizam ca nu trebuie sa existe doua Romanii - una a marilor orase si alta a satelor sau oraselor mici, ci trebuie sa pic.twitter.com/X15lrZ5K9x Bucharest Mayor and presidential candidate Nicusor Dan voted in his hometown of Fagaras on Sunday during the second round of Romanias presidential election. He said he voted to keep the country on a pro-European path and avoid international isolation. Polands presidential election on Sunday will decide whether the nation persists with Prime Minister Donald Tusks pro-European agenda or pivots to nationalist policies echoing US President Donald Trumps influence. Trumps anticipated return has fueled Eurosceptic movements across Europe, rendering this vote a critical gauge of Tusks pro-EU stance since ousting the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party in 2023. Polands presidential election on Sunday will decide whether the nation persists with Prime Minister Donald Tusks pro-European agenda or pivots to nationalist policies echoing US President Donald Trumps influence. Trumps anticipated return has fueled Eurosceptic movements across Europe, rendering this vote a critical gauge of Tusks pro-EU stance since ousting the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party in 2023. Polands presidential election on Sunday will decide whether the nation persists with Prime Minister Donald Tusks pro-European agenda or pivots to nationalist policies echoing US President Donald Trumps influence. Trumps anticipated return has fueled Eurosceptic movements across Europe, rendering this vote a critical gauge of Tusks pro-EU stance since ousting the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party in 2023. Voting in Polands presidential election began smoothly on Sunday, with no reported incidents, according to Sylwester Marciniak, head of the National Electoral Commission (PKW). Speaking at a morning press conference, Marciniak confirmed that polling stations opened on time and the process has proceeded without issues. The PKW will provide further updates through three additional press conferences scheduled at 1:30 PM, 6:30 PM, and 10:00 PM, following the closure of polling stations. Official electoral data indicates that over 4.6 million people, or 25 per cent of eligible voters, had voted by noon (0900 GMT) in Romanias presidential election. Polling stations opened at 7:00 AM local time and are set to close at 9:00 PM. Additionally, more than 750,000 Romanians abroad have cast their ballots since special overseas polling stations opened on Friday. Far-right leader Simion and his rival, Bucharests Mayor Nicusor Dan, have both campaigned on a platform of change amid anger with politicians deemed corrupt who have ruled one of the EUs poorest countries since the end of Communism 35 years ago. That would thrust Romania into a growing group of European Union countries with nationalist leaders critical of Brussels and keen to cut military aid to Ukraine. If nationalist George Simion wins the rerun held after last years vote was annulled over allegations of election interference he would become the countrys first far-right president. Romanians were voting on Sunday (May 18) in a tense presidential election re-run, a tight race between a fan of US President Donald Trump and a pro-EU mayor that could reshape the direction of the key NATO member bordering war-torn Ukraine. Despite being four percentage points lower than the same time during the last presidential election in 2020, it is six percentage points higher than in 2015. The Polish presidential election saw a turnout rate of over 20 per cent of eligible voters by midday, DW cited the countrys electoral commission as saying. The incident follows an apparent cyberattack in April, which saw Civic Platforms IT systems targeted in what the government described as an attempt to gain control over the computers of party employees and election staff, DW reported. The Civic Platform party whose presidential candidate was leading polls ahead of Sundays vote blamed Russian hackers for the attack on Friday. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk belongs to this centrist party. Just two days before country was to hold its first round of a hotly contested presidential election, Polands governing party was hit by a cyberattack. Final opinion polls suggest the AD is set to improve on its 2024 performance and surpass the ruling Socialist Party (PS) in vote share. However, it is still expected to secure fewer than the 116 seats required for a majority in Portugals 230-seat parliament. Portuguese voters cast their ballots on Sunday in the countrys third general election in three years, with Prime Minister Luis Montenegros centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD) projected to emerge ahead but fall short of a governing majority. Voting in Romanias presidential runoff closed on Sunday, with turnout rising sharplyabout 10 percentage points higher than the first round two weeks ago. Some 9.8 million Romanians cast their ballots at home, alongside 1.6 million voting abroad, pushing overall participation to around 63.5%. The election pits Nicusor Dan, the liberal mayor of Bucharest, against George Simion, leader of the far-right nationalist AUR party, with the outcome carrying significant implications for Romanias role as a key NATO and European Union member on the alliances eastern front. Voting ends at 9:00 pm (1900 GMT), when exit polls are expected. The final official results of the contest, in which 13 candidates are running, are expected on Monday. That would put both through to a run-off on June 1 at a fraught moment for Europe. Russias invasion of Ukraine drags on, far-right populists continue to make electoral gains and ties with Washington are under strain. Centrist Warsaw mayor Rafal Trzaskowski is expected to win 30 percent of the vote, according to opinion polls, ahead of nationalist historian Karol Nawrocki on 25 percent. Poland voted on Sunday in a tight presidential election that will be decisive for the future of the countrys pro-EU government as well as for abortion and LGBTQ rights. In his first remarks after the vote, Dan praised the impressive strength of Romanian society and pledged to focus on justice and administrative reform. However, he cautioned supporters to brace for difficult economic challenges ahead. Polling stations have closed in Romanias presidential election, with early exit polls showing centrist Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan in the lead. According to figures released by Avangarde for TVR1, Dan has secured 54.9% of the vote, ahead of far-right AUR party leader George Simion, who stands at 45.1%. Voter turnout was high at around 65%, reflecting the stakes in a deeply polarised race. At home, Dan has pledged to prioritise the rule of law, push for administrative reform and address inequality. Fighting corruption remains central to his campaign, as he promises to bring a more efficient and accountable approach to governance. A strong advocate of the European Union, Dan has repeatedly emphasised Romanias commitment to Ukraine, arguing that supporting its neighbour is vital to safeguarding Romanias own national security in the face of Russian aggression. He first gained national prominence more than a decade ago as the founder of the Save Bucharest Association, a civic initiative aimed at protecting the Romanian capital from poor urban planning and corrupt local governance. The groups success catapulted him into politics, where he quickly became a leading figure in Romanias modern reformist movement. Dan, who has served as mayor of Bucharest since 2020, is running as an independent candidate with backing from a centrist coalition. Known for his technocratic style and anti-corruption stance, he has built his political career on promises of reform and transparency. As early exit polls place Nicusor Dan in the lead in Romanias presidential election, attention is turning to the man who could soon become the countrys next head of state. A viral campaign of fake news on Telegram and other social media platforms is aimed to influence the electoral process, he added. During Romanias ongoing presidential elections yet again we see the hallmarks of Russian interference, Romanias foreign ministry spokesman posted on X. Romanias constitutional court in December cancelled an election following allegations of Russian interference and a massive social media promotion of the far-right frontrunner. Russia denied involvement. Nationalist George Simion was facing pro-European Union centrist Nicusor Dan in a tight race for the presidency. Romanias government said it had detected a misinformation campaign bearing the hallmarks of Russian interference in the countrys presidential election Sunday after the founder of the Telegram platform indicated that France had asked for Romanian conservative voices to be silenced. The results set the stage for a high-stakes showdown between two sharply contrasting visions for Poland: Trzaskowskis pro-European centrism and Nawrockis nationalist platform rooted in traditionalism and state conservatism. Trailing behind were far-right candidate Sawomir Mentzen with 15.4%, Grzegorz Braun with 6.2%, and the leftist Adrian Zandberg at 5.2%. Other candidates, including Szymon Hoownia, Magdalena Biejat and Joanna Senyszyn, secured smaller portions of the vote. In his first remarks following the release of the exit poll, Trzaskowski acknowledged the unexpectedly tight result. The race is very close, he told supporters, striking a cautious tone despite his slight lead. Trzaskowski, the candidate for the Civic Platform (PO), leads with 30.8% of the vote, narrowly ahead of Nawrocki from the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS), who secured 29.1%. The two will face each other in the second round on June 1. Polands presidential race is heading to a closely fought run-off, with centrist Warsaw mayor Rafa Trzaskowski and radical-right candidate Karol Nawrocki emerging as the top contenders in Sundays vote, according to an exit poll by Ipsos. Chega has steadily grown in popularity in recent years, capitalising on nationalist and anti-establishment sentiment. The final results, once released, will determine whether the centre-right AD can form a stable government and whether Portugals parliament will see a more prominent role for the far right. If the results are confirmed, Chega could, for the first time, draw level with or surpass the Socialist Party to become Portugals second-largest political force. That outcome would mark a significant shift in the countrys political landscape. The Socialist Party (PS), currently in opposition, is projected to win between 19.4% and 25.4% closely matched by the far-right Chega party, which is expected to secure between 19.5% and 25.5%. An exit poll conducted for TVI and CNN Portugal suggests that the centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD) has taken the lead in Sundays general election, with between 29.1% and 35.1% of the vote. Their head-to-head runoff on June 1 is being closely watched as a referendum on the countrys future direction liberal European integration versus nationalist conservatism. Nawrocki, 41, is a historian and political newcomer on the national stage. Backed by the nationalist Law and Justice Party (PiS), he heads the Institute of National Remembrance and has worked to highlight Polish heroism in WWII history. A staunch conservative, he champions Catholic values and positions himself as a defender of traditional Polish identity. Trzaskowski, 53, is the pro-European mayor of Warsaw and a leading voice in the centre-right Civic Platform. Known for his progressive stance on civil liberties, LGBT+ rights, and environmental issues, he appeals to urban and younger voters. A seasoned politician, he previously served as Europe minister and speaks several languages. Polands presidential race has come down to two sharply contrasting figures: Rafa Trzaskowski and Karol Nawrocki. With neither candidate securing an outright majority, Poland now heads into a runoff runoff on June 1, where Trzaskowskis pledge of cooperation and Nawrockis appeal to rightwing solidarity will both face their ultimate test. Meanwhile, in Gdansk, Nawrocki the 41yearold head of the Institute of National Remembrance rallied his base despite narrowly trailing in the poll. We will win this election, he declared, calling on farright voters who backed other candidates to unite behind him and save Poland. A staunch conservative championing traditional Catholic values, Nawrocki is banking on consolidating the nationalist vote to overtake his centrist rival. Trzaskowski, who topped the exit poll in Sandomierz, told supporters, I said it would be close and it is close. A lot of work ahead of us, we need determination, we need your voteswe are going for victory. The Civic Platform deputy leader, who has pledged to cooperate with the incoming government, remains confident that his progressive, proEU platform will carry him through to the presidency. Exit polls from Sundays first round of Polands presidential election show a neckandneck contest between centrist Warsaw Mayor Rafa Trzaskowski and nationalist candidate Karol Nawrocki, setting the stage for a highstakes runoff. Trzaskowski was expected to get 30.8 percent of the vote and historian Nawrocki 29.1 percent, according to an Ipsos poll, with neither candidate passing the 50 percent threshold required to win in the first round. Pro-EU Warsaw mayor Rafal Trzaskowski was tipped to narrowly win the first round of Polands presidential election on Sunday and face a runoff against nationalist Karol Nawrocki on June 1, an exit poll showed. With no clear majority and mounting ideological divides, Portugal may face weeks of political negotiation and the real possibility of gridlock. The task of appointing a new government now falls to Portugals President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Under the constitution, he will consult all parties with parliamentary representation before inviting a party or coalition leader to form a government. However, he has stated clearly that he will only nominate a candidate if there is sufficient assurance that their programme wont be defeated in parliament, either through support or abstentions. Chega, led by populist Andre Ventura, is now on track to potentially overtake the Socialist Party (PS) as Portugals second-largest political force a dramatic shift in the countrys political landscape. The Socialists, who have led the opposition, appear to have lost substantial ground. While AD has emerged stronger and is expected to seek a coalition with the economically liberal Initiative party, their combined support is still unlikely to clear the threshold needed to form a stable government. The prospect of a broader right-wing alliance is complicated by AD leader Luis Montenegros firm rejection of any deal with the far-right Chega party, which has made significant gains. Portugal is headed for a hung parliament, according to exit polls from Sundays general election, with the centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD) projected to gain seats but fall short of a governing majority. The center-left Socialist Party got between 21% and 26% while the hard-right populist party Chega (Enough) had between 20% and 24%, the poll indicated. The center-right Democratic Alliance captured between 29% and 34% of the votes in the countrys third general election in three years, according to the exit poll by Portugals Catholic University for public broadcaster Radiotelevisao Portuguesa. Sundays election in Portugal was poised to deliver yet another minority government, an exit poll suggested, as the increasingly fragmented political landscape defies efforts to unite behind policies on issues such as immigration, housing and the cost of living. The pro-European Union candidate in Romanias tense presidential runoff has taken a clear lead in the polls, nearly complete electoral data shows, in a closely-watched vote against a hard-right nationalist that could determine the geopolitical direction of the NATO member country. After 10.5 million of 11.6 million votes had been counted, Dan was ahead with 54.32%, while votes for Simion stood at 45.68%, according to official data. The race pitted front-runner George Simion, the 38-year-old leader of the hard-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, or AUR, against incumbent Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan. It was held months after the cancellation of the previous election plunged Romania into its worst political crisis in decades. The pro-European Union candidate in Romanias critical presidential runoff has won the closely watched race against a hard-right nationalist, nearly complete electoral data shows, in a tense election rerun that many viewed as a geopolitical choice between East or West. The race pitted front-runner George Simion, the 38-year-old leader of the hard-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, or AUR, against Dan, the incumbent mayor of Bucharest. It was held months after the cancelation of the previous election plunged Romania into its worst political crisis in decades. Pro-European Union candidate Nicusor Dan on Sunday won Romanias closely watched presidential runoff against a hard-right nationalist who modeled his campaign after U.S. President Donald Trump. The victory marked a major turnaround in a tense election that many viewed as a geopolitical choice for the former Eastern Bloc country between East or West. A late exit poll by the Ipsos institute released three hours after polls closed showed Trzaskowski with an estimated 31.1% of the votes and Nawrocki with 29.1%. That suggested that the runoff on June 1 could be very tight. Official results are expected on Monday or Tuesday. Liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski and a conservative historian, Karol Nawrocki, emerged as the front-runners in Polands presidential election Sunday, according to an exit poll, putting them on track to face off in a second round in two weeks. Portugals third general election in three years dashed hopes that the ballot could end the worst spell of political instability for decades in the European Union country of 10.6 million people. The incumbent center-right Democratic Alliance won a general election in Portugal on Sunday, but it failed to secure a majority in Parliament and was set to take office as a minority government for the second time in a year amid a surge in support for a hard-right populist party. In a critical weekend for European politics, pro-European Union candidates and parties made notable gains in Romania, Poland, and Portugalthough far-right contenders and rising political fragmentation underscored the continents shifting political landscape. For all the latest updates, you can follow Firstpost website and YouTube channel. This live blog has been closed now. Thanks for tuning in. Load More Voters in Poland, Romania, and Portugal head to the polls on Sunday in pivotal national elections that could reshape the political landscape across Eastern and Southern Europe. From presidential runoffs to snap parliamentary votes, these elections come at a time of heightened political tension, economic uncertainty, and shifting alliances within the European Union. Heres what to know about each race. Poland Presidential Election Poland holds the first round of its presidential election on Sunday. The race is close between a candidate from the ruling Civic Coalition and an independent backed by the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party. While the prime minister holds most governing power, the president can veto laws and influence military and foreign policy. Outgoing President Andrzej Duda (PiS) has used his veto to block justice system reforms. The vote comes amid public concern over Russias war in Ukraine, immigration, abortion rights, and the economy, with fears of foreign election interference adding to tensions. Romania Presidential Election Runoff Romanians vote Sunday in a decisive runoff between far-right nationalist George Simion and centrist independent Nicusor Dan. Simion, who opposes EU leadership and military aid to Ukraine, led the first round and caused the collapse of the pro-Western coalition. Dan is pro-EU, Nato, and pledges anti-corruption reforms. The winner will oversee foreign and defense policy and must name a new prime minister to stabilize Romanias economy, cut its high budget deficit, and reassure global investors. Portugal Legislative Election Portugal holds a snap general election on Sundayits third in three yearsafter Prime Minister Luis Montenegros minority government lost a confidence vote in March. The vote followed allegations of misconduct over his familys consultancy firm, which Montenegro denies. Polls suggest no party is likely to secure a clear majority, raising the risk of continued political instability. Voting runs from 8 am to 7 pm local time, with exit polls expected by 8 pm Robert Prevost, a relative unknown on the world stage who only became a cardinal two years ago, was elected pope on May 8 after a short conclave of cardinals that lasted barely 24 hours read more Pope Leo XIV meets with members of the Centesimus Annus Foundation, at the Vatican. Reuters Pope Leo XIV will formally take up his role as leader of the global Catholic Church on Sunday, with a Mass in St. Peters Square that will draw tens of thousands of well-wishers, including dozens of world leaders and European royalty. Crowds are expected to cram the Square and surrounding streets in Rome for the formal celebration, which starts at 10:00 a.m. (0800 GMT) and includes the first ride in the white popemobile by Leo, the first pope from the United States. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Born in Chicago, the 69-year-old pontiff spent many years as a missionary in Peru and also has Peruvian citizenship, meaning he is also the first pope from that South American nation. More from World Trump's White House advisory panel has 2 jihadists, one attended Lashkar training camp in 2000 Robert Prevost, a relative unknown on the world stage who only became a cardinal two years ago, was elected pope on May 8 after a short conclave of cardinals that lasted barely 24 hours. He replaces Pope Francis, from Argentina, who died on April 21 after leading the Church for 12 often turbulent years during which he battled with traditionalists and championed the poor and marginalised. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert who clashed with Francis over the Trump administrations hard-line immigration policies, will lead a U.S. delegation alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also Catholic. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will also attend and would be happy to meet other leaders, a top aide has said, as he did at Francis funeral when he had face-to-face talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in St. Peters Basilica. Zelenskiy last met Vance in February in the White House, when the two men clashed fiercely in front of the worlds media. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also expected at the Vatican ceremony are the presidents of Peru, Israel and Nigeria, the prime ministers of Italy, Canada and Australia, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Many European royals will also be in the VIP seats near the main altar, including Spanish King Felipe and Queen Letizia. Focus on peace In various sermons and comments since his election as pope, Leo has praised Francis repeatedly but has not offered many hints about whether he will continue with the late pontiffs vision of opening the Church up to the modern world. His homily on Sunday is likely to indicate some of the priorities for his papacy, having already made clear over the past 10 days that he will push for peace whenever possible. His first words in an appearance to crowds in St. Peters Square on the night of his election were Peace be with you all, echoing words Catholics use in their celebrations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a May 14 address to officials of the eastern Catholic Churches, many of whom are based in global hot spots such as Ukraine and the Middle East, the new pope pledged he would make every effort for peace. He also offered the Vatican as a mediator in global conflicts, saying war was never inevitable. Sundays Mass will feature prayers in several languages, in a nod to the global reach of the 1.4-billion member Church, including Latin, Italian, Greek, Portuguese, French, Arabic, Polish, and Chinese. As part of the ceremony, Leo will also formally receive two items as he takes up the papacy: a liturgical vestment known as a pallium, a strip of lambswool which represents his role as a shepherd, and a special band known as the fishermans ring. The ceremonial gold signet ring is specially cast for each new pope and can be used by Leo to seal documents. It features a design of St. Peter holding the keys to Heaven and will be broken after his death, marking an end to his papacy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD About 2.06 million Romanians, or 11.5% of registered voters, had cast ballots by 0634 GMT, data showed, including abroad read more Presidential candidate George Simion votes during Romania's second round of the presidential election, in Mogosoaia, Romania. Reuters A hard-right eurosceptic and a centrist independent are facing off in Romanias presidential election runoff on Sunday; the result might have an impact on the nations faltering economy as well as the unity of the EU. George Simion, a 38-year-old hard-right nationalist who criticises the leadership of the European Union and opposes military aid to neighbouring Ukraine, handily won the first round of presidential elections, leading to the fall of a pro-Western coalition government. That led to large outflows of cash. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nicusor Dan, 55, a centrist mayor of Bucharest who is adamantly pro-EU and pro-NATO and has vowed to crack down on corruption, has stated that Romanias support for Ukraine is essential for its own security against an increasingly dangerous Russian threat. The president of the EU and NATO state has considerable powers, including being in charge of the defence council that decides on military aid. He will also have oversight of foreign policy, with the power to veto EU votes that require unanimity. Whoever is elected will also need to nominate a prime minister to negotiate a majority in parliament to reduce Romanias budget deficit - the largest in the EU - as well as to reassure investors and try to avoid a credit rating downgrade. An opinion poll on Friday showed Dan slightly ahead of Simion for the first time since the first round in a tight race that will depend on turnout and the sizable Romanian diaspora. About 2.06 million Romanians, or 11.5% of registered voters, had cast ballots by 0634 GMT, data showed, including abroad. Voting ends at 9 p.m. (1800 GMT) with exit polls to follow immediately and preliminary results expected later in the evening. The president is limited to two five-year terms. Unlike Western states, which can more easily afford mistakes, trust in Romania can be lost much more easily and it could take generations to gain it back, said Radu Burnete, director of the countrys largest employers group. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We cannot afford to drift. Isolation Political analysts have said victory for Simion, a supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, would risk isolating the country abroad, eroding private investment and destabilising NATOs eastern flank. Romanias vote takes place nearly six months after the initial ballot was cancelled because of alleged Russian interference - denied by Moscow - in favour of far-right frontrunner Calin Georgescu, who was banned from standing again. Simion owes much of his success to popular anger against the decision, as well as frustration with mainstream parties blamed for high living costs, inequality and corruption. He has said he would chose Georgescu, who favours nationalisations and an openness towards Russia, to be prime minister. Simion voted alongside Georgescu, who has called him his protege, on the outskirts of Bucharest, flanked by bodyguards and swarmed by supporters. I voted against abuses and poverty, Simion said. I voted against those who disregard us all. Dan voted in his small central Romanian hometown of Fagaras, hugging teachers from his old middle school and calling people out to vote as Romania is choosing its future for longer than five years, it is at a turning point, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I voted for change that brings prosperity not the discouragement of investment in Romania. I voted for a good collaboration with our European partners and not isolation. Also on Sunday, Poles vote in the first round of Polands presidential election, which is expected to be led by pro-EU Warsaw mayor Rafal Trzaskowski and conservative historian Karol Nawrocki. Victory for Simion and/or Nawrocki would expand a cohort of eurosceptic leaders that already includes prime ministers in Hungary and Slovakia amid a political shift in Central Europe that could widen rifts in the EU. What the (nationalists) want is a European Union that is as little integrated as possible, said political analyst and historian Ion M. Ionita. One in which decisions are only taken nationally, but still benefiting from European money. Some analysts said online disinformation had been rife ahead of Sundays vote. Were seeing disinformation spreading like wildfire across social media platforms through bots and strategic reshares mimicking authentic posting, said Roxana Radu, expert at Oxford Universitys Blavatnik School of Government. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nothing captured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus isolation more starkly this week than the image of US President Donald Trump shaking hands with Syrias Islamist leader Ahmed alSharaa a man Israel has branded an alQaeda terrorist in a suit. read more US President Donald Trumps recent tour across Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates has seemingly solidified a new Sunni-led order in West Asia, leaving long-standing ally Israel and its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an increasingly isolated position. The four-day diplomatic push, driven by substantial arms, business and technology agreements, signals a recalibration of Washingtons regional priorities: a transactional, interest-driven diplomacy that prizes arms deals, economic partnerships and regional de-escalation over ideological loyalty that appears to be at odds with Netanyahus agenda. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The most striking moment came in Riyadh, where Trump shook hands with Syrias new Islamist leader Ahmed al-Sharaa a figure Israel has branded an al-Qaeda terrorist in a suit. Trumps positive remarks about Sharaa, following their meeting brokered by Saudi Arabia, highlighted a willingness to engage with entities previously considered beyond the pale by Israel. This move, coupled with the lucrative deals secured with the Sunni Gulf states, points towards a US strategy that prioritises a unified Sunni bloc as a counterweight to a diminished Iran, whose axis of resistance has been significantly weakened by internal pressures and Israeli military actions against its proxies. The new Sunni-centric order Trumps whirlwind tour through Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE wasnt merely a victory lap for the dealmaker-president. It marked the consolidation of a Sunni-led regional order, one that marginalises both Irans diminished axis of resistance and, increasingly, Israels strategic priorities. Various reports suggest that growing frustration in Washington over Netanyahus handling of the Gaza conflict has played a significant role in this diplomatic realignment. Trumps tour, bypassing Israel, is perceived by many as a clear message to Netanyahu that the unconditional U.S. support he has historically relied upon can no longer be taken for granted. This administration is very frustrated with Netanyahu and that frustration is showing, said David Schenker, a former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs under Republican former President George W. Bush. Theyre very, very transactional, and Netanyahu isnt giving them anything right now. While sources emphasised that the US is not abandoning Israel, a vital ally with deep bipartisan support in Washington, the Trump administration appears intent on asserting its own interests in West Asia, Reuters reported. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to reports, Netanyahus perceived inflexibility on key issues, including a ceasefire in Gaza and his opposition to US engagement with Iran over its nuclear program, has reportedly strained the relationship. The divergence in strategic outlook became apparent earlier this year when Netanyahus visit to Washington seeking support for military action against Iran was met with Trumps preference for diplomacy. This, followed by Trumps declaration of a ceasefire in Yemen with the Iran-backed Houthis and the direct engagement with Syria, signalled a clear departure from the traditionally aligned US-Israel stance on regional matters. Riyadhs rising influence Analysts say the new Middle East order is being shaped not in Tel Aviv but in Riyadh, Doha and Abu Dhabi. These Sunni-led monarchies are eager for advanced US technology and security guarantees amid persistent threats from Iran and its regional proxies. In the past, Iran had the leading role, said a senior regional official. Now Saudi Arabia has entered with other tools: the economy, money, investment. That ascendancy was most evident in Trumps unexpected decision to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria a move made at Saudi Arabias urging and over Israeli objections. It marks a sweeping pivot from years of US support for the opposition to Bashar al-Assads regime and reflects Gulf-led priorities in stabilising Syrias post-Assad political order under al-Sharaa. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Trump administration has also announced a ceasefire with the Houthis in Yemen, effectively ending a costly US military campaign in the Red Sea just days after a missile struck Israels Ben Gurion Airport a deal viewed as appeasement by Israeli hawks. Netanyahu under fire at home Back home, Netanyahu is facing intensifying criticism. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett accused his government of being paralysed in the face of sweeping regional change. The Middle East is undergoing tectonic changes before our eyes, Bennett posted on X. Our enemies are getting stronger, and Netanyahu and his gang are passive, as if they dont exist. Netanyahu, who is also on trial in Israel for corruption charges he denies, has made no public comments on Trumps tour. But Israeli media have been rife with speculation about deteriorating ties with Washington and fears of diplomatic isolation. The integration push does not appear to target the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, a dominant Kurdish-led militia in the northeast, which had earlier reached an agreement with interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa to gradually fold into the state apparatus read more The photograph shows US-backed Kurdish military personnel of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Syria's Raqqa in 2017. (Photo: Reuters) Syrias new defence minister has issued an ultimatum to remaining armed groups that have not yet joined the countrys official security forces, demanding they integrate within ten days or face unspecified consequences. The move comes amid ongoing efforts by the interim government to reassert central authority in a fragmented post-Assad landscape. In a statement released late Saturday, Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra declared that key military units had now been incorporated into a unified institutional framework, marking what he called a great achievement in consolidating national defence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We stress the need for the remaining small military groups to join the ministry within a maximum period of 10 days from the date of this announcement, in order to complete the efforts of unification and organisation, Abu Qasra said. He did not specify which factions the statement was addressing. The integration push does not appear to target the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, a dominant Kurdish-led militia in the northeast, which had earlier reached an agreement with interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa to gradually fold into the state apparatus. The proliferation of weapons and loosely affiliated fighters has hampered Sharaas attempts to stabilise the country following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad six months ago. Some groups that had fought against Assad remain sceptical of the new government, while others that supported him have maintained independent chains of command. Diplomatic support from Washington has recently given the interim leadership a boost. Last week, US President Donald Trump met with Sharaa and announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria. Interior Minister Anas Khattab said the move would aid security, stability and civil peace. Several Islamist rebel groups, including factions that once operated under the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham umbrella, agreed in December to disband and merge with the Defence Ministry. These groups had fought alongside Sunni Arab rebel forces against Assad and are now being folded into the central command. Syria has continued to face serious security challenges despite the political transition. In March, sectarian violence erupted in the coastal region when Sunni militants killed hundreds of Alawite civilians in reprisal for attacks by Assad loyalists. More recently, over 100 people were reported killed in April during clashes between Sunni and Druze fighters in areas near Damascus. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On Saturday (May 17), the Syrian authorities launched raids in Aleppo targeting Islamic State cells, in a reminder of the persistent threat posed by jihadist networks in the countrys urban centres. With inputs from Reuters A Missouri grand jury indicted a teenager for the firebombing of two Tesla cybertrucks and the unlawful possession of a Molotov cocktail. The teen, identified as 19-year-old Own McIntire, was charged with one count of malicious destruction of property and one count of unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device. Missouri Teen Charged With Firebombing Cybertrucks The indictment against the defendant alleges that he intentionally made use of fire and explosive materials to damage or try to destroy the cybertrucks on Mar. 17, 2025. The vehicles that were targeted were involved in interstate commerce, which made the teen's case eligible for federal prosecution. McIntire is also accused of knowingly possessing a Molotov cocktail that was reportedly not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. If the defendant is convicted of the charges against him, he faces up to 20 years and 10 years of imprisonment for the first and second charges, respectively, according to MSN. The teen's act supposedly caused damage to the two cybertrucks, which were valued at $105,485 and $107,485. The fire he started also resulted in damage to two charging stations worth roughly $550 each. In a court appearance on Friday, McIntire pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. Officials arrested McIntire in Massachusetts, where he is a college student, and he first appeared in court on Apr. 18, 2025. He was later released to his parents' home and has since been kept under electronic monitoring. Tying the Defendant to the Case The case began after a Kansas City police officer, on the night of the incident, noticed smoke rising from the Tesla lot while passing by at around 11:16 p.m. He then found a grey cybertruck on fire as well as an unbroken Molotov cocktail inside an apple cider vinegar bottle nearby, The Kansas City Star reported. The police officer quickly tried to extinguish the fire but it quickly spread to a second vehicle, which prompted the Kansas City Fire Department to respond to the scene. Authorities attributed surveillance footage and DNA evidence in tying McIntire to the crime. Attorney General Pam Bondi said that any individual who wants to firebomb a Tesla property will not evade the law. She added that perpetrators will be arrested, prosecuted, and spend decades in prison. The acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Dan Driscoll, said that the action was not merely vandalism, but a violent criminal act, as per ABC News. UN human rights chief Volker Turk alleged that the Israeli campaign was aimed at denying humanitarian assistance to Palestinians and displacing the local population read more A Palestinian walks past a rubble of houses destroyed during Israel's offensive, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, March 13, 2025. (Photo: Reuters) A whopping 140 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza in the last 24 hours as Israel presses ahead with its fresh offensive in Gaza, prompting renewed allegations of ethnic cleansing. Local health officials claim that more than 300 people have perished since the Israeli campaign resumed last Thursday (May 15), ushering in one of the deadliest periods in the war since ceasefire talks broke down in March. Since midnight, we have received 58 martyrs, while a large number of victims remain under the rubble. The situation inside the hospital is catastrophic, Marwan al-Sultan, the director of the Indonesian hospital in northern Gaza said Saturday (May 17). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD UN condemns dramatic escalation The escalation by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) was condemned by the UN human rights chief on Friday. Volker Turk alleged that the Israeli campaign was aimed at denying humanitarian assistance to Palestinians and displacing the local population, which he said was equivalent to ethnic cleansing. This latest barrage of bombs and the denial of humanitarian assistance underline that there appears to be a push for a permanent demographic shift in Gaza that is in defiance of international law and is tantamount to ethnic cleansing, he said. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres echoed similar sentiments. While speaking at an Arab League summit in Baghdad on Saturday, Guterres called for a permanent ceasefire and lasting peace. Israels justification Israel claims that the expanded operation in Gaza is a part of Operation Gideons Chariots, which is meant to achieve all of the war goals in Gaza. The strikes and accompanying mass mobilisation of troops along Gazas borders indicate that Israel may be moving towards establishing operational control of parts of the besieged territory. A ceasefire that began in January fell apart in mid-March when Israel did not proceed to the planned second phase, which could have ended the conflict. The chance of a lasting peace seemed even more unlikely when Israels security cabinet approved plans in early May that might involve taking over the entire Gaza Strip. Arab league summit The Arab League summit , held on Saturday, focused heavily on the Gaza ceasefire talks. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein mentioned that the attending ministers would support a reconstruction plan for Gaza, differing from Trumps proposal to take control of the Palestinian territory. The ministers later committed $40 million for rebuilding efforts in Gaza and Lebanon. On Saturday, Hamas announced that new ceasefire talks with Israel had started in Doha, Qatar. A Hamas official, Taher al-Nono, told Reuters that both sides were discussing all issues without any preconditions. At least 27 people have been killed after severe storms and tornadoes struck parts of the US Midwest and South over the weekend. Kentucky was the hardest hit, with 18 deaths confirmed in the state and several others critically injured. read more At least 27 people have died after powerful storms swept through parts of the US Midwest and South. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said 18 of the deaths were in his state, with 10 others critically injured. A strong tornado in Kentucky caused major damage, destroying homes, flipping vehicles, and leaving many residents homeless. Seventeen people died in Laurel County in southeastern Kentucky, and one person was killed in nearby Pulaski County. The victim was Fire Department Major Roger Leslie Leatherman, a 39-year veteran who died while responding to the storm. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Governor Beshear said parts of at least two dozen state roads were closed, and some may take days to reopen. He also warned that the death toll could rise. We need the whole world right now to be really good neighbors to this region, the governor said. State Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson said hundreds of homes were damaged, Kayla Patterson, her husband and their five children huddled in a tub in their basement in London, the county seat, as the tornado raged around them. You could literally hear just things ripping in the distance, glass shattering everywhere, just roaring like a freight train," she recalled Saturday. The family eventually emerged to the sounds of sirens and panicked neighbors. While the familys own home was spared, others right behind it were demolished, Patterson said as the sound of power tools buzzed in the background. The neighborhood was dotted with piles of lumber, metal sheeting, insulation and stray belongings a suitcase, a sofa, some six-packs of paper towels. Trump, who has been pressing Russia to agree a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, said he would speak with him by phone on Monday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov told the state TASS news agency the call was being prepared read more This combination of pictures created on March 18, 2025 shows President Donald Trump (L) on the phone on January 28, 2017 in Washington, and Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R) on the phone Moscow on December 27, 2023. AFP US President Donald Trump said Saturday he would speak by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the bloodbath in Ukraine, a day after the first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in more than three years. Trump, who has been pressing Russia to agree a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, said he would speak with him by phone on Monday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov told the state TASS news agency the call was being prepared. Earlier Saturday, the Kremlin had said that a meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would be possible only after both sides reach an agreement. That came a day after direct talks between the two countries led to an agreement for another exchange of prisoners. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Early Saturday, a Russian drone attack on a minibus carrying evacuated civilians in Ukraines eastern Sumy region killed nine people and wounded five, local authorities said. Zelenskyy, denouncing the attack and Russias refusal so far to agree a ceasefire, repeated his call for fresh sanctions against Moscow. Without stronger sanctions, without stronger pressure on Russia, there will be no real diplomacy there, he insisted. On Friday in Istanbul, the first direct Ukraine-Russia talks since the spring of 2022 shortly after Moscows full-scale invasion that February led to an agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners each. Ukraines top negotiator, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, said the next step would be a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin. Russia said it had taken note of the request. We consider it possible, but only as a result of the work and upon achieving certain results in the form of an agreement between the two sides, the Kremlins spokesman said. Trump denounces bloodbath Russias top negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said Moscow and Kyiv would present their vision of a possible future ceasefire, without saying when. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Kremlin said that first the POW swap had to be completed and both sides need to present their visions for a ceasefire before fixing the next round of talks. For now, we need to do what the delegations agreed on yesterday in Turkey, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, which meant first and foremost to complete a 1,000 for 1,000 swap. The head of Ukraines military intelligence, Kirillo Budanov, told broadcaster TSN he hoped the exchange would happen next week. Posting on Truth Social Saturday, Trump said he would speak to Putin on Monday to discuss finding a way out of the BLOODBATH. Afterwards, he added, he would speak to Zelenskyy and Nato officials, expressing hope that a ceasefire will take place, and this very violent war will end. Both Moscow and Washington have already stressed the need for a meeting on the conflict between Putin and Trump. Trump has argued that nothings going to happen on the conflict until he meets Putin face-to-face. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the latest prisoner exchange in a telephone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. And in an interview with CBS, he said Lavrov had told him Moscow was preparing a document outlining its requirements for a ceasefire. If Russia and Moscow can both provide serious and viable proposals then theres been real progress, and we can work off of that, Rubio said. Fighting goes on The attack on the bus happened near the city of Bilopillya, local community head Yuri Zarko told Suspilne TV. A family of three were among the dead, the authorities said.Elsewhere on the frontlines, the Russian army said its troops captured Oleksandropil village in the eastern Donetsk region, site of some of the most intense fighting. As well as Sumy, Russia also pounded eastern Ukraine with missiles and drones, killing six and wounding more than a dozen, officials said. In Kherson, Russian shelling hit a truck carrying humanitarian aid Saturday morning. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Zelenskyy accused Putin of being afraid after he declined to Travel to Turkey for talks and argued that Russia was not taking the talks seriously. Yesterday in Istanbul, everyone saw a weak and unprepared Russian delegation with no significant powers. This must change. We need real steps to end the war, Zelenskyy said Saturday. On Friday, Zelenskyy had called for a strong reaction from the world, including new sanctions, if the Istanbul talks failed. Macron said European nations were coordinating with Washington on additional sanctions should Moscow continue to refuse an unconditional ceasefire. On Saturday, Zelenskyy said he had spoken to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney about fresh and effective sanctions against Russia. During the Istanbul talks, the Ukrainian side said Russia had made unacceptable territorial demands. Moscow claims annexation of five Ukrainian regions four since its 2022 invasion, and Crimea, which it annexed in 2014. Two former jihadist operatives in the US, including one who attended Lashkar camps and took part in attacks in Kashmir, have been appointed to a White House advisory board by the Trump administration. read more Donald Trump had vowed to use overwhelming lethal force against the Houthis. AP Two former jihadist operatives from the United States, including one who reportedly trained with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Pakistan in 2000 and took part in attacks in Kashmir, have been appointed to the White House Advisory Board of the Religious Freedom Commission by the Trump administration. Ismail Royer, one of the appointees, is a former jihadist who served 13 years in prison on terror-related charges. He has now been appointed to the advisory board of the White Houses Religious Freedom Commission. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 2003, Royer was charged with terrorism-related offences, including conspiring to wage war against the United States and providing support to al-Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Taiba. He pleaded guilty in 2004 to aiding the use of firearms and explosives, was sentenced to 20 years, and served 13 years, according to The Washington Post. Royer is also reported to have undergone training in Lashkar camps in Pakistan in 2000. Hamza Yusuf also named to panel Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, co-founder of Zaytuna College, is also on the advisory board list. He is alleged to have links with Islamic jihadists and proscribed terror groups, according to Lara Loomer, a close ally of US President Donald Trump. Insane appointment, says Loomer Political activist Laura Loomer, who played a key role in the removal of Trumps National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, described Royers appointment as insane. White House defends Royers credentials According to a White House statement, Royer is currently the director of the Islam and Religious Freedom Action Team at the Religious Freedom Institute. Since converting to Islam in 1992, he has studied religious sciences with traditional Islamic scholars and spent over a decade working at non-profit Islamic organisations. Royer has worked with nonprofits to promote peace between faiths, the White House said. The statement also noted that Royers writing has appeared in several publications. He also co-authored a chapter on Islam in Religious Violence Today: Faith and Conflict in the Modern World. Royer reflects on his past In a 2023 interview with the Middle East Forum, Royer spoke about his journey into jihadism. I liked the people in LeT. I was strongly against Bin Laden and saw Al-Qaeda as a group of extremists. I was told LeT wasnt an extremist group and that they followed the Saudi imam, he said. I encouraged Muslims at the mosque to join Lashkar and train with them in Kashmir. The training wasnt very serious, it felt more like tourism. It was like, Here, shoot some guns, explore the mountains, and then go back home. It was almost like a promotion, he said. Any deal between the United States and Iran must include an agreement not to enrich uranium, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said on Sunday, a comment that drew criticism from Tehran. read more Any potential agreement between the United States and Iran must explicitly prohibit uranium enrichment, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said on Sunday, reiterating President Donald Trumps firm stance on the issue. His comments drew criticism from Tehran, suggesting that the two sides have a long way to go to reach any agreement over Irans nuclear program We have one very, very clear red line, and that is enrichment. We cannot allow even 1% of an enrichment capability, Witkoff said during an appearance on ABCs This Week. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He emphasised that the Trump administrations baseline for any deal begins with a total ban on enrichment activities. Because enrichment enables weaponisation. And we will not allow a bomb to get here, he added. Irans sharp response to the remarks underscored the challenges facing any renewed diplomatic efforts to curb its nuclear ambitions. The response from Tehran was swift. Unrealistic expectations stop negotiations, enrichment in Iran is not something that can be stopped, Irans semi-official Tasnim news agency cited Irans foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, as saying on Sunday. I think he is completely at a distance from the reality of the negotiations, Araqchi said of Witkoff, and added that enrichment will continue. Witkoff said he is optimistic about negotiations and thinks the parties will hold talks again in Europe this week. We hope that it will lead to some real positivity, Witkoff said. Araqchi said the date and location of the next round of talks will be announced soon. Trump said on Thursday that the United States was getting very close to securing a nuclear deal with Iran, but on Friday said Iran needs to move quickly. Trump told reporters on Friday aboard Air Force One after departing the United Arab Emirates: They have a proposal. More importantly, they know they have to move quickly or something bad something bads going to happen, according to an audio recording of the remarks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Araqchi said on social media that Tehran had not received a U.S. proposal. During his first term as president, Trump withdrew the United States from a 2015 deal between Iran and world powers that placed strict limits on Tehrans uranium enrichment activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump also reimposed sweeping US sanctions. It starts when Emmanuel Macron comes to a seated Erdogan to shake hands. An unsuspecting Erdogan suddenly grabs Macrons hands and starts patting them read more A video showing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan grabbing the fingers of his French counterpart during the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Albania has gone viral on social media, with users pointing out how this awkward gesture by the Turkish president might have something to do with the display of power and authority. It starts when Emmanuel Macron comes to a seated Erdogan to shake hands. An unsuspecting Erdogan suddenly grabs Macrons hands and starts patting them, as the French president seems busy chatting with another person in the background. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amidst this, Macron extends his other hand to Erdogan as he tries to free his hands but Erdogan quickly holds on to the French leaders middle finger as they exchange a few words. The 15-second clip shows Macron in an uncomfortable body position as Erdogan keeps holding his fingers, before letting it go. The video is now making rounds on internet, with commentators speculating about Erdogans subtle messaging through his seemingly embarrassing act. One Turkish media outlet spun this as Erdogans retaliation to Macrons alleged attempt at establishing his psychological superiority by putting his hand on the Turkish presidents shoulder. But Erdogan did not allow it, he held his finger tightly and did not let go, the Turkish media outlet concluded. Some users on X wrote that Erdogans body language exhibited a position of weakness and it looked like he has dementia. Body language = Erdogan has dementia, one user wrote. Another user said it was a diplomatic masterstroke by Erdogan. Erdogan is a master in geopolitics and the boys from Europe are amateurs. You cant win from Erdogan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A third user said Macron fell right into Erdogans finger trap. The EPC Summit brought together leaders from 47 countries to enhance regional security and promote political stability across Europe. While the summit focused on critical issues like Ukraine and migration, it was marked by several memorable moments. One highlight was Albanian Prime Minister Edi Ramas warm and theatrical welcome of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Kneeling on one knee on the red carpet and offering a respectful namaste, Ramas gesture, coinciding with Melonis 48th birthday, captured global attention and charmed online audiences. 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Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024. In this image obtained from the Laurel County Fiscal Court in Kentucky, residents search through tornado damage near the city of London on May 17, 2025 The meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US Vice President JD Vance came two days after the first direct talks between Ukraine and Russia in over three years Karen Breslin, a Democrat looking to primary John Hickenlooper in next years U.S. Senate election, visited Grand Junction for a town hall Thursday night. The event was held at the Mesa County Central Library, hosted by the group Indivisible Grand Junction. Breslin heard from and responded to a dozen locals as she gears up for what she emphasized is a serious run for Congress. Breslin is a lawyer, teaching professor at the University of Colorado Denver, and former National Park Service employee for a quarter-century. She previously ran for the Senate against incumbent Michael Bennet in 2022, receiving 19% of delegates at the state assembly. She said she has dozens of volunteers assisting her campaign this time around. Dont let anyone convince you that Im not serious about this effort. Not just me but all the people behind me, and theres a lot of them, Breslin said. My roots in federal employment go pretty deep. The idea that Trump can come along and just push people out the door the way he has when he cant legally do those things, and too few people have stood up to say, Thats wrong. Thats illegal. You cant do this,.... Where were our members of Congress on this? Her case to town hall attendees and voters: Hickenloopers voting history siding with the Trump administration too frequently, opposing Trumps efforts more frequently and vigorously, emphasizing economic focus for the Democratic party, calling for a ceasefire in Palestine, environmental protection, and an energy in the Senate akin to Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (though she clarified to attendees that she is a capitalist). I think people are tired of a political system that serves the rich and leaves everybody else out of the picture. Most of us make less than $200,000. The political system has not really responded to the needs of people in that category for literal decades, Breslin told town hall attendees. When a political system does not serve a majority of people, you get figures like Trump. People give up on democracy because it stops serving them. When you have a system thats been rigged for the most wealthiest, most-powerful sector of our society, people get fed up. Also, Breslin has vowed that, if elected to the Senate, she would only serve a single term. She believes only one term is needed to disrupt and hold (the GOP) accountable without being concerned about re-election. Breslin, 64, is nine years younger than Hickenlooper, 73. If re-elected, Hickenlooper would be 80 years old at the end of his term. With a background that includes covering Congress as a reporter, Breslin noted that she finds that Washington, D.C. is not a fun place and not a great place to live, stressing no desire to spend longer than six years working there. Topics discussed during the town hall included potential Medicaid cuts resulting from the Trump administrations budget, the cutting of environmental and public lands regulations, court orders being ignored, the actions of Elon Musks DOGE (Department of Government Accountability), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, and the widespread cutting of federal government staff. She said she believes the point in time that the Democratic Party fell out of step with Americans in rural areas was the Clinton administration in the 1990s, saying the party devolved into reacting to Republican administrations instead of maintaining a strong identity as the GOP appealed to the disaffected and forgotten voters. Through this lack of identity, she said, politicians like Hickenlooper have been caught flat-footed in response to President Trumps agenda and methods. Crossing the aisle to work with people who are allowing Trump to destroy our government? No, Breslin said. Bullies dont respond to reason. They dont respond to, How about you only take half of my lunch money? After the town hall, Breslin spoke with The Daily Sentinel. She began by emphasizing how critical it is to engage with rural areas outside of the Front Range in order to have a serious campaign against someone with branding as notable as Hickenloopers. I think people need to be seen and heard. Part of what Republicans do better than Democrats is pay attention to people in rural communities and smaller towns. Im bound and determined to change that, Breslin said. My mother was a park ranger at Dinosaur National Monument and Vernal is the gateway community to Dinosaur, and its a lovely community. She was always in small towns through much of her park service career. My heart is in those kinds of communities.... I absolutely believe that a senator has to be a senator for the whole state, not just the Front Range or Denver. She said her first Senate run in 2022 was more of an experiment since she had attempted social change through other avenues such as being a lawyer and being a political science professor. I also thought, Lets see if theres an appetite for more progressive ideas. I dont love that label because the truth is these are ideas that have been consistent throughout American history, Breslin said. They go all the way back to the New Deal, Lyndon Johnsons Great Society, John F. Kennedy envisioning a much better future for us, Jimmy Carter. You have to get to the Clintons before the dream dies, so to speak. When asked how her approach would be different this time, she responded that shes taking herself more seriously this time around. She views her candidacy as a response to pleas by Sanders and Democratic National Committee Vice-Chairman David Hogg for candidates nationwide to run for office to unseat incumbent Democrats, and her campaign has sought the attention or backing of those figures. Im confident that this is going to go regardless of if someone like Bernie Sanders ever pays attention to me, Breslin said. I think were onto something, and thats because of the response weve had so far. Breslin ran for district attorney in the 23rd Judicial District (Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties) last year, losing to Republican George Brauchler after garnering roughly 38% of the vote. Dennis received bachelor's degrees in communication and political science with a TAG degree in Spanish from The University of Akron in Ohio. He grew up in Ohio with two sisters and two brothers, one being his fraternal twin. He and his wife have two dogs: Bacio, and Cal. Dennis currently covers natural resource and environmental issues for The Daily Sentinel Joint statement by Australia, Canada and New Zealand on occasion of APEC Ministerial meetings in Jeju, Korea, 11-16 May Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 16 May 2025 Joint media release of Australia, Canada and New Zealand on the occasion of the APEC Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting, 11-12 May, Education Ministers Meeting, 13-14 May, and Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting, 15-16 May 2025 in Jeju, Republic of Korea "We express our unwavering support for APEC and are fully committed to helping Korea, as APEC Chair in 2025, deliver a successful host year." "We are united in our resolve to ensure peace and stability in our region and to uphold international law, recognizing these are preconditions for the inclusive and sustainable economic growth for which we strive." "We condemn Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, which is now in its fourth year. In addition to causing terrible damage and loss of life in Ukraine, Russia's war is compounding human suffering and contributing to food and energy insecurity across the region and in the world economy." "Russia's actions and their economic impacts on the region are contrary to APEC's vision for an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community for the peace and prosperity of all our people and future generations." "Furthermore, Russia's actions undermine the stability and prosperity that are essential preconditions for advancing economic cooperation." "APEC meetings provide an important opportunity to discuss these matters and their impacts on our economies." "Reaffirming the importance of international rules, norms and standards, we call on Russia to end its illegal invasion and work constructively towards a just and lasting peace for the people of Ukraine". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran condemns Israel's attacks on Yemeni ports as 'war crime' IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 17, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes on vital Yemeni ports, describing the aggression as a clear manifestation of the regime's warmongering and criminal nature. In a statement released on Saturday, Baqaei denounced the Israeli strikes on Yemen as part of the endless chain of crimes against Muslim nations in the region. He emphasized that the assaults on Yemen's economic infrastructure and public facilities, including the ports of Al Hudaydah, Ras Isa, and Salif, constitute not only a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter but also a clear example of war crimes and crimes against humanity. These attacks come at a time when the Yemeni people are already suffering under a blockade and severe humanitarian hardship, he said, adding that targeting their critical infrastructure is an attempt to deprive them of access to basic necessities of life. He further said the United States, Britain, and a number of other Western governments were complicit in the Israeli atrocities in Gaza and its acts of aggression against regional Muslim nations, including Yemen. "Undoubtedly, the unconditional support of the U.S., Britain, and some other Western countries for the Israeli regime has emboldened it to continue its lawlessness, aggression, and the massacre of defenseless Palestinian women and children, and now the oppressed people of Yemen. These administrations are direct accomplices in these crimes and must be held accountable before the world's public opinion," Baqaei added. He further decried the U.N. Security Council's inaction and muted response to the Israeli strikes, saying such silence attests to the decline of the council's legal and moral authority. "The Islamic world must rise against the Zionist regime's expansionism and warmongering by realizing its moral and legal responsibility and stand against the rogue regime through unity and solidarity, because the continuation of these conditions will not only make the entire region more insecure, but also seriously jeopardize world peace," he said. 3266**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address At Arab League summit, U.N. chief decries forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 17, 2025 United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned Israel's policy of forcibly displacing Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, saying that "nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people." Speaking at the Arab League Summit in Baghdad on Saturday, Guterres called for an immediate and permanent end to the war in Gaza and the release of prisoners. "We reject the forced displacement of the people in this region. We are deeply concerned about the potential expansion of Israel's military operations," he warned. Guterres also addressed broader regional issues, stressing the importance of Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity. He further underscored the need to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity and urged urgent action to prevent famine and mass displacement in Sudan. The summit opened with a speech by Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al-Zayani, as Bahrain held the presidency of the 33rd Arab League Summit. Al-Zayani reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to reconstructing Gaza and supporting ceasefire agreements. Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid condemned "the ongoing Israeli aggression against Gaza," and voiced Iraq's stance against the displacement of Palestinians. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani also addressed the summit. He proposed the creation of an Arab fund to support recovery and reconstruction efforts. "Iraq is contributing $20 million for the reconstruction of Gaza and another $20 million for Lebanon," he announced. Al-Sudani condemned the ongoing "genocide" in Gaza and called for an end to massacres in Gaza and attacks on the West Bank. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged the summit to adopt an Arab plan to end the war, pointing out that more than 53,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called on U.S. President Donald Trump to put pressure on Israel to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, warning that regional stability remains unattainable without a comprehensive peace and the establishment of a Palestinian state. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez echoed these concerns. "Palestine is bleeding before our eyes. The international community cannot ignore or turn a blind eye to what is happening in Gaza." He said Israeli forces were violating "the basic principles of humanity, international law, and international humanitarian law." Sanchez called for an immediate and unconditional end to the humanitarian crisis. Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also attended the summit. Jordanian Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan represented King Abdullah, while Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam attended on behalf of President Joseph Aoun. 3266**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 7 European states call for immediate end to Gaza siege IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 17, 2025 In a statement issued on Friday, leaders from Iceland, Luxembourg, Spain, Slovenia, Malta, Spain, and Norway urged the Israeli regime to lift the siege on Gaza, cease military operations, allow the delivery of international humanitarian aid into the strip, and return to indirect negotiations with Hamas regarding a ceasefire. These leaders warned that if Israel ignores such measures, thousands of Palestinians could lose their lives from hunger in the coming days and weeks. They emphasized, "We will not be silent in front of the man-made humanitarian catastrophe that is taking place before our eyes in Gaza." According to the statement, more than 50,000 men, women, and children have lost their lives. The United Nations and humanitarian organizations, including United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), must be supported and provided with safe access to the region. The European leaders backed the immediate resumption of ceasefire talks, saying that this path could serve as a foundation for establishing sustainable, fair, and all-inclusive peace. They also supported the Palestinian people's right to determine their own fate, expressing their commitment to finding a peaceful and sustainable solution within the framework of the U.N. and in cooperation with Arab and Islamic countries. These countries also condemned the escalation of tension in the West Bank and the expansion of illegal settlements, warning that forced displacement of the Palestinian people is unacceptable and violates international law. The Israeli regime's aggression against Gaza began on October 7, 2023, resulting in over 53,000 deaths and nearly 120,000 injuries. Since March 2, 2025, the regime has enforced a full blockade on Gaza for the past 74 days. 4208**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address His Majesty King Mohammed VI called for the immediate cessation of military operations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and a return to the negotiating table with a view to reviving the truce agreement as a prelude to declaring a final ceasefire. Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs Saturday 17 May 2025 Given the alarming situation in the region following the collapse of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, the Sovereign also called, in a speech at the 34th Arab League Summit held in Baghdad, "for the urgent intervention to put an end to the Israeli military aggressions in the West Bank, especially the demolition of houses and the forced displacement of unarmed Palestinians from the areas under Israeli control." In this speech, HM the King underscored the "need to ensure the continued provision of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, particularly medical and food supplies, and make sure the provision of aid is not hindered for any reason." He also stressed the need to maintain the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and to support the Agency so that it may carry out the tasks assigned to it by the international community for the benefit of the civilian population. In His Speech, read out by Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Mr. Nasser Bourita, the Sovereign further called for the definition of a comprehensive roadmap for the implementation of the reconstruction plan approved by the recent extraordinary Arab Summit held in Cairo, without the displacement of residents, to be managed by the Palestinian Authority under Arab and international supervision. Based on the immutable principles underpinning the foreign policy of the Kingdom of Morocco and its historical responsibility towards its brothers and sisters as well as its positions regarding the Palestinian cause, HM the King, reiterated the need to open up prospects for a political solution in order to bring about real, just peace to the region, which guarantees the Palestinian people the achievement of their legitimate rights and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State on the June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital and the Gaza Strip an integral part thereof. The Sovereign also stressed the need to "support the Palestinian Authority, under the leadership of my brother, His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas Abu Mazen, and consolidate its institutions to meet the aspirations of the Palestinian people for security, peace, progress, and prosperity." "I wish to reiterate the need for national reconciliation, which remains the fundamental gateway to strengthening the Palestinian position in any future peace process," HM the King assured in His speech. In keeping with the responsibility entrusted to Him as Chairman of the al-Quds Committee, HM the King reaffirmed His will to continue to defend the holy sites, especially al-Quds al-Sharif, by building on the combined effect of political and diplomatic action, on the one hand, and the field work carried out by the Bayt Mal al-Quds Agency, on the other, to continue to implement tangible programs and projects. These projects are eventually aimed at preserving the cultural and spiritual identity of the Holy City, improve the social and living conditions of the inhabitants of al-Quds, and support their steadfastness and continued presence in al-Quds, the Sovereign pointed out. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza offensive expanded with airstrikes, ground troop deployment: Israeli military People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 15:08, May 17, 2025 JERUSALEM, May 16 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military said on Friday it had stepped up its operations in the Gaza Strip, launching a wave of airstrikes and deploying additional ground forces in an effort to establish operational control in parts of the enclave. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the intensified assault marked the start of a new operation codenamed "Gideon's Chariots," which aims to expand the scope of fighting and advance key war objectives, including the release of hostages and the dismantling of Hamas. "IDF troops will continue to operate in order to protect Israeli civilians and achieve the objectives of the war," the military said in a statement. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces would enter Gaza "with full force" in the coming days as part of efforts to defeat Hamas. Health officials in Gaza said at least 109 people were killed and 216 wounded in the northern part of the territory on Friday amid the latest Israeli bombardment. The intensification followed Israel's resumption of military operations in Gaza on March 18, after a brief lull in fighting. Since then, at least 2,985 Palestinians have been killed and 8,173 injured, bringing the total number of deaths since the conflict erupted in October 2023 to 53,119, with 120,214 wounded, according to Gaza's health authorities. Hamas accused Israel on Thursday of disregarding ongoing ceasefire mediation efforts, saying the Israeli government is pursuing "an endless war." "Israel is responding to mediation efforts with military pressure on civilians, mass bombing, and more suffering for the Palestinian people in a desperate attempt to impose its terms under fire," the group said in a statement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran: Intensified Israeli attacks on Gaza aimed at imposing 'illegitimate demands'; will face 'heroic resistance' Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 May 2025 11:45 PM The Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the escalation of deadly Israeli attacks on Gaza, asserting that the aggression was aimed at imposing "illegitimate demands" and forcibly displacing the coastal sliver's population. In a statement on Saturday, spokesperson Esmail Baghaei also emphasized that these atrocities would undoubtedly be met with the "heroic resistance" of the Palestinian people. The remarks came following significantly increased aggression against the Gaza Strip on the part of the Israeli regime over the past days, which has taken place amid the regime's October 2023-present war of genocide on the territory. Baghaei made specific mention of Israeli attacks against refugee shelters and medical centers in Gaza, which had resulted in the death and injury of hundreds of Palestinians. "These attacks will not go unanswered," the official stated. "The Palestinian people, with their unwavering spirit, will continue to resist this aggression." The spokesperson, meanwhile, highlighted that the regime had ramped up the aggression, while sabotaging mediation efforts aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement. He underscored the role of the United States and the UK, denouncing them for being complicit in the regime's crimes by providing it with considerable military and political support. The official further described the ongoing violation of human rights and international law in Gaza and the occupied West Bank as a disaster for the United Nations and the international legal system, urging immediate and serious international action to halt the genocide and war crimes being committed by the regime. The situation in Gaza has become increasingly dire, with the government media office there reporting that at least 200 people had been killed and over 300,000 others displaced over the past 48 hours alone. According to the office, Israeli forces had systematically targeted civilian infrastructure, turning Gaza into an open "killing field." Medical teams and rescue workers have been blocked from reaching the injured, further exacerbating the crisis, local sources have reported. The office condemned the regime's atrocities as ethnic cleansing, lambasting the international community for complicity in the ongoing mass killings due to its silence. It also condemned deliberate delay in the delivery of humanitarian aid. For 77 consecutive days, Tel Aviv has tightened its blockade on Gaza to stifling proportions, preventing the entry of food, medical supplies, and essential goods, resulting in widespread famine and increasing mortality rates, the office has noted. The intensified blockade has resulted in the deaths of at least 57 Palestinians, mostly children, from hunger and malnutrition. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US-backed Gaza aid plan distraction from Israel's atrocities: UNRWA Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 May 2025 6:50 PM The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees has denounced a controversial US-backed Israeli aid plan for Gaza as a deliberate distraction from the regime's ongoing atrocities against Palestinians. Philippe Lazzarini said in a post on X that such plans waste precious time and resources as famine looms and humanitarian aid remains blocked at the border. Without directly referring to the plan, Lazzarini said on Saturday that "putting together new 'plans' is a distraction from the atrocities + a waste of resources." He said that the UN agency's aid "is piled up outside [Gaza]: food will rot, medicines will expire. At the same time, the clock is ticking towards famine. The people of Gaza are dying." "Lift the siege. Open the gates. Let us do our jobs." The UN's aid chief, Tom Fletcher, also warned on Friday that time should not be wasted on an alternative Gaza aid plan. He wrote on X, "To those proposing an alternative modality for aid distribution, let's not waste time: We already have a plan." "We have thousands of trucks of food at the border. Let us in. Let us work." More than two months after it completely blocked aid to Gaza, Israel has agreed to a plan that will be administered by a newly formed private foundation set up by the US. The so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation would set up distribution sites secured by private US military contractors and manned by aid workers. The United Nations' major aid organizations, however, are refusing to participate in the new aid mechanism, warning it risks displacing Palestinians and increasing the dangers they face. The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) has warned that the plan could force families into an "impossible choice between displacement and death." UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said if the US-backed plan were to be implemented, Gaza's most vulnerable individuals the elderly, children with disabilities, the sick, and the wounded who cannot travel to designated distribution zones would face "horrendous challenges" retrieving aid. The Gaza Strip has been under a complete aid blockade since Israel broke a ceasefire agreement with Hamas in mid-March. Humanitarian organizations have warned repeatedly that food, water, medicines, and fuel have been running out across the populated territory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran: Israel's airstrikes on Yemen's infrastructure constitute blatant war crime Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 May 2025 4:36 PM The spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry says the Israeli regime's airstrikes on Yemen's economic infrastructure and public facilities constitute a "blatant war crime and crime against humanity." In a statement on Saturday, Esmaeil Baghaei strongly condemned the Israeli regime's airstrikes on important Yemeni ports. He added that the attacks on the Yemeni ports of Hudaydah, Ras Isa, and Salif are a gross violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. At least one person was killed and nine others were injured in a series of Israeli airstrikes against positions in Yemen's strategic western province of Hudaydah. Yemeni health authorities indicated that all casualties were port workers and cautioned that the death toll could rise. Baghaei said the strikes indicate Israel's warmongering and criminal nature and a new wave of the regime's endless crimes against the Muslim nations in the region. He added that the Israeli regime carries out such attacks at a time when the Yemeni people are under siege and suffering from compounded humanitarian distress. Targeting vital infrastructure is a brutal act aimed at depriving the Yemeni people of access to basic necessities of life, he emphasized. The spokesman emphasized that the United States, Britain, and some other Western countries are complicit in the continuation of the Israeli regime's crimes in Gaza and its acts of aggression against Muslim countries in the region. He pointed out that the unconditional support of the West for Israel has emboldened the regime in its unlawful acts, aggression, and the massacre of defenseless Palestinian women and children, and now the oppressed people of Yemen. Baghaei also lashed out at the United Nations Security Council for maintaining silence in the face of the Israeli regime's attacks, saying it shows a decline in the legal and moral authority of this international body. "The Muslim world must realize its moral and legal responsibility and rise against the Zionist regime's expansionism and warmongering and confront the regime's tyranny with unity and solidarity," he added. He warned that the continuation of the Israeli regime's attacks would not only spread insecurity across the region but would also pose a serious threat to global peace. Yemen's Foreign Ministry, in a statement on Friday, condemned the Israeli regime's repeated attacks against the country's ports, saying those attacks will be met with a painful response. It added that the repeated targeting of Yemeni ports is evidence of the Zionist entity's abject failure to achieve its goals. As the genocidal war on Gaza escalated, the Yemenis enacted a strategic blockade on essential maritime routes, intending to obstruct the delivery of military supplies to Israel and urge the international community to take action regarding the ongoing humanitarian emergency in Gaza. The Yemeni Armed Forces have declared they will continue their assaults until Israel ceases its ground and aerial offensives in Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran FM: Implementation of Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal will lead to lasting stability, security Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 May 2025 2:00 PM Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the speedy implementation of the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will help establish lasting stability and security in the region. "Iran calls for the acceleration of the conclusion of a peace agreement between the two countries to stabilize lasting stability and security and assist in the process of comprehensive development and progress in the region," Araghchi said in a meeting with Secretary of Armenia's Security Council Armen Grigoryan in Tehran on Saturday. The Islamic Republic would spare no effort to expedite the signing and implementation of the document between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as it enjoys good relations with both sides, he added. Armenia and Azerbaijan in March agreed on the text of a peace agreement to end nearly four decades of conflict between the South Caucasus countries, with Yerevan agreeing to surrender its claim to Karabakh. The long-disputed region of Karabakh was at the center of two costly wars between Armenia and Azerbaijan in 2020 and the 1990s. The region has always been internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, whose troops retook it in a 24-hour offensive. Araghchi pointed to very good relations between Iran and Armenia and said Tehran is keen to improve cordial ties based on mutual respect. He also reiterated Iran's principled stance on safeguarding the Iranian people's right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and briefed the Armenian official on the latest developments regarding indirect talks with the United States. Grigoryan, for his part, pointed to very good and positive ties between Armenia and Iran and expressed his country's firm determination to promote all-out relations with Tehran, particularly in the economic and trade sectors. He elaborated on the latest developments regarding the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty and commended Iran's stance on support for Armenia's national security and territorial integrity and the peace agreement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas calls on Arab leaders to take 'practical steps' to end Israel's genocide in Gaza Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 May 2025 1:25 PM The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has called on Arab leaders to take urgent and practical steps to end the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip and lift the devastating humanitarian blockade on the besieged territory. Hamas made the appeal in a statement on Saturday, as the 34th Arab League Summit kicked off in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, with the Israeli genocide against Gaza being a primary focus. "As the 34th Arab Summit convenes today in Baghdad, the Gaza Strip is enduring one of the most horrific and bloody assaults. The occupation continues to commit massacres against civilians, targeting residential neighborhoods and shelter centers, resulting in the martyrdom and injury of hundreds, all under a suffocating siege and a complete halt to aid deliveries," Hamas said. It went on to say that northern Gaza in particular is witnessing "a systematic campaign of extermination, with intensified aerial and artillery bombardment forcing hundreds of families into forced displacement from their homes, fleeing death and shelling." The Palestinian resistance movement also noted that "what is taking place is a fully-fledged genocide being perpetrated before the eyes of a paralyzed world, as more than 2.5 million people in the besieged Strip are being slaughtered." Hamas further urged the Arab League Summit "to assume its historic responsibilities and take concrete steps to stop the aggression, lift the siege, and implement the resolutions of the Riyadh Summit, which called for breaking the blockade and ensuring the entry of humanitarian aid." It also called for imposing sanctions on the "fascist" Israeli regime and the prosecution of its leaders as war criminals The resistance group also called on "the peoples of the world and all free forces to intensify the global solidarity campaign to expose the crimes of the occupation and lay bare its policies of extermination and starvation." Earlier in the day, Arab leaders convened in Baghdad to take part in the 34th Arab League Summit, with the continued Israeli regime forces' genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza dominating the talks, besides other regional issues. Saturday's summit comes two months after the Tel Aviv regime ended a ceasefire reached with Gaza's authorities and resumed its deadly attacks on Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to further intensify the devastating war to pursue his aim of eliminating the ruling Palestinian Hamas resistance movement. Israel launched the campaign of genocide in Gaza on October 7, 2023. It has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians there so far. In January, the Israeli regime was forced to agree to a ceasefire deal with Hamas, given the regime's failure to achieve any of its objectives, including the "elimination" of the Palestinian resistance movement or the release of captives. On March 18, the regime resumed the strikes on Gaza, breaking the nearly two-month-long ceasefire and prisoner-captive exchange agreement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Arab leaders convene in Baghdad to discuss Gaza genocide, regional issues Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 May 2025 11:04 AM Arab leaders have convened in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, to take part in the 34th Arab League Summit, with the Israeli genocide against Gaza expected to be a primary focus. The summit kicked off on Saturday with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid leading the sessions. Top diplomats of Arab states agreed that the continued Israeli regime forces' genocidal war against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip would be in the limelight during the summit. Foreign Ministers of the Arab League had met earlier on Thursday to finalize the summit's agenda which included main issues concerning West Asia and North Africa. The Arab League has also invited UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to attend the international summit. Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent his greetings to the Arab leaders taking part in the summit, reminding them that their meeting was being held at a difficult time in the region. "The escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which has claimed tens of thousands of civilian lives, has dramatically aggravated tensions and enhanced many social and economic problems in adjacent countries and throughout the Middle East as a whole," he said. "The role of the Arab League as an effective mechanism for multilateral dialogue and interaction is especially important in this situation," he added. Putin said he was confident that this meeting would help strengthen multifaceted mutually beneficial cooperation between the countries and explore ways to bring about peace, security and stability in West Asia and North Africa. UN chief calls for immediate, permanent ceasefire Addressing the summit, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued an urgent call for a "permanent and immediate ceasefire" in Gaza, following Israel's announcement of an intensified offensive in the besieged Palestinian territory. Guterres expressed deep concern over Israel's plans to expand its ground operations to occupy more territory in Gaza. He also said that the United Nations would not participate in any aid operation in Gaza that fails to adhere to international law and humanitarian standards. Gaza genocide at 'a level of ugliness unparalleled in history' Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani pledged $40 million for reconstruction in Gaza and Lebanon, and called for an Arab fund to support rebuilding efforts. Al-Sudani condemned the ongoing "genocide" in Gaza and called for an end to the forced displacement of Palestinians. "This genocide has reached a level of ugliness unparalleled in all conflicts in history," the prime minister added. 'Palestine bleeding before our eyes' Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also addressed the summit, underscoring the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. "Palestine is bleeding before our eyes. What is unfolding in Gaza and the West Bank cannot go unnoticed," he said. Sanchez said Israel was violating international law and humanitarian principles. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza must end "immediately and without delay," he said. Saturday's summit comes two months after the Tel Aviv regime ended a ceasefire reached with Gaza's authorities and resumed its deadly attacks in Gaza, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to further intensify the devastating war to pursue his aim of eliminating the ruling Palestinian Hamas resistance movement. The Arab League Summit also follows US President Donald Trump's 4-day tour in the region earlier in the week. During Trump's visit, Saudi Arabia promised to invest $600 billion in the US, and major projects were signed with the United Arab Emirates after Abu Dhabi in March committed to a 10-year, $1.4 trillion investment framework in the US. Qatar and the US agreed on a $1.2 trillion "economic exchange." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanon kills one amid ongoing truce violations Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 May 2025 11:02 AM At least one person has been killed in an attack by an Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle in the southern part of Lebanon, marking a new violation of a shaky ceasefire agreement with the Arab nation. Lebanon's al-Mayadeen television news channel, citing local sources, reported that the Israeli drone fired a missile at a car as it was traveling along a road near the city of Tyre on Saturday, leaving its occupant dead. The development came as Israeli drones carried out multiple airstrikes across southern Lebanon on Thursday, killing a member of the Hezbollah resistance movement and destroying several prefabricated structures. Lebanon's Ministry of Health said in a statement at the time that an Israeli drone strike targeted a vehicle on the Arnoun-Yohmor road, and killed one person. A Lebanese security source identified the victim as Mohammad Ali Marouni, a Hezbollah member from the town of Arnoun in the Nabatieh district. In a related incident, Lebanon's official National News Agency reported that an Israeli Apache helicopter carried out three consecutive strikes within half an hour on the village of Houla in southeastern Lebanon, striking a prefabricated structure belonging to the Wataawano Association. Earlier, the Israeli army had struck another prefabricated building in the village of Adaisseh. Separately, a drone dropped a stun grenade on a house in Kfar Kila, while another drone dropped a similar device over the ruins of al-Dhahira School in the western part of southern Lebanon. Since the commencement of the agreement, the occupying forces have been launching assaults on Lebanon, breaching the ceasefire. On January 27, Lebanon announced its decision to extend the ceasefire with Israel until February 18. Although the deadline of February 18 has passed, Israel continues to maintain its occupation of five significant regions in southern Lebanon, namely Labbouneh, Mount Blat, Owayda Hill, Aaziyyeh, and Hammamis Hill, all situated near the border. Lebanon has condemned the continued presence of Israeli military forces, viewing it as a violation of the ceasefire agreement and the established timeline for withdrawal. Senior officials in Beirut have expressed their commitment to take "all necessary measures" to remove the occupying troops from the nation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli airstrikes kill 13 more Palestinians across Gaza amid 77-day aid blockade Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 May 2025 10:37 AM The Israeli regime has intensified its bombardment across the Gaza Strip, killing at least 13 Palestinians since the early hours of Saturday, as reported by medical sources. The casualties included three members of the same family, reports added. The indiscriminate Israeli air strikes have killed at least 115 people in the territory since Friday. Gaza's civil defense agency says due to "continuous Israeli bombardment" it is unable to reach Palestinians missing under destroyed buildings in the Gaza Strip. "The occupation targets everyone who moves in the northern areas of the Strip, and we find it difficult to reach those areas to save citizens," agency spokesman Mahmoud Basal said in a statement. Dozens of people have been killed in the latest Israeli attacks and many remain under the rubble, Basal said, including from attacks on more than 10 inhabited homes in the Beit Lahiya and Jabalia areas. "People keep moving from one place to another, seeking safety, which does not exist right now," reports said. This comes as the Red Crescent has renewed calls for Israel to reopen crossings with Gaza for the delivery of humanitarian aid into the besieged territory, warning that the region has been "left to starve and ache." The Israeli regime imposed an aid blockade on the Gaza Strip on March 2, marking the longest siege since the war began in October 2023. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification initiative released on Monday said the Gaza Strip "is still confronted with a critical risk of famine" after more than a year and a half of onslaught against Palestine, with the vast majority of its approximately 2.1 million people at severe risk. It has also found that 244,000 people in Gaza were experiencing "catastrophe/famine." More than 19,000 Palestinians have been displaced in Gaza since Thursday afternoon, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). "Many with nothing but the clothes on their backs," the organization said in a post on X. "Nowhere is safe in Gaza." Furthermore, the administration of US President Donald Trump is working on a plan to relocate about 1 million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Libya in exchange for the release of billions of dollars of Libyan funds frozen in the US. According to Gaza's Ministry of Health, Israel's atrocities against Gaza have killed at least 53,119 Palestinians. It has also wounded 120,214. The Government Media Office in Gaza updated the death toll to 61,700, saying thousands of people missing under the rubble are presumed dead. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US pulling out Truman carrier from West Asia after ceasefire with Yemen: Report Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 May 2025 8:24 AM A US official has stated that the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman is being withdrawn from West Asia and will not be replaced by another vessel. The official told Al-Jazeera that both the US and the Yemeni Ansarallah resistance movement continue to uphold a mutual ceasefire. Earlier this month, the two sides agreed on an Omani-mediated ceasefire. The agreement prohibits both parties from attacking each other, including US ships, to guarantee secure maritime passage. Before that, the US had markedly intensified its deadly attacks against Yemen as a means of trying to force Sana'a into stopping its strikes against the Israeli regime, Washington's most cherished regional ally. The US official also highlighted that Israel does not inform the US beforehand about all its assaults on Ansarallah-related targets. On Friday, Israeli forces conducted new strikes against port facilities in Yemen's Hudaydah region, as the regime's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "This is only the beginning" and promised intensified assaults against the group's command structure and critical assets. Yemen's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday that the repeated targeting of Yemeni ports is evidence of the occupying entity's abject failure to achieve its goals. The statement condemned the international community's complete silence regarding the Israeli aggression. Mohammad al-Bukhaiti, another senior Ansarullah member, stated that Yemen's ongoing operations against the Israeli regime in support of the Gaza Strip would be exempt from the ceasefire deal. The Yemeni armed forces have been attacking Israeli and US targets in the sea in support of Palestinians in Gaza since Tel Aviv launched its devastating war on the besieged Palestinian territory in October 2023. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address One killed, 9 injured in Israeli airstrikes on Hudaydah, Salif seaports in western Yemen Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 May 2025 7:19 AM The Israeli military has carried out a series of airstrikes against positions in Yemen's strategic western province of Hudaydah, as Yemeni armed forces continue to conduct operations supporting Palestinians amid the Gaza genocidal war. Yemen's al-Masirah television channel, citing local sources, reported that the aerial attacks struck targets at the ports of Hudaydah and Salif, without giving further details. The strikes killed at least one person and injured nine others, reports added. Yemeni health authorities indicated that all casualties were port workers and cautioned that the death toll could rise. In a statement, the Israeli army said dozens of Israeli military aircraft were involved in the attack on Yemen, including fighter jets, refuelers, and spy planes. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu also confirmed the attack, vowing to strike the Ansarullah resistance movement "much harder, including their leadership and all infrastructure that enables them to attack us." The Israeli aerial aggression occurred a day after Yemeni Armed Forces claimed responsibility for an operation against Ben Gurion International Airport, located 20 kilometers (12 miles) to the southeast of Tel Aviv. Brigadier General Yahya Saree, spokesperson for Yemen's military, stated on Thursday night that Yemeni missile units targeted the strategic Israeli facility in the occupied territories with a homegrown hypersonic ballistic missile. Saree noted that the retaliatory strike attained its desired objectives successfully, sending hundreds of thousands of illegal settlers into shelters. As the genocidal war on Gaza escalated, the Yemenis enacted a strategic blockade on essential maritime routes, with the goal of obstructing the delivery of military supplies to Israel and urging the international community to take action regarding the ongoing humanitarian emergency in Gaza. The Yemeni Armed Forces have declared they will continue their assaults until Israel ceases its ground and aerial offensives in Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas: Witkoff vowed to lift Gaza blockade in exchange for American-Israeli captive Edan Alexander Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 May 2025 6:24 AM A senior Hamas official has said that US special envoy Witkoff personally assured the Palestinian resistance group that the US would pressure Israel to end the Gaza blockade and permit humanitarian access within two days of freeing American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander. Basem Naim, a member of Hamas's political bureau who has previously engaged in direct talks with US officials, told Drop Site that Witkoff also promised that Trump would make a public call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for negotiations aimed at achieving a "permanent ceasefire." "It was a deal," he said, adding that the pledge was made by "Witkoff, himself." Referring to the deal, he said, "If we release [Alexander], Trump will speak out thanking Hamas for its gesture, obliging Israel on the second day to open the borders and allow aid to come into Gaza, and [Trump would] call for an immediate ceasefire and to go for negotiations to end the war." According to Naim, "He did nothing of this. They didn't violate the deal. They threw it in the trash." This week in Doha, Witkoff and Adam Boehler, the White House special envoy on captives, held multiple discussions with Israeli negotiators and regional mediators from Qatar and Egypt. Although both US officials voiced public optimism about a potential breakthrough, Naim dismissed any signs of advancement. "Zero," he stated. "Big zero." "They returned back to talking about the Israeli proposal or the Israeli-Witkoff proposal, as if nothing happened during the last one or two weeks, including the release of Alexander, who was released within the context of direct talks with the Americans," Naim said. The 21-year-old Alexander has been held captive since October 7, 2023, when the resistance fighters launched a uniquely courageous operation against the occupied Palestinian territories. On Monday, Hamas said it released Edan Alexander "following contacts with the US administration." According to the statement, the move comes "as part of the efforts made by mediators to achieve a ceasefire, open crossings, and deliver aid to the Gaza Strip." Trump on Gaza: Pledges aid but floats US takeover On Friday, while concluding his Persian Gulf tour, Trump briefly commented on the Gaza conflict and the severe humanitarian crisis resulting from Israel's comprehensive blockade of the territory. "We're looking at Gaza, and we got to get that taken care of," he said at a public event in the United Arab Emirates. "A lot of people are starving. A lot of people. There's a lot of bad things going on." Naim noted Trump's comments on Gaza's starvation crisis but highlighted that, just a day earlier, he had floated the idea of the US taking control of Gazasaying he'd be "proud" to claim the Palestinian territory and turn it into a "freedom zone." He expressed skepticism about reaching a deal unless Trump pressures Israel to act. "If [Netanyahu] still enjoys impunity from the Americans and the Western countries, and the feeling in the international community is that he can" break agreements, Naim stated, then talks are futile. "As long as Israel has a free hand and behaves as a spoiled boy, as a rogue state, they can do it again and again," he added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Tajani US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson May 17, 2025 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce: Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani about the urgent need for a ceasefire in Ukraine and a path to durable peace. The two leaders also discussed our nations' enduring friendship and unity on a multitude of foreign policy issues. Secretary Rubio acknowledged Italy's steps to increase defense spending and appreciated Minister Tajani's remarks committing to investment in the United States, as well as their determination to meet President Trump's defense spending target of five percent of GDP. Additionally, the two leaders exchanged views on key developments in the Middle East, including Israel, Libya, and Syria. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson May 17, 2025 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce: Secretary Rubio spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tonight from Rome. They discussed the situation in Gaza and their joint efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Meetings with Holy See Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson May 17, 2025 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce: Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today with Holy See Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States, to express heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the United States ahead of the inauguration of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. They reaffirmed the strong partnership between the United States and the Holy See and discussed our shared commitment to ending the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The United States stands firm in support of freedom of religion and the Secretary looks forward to working with the Holy See to protect these rights globally. Secretary Rubio also met with Cardinal Zuppi to discuss the urgent need to end the Russia-Ukraine war. The Secretary expressed appreciation for the Vatican's important humanitarian role, including facilitating prisoner exchanges and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration under the new leadership of ope Leo XIV. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address At Arab League Summit, Guterres reiterates call for Gaza ceasefire 17 May 2025 - The UN Secretary-General renewed his call for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and upheld the need for a two-State solution between Israelis and Palestinians in a speech on Saturday to the League of Arab States Summit in Baghdad. Antonio Guterres told leaders meeting in the Iraqi capital that "the region and the world face trials and tests on all fronts," starting with the situation in Gaza. He reiterated that neither the atrocious 7 October 2023 terror attacks by Hamas nor the collective punishment of the Palestinian people can be justified. Permanent ceasefire now "We need a permanent ceasefire, now. The unconditional release of all hostages, now. And the free flow of humanitarian aid ending the blockade, now," he said. The Secretary-General expressed alarm over reports that Israel plans to expand ground operations in Gaza and stressed that the UN "will not participate in any so-called aid operation that does not adhere to international law and the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality." He again called for full support for UN Palestine refugee agency UNRWA, including funding. Two-State solution at risk The UN chief rejected the repeated displacement of the Gaza population, as well as any suggestion of forced displacement outside Gaza, and urged leaders to remain focused on the terrible situation in the occupied West Bank. "Let's be clear," he said. "Annexation is illegal. Settlements are illegal. Only a two-State solution can deliver sustainable peace." He said the high-level conference in June, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, is an important opportunity. "The world, the region - and, most of all, the people of Palestine and Israel - cannot afford to watch the two-State solution disappear before our eyes," he said. Respect Lebanese sovereignty The Secretary-General addressed the situation in Lebanon. He emphasized that the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected, and the Government must have full control over the entire territory. He was encouraged by continued progress on reforms as well as efforts to deploy the Lebanese Armed Forces to the south, with support from the UN Mission in the country, UNIFIL. Mr. Guterres touched on Syria, saying sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity are critical. He urged strong support for an inclusive Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process that safeguards the rights and participation of all the country's people and ensures their protection. Regarding Yemen, he noted that attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea have caused significant damage to regional and local economies. He welcomed the cessation of hostilities between the Houthis and the United States, announced by Oman on 6 May. The Secretary-General also called for the release of UN staff and other personnel in Yemen who have been arbitrarily arrested. Engagement on Sudan In Sudan, renewed and coordinated multilateral engagement is crucial to help stem appalling violence, famine, and mass displacement, he said, and thanked the Arab League and African Union (AU) for the excellent coordination meeting convened the previous day. He also commended the Arab League's efforts to strengthen multilateral coordination. The Secretary-General turned next to Somalia, saying unity and inclusive dialogue are imperative. Furthermore, assistance from Somalia's partners will be essential in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants and to strengthen peace and security. For this reason, Mr. Guterres said he has put forward a recommendation to the UN Security Council to enable predictable and sustainable financing for the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in the country. Meanwhile in Libya, the UN is also actively engaging in efforts to end the confrontation between armed groups, to preserve the independence of key oversight institutions, to address obstacles preventing national elections, and set the course for long-term stability and prosperity in line with the people's needs and aspirations. Lessons from Baghdad The Secretary-General concluded his remarks by commending the progress Iraq has made over since the restoration of sovereignty in 2004, such as strengthening institutions, resolving outstanding disputes through dialogue, and promoting sustainable development as well as human rights. He said the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) has accompanied the country on this path and is working to ensure the successful delivery of its residual mandate and an orderly drawdown by the end of the year. "Despite the enormous challenges, let us draw lessons and hope from here in Baghdad. Working in unity and solidarity, we can help resolve conflicts and build a future of peace and prosperity," he said. Gaza situation 'beyond inhumane' Speaking later to reporters, Mr. Guterres said the situation for Palestinians in Gaza "is beyond description, beyond atrocious and beyond inhumane." Since 2 March, Israel has banned the entry of cargo into the Strip, including aid and other life-saving supplies. UN agencies continue to warn that the entire population, 2.1 million people, is at risk of famine and one if five faces starvation. "A policy of siege and starvation makes a mockery of international law," he said, calling for the blockade to end immediately. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 17 May 2025 - Day 1179 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The UK Ministry of Defence reported that in the last month Russian forces have made increased tactical gains in central Donetsk oblast, particularly in the vicinity of the city of Kostiantynivka. Kostiantynivka itself links to the large urban areas of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. Russia is carrying out attacks in three areas: Chasiv Yar (12 km to the north-east), Toretsk (15 km to the south-east) and to the east of Pokrovsk along the H-32 highway. The battles for Chasiv Yar and Toretsk have both been taking place for a year. Russia occupies the majority of both but has been unable to fully consolidate control or to exploit slow advances. Most of Chasiv Yar has been destroyed due to heavy Russian aerial and artillery bombardment. Ukrainian forces remain in several fortified buildings in defence. Russia has also expanded a salient south-west of Kostiantynivka, advancing approximately 5km in some areas. Russian forces have highly likely severed the H-32 highway which connects Kostiantynikva with Pokrovsk and will likely seek to advance further on this axis in coming weeks. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 131 combat encounters. Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively interrupt the attempts of the Russian enemy to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him a fiery impression. Russian zagarbniki made 52 aviacijnih strikes, dropping 63 kab. In addition, 1036 kamikaze drones were recruited to impress and carried out almost 4000 shells on the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. Today, the Russian enemy attacked three times in the Kharkiv direction, in the area of Vovchanskaya and in the direction of Stroivka. In the direction of Kupyansky, Russian forces made one attack attempt near Zagrizovy. In the Lyman direction, the Defense Forces repelled 19 assaults from positions near the settlements of Novoyegorivka, Lozova, Ridkodub, Grekivka, Katerinivka, Yampolivka and Green Valley. The three clashes are still ongoing. In the sivers komu direction, Russian forces attacked ten times near bilogorivka and verkhnyokamans kogo, two confrontations remain unfinished. Since the beginning of the day in the Kramators komu direction, Russian forces attacked in the areas of Chasovogo Yar, Kurdyumivka and in the direction of Predtecinyogo, Stupochok and White Mountain. Ukrainian units repelled six attacks, two confrontations are currently ongoing. Konstantinivka suffered from the strikes of Russian CAB. 14 boezitknen took place in the Toretsky direction today. Russian forces tried to storm the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of Toretsk, Ozaryanivka, Diliyivka and Friendship. In the Pokrovsky direction, since the beginning of this day, the Russian enemy attacked 44 times in the settlements of Stara Mykolaivka, Yablunivka, Vozdvizhenka, Nova Poltavka, Mirolyubivka, Elizabethtivka, Rumin, Novosergiyivka, Troyitske and Andriyivka. Ukrainian defenders have repelled 38 attacks, six more clashes continue so far. Today in this direction, according to preliminary data, 372 Russian invaders were defecated, of which 228 - irrevocably. In addition, Ukrainian soldiers destroyed a self-propelled artillery system, seven cars, 27 motorcycles, a mortar and 15 BPLAs; also damaged another self-propelled gun. Ukrainian defenders repelled 19 Russian forces attacks in the areas of Konstantinopol, Bagatyr, Vilny Pol, Rivnopol, Novopol and Green Field. In the Orihiv direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled five Russian attacks in the areas of Scherbaky, Stepovy and Maliy Scherbakiv, another confrontation is ongoing. Two attempts of the Russian occupiers to push Ukrainian units from occupied positions in the Pridniprovsky direction ended at the loss. In the Kursk direction there were 14 boezitknen with Russian zagarbnikami, three of which last so far. Russian forces launched 12 air strikes, dropped 16 controlled bombs, carried out 211 artillery shells, including three of the reactive systems of assault-fire. In the gulyaipils komu direction of active offensive actions of the Russian enemy is not recorded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address May 18, 2025: Westerners, especially Americans, are under attack by a persistent, tenacious and largely unnoticed Cyber War campaign . The crimes include identity theft, massive hacking efforts, extortion and employment fraud. At this point, its time to remind everyone about the North Korean involvement. Since the 1990s the world has known about the Cyber War threat from North Korea. All of this revolves around activity at Mirim College, a North Korean school that, since the early 1990s, has been training, for want of a better term, computer hackers. Every year a hundred or more Cyber War professionals graduate from Mirim College. North Korea is supposed to have, at present, a cyberwar unit of several hundred Cyber War experts, skilled hackers and Internet technicians. On the other hand, it is more likely that those Mirim College grads are hard at work maintaining the government intranet, not plotting cyberwar against the outside world. Moreover, North Korea has been providing limited programming services to other nations. The work is competent, discreet and cheap. These efforts are largely invisible to the outside world. Few people realize that the North Koreans are up to any mischief, or anything at all. North Korea's efforts are particularly ominous. Only the most elite hackers do their work without leaving behind any tracks, or evidence. Some have maintained that, because North Korea's Internet connections come from China, the North Korean cyberwarriors could be cleverly masquerading as Chinese hackers. However, after several decades, there should be some visible signs of North Korean hacking. Its highly unlikely that the North Korean hackers have been able to wander around the net without leaving some signs. While North Korea has produced some competent engineers, we know from decades of examining their work that they dont produce super-scientists, or people capable of the kind of innovation that would enable North Korean cyberwarriors to remain undetected all these years. So do the North Korean cyberwarriors exist, or are they a creation of foreign intelligence agencies trying to obtain more money to upgrade their own Cyber War protection? North Korea probably has some personnel working on Internet issues, and Mirim College probably does train Internet engineers. North Korea probably has a unit devoted to Internet based warfare. But we know that North Korea has a lot of military units that are competent, in the same way robots are. The North Koreans picked this technique up from their Soviet teachers back in the 1950s. North Korea is something of a museum of Stalinist techniques. But its doubtful that their Internet experts are flexible and innovative enough to be a real threat. South Korea has to be wary because they have become more dependent on the web than any other nation on the planet, with the exception of the United States. As in the past, if the North starts any new kind of mischief, they will try it on South Korea first, or maybe not. So whatever the skill level of the North Korean hackers, they will most likely do something unexpected. In the last several years several Cyber War Security firms have raised the alarm about the North Korean threat. This is why major defense corporations have long employed hardened defenses against fake identities, hacking attempts and detection evasion. Solutions have been found but many firms dont bother to employ them. For example, immediate verification of identity and personal information makes it nearly impossible to perpetuate false identity problems. The problem is, it only takes one failure to do this property for North Korean or their proxies, to infiltrate a large organization. This isnt paranoia, as these mishaps do occur. For publicity purposes, most firms keep these mishaps out of the news. After all, who would believe such rubbish? There are no foolproof, perfect solutions. While many people will believe warnings of a North Korean menace, few will do anything about it and nothing happens. Such silence is golden to the North Koreans. Can you detect anything now? No. Good, the North Koreans are pleased. QC court convicts top terror finance conduit Philippine News Agency By Benjamin Pulta May 16, 2025, 5:12 pm MANILA -- A Quezon City court has convicted a 32-year-old woman to up to 20 years in prison for her part in the financing network of extremist groups in Southeast Asia, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Friday. Myrna Ajijul Mabanza, the wife of Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Anas, aka Muhajirin, was convicted for 13 counts as an accessory to violations of Republic Act 10168, otherwise known as the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012, following a financial investigation conducted by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Secretariat. She was sentenced to a penalty of up to one year and seven months imprisonment for each of the thirteen counts, to be served successively. She was likewise ordered to pay a fine of PHP100,000 per offense, or a total of PHP1.3 million, with subsidiary imprisonment in case of failure to pay. Mabanza was arrested in February last year and was identified as a major financial conduit for terrorist groups in the region. "She had long operated behind the scenes, funneling funds and facilitating movements on behalf of ISIS-Philippines (ISIS-P) and the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). In 2018, she was designated by the US Department of the Treasury as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist for her involvement in transferring substantial sums -- including over USD100,000 -- to then ISIS-P leader Isnilon Hapilon," the DOJ said in a news release. Mabanza also coordinated directly with ISIS elements in Syria and facilitated the travel of foreign extremists into the Philippines, including representatives of Indonesia-based Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), for the procurement of firearms and the establishment of training camps, it added. Last year, the Zamboanga City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 33 found Mabanza's cohort, Norkisa Omar Asnalul, also known as Norkisa Omar Ibno, guilty of three counts of violation of the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. The two women were involved in the transfer of funds with the leader of Islamic State East Asia, the late Isnilon Hapilon, and served as intermediaries between Hapilon and Daesh (ISIS) elements in Syria. The DOJ led Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) welcomed Mabanza's conviction. "This is what accountability looks like. The conviction of Myrna Mabanza is proof that the Philippine government is serious, resolute, and capable of dismantling the support networks that allow terrorism to thrive. We will pursue every individual who dares to finance terror, and we will hold them to the full extent of the law," Executive Secretary and ATC Chairperson Lucas Bersamin said. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK Charges 3 Iranian Nationals In Alleged Attack Plot Against Journalists By RFE/RL May 17, 2025 British counterterrorism authorities have charged three Iranian nationals under the National Security Act in what authorities allege were actions linked to a plan to "commit serious violence" against persons in Britain, later identified as journalists. Mostafa Sepahvand, 39, Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55, were charged with "engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service" between August 14, 2024, and February 16 2025, authorities said on May 17. The three men appeared in Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 17 and were remanded in custody, ordered to appear at a preliminary hearing at the central criminal court on June 6. During the initial court appearance, prosecutors alleged that the three men had targeted Britain-based journalists connected with Iran International, a broadcaster which is critical of the Iranian government. The three men, all London residents, were arrested on May 3. The statement's description of additional charges suggested that Sepahvand is suspected of intending to attack the prospective victims, who were not directly identified, while Manesh and Khani are suspected as accomplices. Police said the men were arrested under a section of Britain's 2023 National Security Act that grants police the power to arrest someone without a warrant if they are reasonably suspected of being involved in "foreign power threat activity," the BBC reported. Police said the foreign intelligence service in question was Iran's. "We must also strengthen our powers to protect our national security as we will not tolerate growing state threats on our soil," Interior Minister Yvette Cooper said. The Interior Ministry said the men had arrived "by irregular means, including small boats." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi previously said he was "disturbed" to hear that Iranian citizens had been arrested by British authorities, while another Iranian Foreign Ministry official called the accusations of Tehran's involvement "baseless." The charges came after police arrested eight men -- including seven Iranians - in early May in two separate operations that Cooper said were some of the biggest investigations of their type in recent years. Later on May 17, in a separate statement, police said four other men arrested as part of that operation had been released from custody but that the investigation was still open. The eighth suspect was released on May 15 without charges. "We made these arrests due to concerns about a suspected plot to target a specific premises," the statement said, adding that they continued to provide the premises with support. The head of Britain's domestic spy service said last year that since 2022, authorities had responded to 20 Iran-linked plots that potentially posed lethal threats to the public. With reporting by Reuters and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/uk-iran-arrests- violence-surveillance/33416711.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Three men charged with National Security Act offences The Crown Prosecution Service 17 May 2025 | News, Terrorism Frank Ferguson, Head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: "Following a review of the evidence provided by the Metropolitan Police Service's Counter Terrorism Command, we have authorised criminal charges against three Iranian nationals. "Mostafa Sepahvand, 39, Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55, have been charged with engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service between 14 August 2024 and 16 February 2025, contrary to Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023. "Mr Sepahvand has also been charged with engaging in conduct, namely surveillance, reconnaissance and open-source research, between 14 August 2024 and 16 February 2025, intending to commit acts, namely serious violence against a person in the United Kingdom, contrary to Section 18(1)(a) of the National Security Act 2023. "While Mr Manesh and Mr Noori have also been charged with engaging in conduct, namely surveillance and reconnaissance, with the intention that acts, namely serious violence against a person in the United Kingdom, would be committed by others, contrary to Section 18(1)(b) of the National Security Act 2023. "The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against these defendants are now active and that they have the right to a fair trial. "It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings." The three men are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday, 17 May 2025. Notes to editors Mostafa Sepahvand, [DOB: 22/09/1985], is of St John's Wood, northwest London. Farhad Javadi Manesh, [DOB: 22/09/1980], is of Kensal Rise, northwest London. Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, [DOB: 23/09/1969], is of Ealing, west London. All three men are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday, 17 May 2025. The CPS Counter Terrorism Division is responsible for advising upon and prosecuting offending in England and Wales relating to terrorism, state threats, stirring up hatred, piracy and hijacking, and core international crimes, such as war crimes, crimes against humanity, torture and genocide. Charges Mostafa Sepahvand, Farhad Javadi Manesh, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori have been charged with engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service in carrying out UK-related activities and knew or ought to have reasonably known that their conduct was likely to materially assist a foreign intelligence service in carrying out UK-related activities, contrary to section 3 National Security Act 2023. Mostafa Sepahvand has been charged with engaging in conduct, namely surveillance, reconnaissance and open-source research, intending to commit acts, namely serious violence against a person in the United Kingdom, contrary to section 18(1)(a) of the National Security Act 2023. Farhad Javadi Manesh and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori have been charged with engaging in conduct, namely surveillance and reconnaissance, with the intention that acts, namely serious violence against a person in the United Kingdom, would be committed by others, contrary to section 18(1)(b) of the National Security Act 2023. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese firm's enhanced version of world's first liquid methane rocket nails first mission this year, launching six satellites into orbit Global Times By Deng Xiaoci and Tao Mingyang Published: May 17, 2025 01:17 PM ZQ-2E, an enhanced version of the ZQ-2 - world's first liquid methane launch vehicle to reach orbit - lifted off from Dongfeng Commercial Space Launch Site in Northwest China for its first flight this year on Saturday around 12:12 pm. The mission successfully delivered a batch of six Tianyi commercial satellites into their preset orbits, marking a complete success. According to its developer, the Beijing-based space startup LandSpace, the ZQ-2E model is China's first dual-cryogenic liquid-fueled launch vehicle to utilize fully subcooled propellant loading. ZQ-2E also incorporates key innovations such as a high-thrust liquid oxygen-methane propulsion system, large-area ratio niobium-tungsten alloy nozzle manufacturing technology, and an integrated structure combining single-layer common bulkhead tanks with single-layer tunnel-type feed lines, the firm stated in a press release provided to the Global Times on Saturday. Methane, derived from natural gas, is abundant, low-cost, and easier to store than liquid hydrogen, Wang Yanan, chief editor of Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times on Saturday, noting that the fuel also simplifies ground systems and reduces launch costs, while its clean combustion enables long-term engine reuse and easier cost control. Notably, SpaceX's Starship uses the same type of propeller fuel, its official website shows. ZQ-2E can deliver a payload of around 4 tons to a 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), targeting missions in low Earth orbit (LEO) and SSO, and is steadily developing into a core product for serving China's commercial space market, LandSpace said. Saturday's launch mission marked the second commercial mission of the ZQ-2E, following its crucial maiden flight in late November 2024. To meet the Saturday mission requirements, ZQ-2E rocket was equipped for the first time with a 4.2-meter-diameter, 8.7-meter-long composite fairing, significantly enhancing compatibility with various types of large-scale payloads and further improving the rocket's mission adaptability. The rocket features a two-stage configuration. The first stage is equipped with four Tianque-12A (TQ-12A) liquid oxygen-methane engines in parallel, each delivering a sea-level thrust of 720 kilonewtons, providing strong thrust and attitude control capabilities. The second stage uses a Tianque-15A (TQ-15A) engine with a vacuum thrust of 836 kilonewtons, featuring 60 percent throttling capability and the ability to restart up to three times. Together with the Yunque (YQ-10) auxiliary propulsion system, it supports precise operations such as thrust adjustment, orbit maneuvering, terminal velocity correction, and attitude control, meeting the demands of highly complex missions. The mission marked the fifth flight of the ZQ-2 rocket series, according to LandSpace. Wang emphasized the significance of this launch to China's commercial space industry, which showcased the development potential of China's commercial space firms, some of which have achieved market-oriented operation. "Moving forward, Chinese commercial space enterprises should focus on increasing payload capacity, gradually developing toward crewed spaceflight capability, achieving rocket reusability, and further reducing launch costs," said Wang. At present, the launch capacity of state-owned aerospace entities far exceeds private companies as the former are tasked with more critical scientific missions related to the operation of Tiangong space station and deep space exploration to the moon and Mars, Wang noted. "Therefore, commercial missions such as building the low-Earth orbit satellite internet represents a major opportunity for private firms." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Carney meets with Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney May 17, 2025 Rome, Italy Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, ahead of their attendance at the inaugural Mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. Prime Minister Meloni congratulated Prime Minister Carney on his election. Building on the strong Canada-Italy relationship, the leaders discussed strengthening and diversifying commercial ties, particularly in the areas of energy, investment, and research and innovation. To that end, they discussed expanding the Italy-Canada Roadmap for Enhanced Cooperation, including stronger free trade that can withstand global shocks. As Allies and partners, the prime ministers discussed deepening collaboration to address other global challenges, including in support of Ukraine's sovereignty and lasting peace. They agreed to remain in close contact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by President von der Leyen at the start of her meeting with Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney European Commission Statement May 17, 2025 Rome Thank you very much, Prime Minister, for receiving me here. And first of all, congratulations on your electoral win. It's a great moment for Canada and for our cooperation. The EU-Canada story is a good one to tell. It's a story of friendship, of trust, of standing side by side. The world needs more of that right now. Whether bilaterally, in the G7, or NATO, we've always been there for each other and joined forces for others. I want to thank Canada for being such a staunch supporter of Ukraine from day 1 of Russia's atrocious war against the country. We have a very strong trade relationship, as CETA's success tells us, and we are working closely in other fields, from AI, to clean energy and critical raw materials. And finally, on defence, I want to thank Canada for always being a reliable partner on NATO's Eastern flank. We know as Europeans that we have to step up in this domain without any question. So we would love to work together with you on a security and defence partnership. Let's see how far we get at our summit on June 23rd. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China absolutely does not accept egregious suppression, will defend Chinese firms' rights: FM on US curbs on Huawei AI chips Global Times By Chu Daye Published: May 16, 2025 11:21 PM A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Friday slammed the US over a recent announcement by the US Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security, which claimed the use of Huawei's Ascend chips risks violating US export controls, as well as the bureau's warning to the public about the potential consequences of training Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) models with US AI chips. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a routine press conference on Friday that the US overstretches the concept of national security, abuses export controls and long-arm jurisdiction and groundlessly and maliciously blocks and suppresses China's chips and AI industry. The US move seriously violates market rules, destabilizes the global industrial and supply chains, and undermines Chinese businesses' legitimate rights and interests, Lin said. "China firmly opposes this and absolutely does not accept it. China urges the US to drop its protectionist acts and unilateral bullying, and stop its egregious suppression of China's tech businesses and the AI industry," Lin said. China will take firm measures to ensure its right to development and Chinese businesses' legitimate rights and interests, Lin said. The remarks by the Foreign Ministry spokesperson followed criticism of the US move by China's Ministry of Commerce. China's Ministry of Commerce Spokesperson He Yongqian told a press briefing on Thursday that the US announcement is a typical non-market and unilateral bullying practice, which fully exposes the unilateralist and protectionist nature of the US. The US has abused its export control measures and imposed stricter restrictions on Chinese chip products under unfounded allegations. The move has severely undermined Chinese companies' legitimate rights, threatened the stability of global semiconductor supply chains, violated market rules and disrupted international trade order, He said. Such move is not conducive to the long-term mutually beneficial and sustainable cooperation and development between enterprises from the two countries, the spokesperson said. China urges the US to immediately correct its erroneous practice and will take resolute measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, He said. Ma Jihua, a veteran telecom industry analyst, told the Global Times that despite US efforts to curb China's AI rise - most notably through export controls on high-end NVIDIA chips - China's AI sector remains on a rapid growth trajectory. The resilience came from the country's solid industrial foundation and a shift toward self-reliance, which has accelerated breakthroughs in both software and hardware, Ma said. A group of US lawmakers introduced a bill on Thursday that would require makers of artificial intelligence chips such as Nvidia to include technology to verify the location of their chips before exporting them, Reuters reported. The House bill came after President Donald Trump's administration rescinded a rule enacted by predecessor President Joe Biden that would have regulated the flow of advanced AI chips around the world. However, these efforts to suppress China's tech advance has been met with criticism from US tech moguls. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said in a recent interview with CNN that the US tech bans on China have forced it to go full speed ahead in terms of chip manufacturing and other fields, suggesting that such bans have the opposite effect of their stated goals. In the interview, Gates was asked whether the tech bans were "having, in a weird way, the opposite effect." Gates responded, "Absolutely. I mean, they've forced the Chinese in terms of chip manufacturing and everything to go full speed ahead," according to a video of the interview posted by CNN on Monday. Earlier this month, US chip giant Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang reiterated the importance of China's AI market following a visit to the country in mid-April, saying that China's AI 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," CNBC reported. Despite US crackdowns, the Chinese AI sector has maintained a rapid growth pace and the rise of low-cost Chinese tech startup DeepSeek has gained global attention. At present, China is home to over 4,500 AI companies, with its core AI industries valued at nearly 600 billion yuan ($83.25 billion), the Xinhua News Agency reported in May, citing the China Internet Network Information Center in a report on generative AI. Nvidia is seeking to build a research and development center in China, a plan the company's top boss Jensen Huang discussed with Shanghai's mayor Gong Zheng when they met in April, the Financial Times reported on Friday. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Top DPRK leader supervises air force drills People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 15:45, May 17, 2025 PYONGYANG, May 17 (Xinhua) -- The top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday visited a group of the Guards 1st Air Division of the Korean People's Army, and supervised the anti-air combat and air raid drills, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Saturday. Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, said that it is of great importance to assess the ability of air defense forces to undertake actual combat tasks and take necessary measures. Such training is very beneficial for making pilots experienced in modern air combat methods, he added. The drills, the report said, were aimed at providing the flying corps, as well as the anti-air missile, radar and electronic warfare sub-units, with experience in the air defence mission to detect, track and destroy the enemy cruise missiles and drone attacks. The DPRK leader also set forth important tasks in aspects such as the development of air weapon systems, air defense means, detection and electronic warfare integrated system, and anti-drone integrated system, it said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korea's Kim Jong Un oversees air drills, urges enhanced war readiness Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 May 2025 6:43 AM North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised the nation's air force drills on Thursday, stressing the need for intensified war readiness across all military units, said media reports. According to KCNA's report, Kim inspected anti-aircraft combat and air strike drills by the Guards First Air Division of the Korean People's Army (KPA). Fighter jets on patrol responded to airspace violations in a simulated alert scenario, engaging and destroying aerial targets in order to prepare for actual wartime conditions. North Korean state TV footage showed a MiG-29 jet launching a missile, which appeared to be a North Korean version of a Russia-developed mid- to long-range air-to-air missile, said Hong Min, North Korea analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification. Over the drill, Kim called for "all units in the entire military" to bring about "a breakthrough in war preparation." Furthermore, he expressed satisfaction with the drills, saying they were "extremely useful in training pilots in modern aerial combat methods." Kim added that victory in war is determined by rigorous training, asserting that North Korea's territory, land, sea and air would become an "impregnable fortress" if all troops committed themselves fully to both combat and ideological preparation. He also slammed the US State Department for placing his country on a list of countries that are not fully cooperative with US counter-terrorism initiatives. According to South Korea's Yonhap News Agency, Pyongyang has been placed on the list every year since 1997. "The more the US provokes the DPRK with unnecessary and inefficient malicious acts, the further it will escalate the irreconcilable hostility between the DPRK and the US," a North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, using the country's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "The DPRK will... take effective and proper measures to cope with the US hostile provocations in all spheres." The drills were a part of North Korea's current five-year defense development plan concluding this year. This month, Kim has overseen a missile test, inspected tank and munitions plants, made a visit to the Russian embassy in Pyongyang to reaffirm the country's alliance with Russia, and supervised tank firing drills and special operations unit training. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We Can No Longer Afford, By Travel Or Import, To Empower Countries That Are Inimical To Our Interests And Positioned Against Us In Times Of Crisis: Vice-President India - Press Information Bureau Vice President's Secretariat Every Individual Is Empowered To Help The Nation In Security; Trade, Business, Commerce, And Industry In Particular Have A Pivotal Role, Says VP Nation First; Everything Has To Be Reckoned On The Fulcrum Of Deep Commitment And Dedication To Nationalism, Stresses VP This Country Cannot Afford Commercialisation And Commodification Of Education; These Are Areas To Give Back To Society, Not To Make Money, Highlights VP Operation Sindoor Was A Remarkable Retaliation, Befitting Our Ethos Of Peace And Tranquility To The Barbarity That Happened At Pahalgam, Says VP Vice-President Addressed The Annual Convocation Of Jaipuria Institute Of Management In New Delhi Posted On: 17 MAY 2025 1:46PM by PIB Delhi The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today said, "Can we afford to empower countries that are inimical to our interests? Time has come when each one of us must deeply think about economic nationalism," he said. He emphasized that, "We no longer can afford, by travel or import, to improve the economies of those countries because of our participation. And those countries, in times of crisis, are positioned against us." Addressing the Annual Convocation of Jaipuria Institute of Management at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, today, Shri Dhankhar said, "Every individual is empowered to help the nation in security. Trade, business, commerce, and industry in particular can play a pivotal role in security issues. Therefore I firmly believe that we must always keep one thing in mind, and that is: Nation first. Everything has to be reckoned on the fulcrum of deep commitment, unflinching commitment, dedication to nationalism. And that mindset we must teach our toddlers right from day one." He also lauded the ongoing Operation Sindoor and paid tribute to India's Armed Forces. "I must, on this occasionsince I am addressing youth of the country in particularoffer my salutations to all Armed Forces and the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the remarkable success of the ongoing Operation Sindoor." Calling the operation a befitting response to the barbaric attack at Pahalgam, he added, "It was a remarkable retaliation, befitting our ethos of peace and tranquility to the barbarity that happened at Pahalgamthe deadliest attack on our civilians since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The Prime Minister of this country, Shri Narendra Modi, sent a message from India's heartland of Bihar to the entire global fraternity. Those were not empty words. The world now has realized: what is said is reality. "No one is asking for proof now. The world has seen and acknowledged. We have seen this sagahow that country is deeply engrossed in terrorism. "When coffins are taken with armed forces and military power and political power accompanying them, justice is done by Bharat to Sindoor in sublimity." Shri Dhankhar affirmed that a new standard has been set in India's counterterrorism efforts. "In the mechanics of war and the fight against terrorism, a new benchmark has been set. Indian Armed Forces targeted Jaish-e-Mohammed at Bahawalpur, deep inside Pakistan territory. Beyond the international borderheadquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed, also Lashkar-e-Taiba base, Muridke. No one is asking for proof now. No one is asking for it. The world has seen and acknowledged." He further added, "It is India's deepest ever cross-border strike. Strike that was carefully, precisely calibrated to cause no damage except to the terrorist." Shri Dhankhar recalled the U.S. operation on May 2nd, 2011. "This happened on May 2nd, 2011, when a global terrorist who planned, supervised, executed the September 11 attack inside the US in 2001. He was dealt with by the US similarly. Bharat has done it and done it to the knowledge of the global community." Reflecting on India's civilisational uniqueness, Shri Dhankhar noted, "We as a nation are unique. No nation in the world can take pride in having 5,000 years of civilisational ethos. We need to bridge, not breach, the divide between the East and the West." Shri Dhankhar said, "How can we countenance or overlook narratives that are anti-national? Foreign universities coming to this country is something which requires filtration. It requires deep thinking. It is something we have to be extremely careful about." On education and research, the Vice-President cautioned against commercialization. "This country cannot afford commercialisation and commodification of education. It is undeniable, it is present. Education and health as per our civilization ethos are not areas to make money. These are areas to give back to society. We have to discharge our obligation to society." Calling upon industry leaders, he stressed the importance of research. "Educational institutions must be fully funded by corporates. CSR funds must take priority because investment in research is fundamental." He concluded with a powerful reminder: "Gone are the days when we could wait for others to develop technology. If we do that, we are handicapped right from the beginning, we must avoid that." Shri Sharad Jaipuria, Chairman, Board of Governors, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Smt. Anjali Jaipuria, Spouse of Chairman, Board of Governors, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Shri Shreevats Jaipuria, Vice Chairman, Jaipuria Institute of Management and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion. **** JK/RC/SM (Release ID: 2129291) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address May 18, 2025: Over the last twenty years more American women have been showing up in military jobs. Currently women make up 18 percent of the army and navy, while 24 percent of air force personnel are female. Currently women qualify for nearly 90 percent of all armed forces jobs. That includes service with army combat units. Not the Special Operations Forces, but often with the support troops to get the SEALS and Delta Force where they need t0 go and keep them informed and supplied. At the same time many female non-combat troops are still exposed to combat and manage to do their jobs without any problems. Experience in earlier wars demonstrated that non-combat troops often get exposed to the fighting anyway and this was more common in the last twenty years. By being kept out of the direct combat jobs women were much less likely to be killed in combat. Noting that many jobs women were barred from still had about the same casualty rates as those women were already in, the army expanded the number of MOSs women could serve in. The most visible result of the change was women serving in support efforts for infantry, tank, artillery, and engineer battalions. As a practical matter, this is nothing new. Women have been serving in brigade level support units for several decades, and troops from those units often worked for extended periods with the combat battalions in a brigade. The women in combat battalions perform jobs like communications, supply, intelligence, health care, and various staff efforts. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, attitudes towards Ukrainian women in the military quickly changed. Women wanted to serve and sometimes had to find backdoors they could slip through. While the government encouraged women taking military assignments, some women got involved by answering internet requests from Ukrainian combat units for people with critical skills. If a woman had the skills and applied, she was usually accepted. While men were conscripted, women had to volunteer and a growing number did. By late 2023 the number of female volunteers was way up and by late 2024 there were 68,000 women in the military. Thats how many are currently serving. Six percent of snipers are women, as are 23 percent of drone unit personnel. Military medical personnel are 22 percent female and a quarter of military staff personnel are women. This includes the GUR Intelligence Directorate and SBU Security Service. Russia is also recruiting more women, to take care of non-combat jobs. In Western forces, only 10-15 percent of troops are in combat units. In Russia only half the uniformed forces are support troops, the rest are for combat. Recruiting more women means more men available for combat. While women are willing to join, men are still reluctant because of the high risk of getting killed. Iran does not seek conflict but will not submit to threats and bullying: President IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 17, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran is seeking increased cooperation and interaction with other countries, especially its neighbors, but it will never bow to any threats or force to relinquish its rights. Pezeshkian made the remarks on Saturday at the inauguration ceremony of communication and information technology projects, coinciding with World Communications Day. "We seek peace, not conflict, but we will not submit to force and bullying either," he said in reaction to some Western media reports that Iran is prepared to relinquish its scientific and research accomplishments as it engages in indirect talks with the United States. The president stressed that the Islamic Republic will never succumb to threats and "will not give up on any scientific achievements across all sectors." Saying that the world is changing, he emphasized the need to "move towards excellence using the know-how of experts and scholars." Pezeshkian also called for unity and avoidance of division to defeat "unilateralism and totalitarianism of the United States," adding that if Iranian elites show devotion and strive for the country's honor and pride, all problems and crises will be solved. The president said that every knowledge-based company must adhere to the necessary standards to be able to work properly. "We need transparent and up-to-date data for management, policy-making, and monitoring, in order to reduce costs and increase the quality of work," he added. 4399**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Araqchi: Iranians will not accept being deprived of peaceful nuclear industry IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 17, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi says the Iranian people will not tolerate the loss of their right to a peaceful nuclear program. Araqchi made the remarks during a meeting with the members of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs in Tehran on Friday. Iran insists on its right to a peaceful nuclear program under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (N.P.T.) while adhering to the prohibition of nuclear weapons, he said. He affirmed Iran's good faith in indirect negotiations with the U.S., stressing Iran's N.P.T. membership and advocacy for a nuclear-free West Asia. While open to confidence-building measures demonstrating the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, Iran will not compromise its right to uranium enrichment, said Araqchi. He highlighted the considerable financial and human cost of Iran's peaceful nuclear program, acknowledged sacrifices made by Iranian scientists, and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing nuclear knowledge through constructive engagement with international bodies. Araqchi also criticized the inconsistency of U.S. officials' statements on Iran-U.S. talks, referring to the ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington about the lifting of sanctions and the peaceful nuclear program of the Islamic Republic. Despite external pressures, Iran remains focused on defending its principled positions within international frameworks, he added. The Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs seek to leverage scientific expertise and rational analysis to address the immense risks posed by nuclear arms and other weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). 7129**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran reaffirms transparency of its nuclear program IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 17, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), says that Tehran's nuclear activities are fully transparent and remain under the complete supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Eslami made the remarks on Friday following a meeting with the members of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs in Tehran. Iran has repeatedly declared that nuclear weapons have no place in its defense doctrine, he said. The AEOI chief said Tehran has upheld its peaceful approach despite years of threats and political pressure. Eslami criticized efforts by adversaries to frame Iran's nuclear advancements as a threat, describing such claims as unprofessional and politically motivated. According to Eslami, the IAEA conducted over 450 inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities in 2024, accounting for nearly 25% of the agency's global inspections. He noted that although Iran's installed nuclear capacity makes up only 3% of the world's total, the country remains one of the most closely monitored by the agency. The Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs seek to leverage scientific expertise and rational analysis to tackle the immense risks that nuclear arms and other forms of mass destruction pose to humanity. 7129**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Leader: Trump's remarks were a 'disgrace' to the American nation IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 17, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has denounced recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump as a "disgrace" to the American nation. "The recent remarks of the U.S. president during his visit to the region are a disgrace to the speaker and a disgrace to the American nation," Ayatollah Khamenei said during a meeting with a group of teachers and educators from across the country on Saturday. The Leader said the US has used its power not for peace but to kill the children and people of Gaza, as opposed to what Trump claimed. "Trump said he wanted to use power for peace; he lied," Ayatollah Khamenei asserted. "He and American officials, American administration, used power to massacre Gaza, to incite war wherever they could, and to support their own mercenaries." The Leader went on to say that power, nevertheless, can be used for peace and security and that is why the Islamic Republic is striving every day to boost its power. "But they did not do this," he stated, adding, "They used their power to give the Zionist regime ten-ton bombs to drop on the children of Gaza, hospitals, people's homes, in Lebanon and wherever they could." According to Ayatollah Khamenei, the U.S. president is offering regional Arab countries a model that, in his own words, these countries cannot live without the U.S. for even ten days. "This model has definitely failed," the Leader noted. "With the struggles of regional nations, the U.S. must and will leave this region." Ayatollah Khamenei also called the Israeli regime the "source of corruption, the source of war, and the source of discord" in the region, adding, "The Zionist regime, which is a dangerous and malignant cancerous tumor in this region, must and will be uprooted." Elsewhere in his speech, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed gratitude to President Masoud Pezeshkian for paying special attention to education issues. He underscored the necessity of investment in education as a high priority for the administration. "I have repeatedly reiterated that whatever we spend on education is actually an investment, not an expense; it is like paving the ground for multiple profits," the Leader said. "We should be grateful that during this period, [the administration] is paying special attention to education issues, especially the esteemed president himself," he added. 4354**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pezeshkian slams US 'contradictory' statements, says Iran not afraid of threats Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 May 2025 11:33 AM Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has censured Donald Trump's recent contradictory statements about the country, underlining that the Islamic Republic is not intimidated by the US president's threats and will not forgo its legitimate nuclear rights under pressure. Pezeshkian made the remarks over a ceremony on Saturday to commemorate the second anniversary of the return of the Iranian Navy's 86th flotilla to the port city of Bandar Abbas after completing its first-ever round-the-world naval trip. "No one but Trump himself believes his words against the Iranian nation; on the one hand, he speaks of peace and stability, and on the other hand, he threatens with the most sophisticated tools for homicide, and with contradictory statements, he simultaneously sends messages of peace, bloodshed, and insecurity," he said. "We are not seeking war, we favor negotiation and dialogue, but we are not afraid of threats either, and we will in no way retreat from our legal rights." Praising Iran's valuable gains in various fields, the president said, "It is not the case that they imagine if they threaten us, we will retreat from our human and irrefutable rights. We will not back down and not abandon our proud military and academic, scientific, and nuclear achievements." Pezeshkian added, "They assassinate our scientists, clerics, and luminaries, then accuse us of being terrorists! We are victims of terrorism." Underscoring Iran's commitment to strengthening unity and expanding ties with neighboring and regional countries, the president said, "From their perspective, we are the source of insecurity because we refuse to bow down to their bullying and believe we are capable of standing on our own feet." Pezeshkian also criticized the silence of the so-called human rights advocates in the face of the brutal killing of 60,000 defenseless and innocent Palestinians by the Israeli regime and the cutting off of water and food to their women and children. "How are they going to bring peace to humankind with these crimes? One cannot speak of peace and human rights by committing genocide and the killing of innocents," he noted. Trump since taking office in his second term has refused to abandon his incendiary and scorn-laden rhetoric against Iran despite ongoing talks between his administration and the Islamic Republic regarding Tehran's peaceful nuclear program. On countless occasions, the US president has threatened to tap military force if the two sides fail to agree on a deal. Iran has held four rounds of indirect talks with the US on the issue of its peaceful nuclear program, with both sides describing the Omani-brokered negotiations as positive. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump's latest remarks source of disgrace for himself, Americans: Ayatollah Khamenei Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 May 2025 11:17 AM Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has lambasted remarks by US President Donald Trump during his Persian Gulf tour, stating that the comments are "a source of disgrace" for Trump himself and Americans at large and are not worthy of a response at all. Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks in the Iranian capital Tehran on Saturday as he received a group of teachers and educators from different cities and provinces across the country. "None of the statements made during the US president's visit to the region are worthy of a response at all. The level of Trump's remarks is so low that it is a source of embarrassment for the speaker and a source of disgrace for the American nation," the Leader said. Ayatollah Khamenei continued, "Trump said he wanted to use power for the sake of peace. He lied. He and American officials, US administrations, used power in order to massacre Gaza, to wage war wherever they could, and to support their own mercenaries." The Leader of the Islamic Revolution underlined that power, nevertheless, could be used to foster peace and security, and that explains why Iran is striving every day to boost its national might. "But they (Americans) did not do such a thing. They used their power to supply the Zionist regime with ten-ton bombs to drop on the children of Gaza, on hospitals, on people's homes, in Lebanon, and wherever they could," he said. The Leader then described the occupying Zionist regime as the "source of corruption, the source of war, and the source of discord" in the West Asia region. "The Zionist regime, which is a dangerous and malignant cancerous tumor in this region, must and will be uprooted," Ayatollah Khamenei said. Elsewhere in his remarks, the Leader stated that the US president is offering regional Arab states a model that, in his own words, these countries cannot live without the US for even ten days. "This model has definitely failed," the Leader noted. "With the struggles of regional nations, the US must and will leave this region." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's enrichment program, infrastructure remain non-negotiable: FM Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 May 2025 9:19 AM The Iranian foreign minister reasserted the Islamic Republic's non-negotiable position on uranium enrichment, emphasizing its commitment to exercise legal rights under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) while maintaining a logical stance. Abbas Araghchi made the statement at a joint meeting with the Pugwash International Conference delegation, which was hosted by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) on Friday night. "Iran, a longstanding Non-Proliferation Treaty member and initiator of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in West Asia, has demonstrated unwavering commitment and good faith through engaging in indirect negotiations with the United States," Araghchi said. "The Islamic Republic of Iran is fully prepared to build confidence regarding the continued peaceful nature of its nuclear program, but it cannot compromise on the inalienable and legal right of the Iranian nation to benefit from peaceful nuclear energy, including enrichment, which is granted to every member state under the NPT." The Iranian Foreign Minister emphasized the considerable human and material sacrifices Iran has made to protect its right to peaceful nuclear energy. "Over the past three decades, the Iranian people have made immense sacrifices to defend their national independence and attain nuclear technology, including uranium enrichment, enduring not only unjust sanctions but also the tragic loss of their most promising youth in this pursuit," Araghchi said. "Therefore, Iranians do not accept being deprived of a peaceful nuclear industry as a steadfast member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which regards prohibited the production and use of nuclear weapons." Honoring the memory of the country's assassinated nuclear scientists, he underlined that Tehran is determined to advance its peaceful nuclear technology and is also ready for dialogue and interaction with the International Atomic Energy Agency and other parties to build trust about the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. The Iranian Foreign Minister addressed the Israeli-influenced, inconsistent positions held by US officials, which further complicate the negotiation process and cast doubt on Washington's commitment to reaching a deal. "It has become clear to everyone that warmongering and anti-diplomacy circles within America are working in a coordinated manner to negatively impact the negotiation process," Araghchi said. "While US decision-making is an internal matter, it remains unacceptable for American policymakers to repeatedly revise the negotiation framework under pressure from hawkish factions aligned with [Israeli prime minister Benjamin] Netanyahu's dangerous ambitions, leading to time waste and prolonged negotiations." Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995, the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs aims to develop and support the use of scientific, evidence-based policy-making, focusing on areas where nuclear and weapons of mass destruction risks are present. The international organization brings together scholars and public figures to work toward reducing the danger of armed conflict and to seek solutions to global security threats. Iran has held four rounds of indirect talks with the US on the issue of its peaceful nuclear program, with both sides describing the Omani-brokered negotiations as positive. Tehran and Washington are negotiating a deal to reduce Iran's uranium enrichment levels in exchange for sanction relief, with the Islamic Republic firmly resisting any excessive Western demands, such as complete abandonment of its enrichment program. AEOI stresses transparency of Iran's nuclear program Speaking after the conclusion of the meeting on Friday night, Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami underlined that the entire aspects of the country's nuclear program are transparent, peaceful, and under the full supervision of the IAEA. Eslami said the country's nuclear technology is portrayed in a way that suggests Tehran could move towards military use and atomic weapons, which is an unprofessional and political view aimed at hindering the Islamic Republic's progress. "The Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly stated that such a matter does not exist in its defense doctrine and has not moved towards nuclear weapons at all," he said. "Our capacities, processes, and goals remain transparent and peaceful, and Iran's nuclear technology aims at meeting the country's needs and is also under the constant supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency, making Iran the most closely monitored country by the agency." Iran's nuclear chief stressed that the IAEA conducted over 450 inspections in Iran during 2024, constituting 25% of the agency's total inspections, despite the country's nuclear capacity representing only 3% of the global total. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei Dismisses Trump's Comments On Nuclear Proposal By RFE/RL's Radio Farda May 17, 2025 Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei asserted that Tehran feels no pressure to respond to a US proposal for a deal aimed to curb its nuclear program, saying US President Donald Trump's comments on the matter during his visit to the Persian Gulf region this week were "not worth responding to." Khamenei's comment on May 17 came a day after Trump said Washington had made a proposal and that Iran must make a decision on it quickly. "They have a proposal. More importantly, they know they have to move quickly or something bad -- something bad is going to happen," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One after departing the United Arab Emirates on May 16. Tehran insists it has not received any proposals. Trump has threatened military action against Iranian nuclear facilities if no agreement is reached, and he said during his four-day tour of the Middle East this week that the United States was "getting close" to a deal with Iran. Trump withdrew the United States from a multilateral 2015 deal on Iran's nuclear program in 2018, during his first presidential term. Tehran and Washington restarted nuclear talks in April, with Oman's mediation. A fourth round of talks was held in Muscat on May 10 and while both sides have said another there will be another round of negotiations, no date has been set. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on May 15 that Iran was "at the threshold" of developing a nuclear weapon and that Washington was facing a critical moment with Tehran. Iran, which is enriching uranium at near weapons-grade level of 60 percent, claims its nuclear program is peaceful and says it is willing to offer assurances to the United States to allay concerns. With reporting by Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-iran-nuclear- enrichment-threats/33416752.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran Blames US for Complicating Nuclear Deal Talks With Contradictory Statements Sputnik News 20250517 TEHRAN (Sputnik) - US administration's contradictory statements regarding Iran are the main reason for complications in the nuclear deal talks, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday, citing the country's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. "The Foreign Minister of our country considered the contradictory positions and statements of US officials to be the reason for complicating a major part of the negotiation process and increasing doubts about the seriousness and readiness of the US to act in compliance with practicality of the diplomatic process, and stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran, regardless of media hype, will remain committed to promotion of its main legitimate interests within the framework of Iran's international rights and agreements," the ministry said on Telegram. Earlier in the day, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran does not strive for a conflict and does not fear any threats, and will continue to negotiate with the United States on the nuclear issues. On Friday, US President Donald Trump said that "there's not plenty of time" for Iran to strike a deal with the United States. Tehran and Washington held the fourth round of talks on the Iranian nuclear program in the Omani capital of Muscat on May 11. The first and third rounds of indirect US-Iran talks were held in Muscat on April 12 and 26, while the second was held in Rome on April 19. The talks began after Trump sent a letter to Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, in early March, offering both a new agreement on the Islamic republic's nuclear program and threatening him with military force if diplomatic efforts failed. Iran rejected direct talks but agreed to an indirect dialogue. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran to Continue Talks With US on Nuclear Issue, Fears No Threats Sputnik News 20250517 TEHRAN (Sputnik) - Tehran does not strive for a conflict and does not fear any threats, and will continue to negotiate with the United States on the nuclear issues, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday. On Friday, US President Donald Trump said that "there's not plenty of time" for Iran to strike a deal with the United States. "We will negotiate. We do not strive for a war. However, we do not fear any threats," Pezeshkian said. The Iranian leader also noted that there was a contradiction in Trump's statements as on the one hand, the US president is calling for peace, and on the other hand, he is threatening Iran, which makes it hard to believe Trump. On Friday, Istanbul hosted Iran's negotiations on its nuclear program with the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, known collectively as E3. The talks were held at the level of deputy foreign ministers. They are a follow-up to the fourth round of Oman-mediated negotiations between Tehran and Washington. The first and third rounds of indirect US-Iran talks were held in Muscat on April 12 and 26, while the second was held in Rome on April 19. The talks began after Trump sent a letter to Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, in early March, offering both a new agreement on the Islamic republic's nuclear program and threatening him with military force if diplomatic efforts failed. Iran rejected direct talks but agreed to an indirect dialogue. Iran signed a nuclear deal with China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, the US, and Germany, as well as the European Union, in 2015. It committed Tehran to scaling back its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. The US withdrew from the deal in 2018 during Trump's first term and reimposed sanctions on Tehran, leading to the collapse of the deal. In response, Iran announced that it would reduce its commitments, abandoning restrictions on nuclear research and the level of uranium enrichment. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address